Oaks Hotel and Leisure Club acquired by Rambler Group Holdings

The Oaks Hotel & Leisure Club, a distinguished country house hotel located on the outskirts of Burnley, has been acquired by Burnley-based Rambler Group Holdings for an undisclosed sum.

The transaction was managed by Colliers’ specialist Hotels team who initially put the opportunity to the market at offers in the region of £1,800,000.

Dating back to 1885, The Oaks Hotel is a notable period property set within approximately 3.5 acres of landscaped grounds in the residential district of Reedley.

Over the years, the hotel has been sympathetically extended to create a 51-bedroom, full-service establishment, complete with an expansive leisure club, multiple event and meeting suites, and the popular Quills restaurant.

The property’s blend of historic charm and modern amenities has made it a preferred destination for weddings, corporate events, and leisure breaks throughout Lancashire and beyond.

The company intends to invest significantly in the property to enhance its facilities and services.

Planned upgrades include the refurbishment of guest rooms, expansion of the leisure club, and the introduction of new dining options.

Additionally, Rambler Group Holdings aims to develop a comprehensive wellness programme, incorporating spa treatments and fitness classes, to attract a broader clientele. 

Jonathon Butterworth, managing director at Lavender Hotels, said: “The decision to sell The Oaks Hotel was a strategic one, enabling us to release equity from the sale to reinvest into the other hotels in our portfolio.”

Qasim Ahmed, chief executive of Rambler Group Holdings, said: “We are excited to welcome The Oaks Hotel & Leisure Club into our Aura Hotels portfolio.

"The hotel’s heritage and loyal customer base, combined with its operational strength, make it a fantastic acquisition. As a local Company, we are enthusiastic about the potential to invest in the property and continue building on its success. Our vision is to enhance the guest experience while staying true to the character that makes The Oaks so special.”

Julian Troup, head of UK Hotels Agency at Colliers, who oversaw the sale, said: “The Oaks Hotel is a rare combination of character, scale, and location.

"It has an excellent track record and is well embedded in its community and market.

"Rambler Group Holdings quickly recognised the opportunity, and we’re pleased to have facilitated this deal. The appetite for regional hospitality assets remains strong, and The Oaks is a prime example of why that interest is well-founded. The open marketing generated considerable interest, highlighting the demand for such a well-known hotel in the East Lancashire area.”

Jack Stephenson of Harrison Drury acted as the solicitor for the seller. Mark Chambers of Onecall Hospitality advised Rambler Group Holdings during the acquisition process.