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Once only those of us with the oldest family names would have been eligible to stay in the UK’s grand country piles, but many of the most beautiful of them have been refurbished and returned to their youthful glory, and turned into country house hotels. Our Gurus have put themselves through the ordeal of sleeping in four-poster beds, dining in Michelin starred restaurants, being pampered in award-winning spas and strolling exquisite grounds to bring your their recommendations for the UK’s best country house hotels.
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Rather than list the UK’s best country house hotels by location our Gurus have listed them by type, so there’s a top selection of the most romantic country house hotels, and a top selection of family friendly hotels and their top recommendations for family-run treasures.
For a romantic stay
- Cliveden House is a grand neoclassical country pile, a National Trust treasure, and probably still best known for its part in the Profumo affair. But it seems like everyone who’s ever been anyone has stayed here, from Churchill to Chaplin and Lawrence to Lennon. There are 44 rooms and 15 suites, but staying here still feels like you’re staying in a country home rather than a hotel. There are original Old Masters on the walls, a spa which boasts Canadian cedarwood hot tubs as well as a whirlpool hot tub, boats on the river, two pools and a truly wonderful afternoon tea.
- The Torridon is a remote country escape on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon, with just 18 rooms and 53 acres of park and woodland. The decor its a wonderful meeting of Scottish county house opulence and contemporary design. And there’s a seriously good restaurant and whisky bar.
- With 500 acres of grounds landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, Stapleford Park is a wonderful Leicestershire estate to explore - there’s falconry, mini golf and archery to name just s few of the activities on offer. And inside the huge 55 room Georgian mansion the decor is exceptional and the service excellent.
- The Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, outside Bagshot, Surrey, is a beautiful, ivy clad 19th century built country house hotel with a Michelin starred restaurant and an award winning spa. There are 123 rooms and suites, surrounded by 123 acres of park and gardens. And you’re only 30minutes from Heathrow and about 45minutes from central London.
For a complete escape
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- Ardanaiseig, on the beautiful banks of Loch Awe in Argyll is a glorious, and eccentric, baronial mansion turned 18 room country house hotel, with stunning views and award winning food. For real privacy choose the boat shed, which is right on the water.
- Inverlochy Castle is a 17 room castle near Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. As well as spectacular views and beautiful decor there’s a multi-award winning, Michelin starred restaurant.
- Cavens Hotel, close to Dumfries, is an impressive country house surrounded by 20 acres of woodlands and gardens. There are just eight rooms, decorated with chintz fabrics and nice antiques, plus a stunning Scottish restaurant.
For a Country House Hotel with a hot tub
For many of us it’s the ultimate way to unwind, so if you love the idea of your own hot tub, check out our Guru’s ultimate guide to UK hotels with hot tubs, or consider these country house highlights:
- Chewton Glen is a fabulous country house hotel close to the New Forest, renowned for its superb service, excellent food and luxurious spa. Book one of their stunning treehouse suites and you get your own deck with private hot tub....ideal for a relaxing soak after a day exploring the surrounding area.
- South Lodge Hotel is a classic country house retreat near Horsham, West Sussex, with 89 individually designed rooms and suites with handmade mattresses and pillow menus throughout. You’re surrounded by 93 acres of park and gardens and beyond that you have views of the South Downs. One of the restaurants has a Michelin star, the other two AA rosettes. Both the Godman and Farriers Suites have their own private terraces with hot tubs.
Family-Run Treasures
- Plumber Manor Hotel is a wonderful Jacobean manor house in glorious Thomas Hardy country. The house was built by, and has belonged to the same family for centuries, the Prideaux-Brunes - and they have the portraits to match, along wth a wonderful air of faded grandeur. Gently eccentric, with a popular and well regarded restaurant.
- Gravetye Manor, in a leafy part of West Sussex, is an Elizabethan mansion with 17 fine, wood panelled bedrooms with four-poster beds, and an exceptionally beautiful garden. There’s also a Michelin starred restaurant.
- South of Belfast in rural Northern Ireland, Newforge House is a six room country house hotel. Built in the elegant Georgian era, the decor has been updated sympathetically where needed. One of the passionate owners is a professional, and accomplished chef.
For Families
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- Bovey Castle on Dartmoor is 64 room hotel which offers lego room service for the kids and bespoke spa treatments for the adults. There are loads of activities on site, including falconry displays.
- Fowey Hall in Fowey, Cornwall is a 36 room hotel overlooking to Cornish coast. There’s a great pool and spa and beautiful views from the hotel. It’s well kitted out for families, but still very elegant.
- Woolley Grange in Wiltshire, is a Jacobean Manor turned luxury family retreat. There are 26 rooms, stunning grounds, a pool, restaurant, an Ofsted registered playroom, a games room and a spa.
For great value
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- For under £100 a night you can stay at Soulton Hall in Shrewsbury, a splendid Elizabethan manor house with eight romantic, atmospheric rooms and plenty of interesting history to unpick. The surrounds are also very beautiful.
- Also around £100 per night, the Castleman Hotel in Dorset is a stunning country house surrounded by beautiful parkland. There’s an excellent restaurant specialising in using local produce and eight rooms decorated in dark wood with chintz fabrics, some with four-poster beds and roll top baths.
- Norfolk Mead, in the peaceful Norfolk Broads, is a charming, 13 room lakeside hotel with lovely grounds and smart, individually decorated bedrooms. They do lovely Sunday lunches and plush afternoon teas. Rooms start from around £130 per night.
Still not sure?