Bowood hotel opens to the public

The Bowood estate's long-planned country house hotel and spa officially opened its doors to the public this weekend.

The 43-bedroom hotel and spa at Bowood, Wiltshire, which has been home to the Lansdowne family since 1754, is set within a 2,000-acre Grade-I listed park, which features an 18-hole championship golf course.

Alongside the existing Bowood Golf & Country Club, the new three-story hotel has 37 bedrooms and six suites. It also houses the 82-seat Shelburne Restaurant & Bar and two lounges (The Library and the Morning Room).

The spa comprises a 15m swimming pool, hot pool, crystal steam room, rock sauna, aromatherapy showers, gym and spa bar.

The official opening of Bowood's hotel was attended by the Duchess of Cornwall.

Lord Lansdowne said: "We are extremely honoured to have the new hotel and spa officially opened by Her Royal Highness, and thank her hugely for joining us today.

"Her presence today acknowledges the dedication and tireless work of so many and we are delighted that she could be with us to see a vision of more than 20 years come to fruition."

The present Marquis of Lansdowne opened Bowood House & Gardens to the public in 1975 and since then some four million people have visited.

Over half the house is open to the public (with the family living in the remainder) as well as over 100 acres of gardens and grounds.

Read Caterer's interview with the general manager of the property here

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By Gemma Sharkey

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