Review: The Lygon Arms, Broadway

There are ‘historic’ hotels, and then, there are those that have been attracting the highest calibre of guests for more than 600 years. The Lygon Arms in Broadway falls into the latter category. But what does this Cotswolds hotel have to offer guests beyond the history held by its listed walls? Rebecca Cox checks in to find out. 

STAY

The Lygon Arms is an ever evolving inn. If you’re even remotely interested in English history, asking for a quick tour of the main house upon check-in is a stellar idea, even if only to orient yourself around its crooked halls and historic staircases. A walk around the building will illustrate this evolution in practice; the heart of the building dates back to 1377 when the coaching inn was known as ‘The White Hart’, and though several of these rooms still stand, much has been added on and extended over the years, with the distinctive Tudor features of the common rooms dating from the early 17th century. A step through an archway here, passing through a doorway there, and you’re travelling forwards or backwards in time by several centuries. In the spacious courtyard behind the main house you’ll find the hotel’s most modern accommodations with chic terrace suites less than a hundred years old, and there is soon to be something on offer for those wanting something brand spanking new, too, with rooms and a modern conference centre for weddings and events coming over the next two years.   

Not one to pass up the opportunity to stay in a living museum, however, I checked into a suite in the main house, next door to Charles I’s old bedroom (now the Charles I Suite). The King’s former living room when he was in residence during the English Civil War now serves as the hotel reception, with secret spiral staircases hidden in cupboards for when his majesty needed to make a hasty escape. Oliver Cromwell also stayed at the Lygon Arms, most famously the night before the decisive Battle of Worcester, and a sketch of him leaning against the fireplace in his bedroom now hangs in the spacious Cromwell Room, which can be hired for events. King Edward VII and Edward VIII are also former guests, and if you’re looking for more modern starry entries in the guestbook you’ll find Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who checked in during the height of their affair in 1963. That’s quite enough name-dropping for one hotel (oh, actually Kylie Minogue has reportedly spent the night too), and this Cotswolds gem has more to offer than star power. 

Charles I Suite

Picked up a decade ago by Iconic Luxury Hotels (Chewton Glen, Cliveden House) in 2015, the hotel underwent a multi-million pound makeover, restoring historic features and introducing sophisticated interiors by Anita Rosato, new rooms, an updated luxe spa, and stunning dining venues. Whether your room is old or new, you’ll find an enticing country-cosy aesthetic, enormous comfy bed with a tartan headboard, Noble Isle toiletries, Gordon Russell antique furniture. (And possibly Tudor wood panels, original fireplaces and crooked, creaky floorboards.)

EAT

There are two restaurants at The Lygon Arms to choose from, both helmed by James Martin. Tavern offers informal dining and light bites (alongside expertly mixed cocktails and a great selection of wines) while Grill serves up fine cuisine under the stunning vaulted ceiling of a former ballroom, giant antlered chandeliers crafted from the heads of deer that once lined the walls of this storied hall. Food is of the comforting variety, elevated British dining with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. From the local asparagus to the crisp Faroe Island salmon, everything is expertly prepared and beautifully cooked. The warm sourdough cob with salted butter (the bread course sets the tone, always) is divine. And for pudding, don’t miss the rhubarb pavlova, a surprising summer delight. 

Breakfast is also served here, buffet style and a la carte, and should be taken at leisure, preferably after a dip in the pool and a steam or sauna. 

Lygon Arms Pool

SPA

If the historic residences or celebrity chef isn’t enough of a draw, the stunning Victorian galleried swimming pool should do the trick. During my visit, sun poured through the glass ceiling and I had the pool all to myself for a morning dip: what bliss. There is also a large steam room and jacuzzi by the pool, plus saunas in the changing rooms. Upstairs you’ll find spacious treatment rooms where you can opt for a range of body and facial treatments; the Oskia bespoke facial comes highly recommended. The high-tech gym is also a draw, though you may want to ditch the indoor workout, pull on some walking boots and set about exploring this stunning slice of the Cotswolds. 

DO 

Beyond the hotel, Broadway high street is well worth exploring, with independent shops, vintage boutiques, gift shops, a deli and several pubs and cafes worth stopping into. Broadway Tower is a 40-minute walk away, with Blenheim Palace within striking distance by car, too. Broadway has a strong connection to the arts, often described as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds,’ since it became an artistic hub in the late 19th century, attracting figures like William Morris and John Singer Sargent. It fostered the arts and crafts movement and inspired the local craftsman Gordon Russell. Today, the town’s artistic legacy thrives through local galleries, the Gordon Russell Design Museum, and the biennial Broadway Arts Festival.

THE FINAL WORD 

One warning note for the chaotic and haphazard, there’s another ‘Lygon Arms’ in the neighbouring market Chipping Campden, so set your satnav carefully if you don’t want to arrive late and slightly embarrassed. Once in (the right) place and checked in, slow down and reset to Cotswolds time, back as far as you want in the Lygon’s storied history, and prioritise art, food and some good old fashioned R&R. Your stay stands to become another notch in the history of this iconic hotel, which if it continues to evolve, may just keep welcoming guests for another 600 years yet. 

BOOK

Rooms from £214 (Main House, x2 adults, breakfast included) | lygonarmshotel.co.uk