When it comes to luxurious bucolic countryside living, nobody does it quite like the Brits. For the better half of the last century, the best country hotels and manors have acted as an analeptic to the woes of everyday urban life, offering an opportunity to partake in restorative pastoral pursuits and experience the idyllic views (not to mention the sweet sound of silence) of the countryside in the lap of luxury.
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From storied estates with old world charm to eco-friendly escapes, these are the best country hotels in the UK.
1. Lime Wood, New Forest, England
Less than a two hour drive from London, Lime Wood is set within the New Forest National Park and boasts some of the most beautiful views in the country. A relatively new addition to the countryside, the 33 bedroom house was designed by architects Charles Morris and Ben Pentreath. Combining bygone charm with modern amenities, generous rooms and suites have rain showers and freestanding baths, while larger rooms and cottages also have cosy fireplaces and kitchenettes. The on-site Italian restaurant Hartnett Holder & Co promotes ‘fun dining’ while the health-oriented Raw & Cured offering serves nutritious fare that complements the spa (which has numerous treatments on offer, in addition to a hydro pool, mud house, and steaming outdoor hot pool).
Price: from £405/night
Address: Address: Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
2. The Newt, Somerset, England
The sprawling estate that is The Newt is easy to get lost in, with the vast acreage spanning gardens, woodland, farmland, and cyder orchards. Conceived by former Karen Roos, former editor of Elle Decoration in South Africa, The Newt sees rooms span across the main house (a 17th century building that underwent remodelling in Georgian times) and The Farmyard, a renovated former dairy farm. Interiors, also designed by Roos, are elevated and luxurious yet playful, while the extensive gardens comprise both meticulously landscapes and wild areas. Enjoy meals made using estate-grown produce, explore the herbal mediaeval garden (yes, really!), snack on complimentary tea and scones in the classically designed library, or unwind in the indoor-outdoor pool.
Price: from £785/night
Address: A359, Hadspen, Castle Cary BA7 7NG, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
3. Lucknam Park, Wiltshire, England
Set across 500 acres of parkland, the grandeur of Lucknam Park is teased through the Manderly-like driveway, a mile-long stretch lined with lime and beech trees that makes its way up to the stately 18th century Palladian mansion. Rooms and suites in the main house are individually styled in a refined English style, with four-poster beds, plush armchairs, and marble bathrooms; while detached cottages epitomise country chic style. For those in need of deep restoration, the spa offerings span two swimming pools, five thermal cabins, and a saltwater plunge pool, in addition to a robust treatment menu. Meanwhile guests wanting to take in the fresh air of the Cotswold countryside can do so on foot or on horseback through Lucknam Park’s equestrian program.
Price: from £320/night
Address: Lucknam Park, Chippenham SN14 8AZ, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
4. Estelle Manor, Cotswolds, England
A decidedly unstuffy members club—and a sister property to Mayfair’s Maison Estelle—Estelle Manor spans a Grade II-listed house set on 60 acres, which is surrounded by over 3000 acres of lush gardens and parkland. There are 108 rooms and suites in the main house (where opulence is the name of the game), as well as woodland cottages and private houses scattered around the estate. There’s a lavish Roman-inspired bath house and spa complete with a tepidarium bathing hall and numerous pools and treatment facilities, not to mention a dedicated clubhouse comprising workspaces, a café, kids’ club, and gym. Those who want a taste of true country activities can partake in archery, axe throwing, and even falconry, while little ones are catered to with mini Land Rover expeditions.
Price: from £400/night
Address: Estelle Manor, Eynsham, North Leigh, Park OX29 6PN, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
5. Callow Hall, Peak District, England
Located in Derbyshire’s Peak District, Callow Hall is a breath of fresh air. Airy and bright, the main Victorian country house is laden with vibrant hues and adorned with striking prints and artwork by young British artists (conceived by interior designer Isabella Worsley). The main house contains 15 rooms, while one-bedroom treehouses and two-bedroom hives littered around the acreage offer self-contained luxury amongst nature. The Coach House plays host to a range of activities, including a bike room, yoga sessions, and spa treatments. A decidedly new world country house hotel.
Price: from £200/night
Address: Mappleton Rd, Ashbourne DE6 2AA, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
6. Cowley Manor Experimental, Cotswolds, England
Another country house offering working to inject a sense of fun into the Cotswolds scene, Cowley Manor Experimental juxtaposes a heritage-listed 17th century manor house with eclectic interiors that nod to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. There are 15 rooms in the main house (each complete with rabbit-head knockers on the doors), with their interiors laden with checkerboard touches, bold colours, and plants. The restaurant is helmed by chef Jackson Boxer, whose signature style sees simple seasonal and local ingredients elevated with innovative twists. Luxuriating in the garden is enough to satisfy most, but there’s also an outdoor terrace, library, two swimming pools, and a spa worth exploring.
Price: from £250/night
Address: Cowley, Cheltenham GL53 9NL, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
7. Palé Hall, Gwynedd, Wales
Nestled in the Dee Valley near Snowdonia National Park, Palé Hall is a lavish characterful Victorian mansion comprising 18 rooms and four garden suites, each with its own unique design; think paisley decals and oriental wallpaper or rich carved wood and statement soaking tubs. There are several dining options to choose from at Palé Hall, with a meal in the opulent Venice Room a must; bedecked with crystal chandeliers and gilded Venetian mirrors, it’s a sight to behold. The old world elegance of Palé Hall bely its sustainable practices; the country house hotel utilises clean, carbon-neutral electricity courtesy of an on-site hydro-electric generating plant and is equipped with charging points for electric vehicles.
Price: from £216/night
Address: Palé Estate, Llandderfel, Bala LL23 7PS, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
8. Chewton Glen, Hampshire, England
Surrounded by 130 acres of countryside, Chewton Glen acts as the ideal compromise for those debating between coast and country. Minutes away from the coast and set on the edge of the New Forest, Chewton Glen spans a restored 18th century house as well a several luxurious treehouses; the latter a drawcard for those wishing to truly immerse themselves in nature. Suspended above ground, each treehouse features an outdoor tub and allows for stargazing with ease. While utmost privacy is ensured (with every need and luxury alike brought to your doorstep), guests are also close to the country hotel’s numerous amenities, including the spa, restaurants, and expansive grounds.
Price: from £500/night
Address: Christchurch Rd, New Milton BH25 6QS, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
9. The Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales
The brainchild of live-in owners Neil and Zoë Kedward who restored the then-dilapidated 18th century building back to its former glory, The Grove of Narberth blends rustic charm with modern comforts. Cosy yet elevated, the interiors epitomise contemporary farmhouse style, filled with new and vintage handmade furniture, local pottery, vintage Welsh lace, and photography and artwork by local creatives. Public and private spaces are oriented to make the most of the stunning meadows and woodlands they look out on.
Price: from £219/night
Address: Grove of, Molleston, Narberth SA67 8BX, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
10. The Grove, Hertfordshire, England
Despite being under a half hour’s drive from London Euston, The Grove is a world away from the flurry of the city. Time stands still in the country hotel’s 16th century manor, with interiors by Martin Hulbert Design working to showcase the building’s heritage features while speaking to contemporary tastes. A popular hangout for Queen Victoria and various members of the glitterati in the 19th century, The Grove has only increased its charm over the years. A key drawcard is the sheer variety of dining options; choose from a fine dining buffet in The Glasshouse, Indian cuisine at Madhu’s, sushi in the lounge, or quintessential British fare at Jemima’s Kitchen Garden. Elsewhere, the Sequoia Spa houses a swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms, and gym, while a smaller pool within a walled garden acts as a laidback location to congregate come summer time. Avid (and amateur) golfers are also well catered to, with some of the best courses in the south east.
Price: from £400/night
Address: Chandler’s Cross, Watford WD3 4TG, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
11. Gleneagles, Perthshire, Scotland
Home to one of the best golf courses in the world, the appeal of Gleneagles extends far beyond the links. Set on 850 acres of countryside in Perthside, the glamorous estate spans 233 rooms and 28 suites, each melding classic and contemporary design cues. Laden with access to hearty country pursuits, guests can partake in activities like horse riding, falconry, cycling, fishing, off-roading, and archery. The country hotel is home to one of the best spas in Scotland, with the relaunched treatment menu making use of various potions derived from botanicals found on the estate and in the surrounding countryside.
Price: from £350/night
Address: Gleneagles Hotel, The, Auchterarder PH3 1NF, United Kingdom
Sleeps: from 2
Words by Theo Rosen
