IT was while I was leafing through the guest book in my room that I noticed a familiar name jump out at me from the page.

Fiona Bruce of Antiques Roadshow fame had stayed in this very room and although the comment was short and sweet, she obviously enjoyed her stay as much as I did.

Tewkesbury is extremely rich in history, making it a perfect spot for the popular tv show. From the magnificent Abbey to the famous Battle of Tewkesbury, and the many medieval buildings still seen in the town today, it is dripping with remnants from a bygone age.

And my abode for the night, Tewkesbury Park Hotel, located just outside the town centre in amongst a well-manicured golf course, has certainly sought to blend the right amount of history, with more than a sprinkling of the modern world. It gets the balance spot on too.

Rooms and suites take their name from key characters in the town's famous battle of 1471 and there is no doubt that a lot of visitors to Tewkesbury come for the historic element, which can only work to the hotel's favour.

A huge amount of money has been put into Tewkesbury Park Hotel over the past couple of years - almost £9million to be exact - with historic suites added, an orangery, cocktail lounge, meeting rooms and a fantastic new foyer among the improvements made.

The latest addition is the Cotswolds Suite, a brand new events space created specifically for the weddings and events market. This alone cost £3million and has floor to ceiling glass panels, making a wonderfully lit space, with fantastic views over acres of green parkland.

The suite could soon be prefixed with 'the award winning' after being nominated in Condé Nast Johansens’ shortlist of nominees for the 36th annual UK & Ireland Awards for Excellence. Fingers crossed.

My stay at the end of September didn't allow for such views while eating dinner, but in the spring and summer months, you can really imagine it as a wonderful room to enjoy the sumptuous fare on offer.

The mixture of old and new can also be seen in the hotels interior and rooms. Lovely antique mirrors and fittings are placed alongside state of the art coffee machines and televisions.

My suite was very spacious with a king size bed, sofa and armchairs. The bathroom was excellent, with my personal favourite item - the drench shower - alongside a huge bathtub which you could easily sink into and relax on sight.

I particularly liked the main foyer and reception area - another new addition - which is very welcoming and backs on to the cocktail lounge, where there are plenty of comfortable seats to sit back in and enjoy a well-earned drink.

The hotel also benefits from a leisure club where guests can shake off the stresses and strains of the day with a swim, sauna, steam or gym session. So don't forget your swimming shorts like some people (me) possibly did.

A golfing haven sure, but there is plenty more going on at this excellent hotel. Staff are happy in their work and friendly in their manner and being just a few minutes from the M5, this is an easy spot to get to for everyone.

So, if you like your history but don't mind a bit of modern luxury thrown in, this is the place to be.

Tewkesbury Park Hotel

Lincoln Green Lane

Tewkesbury

Glos

GL20 7DN

01684 272300

enquiries@tewkesburypark.co.uk

www.tewkesburypark.co.uk