These charming boltholes are set in some of the isle’s most fabled landscapes, from the rugged wilderness of Scotland to the gently rolling hills of the Surrey Downs.
Ranging from stately homes with first-class spa facilities to a traditional country house nestled in the hills, here are some of our favourite country hotels throughout the UK, from former castles to Georgian manors.
In the heart of the heather-speckled Northumberland countryside, you’ll find the stately Hotel Horton Grange, a Grade II listed Georgian manor with acres of vintage appeal. This hotel’s secluded location, coupled with warm, intimate interiors, truly makes it feel like a retreat from everyday life.
Spend your evening in the welcoming restaurant, which is renowned as one of the best in the Newcastle area. You might begin with delicately poached duck egg with salty duck bacon and earthy asparagus or warmed rosé pigeon breast. Main courses are just as tempting, with choices such as gently spiced hake served with a bold walnut pesto. A glass of Sancerre Blanc Domaine de la Chezatte is a zesty way to round off your evening.
Tylney Hall is the place to disconnect and unwind. Start at the Health Suite, a 19th-century stable block that has been transformed into a light and airy oasis. Take a swim in the gorgeous outdoor pool surrounded by sweeping wisteria, pamper yourself with a massage in one of five tranquil treatment rooms or detox in the sauna. Opportunities to get active include the gym, tennis courts and local bike trails.
Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, this Victorian-era Grade II listed hotel captures the grandeur of a bygone era with its striking red brick exterior and enormous period windows. It also sits in 66 acres of dog-friendly parkland originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Flanked by two lines of Redwoods, the gardens begin the longest uninterrupted landscape view in Hampshire.
The Grade I listed Great Fosters may be just 20 miles from London, but it feels like a world away. Lose yourself in a whimsical oasis complete with a Saxon moat, 14th-century architecture and 50 acres of flower-filled gardens. In these serene surroundings, it’s easy to forget that you’re within striking distance of the M25, Heathrow and Virginia Water.
Rooms tastefully reflect the period character of the hotel. Recline in authentic Italian furniture, admire 16th-century tapestries and drift off in an extravagant four-poster bed. You can even indulge in spa treatments from the comfort of your bedroom – align your chakras with an Indian head massage, let your muscles unwind with a body massage or rejuvenate your skin with a facial. Manicures and pedicures will have you feeling preened, polished and ready for dinner.
Discover traditional country charm at the Devonshire Arms at Beeley. But first, pay a visit to the Inn – the hotel’s 18th-century pub. Relax beside a roaring fire beneath solid wooden beams, and sip a hearty and refreshing beer from local producer, Peak Ales. Next up, book a table at the Brasserie, which proudly holds two AA rosettes. Take a seat on the garden terrace and watch a gentle stream trickle down into Beeley Village as you sample dishes like tender and salty ham hock terrine, marinated in maple syrup and served with a crispy hen’s egg and apricot jam.
Your cosy yet spacious room offers views out over the verdant and undulating Chatsworth Estate. Once you’ve gazed at green landscapes from the window, wrap yourself up in a soft bathrobe and watch a movie, or sip a steaming cup of Nespresso coffee.
Welcome to Muckrach, a former shooting lodge buried deep in the Scottish Highlands. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of traditional touches here: you may just find a piper serenading you during dinner, or notice the tartan accents in the guest rooms, each of which are named after Scottish towns.
Wake up to views of the hotel’s gardens, the snow-capped Cairngorm Mountains or the magnificent Muckrach Castle. Premium mattresses ensure you rest easy, especially if you choose to sleep in an expansive super king bed.
When it’s time to eat, head down to the restaurant and discover delights made with local and seasonal produce. If you need to fuel a day of adventures, the Muckrach Hunters Breakfast Plate should do nicely: think Balliefurth Farm venison, Speyside haggis, buttery mushrooms and a fresh duck egg. It’ll keep you full whether you decide to hike the romantic Scottish landscape or hop on a bike. If you need to hire cycles, a local shop delivers and collects directly from Muckrach.
We recently awarded the Roch Castle Hotel the title of Best 5 Star Hotel in Wales, and as soon as you approach this spectacular 12th-century castle, you’ll see why. Set on a hill overlooking the Pembrokeshire landscape, including St Brides Bay and the scenic Preseli Hills, hotels don’t get much more atmospheric than this.
After a walk in the countryside, head to the cosy and low-lit Blas Restaurant at Roch Castle’s sister hotel, Twr Y Felin. Seasonal, foraged ingredients are the stars of the show here – perhaps this is why Head Chef Simon Coe has earned the restaurant two AA rosettes. Try the tender local lamb rump, served with creamy potato fondant and washed down with a glass of St Emilion Grand Cru, with its aromas of dark fruits.
Rooms retain characterful original features, such as cosy alcoves, rounded tower walls and turret windows offering views down to the bay. There’s nothing quite like waking up to stunning coastal panoramas from your sumptuously soft bed.
Whether you want to try conquering Snowdon or are just craving serenity, make Seiont Manor Hotel your tranquil base. Begin a culinary journey of the local area at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Lywyn Y Brain. Dishes here are inspired by the rolling Welsh countryside, so expect to find regional and seasonal selections as well as the Seiont Manor take on some Welsh classics. There’s even some Welsh whisky to sample.
Hidden in the foothills of Snowdonia National Park, this hotel typifies the idyllic country escape. A former 18th-century farm, it blends easily into the 150 acres of pristine, undisturbed countryside which surround it. In need of some natural zen? Stroll into the grounds to find some peace of mind next to the River Seiont, which flows through the site.
Discover refined Elizabethan grandeur at Dunston Hall, which dates back to 1859. You may be only four miles from the centre of Norwich, but the hotel’s 150 acres of exquisitely manicured parkland, US-PGA rated golf course and peaceful spa will make you feel far away from the everyday.
The hotel’s opulent double bedrooms invite you to relax. Jewel-hued soft furnishings and grand four-poster beds feel like the epitome of luxury. Book an attic room with authentic wooden beams for even more character, or choose a Double VIQ room on the ground floor and relax on the patio.
At the Lilac Rooms spa you can indulge in a truly varied range of treatments in the soothing, warmly lit atmosphere. Allow aches and pains to melt away with a massage, treat your skin to a facial or allow your body to be enveloped by nourishing scrubs and wraps.