Curating more than 180 years of history, Studley Castle is full of jaw-dropping public rooms sympathetically restored to their former glory and full of original features – all overseen by English Heritage.
As a main agent for Warner, GB Tours invite you for a nice day out to Studley Castle so you see for yourself the amazing job they’ve done.
- 12 noon arrival
- Bucks Fizz reception
- 12:30pm Festive lunch 3 courses (main course served from buffet)
- 2:30pm Christmas Showtime
- 4pm Guests leave for home
The history of Studley Castle is a chronicle of changing times. Originally completed in 1836 by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire as a family home, the ‘Castle’ never actually served as a fortification.
In the early 20th century it was briefly transformed into the Studley Agricultural College for Women, to train the daughters of the gentry. Then the Castle was requisitioned by the government as a training camp for the Women’s Land Army during the First and Second World Wars.
A reflection of changing times, after 60 years as a women’s only college it served as offices and a conference centre in the 1980s and 90s. In 2006 it was converted again, this time into a country house hotel. But by March 2016 the hotel had closed.
Warner launches a rescue mission…
By the time Warner Leisure acquired the property in 2016 the buildings were in a sad state. Masonry on the Castle was crumbling, the roof was in a poor condition, there was asbestos to contend with, and the large stable block was virtually derelict. Despite its problems, it was still an impressive building surrounded by stunning, mature parkland.
£50million restoration begins…
The original 19th century Castle needed extensive strengthening and a completely new roof - constructed using traditional methods, closely overseen by English Heritage. Stonework was carefully matched to the original material. Specialist lime render contractors replaced and restored period features.
Luxury for a modern age
Inside the main Castle building, the bedrooms and suites have been transformed into luxurious havens, each individually decorated.
The late 19th century stable block is now a health spa, with a luxury swimming pool and café as well as bedrooms, and features a spectacular glass roof and walls.
The complex also includes a 30-seat private cinema within the old Castle, as well as new archery and air rifle ranges in the grounds.
Between the two older buildings there’s a dining and entertainment complex designed to host over 400 guests – one of the largest live performance spaces in the UK hotel market.
In the evening, huge chandeliers hidden in the roof voids are lowered by electric winches to create the perfect cabaret atmosphere.
This festive Day Trip includes: Coach travel to Warner’s Studley Castle, Bucks Fizz reception, Christmas lunch and entertainment.