a hotel with heritage
If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway that blends heritage, relaxation and a touch of literary romance, Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa offers all that and more. Nestled in the Warwickshire countryside just a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon, this elegant 16th-century manor is full of surprises and makes the ideal base for a memorable escape. Please click on this link to see some more images in my Instagram post.
getting there
We travelled from South West London by car, which took just over 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. The journey is straightforward via the M40, making it an easy and scenic drive into the heart of Shakespeare country. While train travel is possible (the nearest station is Stratford-upon-Avon), it's a little trickier if you want to visit the surrounding highlights like Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (this is divine by the way and not to be missed!) and Cliveden National Trust. A car really does give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
step into history at billesley manor
Billesley Manor is steeped in over 900 years of history. Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, the manor was once owned by the powerful Trussell family and has survived everything from the Magna Carta rebellion to the Black Death.
Set in 11 acres of beautiful gardens, the manor features an enchanting Victorian topiary garden shaped like a giant chessboard and a tiny, atmospheric church on the grounds, All Saints Church, where local legend claims William Shakespeare may have written As You Like It and possibly even married Anne Hathaway. While the parish records have been lost, Shakespeare’s great-granddaughter is known to have wed there, so the link to the Bard still runs strong.
Inside, the hotel combines Jacobean oak panelling with luxurious modern touches following a sensitive £5 million refurbishment. Think secret staircases, a cosy As You Like It Lounge, sumptuous bedrooms (including one called “Shakespeare’s Room”) and a modern spa with indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.
unknown facts about the manor
Hidden History: The remains of a medieval village still lie in the fields east of the estate, visible as ancient earthworks.
Topiary Wonderland: The manor’s iconic chess-piece-shaped topiary garden is more than 125 years old and a favourite for photographers and garden lovers alike.
Priest Hole & Panelled Passages: A remaining priest hole hidden above a fireplace and secret staircases give this manor a true sense of adventure.
explore stratford-upon-avon
Just 10 minutes from the manor lies Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace and a treasure trove of Elizabethan charm. You can visit:
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Hall’s Croft (home of his daughter)
- New Place (his last home)
- The Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Shottery, a thatched 500-year-old farmhouse where Shakespeare’s wife lived before their marriage. The gardens and interiors are beautifully preserved. It took me back to the book 'Hamnet' written by Maggie O'Farrell.
On your return journey, make time for a visit to Cliveden, a magnificent National Trust property in Berkshire (about a 1.5-hour drive south from Billesley). With spectacular formal gardens, woodland walks and sweeping views of the River Thames, Cliveden has a rich and sometimes scandalous history, from royal visits to 1960s political drama. It’s the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a riverside stroll or indulge in afternoon tea.
Whether you’re a history lover, garden enthusiast, Shakespeare fan, or simply in need of a stylish and serene retreat, Billesley Manor and its surrounding gems promise a magical weekend of timeless English charm.
