June 2025 ∙ On a beautiful Sunday in June, we ventured down to Burleigh Court in Minchinhampton near Stroud. We were here for what turned out to be the perfect afternoon escape in the Cotswolds.

We started with a wander through the gorgeous grounds and we went exploring in the kitchen and vegetable garden, then had a fantastic lunch in the restaurant, and finally, a relaxing time in the Wellness Garden.

Burleigh Court boasts some of the best views of the Cotswolds, the atmosphere throughout the hotel is warm and friendly, and service here strikes the perfect balance of relaxed and first-class, making every aspect of our visit complete perfection.

A wander in the garden

Burleigh Court prioritises sustainability, with their kitchen and vegetable garden supplying organic, seasonal produce for their “garden to plate” dining experience. They also nurture their own “Burleigh Bees,” producing delicious honey, reflecting their deep commitment to nature.

The grounds and gardens at Burleigh Court are vast and wonderful, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration. You’ll find hammocks, loungers, and tables and chairs thoughtfully placed in all areas, so wherever tickles your fancy, there’s something for you. There are so many charming corners to explore, from the buzzing beehives to a huge swing nestled in one of the tall trees, a tranquil little pond, and vibrant flower gardens, with so much more to discover.

Our fantastic lunch

Alright, let’s talk about lunch, because at Burleigh Court, that’s something special. We kicked things off just right, with warm, crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle sourdough bread, ready for a generous dunk in olive oil and balsamic – honestly, is there any better way to start a meal? Then came the halloumi dish, a vibrant plate of citrus-infused lentils, chickpeas, beets, and pickled red onion. It was fresh, zesty, and just completely delicious.

But then, the main event: the vegan mushroom Wellington. Now, we’ve had our fair share of Wellingtons, it’s pretty much our go-to if it’s on a menu, but this one? This was next level. It arrived beautifully presented on a silky cauliflower puree, a delicate thin pancake encasing the mushrooms inside the pastry, and confit of beetroot and candied walnuts on the side. And those candied walnuts… they were so good, we almost asked for a whole bag of them to take home. This Wellington wasn’t just everything you could wish for; it was more. Each element sang, elevating a classic dish into something truly memorable, bursting with incredible flavour and textures.

For dessert, we kept it light and lovely with ice cream, the perfect refreshing end to what was a superb fine dining experience.

The Wellness Garden

After our lovely lunch, we made our way to the wellness garden. This poolside oasis is a tranquil outdoor spa garden, a truly peaceful place for wellbeing that we absolutely loved. The Wellness Garden offers a hot tub jacuzzi with massage jets, a sauna, and a historic plunge pool for refreshing dips.

Our time in The Wellness Garden was an absolute dream. Stepping into this tranquil spa garden felt like finding a hidden oasis. The air was calm, the sun warm, and the refreshing pool, generously sized for a proper swim, beckoned us in. Every moment spent unwinding here was pure bliss, a real escape that left us rejuvenated and very happy.

Book your own experience at Burleigh Court

Wellness Garden day visitors can book to use the wellness garden from Tuesday to Sunday with any lunch or afternoon tea booking between 11 am and 3 pm for up to 2 hours. There’s a charge of £25 per person, with £15 held towards your lunch or afternoon tea booking, and spaces are subject to availability.

∙ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT BURLEIGH COURT ∙