• Festive Afternoon Tea at Ellenborough Park

    December 2020: We arrived at beautiful Ellenborough Park on this cold December day, walking through the grounds, enjoying the winter sun and looking forward to what was going to be a memorable three hours of pure afternoon tea bliss.

     

    In the Christmas spirit

    We were welcomed warmly by everyone and shown to the stunning Great Hall, beautifully decorated for Christmas, and invited to take our seats in the biggest, softest, most wonderful sofa. We sat down, we were served Champagne, we chose our teas and was told our afternoon tea was on the way…………. and just like that, we were truly feeling in the Christmas spirit for the first time this year.

     

     

    A delightful feast

    Five minutes later, our festive afternoon tea arrived.. and it was a delightful feast for the eyes. Over the next three hours we had the most wonderful and relaxing time, enjoying the surroundings and the beauty of the Great Hall at Ellenborough Park, and the delicious finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.

     

     

    The interesting history of Ellenborough Park

    Half way through our afternoon tea experience, a lovely gentleman approached our table and introduced himself as Jonathan Bennett, Concierge and House Historian of Ellenborough Park. He asked us if we were interested in knowing anything about the house and of course we were. We asked him to tell us about the Great Hall we were in, and he started telling us the history of the place. And what an incredibly interesting history it is. The very room where we were, The Great Hall, was built as the first building built back in 1485, had been visited by kings and queens, had been the setting of scandal and controversy, had survived war and rivalry, and for only 50 years been used as a hotel. It was fascinating to hear him speak about this incredibly interesting building, and rather than tell you all about it, I urge you to visit Ellenborough Park and ask for Jonathan. Oh, and when you do, ask him about ghosts… ask him if Elvis ever stayed at Ellenborough ; )

     

    Stunning building, stunning grounds

    Ellenborough Park is one of the most impressive buildings, the most impressive grounds, in all of the Cotswolds and beyond.  For hundreds of years the buildings have stood the test of time and today they are as stunning as ever. The grounds are impressive and to top it all off, the view of Cheltenham Racecourse impresses from the front… we’ve never been on a race-day, but it must be an impressive sight.

     

    A sweet five star experience

    We have enjoyed so many special afternoon teas in the Cotswolds, and this festive afternoon tea at Ellenborough Park was among the very best ever. It left us with a warm feeling of happiness, a lovely memory of an afternoon spent in beautiful surroundings and a sweet culinary experience worthy of five stars.

    Mette ∙ Cotswolds Concierge

    For a festive treat this December, book your afternoon tea at Ellenborough Park in the run up to Christmas HERE.

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