The Best Country House Stays In Britain & Ireland
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20 hours ago
The British Isles does country stays like nowhere else
Ashford Castle
Cong, County Mayo
Once home to the Guinness family, this magnificent, 800-year-old castle on the shores of Lough Corrib was lovingly restored by Red Carnation Hotels a decade ago, reopening under the family-owned brand in 2015. A spot-on combination of grandeur with warmth, it’s the type of place that works for everyone. The 83 opulent rooms and suites feel warm and inviting, filled with antiques, rich fabrics and Murano chandeliers. The hotel is deeply rooted in its community and home-grown touches are evident throughout, showcasing local craftspeople, food producers, musicians and artists. Evenings bring a sense of occasion: choose the George V Dining Room for theatrical tableside service, or enjoy Josper-grilled dishes in The Dungeon. Days are wonderfully varied, from falconry and horse riding to lake cruising, golf and hidden wine tastings. If the weather turns, the award-winning spa offers a more restorative pace, with products from fabulous brands including Natura Bissé, Augustinus Bader and Voya. To top it off, the superb staff — many of whom have been here for decades — genuinely care and know what you need before you do.
Doubles from €545. +353 (0)94 954 6003; ashfordcastle.com
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa
Climping, West Sussex
A short stroll from the coast at Climping (about halfway between Arundel and Chichester), Bailiffscourt is a gorgeous medieval-style house created by Walter Guinness, later Lord Moyne, and his wife Evelyn. Their home became a hotel, with 39 bedrooms spread across several houses and cottages in private parkland. The more contemporary, in the Moat House and The Oaks, stand beside the old moat, overlooking the fields beyond. The more traditional feel charmingly authentic; some have four-poster beds and interconnecting sitting rooms, as well as tapestries, original oak chests and Knole sofas. Guests are encouraged to roam and explore the grounds (be sure to meander to the beach), plus there’s an airy spa, with indoor and outdoor pools. The pretty courtyard and rose garden are the ideal spots for sipping wine, produced by a local vineyard, or for afternoon tea in the sunshine. The restaurant has menus for every occasion, from snacks to a light dinner. The name Bailiffscourt recalls the monk who was sent over by the Abbess of Séez in Normandy to act as bailiff and watch over the 13th century chapel, which is now licensed for weddings.
Doubles from £345. +44 (0)1903 723511; hshotels.co.uk
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Recess, County Galway
Set at the foot of the Twelve Bens on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballynahinch Castle has a history as colourful as its stunning riverside setting. Surrounded by 700 acres of rugged Connemara landscape, this Relais & Châteaux hotel captivates its many returning guests. It even enchanted Seamus Heaney, who wrote his poem Ballynahinch Lake while staying here. The spacious, comfortable bedrooms are decorated with elegant floral wallpaper and artworks; some also feature modern four-poster beds (superior rooms can be set up with an extra bed or cot so are best for families). The big draw here is the superb catch-and-release salmon fishing (the atmospheric, wood-panelled pub is full of memorabilia and has a famous set of weighing scales). In the fine dining restaurant, the best tables overlook the Owenmore River. The kitchen and estate team work closely together on the seasonal menu, which champions local produce and features ingredients plucked straight from the hotel’s walled garden. It’s part of the sustainable ethos that is threaded throughout, which also includes reducing water usage and energy, and restoring native plant habitats.
Doubles from €325. +353 (0)953 1006; ballynahinch-castle.com
The Barnsdale
Oakham, Rutland
Converted from a centuries-old hunting lodge in 1990, The Barnsdale features 46 individually decorated bedrooms and stunning countryside views. Original features — including flagstone hallways, sash windows and cast-iron stoves — add to its character. In 2022, the hotel, located on the Exton Estate in picturesque Rutland, became the latest addition to The Signet Collection, which also owns The Mitre, Hampton Court, The Retreat at Elcot Park and The Alfriston in the South Downs. The quality of the rooms, food, and location are superb. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients and as well as the elegant 1760 Brasserie and four private dining spaces, The Rod Room and The Orangery are lovely for a relaxing coffee or excellent afternoon tea. The spa offers wonderful restorative treatments, from results-driven facials to bespoke massages using delicious Bramley products. An enticing outdoor heated pool and woodfired hot tubs have a beautiful backdrop, with highland cattle grazing in the fields. Nearby, the picturesque towns of Oakham, Uppingham, and Stamford are great for shopping. Dogs are welcome too.
Doubles from £105. +44 (0)1572 724678; barnsdalerutland.com
Beaverbrook
Leatherhead, Surrey
Beaverbrook is a magnificent, must-visit country house hotel. We’ve been, we’ve stayed, we’ve played, and it’s fabulous. The former mansion of Lord Beaverbrook has weekenders falling over themselves to revel in the 19th-century architecture and Susie Atkinson interiors: grand yet homely, romantic and fun, and underpinned by historical photographs of the newspaper magnate and visitors like Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill. There’s Japanese cuisine in The Dining Room, stunning views of the formal gardens, a 470-acre woodland estate with a treehouse, and a kids’ club. The separate brick and flint Garden House, with interiors by Nicola Harding, offers a bar, an informal Anglo-Italian restaurant, and 11 bedrooms. The Coach House suites are perfect for families, as is The Village, a cluster of colourful rooms on the site of the original workers’ cottages that have their own Mrs Beeton’s Restaurant. Don’t miss the spa at The Coach House, adorned with stained glass by artist Brian Clarke, which offers an array of transformative wellness experiences and a beautiful outdoor pool. All this so close to London, in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
Doubles from £550. +44 (0)1372 571300; beaverbrook.co.uk
Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa
Warminster, 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 a no-dig kitchen garden, which provides The Garden Grill restaurant with much of its produce, and an 18th-century walled garden with a summerhouse. This summer marks the unveiling of a reimagined spa: a holistic wellness haven designed to restore and revive. Expect outdoor pools, sauna, invigorating cold plunges, and open-air studio cabanas for fitness sessions. Treatments draw on local botanicals and estate-grown herbs, while experiences like forest bathing connect you with the surrounding landscape. Rooms come with sweeping countryside views, specially commissioned artworks, and splashes of bright, bold colour (in striped wallpaper, say, or a mustard bedhead); some also have a hot tub on the terrace. Staff can arrange all kinds of activities, from gin tasting to clay pigeon shooting, while attractions such as Longleat, Stourhead and Stonehenge are all within an hour’s drive. The River Wylye runs alongside too, perfect for trout fishing and spotting elusive kingfishers.
Doubles from £210. +44 (0)1985 804680; bishopstrowhotel.com
Boringdon Hall
Plymouth, Devon
From the classic four-poster rooms to The Great Hall with its oak-panelled walls, ornate carvings, tapestries and King James I coat of arms above the fireplace, the sense of history at this manor house spa hotel is palpable. It was even mentioned in the Domesday Book. Yet what makes Boringdon Hall special is the seamless interweaving of the modern, too. Housed in the newest wing are the wellness suites, which each come with an outdoor bath and are positioned closest to the adults-only GAIA Spa. It’s a serious set-up, with everything from alfresco hot tubs and a relaxation room overlooking the wildflower meadow to a Finnish sauna and treatments such as GAIA Raindrop therapy and a jade facial. Then there’s the Michelin-starred Àclèaf restaurant, led by head chef Scott Paton, whose signature seven-course tasting menu is rooted in heritage flavours; the informal Mayflower Brasserie; and a drink offering that includes the hotel’s own gin, distilled in the grounds. The showstopper, though, is the three-level Royal Suite: set within the original turret, it has a dining area and a hot tub on the terrace with uninterrupted views across Dartmoor.
Doubles from £180. +44 (0)1752 344455; boringdonhall.co.uk
Bovey Castle
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Part of the Eden Hotel Collection, Bovey Castle was first opened as a hotel and golf resort in 1930 by Great Western Railways. The hotel is set in 275 acres of Devon countryside, surrounded by Dartmoor National Park; choose from cosy, elegant rooms in the historic manor house or private mews across the courtyard. There are also three-storey self-catering, dog-friendly lodges in the grounds, which are ideal for families (the lodges come with fully equipped kitchens and housekeeping). During the day, watch a complimentary falconry display, collect eggs from the estate’s chickens or book in for a massage at the Elan Spa. The hotel has also planted a new wildflower meadow to explore (book the beekeeping experience). Executive head chef Mark Budd uses fresh ingredients from the huge kitchen garden to create seasonal menus for one-AA rosette Smith’s Brasserie (in the summer, sit on the outdoor terrace that overlooks the River Bovey) and three-AA rosette Great Western Grill. There are activities to suit everyone, from golf and archery to off-road driving, fly fishing and cider making; parents will love the action-packed family timetable.
Doubles from £280 (based on a castle room). +44 (0)1647 445000; boveycastle.com
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Brockenhurst, Hampshire
When life’s cares start to pile up, escape to this New Forest bolthole for a weekend of spoiling and relaxation — it’ll be just the ticket. The spa hotel occupies a striking, red-brick Victorian manor in neat gardens on the outskirts of Brockenhurst. With oak-panelled walls and an open fire in reception, it feels inviting as soon as you step through the door. Rooms in the main house combine modern amenities with traditional country house style (the best have four-poster beds). Garden rooms are more contemporary, and each comes with a terrace or balcony — ideal for soaking up the sun alongside your morning coffee. But what really makes Careys Manor stand out is its award-winning SenSpa, which has a variety of saunas, pools and treatment rooms. You’ll be pampered with an extensive range of treatments, from a traditional Thai massage to a gentle mud wrap, aquatic bodywork and thorough detox. As for food, there are three great options: Cambium, refined yet laid-back and celebrating all that is best about seasonal New Forest produce; Zen Garden, serving delicious, authentic Thai favourites and street food; and informal French bar and bistro, Le Blaireau.
Doubles from £200. +44 (0)1590 624467; careysmanor.com
Calcot & Spa
Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Set in 220 acres of rewilded Cotswolds countryside, Calcot Manor offers timeless architecture and pure Cotswolds charm. Today, the house is the flagship of the Calcot Collection, which also includes Lord Crewe Arms and The Painswick. There are 37 thoughtfully decorated, cream-hued rooms: those in the main house are designed with couples in mind, while family rooms and suites occupy converted cottages and barns. There are also deluxe suites featuring private gardens. Opening this June are two luxury treehouses, where guests can fully immerse in nature with a front-row seat to the surrounding flora and fauna. For those visiting with wellness in mind, head to Grain Store, a gym and fitness sanctuary. Meanwhile, the Ofsted-registered crèche offers four hours of childcare — ideal for parents wishing to unwind in the award-winning, sumptuous spa. And don’t miss the brand-new Recovery Garden, where you can indulge in contrast therapy with an infrared sauna and cold plunge baths. Savour imaginative seasonal dishes in The Brasserie restaurant or linger in The Hive café, which transforms into a lively cocktail bar by night.
Doubles from £442. +44 (0)1666 890391; calcot.co
Congham Hall
King’s Lynn, Norfolk
This charming Georgian house is set in 50 acres of Norfolk countryside. Beautifully cared for by owners Nicholas and Ruth Dickinson, it sits just five minutes’ drive from Sandringham and 20 minutes from the amazing stretches of Norfolk beaches. Inside, a lovely stone floor graces the elegant hall with its grey-green walls, antique furniture, vases of fresh garden flowers and sofas in front of the fire. To either side is a drawing room and library, and there’s also a bar. The Samphire Kitchen restaurant is airy and relaxed, offering locally sourced dishes (the hotel has a great kitchen garden). The bedrooms are all impeccable and comfortable, divided between the house (the top-floor rooms are small but lovely), the garden wing and five orchard cabins, with outside baths among the trees. The house rooms are cool and classical in style — havens in which to unwind. Afternoon tea is a delight; follow it with a swim in the indoor pool or explore the 30 acres of gardens and woodland, which are among the best in England. Just don’t miss The Secret Garden Spa, offering fabulous treatments in partnership with Elemental Herbology.
Doubles from £239. +44 (0)1485 600250; conghamhallhotel.co.uk
Culloden Estate and Spa
Holywood, Belfast
Grounded on the forested shores of Belfast Lough, the majestic Culloden Estate and Spa is located just outside the capital. Built as the official palace for the Bishops of Down in the 18th century, this five-star hotel is a step away from the noise of the outside world, with beautifully secluded gardens, a palatial spa, restaurant and traditional pub, blending historic grandeur and modern luxury. The 98 bedrooms and suites are matched with breathtaking views, coupled with a King Koil ‘cloud bed’, luxurious linen and wonderful attention to detail. Across the estate, the culinary offerings are equally impressive, bringing together the best local produce Northern Ireland has to offer. The two-AA rosette Vespers Restaurant serves exquisite fine dining, while the Cultra Inn is a traditional pub and bistro, providing a more relaxed setting with a locally sourced seasonal menu. Plus, their famous afternoon tea is superb. The award-winning spa should not be missed, with restorative ESPA treatments, fusing advanced techniques with traditional therapies. There’s also a eucalyptus steamroom, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, and tylarium with views over the Lough.
Doubles from £270. +44 (0)28 9042 1066; cullodenestateandspa.com
The Devonshire Arms
Skipton, Yorkshire
Perfectly positioned at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, The Devonshire Arms blends comfort, character, and effortless rural charm. Its 40 bedrooms are thoughtfully designed for relaxation — whether you prefer the cosy, period feel of the original wing, overlooking the Italian gardens, or the contemporary styling of the rooms with gorgeous views beyond. Across the way, the spa is tucked inside an ancient stone barn, with Temple Spa treatments, vitality pool, steam, rasul chamber and sauna facilities on offer. It’s a peaceful retreat after a day exploring the surrounding countryside. Dining is a key experience here. Executive chef Adam Harper showcases the best of each season, drawing on ingredients from the estate and trusted local producers. The Garden Room offers relaxed, all-day dining. For something heartier, The Brasserie brings a comforting take on British classics. With charming villages nearby including Burnsall and Appletreewick — and the dramatic landscapes of Malham and Grassington only a short drive — the estate is brilliantly placed for both adventure and scenic wandering.
Doubles from £199. +44 (0)1756 718100; thedevonshirearms.co.uk
Dormy House
Dormy House
Broadway, Worcestershire
Standing proud on the 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 fireplaces and flagstone floors. Its 39 Cotswold-chic bedrooms and suites are the exemplar of quintessential country living with a touch of Scandinavian style. Dormy House is also home to an award-winning spa, offering utter relaxation in the form of thermal suites, a Himalayan salt sauna, a snow shower and an outdoor fireside hot tub. At MO, the 12-seat chef’s table experience, chefs and a sommelier guide diners through eight innovative courses. There’s also Back Garden, offering a seasonal menu of local, high-welfare meat and responsibly cultivated veg plus afternoon tea Friday to Sunday; The Shed makes the perfect retreat for a nightcap. You’re free to explore the beautiful Farncombe Estate, or a short drive takes you to the village of Broadway with its exquisite houses, regal inns, manicured lawns and art galleries. For spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, a short hike will take you to Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly.
Doubles from £495. +44 (0)1386 852711; dormyhouse.co.uk
Ellenborough Park
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Ellenborough Park sits within 90 acres of grounds, just moments from Cheltenham Racecourse. The beautifully restored 15th-century manor house was once home to the Earl of Ellenborough, who was also governor general of India in the 1840s (the influence of his travels is visible in the Great Hall and Minstrels’ Gallery). Today, it has been elevated to contemporary glory: the rooms, suites and self-catering hideaway, The Lodge, all have country house character (antique furniture, rich fabrics, rolltop baths). As well as an outdoor heated pool, the Spa Garden Retreat has a hot tub, sauna and ice bath. Treatments include a Japanese head spa, launched last year, which blends scalp therapy with restorative massage techniques. From fresh seasonal produce to an inviting atmosphere, there is a dining experience to suit everyone (including a milkshake bar). Spring and summer see al fresco eating and drinking in quirky dining carriages on the south lawn and Taittinger Terrace, where guests can enjoy a glass of Champagne from the converted horse box trailer bar while watching the sunset. Plus, it’s worth noting that under fives stay and dine for free.
Doubles from £269. +44 (0)1242 545454; ellenboroughpark.com
The Grove
Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire
Set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove is just 20 minutes from London. Lovingly restored, this former home of the earls of Clarendon now hosts 214 rooms, divided between the historic, 18th-century mansion and the contemporary West Wing. There are also two delightful new self-contained cottages. A short stroll from the main house is Sequoia Spa, with a statement pool, jacuzzi and 18 treatment rooms. Beyond that, there’s a championship golf course and brand-new custom fitting experience in partnership with TaylorMade to elevate your game. The grounds offer all manner of activities, including mini Land Rovers, hawking and axe throwing, plus summer sport camps. The Grove’s hidden gem in warmer months is its enchanting walled garden: here, find Ralph’s Beach (sand, deckchairs, buckets and spades), a heated outdoor pool and Jemima’s Kitchen Garden, which provides produce for the chefs. When it comes to food, guests are spoilt for choice. Pick from an around-the-world feast at The Glasshouse, British favourites at The Stables, Turkish restaurant Skewd, or an Indian banquet at Madhu’s.
Doubles from £485. +44 (0)1923 807807; thegrove.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 Scotch Corner. Set in a 17th-century pale stone building, the hall boasts walled gardens where guests can play tennis and croquet or simply admire immaculate lawns and scented rose borders. From the Orangery to the cosy Library bar, the dining options feel endless. And the food is delicious — unsurprisingly so, as the kitchen sources its ingredients freshly from the estate’s gardens. Inside, the 38 bedrooms and suites are exquisitely proportioned spaces, featuring wood panelling and elegant, comfortable furnishings, including dog-friendly accommodation. There’s also a stylish self-catering apartment — replete with hot tub. You can enjoy the challenging nine-hole golf course and the fabulous spa which includes a pool, sauna and steam room plus a stunning new outdoor hydrotherapy spa and sun terrace. The best part? Classic cars are available for residents to hire on site during the summer months.
Doubles from £180. +44 (0)1325 730238; headlamhall.co.uk
Homewood Hotel & Spa
Near Bath, Somerset
Playful, eclectic and unapologetically luxurious, this grand Georgian country house is surrounded by 20 acres of magnificent gardens and grounds. It stands above the village of Freshford, with its picturesque viaduct and a train line that runs to Bath. Channelling the Romans’ flair for indulgence, Homewood (sister to Bishopstrow in Wiltshire) is a sanctuary of laid-back pampering. Drift between treatments, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, a sauna and a steam room before slipping into the outdoor vitality pool for a breath of fresh country air. The 21 main house rooms have oodles of character and great views across the Avon Valley. Each is quirky, colourful and refreshingly individual: think statement artworks and twinkling chandeliers. There are another ten rooms and suites in Mallingford Mews, some with private terraces and hot tubs which make the most of the rural views. At the Olio restaurant, things are just as vibrant. Somerset produce and vegetables from the hotel’s own ten-acre, no-dig kitchen garden meet Mediterranean flavours. Dine inside, on the outdoor terrace, or lean into one of the ever-evolving seasonal experiences.
Doubles from £295. +44 (0)1225 580439; homewoodbath.co.uk
Lime Wood
Lyndhurst, Hampshire
It’s all about attention to detail at this sumptuous New Forest hideaway. Oak doors are thick, paint finishes fresh, and floor lights switch on as you walk into the bathroom from your individually decorated bedroom (there are 33 across the main house and the grounds). In the Herb House Spa, ayurvedic treatments sit alongside bespoke therapies from brands such as Bamford and Ground Wellbeing. Enjoy yoga on the rooftop herb garden, take in forest views from the sauna, and do laps in the indoor hydropool. Afterwards, pop into Raw & Cured for nourishing, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. There’s also a nature-inspired series of retreats, events and workshops called Re-Root at Lime Wood, and guided forest walks with the hotel’s forager, Sammie. The main house is home to Hartnett Holder & Co, the brilliant restaurant partnership between Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, which serves Italian-influenced dishes using the best local ingredients. The glamour is there, but the stiffness of formal dining has been swept away. It’s how we want to live today — and Lime Wood perfectly captures the laid-back luxury mood.
Doubles from £495. +44 (0)23 8028 7177; limewoodhotel.co.uk
Lainston House
Winchester, Hampshire
This gorgeous Queen Anne house sits in 63 acres of Hampshire countryside, just moments from Winchester. Country adventure and food experiences are at the heart of this estate, which is part of Exclusive Collection, the UK’s first B Corp certified hotel group. The Avenue, named after the long stretch of lime trees leading up to the house, is where MasterChef: The Professionals champion Tom Hamblet heads up the menu. Book the chef’s table experience for a front-row seat as you tuck into the tasting menu. Then there’s The Wellhouse, housed in an original listed well house building, where everything from beef cheek to black pudding croquettes is smoked or cooked over a wood fire. Season, the estate’s cookery school, offers classes such as stock-making and knife skills, plus outdoor sessions on Big Green Egg barbecues and Gozney pizza ovens. Join a seasonal kitchen garden tour, indulge in afternoon tea and relax in The Cedar Bar after a country cycle, walk or fly fishing in the Test Valley. At the end of the day, traditional rooms or suites await — some with avenue views, some dog-friendly, and others featuring a hot tub.
Doubles from £260. +44 (0)1962 776088; exclusive.co.uk
Linthwaite House
Windermere, Cumbria
Linthwaite House embodies the perfect Lake District hotel: understated and elegant, yet warmly welcoming and relaxing. The views over Lake Windermere, especially with the sun slanting across the water, are simply unbeatable. The country-chic rooms offer the last word in lakeside luxury; for a back-to-nature experience, there’s a secluded tarn with a private cabin and six contemporary suites among the wooded grounds (the best come with an enclosed verandah and hot tub). Inside, a crackling fire welcomes guests in the hall, which leads to the bar and light-filled conservatory (nab a seat on the terrace, which faces the Coniston Fells). The inspired all-day dining menus range from lobster rolls to afternoon tea. For a more refined dining experience, visit Henrock, overseen by multi-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, who sources the freshest Cumbrian ingredients from his regenerative farm in the Cartmel Valley. Linthwaite also offers an array of activities, from croquet and outdoor chess to cycling and rowing. With wedding, events, and conferencing facilities, as well as a dog-friendly policy, this hotel ticks all the boxes.
Doubles from £270. +44 (0)1539 488600; leeucollection.com/uk
Lucknam Park, Emblems Collection
Colerne, Wiltshire
Surrounded by 500 acres of listed parkland, Lucknam Park 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. Then, tuck into Hywel Jones’ exceptional Michelin-starred cooking in his eponymous formal restaurant. Jones has held his star for over 20 consecutive years, and sources seasonal flavours from the hotel grounds. Or choose the cool, contemporary Walled Garden Restaurant. Then there’s the spa, which includes a sleek indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, salt room and eight treatment rooms for rejuvenating massages and facials using brands such as 111Skin and Kloris. For your own slice of the estate, book one of the chic cottages. There’s also an arboretum for picnics, the front lawn for croquet, and two tennis courts. Activities range from a garden tour to country pursuits — plus there’s an impressive equestrian centre and excellent facilities for children.
Doubles from £384, cottages from £1,200. +44 (0)1225 742777; lucknampark.co.uk
The Manor House
Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Set in the 12th-century Cotswolds village of Castle Combe, this honey-hued countryside manor is part of Exclusive Collection, the first UK hotel group to become B Corp certified. It offers an idyllic escape — from the riverside drive to a wander around the Italian gardens, croquet on the lawns, and curling up with a book in one of the nooks or lounges. Choose between traditional rooms in the manor house, a room in the nearby mews cottages, or one of the lavish suites dotted between the two (some have a hot tub, terrace or private garden). On the estate’s 365 acres, there’s an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, with tree-lined fairways, natural undulation and spectacular Wiltshire views. Meanwhile, The Castle Inn pub, in the heart of the village, is perfect for an afternoon pint or bite to eat from the two-AA rosette menu. Grab a walking map and some Le Chameau wellies from reception to work up an appetite for Michelin-starred restaurant Bybrook. Here, chef Robert Potter creates seasonal dishes to savour within exquisite tasting menus. Before retiring to bed, don’t miss a nightcap in the hotel’s Time Bar, with a choice of over 100 gins.
Doubles from £246. +44 (0)1249 782206; exclusive.co.uk
Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Part of the Eden Hotel Collection, Mallory Court is a country house pad that has it all: rolling countryside, good food, a fine spa and gorgeous bedrooms. One of the country’s greatest landmarks, Warwick Castle, is just down the road and Stratford-upon-Avon is 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. In contrast, Orchard House — tucked among the trees in the glorious ten-acre grounds — houses the sparkling Elan Spa, which offers blissful treatments using Gaia and Templespa products alongside an outdoor vitality pool, sauna and Technogym equipment. On the first floor are 12 sleek bedrooms; choose between these and the more classic rooms in the main house. Food is a highlight, headed up by Stuart Deeley, former winner of MasterChef: The Professionals. New restaurant The Warwick offers bold seasonal flavours and the best local produce (much grown in the kitchen gardens), while Sencha serves a fabulous Asian menu. The hotel also does a superb afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.
Doubles from £230 (based on a classic room). +44 (0)1926 330214; mallory.co.uk
The Montagu Arms
Beaulieu, Hampshire
Combining all the attributes of a traditional country house hotel — roaring log fires, pretty gardens and comfortable bedrooms — with a picturesque village setting, The Montagu Arms makes an ideal base for a relaxing break. Browse Beaulieu’s high street, take a riverside walk to Buckler’s Hard or explore the New Forest. Back in the hotel you’ll find a dark oak hall that contrasts with the cream-panelled sitting room, leading in turn to a sunny conservatory. The 33 bedrooms stay true to the hotel’s heritage while layering contemporary colour schemes and designer fabrics. There are a trio of distinct dining experiences: casual pub Monty’s for hearty classics; alfresco light lunches in the lounge and flower-filled garden; and forest-to-fork dining at The Terrace where the best produce, from the New Forest and homegrown in the hotel grounds, is used to create modern, refined cuisine that takes local provenance seriously. Dishes, such as roast south coast hake with seaweed crushed potatoes, are familiar favourites, but always with a taste of the unexpected. Both children and dogs are welcome, making it a great choice for families.
Doubles from £200. +44 (0)1590 612324; montaguarmshotel.co.uk
Sean Elliott
Matfen Hall
Matfen, Northumberland
Set in 300 acres of peaceful parkland, Matfen Hall pairs Grade II-listed grandeur with five-star comfort. Rooms are a perfect harmony of tradition and contemporary elegance, with high ceilings, twinkling chandeliers and uninterrupted estate views. For ultimate indulgence, opt for a luxury suite, complete with an emperor bed, antique furniture and a roll-top bath. With chauffeur transfer included within a 20-mile radius, arrive in style to chocolates, local gin and seasonal flowers. When it comes to dining, guests are spoilt for choice. Award-winning Emerald Restaurant is an opulent showstopper, with crackling fires and seasonal table d’hôte menus focused on locally sourced ingredients. The Keepers is a relaxed spot for classic dishes, and in the historic courtyard is grill restaurant Cloisters — choose a table on the mezzanine for views of the Great Hall’s magnificent stained glass window. Spend your days on top-rated golf courses, unwinding in the spa’s glass-roofed pool and thermal suite, or exploring must-see sights like Hadrian’s Wall. As night falls, settle into the 1832 bar for a chilled aperitif as the sun sets on the Northumbrian hills.
Doubles from £350. +44 (0)1661 886500; matfenhall.com
Pennyhill Park
Bagshot, Surrey
A place to indulge in the best, Pennyhill Park is a 19th-century, ivy-clad mansion house surrounded by 120 acres. Renowned as one of Surrey’s top spa hotels, it is part of Exclusive Collection, the first UK hotel group to become B Corp certified. The spa tempts guests with exceptional water therapy, including an outdoor hydrotherapy pool with massage jets, a revitalising cold-water plunge, and an indoor pool complete with underwater music for a dose of zen. Make time for a self-guided contrast therapy circuit in the vast thermal spaces with an array of hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and laconiums — perfectly paired with the Hot and Cold wellbeing treatment. When it’s time to dine, head to the relaxed, farm-to-fork Hillfield, where the ingredients are sourced locally and from the estate. Alternatively, let chef Steve Smith guide you through a tasting menu journey at Michelin-starred Latymer, set in the oldest and most charming part of the house. Rooms and suites are individually designed, and many have stand-out features such as a double bath, four-poster bed or private terrace — and there are even ones with a sauna or Jacuzzi.
Doubles from £321. +44 (0)1276 478300; exclusive.co.uk
The PIG – At Bridge Place
Canterbury, Kent
Every PIG hotel in this magnificent litter has its very own personality — and this one, on the leafy outskirts of Canterbury, has a rock-’n’-roll vibe that’s immediately evident. The 31-bedroom, Grade II*-listed Queen Anne manor house is set in the Nailbourne valley, part of the Kent Downs. It sports a handsome red-brick façade, ornate Jacobean interior and a colourful recent past. The likes of Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton and Pink Floyd have all gigged here, and now it’s your turn to have a ball among a wealth of period features, secret stairways, and endless nooks and crannies. As with every other PIG, the kitchen garden and heritage glasshouses — reached via a bridge and surrounded by water meadows, trees and tranquil paths — and the restaurant are the beating heart of this revitalised property. The Potting Sheds also offer rejuvenating treatments, from bespoke massages to brightening facials, using natural products from Tribe 517. If you’ve pigged out on the others, this delightful locale (just an hour by train from central London) should be next on your list: you’ll be seduced, charmed and ready to party, all at the same time.
Doubles from £225. +44 (0)345 225 9494; thepighotel.com
The PIG
Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Many hotels boast kitchen gardens, but few are as central to operations as that of The PIG in the New Forest. Here, the garden is an imaginative edible paradise from which the chefs source much of their daily produce, the rest coming from within a 25-mile radius. This local and seasonal food-centric ideal is the inspiration for the original concept of The PIG and its subsequent litter of hotels in the Home Grown Hotels stable, founded by British hotelier Robin Hutson in 2011. Here at Brockenhurst, a handsome Georgian shooting lodge stands in a clearing in the New Forest, with walking and foraging on offer. There’s a wonderful Victorian-style conservatory dining room, glamorous bar and outdoor courtyard for summer. Calm, countrified and deeply comfortable, the hotel’s seductive, shabby-chic aesthetic comes in a palette of soft greens and chalky greys. Bedrooms include rustic, romantic lodges tucked away in the woods. The walled garden leads to a lovely lily pond and wooden Potting Shed treatment rooms in quiet corners of the grounds for hot stone massages and brightening facials, all designed to restore balance. Oh, and there really are pigs, too.
Doubles from £345. +44 (0)1590 622354; thepighotel.com
The PIG – At Combe
Gittisham, Devon
As you approach this Grade I-listed Elizabethan manor down the mile-long drive surrounded by meadows, it slips tantalisingly in and out of sight, building a sense of romance that’s utterly fulfilled on arrival. Its latest iteration as a PIG destination is brimful of life, bonhomie and stylish informality. With the main bar installed in the historic grand hall, the fun starts the moment you walk in. There’s a wonderful, double-aspect conservatory restaurant with bare wood floors, restored shutters and incredible views; cosy snugs with roaring fires; a bar with a wood-fired oven in the derelict-chic Folly; huge, raftered bedrooms in the attic; an atmospheric private dining room in the original Georgian kitchen; and so much more. Within the trio of walled kitchen gardens (the epicentre of all PIG hotels, where much of the produce for their renowned ‘25-mile’ menus is grown) stands two Potting Shed treatment rooms, beyond which stretches 3,500 acres of Devonshire countryside. Close by are the wide open spaces of Dartmoor and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast to explore at your leisure. Just like all the other PIGs, this is a total joy of a hotel.
Doubles from £260. +44 (0)1404 540400; thepighotel.com
The PIG – In The Cotswolds
Barnsley, Gloucestershire
Part of The PIG litter, this honey-hued 17th-century, Grade II-listed gem sits in the Cotswolds village of Barnsley, four miles from Cirencester. Spread across the main house, the honey-stone Stableyard house and the gardens, the 26 bedrooms are all wonderfully eclectic, with rich fabrics, super comfy beds, reclaimed textures and roll-top baths. One of the big draws here is the ornamental Arts and Crafts-style gardens by the late celebrated landscape designer Rosemary Verey, complete with a laburnum walk and Tuscan temple. The food is fantastic, with a ‘25-mile’ menu featuring dishes using produce from the kitchen garden and fresh ingredients from small local producers. If you can tear yourself away, go in search of the Fieldhouse under the trees. It’s the only full spa among The PIGs (the rest have Potting Shed treatment rooms), and it comprises a sauna, steam room, outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool and terrace for quiet, reflective moments between dips and massages. The Village Pub — another PIG triumph — is just across the lane and the cobbled-street towns of Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury are a stone’s throw away.
Doubles from £415. +44 (0)345 225 9494; thepighotel.com
The PIG – In The South Downs
Madehurst, West Sussex
Set within the small hamlet of Madehurst, this PIG, high up on the South Downs in West Sussex, comes complete with its own vineyard. The team has created a haven of rural bliss for this seventh hotel. Only four miles from the market town of Arundel and a short drive to the yachting playground of Chichester, the Georgian house is a brilliant base for exploring — but also for hunkering down. The 30 lovingly restored bedrooms are spread between a higgledy-piggledy collection of traditional brick, flint and timber-clad stable yard buildings, together with four Garden Wagon and two Field Wagon private retreats. Each is unique and classically PIG: think indulgent fabrics, reclaimed wood, roll-top baths and locally stocked larders full of goodies. The wagons, tucked away in the walled garden or in the fields, are super cosy with log burners. As at other PIG hotels, you’ll find peaceful Potting Shed treatment rooms and terrific food, with a ‘25-mile’ menu. It’s simple British fare done well, with a focus on hyper-local and homegrown produce — plus there’s a wide-ranging wine list to be sampled in the bar and large kitchen garden.
Doubles from £330. +44 (0)1234 974500; thepighotel.com
The PIG – Near Bath
Pensford, Somerset
This may be just one of several rural-themed PIG hotels, but its launch over a decade ago broke new ground as a proper, grown-up hotel with all the country house attributes (space, proportions, dreamy views) but none of the drawbacks (staid, formal, eye-wateringly expensive). It’s fun and glamorous without ever losing sight of comfort — and located in the Mendip Hills, it’s just 20 minutes from the city of Bath. Judy Hutson created the look: quirky wallpaper, velvet curtains, oil paintings and chandeliers, plus a wonderfully louche private dining room based on The Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet (ragamuffins feasting in a castle). The kitchen garden is the heartbeat of the hotel, with gardeners and chefs working hand in hand to create plates brimming with seasonal flavours. What can’t be grown on-site is sourced from the best local farmers, fishermen and foragers — the foundation of The PIG’s signature ‘25-mile’ menu. The kitchen garden is also where you’ll find the two homely Potting Shed treatment rooms for massages and facials. And keep an eye out for dishes flavoured with honey from their own hives — you can even pick up a jar to take home.
Doubles from £330. +44 (0)1929 450288; thepighotel.com
Rockliffe Hall
Darlington, County Durham
Reopening in autumn 2026, Rockliffe Hall has been taken to new heights following a multimillion-pound renovation. Set within 375 acres beside the River Tees, the Grade II-listed house has been meticulously restored — and this time, gastronomy is at the heart of the hotel. The new restaurant, ATLAS James & Maria Close (culinary director James Close was formerly chef-patron of two-Michelin-starred The Raby Hunt), serves sublime, globally inspired dishes and has a dedicated Champagne and aperitif lounge. Then there’s the all-day dining space, a cocktail bar, the Morning Room for afternoon tea, Café Terra, and The Clubhouse. The hotel’s 43 rooms and suites (with 22 more coming next summer) provide the utmost in luxury: picture a palette of creamy neutrals and burnished brass details, with bathrooms featuring oversize showers and baths. Add to that the award-winning 50,000sq/ft spa with 11 treatment rooms, a 20m indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, a thermal suite and experience showers. There’s also a championship 18-hole golf course, tennis and padel courts, and bike hire. To top it off, the service is genuinely warm and excellent.
Doubles from £550. +44 (0)1325 729999; rockliffehall.com
The Tawny
Consall, Staffordshire
Set across a pair of sprawling estates in Staffordshire’s Churnet valley, The Tawny combines the best bits of a traditional hotel — including a three-AA rosette restaurant — with your own private space. On one estate you’ll find a collection of shepherd’s huts, treehouses and romantic boathouses, each chic and cosy with superlative views and an outdoor bath. The adjoining parkland has larger serviced properties: The Fledglings, which are perfect for groups (all have a pool; some a games room, sauna or cinema); and — just opened in March — The Owlets, a series of self-catering cottages with access to a communal heated outdoor pool. There’s also a treatment room housed in a quaint thatched cottage. At The Plumicorn restaurant, with its soaring ceiling, teal banquette seating and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lakes, head chef Andrew Watts serves an inspired menu using the best local produce. There’s also afternoon tea and guests can order a picnic to enjoy in the grounds — 70 acres of undulating landscape, dotted with secluded dells and follies to explore. The Peak District is only a stone’s throw away.
Doubles from £290. +44 (0)1538 787664; thetawny.co.uk
Thyme
Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
A paradise in the glorious Cotswolds countryside, Thyme offers botanically inspired bedrooms in a collection of stone houses and cottages. Each is decorated with Bertioli by Thyme fabrics and wallpapers handpainted in-house by founder Caryn Hibbert. Family-run and with a sustainable ethos, Thyme has thoughtful touches at every corner. The food — overseen by culinary director Charlie Hibbert — is its raison d’être, with first-class chefs, a highly regarded cookery school and produce from its own farm and kitchen gardens. Eat in The Swan, Thyme’s charming village pub (which dates back to the 17th century), or Ox Barn, a more contemporary space where just-picked ingredients dictate the menus. There’s also Baa Bar in the old lambing sheds, and Orchid House, located next to the springwater swimming pool. Restorative spa treatments take place in Meadow Cottage or the Botanical Bothy (at the latter, the signature ritual includes breathwork, pressure point techniques and a herbal bath). Borrow bicycles or wellies to explore the countryside, sign up for floristry and painting classes, or work up an appetite for dinner with tennis on the estate’s court.
Doubles from £500. +44 (0)1367 850174; thyme.co.uk
