Nestled atop a picturesque hill overlooking Box Valley, Rudloe Arms Hotel is an enchanting getaway that blends Victorian charm with modern luxury.
Located just eight miles from the historic city of Bath and close to the Wiltshire town of Corsham, this idyllic retreat is set amidst 20 acres of lush lawns and fields.
Location and Surroundings
The hotel’s prime location offers guests sweeping views of the Box Valley and the opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna within its expansive grounds. During my stay, I was delighted to spot Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, Wiltshire Horn sheep, cows, hens, guinea fowl, and turkeys roaming freely.
You can savour a refreshing drink outside a traditional shepherd’s hut in the summer months and guests can also bask in the shade of a banana tree in the hotel’s ‘secret garden’. The surrounding countryside also provides ample opportunities for picturesque walks, visits to nearby attractions like Lacock Abbey and Holburne Museum of Art, and even a round of golf at Bath Golf Club.
Style and Character
The Rudloe Arms Hotel truly lives up to Marco Pierre White’s vision of “a home not a hotel”. The Victorian building, which has served as a hotel since 1961, has undergone a complete renovation, with painstaking attention to detail aimed at restoring and reclaiming its original character. The exposed stone staircase and Pierre White’s personal collection of antiques, curios, toys, and modern art add to the hotel’s unique charm.
The eclectic mix of roe deer antlers, exquisite mobiles by Daniel Chadwick, and classic celebrity photographs by David Bailey, Terry O’Neill, and Bob Carlos Clarke create an atmosphere that is both captivating and inviting.
Service and Facilities
The Rudloe Arms boasts four small lounges on the ground floor, each with a distinct theme and supremely comfortable Howard sofas and chairs. I particularly enjoyed the lounge adorned with antlers and mounted fish, which provided a cozy spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
The hotel offers smart wellies and outdoor jackets for guests who wish to venture out into the grounds, which are designed for walking and even feature shepherd’s huts for glamping. I found the service to be charming and unobtrusive, with staff members consistently going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.
Facilities at the hotel include a bar, pool, restaurant, and room service, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Rooms
The Rudloe Arms comprises 10 rooms in the main house and 36 rooms in the more contemporary Treetops building, which is a short walk away. The rooms in the main house are nothing short of spectacular, offering ample space, fabulous white-tiled bathrooms with Moroccan tiled floors, freestanding bathtubs, and luxurious Elements products.
Each subtly lit room features a unique theme, such as the works of David Bailey or Expressionist paintings, and even includes a charming rocking horse at the foot of the bed. Wooden floors are adorned with rugs, and the supremely comfortable beds boast rattan headboards.
In lieu of televisions, rooms are equipped with Roberts Radios, though tablets are available upon request. The more modern Treetops suites and rooms come with showers and televisions for guests seeking a contemporary touch.
Food and Drink
The hotel’s restaurant, under the guidance of former three Michelin Star-holder Marco Pierre White, is undoubtedly a standout feature. Head Chef Phil Bayliss crafts daily-changing menus that boast supremely inventive dishes, often reflecting classical French cuisine.
During my stay, I indulged in an innovative tagliatelle made from strips of squid served with ink, a ravioli of snails, and a succulent Cornish sea bass accompanied by a sauce mousseline. For dessert, I couldn’t resist the retro baba au Kirsch, which proved to be the perfect sweet ending to a memorable meal.
The exceptional breakfast offerings include Wiltshire ham and eggs, as well as an assiette of English charcuterie that is not to be missed.
Value for Money
With double rooms in the main house starting from £145 and Treetops rooms from £85 year-round, I found the Rudloe Arms Hotel to offer excellent value for money, considering the impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and outstanding dining experience.
Accessibility
The hotel caters to guests with disabilities by offering ground-floor rooms with walk-in showers in the Treetops building.
Family-Friendly?
While the extensive grounds provide ample space for children to run around and explore, Rudloe Arms is primarily geared towards a more grown-up audience, making it an ideal destination for a romantic country escape.
In Conclusion
Rudloe Arms Hotel near Bath offers a tranquil country escape that seamlessly blends Victorian charm with modern luxury. Whether you’re a foodie seeking an exceptional dining experience, a couple in search of a romantic getaway, or a solo traveler looking to unwind in the heart of the English countryside, this enchanting hotel is sure to exceed your expectations.