A Tranquil Retreat: Cadbury House Hotel Near Bristol’s Scenic Countryside
Nestled on the slopes of Cadbury Hill, with woodland behind and views over North Somerset fields, Cadbury House Hotel in Congresbury offers a countryside feel while being just 30 minutes from Bristol. Our stay in the glamorous Loft Suite, complete with cocktails and dinner at the Marco Pierre White restaurant, was a delightful experience, ideal for couples, friends, and multi-generational family groups.
Driving up to the hotel, I was struck by the beautifully landscaped gardens that created a country house feel while cleverly concealing ample parking. The modern extension, seamlessly integrated with the older house, complemented its style with matching roof and gables.
Entering through the hotel’s striking modern entrance, featuring large windows and a living wall of foliage, we were warmly greeted and offered the famous Doubletree cookies, which we quickly devoured.
The historic Cadbury House, built in 1790 as a private residence and later used as St David’s boarding school and a Country Club, was converted into the current 4-star hotel in 2003 under the Doubletree by Hilton brand. This transformation included a £26 million renovation of the original house and the addition of a modern hotel building with 132 rooms. The hotel is conveniently located near Bristol Airport, making it an ideal choice for travelers with early flights.
Adjacent to the old Cadbury House is The Club, a leisure center with a pool, gym, and spa, open to both hotel guests and non-residents. There are two large car parks for convenience.
Arriving early, I explored the lovely gardens, featuring terraced lawns, an ornamental lake with a fountain, and various seating areas. The garden also includes a life-size metal cow, a dovecote, and a tin shepherd’s hut converted into a children’s playroom, all beautifully maintained with doves and pheasants roaming the lawns.
Our Loft Suite on the 5th floor offered stunning garden views and a luxurious, glamorous design inspired by 1930s art deco. The suite featured a king-size mirrored four-poster bed, an open-style bathroom with a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, and dual sinks, making it perfect for couples celebrating special occasions. The room also had a seating area, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a velvet sofa, another TV, a fridge, a minibar, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
The bathroom was well-appointed with Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries and a spacious walk-in shower. The room’s large bathtub and garden view from the window added to the luxury.
Curious about other rooms, I learned that all bedrooms are in the modern part of the hotel, with the older house now used for functions. The hotel offers standard and deluxe rooms, with the latter providing garden views, complimentary mineral water, and dressing gowns. Room options include twin or king-size beds, family rooms, and sofa beds.
We explored the hotel’s surroundings, including Cadbury Hill, an Iron Age hill fort site with paths and scenic viewpoints. The hill is a nature reserve, promoting wildflower growth and featuring grazing in spring and autumn.
Before dinner, we enjoyed the hotel’s spa facilities, including the indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and an adults-only relaxation area with a sun terrace. The Marconi cafe and Bardolino pizzeria, both part of the Marco Pierre White group, offer casual dining options, but we dined at the sophisticated Marco Pierre White steakhouse, bar, and grill.
The restaurant’s ambiance, a mix of a gentlemen’s club and a glamorous nightclub, set the stage for a memorable meal. We started with a strawberry daiquiri and Mediterranean fish soup, followed by a delicious Chateaubriand steak for two, accompanied by Bearnaise and peppercorn sauces, a green salad with truffle oil dressing, and triple-cooked chips. For dessert, we enjoyed the Box Tree Mess, a delightful mix of meringue, cream, and summer fruit.
Breakfast in the same restaurant included a variety of pastries, cereals, fruit, cheese, hot dishes, and specialty coffees, setting us up for the day ahead.
Located in Congresbury, just 30 minutes from Bristol and near Bristol Airport, Cadbury House Hotel offers a rural feel despite its excellent transport links. With its convenient location, beautiful setting, and range of amenities, it is an excellent choice for business meetings, conferences, and leisure breaks for couples, families, and groups.
For more information or to book a stay:
Address: Frost Hill, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5AD
Email: info@cadburyhouse.com
Phone: 01934 834343