Last Updated on October 28, 2023
Step Back in Time with a Staycation at Wroxall Abbey Hotel
As summer finally says farewell and autumn is in the air, it’s a wonderful opportunity to take a mini staycation in the English countryside. What better excuse to visit the four-star hotel Wroxall Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire, a magnificent Victorian neo-Gothic brick mansion hotel, steeped in history? It’s just a fifteen-minute drive from Warwick, twenty minutes from Leamington Spa and under two hours from my West London home.
Wroxall Abbey has a rich history and was originally constructed in 1141 under the supervision of Sir Hugh de Hatton. For about four centuries, it served as the home of Wroxall Priory, a Benedictine convent for nuns. However, in 1536, during the Dissolution of Monasteries initiated by Henry VII, the estate’s religious occupation came to an end. In 1713, the property was bought by renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren who used it as his countryside retreat, occasionally hosting members of his family.
Fast forward to 1861, when the estate changed hands once more, this time falling into the possession of James Dugdale, the High Sheriff of Warwickshire in 1868. Under his ownership, the original manor house was dismantled and replaced with the impressive Victorian Gothic mansion that stands today. From 1936 to 1995, Wroxall Abbey served as a girls’ school. After which it underwent yet another transformation, becoming a hotel. Wroxall Abbey has recently been taken over by new ownership, Company Director Paresh Thakkar said: “We acknowledge the rich history of Wroxall Abbey and understand its significant importance and value to the local community.”
This family-run hotel is in the midst of a comprehensive refurbishment. At present, it features 72 elegantly appointed bedrooms, along with six well-equipped conference rooms and a spacious patio garden that offers views of the 27-acre estate. We arrived on an unseasonably warm October afternoon, our journey taking us down a picturesque driveway, through the beautiful grounds, past the 14th-century church before we reached the grand facade of this imposing hotel.
Wroxall Abbey is the only hotel in the country with its own on-site chapel. It dates back to the medieval period, built in around 1315, originally part of the priory itself and the only part that remains standing. It holds a long and storied history that spans several centuries and serves as a testament to the historical and cultural significance of the estate, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and its connections to religious and architectural history. Since March, the chapel has been recommissioned and is holding Sunday services again for The Order of St. Leonards as well as hosting weddings and christenings.
The architecture of Wroxall Abbey is a stunning example of Victorian neo-Gothic design, characterised by intricate and decorative elements, pointed arches, spires, ornate stonework, large arched windows with intricate tracery and splendid stained glass windows. This enchanting hotel exudes an air of charm and faded grandeur, immersing guests in a world of romance and nostalgia as if stepping back in time. Yet, it seamlessly marries this historical allure with modern comforts, providing a blend of the past and present – once I had made myself at home, I almost felt as if I was on the set of a murder mystery film.
We received a warm welcome and made our way to our room on the first floor to find a welcome bottle of Italian Spumante on ice waiting for us. Our ample-sized room was traditionally styled with modern touches including contemporary light fittings, a grey stone fireplace, a desk and a wall-mounted TV. The room was decorated in a palette of soft greys and blues, with embossed wallpaper and coordinating powder-blue velvet chairs. The comfortable beds were dressed in white linen, with soft beige headboards. In the cupboard, we found a hairdryer and tea-making facilities. The shower was styled in tones of grey with white towels and complimentary miniature toiletries.
For a pre-dinner drink, I recommend visiting Henry’s Lounge & Bar, relaxing in large comfy sofas and admiring the view through the long windows which look out over the grounds. We took dinner in Henry’s Restaurant, a large dining room with stately limestone floor-to-ceiling mullioned windows, dark wood doors, carved wood panelling and a striking Gothic arched stone fireplace.
When we arrived the restaurant was buzzing with happy guests, we browsed the menu which provides a selection of tempting seasonal British and Mediterranean dishes. We started with a warm and creamy herbal delight of honey-glazed baked Camembert with garlic and rosemary served with a fabulous selection of bread and a sweet onion chutney. And some perfectly cooked arancini…soft luscious balls of mushroom and rice, infused with truffle oil served with tangy homemade tomato chutney.
We accompanied our meal with a bottle of Ormaine Sea Pearl Picpoul, France which was fresh and vibrant with notes of apple and lime. For dessert from the selection of classics on offer, we indulged in a homemade apple and ginger sticky toffee pudding and a vanilla crème brûlée. We left very full but content!
Breakfast is also served in the dining room. It provides hearty cooked breakfasts, juices, toast, ham and cheese and the best croissant I’ve eaten in a long time.
Wroxall Abbey enjoys a prime location for immersing oneself in the enchanting Warwickshire countryside, towns, and villages; upon our arrival, we explored the charming streets of Warwick, delving into the local shops and exploring the storied walls of the historic castle.
The following day, we ventured to the National Trust’s Charlecote House and Park—a magnificent Tudor mansion ensconced within idyllic parklands, affording us a captivating glimpse of England’s splendid architectural and natural treasures.
The vicinity also boasts several other National Trust properties, and our return journey to London led us through the scenic landscapes of the Cotswolds, where we couldn’t resist pausing in the alluring villages along the way.
If you’re in search of a countryside retreat brimming with rich history and undeniable charm, I wholeheartedly endorse a visit to Wroxall Abbey Hotel, especially with the exciting prospect of a forthcoming spa that promises a lap of luxury for your relaxation.
Wroxall Abbey Hotel,
Birmingham Rd,
Warwick
CV35 7NB