Country House Hideaways For The Perfect Bucolic Escape

Tired of the city? Take a break from the fast pace of the urban jungle and take refuge in one of these country houses, which promise stays that will well and truly help you switch off.

These reviews were taken from Great British & Irish Hotels 2025; all hotels have been visited and reviewed by the C&TH team.

Country House Stays To Book Now

Foxhill Manor, Worcestershire

Nestled deep within the scenic woodland of Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds, this majestic Arts & Crafts Grade II-listed property was originally a private home and retains the feel of a private manor house hotel to this day.  The sister hotel to Dormy House and The Fish, Foxhill Manor redefines luxury with an all-inclusive boutique experience that off­ers endless indulgence and impeccable service. There are five glamorous rooms and three suites to choose from, all individually designed and with views of the rolling countryside. Instead of a restaurant, you’re invited to chat through your foodie desires with the chef, who will make you a bespoke dinner to order, while cocktails can be mixed on demand, and wine fridges and pantries are available for guests to raid. On the estate, outdoor activities like falconry and clay shooting can be arranged, and in the valley below lies the beautiful Cotswolds village of Broadway. Guests are o­ffered access to the fabulous spa at Dormy House, too. And for the ultimate in privacy, the property can be exclusively hired for a group to enjoy.

Doubles from £790 | +44 (0)1386 854200; foxhillmanor.com

Dormy House, Worcestershire

Standing proud on the sprawling 500-acre Farncombe Estate is Dormy House. Overlooking the picture-postcard village of Broadway, this 17th-century farmhouse turned boutique retreat boasts cosy corners, open ­replaces and flagstone floors. Its 39 cheerful bedrooms and suites are the exemplar of quintessential country living with a touch of Scandinavian style. Dormy House is also home to an internationally renowned spa, offering utter relaxation in the form of thermal suites, a Himalayan salt sauna, a snow shower and an outdoor ­reside hot tub. The interactive 12-seat chef’s table restaurant, MO, boldly puts Dormy House on the Cotswolds’ food map, with chefs and a sommelier guiding diners through eight innovative courses. The Back Garden restaurant offers a seasonal menu of local, high welfare meat and responsibly cultivated veg, while The Shed provides the perfect spot for a nightcap. You’re free to explore the beautiful Farncombe Estate, or take a short drive to the village of Broadway with its exquisite houses, manicured lawns, and art galleries. For spectacular views of the countryside, a short hike will take you to Broadway Tower.

Doubles from £395 | +44 (0)1386 852711; dormyhouse.co.uk

Mallory Court, Warwickshire

Part of the Eden Collection of hotels – including the splendid Bovey Castle in Devon – Mallory Court is the sort of country-house pad that has it all: rolling countryside, good food, a fine spa, and gorgeous bedrooms. Plus, one of the country’s greatest landmarks, Warwick Castle, is just down the road (not to mention Stratford-upon-Avon, only 14 miles away). The Grade II-listed, Lutyens-style house, completed in 1916, is charming, with wood panelling, leaded windows, and a terrace overlooking landscaped gardens and burbling water features. In contrast, Orchard House – tucked among the trees in the hotel’s 10-acre glorious grounds – encompasses the sparkling Elan Spa, which offers blissful treatments, using GAIA and Temple Spa products, alongside an outdoor vitality pool and a glazed sauna. On the first floor are 12 sleek bedrooms; choose between these and the more classic rooms in the main house. Food is a highlight, with Sencha offering a fabulous Asian menu while the award-winning dining room champions local produce – plus both the superb afternoon tea and Sunday lunch should not be missed.

Doubles from £229 | +44 (0)1926 330214; mallory.co.uk

The Spa

Hambleton Hall, Rutland

Of all the luxury British country-house hotels that have opened in the last half-century, just one, Hambleton Hall, has remained impervious to fortune and is as magical and enveloping as the day its owners, Tim and Stefa Hart, founded it 45 years ago this July. Contented but never complacent, it offers sophisticated yet deeply comfortable classic English interiors, the brilliant, locally sourced cooking of executive chef Aaron Patterson and head chefs Charlie Jones and James Stone (the hotel has held a Michelin star for 43 years – the record in the UK) and a joyous wine list curated by revered sommelier Dominique Baduel. For those seeking privacy, the Croquet Suite is a cottage for four, adjacent to the hotel. There is also a swimming pool, tennis court, and views across Hambleton’s south-facing terrace and formal gardens that take your breath away. After an afternoon in the fresh air, Hambleton’s aficionados return to their haven, where loyal key staff – general manager, restaurant manager, chef, sommelier, housekeeper, receptionist, laundress – have notched up over 200 years of service between them.

Doubles from £395 | +44 (0)1572 756991; hambletonhall.com

Hambleton Hall, Rutland

The Manor at Sway, Hampshire

In 2014, hotelier Tim Holloway and his wife Edlyn Cunill decided to swap London for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, with happy results for anyone looking for an affordable yet stylish rural trip. In the village of Sway, surrounded by open heath and woodland that’s ideal for walking, horse riding and cycling, they found The Manor, built in 1906. With the help of interior designer David Bentheim they’ve given the solid brick Edwardian house a stunning makeover, its 15 beautifully coloured bedrooms decorated with prints from John James Audubon’s Birds of America, an open-plan restaurant and bar, and a sitting room that daringly pairs William Morris fruit wallpaper with lime green furnishings and black and white check carpets, to stunning effect. The food, elegant, fresh and seasonal, from a constantly changing menu, is excellent (think harissa-spiced lamb rump, say, or pea risotto), as are the wines. Best of all, the hotel overlooks five acres of sloping wooded grounds, surveyed from a splendid terrace that’s perfect for outdoor dining on a warm summer’s evening.

Doubles from £120 | +44 (0)1590 682754; themanoratsway.com

The Fish Hotel, Worcestershire

Tucked away on Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds, alongside Dormy House and Foxhill Manor, The Fish is a boutique property with some extraordinary features. Alongside country-chic rooms and suites in The Stables,  The Outhouse and  The Coach House, there are three show-stopping luxury treehouses accessed via a rope bridge (perfect for a family escape). Fifteen converted shepherd huts are also nestled within the grounds, with cosy double beds and freestanding baths – some have their own private hot tubs. A stroll down the hill leads to Hook, the restaurant helmed by Farncombe’s culinary director Martin Burge. With a focus on sustainable and seasonal cuisine, he’s introduced a delectable maritime-inspired menu. Eat on the large, paved terrace, or in the dining room, with an open kitchen for watching the skilled chefs at work. Large groups will love Feasting on  The Deck, an outdoor space where you can enjoy a three-course BBQ extravaganza. It’s a fabulous spot for families and dogs, with an array of activities available on the Adventure Field, children’s woodland play area, agility course specifically for canines and – are you ready? – an outdoor ‘dog tub’.

Doubles from £225 | +44 (0)1386 858000; thefishhotel.co.uk

Headlam Hall, County Durham

The Robinson family are exemplary hoteliers, having created not only the quintessential English pub at The Rose & Crown Romaldkirk, but also the archetypal country house hotel at Headlam Hall, located between Barnard Castle and Darlington. Set in an idyllic 17th-century building of pale stone, the hall boasts beautiful walled gardens where guests can play tennis and croquet or simply admire the immaculate lawns and rose borders. From the airy Orangery to the cosy Library bar, the dining options are endless – and the food delicious, with the kitchen sourcing fresh ingredients from the estate’s vegetable, herb, and fruit gardens. Inside, exquisitely proportioned spaces feature wood panelling and elegant, comfortable furnishings.  The hotel o­ffers 38 restful bedrooms and suites, including family and dog-friendly accommodation.  There’s also a stylish self-catering apartment with a private hot tub. Guests can enjoy the nine-hole golf course, a fabulous spa with pool, thermal zone and treatment rooms plus classic cars are available for daily hire in the summer to explore the stunning countryside.

Doubles from £170 | +44 (0)1325 730238; headlamhall.co.uk

Rothay Manor, Cumbria

Dating back to 1835, this handsome white stucco Regency house sits in the heart of the Lake District, at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. Husband and wife duo, Jenna and Jamie Shail, have breathed new life into the property, completing extensive, stylish renovations on the main house’s 15 rooms, some with private terraces, others with balconies overlooking the landscaped gardens and wooded grounds. You can also stay in The Pavilion, which has eight beautiful garden suites, designed with a colour palette of deep, luscious greens, peppered with opulent fabrics, sumptuous furnishings, and luxury amenities. In the restaurant, new head chef Aaron Lawrence draws upon his passion for fresh, seasonal British produce to create an exceptional modern menu, including a delicious Sunday Roast. Dogs are welcome – Rothay Manor even has a dedicated dog washroom with Ruff & Tumble dressing gowns, so you can rinse o† muddy paws after a day on the fells. This is a bucolic, boutique bolthole, perfectly situated for easy lake strolls and hilly hikes, and a ten-minute walk from the pretty village of Ambleside.

Doubles from £320 | +44 (0)15394 33605; rothaymanor.co.uk

Wildhive Callow Hall, Derbyshire

Surrounded by 35 acres of gardens at the edge of the Dove Valley, Victorian Callow Hall opened in September 2021 as the first opening from Wildhive, a new hotel brand focusing on rural getaways. Stay in the main house where rooms with an eclectic, playful feel are the vision of interior designer Isabella Worsley, or in one of the 11 cosy, tucked-away woodland hives. There are also two spectacular self-contained treehouses, each with an outdoor tub on the deck. The wellness centre in The Coach House has a Pilates studio, sauna and steam room, botanical massages on the treatment menu and bicycles that guests can borrow to pedal along the scenic Tissington Trail. Picnic by the burbling Bentley Brook and take afternoon tea on the lawn but do leave room for the seasonal dishes using British produce at dinner – goats cheese tortellini with wild nettle pesto and a garlic and treacle-cured Packington pork belly with fidget pie, Yorkshire rhubarb, purple kale – in the Garden Room restaurant. A gorgeous retreat, perfectly positioned at the gateway to the Peak District.

Doubles from £214 | +44 (0)1335 300900; wildhive.uk

Lucknam Park, Wiltshire

At the head of a mile-long, double avenue of lime and beech trees dating back to 1827, Lucknam Park is in a league of its own. Surrounded by 500 acres of listed parkland, just outside the village of Colerne (and just six miles away from Bath), it occupies a mellow 17th-century mansion with gracious reception rooms and stylish bedrooms (antique furniture, marble bathrooms) in the house and former stables.

It’s impeccably run, with attentive yet discreet service. The magnificent drawing room and charming library are the place for pre-dinner drinks, before tucking into Hywel Jones’ exceptional Michelin-starred cooking in his eponymous formal restaurant (he has held his star for 20 consecutive years, and sources vegetables and micro-herbs from the on-site kitchen garden). Or choose the cool, contemporary Walled Garden Restaurant (a relatively new addition) with an open kitchen, which looks out onto beds planted with the palest pink peonies, Japanese maples and irises. The seasonal menu, for instance, might feature wild garlic and broad bean risotto or Wiltshire lamb with Jersey royals for spring.

Then there’s the spa, which includes a sleek indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, salt room, eight treatment rooms for rejuvenating 111Skin massages and facials, and a social lounge with a skincare mixology bar. The impressive equestrian centre caters to all standards, from the pony mad to those interested in dressage.

For your own slice of the estate, book the chic cottages, ranging from one to four bedrooms, individually designed to give you the ultimate five-star stay. There’s also an arboretum for picnics, the front lawn for games of croquet and kite flying, and a pair of tennis courts.

The roster of activities ranges from a seasonal garden tour to country pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting, falconry, archery and even duck herding. Meanwhile, the excellent facilities for children, including dedicated play areas, bicycles, and a football pitch, make Lucknam as great a choice for families as for romantic couples, friends and celebrations.

Doubles from £384, cottages from £1,200 | +44 (0)1225 742777; lucknampark.co.uk

The Bath Priory, Somerset

A stroll away from the city centre, The Bath Priory, which just received one Michelin Key, succeeds on every front. Set within four acres of award-winning gardens, this wisteria-clad Georgian manor house is home to 33 individually designed rooms and suites, each prettily named after flowers. Some bedrooms offer ‘Romeo and Juliet’ balconies with garden views, while others feature four-poster beds, all equipped with Vispring mattresses. With views across the landscaped garden, the three-AA Rosette restaurant serves exquisite modern European dishes, with a focus on local produce. Alternatively, there’s the delightful all-day Pantry & Terrace with a light, seasonal menu and you can dine alfresco in the summer. They do a sumptuous afternoon tea, too, which can be enjoyed in the spectacular grounds. It’s all super family friendly – little ones will love the special picnic hamper for ‘V.I.L.P’ (Very Important Little People). The L’Occitane garden spa – the first and only in the UK – with a thrilling array of facials, massages and scrubs, adds a further touch of elegance. There is also an indoor pool and sauna.

Doubles from £275 | +44 (0)1225 331922; thebathpriory.co.uk

Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire

Original period features and contemporary design combine at this honey-hued Georgian hotel set on a 30-acre estate near Warminster. Among the vast grounds is an orchard, a no-dig kitchen garden which provides Th­e Garden Grill restaurant with much of its produce (the menu is split into soil, sea, land, and fire sections), and an 18th-century walled garden with a summerhouse. Th­e River Wylye runs alongside too, perfect for trout shing and spotting elusive kingfishers. Rooms come with sweeping countryside views, specially commissioned artworks, and splashes of bold colour (in striped wallpaper say, or a mustard bedhead); some also have a hot tub on the terrace. Book a treatment in the spa after a dip in the heated indoor or outdoor pool, or a steam and sauna session. Staff can arrange all kinds of on-site activities, from a garden tour to gin tasting and clay pigeon shooting, while blockbuster attractions such as Longleat, Stourhead and Stonehenge are all within an hour’s drive. For special occasion private dining (up to eight guests), a three-course supper in a glass dome under the stars is a magical experience.

Doubles from £200 | +44 (0)1985 804680; bishopstrowhotel.com

Penmaenuchaf Hotel, North Wales

The fantastical landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is spellbinding. The stone-fronted mountain hideaway of Penmaenuchaf Hotel fits right in. Perched high above the Mawddach Estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, this grand country house is celebrating a new chapter, with new owners Zoe and Neil Kedward. The couple took over in June 2022, growing their Seren family business, a lovely collection of proudly Welsh hotels and restaurants. There are individually designed bedrooms – all delightful. Traditional style and textures mingle with contemporary touches, with a sprinkling of Welsh arts, crafts and antiques. In the kitchen, head chef Dan Andrée (formerly right-hand man to Hywel Griffith at Michelin-starred Beach House restaurant in Oxwich) and his talented team do a cracking job, using high-quality seasonal ingredients, sourced locally. His menus are a true reflection of the land, with every dish telling a story of the region. Of course, all is topped o by the phenomenal views of Eryri – and this gem of a retreat is the perfect base for exploring this extraordinary region.

Doubles from £230 | +44 (0)1341 212121; penmaenuchaf.co.uk