Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa: English charm, history, elegance, luxury, Michelin-starred dining and an award-winning spa: this is Britain’s quintessential 5-Star country house escape
By the time Eion married Jean and they made Lucknam their full-time home, the courtyard buzzed with grooms, the stables housed racehorses and hunters, and what’s now the elegant Snowdrop bedroom served as a tack room. Apples filled the dovecôte like hidden treasures. Jean brought order to the chaos, but World War II thrust the estate into siege mode once more. Airmen from the nearby aerodrome would land on the mile-long drive, camouflaging their Spitfires and Hurricanes beneath the Beech and Lime Avenue’s leafy canopy. Windows were taped with brown paper and netting to thwart shattering glass, and the whole mansion hunkered down with just three fires for warmth. During air raids, the household dashed to the dining room, diving under the billiard table for cover. Even Queen Mary, ensconced at nearby Badminton House, paid visits—though history remains coy on whether Her Majesty ever joined the billiard-table brigade.
Eion passed in 1966 at age 63, leading to the estate’s sale, and by 1987, it transformed into the luxurious hotel we know today, still under dedicated ownership. Now proudly part of Accor’s elite Emblems Collection (as its debut flagship property in Europe since late 2025), Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa gleams brighter than ever.Just six miles from Bath, this Palladian masterpiece sprawls across 500 acres of manicured gardens and parkland—one of Britain’s premier country-house escapes. It boasts 42 individually designed rooms and suites, blending classic English charm with modern luxury, plus nine enchanting self-catering luxury cottages dotted across the grounds for those craving extra privacy or family space.
Leisure pursuits evoke the estate’s landed heritage: scenic walks through ancient woodlands, cycling on provided bikes, tennis on two all-weather courts, croquet on velvet lawns, and seasonal hunting with the Beaufort. The equestrian centre, a highlight for many, now stables 35 horses and ponies suited to every rider—from wide-eyed beginners on their first pony to seasoned pros tackling cross-country or dressage. Add in clay pigeon shooting and archery for a dash of adrenaline, and you’ve got endless ways to embrace the great outdoors.
The 42 bedrooms and suites are a masterclass in refined English luxury—each one uniquely designed, no two alike, drawing on the mansion’s heritage with exquisite antique pieces, sumptuous fabrics, and four-poster beds that whisper of bygone eras. From cosy Classic Rooms tucked in the main house or courtyard, with their plush double beds swathed in Egyptian cotton and views over manicured lawns, to spacious Manor Rooms perfect for families (with room for an extra bed or cot), the accommodations feel like private retreats within the estate. Step up to Junior Suites overlooking the rose garden, where separate sitting areas invite quiet evenings with a book or Ruark DAB Bluetooth radio tunes, or indulge in opulent Grand Suites and Grand Master Suites featuring stately four-posters (some requiring a charming footstool for that regal climb), open fireplaces for crackling winter evenings, separate lounges with dining tables, writing desks, and marble bathrooms stocked with ESPA toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Modern comforts abound—flat-screen TVs (larger in higher categories), complimentary Wi-Fi, safes, and 24-hour room service—ensuring effortless relaxation amid the grandeur. For even more seclusion, the nine luxury self-catering cottages scattered across the grounds offer spacious living with kitchens, gardens, and the freedom to unwind like true estate residents.
The award-winning Spa, nestled within the historic walled garden (where Hywel Jones once sourced his veg—now he forages elsewhere), is a sanctuary of serenity, recently retaining its 5 Bubble Luxury rating from the Good Spa Guide. Dive into the 20-metre indoor pool, unwind in the indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool overlooking the arboretum, or indulge in eight state-of-the-art treatment rooms offering personalised massages, facials, and holistic therapies. Five thermal cabins, a post-treatment relaxation lounge, and a social space with a skincare mixology bar complete the bliss, alongside a top-tier gym for those who prefer their zen with a workout.
Dining here is nothing short of spectacular, drawing raves from critics who chronicle each course like Olympic triumphs. At the helm of Restaurant Hywel Jones is the eponymous executive chef, whose innovative Modern British cuisine has held a Michelin Star for an astonishing 21 consecutive years (plus three AA Rosettes)—a feat celebrated anew in 2026 with the restaurant’s luxurious refurbishment that has elevated the space to new heights of elegance and sophistication. The seasonal tasting menu weaves a narrative of Britain’s finest produce with contemporary lightness: expect signature highlights like perfectly seared Roast Scottish Diver Scallops paired with girolles and delicate sauces; day boat turbot with cucumber chutney, sea vegetables, and luxurious Oscietra caviar; heritage beetroot tart with creamy Somerset ricotta; succulent Andrew Morgan’s Brecon lamb with Wye Valley asparagus, morel mushrooms, and wild garlic; and elegant finishes such as white chocolate with yuzu and wild strawberry or Charentais melon with sweet wine. These dishes showcase Hywel’s mastery—rich yet refined, seasonal yet timeless—using top-quality local ingredients to create harmonious, story-driven plates that feel both indulgent and effortless. For a more relaxed vibe, the Walled Garden Restaurant, led by Head Chef Alex Greene, serves seasonal delights from breakfast to dinner, with two AA Rosettes for its ever-evolving menu of summer barbecues, hearty winter roasts, and inventive classics—all in a casual, garden-inspired setting.
Lucknam Park pursues perfection not with stuffy formality, but with the warm hospitality of a gracious host entertaining old friends—from wartime pilots to royalty. It’s a place where history whispers through every corridor, yet every amenity feels fresh and forward-looking—especially now with the revitalised Restaurant Hywel Jones inviting guests (and our gourmet Members) to be among the first to experience its renewed splendour and tantalising seasonal tasting menus.
For CountryClubuk Members seeking the best rates at Lucknam Park—often the most advantageous anywhere—this return to our portfolio means unparalleled value on stays at one of Britain’s most acclaimed country-house hotels. Our Members enjoy up to 20% off the best available public rates, with a complimentary instant room upgrade to boot.
Lucknam Park
Colerne
Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 8AZ
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