Buckland Manor

Buckland Manor, Broadway: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Buckland Manor, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the tranquil Cotswolds village of Buckland, offers guests a quintessential English country house experience steeped in charm and heritage. This 13th-century manor, with its sprawling gardens and elegant interiors, is widely praised for its exceptional service, exquisite dining, and serene location, making it a highly romantic and relaxing retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Buckland Manor is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "beautiful," "charming," "amazing," and an "incredible joy" to stay. The hotel consistently receives high ratings for its staff, cleanliness, comfort, and location. Many reviewers highlight a feeling of stepping back in time and appreciating the property's rich history. While some minor critiques exist, the overarching sentiment is one of a luxurious and memorable escape.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Buckland Manor for several standout features:

• Country House Atmosphere & Design: The manor exudes a "country house atmosphere" with elegant lounges, crackling fireplaces in winter, wood-paneled walls, and curated antique furnishings, creating a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance. The 13th-century building itself, with its Cotswold stone, is considered spectacular.
• Immaculate Gardens & Grounds: The hotel is set within ten acres of "sumptuous" and "lovingly tended" gardens featuring croquet lawns and tennis courts, providing a "serene retreat" and beautiful views.
• Exceptional Service: The staff receives widespread acclaim for being "excellent," "attentive," "lovely and helpful," "friendly," "thoughtful," and "a credit to this hotel."
• Dining Experience: The award-winning restaurant is frequently cited as a major draw, offering "delicious" and "fantastic" food.

3. Room Quality

Buckland Manor offers 15 individually furnished rooms and suites, ranging from Classic to Master Rooms. The rooms are described as "sumptuous," "gracious," "comfortable," and "elegant," reflecting the history of the house with antiques and fine fabrics. Guests can expect amenities such as bathrobes, fresh apples, toiletries, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, and free WiFi. Some rooms feature four-poster beds or antique furnishings, and some bathrooms utilize water from the Manor's own spring. Reviewers have noted the "plump and soft" beds and pillows, ensuring a perfect night's slumber. While generally comfortable, one guest noted their room was "a little cold" upon arrival.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Buckland Manor is a significant highlight. The award-winning restaurant is celebrated for its fine dining and modern British menu, which often features fresh, locally sourced produce from the Vale of Evesham and herbs from the Manor's own grounds. Guests have described the food as "out of this world fantastic" and "delicious, interesting and stunningly presented." The hotel also boasts a magnificent wine cellar. A "hearty breakfast" is served, with options like the "Buckland Breakfast" including local sausage, dry-cured bacon, and black pudding. Afternoon tea is also a popular offering, available in the lounges or gardens. Dinner and Sunday lunch typically have a smart casual dress code, with gentlemen requested to wear a jacket in the dining room.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Buckland Manor consistently receive outstanding reviews. Guests frequently use words like "exceptional," "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and "thoughtful" to describe their interactions. Staff members are praised for making guests feel "at home" and going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is often described as "quick and seamless."

6. Location & Accessibility

Buckland Manor is situated in the tranquil village of Buckland, overlooking the Cotswolds, and seamlessly blends into the surrounding ten acres of grounds. This location offers "peaceful seclusion" and a sense of "splendid isolation." It is a six-minute drive or a 40-minute stroll from the larger and more touristy town of Broadway. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds' busier attractions while providing a calm retreat. The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the M5 Motorway and less than 12 miles from Ashchurch for Tewkesbury Rail Station. Moreton-in-Marsh, another market town with a train station, is a 20-minute drive away. The property is also conveniently located near attractions like Broadway Tower, Hidcote Manor Gardens, and Sudeley Castle.

7. Value & Pricing

Buckland Manor is a luxury hotel, and its pricing reflects this. As of late January 2026, a one-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $260-$339 USD (or around £310 GBP) excluding taxes and fees, with prices subject to change. The most expensive month to stay is typically May, while April is generally the cheapest. While considered a worthwhile indulgence by many, the value for money rating is sometimes noted as 7.5 out of 10.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some minor criticisms and considerations have been noted by guests:

• Dining Consistency: A few older reviews suggest that the food, while generally good, could sometimes be perceived as "good-ish, but certainly could be better" or "tired." More recent feedback indicates food not being hot enough at times, or starters being given to the wrong table.
• Limited Amenities: Buckland Manor lacks a spa, gym, or pool facilities, which might be a consideration for some guests seeking a wider range of leisure options.
• Room Temperature & Outlets: One guest mentioned their room was "a little cold when we arrived," and another noted a lack of modern USB or C connectors and weak extra plug locations.
• No Cribs Available: The hotel does not provide cribs (infant beds).
• No Children Under 10: Some sources indicate children under 10 are not allowed. (However, other sources mention children are welcome in the restaurant until 8:00 PM and have a "Garden Menu for our V.I.L.P.").
• Formal Dress Code: The requirement for gentlemen to wear a jacket in the dining room for dinner and Sunday lunch might be seen as a minor inconvenience for some.

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