Upper Court
Comfortable manor house and cottages for friends, families, teams and large groups.
3 Units
18 Bedrooms
Sleeps 42
Outdoor Pool
Tennis Courts
Hot Tubs
Sauna
Fire Pits
Outdoor Play Area
Games Room
Upper Court
Comfortable manor house and cottages for friends, families, teams and large groups.
Set within 15 acres of mature Cotswold parkland, Upper Court is a Georgian manor house dating back to 1760, created for groups who want space to gather, celebrate and reconnect. With a private lake, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, sauna, wood-fired hot tub, pottery studio, children’s play area and beautifully kept gardens, this is a country house stay designed for shared experiences.
Accommodation is spread across the manor house and four characterful cottages, offering flexibility for different group sizes and occasions. The manor house provides comfortable double bedrooms, while the cottages sit across the estate in converted historic buildings, allowing guests to come together while still enjoying their own space. In total, Upper Court can accommodate up to 28 adults, making it well suited to family reunions, milestone celebrations, hen parties and relaxed group getaways.
The estate itself is central to the experience. Guests have full use of the gardens and grounds, centred around a private two-acre lake and surrounding wilderness that’s home to swans, ducks and other wildlife. A historic coaching archway leads into a serene courtyard, with original outbuildings thoughtfully converted into cottages, while a Domesday-listed mill stream and watermill ruin add depth and a strong sense of place.
Upper Court works just as well for longer stays as it does for short breaks. It’s an easy base for summer holidays, festive gatherings and special occasions, with Cheltenham Racecourse just seven miles away and quick access to the festivals, countryside and villages of the wider Cotswolds.
Alongside group stays, Upper Court also hosts a small number of seasonal retreats focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection. These curated weekends bring together yoga, meditation, guided walks, pottery, writing and garden-led experiences, all designed to help guests slow down, reconnect and tune into the natural rhythms of the season.
Whether you’re gathering family, celebrating something meaningful or joining one of the estate’s thoughtfully designed retreats, Upper Court offers a rare combination of space, flexibility and atmosphere — all within a timeless Cotswold setting.
Plan Your Stay
Upper Court is designed to make group stays feel relaxed and intuitive, with space to gather naturally and room to retreat when you need it.
The estate’s layout supports a wide range of group dynamics, from multi-generational family holidays to celebratory weekends and small retreats. Shared spaces encourage time together, while the scale of the grounds means days never feel crowded or over-structured. Groups can settle into a rhythm that suits them — social when they want to be, unhurried when they don’t.
A typical day might begin with a walk around the lake, time in the gardens or a swim, followed by long, shared meals and easy afternoons spent outdoors or exploring the wider Cotswolds. Evenings tend to revolve around good food, conversation and lingering moments that rarely fit into a timetable.
Upper Court works equally well for long weekends and longer stays, offering the flexibility to arrive with plans or simply let the days unfold. For guests attending one of the estate’s seasonal retreats, the setting creates a calm, immersive environment where accommodation, shared spaces and outdoor areas flow seamlessly from one to the next.
Whether you’re gathering to celebrate, reconnect or slow things down, Upper Court offers the space and freedom to shape your stay around what matters most.
Accommodation at Upper Court is thoughtfully arranged across the Georgian manor house and four self-catering cottages, allowing groups to stay together while still enjoying privacy and flexibility.
The Manor House
The main house offers a small collection of comfortable double bedrooms set within the historic Georgian building. Staying in the manor brings guests close to the estate’s shared spaces and lends a classic country house feel to the experience — ideal for those who enjoy being at the heart of the action, whether that’s shared breakfasts, relaxed evenings or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the house.
The Cottages
Set around the estate in converted historic buildings, the cottages offer a more independent style of stay while remaining fully connected to the wider grounds. Each cottage has its own character and layout, making them well suited to families, couples or small groups who appreciate having their own space to retreat to at the end of the day.
The cottages are positioned to feel peaceful and private, while still being an easy walk from the manor house, gardens and shared facilities — a balance that works particularly well for multi-generational groups or mixed-age gatherings.
Taken together, the manor house and cottages provide a flexible setup that can be tailored to suit different group sizes and dynamics. Whether you’re gathering family across generations, celebrating with friends or attending a retreat, the estate allows everyone to share the experience in a way that feels comfortable and unforced.
Rooms across the estate are simple, welcoming and designed for rest, giving you a calm base to return to after full days spent outdoors, socialising or exploring the Cotswolds.
Upper Court offers a wide range of activities that make it easy to fill days without ever needing to leave the estate — though the wider Cotswolds is always within easy reach if you do.
On the Estate
Much of the enjoyment at Upper Court comes from simply spending time outdoors. The private lake and surrounding gardens invite slow mornings and unplanned afternoons, whether that’s walking the grounds, watching wildlife or settling in with a book. The outdoor swimming pool and tennis court provide space for more energetic moments, while the sauna and wood-fired hot tub offer a chance to unwind at the end of the day.
For guests who enjoy creative pursuits, Upper Court also offers dedicated spaces for pottery and arts-based activities, making it a natural fit for creative breaks and retreats. Children are well catered for too, with open space to explore and a dedicated play area that allows younger guests to entertain themselves while adults relax nearby.
Wellbeing & Retreat Experiences
Alongside group stays, Upper Court hosts a small number of curated retreats focused on wellbeing, creativity and seasonal living. These may include yoga, meditation, guided walks, writing, pottery and nature-led experiences that make use of the estate’s peaceful setting and shared spaces.
Retreat programmes vary by season and are designed to feel immersive rather than prescriptive, allowing guests to participate fully or take time for themselves as needed.
Beyond the Estate
For those keen to explore further, Upper Court is well placed for countryside walks, market towns and the many festivals and events held in and around Cheltenham. Whether you’re heading out for a day or simply dipping into the local area, the location makes it easy to balance time on the estate with wider adventures.
Upper Court sits quietly within the Cotswolds, surrounded by open countryside yet well placed for exploring some of the region’s best-loved towns, walks and events. The estate feels peaceful and removed, making it easy to switch off, while still offering straightforward access to local highlights when you want them.
Cheltenham is just seven miles away and hosts a lively calendar of festivals throughout the year, including racing, literature, music and food events. The town also offers a good choice of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, making it an easy day trip from the estate.
The surrounding Cotswold countryside is ideal for walking, cycling and gentle exploring, with traditional villages, rolling hills and historic landmarks all within easy reach. Whether you’re planning scenic walks straight from the door or short drives to nearby market towns, Upper Court provides a well-balanced base for both slow days and fuller itineraries.
Despite its rural setting, Upper Court is easy to reach by road and works well as a meeting point for groups travelling from different parts of the UK. Once you arrive, everything you need for a relaxed and memorable stay is close at hand.
Amenities
Units
Meet The Team
Upper Court is a family-run estate at its heart. For decades the Herford family have welcomed guests to the gardens and grounds, bringing a personal, attentive approach to every stay. Whether greeting you on arrival, helping with activity ideas or sharing the stories and creative spirit of the place, they are part of what makes a visit here feel warm and genuine.
Creativity and craft are woven into the estate’s character — onsite potter Oliver shares his ceramics, Diana curates antiques and family-made pieces often feature in the estate’s pop-up shop, and Kallum contributes art and prints from the youngest generation.