THE HISTORY OF THE HOTEL
ONE HOTEL, CENTURIES OF HISTORY
Imagine a hotel where roaring log-burning open fireplaces hint at its roots dating from the 1300’s. Picture a Great Hall with a vaulted ceiling and original wood panelling built in the seventeenth century. Visit a hotel that has been coloured by the characters of history.
At The Lygon Arms, the guests can stay in the suite that Oliver Cromwell stayed in the night before the Battles of Worcester in 1651. See the carvings of John Travis’ name on the arch of the front door, etched into the hotel’s history in 1620.
The Lygon Arms has roots reaching right into the 1300’s. It’s a historic hotel in the Cotswolds, with a typically Cotswolds history.
The predominantly Tudor coaching inn stands in Broadway, which was a key connection between Wales, Worcester and London in Elizabethan times.
Owners have changed, names have altered, but visitors have always flocked to The Lygon Arms, a charming hotel enshrouded in history.
The hotel’s name has changed throughout history, and the first written record refers to it as The White Hart, in 1377. The hart, a mature stag, was a personal symbol of King Richard II (1367 – 1400). The hotel’s name would change several times, reflecting the political changes of each era, showing how much history would shape the enchanting hotel.
The coaching inn would come into its own when it would serve as a touch-stone for both sides of the English Civil War in 1649.
The English Civil War pit Queen Elizabeth’s cousin Charles I against the forces of the English Parliament, and some of that played out within the very walls of The Lygon Arms itself.
The suite now known as the impressive King Charles I Suite was where King Charles I and his supporters would assemble. The King’s coat of arms stands regally over one of its fireplaces today. Visitors will also notice that the face of the royal lion is missing, presumably hacked off by Parliamentarians.
The other side of the English Civil War, the Parliamentary army, also stayed at The Lygon Arms, then known as the White Hart Inn, in 1651.
The bedroom now known as The Cromwell Room was where Oliver Cromwell slept the night before the Battle of Worcester.
This battle would finally destroy the royalist cause. A copy of his ‘warts and all’ portrait hangs next to a huge seventeenth century fireplace in The Cromwell Room today.
The Cotswold coaching inn would continue to act as a staging post for mail coaches between London and Wales throughout the eighteenth century, offering a change of horses and even providing coach-and-four for guests who needed onward transport. It remained an important stop-off on the trading routes.
By the 1900’s, the hotel was owned by Sydney Bolton Russell whose son began to restore antique furniture for the hotel in a loft over the Lygon’s coach house. Gordon Russell would become one of England’s leading designers in the 1930’s, creating the iconic Murphy Radio Cabinet and the seating for Coventry Cathedral. Some of his pieces sit in the hotel still today.
As the 1900’s progressed, inventions such as the motorcar and charabanc would elevate the hotel into a destination in its own right rather than a staging post.
King Edward VII motored to the hotel in 1905 and in 1913, as did his grandson, the playboy prince and future King Edward VIII. The hotel became synonymous with the English middle classes who followed suit, and in the interwar years and beyond The Lygon Arms remained a popular choice for celebrities.
Big names were drawn to the hotel for its historic prestige and The Lygon Arms boasts one of the most glamorous guest books in the world.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor stayed here in 1963 at the height of the scandal surrounding their affair.
Other film star couples followed suit including Mary Pickford and Charles ‘Buddy Rogers’, Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, Moira Shearer who at the time was much better known than her husband Ludovic Kennedy, to name just a few of the famous names who have passed through the doors.
Today the hotel’s guest book is still in use and counts not just actors and movie stars, but politicians, prime ministers and even Prince Phillip on its pages.
From classic to quirky, there's room for everyone.
The contemporary rooms with all modern facilities. Great rooms for families in the modern Courtyard Wing. Spacious Suites suitable for longer stays.
Accessible rooms overlooking the Courtyard on the Ground Floor with all safety features and beautifully furnished.
All of them have beautiful rich atmospheric interior designs.
A fully equipped Wet Room and the full range of safety features give you plenty of peace of mind.
Views out onto the Courtyard remind of the quintessentially English countryside surroundings.
Accessible rooms’ locations on the ground floor offer easy wheelchair access, allocated car parking.
These rooms unite all the comforts of home with typically Cotswold 16th century charm.
The Broadway Suite is the namesake of the quintessential Cotswold village that the historic hotel sits in. Situated close to the Great Hall, it features a Four Poster Bed in a nod to the eminent past.
Its separate lounge area with comfy armchairs and tables let you enjoy the perfect balance between space and privacy.
Antique furnishings and traditional features throughout remind that you’re in a fabulously traditional Cotswolds coaching inn.
Can be used for families with extra beds provided in the Lounge area.
What could be more historic than the Suite that King Charles I stayed in, the night before the Battle of Worcester in 1649.
You’ll hopefully have less of a stressful day ahead, but you’ll leave the Charles I Suite well-rested and awe-inspired by its historic significance.
With a Coat of Arms sitting above the traditional fireplace, it has a distinctly dramatic feel.
A high-raised double Four Poster Bed with its own feature fireplace sits in the bedroom, while the large spacious living area offers plenty of space.
Overlooking the high street of Broadway, it’s a suite that lets you step through time while being close enough to all the action.
Stay in a cosy room in the very heart of 16th century coaching inn. Classic Rooms are located in the Main House, which dates right back to 1680 in some areas, and are perfect for a one-night stop-over; when you need comfort in the Cotswolds.
Overlooking the hotel Courtyard, the rooms are adorned with antiques and traditional furnishings. The room is compact but perfectly formed, featuring all modern four-star hotel amenities.
Just as the Courtyard is open and spacious, so too is the Courtyard Family Suite. It opens out across a spacious modern bedroom and some come with separate baths and showers.
It’s perfect for families with up to two children. All four-star hotel amenities and an air cooling system makes for an altogether more comfortable stay.
With all-modern amenities and in-room air cooling systems, they’re suitable for longer stays and special occasions.
Some rooms come with separate baths and showers. These spacious rooms are great for families travelling together.
Courtyard Junior Suite unites typically Cotswold features with contemporary facilities.
These rooms are perfectly placed for easy access to the Spa, gardens, car-park and the rest of the hotel.
Traditional furnishings and all modern four-star hotel amenities combine for a quintessentially Cotswolds stay, that never compromises on comfort.
These rooms are located in Main House, Orchard Rooms or Orchard Cottage. The Orchard Cottage is a self-contained cottage with four rooms next to The Lygon Gardens.
These rooms are a great choice for those seeking easy access to the rest of the hotel, gardens, Spa and car-park.
And after a long day of exploring, you can savour the luxury experience of sleeping in a Four Poster Bed.
These rooms all combine antique pieces with beautiful rich atmospheric interior designs.
The King-size beds are hand-made and highlight the best of British craftmanship.
Staying at The Lygon Arms means soaking up all the character and intrigue of the rich history, and the Junior Suite is no exception.
Perfect for special occasions or longer stays, the Junior Suite offers something a little more special.
They're great for families as extra beds can be provided. They have large bathrooms, and some have a separate dressing room.
Its filled with antiques and period features for a real Cotswolds experience.
Choose the Rambler Rooms for something a little more quirky. They’re full of personality and are situated in the very heart of the original coaching inn, in the Main House. The Main House sits right in the middle of our historic hotel dating right back to the medieval times.
Full Basin facilities and a personal bathroom located near the room are just some of the reasons why the three Rambler Rooms offer the best value for money.
Nestled in the Main House the Cosy Room combines tradition and comfort. Antique furnishings bring a touch of charm while all four-star modern hotel amenities ensure every convenience. The Cosy Rooms are also in Courtyard and Orchard Wings.
The Cosy Rooms’ great spot in the Main House lets to experience all the character and flair of historic coaching inn, which dates right back to 1680.
The decor of these rooms ranges from more traditional types (think stone fire places and mullioned windows dating back to the medieval times) to modern rooms.
The Splendid Double King with comfy armchairs and antique furnishings are positioned around the hotel in the Main House, Orchard and Courtyard areas of the hotel.
Named after one of Broadway’s most inspired designers, The Gordon Russell Suite is a journey through history itself.
The visionary designed many major pieces within the hotel, and the room is complete with antique features and traditional furnishings. The large suite unfolds across a separate lounge area, bedroom, bathroom and vanity area.
It sits close to the Spa, so you can easily head off for some pampering. And it’s quiet, so you can enjoy all the serenity of the beautiful Cotswold surroundings.
It's great for families with extra beds available in the Lounge area, can accommodate up to 3 extra beds upon request.
Let yourself be whisked away to an idyllic Cotswold experience in the Mansfield Suite. One of the hotel's most traditional suites, it features an original stone fireplace and antique furnishings.
A separate lounge area, good sized bathroom and all modern amenities mean it doesn't compromise on comfort.
Locally sourced and freshly made, take a look at the divine dishes on Lygon Arms' menus.
The guests will can have an atmospheric fine dining under a famous historic vaulted ceiling at the Great Hall restaurant. Relaxed classics at cosy all-day eatery at Rallington's.
Launge & Bar offers pockets of peace dotted around the 16th century coaching inn.
The national past-time Afternoon Tea is alive and well in a traditional setting. When the sun's shining, head down to the Courtyard or outside at Barrington's and try Alfresco Dining.
What could be more quintessentially English than Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds. At The Lygon Arms, the traditional past-time is served against the backdrop of over 150 years of history.
Afternoon Tea is served in the Courtyard or in one of the seven cosy Lounges, so you can savour this national past-time, whatever the weather.
The fruit scones with clotted cream and puddings are a real indulgence for any sweet tooth.
Classic finger sandwiches and a selection of monthly pastries are changed monthly and prepared daily by the own in-house team.
14.00h - 17.00h
The beautiful Courtyard comes alive in the summer months offering al fresco dining.
Take in the hazy Cotswold sunshine over fresh, locally sourced food and wonderfully refreshing drinks.
Take a seat outside Barrington’s and let the magic of the Cotwolds surround you.
Daily
The intimate all-day dining eatery serves up quintessential English classics and modern European cuisine.
Warming dishes in a heart-warming atmosphere is the order of the day at Barrington’s.
The current favourite is the home-made burger with rustic chips followed by a refreshing lemon cheesecake.
11.00h - 15.00h17.00h - 22.00h
11.00h - 22.00h
Whether popping in for a quick drink on the way home or making a day of it, there’s a cosy corner just waiting for you at The Lygon Arms.
Find a charming spot in one of the seven intimate lounges with comfy chairs, away from the hustle and bustle of Broadway.
Afternoon Tea can be jazzed up with a glass of bubbly. For something a little more filling, the shareable platters.
The Gin Corner, the Tapestry Room or the Russell’s Drawing Room are just a few of the typically Cotswold nooks.
07.00h - 23.00h
The Great Hall is one of Broadway’s most impressive venues. It’s an atmospheric restaurant with a vaulted ceiling and polished oak panelling.
Sultry dining captures the essence of the Cotswolds, serving dishes made from locally sourced produce. The seasonal menus change monthly while changing daily menu gives you plenty of choice.
Guests and visitors alike are invited for Breakfast, Dinner and the special Sunday Lunch in one of Broadway’s most impressive venues.
It’s perfect for an intimate dinner for two or large family gatherings alike, with semi private areas available to book.
Nestled in the exquisite Cotswold countryside lies The Lygon Arms Country Club & Spa, a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of Broadway.
All guests can experience the Spa which is surrounded by three acres of simply divine Cotswold scenery.
It’s a calm and rejuvenating retreat, letting completely relax. Drop in for the day or stay a little longer, with pampering treatments, revitalising therapies and soothing massages.
These treatments help make worries and strain ebb away.
Keep up the fitness regime at The Lgyon Arms Country Club & Spa, with fully equipped fitness facilities.
It’s easy to keep in shape and reach the health goals with the help of the trained and knowledgeable staff at the state-of-the-art gym.
The Lygon Arms Country Club & Spa,
with fully equipped fitness facilities.
Fully equipped gym.
Personal trainers.
Spa & Swimming Pool.
The full range of beauty treatments.
Decleor Spa products, for real indulgence.
Heated indoor pool with a retractable roof,
for those wonderful Cotswold summers.
Sauna & Steam Room.
SIGHTSEEING
It’s a great choice for short stays or tours around the Cotswolds.There’s so much to explore, from the picture-perfect village of Broadway to the walking and cycling routes in the nearby countryside. Just five minutes' walk from the hotel is an Adventure Playground, popular with kids of all ages.
Broadway is an adventure playground in itself with plenty of shops, restaurants and things to see and do. And a visit to The Tower is simply a must.
WEDDINGS
Plan the quintessential countryside wedding at The Lygon Arms. The hotel's array of intimate lounges to bright and spacious modern rooms means the hotel caters for a variety of weddings. Dine in style in the Oliver Cromwell Room or celebrate with a cocktail party in one of many traditional lounges.
EXCLUSIVE HOUSE EVENTS
Centuries of celebrations have played out at The Lygon Arms, where you too can host your very own private party in the Cotswolds.
The old Cotswold coaching inn is bursting with character, making for an unforgettable occasion.
You’re spoilt for choice with intimate lounges, formal dining areas and a range of function spaces to host your party.
Each can be decorated any way you wish, includes full use of the gardens and overnight accommodation.
FAMILY EVENTS
Celebrate the important things in life with those you love, from 1st birthdays to 60th wedding anniversaries. The hotel's medieval venue has played hosted to many an occasion, from christenings to 21sts; intimate anniversaries to large-scale family gatherings.
PRIVATE DINING
From raucous dinner parties over lavish feasts in the Great Hall to intimate gatherings in one of the Lounges, you can plan the ideal private dining occasion.
You’re spoilt for choice with intimate lounges, formal dining areas and a range of function spaces to host your party. Each can be decorated any way you wish, includes full use of the gardens and overnight accommodation.
The traditional 16th century stone building with its choice of lounges make it ideal for private parties a little less ordinary. Award-winning food and drink. Catering for 2 to 102. Your own dedicated host.
Mark any occasion of fine food and wine at The Lygon Arms. With a selection of dining choices, you'll find the perfect mood for your event. A charming 16th century medieval venue. Award-winning food and drink. Catering for 2 to 102.
A charming 16th century medieval venue. Stunning Cotswold grounds. Marquees for wonderful weddings whatever the weather. Bridal Suite for the newlyweds.
Award-winning food and drink and Catering.
THE LYGON ARMS
Cotswolds High StreetWorcestershire, WR12 7DUBroadwayEngland