Cowley Manor Reviewed

A Wedding Abode For Colour Lovers In The Cotswolds

When it comes to choosing a venue for your wedding it often depends on if you would like something traditional or something modern but what if you could combine the two?  Cowley Manor in The Cotswolds provides contemporary couples with a backdrop of modern interiors set within a beautiful 19th Century Italianate Villa.  The typically English Cotswold countryside location means that wedding photographs at Cowley are full of colour and character.

Cowley Manor
Cowley Manor

Church at Cowley Manor

We had heard a great deal about Cowley Manor prior to our visit.  It is part of a boutique collection of properties called A Curious Group of Hotels – all designed with cool but comfortable luxury interiors in mind.

Arriving at Cowley Manor holds an element of surprise and excitement that every bride and groom want their guests to feel when attending a wedding.  The property is tucked away in the corner of the countryside and sits regal but understated in its grounds.  Guests wouldn’t be wrong in expecting a classic country style affair, with all the pomp of a traditional English wedding but attending an event at Cowley comes with a twist.  Swap conventional country home interiors with bright pops of colour, mid-century modern furniture and a stunning collection of the owners independently picked contemporary artwork.

Cowley Manor
Cowley Manor Lounge

Weddings at Cowley Manor are booked on exclusive use  so that you and your guests can enjoy the entire property and its facilities – that is 30 bedrooms, the gardens, main house and stable block (excludes C-side spa).  Couples can either be married in the hotel or in St Mary’s Church which conveniently sits in the grounds of Cowley Manor.

Bedroom Suite At Cowley Manor
Bedroom Suite At Cowley Manor

The hotel’s sitting room was definitely one of our favourite spaces – a large and light filled lounge with traditional log fire and views out onto the landscaped gardens.  Eat, chat and relax seemed to be the order of the day as afternoon tea was served on the cosy armchairs and sofas.

Bathroom At Cowley Manor
Bathroom At Cowley Manor

The bride and groom stay for free in the Best Room which has a four poster bed and a huge terrace with views overlooking the lake and woodland.  Both the rooms and the bathrooms are large and offer plenty of space for brides wanting to get ready with their family and friends.

The rooms are also warm and cosy enough to feel comfortable and relaxed with Nespresso machines, Green & Spring toiletries a complimentary mini bar and delicious complimentary biscuit treats amongst other things.

The award-winning C-Side spa is another welcome surprise to any guest of Cowley Manor.  In grounds separate to the main building, the pool is a beautiful glass space flooded with natural light and is perfect for beautifying before the big day or recuperating after.  The spa uses Green & Spring products – a range of products created by Cowley themselves using herbs and flowers native to the British Isles – they smell divine.  Wedding guests are encouraged to experience the spa and will receive 20% off treatments during their stay.

C-Side Spa Cowley Manor
C-Side Spa Cowley Manor

Your wedding breakfast is served in Malt restaurant – an atmospheric dining room where delicious seasonal food is served under a ceiling of sparkling pendant lights.  It’s truly beautiful and makes a wonderful setting for entertaining guests.

Bride and Groom At Cowley Manor
Bride and Groom At Cowley Manor

The hotel’s normal dinner menu is here – we had the beef and celebration of lamb, dishes which were cooked to perfection and served with a variety of side dishes.  Our dessert, however, was a real showstopper.  The Malteser – a chocolatey ball of heaven which aesthetically melts inside itself on pouring its accompanying sauce all over it.  Good food and entertainment all round.

Wedding At Cowley Manor
Wedding At Cowley Manor

During our stay at Cowley Manor the staff were impeccable – friendly and open but equally efficient.  Choosing your wedding here is not just about the great location and venue but also about enjoying an experience and sharing it with your guests.  The space, colour palette and facilities make it a great place for modern family weddings where children are invited.  At the same time, it is a boutique country hotel that would suit a sophisticated adult only affair, where luxury and good service are appreciated.

Wedding Set Up At Cowley Manor Cotswolds
Wedding Set Up At Cowley Manor Cotswolds
  • 5 Star Wedding Directory received a complimentary stay at Cowley Manor for the purpose of this review.
  • For more information on weddings at Cowley Manor you can download their wedding brochure here
  • Thank you to Christopher and Kati for the use of their wedding images. All wedding related images copyright Eve Dunlop Photography