Escape to the countryside with our pick of Britain’s cream of the crop country house hotels
1 Lucknam Park
Heritage meets luxury at this countryside Wiltshire hideaway. With 42 individually styled rooms and suites plus fine dining galore (enjoy local produce in the Michelin starred Restaurant Hywel Jones or a more relaxed meal in The Brasserie) this is an ideal location for unwinding. Explore the 500 acres of parkland on horseback or foot, unwind with a range of spa treatments or simply sit back and bask in it all.
For the foodies: The on-site cookery school is ideal for mastering your skills. Courses range from superfoods to Michelin-starred creations at home with plenty of chances to enjoy the fruits of your labour too. See all courses here.
Where: Lucknam Park , Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ
Cost: Rooms start from £320 per night
2 Tylney Hall
At the end of a winding Red Wood tree-lined avenue awaits an outstanding example of architectural beauty. An impressive Victorian era mansion, Tylney Hall is a vast, sprawling hotel that emulates both the look and feel of an archaic palace. From the bubbling fountain within its courtyard to the regal looking windows, it’s a building that aims to impress even as you approach its entrance. Make the most of the gourmet restaurant, enjoy traditional afternoon tea or simply unwind with a dip in the vintage-looking pool. Read our full review here.
For the foodies: Celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle with a quintessentially-English Champagne Afternoon Tea at Tylney Hall this May. Taking place in the beautiful baronial Tylney Suite, sip Champagne and enjoy the royal celebration on a big screen.
Where: Ridge Ln, Rotherwick, Hook RG27 9AZ
Cost: Rates for Mansion Junior Suites start from £322 per night. To make a reservation, click here or phone 01256 764881 Where: Ridge Ln, Rotherwick, Hook RG27 9AZ
3 Ashdown Park
Nestled in the forested heart of East Sussex lies the majestic Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club – a stunning four-star hotel that wouldn’t look out of place within an Austen novel. Vast, spacious and filled with elegant splendour, this classic hotel boasts impressive rooms, plush interiors and grounds consisting of approximately 186 acres (a mixture of landscaped woodland and grazing land – where friendly wild deer roam freely) the gorgeous estate is a sight in itself to behold.
For the foodies: Available between April and September, enjoy an alfresco picnic in 186 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside. Feast on traditional delights – or opt for something more luxurious and try a full afternoon tea. Starting from £22.50 per person.
Where: Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Grinstead, RH18 5JR
Cost: Rooms start from £250 for a deluxe double room for two people, including breakfast
4 Barnsley House
One of the UK’s prettiest getaways, Barnsley House offers your very own (fully staffed) country house set in extensive landscaped gardens near Cirencester in Gloucestershire. The Hotel has a dedicated spa, private cinema and 18 large and luxurious bedrooms to choose from.
The Potager restaurant looks out to the gardens and is quite lovely. Sprigs of rosemary and linen napkins dress the tables with menus inspired from the Barnsley garden seasonal crops and local produce. If you tire of the daily home baked bread and crumbly shortbread biscuits with your afternoon tea, you can always nip across the road to the village pub – which is aptly named ‘The Village Pub.’
For the foodies: Enjoy a delectable Bolney wine masterclass this March. Feast your way through a sumptuous dinner whilst learning more about Bolney’s award-winning wines. See more here.
Where: Barnsley House, Barnsley, Cirencester, Gloucestershire,GL7 5EE
5 Cliveden House Hotel
Surrounded by acres of ancient woodland, Cliveden House Hotel is perfect for a weekend getaway that feels far away but is actually only a 15-minute drive from Heathrow and less than an hour from London. This five-star hotspot offers not only sweeping views of beautiful countryside but endless fine dining experiences and exquisite rooms. Its walls have witnessed more than a few scandals – and a little hint of naughtiness remains. You can even buy a copy of Scandal, which was partly filmed at the hotel, in the gift shop.
For the foodies: If you love opera and fabulous food, take part in the upcoming Opera Dinner on Sunday 11 March. Join Cliveden for an irresistible evening of opera highlights, Champagne and dinner as they welcome wonderful young international stars from the Jette Parker programme of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. See more here.
Where: Cliveden Road, Taplow SL6 0J
Cost: Starting from £340 per night
6 Lime Wood
It’s the tiny details that count – and this Hampshire hotel is full of them. With stylish sitting rooms, oak doors and delicate interiors, it’s as charming on the inside as it is on the out. Enjoy Italian dishes courtesy of chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder – along with a host of other culinary treats.
For the foodies: There’s a number of treats to enjoy here but the Smoked & Uncut summer food festivals are especially worth devouring. See more here.
Where: Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ
7 Gravetye Manor
Historic and full of archaic touches – this Sussex hotel boasts splendour throughout. Reopening this spring after a period of refurbishment, each of the 17 rooms are individually furnished with rich fabrics, fine antiques and hand-crafted beds, whilst the Michelin-starred restaurant offers some of the finest food in Sussex.
For the foodies: Take part in a special masterclass with Head Chef George Blogg this March. With cooking demonstrations as well as hands on activities, this will be a unique opportunity to spend time with George, see how he works first hand and learn some new skills. See more here.
Where: Vowels Ln, West Hoathly RH19 4LJ
Cost: From £208 per night
8 Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Bust your budget and opt for a stay at this stunning location. Stately Oxfordshire meets eccentric French charm at this exquisite manor house. Wander through the Japanese garden, admire sculptures, feast to your heart’s content at the dual Michelin-starred restaurant or order away at the 1930s-style bar.
For the foodies: Get creative in the kitchen at the Raymond Blanc cooking school. There’s something for every level – and lunch for those that opt for the full-day too. See more here.
Where: Church Rd, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7PD
Cost: From £756 per night
9 Lympstone Manor
Book a room with an outdoor bath overlooking the Exe estuary then enjoy an 8-course extravaganza courtesy of double-Michelin-starred BBC Great British Menu icon Michael Caines MBE. A historic Grade II listed Georgian manor house, each of the 21 luxurious guestrooms and suites take full advantage of this wonderful situation – they’re even named after the birds of the Exe estuary.
For the foodies: The hotel is hosting an evening with Nye Timber this May and it’s not to be missed. Indulge in a four course menu with matched English wines from the Nyetimber Estate. For 30 years Nyetimber has had a single aim: to make the finest English sparkling wine, one to rival the very best in the world. Don’t miss your chance to taste them for yourself. See more here.
Where: Courtlands Ln, Exmouth EX8 3NZ
Cost: From £290 per night
10 Gidleigh Park
Discover peace, tranquillity, and some sublime-yet-faff-free cooking in deepest, darkest Devon. Just when you think you must have made a wrong turning, you spot the sign encouraging you to keep going because your two-Michelin-starred destination is, indeed, just another mile along what is little more than a track. And it’s definitely worth keeping faith in your SatNav, because Gidleigh Park is rather special.
Set in over 100 acres of woodlands, the hotel sits on the banks of the Teign in Dartmoor National Park. Expect a welcome as warm as the roaring fire in reception.
For the foodies: Picturesque and pretty – meander through a carpet of bluebells in the ancient woodland at Gidleigh Park before enjoying a special three-course lunch this May. Guided by Estate Manager, Andrew Brimblecombe and Plantsman Paul Grigg, the pair will share their wealth of knowledge on the woodland, flora and fauna along with a few handy gardening tips. See more here.
Where: Chagford, Devon TQ13 8HH
