The Cottage in the Wood

The Cheltenham Festival takes place from Tuesday 16 th to Friday 19 th March 2027,and there’s no better base for the biggest week in jump racing than The Cottage inthe Wood. Tucked into the Malvern Hills, within easy reach of the racecourse, weoffer a calm country retreat away from the crowds, and a warm welcome back at theend of every race day.Start each morning with a hearty breakfast and those sweeping views across thevalley, then let us take care of the journey. We can arrange transport to and from theracecourse, so there’s no need to worry about driving, parking or the queues at theend of the day. Whether you’re there for one day or all four, from Champion Day tothe Gold Cup, you can simply enjoy the thrill of the Festival knowing a comfortableroom and a relaxed evening are waiting for you.Back at the hotel, swap the noise of the grandstand for the peace of the hills. Unwindat The Forest Spa, where the sauna and hot tub are the perfect way to warm up aftera day out in the March air. Then settle into the Brasserie to relive the wins (and thenear misses) over a carefully chosen menu of seasonal dishes, small plates andCottage Classics, with a glass of champagne or a well-chosen bottle of wine.Gathering a group? Our private dining rooms are ideal for celebrating with friends orentertaining clients during race week.Festival week is one of our busiest times of year, so we’d recommend booking earlyto secure your stay and your transport.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, so why stop at one evening? Make aweekend of it at The Cottage in the Wood and give romance the time it deserves.Arrive on Friday as the weekend begins and leave the week behind. Settle into theBrasserie for a relaxed first evening, choosing your favourites from our à la cartemenu, whether that’s sharing a selection of small plates or lingering over a CottageClassic and a bottle of something special. It’s the perfect, unhurried start to your timetogether.On Saturday, spend the day exactly as you please. Wander the Malvern Hills hand inhand, take in the sweeping views, then return to unwind at The Forest Spa, wherethe sauna and hot tub are the ideal way to warm up and switch off on a crispFebruary afternoon. As evening falls, dress up a little for our tasting menu, a seriesof beautifully crafted courses that showcase the very best of the season. It’s anevening designed to be savoured, one course and one conversation at a time.Then, on Valentine’s morning itself, wake slowly and join us for a Bucks Fizzbreakfast, our treat for guests staying both nights. There’s no nicer way to raise aglass to each other.Two nights, two very different dinners and one unforgettable morning. Book yourValentine’s weekend now and make the most of every moment together.

The Malvern Hills are made for the festive season. Frosty mornings, woodland walksand far-reaching views give way to twinkling lights and a warm welcome at TheCottage in the Wood, where you’ll feel truly looked after and Christmas feels a littlemore magical.Festive DiningOur kitchen is celebrating with a festive menu full of seasonal favourites. Think roastturkey with all the trimmings, slow-cooked local beef, honey-glazed ham, spiced redcabbage and crisp roast potatoes, followed by rich Christmas pudding, warm mincepies and indulgent chocolate desserts. Add a glass of mulled wine or a festivecocktail as the evening draws in, and the season has truly begun.Whether you’re gathering colleagues and clients for an end-of-year party or bringingfriends and family together for some quality time, join us in the Brasserie or askabout our private dining rooms.Christmas staysChristmas is always a special time at The Cottage in the Wood, and our Christmasstays let you enjoy every moment without lifting a finger. Arrive on Christmas Eve forfestive drinks and dinner, then settle in for a long, leisurely Christmas Day lunch withall the trimmings. On Boxing Day, take a bracing walk on the hills before warming upat The Forest Spa. It’s Christmas without the cooking, the washing up or the stress.Availability is now very limited, so we’d recommend booking soon.See in the New Year in styleThe highlight of our festive calendar is New Year’s Eve, and there’s no better way tocelebrate than with our two-night house party. Gather your favourite people, or comeand meet new ones, for the relaxed, sociable feel of a country house weekend.Enjoy exceptional food, flowing drinks and a lively atmosphere as we count down tomidnight together, without a taxi queue in sight. Then let the second night be allabout slowing down, before waking on New Year’s Day to fresh air and those famousviews. It’s the party and the recovery, all in one.Between the festivities, take time for yourself at The Forest Spa. A session in thesauna warms you through, soothes tired muscles after a winter walk and helps youproperly switch off, while the hot tub lets you soak in the fresh air as the cool breezedrifts through the trees. It’s a lovely way to stay connected to nature in the coldermonths, whatever the weather.Celebrate in style, then unwind in comfort: book our two-night New Year’s Eve houseparty and start the year exactly as you mean to go on.See more

As autumn settles over the Malvern Hills, the woods around The Cottage in theWood turn to copper, amber and gold. Mornings arrive crisp and misty, the viewsstretch out across the valley, and there’s no better time to slow down and stay awhile.In the kitchen, the season sets the menu. Worcestershire orchards are heavy withapples, the hedgerows are full of blackberries, and our chefs make the most of everybit of it. Expect produce from the Vale of Evesham, local game, roasted squash,earthy wild mushrooms and slow-cooked dishes made for chilly evenings, finishedwith a warming blackberry and apple pudding. Pair it with a glass of local cider or awell-chosen red, and settle in for the night.When the weather turns, The Forest Spa is your retreat. A session in the saunawarms you through, eases tired muscles after a day on the hills and helps youunwind, while the hot tub is the perfect place to relax as the cool air drifts through thetrees. It’s a lovely way to stay connected to nature during the colder months,wrapped in warmth and steam, whatever the weather is doing outside.Book rooms

A May Bank Holiday weekend in the Malverns has a particular rhythm to it. Not rushed, not over-planned, but gently unfolding, the kind of break where the days stretch out in the best possible way and the hours seem to soften around the edges.At Cottage in the Wood, that feeling comes naturally. Perched above the treeline in the Malvern Hills, it’s a place that encourages you to slow your pace without needing to think about it. Mornings begin quietly here, windows open to birdsong, soft light moving across the hills, and the simple pleasure of nowhere you need to be.Slow mornings, made for lingeringBank Holiday mornings are best unhurried. There’s no rush to set alarms or fill the day immediately. Instead, breakfast arrives at its own pace, followed by coffee that turns into a second cup without much discussion.For couples, it’s the kind of start that feels like a reset. Sitting together, planning loosely or not at all, watching the weather shift over the landscape, it’s often the smallest moments that set the tone for the rest of the day.And when you do step outside, the Malverns are right there waiting. Walking routes begin almost at the doorstep, offering everything from gentle hillside strolls to longer ridge walks with wide-reaching views across Worcestershire, and beyond.A taste of the local rhythmPart of spending time here is discovering how closely food, place, and people are connected. The Malverns do food well, not in a hurried or showy way, but with real craft and character.Locals often point guests towards independent favourites like Malvern Bakehouse, where early morning pastries are still warm and best enjoyed straight from the bag as you wander back through town. There’s also Faun, relaxed, thoughtful spot where seasonal ingredients do most of the talking and time seems to slow just a little.It’s this sense of ease, of letting meals become moments rather than interruptions, that makes a Bank Holiday here feel different.Back at the hotel, long lunches on the terrace become a natural extension of the morning. Glasses clink softly, conversations drift, and the views across the hills provide a backdrop that asks nothing of you except to stay present a little longer.Days shaped by discovery, not schedulesFor those who like to balance relaxation with a little exploration, there’s plenty nearby.A visit to the iconic Morgan Motor Company offers a glimpse into a very different kind of craftsmanship, hand-built cars still made with precision and pride in Malvern itself. Wine lovers might head out to Two Beacons Vineyard, where wine tasting is best enjoyed with a view of the vines and surrounding countryside, making for a relaxed and memorable experience rooted in place.Or, a short journey away, Wye Valley Brewery offers a completely different kind of experience. Brewery tours here are informal and welcoming, with a real sense of warmth and character, the kind of place where great beer and good conversation naturally go hand in hand.A weekend that stays with youWhat makes a stay over the May Bank Holiday feel so special isn’t any single moment, it’s the way everything fits together. Slow mornings that ease you into the day. Long lunches that drift into the afternoon. Gentle exploration of the local area, shaped by recommendations from people who know it well. Evenings that don’t demand anything more than your presence.At Cottage in the Wood, this is the essence of a well-spent weekend. A chance to step away from pace and pressure, and into something far more restorative.For those looking for a last-minute escape, our seasonal offers page features a selection of stays designed exactly for this kind of unhurried getaway.For more information and to book your walk and stay experience, please call us on 01684 588860, email reception@cottageinthewood.co.uk or book direct online.BOOK YOUR STAY

There’s a certain kind of escape that doesn’t ask you to do more, but to do less. To slow down. To breathe a little deeper. To let the noise of everyday life fall away until all that’s left is the sound of your own footsteps and the quiet rhythm of the natural world around you.Set in the heart of the Malvern Hills, the Cottage in the Wood walking experience offers exactly that, a chance to step out of busy routines and into a landscape that feels open, restorative, and completely unhurried. Here, there are no traffic jams, no crowded streets, no constant demand for attention. Just rolling hills, wide skies, and the simple pleasure of being outdoors.Spending time in nature isn’t just a luxury, it’s proven to support both mental and physical wellbeing. Walking in green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and help reset a mind that’s been running at full speed for too long. In places like the Malverns, that effect is amplified. The views stretch out in every direction, encouraging you to slow your pace, lift your gaze, and simply be where you are.This experience is shaped by small-group guided walks led by Sarah Rousell, whose warm and grounded approach brings the landscape to life. Rather than rushing or overwhelming with detail, Sarah guides guests gently through the hills, sharing insight, stories, and a deep connection to the area. Her presence creates a sense of ease, walking here feels less like an activity and more like time spent in good company, both with others and with nature itself.Back at Cottage in the Wood, everything continues at that same unforced rhythm. It’s a place to slow down completely. Wander in, settle down, and make yourself at home. Good food and deep sleep create an atmosphere of quiet comfort, where nothing needs to be hurried.Evenings are unstructured and calm, mornings arrive softly, and the views are always there, waiting. Gaze out, switch off, and let the stillness do its work.In a world that rarely pauses, this is a rare kind of luxury: the chance to step away, get back to nature, and feel yourself reset, one simple step at a time.For more information and to book your walk and stay experience, please call us on 01684 588860, email reception@cottageinthewood.co.uk or book direct online.BOOK YOUR STAY