I was recently invited to a wedding that took place at Dumbleton Hall Hotel which is situated on the border between Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Dumbleton Hall is just off the A6 and a mere 7 miles from Junction 9 of the M5. Dumbleton Hall is an impressive traditional 19th century Manor House.
To get to the Hall you drive through a lovely little village then on a little winding road. Sheep are grazing in the fields alongside and they do saunter onto the road itself. The first impression of Dumbleton Hall is that it does look a little spooky - but very impressive and I couldn't wait to get inside and explore...
The original Dumbleton Hall can be traced back to around 1534. It was the home of the Cocks family for over 200 years. After the death of Sir Richard Cocks (unfortunate name!) in the late 18th century, the Hall fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished. It was rebuilt in the mid 19th century using Cotswold stone. Dumbleton Hall then became the home of the Eyres family. In the 1930's, the Hall was renowned for its house parties with with guests including John Betjeman who later became Poet Laureate.
Dumbleton Hall is one of the 'Classic Hotels' group. The special feature of this group is that it offers the kind of comfort and service often associated with a bygone age with the added advantage of also offering modern amenities.
The aim of the 'Classic Hotels' group is to ensure that guests experience and enjoy the tradition of hospitality that was the distinguishing mark of all the great British country houses of the past.
Dumbleton Hall has a superb setting
and boasts some 19 acres of private gardens and woodland. It also has a private lake. The hotel has the most breath taking and stunning views of the Malvern Hills, Bredon Hill and Broadway Tower. At the time of my visit it was covered in snow and looked absolutely fantastic especially with the 'black swans' around the frozen lake. A magical winter wonderland indeed.
Dumbleton Hall has 34 bedrooms - all are non-smoking. Every room has spectacular views over our beautiful gardens or the Vale of Evesham.
Due to the nature of the building all the rooms vary in size and are very individual. There are double, twin and family rooms. Extra beds and cots can also be provided at no additional cost. There is one room suitable for wheelchair users.
All rooms have en-suite facilities with bath and /or shower. Complimentary toiletries are provided. Each room has a telephone, remote control colour TV with Freeview channels and radio, hairdryer and hospitality trays which are replenished daily.
An unusual feature of Dumbleton Hall is that dogs are permitted, although they are not allowed in the public rooms.
Dumbleton Hall is an ideal venue for weddings,functions and meetings and can cater for both small and larger weddings with up to 100 guests. The grounds are large enough to hold a marquee for up to 250 guests. The hotel is licensed for Civil Marriages, Civil Partnerships and Naming Ceremonies.
On entering Dumbleton Hall we were greeted with a huge roaring open fire and an impressive staircase leading from the hall. The fire was very welcoming on a cold, snowy February day.
The price of rooms vary. The room which we booked cost £150 for a twin room and this included breakfast (this was a special rate for wedding guests). The rooms are large and spacious and furnished to a good standard ...we explored quite a few of them as many of the wedding guests were relatives and friends.
The beds were extremely comfortable and the rooms were warm..... perhaps a little too warm for some. The breakfast was substantial and in addition to the traditional cooked breakfast there was also continental breakfast available and a selcetion of cereals, bread, cakes fruit, yoghurt and pastries.
The food served at the wedding was of a very high standard and beautifully presented. At the wedding we had venison and there was plenty of it and a lovely treacle tart for the pudding.
Dumbleton's CedarRestaurant offers freshly prepared food sourced from local suppliers. There is a table d'hote menu which is changed on a regular basis to reflect what is available within the seasons. The Cedar restaurant also provides a fixed price 3 course Sunday lunch which is served from 12.30 - 2pm in the Cedar Tree Restaurant. Snacks are also available 7 days a week in the Olive Lounge and Library Bar.
Dumbleton Hall can cater for both small and larger functions with up to 100 guests. The grounds are large enough to hold a marquee for up to 250 people. The hotel is licensed for Civil Marriages, Civil Partnerships and Naming Ceremonies.
The Shire Room is the smallest function room which is an ideal setting for small functions with up to 30 people. The room has French doors that open on to the gardens and in good weather guests can have pre dinner/lunch drinks in the gardens. Dumbleton Hall offers the opportunity to play Croquet on the lawn! All very elegant and civilised!
The Oak Room is Dumbleton Hall's biggest function room. It can hold and seat 100 guests at round tables. As the name suggests it is an oak panelled room with doors leading to the gardens and lake.
The Oak room has a dance floor area which is covered when not required but the carpet can be removed after meals in order for dances / discos to take place.
Afternoon Teas consisting of sandwiches, cakes and scones with clotted cream are also available at Dumbleton for groups but you need to telephone and book in advance for this.
I found Dumbleton Hall to be a very friendly and relaxing place to stay. I really enjoyed my short stay at Dumbleton Hall. The setting was awesome, the food very good, the service excellent and the staff friendly and helpful. I did experience the feeling of being taken back to bygone times - it was such an interesting and old building with lots of artefacts from those bygone times. I will definitely return and explore some of the beautiful countryside and historical areas of interest with Dumbleton as my base. I would definitely like to visit it in the summer time!
If you fancy treating yourself to a short break in a beautiful location, Dumbleton Hall has a number of special offers and short breaks which are based on two guests sharing a twin or double room. In April, May & June from Sunday - Thursday you can stay 3 nights for just £65.00 per person per night. This includes Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and a ticket to Batsford Arboretum - 'The Cotswolds Secret Gardens' and Falconry Centre.
In July and August Offers 3 nights stay is £65.00 per person per night. Once again this includes Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and a day rover ticket on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
If you are feeling romantic there are 'romantic' breaks available until 31st October. The Romantic Package includes Bed and Breakfast plus Champagne and Chocolates on arrival. This costs £68 per person per night, Monday to Thursday and £78 per person per night on Friday and Saturdays.
If you fancy a walking break for £68 per person, per night you can get Dinner, Bed and Breakfast plus a packed lunch each day.
There are many attractions and places of interest nearby Dumbleton Hall. These include the Gloucestershire - Warwickshire Railway frequently referred to as the 'friendly line on the Cotswolds'. It follows a scenic 20 mile round trip between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse, including the 'Greet Tunnel' one of the longest on a preserved railway.
There is also Tewkesbury Abbey, a Norman Abbey, once the church of a great Benedictine Monastery. If you like castles then there are plenty to see. Sudeley Castle has beautiful gardens and hosts many exhibitions. It is set against the stunning backdrop of the Cotswold Hills. It is said to be Britain's most romantic castle with its own rRose garden. Then there is Eastnor Castle. This is a very 'fairytale' kind of castle set in the Malvern Hills. It isurrounded by a beautiful Deer Park, arboretum and lake.
Broadway Tower is one of England's outstanding viewpoints. It is 1024 feet (312m) above sea level and is the second highest point on the Cotswold Ridge.
Another historic place of interest is Pershore Abbey which dates from the 1100's and has recently been restored. At the Pershore Hertiage Centre visitors can see the old beamed colleges and enjoy a journey into the past with its many local displays and exhibits.
The Gloucester Docks are steeped in history,. They are the most inland port in Britain. In the Forest of Dean- Dean Heritage Centre you can discover the story of this unique landscape and its people from ancient times to the present day.
There is so much to see and explore in this region so go on treat yourself to a couple of nights stay at Dumbleton Hall and get exploring! For more information visit ww.dumbletonhall.co.uk
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Nestled amid 19 acres of gardens and woodland, this 19th century country house provides ... more
the ideal base from which to explore the rolling hills and hidden valleys of the Cotswolds.Set in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, surrounded by stunning v...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
very helpful by (100%):
