The Wood Norton Hotel

Located up a short driveway, the four-pearl Wood Norton is an elegant, red brick manor house set in extensive and immaculately arranged grounds. Stepping inside the scene is no less impressive, with swathes of beautifully carved oak paneling, original mosaic and parquet floors, and general air of period grandeur. Built as a hunting lodge and residence for exiled French royalty at the end of the 19th century, the property was then bought by the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1939 for use as a listening and emergency broadcasting station, and then sold and opened as a hotel over 60 years later (the BBC has retained purpose-built facilities in the grounds for technical training). More recently in 2012 the hotel underwent a four million pound refurbishment project that restored the period features to their original glory while adding sympathetic contemporary elements. The nature of the property attracts a good share of corporate business events and functions, but is also very popular with couples looking for a quiet and romantic weekend away. 

This hotel is set in the West Midlands' countryside close to the Worcestershire town of Evesham just off the A44. About 20 minutes' drive from the M5 motorway means easy access by car to Birmingham to the north (just under an hour) and south to Bristol (also just over an hour). Located on the northern edge of the picturesque Cotswolds, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon is 25 minutes' drive away and the pretty and historic city of Worcester is about the same distance. The nearest public transport can be found about five minutes' cab journey away at Evesham train station. 

The hotel's 50 rooms are spread between the main building (Hall Rooms) and converted former stables and coach house (Pear Tree Rooms). Most of the accommodations have a fresh, modern feel with smart contemporary furnishings and carpeted floors. Free high-speed Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles come standard, while clean, traditionally styled bathrooms have heated towel rails and Molton Brown toiletries. Suites, however, are particularly special and have retained most of the original wood-paneled splendor; they provide an added dose of luxury with extras such as big soaking tubs. 

Breakfast including a full English option is served overlooking the gardens in the elegant wood-paneled restaurant or on the alfresco terrace (and is included in the room rate). An a la carte dinner is also served every evening, while the more modern bar provides drinks, lighter meals, and afternoon tea. There is a bright and modern gym and fitness room located in separate building that used to be a BBC studio (and still has a few fixtures from the time). The hotel also offers impressive conference and events facilities, though there is no spa or swimming pool. Wi-Fi is free throughout.