The United Kingdom offers some of the finest country house hotels - and castle hotels - in the world!
So, why not escape to the country and live like an aristocrat with seventeen of the best country house hotels - and occasional castle - available to stay in Great Britain.
With hotels derived from medieval beginnings to stately homes made infamous through political scandal, these luxurious properties provide tranquil escapism in the most serene of settings with the highest quality of service – many offering award-winning cuisine and luxurious spa and relaxation facilities.
The BusinessClass.com Guide to the 17 Best Country Escapes in England, Scotland and Wales:
Hotel Endsleigh
Hotel Endsleigh is a luxury hotel in a league of its own. This historic country house hotel has no swimming pool, no spa, no gym, no tennis court, no golf course, no business centre … but there are 21 perfectly-formed rooms & suites, 108 acres of the most beautiful gardens in England – designed by the legendary 19th century landscape architect Sir Humphry Repton, follies, grottos, waterfalls, endless supplies of fresh Devon air and … peace. The River Tamar runs through the grounds – teeming with salmon, brown trout, sea trout and grayling – all there for the catching!
The Grade 1-listed Regency-era house was built at the turn of the 19th century. It was transformed into Hotel Endsleigh in 2004/5 by Olga Polizzi – arguably the finest hotel interior designer in the world. Polizzi is a senior member of the Forte hotel dynasty – her brother being Sir Rocco Forte - and is Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels. When it comes to the design of the rooms & suites … and indeed public areas … guests are treated to exquisite paintings, furnishings and ornaments. Even the Italian designer umbrellas are gorgeous. A more quintessential English countryside hotel you will not find…
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Grove of Narberth,Wales
Grove of Narberth is a delightful 25-bedroom country house hotel - located in the county of Pembrokeshire - at the southwest tip of Wales.
Dating back to the 15th century, Grove was in a total state of disrepair when purchased in 2007 by its owners Zoe & Neil Kedward - who have lovingly restored the whole estate into the gem-of-a-hotel that it is today. The Grove is set in 26 acres of woodland, gardens, meadows - basically, heaven!
There are 12 bedrooms in fabulous cottages and the historic Longhouse that are located a very short walk from the main house - which itself offers a further 13 rooms & suites.
While enjoying the tranquility & beauty of the Welsh countryside is certainly a highlight of a stay at Grove, enjoying the superb restaurants is another. Under the toque of Executive Chef Douglas Balish, The Fernery has established itself as one of the most acclaimed fine-dining restaurants in Wales. The hotel also offers the Artisan Brasserie which serves a more laid-back menu. Chef Balish uses only the best quality, local ingredients - and as this part of Wales is the food bowl of the country - those ingredients are flasus.
The hotel does not offer a spa, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course or fitness centre, but that's what makes it so special. Guests visit Grove for the food & drink, friendly & efficient service, the grounds - which include kitchen and walled gardens, peace & tranquility and as a luxury hub from which to explore the diverse, picturesque and wonderful county of Pembrokeshire.
Grove of Narberth is the flagship of the Seren Collection which includes : Penmaenuchaf - a small hotel in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park - Northern Wales, the one Michelin Star Beach House restaurant in Oxwich - Gower - South Wales and Lan y Môr - a restaurant just a 20-minute drive from Grove, at Saundersfoot, which serves the highest quality surf, turf, snacks, small plates and snacks - washed down with cocktails. It enjoys superb views over the Bristol Channel.
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Thornbury Castle
Thornbury Castle - set in 15 acres of glorious, verdant English countryside - boasts a history that dates back to 1511. It is the only Tudor-castle-hotel-experience in England.
With just 26 bedchambers, this castle hotel is a must for any luxury traveller who appreciates fabulous cuisine and history. Notable visitors to Thornbury include King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Queen Mary 1st, Sophia Loren and Laurence Olivier.
In the 1970s, Thornbury Castle was home to an acclaimed restaurant which was the first outside London to receive a Michelin-star. While the Castle's fine dining restaurant no longer holds this accolade, it should do!
The Castle offers a selection of historic pastimes including longbow archery, axe throwing, croquet, and falconry. There's clay pigeon shooting (30 minutes away). Thornbury Golf Course is an (unspoilt) walk away and the world famous Celtic Manor (Wales) is just a 30-minute drive. While there is no formal spa facility, the Castle offers a treatment room for massages and facials. The three standout activities are a tour of the Castle's superb gardens, history tour of the property and a favourite - becoming a Tudor Queen for a day.
The cities of Bath and Bristol are close by and Wales is a short drive away.
For those who worry that the Castle is any way too antiquated, let me put your mind to rest. Thornbury was purchased in 2019 by a renowned UAE-based hotel group which has renovated & refurbished Thornbury Castle to the very highest standard. While still authentically “Tudor” in design, the bedchambers and public areas have all the contemporary additions expected from a luxury hotel. The bedchambers are among the best I have seen in England.
Thornbury Castle is one of the finest “castle experiences” in England.
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Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant
Set in the beautiful rolling hills of West Dorset, where the author Thomas Hardy once lived, Summer Lodge offers a variety of accommodation options, from guest rooms to cottages and suites in four different buildings. Ten rooms are situated in the main Georgian house, with the rest spread out over an adjacent Coach House and a couple of cottages just a few minutes away – popular for families with pets or those seeking greater privacy.
The property has three restaurants and bars – The Restaurant, offering a range of local favourites – The Conservatory, providing traditional Dorset afternoon tea – and The Whiskey Bar, with a good selection of different whiskies. Also nearby is a gastropub, Acorn Inn, which is part of the same chain.
Facilities include a Spa with a comprehensive menu of treatments, a stunning conservatory heated swimming pool with a Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym with personal trainers and a sauna. Outdoor activities include all-weather tennis courts, a croquet lawn, bicycle hire and local walks.
Coworth Park - Dorchester Collection
Coworth Park is a member of the Dorchester Collection and sits within 97 hectares (240 acres) of Berkshire countryside, close to Windsor Great Park near Ascot and just 45 minutes from London by car. Built in 1776, Coworth Park has been used as a girls’ school and has also been home to Lords and Ladies –today; the county house offers 30 suites and guest rooms in the main house and an additional 40 suites and rooms in the nearby converted stables and cottages.
Michelin-starred cuisine is available at the property’s destination restaurant, Woven by Adam Smith. The Barn offers a more relaxed brasserie-style dining experience, while the Drawing Room is the place to enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea.
The award-winning Spa offers a luxurious range of treatments along with the Spatisserie – providing a menu of healthy food and drinks. Other facilities include an indoor pool, gymnasium, tennis courts and equestrian centre. Guests can also play the three 18-hole championship golf courses at nearby Wentworth, and Coworth Park is the only hotel in Britain with its own Polo Club and fields.
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Gidleigh Park Hotel
Gidleigh Park is a Tudor-style country house set within 43 hectares (107 acres) of mature grounds and woodland on the upper reaches of the North Teign River near Chagford on the edge of Dartmoor Nation Park. The hotel epitomises the calm sanctuary of Devon life and features 24 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including a self-contained thatched Pavilion cottage, all individually finished with fine antiques and artwork.
The restaurant is at the heart of the hotel, enjoying magnificent garden views and is headed by Michelin-starred chef Chris Eden. The hotel’s renowned wine cellar boasts one of Britain’s most impressive wine lists, with over 1,300 bins and 13,000 bottles from around the globe. Guests can also indulge in a decadent afternoon tea at The Conservatory or on the peaceful terrace.
Outdoors, guests can enjoy the tranquil grounds – including a unique water garden, bluebell woods and a kitchen garden. Facilities include a Peter Allis-designed 18-hole putting course, fly fishing, tennis court and lawn croquet. With glorious walks on the doorstep, the hotel also provides four heated kennels and dog-friendly rooms.
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Cliveden House Hotel & Spa
Cliveden House was originally built in 1666 as a gift to the second Duke of Buckingham’s mistress but was sadly destroyed by fire. The current Italianate mansion was built in 1851, and the outdoor pool is the setting of one of Britain’s most infamous political scandals – the Profumo Affair. The Grade 1 listed stately home sits within 152 hectares (376 acres) of pristine National Trust-owned gardens and parkland, just an hour from London in the Berkshire countryside. Numerous esteemed guests have included British monarchs, President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. The hotel mansion provides 48 spacious rooms and suites, including Spring Cottage, a summerhouse on the banks of the river Thames.
The Cliveden Dining Room offers innovative and modern seasonal British dishes with a three-course à la carte menu or a seven-course tasting menu using locally sourced produce. The Astor Grill, located in the old stable block, has a cosmopolitan feel and offers classic British and American dishes. Amenities include a tranquil Spa, sauna and steam rooms, a gym and fitness studio, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and tennis courts.
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Heckfield Place
Standing on 160 hectares (400 acres) of secluded Hampshire countryside, conveniently located an hour from London, Heckfield Place is a grand Georgian family home lovingly restored from its classical origins to create a contemporary country house hotel. Featuring original period characteristics and a chic, modern design, the hotel has 45 rooms and suites ranging from the intimate Friends Room with views of the surrounding gardens to the secluded magnificence of the vaulted Long Room.
Marle Restaurant brings Michelin-Green-Starred cuisine with a pared-back style of dining and the freshest seasonal ingredients from the hotel’s biodynamic Market Garden and organic Home Farm. Meanwhile, Hearth Restaurant offers a rustic setting and simple open-fire cooking using the best produce. The Dining Room offers a private dining experience, while the Moon Bar provides an intimate environment to sample unique handcrafted cocktails.
The Little Bothy Spa provides treatments to reconnect with natural surroundings, while the full Bothy Spa is due to open soon. Other features include the extensive gardens, farm and woodland and The Assembly — offering a diverse programme of events built around the core themes of the estate.
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Babington House
This stunning Grade II listed Georgian English manor house sits within 7.3 hectares (18 acres) of Somerset countryside, just 30 minutes from the historic city of Bath and 15 minutes from the country market town of Frome. A member of the Soho House Group — a private members club — this boutique hotel has been the go-to venue for celebrity weddings since Fat Boy Slim and Zoe Ball married here in 1999. Numerous A-listers have tied the knot here since, including the weddings of James Corden and Eddie Redmayne.
Non-members can add a Soho Friends membership when booking one of the 33 guestrooms that range from cosy attic rooms to the luxurious Lodge sleeping up to 6 persons. Think four-poster beds, velvet upholstery, antique furniture, hand-painted wallpaper and rolltop bathtubs for the vibe of this country house. The hotel offers the same delicious menu whether eating in the Restaurant, Bar, Terrace, Deli, or Orangery. Facilities include the Cowshed Spa, a steam room and sauna, two heated swimming pools, a gym, and weekly classes. Other features include a cinema, kids’ activities, tennis and cricket and ever-changing events and activities.
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Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
The hotel’s restaurant has retained two Michelin stars since 1984. It is undoubtedly one of the finest restaurants in the UK and offers a world-class dining experience with fresh produce from the sustainable two-acre (0.8-hectare) kitchen garden. The hotel offers 32 individually designed rooms and suites inspired by Raymond’s travels, exquisitely finished to the highest possible standards with exceptional attention to detail.
Beautiful gardens and flower beds surround the hotel. Although guests won’t find spa, pool or gym facilities, The Raymond Blanc Cookery School makes a stay at Le Manoir a magical experience.
Le Manoir is around an hour from London and Heathrow Airport and 25 minutes from Oxford Station.
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Lime Wood
Located on 7 hectares (17 acres) of landscaped grounds within the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, 15 minutes from the picturesque village of Beaulieu with its star attractions and 90 minutes from London, sits Lime Wood Hotel. A laidback, luxury manor house hotel in a perfect secluded hideaway setting. There are 33 guest rooms and suites, with 16 bedrooms in the main house and 17 accommodations in private lodgings nearby, such as the luxurious Forrest Lodges and Forrest Cottages & Cabin — perfect for families.
The main Italian-inspired restaurant, Hartnett Holder & Co, is headed by Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett alongside vastly experienced chef Luke Hodder. Alternatively, guests can enjoy natural and healthy meals from Raw & Cured café in the Herb House Spa or dine in with room service. Other culinary treats include afternoon tea and the ultimate kitchen table supper hosted by the head chefs.
The Herb House Spa is something to behold, containing a hot pool, a hydro pool, a mud house, a giant sauna, and steam room, and eight treatment rooms. There is also a rooftop gym and a 16-metre indoor lap pool.
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Fife Arms
Opened in 2019 by HRH The Duke of Rothesay — now King Charles III — The Fife Arms is a former Victorian coaching house dating back to 1856 and a much-loved landmark of the village of Braemar, Aberdeenshire — home of the Highland Games. The hotel celebrates its Scottish heritage with over 14,000 historical objects, artefacts and artworks associated with the local community. The hotel sits within the heart of the spectacular Cairngorm National Park and is just 15 minutes from the famous Royal residence of Balmoral Castle.
The hotel offers 46 individual guestrooms and suites lavishly adorned with objects and furnishings representing the area’s rich heritage. Many rooms have stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and most are dog friendly. Seasonal Scottish produce can be enjoyed at The Clunie Dining Room, and afternoon tea can be taken in the drawing room. Classic Scottish dishes can be enjoyed at The Flying Stag bar, while Bertie’s Whisky Bar offers a staggering 365 whiskies.
Other hotel features include a cocktail bar, a spa with three treatment rooms and a children’s room. Outdoor pursuits include fishing, hunting and deer stalking expeditions, golf, tennis, and Highland tours.
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Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Gilpin Hotel is set within 8.5 tranquil hectares (21 acres) on the edge of the Lake District National Park, less than 5 kilometres from Lake Windemere. The Edwardian house of the main building offers guests a modern, indulgent stay with 30 contemporary guest rooms and suites. All rooms enjoy Lakeland views, and most lead directly onto gardens. Twenty-two rooms have their own private outdoor hot tub, and some have additional ensuite spa facilities, including circular stone baths, rainmaker showers, steam rooms, saunas, and treatment areas.
One mile from Gilpin Hotel lies Gilpin Lake House, set among 40 hectares (100 acres) of private land. The lake, boat house, swimming pool, hot tubs, saunas, and spa treatments are shared exclusively between guests of the six luxurious guestrooms. All rooms offer an open-plan layout with tranquil lakeside, woodland, or country views.
Michelin-starred cuisine comes from Gilpin House HRiSHi restaurant, while Gilpin Spice offers tapas-style pan-Asian dishes from the restaurant or room service. Guests of the Lake House receive transport to the Galpin Hotel but also have Gilpin Grill at the Lake House as a further dining option.
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Calcot Manor Hotel & Spa
Just six kilometres from the charming medieval Cotswold town of Tetbury, Calcot Manor Hotel & Spa sits within 89 hectares (220 acres) of the Cotswold countryside. The hotel first opened in 1984, but historic parts of the building can be traced back 700 years, with the main manor house and outbuildings erected in the 16th century. The stylish hotel boasts 35 individually furnished bedrooms and suites within converted outbuildings, cottages, and the main house. All rooms are elegantly chic, comfortable, and suitably indulgent for couples and families alike.
Guests can dine in the elegant and informal setting of The Conservatory with dishes created by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Richard Davies or enjoy first-class better-than-pub-grub cuisine at The Gumstool Inn — serving delicious favourites, and Sunday roasts.
A range of luxurious treatments is available at the Spa, including seven treatment rooms, a 16-metre indoor swimming pool, a large outdoor hot tub, a sauna, and a steam room. Guests can also use the fully equipped indoor and outdoor gym facilities with a fitness studio, tennis courts, cycling and nature trails.
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Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa is a luxury English country house located between the New Forrest National Park and the southern coastline – set in 53 hectares (130 acres) of Hampshire countryside. Once an 18th-century Georgian manor house, it now features 58 guest rooms in the main house and 14 treehouse suites on the grounds. All the bedrooms in the main house are named after characters from Children of the New Forrest – a book written at Chewton Glen by Frederick Marryat and published in 1847. The treehouse suites are named after different species of trees found within the grounds.
The hotel offers two exceptional restaurants and a cookery school with cookery courses frequently hosted by celebrity TV chef James Martin. Hotel facilities include a luxury Spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Guests can also enjoy a hydrotherapy pool, aromatherapy saunas, and crystal steam rooms. There is a gym, two fitness studios, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a nine-hole par three golf course, a children’s club, and even a helipad.
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Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, Wales
Bodysgallen Hall & Spa is one of those country house hotels that ticks all the boxes. It offers anything & everything from a delightful setting, fabulous gardens and memorable views to great cuisine, commendable service, and a colourful history.
The hotel is located 3 kilometres south of Llandudno, North Wales. It enjoys amazing views of both Conwy Castle and Eryri (Snowdonia).
Bodysgallen Hall & Spa is a Grade-1 listed 17th century Hall but the Tower in the main House dates back to 13th century. The hotel features just 31 rooms and suites – 15 in the main house and 16 in delightful cottages dotted around the Estate. Each is individually designed & furnished.
This National Trust owned hotel is set in over 200 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. Bodysgallen – along with sister properties Hartwell House & Spa and Middlethorpe Hall & Spa – were donated to the National Trust in 2008.
The hotel offers a modern spa – complete with indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna treatment rooms and gym. Fine dining is served in the award-winning The Dining Room restaurant as is a popular Sunday Lunch. A very filling and ostentatious Afternoon Tea – served in one of the many magnificent rooms in the Hall - is a highlight.
Bodysgallen Hall & Spa has earned a reputation of being one of the most popular luxury travel experiences in North Wales because all its parts move together as one. It’s a seamless experience from check-in to check-out.
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Palé Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Wales
Palé Hall Hotel & Restaurant has established itself as one of the most exceptional country house hotels in the United Kingdom.
With its superb fine dining restaurant - the Henry Robertson Dining Room which holds a Michelin Green Star - faultless service, well-appointed guestrooms & suites, and idyllic location – on the fringes of Eryri (Snowdonia), in the Dee Valley of North Wales – it is clear to see why.
Palé Hall is a private, family-owned hotel and as such, attention to detail and focus on service are priorities.
The Hall itself dates back to 1871, built by the wealthy Scottish industrialist & politician Henry Robertson for the then princely sum of £50,000. It has Royal connections. In August 1889, Queen Victoria spent ten nights at Palé Hall. Guests can stay in the Victoria Grand Room – complete with her original antique half tester bed, bathtub and (disconnected) sink unit.
This Victorian mansion was meticulously, sympathetically, and lavishly refurbished in 2015 & 2016 and while it retains much of its original 19th century charm - pockets of necessary modernity have been introduced. There are 18 individually designed guestrooms in the main house and 4 garden suites – two featuring hot tubs.
Palé Hall is one of the few hotels in the world that can boast its own hydro-electric power station. Enough green energy is produced for the Hall and indeed any surplus is pumped back into the national electricity grid.
At one time, the estate boasted over 30,000 acres of land. Now it is just 50 acres but provides superb walks and is – at any time of year – an ideal location to fill your lungs with fresh air, your eyes with superb vistas and your soul with peace.
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