7 Adult-Only Retreats To Book Now The Kids Have Gone Back To School
Now that the kids are back at school and the summer rush has finally quieted down, it is time to focus on your own well-deserved relaxation. Whether you are craving cliffside ocean views, indulgent spa treatments, or a quiet country estate, a peaceful getaway without the chatter of little ones is just what the season calls for. We have rounded up the very best adult-focused UK retreats to book right now for the ultimate post-summer holidays reset.
The Rectory
With the children back at school, now marks the perfect time to escape the city for a few nights. The Rectory in the Cotswolds offers the perfect getaway. There are only 18 rooms, so it never gets that overrun feeling other Cotswolds spots can have, and the walled garden with its heated pool is the kind of place you’ll want to spend an entire afternoon doing absolutely nothing in. Add an acclaimed restaurant and a cocktail bar to the mix, and it’s easy to see why couples keep coming back.
Where: Crudwell, Malmesbury SN16 9EP
Website: www.therectory.com
The Scarlet
For those looking to completely unwind against the backdrop of the rolling Devonshire coastline, few places offer the same levels of tranquillity as The Scarlet in Mawgan Porth. Every room looks out over the Atlantic, and the spa is the real draw, with a reed-filtered natural pool and hot tubs sitting right on the cliff edge. The hotel’s focus on sustainability bleeds into every aspect of the stay, from the spa facilities through to the food which leans into local, seasonal Cornish produce.
For those looking to completely unwind against the backdrop of the rolling Devonshire coastline, few places offer the same levels of tranquillity as The Scarlet in Mawgan Porth.
Where: The Scarlet Hotel, Tredragon Rd, Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4DQ
Website: www.thescarlet.com
The Montague on the Gardens
Nestled on a quiet Georgian street in Bloomsbury, The Montague on the Gardens feels like a secret garden right in the heart of the city. It backs onto private gardens that feel a million miles away from the hustle of the city, yet you’re still a short stroll from Covent Garden and the West End. It’s an easy pick for a city break without the kids once term time rolls back around.
Where: 15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ
Website: www.montaguehotels.com
Grantley Hall
Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Grantley Hall is more grand five-star estate than cosy country escape. There are 47 rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant from Shaun Rankin, and an award-winning spa with its own hydrotherapy pool for properly losing an afternoon.
Add several more bars and restaurants across the estate, from the late-night glamour of Valeria’s to the relaxed Grantley Arms pub down the road, and there’s more variety here than most Yorkshire hotels manage.
Where: Ripon HG4 3ET
Website: www.grantleyhall.com
Lime Wood
While younger adults are technically still allowed, Lime Wood functions as the ultimaet adult playground. Tucked into the New Forest, it’s spa, The Herb House, is reason enough to pay a vist, with a hydrotherapy pool looking straight out over the forest and treatment rooms built for unwinding. Dining is just as strong, with Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder behind the food. It’s the kind of place that makes it easy to forget the outside world exists for a few days.
Where: Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ
Website: www.limewoodhotel.com
Whatley Manor
Down a long tree lined driveway near Malmesbury, Whatley Manor is one of the best adult-only retreats the Cotswolds has to offer. Set across 12 acres of gardens, it boasts two very different dining options, from the elegant Dining Room to the more relaxed small plates at Grey’s. The Aquarias Spa is the other big draw, built for restorative treatments rather than a quick dip and a sauna.
Where: Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 0RB
Website: www.whatleymanor.com
The Priory
Nestled right on the banks of the River Frome in Dorset, this Grade II listed country house feels like a wonderfully peaceful hideaway for adults and older teens, as guests must be aged 14 and over to stay. You can spend your afternoon wandering through four acres of cottage gardens before heading into The Garden Room for locally caught seafood and wine. Between the individually decorated antique-filled bedrooms and the quiet riverside lawns, it hits that perfect balance of timeless English charm and modern indulgence.
Where: Church Grn, Wareham BH20 4ND
Website: www.thepriory.com
