Looking for a quick weekend getaway? With the second May bank holiday coming up, we’ve rounded up our favourite hotels for a staycation near London. From countryside estates set in rolling hills to riverside must-visit abodes, these are the hotels perfect for a short break away.

 
View this post on Instagram
 

A post shared by Great Fosters (@greatfosters)

Great Fosters, Surrey

For a charming countryside getaway filled with acres of sprawling countryside, an outdoor pool and hot tub and Michelin-starred dining, a stay at Great Fosters is anything but ordinary. 

A charming getaway filled with acres of sprawling countryside.

Just a 40-minute train ride from Waterloo, the Great Fosters Estate is steeped in history and home to 56 suites and bedrooms, all uniquely designed and styled.

Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9UR 
www.alexanderhotels.co.uk

Richmond Hill Hotel, Surrey

Looking for maximum countryside vibes with minimal travel? Richmond Hill Hotel is your perfect big smoke antidote. A Georgian townhouse situated amongst the leafy surrounds of Richmond-upon-Thames, a mere eight miles from central London, this mini break is actually commutable by tube. 

With refreshing morning walks in Richmond Park on the doorstep, plus the shopping boutiques of Richmond town centre and paddle boarding on the River Thames both an amble away, there is no shortage of distractions. Alternatively, hunker down in the luxurious interior of the hotel itself and while away the hours at 144 On The Hill, renowned for cool and cosy drinking and dining. Added bonus, the hotel is pooch friendly too, so no need to leave the dog at home.

144-150 Richmond Hill, Surrey, TW10 6RW
www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk

The Mitre Hotel, Surrey

A stone’s throw from London and located next to Hampton Court Palace, The Mitre Hotel is a little home-away-from-home paradise. Expect the chicest of interiors from designer Nicola Harding, with bold patterns layered on top of one another, antique furniture and one-of-a-kind artwork. 

You’ll find two restaurants on site. 1665 is their riverside brasserie serving up dishes such as Angus steak tartare with sourdough, chicken Milanese and whole Cornish sole en papillote. The Coppernose is a more relaxed café and wine bar, perfect for that integral nightcap before bed.

Expect the chicest of interiors from designer Nicola Harding, with bold patterns layered on top of one another.

Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9BN
www.mitrehamptoncourt.com

Heckfield Place, Hampshire

Over in Hampshire, an hour or so from London, lies Heckfield Place. You’ve no doubt heard hundreds of raving reviews about this Georgian family estate. Set within 400 acres of secluded Hampshire countryside, every ounce of the hotel is truly sensational. The rooms have been fine-tuned to every detail, offering one-of-a-kind furnishings, from bespoke old English oak furniture to a muted toned colour palette. Hidden within the estate is Marle, the sustainable restaurant delivering the best locally and responsibly grown food, and one of the first few restaurants to be awarded a Michelin Green Star.

Heckfield Place, Hampshire, RG27 0LD 
www.heckfieldplace.com

Hever Castle, Kent

Slotted just 30 miles out of the city is Hever Castle, the country house that was the seat of the Boleyn family in the mid-15th to 16th century. Nowadays, the quaint village castle and gardens can be visited all year round, with rooms for staying in the Hever Castle Luxury Bed & Breakfast & Medley Court. The B&B boasts 28 rooms, which are located in the Astor Wing and the Anne Boleyn Wing, an Edwardian Wing attached to the Castle and connected inside. While the Medley Court is a four-bedroom property forming part of the Astor Wing and accommodating up to eight guests, perfect for a family staycation to really immerse yourself in the royal lifestyle.

Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
www.hevercastle.co.uk

No.124 by GuestHouse, Brighton 

If you’re looking for a spontaneous seaside escape, treat yourself to a sun-soaked staycation at No.124 Brighton this May Bank Holiday weekend. With the brand new Field Trip Spa now open, there’s lots to love about this seaside getaway. Plus, the gorgeous Terrace by Pearly Cow looks like a fabulous spot for a sunny lunch. Whether you’re dreaming of walks along the beach, sun-soaked drinks on the terrace or a relaxing massage, there’s something for everyone at this lovely Brighton spot.

124 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FY 
guesthousehotels.co.uk

Barnett Hill, Surrey

Head for the hills and book in for a weekend break at Barnett Hill. Located just outside Guildford, the glorious hotel is perched atop a hill with views over the Surrey Hills. 

It’s part of the Alexander Hotels group and features 56 boutique rooms, suites and residences. We’d recommend enjoying a quintessential afternoon tea in the garden and booking in for one of the spa treatments.

There are plenty of things to do nearby too, from exploring picturesque villages and cycling routes to discovering the Silent Pool Gin distillery.

There are plenty of things to do nearby too, from exploring picturesque villages and cycling routes to discovering the Silent Pool Gin distillery.

Blackheath Lane, Wonersh, Guildford, GU5 0RF
www.alexanderhotels.co.uk

Beaverbrook, Surrey

You’ll have seen this one all over your Instagram feed thanks to its super adorable hot air balloon outdoor dining.

You’ll have seen this one all over your Instagram feed.

The hotel itself is just as exceptional, nestled in the Surrey Hills and home to classic English Country House interior nods. For wellness lovers, there’s also the spa and outdoor pool that’s perfect for summertime.

Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QX 
www.beaverbrook.co.uk

Artist Residence, East Sussex

Artist Residence has taken the best aspects of Brighton – its eccentricity, creativity and boho vibes – and brought them to life through its interiors. From the outside, you could mistake Artist Residence for any other townhouse on Regency Square, but inside, it brings the city to play through its art and hipster design. There are 24 rooms, all filled with original artist murals, vintage and reclaimed furniture, and some even boasting views out over the West Pier (the burnt-down structure for those who aren’t locals or regular Brighton frequenters). The hotel’s onsite restaurant and cocktail bar are the perfect place to start your morning or cosy into one of the chairs and wind down for the evening with a nightcap. 

33 Regency Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2GG 
www.artistresidence.co.uk

Coworth Park, Berkshire

Renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurant, immaculate suites and stunning Berkshire parkland, Coworth Park is an ideal hotel for a romantic countryside getaway. Pair that with their luxury spa, home to deep tissue massages, rejuvenating facials and a luscious pool in their on-site spa, you can’t go wrong. And at an incredibly handy 45 minutes from central London, The Spa at Coworth Park is the perfect city escape. Book in and leave the experts to soothe away every tense knot in your body.

Blacknest Road, Ascot Berkshire SL5 7SE
www.dorchestercollection.com

The Relais Henley, Henley-on-Thames

The Relais Henley offers the best of the town’s rowing spirit, serving up great food and charming rooms. Book in for afternoon tea or dinner at Restaurant Dominic Chapman and try the lunchtime tasting menu.

The Relais Henley offers the best of the town’s rowing spirit, serving up great food and charming rooms.

Hart Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2AR 
www.therelaisretreats.com

The Grove, Hertfordshire

Great for families, couples or staying solo, The Grove is home to stunning grounds, an award-winning spa, a golf course, outdoor cinema events and more. It might only be a short train ride out of the city centre, but it’ll feel like a million miles away thanks to the 400-acre grounds the hotel is set within. Expect stunning views out over the greenery from every room. There’s so much always going on here, including this summer’s special partnership with Everyman Cinema and their secret cinema hidden in their Walled Garden.

Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG 
www.thegrove.co.uk


Want to receive more great articles like this every day? Join our daily email now