Ettington Park Hotel

Ettington Park sits in the Stour Valley, on land that people have lived on for a very long time. Finds like Roman coins and pottery suggest there may once have been a Roman villa here. The name Ettington comes from early English words meaning "a rising meadow near water," which still describes the setting quite well. The manor is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and has been linked to the Shirley family ever since. This makes the Shirleys one of the oldest families in Warwickshire, with their family line stretching back over a thousand years. Over time, the house was changed many times rather than being built all at once. Parts were repaired, pulled down, and rebuilt as each generation left its mark.

In the 1600s and 1700s, the house was altered again with new rooms added, including a grand drawing room and a new entrance hall. In the late 1700s, the nearby village was moved to a new site, leaving behind the remains of the old church and village, which can still be seen in the grounds today. The look of Ettington Park that we recognize now comes from the mid-1800s. Between 1858 and 1862, the outer walls were rebuilt, the roof was raised, and towers, chimneys, and decorative stonework were added. After the family stopped living here in the early 1900s, the house went through many changes. It was rented out, used for different purposes, and later damaged by a fire in 1979 before a large restoration project brought Ettington Park back to life. Today, Hand Picked Hotels runs Ettington Park, welcoming guests into a house where history still feels close.

Ettington Park features a bold Neo-Gothic look that comes from the mid-19th century, when Evelyn Philip Shirley decided the house needed a complete rethink. He appointed architect John Prichard, who rebuilt the exterior around the older core of the house between 1858 and 1862. The roofline was raised, tall chimneys were added, and a mix of round and square turrets gave the building its distinctive shape.

The exterior stands out for its use of layered stone in different colors, including limestone, ironstone, and local lias, which adds depth and texture to the facade. This careful mix of materials gives the house a strong visual presence from every angle. Inside, the Gothic style continues with carved woodwork, stained glass, and detailed interiors. The long gallery with its decorative star window is one of the highlights, along with the Oak Room, where wood paneling features the coats of arms of families linked to the Shirleys. Together, these details give Ettington Park its dramatic yet personal architectural character.

The Great Drawing Room

The Great Drawing Room is a 2 AA Rosette restaurant at Ettington Park, with an ornate ceiling, tapestries, paintings, and large windows overlooking the gardens. The seasonal menu focuses on British cuisine and celebrates the best local ingredients, prepared by the Head Chef and served with friendly attention. The restaurant caters to dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Meals can be paired with wines from around the world.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: Weekdays - 7 am to 10 am | Weekends - 7.30 am to 10 am
Lunch: Daily 12 noon – 4 pm
Dinner: Daily 6 pm – 9 pm (last reservation 8.30 pm)

The Oak Lounge

The Oak Lounge offers a relaxed space to unwind with a book or your favorite drink. The room’s decorative ceiling, sash windows, and intricate wood panelling give it character, with lovely views over the grounds and the Norman Chapel. The lounge serves British cuisine throughout the day, including steaks, burgers, hot and cold sandwiches, light bites, mains, salads, and desserts. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available. Drinks include coffee and a wide selection of wines.

Opening hours: 12 pm – 9 pm

Afternoon Tea

At Ettington Park, Afternoon Tea is a delightful way to relax and enjoy the historic surroundings. Guests are served a selection of handmade sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate pastries, and cakes, all accompanied by the finest loose-leaf teas, strained to your preference. For a special treat, the Champagne Afternoon Tea adds a sparkling twist, while children can enjoy their own version. During the festive season, the standard tea is replaced with a Festive Afternoon Tea, available until December 31, featuring seasonal delights.

Opening hours: Daily - 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm

At Ettington Park, you can plan a wedding that’s completely your own. They offer everything from a Pimm’s or sparkling wine reception with canapés to a three-course wedding meal, with the option of a menu tasting beforehand. You can even add a themed evening buffet. The team is ready to help with every detail, from décor and flowers to entertainment, so your day feels effortless. Keep your guests entertained with live music, DJs, novelty photo booths, or even sparklers in the gardens. Whatever you imagine, Ettington Park can make it happen, helping you create a wedding that’s truly memorable.

The Orangery
Venue type and style: Stunning ceremony space with intricately carved arches, surrounded by manicured Victorian gardens for a magical wedding backdrop.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests

The Bell Tower
Venue type and style: Enchanting open-air setting framed by the Norman Chapel, perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony on warm days.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Hathaway Suite
Venue type and style: Elegant wood-panelled room with gold chandeliers and Duke of Essex stone fireplace, exuding classic grandeur.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests

The Library
Venue type and style: Historic 18th-century space with deep oak bookcases and intricate ceiling, offering a cozy, intimate ceremony atmosphere.
Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Events and experiences at Ettington Park begin right on site, with plenty to enjoy without stepping beyond the grounds. The spa and wellness center includes an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub, along with a range of massages and treatments. One of the highlights is the redwood treatment room, which offers a quiet and private space to unwind. Guests can also make use of the tennis court or simply enjoy the calm setting that surrounds the hotel.

Beyond the estate, the surrounding area offers plenty of easy day trips and local experiences. Blenheim Palace is a popular choice, known for its grand state rooms, sweeping Capability Brown gardens, and its connection to Winston Churchill. Stratford-upon-Avon is close by and home to the Shakespeare Distillery, where visitors can join guided tours and sample gin and rum inspired by Tudor era botanicals. For a more hands-on countryside experience, Honesberie Shooting Ground sits on a massive family farm and offers clay pigeon shooting with expert guidance for both beginners and experienced shooters. Another enjoyable outing is Hawkstone Brewery, often paired with a visit to The Farmer’s Dog, a well-known local dining spot, offering a relaxed way to explore the region’s food and drink scene.

During the festive season, Ettington Park offers a calm and traditional Christmas experience set within its historic country house and surrounding parkland. Guests can enjoy relaxed winter walks across the grounds and spend time in cozy lounges warmed by open fires. Seasonal dining is a key part of what the hotel offers at Christmas. Festive Afternoon Tea is served through December, alongside dedicated menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, including lunches and evening buffets. Meals focus on seasonal flavors and are designed for both overnight guests and visitors joining just to dine. For those looking to mark the occasion a little more, the Bollinger Christmas Experience is available as an upgrade, adding Champagne moments throughout the stay. With attentive service, festive food, and a peaceful countryside setting, Ettington Park provides a well-rounded option for celebrating Christmas in Warwickshire.

Ettington Park also hosts a wide range of other celebrations, from personal gatherings to corporate events. It works well for team get-togethers, festive nights, and private celebrations like birthdays. Events can be hosted across six meeting and event rooms, each with a comfortable layout suited to modern meetings and social occasions. The largest space, the Long Gallery, can accommodate up to 100 delegates and is often used for conferences, presentations, and larger group events. The hotel also works with trusted local partners to arrange team-building activities, adding something extra to company events. Catering is handled in-house, with chefs and event specialists able to adapt menus for different group needs and preferences. For anyone planning an event here, it is best to contact the team directly to discuss ideas and see what level of customization is possible.