Kilworth House Hotel, Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth Leicestershire 

After spending much of the day driving down from the North of England in a scorching heatwave, I arrived at Kilworth House Hotel tired and ready for a break. I was looking forward to a couple of days at one of Leicestershire’s most highly regarded luxury hotels and restaurants.

As I drove through the striking Leicestershire countryside, I began to unwind and look forward to a glass or two of wine, a good meal, a cold shower and a comfortable room where I could rest. The hotel sits at the end of an inviting, tree-lined drive that winds through a peaceful 38-acre estate. Broad lawns stretch out before the elegant south-facing façade, drawing the eye towards distant fields, while paths meander through the woods, parkland, and even a turf maze.

Once a family home, Kilworth House Hotel is now a luxurious Red Star hotel and Grade II-listed Italianate country house. Built in 1888 for John Entwisle, High Sheriff of Leicestershire in the late 19th century, it stands within acres of rolling parkland and combines Victorian elegance with the modern comforts expected of a four-star hotel. In 2006, Kilworth House joined Pride of Britain’s exclusive collection of privately owned luxury hotels.

My wife and I were warmly welcomed by the friendly reception staff, who asked about our journey and greeted us to Kilworth House Hotel. The hotel blends its rich history and heritage with modern hospitality and contemporary design and has welcomed guests since 1618. Notable visitors have included celebrities and musicians such as Tony Iommi, the Black Sabbath guitarist, who briefly lived at the house while dating one of the Snowdon daughters after the family purchased the property in the 1960s. Between 1999 and 2003, the Snowdon family sold the house to the present owners, who restored and refurbished it, working with English Heritage to preserve the Orangery—an exquisite structure with intricate stained-glass windows, wrought-iron roof finials, and a striking original black-and-white mosaic floor.

The hotel offers 42 bedrooms, including 11 luxury rooms and 33 garden rooms, as well as private dining rooms, the beautiful Orangery, several treatment rooms, a mini gym, and a distinctive outdoor theatre. Opened in 2007, Kilworth House Theatre sits in a wooded glade beside a fishing lake.

Each room combines authentic Victorian character with impressive views over the landscaped grounds and surrounding countryside. Garden Rooms overlook either the peaceful knot garden or private parkland, while Luxury Rooms feature period details throughout. The Four Poster bedrooms add an extra sense of historic grandeur.

The Luxury Rooms and Four Poster Rooms pay a playful tribute to some of literature’s greatest writers. My wife and I were fortunate to stay in the Oscar Wilde Luxury Room, which enjoys one of the finest views in this elegant country house hotel, looking out across beautifully maintained parkland and the rolling Leicestershire countryside. Located at the top of the main oak staircase, the room features bold terracotta accents, solid wooden furniture, and a show-stopping carved wooden bed.

One of the hotel’s largest and most exclusive rooms, it also includes elegant décor, air conditioning, and a private en-suite bathroom. Thoughtful touches included ample wardrobe space, a hospitality tray with fresh water, a coffee machine, tea and coffee facilities, biscuits, fruit, complimentary mineral water, and an in-room safe. The spacious bathroom added to the sense of exclusivity. The huge, comfortable king-size bed came with a decorative wooden headboard, luxurious linens, goose-down pillows, and a lightweight duvet, although the warm weather meant we made little use of it. A helpful fan had been provided, and we opened the large windows slightly to keep the room cool. I particularly liked that the television, safe, and several drawers were discreetly concealed within a smart wooden cabinet opposite the bed. As we rarely watch television when travelling, it did not detract from the room’s splendour.

Set in the oldest part of the hotel, the bedroom was spacious and impressive, with four large windows overlooking the gardens and terrace. Natural light filled the room, blending historic character with the modern comforts expected of a top-class hotel. The elaborately carved bed formed the centrepiece, while another door led to a raised bathroom with a roll-top bath, large walk-in shower, and separate toilet. The views also offered a close-up look at the Victorian Orangery’s intricate ironwork, woodwork, and stained glass. We also accepted the turndown service, which was completed while we were in the dining room.

“I woke up this morning to the sound of birdsong and cattle lowing in the fields below my window. The views over the hotel’s beautiful grounds and surrounding Kilworth Estate were simply stunning. At night, with the windows slightly ajar, I could hear the sound of owls hooting and the occasional bark of a fox, from across the fields.”

Good food and attentive hospitality are central to the Kilworth House Hotel experience. My wife and I dined twice in the bright, elegant Orangery and also enjoyed breakfast there on two occasions. The Terrace offers a lovely setting for alfresco dining and drinks in the summer or early autumn sunshine.

The interior and exterior of the Orangery Restaurant have recently been refurbished, and it looked stunning. It was a delightful place to spend the evening, enjoying a wonderful meal with clear views across the open Leicestershire countryside, with plenty of natural light. The serving staff were exceptional, especially our table server, Anca, who chatted politely with my wife and me and was always available whenever we had questions about the menu or needed anything else.

À la Carte Menu:

Main Course: From the Grill: 8 oz premium ribeye steak with pan-fried seasonal oyster mushrooms, grilled heritage tomatoes on the vine, and crisp chunky potato wedges. The steak was rich and robust, with subtle sweetness and a juicy texture. The Bordelaise sauce added deep savoury notes from red wine, the beef reduction, and shallots. It was a superb steak dish, cooked exactly to my wife’s liking and carefully presented.

Main Course: Fresh pasta of the day: king prawn pasta with sweet red, green, and yellow heritage tomatoes, finely sliced peppers, and roughly chopped garlic. Colourful, fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavour.

Dessert: Choux au craquelin with white chocolate ganache, fudge, and mandarin sorbet. The delicate craquelin shell was filled with freshly whipped cream and felt wonderfully light, complemented by crunchy fudge and a bright, intense sorbet.

Dessert: A selection of British cheeses served with artisan crackers, grapes, celery, and apple and plum chutney.I particularly enjoyed the Colston Bassett, a smooth, creamy cheese with a rich colour, delicate blue veining, and a mellow flavour. The other two cheeses were a strong cheddar and a fine French Brie.

Both desserts were delicious and beautifully presented. I have always believed that we eat with our eyes, and the presentation of every dish only reinforced that view. Award-winning food, combined with personal and attentive service, created a superb dining experience. Every meal was exceptional, helped by staff who were consistently welcoming and helpful.

Every dish I tasted was excellent, and I must admit I also sampled some of my wife’s meal. Everything was beautifully cooked and professionally presented. The outstanding food, wine, and attentive service made the evening truly memorable. The Orangery restaurant added to the occasion with freshly pressed tablecloths, and knowledgeable staff who explained the menu, offered advice, and kept our glasses topped up. The service and hospitality were exceptional.

The five-star breakfast was well worth getting up for, with a wide selection of cereals, fresh fruit, conserves, pain au chocolat, toast, smoked salmon, a traditional full English breakfast, and other cooked options.

Kilworth’s remarkable outdoor theatre is one of its defining features, staging West End-standard productions in the open air. Performances are also held inside the hotel’s magnificent Victorian Orangery. The theatre seats 550 guests in padded, tiered rows, giving everyone a clear view of the stage. Striking sail-like canopies protect both performers and audience members from the weather. During my visit, a pigeon had even nested among the stage lights, high above the impressive SS American ship set. I was briefly concerned for the actors below, but the bird seemed unfazed by the loud music, singing, and movement on stage. Nearby, the Staging Post, an authentic log cabin beside the theatre, provides private hospitality, while bar and toilet facilities are located behind the stage. I was especially looking forward to seeing the professional production of Anything Goes, later during my stay.

Kilworth House Hotel delivered on every promise of grandeur, opulence, and splendour. The food, drinks selection, and table service were all exceptional, exactly as expected from a luxury hotel and restaurant. Our dining experience was excellent, with highly trained staff who were attentive without being intrusive.

My visit to Kilworth House Hotel and Theatre is one I will remember for a long time. The meals were first class, and the waiting staff did everything they could to make the experience enjoyable. If you are visiting Leicestershire or touring the Midlands, this superb hotel is well worth considering.

I highly recommend visiting Kilworth House Hotel and Theatre whenever you have the opportunity.

Disclosure: My stay was provided courtesy of Kilworth House Hotel and Theatre. As always, the views and comments expressed are my own