If you live in "the big smoke" — aka London — you will know the feeling of needing to escape for the weekend. A few may be lucky enough to have a weekend bolthole, but for the rest of us, we are endlessly on the lookout for that special place to go for a quick weekend break — whether romantic or otherwise. The key requirement is that it should not take too long to get to — 3 hours tops — so that you can leave work on a Friday evening in time for a late dinner, and be back Sunday night without having spent the whole afternoon in the car. So below our Gurus have come up with selection of great country house hotels for a weekend away from London to totally relax you, from the luxury formal properties to the laid-back boho chic.
We have split the hotels into two lists: those within two hours' drive of the centre of London (calculated from Charing Cross), and those between two and three hours away. These timings are approximate depending on where you're starting from (and the traffic on the day). So check the map on the right!
Chilston Park is a large Grade 1 listed country house in the heart of the Kent countryside. It offers rooms in both the main house and the mews, with all the usual detailing — parquet flooring, four posters, exposed beams, free standing baths and fabulous views. The decor is classic in feel, but with modern touches. The dining hall is formal and impressive.
This is the grandaddy of smart country hotels, in one of the great country houses of Britain — a spectacular estate with fabulous art and antiques and hefty prices. The rural setting is stunning this close to London, and the house has a famous — and infamous — back story. You will feel like an extra in Downtown Abbey as you relax in the spa, sip a cocktail in the Library bar and flop down onto the best beds in Britain.
This country house estate has had the Four Seasons treatment, with modern extensions and all the mod cons. However, they have preserved the high ceilings, sash windows and classic room proportions, and if you like the FS style, you won't be disappointed. The spa is wonderful and there is an abundance of country pursuits to choose from.
Gravetye is a classic first generation English country house hotel, an Elizabethan gem: privately owned, passionately cared for, and timeless. Service is old school, decoration is old fashioned and full of character, and bedrooms are charming. The modern British cooking is Michelin starred, and they have an exceptional garden. A treasure, perfectly placed for visiting the many other fine gardens in the area.
18th-century Heckfield Place, a lovingly restored Georgian family home, is one of the new breed of country house hotels, with Farrow & Ball paint effects, beautifully crafted interior design and fine, 20th century art on the walls. Their food follows a farm-to-table ethic, with an excellent restaurant — a destination in itself — and they have a spoiling spa. A plus is the luxurious screening room.
This institution of a hotel continues to offer world-class indulgence and fantastic dining. Raymond Blanc's delightful fusion of hotel, restaurant and gardens still works. Each of the rooms and suites is individually designed, the gardens are divine, and the food breathtaking! Simply stunning.
A beautifully restored 19th century grand country house set in spectacular gardens and lakes, open to the public by day. By night, they offer just 10 rooms and a wonderful Michelin starred restaurant. For garden lovers this is heaven on earth, with all the rural delights of West Sussex on its doorstep. For the best colours, come in spring or autumn.
Though large and slightly corporate, five-star The Grove, set in 300 acres, wins for the spa, the activities on offer, and the proximity to London. It's a spoling escape, with tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course, a spa, and all sorts of activities. Four restaurants with over seventy chefs cater for every whim.
A recently restored 18th-century country house hotel and spa set in sixteen acres. Snack pantries, an outdoor pool and horse-drawn barge trips join all the usual suspects of a 21st century re-imagined pile — four-posters and roll-top baths. Contemporary details, fun, affordable & family friendly.
An imposing Cotswolds country house set among stunning and deservedly famous gardens. The gorgeously decorated rooms are light and airy and supremely comfortable. There's an indulgent spa and contemporary British cuisine make it hard to leave. It's a highly popular rural escape for urbanites.
You half expect to see Miss Marple taking tea in mellow old Buckland Manor, which sits sedately in lawns amongst the Cotswold hills and next to a charming country church. Inside, you’ll find gracious, comfortable sitting rooms, a dining room where gentlemen are required to wear jacket and tie, a superb wine cellar, and 13 gorgeous bedrooms with mullioned windows and latches but no room keys.
Another classic smart country house hotel, Chewton Glen sits on the edge of the New Forest and close to the sea. It offers supremely spoiling five-star luxury to couples and families. Its treehouse accommodation almost steals the show. Impeccable service, indoor and outdoor pools, gourmet dining and a kids club.
Quieter and more intimate and hidden within the New Forest, Lime Wood is a timeless beauty. Rooms are in the main house or in a selection of cottages and forest hideaway suites within its extensive grounds. It combines stylish interiors with a rustic vibe to create a blend of nature, elegance and simplicity.
With a Downton feel, this grand and traditional country estate hotel is superbly run and offers two destination-worthy extras — a fabulous spa and an excellent equestrian centre for riding lessons and hacking out over the hotel's vast parkland. Dining is formal but of a very high standard, though there is also a more lively brasserie. Public rooms are lavishly decorated with Old Masters on the walls, and bedrooms are soft, spacious and calming.
A majestic Elizabethan building set in beautifully manicured gardens, with elegant rooms, light and spacious, with traditional furnishings, some with antique four posters. They also have a good spa and an excellent restaurant, and the stunning Suffolk coastline is a short drive away.
Hidden away in deepest Dorset, at the limit of our 3 hour driving time (and perhaps more on a Friday night), this Hardy-esque country house is surrounded by spectacular countryside and is worth the drive. The motif here is floral, with plushly furnished rooms in the main house and cottages. They have a cosy bar, an indoor pool, tennis and a spa.
A stunning Georgian country house turned boutique hotel of just 23 rooms, set amid magnificent lawns and gardens in beautiful Somerset countryside close to trendy Bruton. The rooms and suites come in a range of styles, some quirky, some traditional, some contemporary, but all luxurious. The food is of the garden-to-table variety, and they have a great spa.
A country escape in an elegent Edwardian country house in the New Forest. Cosy, quirky and affordable, where traditional meets modern in rooms with state-of-the-art beds and huge rain showers. The restaurant is a highlight, with local produce, often from the garden. Treatment rooms are on offer for some pampering. Glorious, a great place to unwind and chill out.
A Victorian Gothic country house on the edge of the stunning Peak District, with thoughtfully designed interiors of soft fabrics, muted colours and cosy fires in winter. Best of all, almost half the 28 rooms are in forest cabins and treehouses. Gardens, pool and spa to relax in, and great food.
The Cotswolds
A charming 14th century manor house in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Chic rooms feature bold wallpaper prints, soft tones, deep soaking tubs and trendy artworks. The beautifully landscaped gardens feature a range of family activities as well as a pool and spa. An elegant country retreat.
Chippenham
A luxury country home full of character. High ceilinged rooms are adorned with chandeliers and four poster beds. The surrounding parkland and gardens are painstakingly up kept. A spa, indoor pool and outdoor plunge pool aid relaxation. The fine dining restaurant is headed by a Michelin Star chef.
Dorset (Dorset)
A Hardy-esque country house turned hotel, surrounded by lovely gardens and spectacular countryside. Luxurious rooms boasts elaborate floral fabrics and plush furnishings. The gourmet restaurant is not to be missed, nor the extensive bar. A cosy countryside base, complete with pool, spa and tennis.
West Sussex (West Hoathly)
An Elizabethan gem of timeless comforts, with fine wood panelled bedrooms, four poster beds and an exceptional garden. Old fashioned hospitality with modern standards. Independently owned with Michelin starred cooking and lots of outdoor activities.
Broadway (The Cotswolds)
Charming 13th Century manor house, steeped in tradition, on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment. Graceful rooms exude comfort and a timeless elegance. Dress for dinner in the award-winning, seasonally inspired restaurant. Explore the beautiful grounds and countryside.
Hampshire (Dogmersfield)
A modernised country house estate with extensive additional modern wings attached. Classic rooms feature high ceilings, sash windows and some with in-room free standing baths. An abundance of country pursuits and spoiling spa. Ideal for the quintessential British country experience.
Hampshire
Scintillating luxury hotel in a superbly redesigned Georgian house in the heart of the New Forest. Wonderfully comfortable beds in large rooms all with unique features including free standing baths, fireplaces or four posters. A sublime restaurant curated by a celebrity chef. Countryside perfection.
Hampshire
On the edge of the New Forest and close to the sea, Chewton Glen offers five-star luxury to couples and families. Its wow-factor treehouse accommodation is the star of the show, along with the fantastic staff that always go the extra mile. Imitable service, gourmet dining and The Beehive, kids club.
Brockenhurst
A country escape a step above the rest. Traditional meets modern world comforts in rooms with oh-so comfy beds and huge rain showers. The restaurant is worthy of a visit alone with produce being very locally sourced (often from the garden). Treatment rooms on offer for some pampering. Glorious.
Cirencester (Barnsley)
An imposing Cotswold house set within stunning (deservedly famed) gardens. Gorgeously renovated rooms are light, airy and full of mod cons. The chic modern interiors, indulgent spa and contemporary British cuisine make it hard to leave! A popular rural escape for urbanites.
Oxfordshire
World-class indulgence in the Oxfordshire countryside. Raymond Blanc's delightful fusion of hotel, acclaimed restaurant and gardens is luxurious, yet warm and charming. Thirty two rooms and suites are individually designed, the gardens are divine, and the food breathtaking! Simply stunning.
Berkshire
Boasting a spectacular rural setting and a famous history, Cliveden House is one of Britain's great country houses. Sumptuous, traditional rooms and suites boast truly spoiling bed linens and marble bathrooms. There's an exceptional spa, Library bar plus two restaurants. Simply superb!
West Sussex
A historic stay amidst the English countryside, with fine dining to boot. Atmospheric rooms, moat, and oak portcullis, not to mention a resident peacock, acres of manicured grounds, and several suits of armour. Enormous beds and sink into sofas ensure rooms are made for lingering.
West Sussex (Nr Horsham)
Classic luxury country retreat in 93 acres of parkland and woodland. Views over the South Downs, Michelin-starred restaurant, sumptuous rooms.
Surrey
Creeper clad 19th-century country house luxury spa resort with two excellent restaurants, only half an hour from Heathrow. Country style with lavish facilities. Relax and rejuvenate.
The Cotswolds
The Slaughters Manor House is beautiful, but relaxed and unstuffy with it. The 19 rooms are all different, some featuring four-poster beds and stand alone baths, some with bold wallpaper and colourful fabrics, so consider a few before you make your choice. The restaurant serves gourmet meals.
Kent (Lenham)
Classic country house hotel set amid twenty two acres of Kent countryside. Traditionally furnished with many period antique pieces. Ideal location for a country weekend getaway. Popular venue for weddings and business events.
Hertfordshire
Five-star hotel set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. With tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, golf course, spa, and many other luxury activities, this is a higher class of retreat. Four restaurants with over seventy chefs mean that its culinary offerings match the accommodation.
The Cotswolds
The Hare and Hounds is a traditional Cotswold country house hotel. The newly refurbished rooms and suites have an air of elegance and surround a delightful courtyard. The restaurant's creative menu is popular with locals and visitors alike. A smart but relaxed getaway amid stunning countryside.
Worcestershire (Broadway)
A hotel sitting in 400 acre estate, close to Stratford and the Cotswolds. Laid back and modern with cosy touches. Restaurant, bar with fireplace plus lots of outdoor activities from archery to segway safaris. A cool choice for weekend getaways for groups or young couples.
Wiltshire (Melksham)
Late Victorian property turned charming country house hotel with eight acres of gardens. Smartly furnished rooms are individually designed and offer the perfect blend of period style and contemporary chic. Luxury touches include Egyptian cotton bed linen and towels. A splendid country getaway!
The Cotswolds (Aylworth)
Set in a delightful house in the Cotswolds, Aylworth Manor is a charming, small B&B. Boasting comfortable rooms and a lovely garden, it's a great place to unwind. Start the day with a delicious breakfast in the dining room before heading out to explore the beautiful Cotswolds surroundings.
Woodbridge (Suffolk)
A majestic building set in beautifully manicured gardens. Elegant rooms are light and spacious with traditional furniture and fabrics. The best (the Seckford or Tudor rooms) feature antique four poster beds. A spoiling spa and excellent restaurant make this a special stay.
Suffolk (Suffolk)
A stunning Rectory House set in a beautiful conservation area. Elegant rooms are traditional in style with well placed antique pieces, classic fabrics and luxurious bathrooms - the best have four posters. The indulgent breakfasts, tennis court and swimming pool make this a cut above the rest.
East Sussex (East Sussex)
An impeccably designed boutique country house set right on the South Downs Way. Simply furnished rooms are elegant and spacious with soft hues, chandeliers and contemporary bathrooms. A cosy restaurant serves up excellent modern British fare and drinks are served in the fire lit lounge
Surrey (Leatherhead)
Nestled amongst the verdant Surrey Hills, Beaverbook offers a glorious escape for couples, families, or groups of friends. Stand-out features include the uniquely-designed spa and the Japanese Grill headed by ex-Nobu chef Taiji Maruyama. Plus endless rural pursuits on offer.
Brockenhurst (New Forest)
A historic country house, turned hotel, set in the picturesque New Forest. Interiors combine contemporary and traditional styles giving a light and airy feel. A chic restaurant serves up exemplary modern British cuisine but it's the Thai spa that's the real draw.
Hampshire
Redefining the idea of a hotel, 18th-century Heckfield Place sits within 438-acres of Hampshire countryside from which it draws its farm-to-table ethic. Country house hotel with plenty of style, spa, restaurant, bar and beautiful gardens.
Somerset
A stunning boutique country house hotel set amid magnificent gardens in beautiful Somerset countryside. The rooms and suites come in a range of styles, some quirky, some traditional, some contemporary, but all most definitely luxurious. Fabulous garden to table dining and a spoiling spa too.
Leicestershire
A grand country house hotel set in acres of rolling parkland with its very own open-air theatre. Beautiful rooms are traditionally styled with high ceilings, sash windows, antiques, and chandeliers. With four dining options ranging from casual to fine dining, this is a luxurious rural getaway.
Wiltshire
4* spa & golf resort located on the historic Bowood Estate, home to grand Bowood House & Gardens. Recently refurbished rooms with parkland views are as elegant as the many contemporary dining options. With activities for kids, impressive modern spa & golf course, the whole family is taken care of.
West Sussex (Lower Beeding)
A beautifully restored 19C grand country house set in amazing gardens and lakes, open to the public by day. By night, they offer just 10 rooms and a wonderful Michelin starred restaurant. For garden lovers this is heaven on earth, with all the rural delights of West Sussex on its doorstep.
Berkshire
A recently restored 18th-century country house hotel and spa set in sixteen acres. Snack pantries, an outdoor pool and horse-drawn barge trips join all the usual suspects of a 21st century re-imagined pile - four-posters and roll-top baths. Contemporary details, fun, affordable & family friendly.
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