The Lygon Arms Hotel, Cotswolds: hotel review

Dating back to the 13th century, The Lygon Arms is an 800 year old hotel with modern, luxury service
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Bianca Barratt23 January 2018

It’s hard to fathom the idea that a hotel could still be running after more than 800 years, but such is the case with The Lygon Arms.

Originally a coaching inn, it was one of the most prominent stopovers for travellers on their way to both Wales and London back in Tudor times and, after undergoing an extensive refurbishment, has once again become a huge drive for business in the local area.

Luxurious and smoothly run, the Lygon has hosted many a well-heeled guest, including Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I, both of whom stayed there during the Civil War. Liz Taylor, Richard Burton, Dustin Hoffman and Prince Philip all have graced its halls over the decades, too. It’s enough to make you wish the walls could talk.

Where is it?

In arguably the most beautiful village in the country – Broadway. A picture of well-kept loveliness, it epitomises the Cotswolds' golden-stoned, historic charm.

Style:

The Lygon Arms was looking a little run down, having changed hands numerous times over recent years. But after being picked up by Iconic Luxury Hotels back in 2015, it has undergone a rather glamorous makeover. Thanks to Anita Rosato’s dab hand, the interiors now represent the staggering lineage of this olde worle Inn. You’d be forgiven for assuming that the dark wooden beams, spot lighting and prominence of original antiques would be somewhat oppressive, but this simply isn’t the case.

The recent refurbishment was taken on by Anita Rosato

Crisp white linens and warm printed fabrics give the place a homely feel and there are plenty of soft furnishings in nooks and crannies to collapse into after a hard day’s sightseeing. As any decent stylist or makeup artist will tell you, looking your best comes down to highlighting your assets, which Rosato has managed with aplomb. The original flag stones still peek out from beneath the rugs and many of the door frames remain gloriously crooked – she’s hit just the right balance between sleek functionality and respectful nostalgia.

Food & Drink:

Undoubtedly the most spectacular room, the Lygon Bar and Grill is housed in a 16th century hall adjacent to the reception. Offering a brasserie style menu and an open fire, its ambience is pitch perfect. Marble tops, leather chairs and table lamps make you feel as though you’re cossetted in a library and encourage hours of relaxed conversation over far too many glasses of wine.

Dishes such as the Caldecott chicken, ham hock and leek pie offer home comforts, but don’t overdo it on the sides – each is generously portioned and it would be a crime to miss out on the sticky toffee pudding.

There are also two bars – with one offering a more casual pizza menu – and an afternoon tea can be taken in the living room.

Facilities: You can’t visit the Lygon Arms without taking a dip in the pool and Jacuzzi, whose pillared plinth is so opulently designed it feels like you’re sitting atop Mount Olympus. The new Spa also offers up a range of treatments including massages and facials.

The spa includes a swimming pool, jaccuzzi, sauna and steam room 

Which room?

Ranging from cosy rooms right through to master suites, there’s a style and size to suit every taste. Our stay in one of the junior suites was spacious and luxurious; complete with a lounge area (including a sofa bed), king size bed and airy bathroom. The Nespresso machine was gratefully enjoyed in the morning, providing a decent cup of coffee only steps away.

A junior suite

Those looking to really experience the history of the place should opt for the King Charles I or Oliver Cromwell suites – both of which were stayed in by their namesakes.

Extra curricular:

Visitors to Broadway are well met with activities to suit every taste. A potter along the main street will prove fruitful: the deli, wine and gift shops house plenty of souvenirs and those in search of sustenance will not be disappointed: this little town is teeming with everything from fine dining restaurants to cosy pubs and café-style pit stops. Being so old, there are historic treasures to be found all over Broadway, but with Blenheim Palace – the birthplace of Winston Churchill and one of Britain’s most impressive stately homes – just an easy drive away, it would be almost churlish not to visit.

The Lygon Arms features classic Cotswolds stone

Getting there:

There’s something very ‘Wind in the Willows’ about travelling through the Cotswolds – the two – and – a – half hour drive from central London takes you on a guided tour of the area, with the famous towns of Burford, Stow – on – the – Wold and Moreton – in – Marsh passing intermittently, showcasing the quintessential beauty that visitors go mad for.

The Vauxhall Mokka X is perfect for navigating the Cotswolds landscape
Vauxhall

The lush, rolling hills are picturesque but precarious to drive through – thanks to the successive hairpin turns and climbs so steep only first gear will do, you’ll need a car that can go the distance. We travelled over in the new Vauxhall Mokka X, whose turbo engine and four wheel drive got us through the white knuckle ride with ease.

Honeybourne Station is just a 15 minute taxi journey away and with direct trains leaving Paddington regularly, you can get to the hotel in around two hours with ease.

A courtyard suite

Best for:

This is a classic weekend-away spot, so it wasn’t surprising to see a lot of couples walking around. However it’s well set up for families as well and kids are just as welcome.

Details:

Rooms from £225 per night, High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DU. 01386 852 255, lygonarmshotel.co.uk

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