Why we love Cricklade House Hotel and Fritillary Spa

On the edge of the Cotswolds, Cricklade House Hotel and Fritillary Spa is an idyllic combination of luxury meets homeliness, contemporary meets heritage style and romantic meets rest and relaxation. Here are just a few of the reasons we love this tranquil spa retreat...

Heritage meets modern luxury hotel

Cricklade House Hotel was originally built around 1920 as a private house. While it retains many of its original features, such as mullion windows and the magnificent Victorian-style glass conservatory which runs the full length of the original building, it has since been updated to become a four-star luxury hotel. Rooms and suites are sumptuous, with some in the original property as well as more contemporary Courtyard Rooms in an adjacent building.

A spa with natural inspiration

The spa is a really special part of a hotel stay here. It is named for the Fritillary flower, which is local to the area and grows in fields set along the flood meadows of the Thames, and that natural inspiration runs through the experience alongside results-driven therapies. In particular, you see that combination of factors in such treatments as a Skin Expert Analyser or a Hydramemory facial with Moringa oil and hyaluronic acid.

Facilities include:

• A luxe beauty suite
• Spa lounge
• Indoor heated pool
• Steam room
• Sauna
• Fitness suite
• Five treatment suites

A scenic location

Part of the appeal at Cricklade House Hotel is the location, which sets the scene for a relaxing getaway. The hotel is set amidst 30 acres of Cotswold countryside, with views of the Marlborough Downs and Wiltshire landscape and plenty of space to get out and explore on foot or bicycle. In addition, it's within easy reach of Cricklade village, Swindon and Cirencester, all of which have plenty to see and explore. Popular local attractions include:

• Cotswold Water Park & Beach
• Swindon and Cricklade Steam Railway
• Lydiard Park
• Destinations for rock climbing, ice skating, the cinema and more

On-site hotel activities

You don't need to leave the grounds of the hotel to experience plenty of entertainment. In addition to the spa, the surrounding grounds and gardens include a range of activities including a nine-hole golf course, tennis court, and a state of the art Pétangue court. It's also worth bringing a pair of walking shoes so you can enjoy the ample strolls and cycle trails.

Decadent food and drink

The Cotswolds is well known for its regional fare and Cricklade House Hotel serves it up with skilled expertise. They take great care of their food miles, even having commissioned their own bespoke ‘Cotswold bitter’, made with Arkell’s brewery, local family brewers, just eight miles away. The restaurant is charming, and is particularly well known for an excellent Sunday lunch. Meanwhile, the Terrace Bar is a convivial space for drinks overlooking the golf course, whether you're in the mood for one of their 100 gins and whiskies or tea from Born Wild.