The Best Small Country Hotels To Book In The UK

You know what they say: less is more. (Or, in this case, smaller is better.) From Cotswold coaching inns and Pembrokeshire bolt-holes to Lake District manor houses and Cornish rectories, these are the small country hotels worth booking across Britain and Ireland for 2026.

The Best Small Country Hotels In Britain & Ireland

The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow, Derbyshire

This 250-year-old former coaching inn turned country-house hotel on the Chatsworth Estate ticks all the boxes. The elegant interiors by Nicola Harding are inspired by Chatsworth’s art, history and people, with artwork sourced from the Devonshire family’s collection. The 28 supremely comfortable bedrooms come with antique furniture, stone fireplaces and stunning views. Punches of colour and texture add a sense of fun. Dining here is utterly thrilling. With executive chef Adam Harper at the helm, the elegant three-AA rosette Gallery Restaurant serves imaginative food using ingredients from the estate or local farmers. Alternatively, there’s the Garden Room, inspired by Chatsworth’s glasshouses, with its large terrace and fantastic views across the estate. The menu features an ever-changing selection of seasonal favourites. Enjoy an aperitif beforehand in the 1950s-style bar, surrounded by an eclectic collection of 21st-century photography and family photos. By day, the best of the Peak District is on your doorstep. Or stay close to home, with a walk across the parkland, spotting the roaming semi-wild deer, towards Chatsworth House.

Doubles from £249. +44 (0)1246 582311; cavendishbaslow.co.uk

The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham, Norfolk

In picturesque Great Massingham, The Dabbling Duck is a successful village pub celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It’s run with great warmth by experienced, hands-on owner-manager Mark Dobby and his wife Sally, a professional photographer whose prints decorate some of the walls. As soon as you walk in, you’re struck by the rustic aesthetic: wooden floors, tables and bar; hops hanging from beams; shelves of books. There are 13 bedrooms (some dog-friendly, others suitable for families), including three peaceful garden rooms and four in adjacent, newly refurbished Barrack House, with roll-top baths and walk-in showers, plus Duckling Cottage, which sleeps six. The pub has a well-deserved reputation for its own Mucky Duck gin, real ales and curated wine list. The terrific food is made using local produce and prepared by skilful chef Dale Smith (who is marking his own ten-year milestone in the kitchen). There’s also a beautiful, oak-beamed barn with a cosy wood burner, an outdoor bar, and a kitchen serving pizza and tapas on Fridays and Saturdays. The barn opens up onto the pub garden, which has a play area for little ones.

Doubles from £110. +44 (0)1485 520827; thedabblingduck.co.uk

The Double Red Duke, Clanfield, Oxfordshire

This wisteria-clad coaching inn situated in the village of Clanfield, on the edge of the Cotswolds, comes from the minds of Sam and Georgie Pearman of Country Creatures and formerly Cubitt House. Guests can hunker down in one of the sitting rooms for drinks before heading to the open-plan bar and garden room for the hotel’s biggest draw, the food, which is cooked over an open fire. Book the chef’s counter to be at the heart of the action. Think charred squid, smoked aubergine and miso dip, the best longhorn steaks, and crème brûlée for dessert. A fabulous chef series runs throughout the year, hosting exciting talent such as Margot Henderson and Niklas Ekstedt. Upstairs, comfortable rooms with original wooden beams shine a spotlight on British artisans. Upholstered furniture is designed by George Smith, while fabrics and wallpaper are from brands including Fermoie and Rapture & Wright. There is also a shepherd’s hut in the herb garden for massages using all-natural, botanical products. The 12-seater feasting room and the garden room (for up to 40) can be hired for parties.

Doubles from £180. +44 (0)1367 810222; countrycreatures.com

Foxhill Manor, Broadway, Worcestershire

Nestled within the scenic woodland of the Farncombe Estate, this sophisticated but relaxed hotel was originally a private home. Sister hotel to Dormy House and The Fish, Foxhill Manor redefines luxury with an all-inclusive experience that offers endless indulgence and impeccable service. Set high on the hillside, Foxhill’s elevated position provides sweeping views over the Vale of Evesham, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere. There are five sumptuous bedrooms and three suites to choose from, all individually designed with a mood and character of their own. Instead of a traditional restaurant, guests are invited into the kitchen at the heart of the house to meet the chef and share their foodie desires. Ingredients are seasonal, grown locally and full of flavour. The hotel’s Full Fox package includes lunch, dinner and unlimited spirits, wine and Champagne, where every detail is taken care of. Guests can enjoy a chauffeur service to and from the award winning Dormy House Spa or local village of Broadway. With just eight bedrooms and suites, the manor is ideal for groups of up to 16 guests and can be booked exclusively.

Doubles from £850. +44 (0)1386 854200; foxhillmanor.com

Gravetye Manor, West Hoathly, West Sussex

It was just over 60 years ago, in 1958, when Peter Herbert opened this Elizabethan manor as a hotel. It’s now in the caring hands of Elizabeth Hosking, who has kept its integrity intact while beautifully renovating and subtly modernising it. Today’s furnishings look fresh and elegant, but the feel remains the same: the unhurried calm, the polite but chatty staff, the profusion of naturally arranged flowers, and the smell of linseed oil and wood smoke from great open hearths. One of the biggest draws is executive chef Martin Carabott’s Michelin-starred food. Driven by produce from the walled kitchen garden and served in the stunning, glass-fronted dining room, it is an accomplished delight, whether you’re tucking into variations of home-grown beetroot served with Sussex slipcote or forced rhubarb soufflé. And the 35-acre gardens, which were originally created by visionary gardener William Robinson in 1885 and are some of the most historically important in England, have been restored to their former glory, thanks to a dedicated team headed by Tom Coward. They are wonderful and transform an aperitif on the terrace into an unforgettable treat.

Doubles from £400. +44 (0)1342 810567; gravetyemanor.co.uk

Grove of Narberth, Narberth, Pembrokeshire

A short drive from the spectacular Pembrokeshire coast, this striking country house was derelict when Neil and Zoe Kedward began restoring it in 2007. From the outset they followed a clear green action plan, and today the property enjoys 100 percent renewable electricity, water drawn from the property’s own boreholes, and 4,000 indigenous trees on site, creating a habitat for local wildlife. The charming hotel has 25 bedrooms designed by top interior designer Martin Hulbert: all have a view of the gardens, surrounding fields or Preseli Hills, while some of the cottage suites come with glass box garden lounges. Hulbert also created an inviting, Welsh-inspired look for the ground floor, where dinners in the four-AA rosette Fernery restaurant, with its stunning wallpaper made from ferns pressed by the team, are a highlight. You can also eat more simply in the relaxed, rustic-style Artisan Rooms Brasserie or al fresco in the courtyard, surrounded by apple trees. Executive chef Douglas Balish’s creations are superb and locally sourced, often using foraged ingredients. Don’t miss Pembrokeshire Table, the hotel’s new series of supper clubs.

Doubles from £390. +44 (0)1834 860915; grovenarberth.co.uk

Hambleton Hall, Oakham, 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 46 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 44 years, the record in the UK) and a joyous wine list curated by revered sommelier Dominique Baduel. There are 17 elegant bedrooms: for those seeking privacy, book the Croquet Suite, 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 a day of fresh air, Hambleton 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 £455. +44 (0)1572 756991; hambletonhall.com

Hampton Manor, Hampton-in-Arden, West Midlands

From renewable energy and traditional crafts to regenerative farming and sustainable uniforms, the planet-first values of owners James and Fjona Hill shine through at this 45-acre estate. Food is at the heart: there’s a cookery school, bakery, and bee hives in the walled garden, where Michelin-starred Grace & Savour restaurant is set. Dinner here is a tasting menu, typically up to 14 courses (lunch is up to eight), perhaps including dishes such as ex-dairy beef from the Gower Peninsula with wild and garden grown mustards. At casual Kynd, also in the walled garden, in the old furnace house, British produce is cooked over coals. Guests can also gather for vinyl and cake at teatime and an informal wine tasting (the 4pm Swig). Every day there is a chance to meet a maker, a chef, sommelier, gardener or creative, while seasonal workshops range from fermentation and foraging to candle making. Bed down in the manor house, with access to living spaces with roaring fires, a bar and the games room; the walled garden suites, which each have a hand-cast concrete bath in the room; or the four-bedroom manor cottage.

Doubles from £275. +44 (0)1675 446080; hamptonmanor.com

The Inn at Whitewell, Forest of Bowland, Lancashire

Charlie Bowman is the third generation of his family to run this charming 25-bedroom former coaching inn. Part of the Duchy of Lancaster estate, the inn’s roots date back to the 14th century and it brims with character, from the impressive collection of antiques that include Victorian bathing machines to the pictures on the bedroom walls. Bookcases are packed with travel and cookery tomes available for purchase, while the reception area also serves as a well-stocked wine shop with the inn’s own merchant, Bowland Forest Vintners, on site. The food from head chef Jamie Cadman is simple yet refined and the elevated restaurant offers such compelling views that conversation often takes a back seat. The road leading to tiny Whitewell descends through the wild, steep-sided Trough of Bowland, opening into a natural amphitheatre of meadows and hills. The River Hodder, with fishing available, runs alongside the inn. Four-legged friends are welcome, and all bedrooms are dog-friendly. Families will love The Piggeries, the hotel’s spacious three-double-bedroom self-catering cottage, a short walk away, which has fabulous views over the river to the fells.

Doubles from £160. +44 (0)1200 448222; innatwhitewell.com

The Jack Russell Inn, Faccombe, Andover

Sitting at the heart of the beautiful Faccombe Estate, this classic country pub ticks all the boxes: great views, friendly staff and excellent, locally sourced food served in the airy dining room. Menus are led by estate produce, from seasonal game to orchard fruits, and are accompanied by the best sustainable wines from around the world. Fish Friday and the Sunday roast are especially popular; signature dishes include Faccombe venison haunch and pan-fried wild seabass. The outdoor terrace has a roaring log fire and sheepskin throws for early evening drinks or after-dinner cocktails. Each of the 11 bedrooms is named after a different dog breed; indeed, dogs are positively welcomed, with beds and bowls provided. Little luxuries like espresso machines, minibars and a hearty full English breakfast the next morning raise the bar further. The Newbury races, Highclere Castle and several prestigious vineyards are close by, while the wonderful surrounding countryside is great for walking. Eco-conscious guests will love the estate’s borehole, wind turbine and biomass boiler providing heat to the pub, lodge and local community.

Doubles from £130. +44 (0)1264 737315; thejackrussellinn.com

Louma Country Hotel, Bridport, Dorset

Set in 100 acres of rolling countryside, Louma Country Hotel began life as a family farm and has evolved into a serene retreat rooted in nature. There are 17 individually designed bedrooms, with nature-inspired interiors and soul-stirring views, each housed in its own distinct space, from cosy Stone Barns to hand-crafted Shepherd Huts. At the estate’s heart lies the light-filled Wellness Barn and Spa, home to two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym and sauna. Treatments range from soothing massages to craniosacral therapy. Life here revolves around three pillars: Eat Well, Move Well, Think Well. Food is included and showcases Louma’s farm-to-fork ethos. Fruit, vegetables and heritage orchard varieties are grown on site, alongside native, grass-fed breeds and free-range chickens. In the kitchen, chefs create vibrant, seasonal dishes shaped by the gardens, local fishermen and foragers. Days unfold with hearty breakfasts, buffet lunches of wood-fired meats and pizzas and delicious dinners (don’t miss the Louma Farm lamb). Farm tours, woodland play, horse rides and fireside s’mores complete this deeply restorative rural escape.

Doubles from £633. +44 (0)1308 800298; loumacountryhotel.co.uk

Lympstone Manor, Exmouth, Devon

This handsome country-house hotel is the culmination of experience gleaned by chef patron Michael Caines over an exceptional career gaining Michelin stars. There are 21 glamorous guest rooms which take their names from birds of the Exe Estuary, as well as six shepherd’s huts at the foot of the vineyard looking up through the vines to the house. Indeed, the soul of the place revolves around the Exe and its wildlife. The birds of the estuary are featured in the staircase wallpaper, and the bedrooms, each decorated with a watercolour of their avian namesake, match the feathered colour schemes. One of the main reasons to come is for Caines’ exquisite and intelligent food with a Michelin star and five AA rosettes. There is a second casual dining restaurant, The Pool House Restaurant & Bar, too, with its outdoor heated swimming pool and tennis court. The 28 acres of grounds on the Exe Estuary are a gateway to the stunning Jurassic Coast, while the 11-acre vineyard produces English Sparkling Wine and a collection of still wines from barrel-aged chardonnay to Provencal-style rosé and more.

Doubles from £448. +44 (0)1395 202040; lympstonemanor.co.uk

Mad Swans in the Mendips, The Mendips, Somerset

This new countryside retreat from Beaverbrook co-founders Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors reimagines sports and social spaces as vibrant hubs. At its heart is the golf course designed by Mackenzie & Ebert, nodding to the sport’s origins when the inaugural Open Championship in 1860 was played over 12 holes. The shorter course aims to make golf more accessible. There’s also padel and pickleball; a driving range in the Swing Barn (where ordering cocktails and freshly baked pizzas is encouraged), a putt patch; and darts and shuffleboard with augmented reality technology. It’s aimed at all ages and sporting abilities, with coaches on site for beginners. Guests stay in eco-cabins (which can be taken individually or joined together as a shared space for up to eight) looking out across the Mendip Hills. Menus at The Potting Shed restaurant and The Hangout bar and pizzeria are led by group head chef Steve Rooney, with creative input from chef Ollie Dabbous. Mad Swans is a playful concept that’s a world away from the stuffy clubhouses of the past; be sure to look out for its second location, opening in the South Downs in June.

Cabins from £195. +44 (0)1761 451596; madswans.com

Number One Bruton, Bruton, Somerset

Set in the thriving market town of Bruton, steps away from Somerset’s best spots, this Georgian townhouse turned hotel has 12 rooms set around a pretty courtyard (designed by Penelope Hobhouse). Somerset’s craft heritage is evident throughout: stay in the townhouse, with its rich colour palette and staircase that winds up to the eaves; in one of the cottages, all warm stone floors and Morris textiles; or the forge, which combines ancient beams and wooden cladding with cosy rugs and ticking stripes. There is a welcome package of local treats including Westcombe Cheddar, shortbread, cider (blended for Number One by The Newt) and apple juice. The small-batch, organic toiletries in the bathrooms are made in-house. For the continental buffet breakfast: freshly baked pastries, soft boiled eggs, cheese from Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s estate, ham, yogurt and homemade granola is served in the old ironmonger’s shop on the ground floor. At lunch and supper, it becomes Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed Briar, a farm-to-table restaurant headed up by former River Cottage chef Sam Lomas, with a seasonal menu that changes daily.

Doubles from £190. +44 (0)1749 813030; numberonebruton.com

Ockenden Manor, Cuckfield, West Sussex

You get the best of both worlds at Ockenden. If you prefer reassuring, traditional comfort, look no further than this charming Elizabethan manor house. If you want slick, sophisticated modernity, that’s yours, too. As well as the elegant drawing room, there’s an oak-panelled bar (where the wine list boasts over 60 English wines, many produced by local vineyards), the Burrell Room for private dining (complete with its original Tudor ceiling), and an airy restaurant where Stephen Crane serves some of the finest food in Sussex. The 27 bedrooms are all full of character: some have original panelling and four-posters, while others are fresh and pretty. And then there’s the spa. Built inside a walled garden, it’s utterly modern on the outside and airy and natural inside, with an indoor-outdoor pool, hot tub, walkthrough rain shower, steam room, sauna and sun deck. As for the six first-floor spa suites, they all pack a thoroughly contemporary punch, with shutters that open onto a roof garden with views across to the South Downs. Less than an hour’s train ride from London, it’s the perfect weekend escape.

Doubles from £245. +44 (0)1444 416111; hshotels.co.uk

The Painswick, Stroud, Gloucestershire

A glorious combination of design-led interiors, heavenly food and creature comforts, set in one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest towns. This picture-perfect Palladian house, owned by The Calcot Collection, is a relaxing, chic haven with ace cuisine and fabulous views over the Slad valley. The hotel masters the art of creating laidback luxury, conjuring up an arty, subtly funky feel in the sitting rooms and furnishing the 17 bedrooms in pale, soothing tones with characteristic attention to detail. Families and groups will love The Cottage, a private three-bedroom property next to the hotel, with its own kitchen and lounge. Make use of the exclusive space and indulge in a pre-ordered tray-bake, just pop in the oven and dine at your leisure. Or enjoy SAUCE, the hotel’s brasserie, serving sharing platters, feasting boards and small plates. Breakfast in the sunny restaurant is a delight, as is the grazing style afternoon tea in one of the cosy lounges or on the lovely terrace with valley views. During the day, there’s walking routes galore nearby, including the Cotswold Way, plus guests can book access to the fabulous spa at sister property Calcot & Spa.

Doubles from £269. +44 (0)1452 813688; thepainswick.co.uk

Palé Hall Hotel, Bala, Snowdonia

Set in the Dee Valley, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Palé Hall is a historic country house hotel with over 50 acres of grounds. The Victorian property combines original architectural features with individually designed bedrooms, alongside garden suites created from the restored former coach house. This year marks a new chapter with the appointment of chef partner Luke Selby, who is leading the food and drink offering as well as the wider guest experience. Food remains central to a stay at Palé Hall, anchored by fine dining restaurant Henry Robertson (a new eatery is in the pipeline to open later in 2026). Guests can also enjoy The Hearth chef’s table experience and the Bryntirion Inn, a refurbished 300-year-old pub with rooms on the estate. Menus are shaped by seasonal produce, with focus on ingredients grown on site and sourced across North Wales. Across the estate, activities include fishing on the River Dee, clay pigeon shooting and pottery classes in the on-site studio. Recent additions include a wellness and gym facility, whisky bar and wine cellar, reinforcing the country house’s position as an immersive culinary destination.

Doubles from £320. +44 (0)1678 530285; palehall.co.uk

Penmaenuchaf Hotel, Eryri, North Wales

The fantastical landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is spellbinding, and 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 family business, Seren, a lovely collection of proudly Welsh hotels and restaurants. Penmaenuchaf has 14 delightful, individually designed bedrooms: traditional style and textures mingle with contemporary touches and 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 in Oxwich) and his talented team do a cracking job, using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. His menus are a true reflection of the land. Take your pick between bold, honest flavours in the fine dining restaurant Afon or try Mynydd Restaurant and Bar for a relaxed bite, coffee or a cocktail. This gem of a retreat is the perfect base for exploring the extraordinary Eryri region.

Doubles from £260. +44 (0)1341 212121; penmaenuchaf.co.uk

The Pheasant Hotel, Harome, North Yorkshire

Overlooking the village duck pond, The Pheasant is a charming country house retreat in Harome created from a former forge, village shop and a collection of barns. Inside, original oak beams and stone walls complement elegant interiors in soft, natural tones, creating a restful atmosphere. In winter, the lounge and bar are both inviting with roaring fires; in summer, the stone-flagged terrace, shaded by trailing vines, becomes the perfect spot to relax. Twelve of the 16 rooms are in the main house; in the courtyard are two family- and dog-friendly suites, the romantic Plum Cottage, and the duplex Pheasant Suite. Last year, as the hotel marked its 40th anniversary, head chef Adam Westgarth joined the team, bringing a fresh energy to the food with his ingredient-led take on modern British cooking. At the heart of this approach is the kitchen garden and the hotel’s working farm, which supplies regenerative crops, heritage-breed livestock and wild estate game. Guests can also enjoy an indoor heated pool, access to Yorkshire Spa Retreat and gun cabinets for shooting parties. An ideal place to switch off and unwind after exploring the North York Moors.

Doubles from £220. +44 (0)1439 771241; thepheasanthotel.com

Priory Wareham, Wareham, Dorset

The setting of this former monastery and Grade II-listed country house hotel is sublime: sitting on the bank of the River Frome, it is surrounded by four acres of English cottage gardens. The history of the building, which dates to 809 AD as a monastery, is evident in each of the 17 charming rooms, many of which have original wooden beams. Some have views of the Purbeck Hills; others overlook the gardens or the inner courtyard. Choose between staying in the main house or the Boat House right by the water’s edge, with its vaulted ceilings, antiques and four-poster beds. Start the evening with an aperitif in JJ’s bar, or, in summer, on the terrace, before sitting down to try head chef Stephan Guinebault’s three-course dinner menu in The Garden Room restaurant (you can also book in for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday). The peaceful gardens are ideal for drinking morning coffee while reading the newspapers or afternoon tea after a day exploring the Dorset coastline. Gorgeous Studland Bay and Lulworth Cove are both a short drive away and there are plenty of hiking trails straight from the door.

Doubles from £199. +44 (0)1929 551666; priorywareham.co.uk

Rothay Manor, Ambleside, 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, perfectly situated for lake strolls and hilly hikes, and a ten-minute walk from the pretty village of Ambleside. Since husband-and-wife duo Jenna and Jamie Shail took over a decade ago, they have put their stamp on this bucolic, boutique bolthole. The 23 rooms are split between the main house and a contemporary pavilion, and all have a restful fell and forest colour scheme peppered with opulent fabrics. Some come with balconies overlooking the landscaped gardens and wooded grounds. Of the eight Pavilion suites, four have their own private terrace, one of which also has a cedar wood hot tub. Head chef Simon Ulph, who led the kitchen at Michael Caines at The Stafford to win a Michelin star, took the reins of Rothay Manor’s Rowan restaurant last year, offering a seasonal modern British menu including a Sunday roast. Dogs are welcome: Rothay Manor even has a dedicated dog washroom with Ruff and Tumble dressing gowns, so you can rinse off muddy paws after a day exploring.

Doubles from £280. +44 (0)1539 433605; rothaymanor.co.uk

Sancreed House Retreat, Sancreed, Cornwall

Once a former rectory, this stunning Georgian property dates to the 1820s. Now lovingly restored, it’s a luxurious adults-only B&B, set within 1.5 acres of private gardens just three miles from Penzance. The house borders the historic Sancreed Parish Church — on Sunday mornings, guests wake to the gentle chime of church bells, adding to the serene setting. There are four beautifully appointed suites (honeymooners will love the Peacock Suite) and three charming self-catering garden cottages, which were originally used by artist John Miller’s students. All have super comfortable pocket-sprung mattresses, beautiful linen, plush bathrobes and slippers, and vegan, cruelty-free products. Arrive to freshly baked scones and begin each morning with a home-cooked breakfast overlooking the gardens. Come evening, pre-book a platter of Cornish cheeses and mackerel pâté for a night in or head to one of the exceptional local restaurants. During the day, unwind beside the heated swimming pool or retreat to the garden spa, where a barrel sauna and log-heated baths await. Explore on e-bikes or venture to nearby St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole and St Ives.

Doubles from £160. +44 (0)1736 243012; sancreedhouse.com

Tudor Farmhouse, Clearwell, Gloucestershire

In the heart of the Forest of Dean, surrounded by ancient woodland, this 16th-century farmhouse and its converted outbuildings have been transformed into a relaxing rural retreat, complete with roaring log fires and wellies for guests to borrow by the front door for endless bucolic country walks. The 20 suites and rooms feature original beams, flashes of exposed stonework and calming, neutral colour schemes (many also come with a roll-top bath). The 14 acres of wildflower meadows are a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest due to their rare plants, with foraging trips just one of many nature activities on offer. New head chef and Forest of Dean native Arron Christopher champions organic and hyper-local produce including vegetables and herbs from the grounds. At dinner, try his fantastic ’20-mile’ menu, which includes koji-aged duck breast and pan-fried stone bass. Sunday lunch is also a real draw. If all that indulgence leaves you craving some fresh air, there’s something here for everyone, whether it’s canoeing on the River Wye, local salmon fishing, visiting the Clearwell Caves, or wildlife safaris organised by the hotel.

Doubles from £139. +44 (0)1594 833046; tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside and set within 12 acres of gorgeous gardens, this Grade II-listed Cotswold manor makes for a restorative stay shaped by space, stillness and the quiet rhythm of nature. Winding paths and secluded corners invite guests to slow their pace and switch off from the everyday. Inside, there are 23 individually designed rooms and suites, as well as a spa centred around hydrotherapy, thermal experiences and deeply nourishing treatments, bespoke body massages, youth intensive facials, by the ethically-minded Gaia and Sothys. Dining is a highlight in the Michelin-starred Dining Room, where chef Ricki Weston celebrates British ingredients with care and creativity. Do try the sn16 dessert, made using honey from the hotel’s colony of bees. There is also Grey’s — a more relaxed social experience. Close to Malmesbury, Tetbury, Highgrove and the natural beauty of Westonbirt Arboretum, the setting invites both exploration and moments of pause. With its EarthCheck-recognised commitment to sustainability, this is considered, soulful, gently welcoming hospitality at its finest.

Doubles from £429. +44 (0)1666 822888; whatleymanor.com

Wild Duck, Ewen, Gloucestershire

Originally the gardener’s cottage to nearby Ewen Manor, this once-derelict, 16th-century coaching inn has been restored and just reopened as a pub with rooms. It has all the character we’ve come to expect from Sam and Georgie Pearman, the duo behind the Country Creatures group (which includes The Double Red Duke) and formerly Cubitt House. The 19 bedrooms feature wallpaper by Zardi & Zardi, terracotta tiles, vintage lights and handmade rugs, but it’s the Gothic-style bar (inglenook fireplace, flagstone floor, low-beamed ceiling) that’s the social heart of the place. Beers from local Uley Brewery and wines from leading vineyards in France and Italy make ideal accompaniments to the various snacks chalked up on the blackboard. As always, provenance and local suppliers dictate the dishes served in the restaurant: perhaps wood-roasted brown trout with beetroot and pink fir potatoes, roast duck and turnip gratin, or a Sunday roast. Make the most of summer in the enclosed garden and top off your stay in the treatment rooms, where you can indulge in nourishing massages and facials using 100 Acres products.

Doubles from £150. +44 (0)1285 505606; countrycreatures.com