With half term approaching, many of us are itching to escape the city, but you don’t need to jet off to far-flung shores for a little fresh air and pampering. Here at Style’n’Snitch we love an impromptu break in the English countryside. Whether it’s for a quiet time reconnecting with your partner or a lively time with the little ones, here are five of our favourite country hotels.
Belmond-le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons, Oxfordshire
Dine on a Michelin-starred meal before retiring to one of this luxurious manor’s 32 uniquely designed rooms, each one drawing inspiration from Raymond Blanc’s travels. The deluxe suites include a host of exquisite features such as free-standing marble bathtubs, private garden terraces and exquisite fabrics and furnishings. While they will happily cater to families, we recommend saving this tranquil retreat for some alone time with your loved one, where you can book into one of the manor’s numerous high-end cookery courses that run throughout the year.
Cliveden House & Spa, Berkshire
Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has for centuries been a hub for powerful personalities, debaucherous dalliances and world-famous parties. With its antique furnishings and period features, it has remained a pinnacle of intrigue and glamour for the elite, providing an ultra-luxe resting place for meet and play.
The Grade I stately home is now a 5 Red Star award-winning hotel set into 376 acres of National Trust grounds. Perfect for couples and larger groups, they even have a private cottage on the banks of the Thames that sleeps six.
Coworth Park, Ascot
Nestled into the borders of Windsor Great Park, this high-end retreat is just 45 minutes drive from London. Choose from a selection of individually styled rooms from the eccentrically decorative Mansion House to the self-contained converted Stables and Cottages.
Restaurant Coworth Park’s Best of British menu shows true passion for the finest locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, or, if it’s comfort food you favour, sample The Barn’s rustic charm where diners are more than welcome to keep their muddy boots on. Guests can also take part in quintessentially English activities such as tennis, croquet, horse riding or polo lessons.
Lime Wood Hotel & Spa, New Forest
This perfectly secluded hideaway is just an hour and a half from London in the stunning New Forest National Park. There are plenty of top-notch hiking trails surrounding this exquisitely designed house, which features an array of private suites, cottages, lodges and cabins.
At their Herb House Spa you can indulge in yoga on the roof of the herb garden, revive with your partner in double treatment rooms or take in the forest views from the gargantuan sauna.
Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham
Sandwiched between the highest point on the Cotswolds and the lush, green gallops of Cheltenham’s famous racecourse, this indulgent 15th Century estate makes for an unforgettable weekend away with the whole family. Steeped in history and set into 90 acres of bucolic countryside, there are a number of uniquely British dining experiences on offer, while their spa offers an extensive range of holistic therapies from hydrating seaweed treatments from the Scottish Hebrides to gentle Moroccan skincare.
