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 Wiltshire Hotels
This county has more than its fair share of tired old coaching inns and farmhouses down muddy lanes that call themselves hotels. And a good few village pubs now call themselves restaurants and may offer rooms too. Those in the orbit of Bath and Bradford-on-Avon are those you should be most suspicious of because they have a more-or-less guaranteed clientele. But among the well-meaning, under-invested, under-staffed failures that we would not recommend, are a handful of hotels and B&Bs where hard work at the very difficult hospitality business has paid off. They range from grand Lucknam Park to the modest Limes. Both those places have strong personalities and they look good. Others, like the Manor House at Castle Combe, have outstanding facilities – in their case a super golf course. But we would say beware; if you cannot find a room in one of our selection, stay in Bath or with friends. One further Wiltshire hotel we highly recommend, the Rectory in Crudwell, can be found in our Cotswolds list. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by George Pownall |
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| Luxury: Superbly run country house hotel near Bath with spa and equestrian centre |
| Location: COLERNE; near Chippenham and 6 miles from Bath, in own parkland |
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| Classic country house hotel. Extremely comfortable and very well run. Slightly reverential, particularly in the dining-room, but Hywell Jones’s food is exceptional and worthy of serious consideration. Good children’s menu, too (‘Larry the Lamb’, etc.). Lavish decoration includes sumptuous soft furnishings in the public rooms and beautiful, calming bedrooms. Riding school. New spa and bistro-style restaurant opens in the summer. Don’t disdain the rooms around the pretty courtyard. Very spoiling; great for a family celebration. |
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| Luxury: Smart country house hotel with superb golf and excellent food |
| Location: CASTLE COMBE; at the end of the village, set in its own grounds |
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| A Victorian baronial mansion set in 365 expansive acres with lakes, a croquet lawn, and an exceptional golf course. You will be glad you cleaned your car; there are Ferraris in the car park, the waiters wear tails, and a pianist sometimes entertains in the lounge. Bedrooms are as comfortable and well appointed as you would expect and the individual ‘mews cottages’ along the old village street are homely, well-equipped and convenient. New executive chef Richard Davies is focusing firmly on the Bybrook restaurant becoming a prime culinary destination. |
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| Luxury: Family friendly Jacobean manor house |
| Location: WOOLLEY GREEN; just outside Bradford on Avon; 8 miles from Bath |
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| Any doubts about this hotel are usually expressed by those not travelling with children, and for those who are, it remains hugely popular. A (well-off) family hotel, then, with imaginative ways of amusing and safeguarding the young. Some bedrooms are quite small; some furniture less than perfect. But adults are fed well and relaxed with treatments and country house hotel comforts, while knowing their offspring are well and happy. |
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| Mid Price: Great laid back inn on Longleat Estate, with highly original rooms |
| Location: HORNINGSHAM; in estate village, close to Longleat's entrance |
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| Leased from the Longleat Estate, this handsome square building with a cluster of lime trees outside now sports good value bedrooms that are quirky, boldly coloured and full of character. Inlaid furniture from India here, handmade wallpaper depicting English eccentrics there, as well as cafetieres for proper coffee and huge flat screen tellies. Plus a warm welcome, good food in the dining room, the Hip Bath for spa treatments and Longleat just a stroll away. Recommended. |
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| Mid Price: Traditional, family run 15th century inn in an exceptional village |
| Location: LACOCK; in centre of village |
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| Lacock and the Sign of the Angel go hand-in-hand: the ‘perfect’ English village and the epitome of the medieval English inn – half-timbered without; great log fires, oak panelling, beamed ceilings, polished antiques and splendid old beds within. Old fashioned and cosy, including the dining room, where excellent traditional English fare is served by chatty local staff, adding to the feeling that staying at the Angel is a bit like standing on a rock in a rushing river. |
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| Inexpensive: Hotel-cum-pub in traditional Cotswold village |
| Location: CASTLE COMBE; 10 miles from Bath |
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| Castle Combe is nestled in a wooded valley and is a perfect example of a traditional English village. Once just the village’s prettiest pub, the Castle Inn is now a restaurant-led hotel with 11 en-suite bedrooms. Perfectly sited by the market cross, opposite the fine church. There is an inn-style bar, but most people come for the dining-room, which has a high reputation for ‘simple food done exquisitely'. Those who stay will find comfort and agreeable service at a modest price and stylish country house looks. |
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| Inexpensive: Small three-bedroom bed & breakfast |
| Location: SHURNHOLD; just outside Melksham |
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| A beautiful 17th century house that has been divided and the prettiest part is run as an intimate three-bedroom B&B. Mrs van der Wulp (the English widow of a Dutchman) whose house you share, has taste, keeps the place spotless – though slightly distrait – and is a keen cook. Main meals by arrangement. The bathrooms (inherited) are not pretty but the bedrooms are. Rather like staying with Miss Marple. |
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| Inexpensive: Welcoming inn with a Scottish twist |
| Location: HINDON; 20 minutes west of Salisbury, south of A303 |
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| Occupying a commanding position in the centre of Hindon, well placed for both Salisbury and the A303, the Lamb’s history as an inn stretches back to the 12th century. Nowadays, it is the country outpost of Boisdale, the Belgravia bar and restaurant that specialises in all things Scottish, including fine whiskies and Aberdeen Angus beef. Boisdale’s signature tartan carpets and dark red walls complement the old beams and inglenook fireplaces downstairs, whilst upstairs there are simple bedrooms for overnight stays. Good choice for a get together. |
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