Whatley Manor Malmesbury

Setting us apart from other luxury hotels in the Cotswolds, Whatley Manor offers two dining options to enjoy during your stay. The Dining Room provides an exceptional elegant dining experience or enjoy the relaxed ambience of Grey’s.

Immerse yourself in the soothing ambience of Aquarias Spa, restore mind and body with restorative treatments and calming relaxation. Settle down with popcorn to watch a film in our elegant private cinema. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy as much or as little of the Whatley experience.

THE HISTORY
Originally named Twatley Manor; an abbreviation of “To the wet lea”, Whatley Manor was originally a farmhouse on a farm estate called Twatley Farm which was rebuilt in the 18th century. The estate was bought in 1857 by Mr T G Smith who from 1871 became the lord of Easton Grey Manor.

It is believed that during this time the building was enlarged and several out buildings to the North-West were incorporated or replaced, extending the property. Ownership of the farm was passed onto his sister Honora Wilder and her husband Reverend George Wilder who owned the farm in 1910.

Rear Admiral Reginald Neeld, his wife Beatrix and daughter lived in the manor house in the period of 1899-1924. During the First World War, the hall at Twatley became a packing station for boxes of leggings, galoshes and Red-Cross parcels destined for the Front.

The estate was bought from Honora & George Wilders heir, Graham Wilder in 1925 by H.C. Cox, a Canadian; Deputy Master of the Beaufort Hunt who used the estate to hunt and added more land to it.

Cox altered the inside farmhouse, added a west wing now called the Tudor wing and greatly extended the stable courtyard and built the coach house. He also laid out ornamental gardens and a small park.

Around 1947 it was sold to Priscilla Coriat, a debutant of her time and her second husband, Harold Isaac Coriat, who owned it until 1957. In 1961 the estate was divided by R.J. Rennie. It was around this time that the estate was renamed to Whatley Manor.

During this time Marco and Alix Landolt stayed at Whatley Manor whilst visiting their son Christian who was competing at The Badminton Horse Trials. The beauty of the place inspired them and when Whatley Manor came up for sale in 2000 they acquired it, restored it painstakingly and brought it back to its former glory.

The manor house is a Grade 2 listed building. 12 acres of land has been transformed into 26 distinctive gardens, many of them based on the original 1920’s plans. Whatley opened its doors on 1st July 2003 and has since been recognised by guests as a peaceful, perhaps even magical place; that continues to develop, its award-worthy appeal.

ROOMS & SUITES
Designed for comfort and to deliver a luxury five-star experience, the 23 rooms and suites are completely unique in character. Relaxation at Whatley Manor is enhanced by the luxurious and award-winning Aquarias Spa. Unwind, indulge and escape in this tranquil and rejuvenating space.

Try Grey’s for a leisurely dining experience or the innovative tasting menu served in our Michelin starred restaurant, The Dining Room. Perfect for weekend breaks, midweek escapes and the ultimate relaxing spa stay.

We have twelve acres of grounds made up of twenty-six individual garden areas to explore. The hardest thing you have to do is to choose your perfect room. Whatley Manor offers a warm welcome to four-legged guests and a number of our rooms are dog friendly if you are travelling with your dogs.

DELUXE SUITE
Our Deluxe Suites are beautifully appointed providing spacious accommodation arranged over split levels, elegant sitting areas and feature bathrooms, Deluxe Suites are the last word in luxury.

Featuring a super-kingsize bed handmade in Yorkshire by Harrison Spinks, thousands of pocket springs ensure the most comfortable experience. Lots of delicious treats are waiting in your room for you including homemade biscuits, coffee and tea making facilities.

The Deluxe Suites benefit from efficient WiFi and our chrome cast TV’s allow you to stream directly from your own devices. Enjoy full use of the award-winning Aquarias Spa during your stay. Unwind, indulge and escape in this tranquil and rejuvenating space.

JUNIOR SUITE
Our Junior Suites offer plenty of space for you to relax and unwind each with their own unique interior design. Not only do our suites offer exceptional luxury and comfort, they are also perfect for booking longer breaks in the Cotswolds.

Featuring a king-size bed handmade in Yorkshire by Harrison Spinks, thousands of pocket springs ensure the most comfortable experience. Every Junior Suite has a luxurious bathroom with heated floors and indulgent amenities from Molton Brown.

SUPERIOR ROOM
Superior rooms provide the perfect accommodation for luxury Cotswold breaks. Located in the main part of the hotel, each room has a unique interior design with space to relax and unwind.

Featuring a super-king size bed, handmade in Yorkshire by Harrison Spinks. The thousands of pocket springs also ensure the most comfortable experience. Every Superior room has a luxurious bathroom with heated floors and indulgent amenities from Molton Brown.

DINING
The highly acclaimed Michelin starred restaurant, The Dining Room, under the direction of Executive Chef, Ricki Weston, also holds a green Michelin star for sustainable gastronomy. Popular with locals and hotel guests alike, our second restaurant, Grey’s, offers an innovative menu full of great flavours in a relaxed setting, perfect for lunch or dinner.

GREY’S RESTAURANT
A sociable dining experience in a relaxing setting, Grey’s offers an A la Carte menu featuring a varied and changing selection of dishes. Grey’s menu reflects our commitment to sustainable gastronomy and the dishes evolve around the seasonal availability of produce our local suppliers and food grown in our own kitchen garden.

Executive Chef Ricki Weston and his team evolve traditional cooking methods to produce food that is delicate and full of flavour. Visit us on Sunday for a traditional lunch menu featuring beef from our neighbour, Twatley Farm, a selection of other roasts and traditional trimmings. Grey’s offers a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant experience and delicious menus.

THE AFTERNOON TEA
It’s the treat that everyone loves and the perfect excuse for catching up with somebody special. Afternoon tea is served Wednesday – Sunday from 2.00pm and can be enjoyed in The Garden Room, Drawing Room, or one of our terraces.

We offer a traditional version with delicious savouries, classic finger sandwiches, scones and an elegant selection of cakes and sweet treats. Browse our tea menu to select the finest tea to complement your experience and add a glass of Gusbourne English sparkling wine for a very special indulgence.

THE EXECUTIVE CHEF
Ricki Weston was appointed Executive Chef at Whatley Manor near Malmesbury having been part of the team at Whatley Manor for over three years. In his role as Executive Chef Ricki oversees all food and beverage offerings at the Whatley, including Michelin-starred The Dining Room, Grey’s offering a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant experience, room service, afternoon tea, and private dining.

Born and raised in Storrington, West Sussex, Ricki’s career kicked off in 2010 at Whites Kitchen in nearby Steyning as Commis Chef, progressing to Demi Chef de Partie. He then moved to Wabi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Horsham, as Chef de Partie (2011-12).

Staying in Horsham, Ricki joined the South Lodge Hotel’s brasserie, The Camellia, as Chef de Partie, with Steven Edwards at the helm (2012-14), before moving to the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant Matt Gillan at The Pass as Chef de Partie (2014-15).

In November 2015, Ricki was appointed Chef de Partie, then Junior Sous Chef, at Michelin two-starred Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham where he spent three years, before joining Whatley Manor as Sous Chef in August 2018. Shortly after joining the team, Ricki took part in the 2019 Roux Scholarship where he was one of 18 young chefs who reached the regional finals of the competition.

In February 2022 after only a few weeks in his role as Executive Chef Ricki gained one Michelin Star for The Dining Room, an impressive attainment at the start of his journey, Whatley also retained their Green Michelin star, an award given in recognition of Sustainable Gastronomy.

Ricki has already evolved the food story at Whatley bringing a new focus on the finest British ingredients, and some interesting traditional cooking methods.

THE AQUARIAS SPA
Aquarias Spa is a place to restore mind and body, to reset and recharge. Relax and enjoy our experiential thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, heated stone recliners and salt scrub showers.

Experience relaxing and restorative treatments from our spa partners. We are delighted to offer Sothys and Gaia treatments, expertly delivered to provide the ultimate benefits. Click here to find out more. Our fully equipped gym offers the latest cardio equipment, weights and an airy studio space for you to complete your fitness program.

Escape into a world of relaxation and allow yourself the indulgence of some time to care for your own wellbeing. Aquarias Spa offers a range of treatments for the face and body along with relaxing and restorative spa rituals. Our therapists also offer the most luxurious manicures and pedicures, essential credentials for a polished appearance.

The Spa lounge is a light and airy space looking out over the pool and gardens, perfect for relaxing in your robe as you move between treatments or spend time relaxing. Enjoy a menu of light and delicious food and drinks, smoothies and salads and more indulgent treats.

THE FLOATATION POD
Imagine floating away into world of your own, being totally weightless, relaxed and totally at ease. The Iso-pod floatation experience offers a unique treatment that benefits, mind and body, allowing you to relax so deeply that you can meditate, ease the stress in your body and manage any pain.

The Floatation Pod has its own purpose built suite which immediately feels warm and comforting, the tank is filled with over 500kg of Epsom salts mixed with 1,000 litres of water at body temperature to create the buoyant environment that allows you to float effortlessly. Without the pull of gravity you can relax all of your muscles and release tension.

The lights go down and gentle music plays for a short time to encourage you to quiet your mind and completely switch off. If you drift off to sleep this is perfectly safe and music plays before the end of your session to gently bring you back into full consciousness.

After your session you can take a warm shower to remove the salt then slip into a robe and spend some time relaxing in the Tepidarium to reset. How you use the Floatation Pod is quite personal to you, you can change the lighting and choose to bring the lid down or leave it open, as you come to relax and enjoy the experience you will gain more from each visit.

THE GARDENS
The manor house at the heart of Whatley is a Grade 2 listed building with a history dating back to the 18th Century when it was very much a working farm. When H. C. Cox purchased the estate in 1925 the house was extended and the ornamental gardens and parkland areas were created.

Designed by the architect Septimus Warwick, he favoured the Arts and Crafts style, popular in the Cotswolds at the time and this was evident in the design of each of the 12 garden rooms.

Over the year’s trends in garden planting and maintenance evolve and this has impacted on the design of each area. Our current custodians are focussed on restoring the garden to be as true as possible to their 1920’s origins.

NO-DIG KITCHEN GARDENING
This allows us to produce the highest quality fruit and vegetables by working with nature, rather than against it. Reducing how much we break the soil in between crops reduces soil erosion, nutrient leaching, emissions and weeds.

By encouraging the beneficial, symbiotic interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and plants, we are growing more healthy plants, resulting in a higher overall yield of higher quality crops, with fewer pests and diseases, and a subsequent elimination of the use of artificial pesticides.

WILDFLOWER MEADOW
Since World War 2, 97% of UK wildflower meadows in the UK have been lost. Traditional meadows, which once would have covered a large amount of our pre-domesticated country, provided a plethora of habitats, food and shelter for a wide range of flora and fauna.

At Whatley, we manage our wildflower meadows as our ancestors have for centuries by the non-emitting, ecologically sympathetic, and Pilates-replacing use of the scythe. Around the beginning of august the garden team cut and collect the last 6 months of growth, which has by now dried and the seed dispersed back into the soil or been eaten by the Whatley wildlife.

GREEN HOUSES
Our Victorian Alitex greenhouses offer an opportunity to witness some the rare and unique flora we have in our collection at Whatley. Our glasshouses get a lot of use through the seasons; our horticulturists not only grow a wide collection of plants from around the world, but also cultivate fruit and vegetables including luffas, cucumbers, tomatoes, chilies, aubergines, and Cape gooseberries.

This is also where the vast majority of our plants are propagated. Plant propagation is far more sustainable when it is done in house and with our highly skilled team, we do our utmost to maintain the garden and collection as self-sufficiently as possible.

COMPOST BAYS
One of the most important parts of a sustainably managed garden; this is where the magic happens. By putting most of our garden waste back into the garden we are maintaining nutrients similar to how an ecosystem would naturally.

Our compost bays typically take between 6-8 months to break down fully, we add soft herbaceous garden material, cardboard and a little bit of woodchip to help aerate the heap. This will eventually go back into the garden, helping to feed the fruit and vegetables in the kitchen garden.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Whether you’re planning a lavish party or an intimate affair with close friends, the elegant architecture, stunning landscaped gardens and the vibrant atmosphere of a country home from the last century, create a venue that is truly unforgettable.

Your celebration will be tailor-made to suit all your requirements and expectations. Our in-house Events Co-ordinator will assist you throughout the planning. Our award-winning kitchen team devise menus that ensure your food is utterly delicious and perfectly executed.

WEDDINGS
Whatley Manor – a perfect setting for a quintessential English country wedding in a Cotswold manor house. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, a beautiful country manor house set in 12 acres of gardens with 26 individual themes, including a stunning Rose garden that will create a perfect backdrop for your wedding day

Whatever your wedding looks like, small and intimate with closest family and friends or a big celebration we have ideas for every occasion. Take your vows in one of our beautiful rooms or in the garden loggia or gazebo.

Magical midsummer weddings, or cosy winter celebrations we ensure that you have a truly wonderful day as befits a Cotswold country house wedding. Our award winning kitchen team devise the wedding menus and ensure the wedding breakfast is utterly delicious and perfectly executed.

Less than two hours drive from London and easily accessible from the M4, Heathrow and Bristol airports and the main west coast train line, our rural Cotswold wedding venue is also convenient for your guests. Our in-house wedding coordinator will assist you throughout each stage of your wedding.

CELEBRATIONS
Whether you’re planning a lavish party or an intimate affair with close friends, the elegant architecture, stunning landscaped gardens and the vibrant atmosphere of a country home from the last century, create a venue that is truly unforgettable.

Your celebration will be tailor-made to suit all your requirements and expectations. Our in-house Events Manager, Lucy Ross will assist you throughout the planning. Our award-winning kitchen team devise menus that ensure your food is utterly delicious and perfectly executed.

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Whatley Manor is an inspiring environment for board & business meetings without the boredom. Discreetly tucked away but easily accessible, a world away from the distractions of a city location and a breath of fresh air for your team.

The Stable Suite is fully self-contained, featuring a main boardroom, three gallery rooms, a cinema room and a pantry stocked with essential refreshments. Twenty-three bedrooms, spa and gym, 12 acres of gardens and three dining options complete the offering.

Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, only 20 minutes drive from the M4, close to mainline stations Bath and Chippenham, and Bristol and Heathrow airports are easily accessible, our location is convenient for your delegates whilst also offering a calming environment away from the office.

For team away days, Whatley Manor is the perfect location to bring teams together to experience interactive and challenging activities that test group communication skills and the ability to overcome obstacles. Set in beautiful surroundings, our country pursuit activities are perfect for team building and entertaining clients.

Both quintessentially English and great fun, our country pursuit activities are suitable for a variety of fitness and age levels and can be tailored to suit client objectives. If there is an activity you would like to pursue that is not listed, let us know and we will do our best to make your ideas a reality.

CINEMA
Our cinema is perfect for enjoying your favourite film. Luxurious suede lined interior with Italian leather custom finished seating (40-seats) by Poltrona Frau and controllable ambient lighting all add to the experience.

Combined with the acoustically controlled environment specifically designed to create a higher quality of sound. Choose a film from our DVD library or bring one of your own. Just let reservations know at the time of booking of during your stay and we will make the arrangements for you including any drinks and nibbles.

SHOPPING & ANTIQUES
The Cotswolds has such rich ancient heritage it is no wonder that it has become a well-known area for fine antiques. With an abundance of antique emporiums throughout the area it makes it a must visit area for those who have a keen interest in antiques.

On the doorstep to Whatley Manor is Tetbury, a town particularly well-known for its fine furniture antiques, whereas the market town of Cirencester is better known for its crafts and art shops.

If you’re looking for more modern retail therapy then Bath’s vast selection of shops will be just the place. From well-known retailers and designer boutiques to smaller independent shops, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Known for its Roman Baths this UNESCO world heritage city is a truly beautiful city which will not only let you shop until you drop but is also filled with delightful architecture to explore and cobbled streets to saunter through.

COTSWOLD’S GARDENS
A wander through some of the Cotswold’s historic houses and gardens makes for a delightful visit with the likes of Highgrove Royal Gardens, Malmesbury Abbey House gardens, Dyrham Park, Woodchester Mansion and Bowood House & Garden right on the doorstep.

Venture further afield and come across Hidcote Manor and Snowshill Manor. Or why not take a stroll through the glorious collection of trees at Westonbirt Arboretum. Of course, there is also the Cotswolds countryside which in itself makes for a wonderful day out where you can enjoy outdoor pursuits, as well as wandering or cycling along at your own pace.

MALMESBURY ABBEY HOUSE
Described by visitors as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, The Abbey House Gardens offer a sanctuary of peace in the heart of the oldest borough in England.

With 1300 years of history, the first King of England buried somewhere in the garden, two saints thrown down the well, and now one of the great gardens of the world, the spirit of the place truly shines through and could be the best garden visit you ever make.

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM
Westonbirt Arboretum is an extraordinary place, home to a wide selection of trees from all over the world. Measuring at 600 acres, you are able to learn about trees whilst going on an adventure and exploring the many different variations of trees and shrubs. The arboretum also has a play trail to make it an enjoyable day out for the whole family.

HIGHGROVE GARDENS
As part of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s private residence, The Royal Gardens at Highgrove are opened annually for visitors to share in their enjoyment of this much-loved and inspirational setting.

From the classic order of the Cottage Garden to the pastoral beauty of the Wildflower Meadow, discover these unique spaces, along with hidden curios and horticultural innovations, on a tour that offers a personal perspective of this much-admired public figure.

BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS
Bowood’s magnificent stately home stands within one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s most beautiful parks, with gently sloping lawns stretching down to the lake and distant views to the chalk downlands. Delights within the park include the Cascade, Doric Temple and the Terrace Gardens.

HIDCOTE GARDENS 
Experience one of the country’s greatest gardens with a visit to the National Trusts Hidcote Gardens. Known as an arts and crafts garden these have been colourfully designed by the American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston. With surprises to discover around each corner, this is a must see for anyone staying in the area.

WALKING IN THE COTSWOLDS
With such outstanding beauty surrounding you, it would be a shame to not take it all in with a walk to explore the Cotswolds. From gentle strolls to long distant paths for the serious hikers, there are many footpaths and valleys to follow to get a real feel for the Cotswold countryside.

CYCLING IN THE COTSWOLDS
Earn yourself a well-deserved drink and a tasty meal and take one of the great cycle routes that the Cotswold has to offer. With quiet country lanes and bridleways, this is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxed and fun bike ride.

RIDING IN THE COTSWOLDS
OKL Equestrian at Beaufort Polo club offer a number of different experiences including Polo lessons, riding hacks through the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum. We proudly sponsor the Polo Club and can offer complimentary access to polo matches.

Rooms: 23

Price: from 374 EUR per night

Source: www.whatleymanor.com