Ready to get out of the city? Sometimes a weekend escape is all you need to find that fresh lease of life. Blow away the cobwebs and all that. There’s really no better place for a little downtime than the British countryside; all that greenery, fresh mountain air, patchwork fields to stroll through, and pubs to while away afternoons in… But we’re not suggesting you leave your luxuries in London and rough it. Nada. You’re an adult now. You don’t need to pile into a tent —worse, an ancient caravan — sleep top and tail with your siblings, and eat sloppy Super Noodles for dinner. You don’t even need to pack the G&T in a can (unless like us, you still kind of love those), because there’s a whole host of country houses that are waiting to water you, feed you, spoil you and pamper you ‘til you’re feeling totally, utterly, completely refreshed. Let us run you through our pick of the best...
Lime Wood, Hampshire
A medieval hunting lodge back in the 13th century, Lime Wood is now a homely country retreat, complete with impeccably manicured grounds, sophisticated interiors, a serene spa, and great restaurant. At £330/night, it’s proper ‘spoil yourself’ territory, and the perfect place to do so. Aside from the romantic rooms, the highlight has to be The Herb House: a naturalistic spa spread over three floors, with indoor and outdoor pools, sun deck and herb garden, mud room, sauna, steam house and café. You’ll come back a better version of yourself.
From £330/night
Yorebridge House, North Yorkshire
Set in the famous little town of Wensleydale, Yorebridge House is one of North Yorkshire’s finest hideaways. What was once a school house is now home to 11 individually designed rooms, five of which have hot tubs (hello!), and all pull décor inspiration from right across the globe — relive your travels with Moroccan, Japanese and Caribbean themes... On sunny days, get out and explore the Dales. Then on rainy ones, cosy up in your room with a DVD or in the ever-so-perfect bar.
From £200/night
The Fish, The Cotswolds
Nestled in the Cotswolds, on the Farncombe Estate alongside sister hotels Dormy House and Foxhill Manor, The Fish is the perfect base for weekends full of country walks and good food. Take your beau, a good book, and you’re sorted.
From £85/night
The Grove, Hertfordshire
If your kind of weekend away features a pool — a big one — and a spa, head to The Grove in Hertfordshire which triumphs when it comes to facilities. From Colette’s, the fine-dining restaurant headed up by National Chef of the Year, Russell Bateman, to the golf courses, afternoon teas, and luxury spa, Sequoia, it’s got everything you need for a weekend of proper TLC. For pure luxury, stay in one of 26 über-plush rooms in the Mansion House.
From £330/night
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Cotswolds
Foodies need look no further. For you, it’s all about The Wheatsheaf, one of The Lucky Onion’s boutique country boltholes with 14 picture-perfect guest rooms. If you can prise yourself out of the freestanding copper bathtub, get your wellies on and get out into the countryside, before returning to the restaurant to make the most of Ethan Rodgers’ regional, seasonal, flavourful dishes, knocking back a couple of killer cocktails as you go. Don’t forget to hit the spa for a full body massage before you head home.
From £106/night
Vine House, Norfolk
Beach break without the flight? This ultra elegant eight-room hotel in Norfolk’s Burnham Market is just a few miles from Holkham beach, a stretch of undisturbed natural beauty that has frequently won the title of Best Beach in the UK. All eight rooms are quite simply perfection, with their pastel wallpapers, bouncy beds, oodles of cushions, and roll top bathtubs.
From £185/night
Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire
Pool? Check. Spa? Check. Michelin-starred restaurant? Check. Throw in the extras like a 500-acre estate, a stable complete with 35 glossy horses, tennis courts and a cookery school and you’ve got yourself a serious spot for a weekend break! Gone are the days of camping, now this is our type of country escape. Want the full works, head to Lucknam Park.
From £290/night
The Gilpin, Lake District
If you’re willing to splurge, The Gilpin is one of the most sumptuous escapes in the North. The Georgian-style country house is set within perfectly landscaped gardens, and has room options that range from luxe to ultra luxe. They’re all pretty stunning but the crème de la crème, go-crazy options are the Garden Suites and Spa Lodges, each with views of the moors, private gardens, patios and hot tubs. Along with some of the cosiest, comfiest communal spaces you’ve ever seen, there’s also a croquet court (natch) and a llama field (obvs).
From £255/night
Thyme, The Cotswolds
There’s no shortage of boutique abodes to chose from in the Cotswolds but Thyme has to be up there near the top. With 13 rooms in total, including three Cottage Suites and two stand-alone cottages, it’s intimate yet private, and masters luxurious country-chic. Food is a huge focus here, as is the garden-to-plate ethos, so enjoy roaming around the farm and village, before heading back for a cookery class, then an aperitif at the bar. It’s the little touches that give Thyme its edge: the hot water bottle in your bed in the evening and the bottled nightcap on your nightstand.
From £260/night
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