Checking into Billesley Manor I knew that I was actually walking in Shakespeare's own footsteps. It is here in Billesley Manor that he married his beloved Anne Hathaway in 1582. He also penned "As You Like It" in this very manor in 1599. So I was more than excited to see what actually staying in an Elizabethan Manor House in the Cotswolds was really like. #shakespeare #cotwolds

I literally felt like royalty driving into the beautiful grounds of Billesley Manor and seeing the breathtaking Elizabethan Manor House for the first time. Guys! I was actually walking in Shakespeare’s own footsteps. It is here in Billesley Manor that he married his beloved Anne Hathaway in 1582. He also penned “As You Like It” in this very manor in 1599. So I was more than excited to see what actually staying in an Elizabethan Manor House in the Cotswolds was really like and I’m ready to spill the beans to you guys.

Staying at Billesley Manor Cotswolds. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
I felt like lady of the Manor

Where is Billesley Manor?

Located just about 15 minutes from Shakespeare’s home town of Stratford-upon-Avon you will find this breathtaking 16th Century Elizabethan Manor House. Technically just outside of the Cotswolds it is still the perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of England.

Shakespeare's birth house, Stratford upon Avon. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Shakespeare’s birth house in Stratford Upon Avon
Tudor Architecture in Stratford upon Avon. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Tudor architecture of Stratford upon Avon

As You Like It

The history here is just tangible. Billesley Manor is referenced in the Domesday Book and the property has an 11th century church on its grounds where Shakespeare is believed to have married Anne Hathaway. Perhaps the most magical thought of all is that local legend claims that Shakespeare wrote “As You Like It” in the Library of this beautiful Manor House. You certainly feel the presence of this great Bard here and you can just imagine him writing the immortal line “The whole world is a stage” while looking out at the beautiful gardens.

The church where Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
The beautiful little church on the grounds of Billesley Manor where Shakespeare reportedly married Anne Hathaway
The church where Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
The church where Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
The church where Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
The church where Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
The library where Shakespeare wrote As you Like it at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Shakespeare wrote As You Like It looking out of this very window!

Billesley Manor is the perfect place for immersing yourself in all things Shakespeare and exploring the Cotswolds.

The facilities of Billesley Manor

The Spa at Billesley Manor offers the perfect haven to relax and unwind. Accessible via the Manor’s historic Topiary Garden, this peaceful setting has everything you need to slow down and take some time out. Make use of all the Hotel’s facilities, which include a 15-metre swimming pool and health suite.

The entrance to the topiary garden at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
The entrance to the beautiful topiary garden.

The grounds of the hotel itself are really beautiful. There is a 100 year old topiary garden in the style of a chess board just waiting to be explored.

Gardens at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Beautiful grounds of Billesley Manor
The gardens at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Somebody pinch me!
The gardens at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
The gardens at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com

Food at Billesley Manor

Food at Billesley Manor is served in both the Bar and The Stuart Restaurant which is in authentic Elizabethan style. The Weather was so gorgeous that we enjoyed some delicious bar food out in the garden and breakfast was a traditional style English breakfast buffet.

Dining at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com

Bedrooms at Billesley Manor

Depending on your budget they are five different styles of rooms available at Billesley Manor.

Four Poster Bed

So if you are going to stay in an Elizabethan Manor House how can you not go all out and soak up the romance of one of the more exclusive rooms with a four poster bed. If you stay in one of these rooms look out for beautiful period features such as original panelling, period fireplaces, chandeliers and even secret cupboards!

The bathrooms are luxurious with traditional double basins and cosy, fluffy robes. The Shakespeare Suite even have a fireplace in the bathroom.

Bedrooms at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com

Let me tell you a secret! If you are staying in the Shakespeare Suite look out for the small slit in the oak panelled fireplace. It led to a hidden space used to store valuables during the English Civil War. All of the panelling in this room is made of oak, its decorations are made from Walnut and Pear. This is significant because Walnut was particularly expensive and rare in 17th Century England.

Suites

These are spacious bedrooms, located in the Manor House.
Junior suites have a lounge area with coffee table.
Sofas can be adapted into sofa beds, and so these rooms can work very well for families. We were extremely lucky to be given a suite for our stay at Billesley Manor.

The bedrooms at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Our suite at Billesley Manor

Feature Bedrooms.

Each of these feature bedrooms has its own unique character. Some retain the original Tudor paneling, for example. Others have views of the Topiary Garden and the hotel grounds. You can book a king-size, double or twin feature bedroom.

The bedrooms at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com

Superior Bedrooms

These are comfortable, spacious bedrooms that will suit both business and leisure travellers. All superior bedrooms are in the Manor House which is just steeped in both history and charm.

The bedrooms at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com

Standard Bedrooms

Standard bedrooms are located outside of the Manor House. Either beside the Spa or at Cedar Barn.

A place of total relaxation

Without doubt, Billesley Manor is one of the most relaxing places that I’ve had the luxury of staying at. You can spend the day simply exploring the grounds and there is plenty to keep you entertained. From the luxury of the Spa to playing chess or tennis on the grounds (rackets and tennis balls are available at the spa). Or if you are like me I was just happy wandering around with a gin in hand. Trust me! The gin here is good.

Staying at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Staying at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
All of the details!

Billesley Manor has every detail covered and I know that I felt like royalty staying here. My stay here with Mister Lavin and Aaron was complimentary but your trust is so important to me and I will only recommend places that I think that you will love.

Staying at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Seriously Pinch me!
Staying at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Staying at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Staying at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Staying at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
Staying at Billesley Manor. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com
I think you can tell just how much I loved this place.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram to see more photographs of my Cotswolds road-trip.

**Disclaimer: My stay at Billesley Manor was complimentary but I only ever work with hotels that I am happy to recommend to you guys and this place was so beautiful. All opinions are my own**

Book your stay at Billesley Manor on booking.com

Booking.com

Follow along with All about RosaLilla on Instagram and LiketoKnow.It

Until next time you crazy kids!

All about RosaLilla

If you liked this you may also like:

10 reasons to visit Bath

My stay at the Abbey Hotel Bath

What I packed for my Cotswolds roadtrip. My Cotswolds wardrobe

A guide on Cotswolds best villages

Checking into Billesley Manor I knew that I was actually walking in Shakespeare's own footsteps. It is here in Billesley Manor that he married his beloved Anne Hathaway in 1582. He also penned "As You Like It" in this very manor in 1599. So I was more than excited to see what actually staying in an Elizabethan Manor House in the Cotswolds was really like. Read more on www.allaboutrosalilla.com #shakespeare #cotwolds
PIN ME!
Checking into Billesley Manor I knew that I was actually walking in Shakespeare's own footsteps. It is here in Billesley Manor that he married his beloved Anne Hathaway in 1582. He also penned "As You Like It" in this very manor in 1599. So I was more than excited to see what actually staying in an Elizabethan Manor House in the Cotswolds was really like. #shakespeare #cotwolds
PLEASE PIN & SHARE