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!
Country house hotels within two hours drive
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Country house hotels 2-3 hours drive
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Still not sure where to book?