Dreaming of a short getaway? Whether you’re after riverside views over the Thames, a spa destination to remember or a weekend filled with foodie endeavours, read on to find our favourite countryside getaways.
Countryside Hotels Worth Booking This Year
Great Fosters
Just a 40-minute train ride from Waterloo, Great Fosters is a charming Tudor estate steeped in royal history. It’s home to 50 acres of gardens and grounds, complete with listed topiary, Saxon moat, Japanese bridge and grassed amphitheatre.
Cosy up by one of their roaring log fires with a glass of fizz before making your way to one of their on-site restaurants. For the foodies, you’ll want to book into The Tudor Room, which holds a Michelin star and celebrates seasonal British produce. Or, if you’re looking for a spa retreat, head to the Utopia Retreat where the expert masseurs will soothe away any stresses and lower those shoulders.
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Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9UR
www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
At The Chapel
Set within a restored mediaeval chapel, At The Chapel is home to eight immaculate rooms that’ll see you wanting to stay in all night. Expect simple, natural-inspired interiors and bathrooms with baths made for long soaks.
The real pull here is the restaurant so if you manage to scurry up the courage to leave your little abode, make sure you book in for a meal. The restaurant specialises in locally sourced seasonal ingredients, with its head chef working closely with organic, local and biodynamic suppliers to bring the relaxed Mediterranean approach to life. You’ll also find an in-house artisan bakery and wine store waiting for you too.
Located in the rural Somerset town of Bruton, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the South West.
28 High Street, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0AE
www.atthechapel.co.uk
Cliveden House
Every ounce of Cliveden House is beautiful. From the moment you drive down the immaculately groomed driveway to the grandeur interiors and sublime spa, it’ll feel like you’re stepping into a fairytale.
Boasting a whopping 376 acres of sweeping countryside gardens, Cliveden House is steeped in history and out-of-this-world, royally approved interiors. Think classically British furnishings and dangling chandeliers. The spa is an absolute must-visit too if you’re lucky enough to nab yourself a room.
Cliveden Road, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF
www.clivedenhouse.co.uk
Hurley House Hotel
Set in the heart of Berkshire, this boutique hotel is exactly right for those weekend escapes from London. If you can snap up one of their 10 rooms, you might be lucky enough to nab your very own private terrace. Relax in the huge feature bathtub, and head to the chic bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.
The real gem of Hurley House is their exclusive Omakase experience, seating only 5 guests at a time for either a 12 or 16-course dinner. Prepared by their top-class chef, each dish is explained and showcased, accompanied by a refreshing sake.
Hurley House Hotel, Henley Road, Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5LH
www.hurleyhouse.co.uk
The real gem of Hurley House is their exclusive Omakase experience, seating only 5 guests at a time.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
You can always count on the Four Seasons empire to deliver on style, service and one very magical time. Journey to the depths of the Hampshire countryside and book in for staycation complete with horseback rides along the rolling hills, afternoon tea and beautiful classically British interiors.
Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, Hook, RG27 8TD
www.fourseasons.com
Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa
I’ve always found that there’s something rather magical about the South West of England, and it’s without a doubt got something to do with the glistening turquoise blue sea that draws tourists back again and again. Our favourite spot? Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa.
This Devonshire manor is rich in history, and became crown property following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 by Henry VIII. Nowadays it boasts five star service, cosy suites and a sparkling spa that’s just waiting for you to make a quick splash.
Destress from city life with one of the Gaia Spa treatments, delight in a spot of cream tea and gaze out over Devon’s rolling hills surrounding you.
Boringdon Hill, Colebrook, Plymouth, PL7 4DP
www.boringdonhall.co.uk
Thyme
Describing themselves as ‘a village within a village’, Thyme will see you journeying to a place that’s quieter, slower and a whole lot cosier than London. The hotel is a haven of calm and sustainable luxury, with rooms decked out in beautiful botanical-inspired themes and gardens so beautiful they will make you want to upticks from the city.
Thyme has also become renowned for its cookery school that’ll see eager foodies cooking up a storm in the kitchen in no time, ranging from weekday suppers to perfecting the magic of patisseries.
SOUTHROP, LECHLADE, GL7 3PW
WWW.THYME.CO.UK
The Swan
Riverside views? Check. Sprawling countryside to explore? Check. Comfy rooms and delicious food on tap? Triple check. The Swan at Streatley might only be a short train ride away from London but it ticks all of the boxes when it comes to a dreamy countryside staycation.
Explore the local area from wonderful walks to golf courses perfect for whiling away the afternoon. Head to their on-site Coppa Club restaurant for a seasonal-inspired dinner filled with hearty British classics.
High Street, Streatley-On-Thames, RG8 9HR
www.theswanatstreatley.com
The Pig
Home to multiple venues across the country, The Pig Collection is renowned for its stunning countryside locations. Priding itself on home-grown and local produce, they source the finest fresh, seasonal ingredients in their hotel restaurants.
On the interiors front, expect a real rustic vibe from wooden embellished walls to cosy cottons. Oh and if you’re looking for a long soak in the bath, this is the place for you.
Various Locations
www.thepighotel.com
Barnett Hill
Set in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Barnett Hill is a home away from home. It’s a space where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re a foodie after delicious bites or a comfy seat by one of their warming log fires. Pooches are also welcome so they too can enjoy a visit here.
Blackheath Lane, Guildford, GU5 0RF
www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
The Great House at Sonning
‘Near the city, but a world apart’ – that’s a pretty great way to sum up a stay at The Great House at Sonning. Vacate the city for the weekend and venture over to Reading for a night at this riverside haven.
Enjoy countryside walks along the river or spend your whole stay exploring the hotel’s gardens and on-site Coppa Club restaurant before bedding in for the night in their cosy rooms.
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Thames Street, Sonning-On-Thames, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6UT
www.greathouseatsonning.co.uk
Beaverbrook
Renowned for its summer hot air balloon dining experience and wintry ice rink, Beaverbrook always knows how to put on a good show. This countryside oasis lies in Leatherhead, nestled amongst the beautiful Surrey Hills.
If you’re looking for some R&R, book yourself into the hotel’s incredible spa for an indulgent treatment to remember. This colour-drenched paradise, complete with stained-glass ceilings and ceramic tiled walls, provides the perfect backdrop for a holistic wellness experience.
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Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QX
www.beaverbrook.co.uk
Storrs Hall
The Lake District has an enchanting pull about it, and with hotels as dreamy as Storrs Hall, it’s easy to see why so many return each year to this scenic hotspot.
As breathtaking as Storrs Hall is, we want to draw your attention to their Boathouse and Boathouse suites which are simply sublime. As the name suggests, this little country resort is home to one hell of a lakeside view, that’s wrapped in woodland. Each suite is finished with contemporary, yet rustic quirks, and boasts their own Japanese-style cedar wood hot tub too to while away your afternoons in. We know where we’d rather be right now…
Storrs Hall Hotel Storrs Park, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, LA23 3LG
www.storrshall.com
Heckfield Place
From boasting a Green Michelin Star to traditional English interiors, this Georgian family estate is enveloped within 400 acres of secluded Hampshire countryside. Every ounce of the hotel is truly sensational, with the rooms fine-tuned to every detail. Expect bespoke old English oak furniture, muted muted-toned colour palette and stunning surroundings.
While visiting, make sure you visit the hotel’s restaurant, Marle. Built on sustainability, the restaurant delivers the best locally and responsibly sourced food, and it’s one of the first few restaurants awarded for its Green initiatives.
Heckfield Place, Hampshire, RG27 0LD
www.heckfieldplace.com
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