The best luxury country hotels in the UK

If it’s good enough for Prince Harry, it’s good enough for us – Coworth Park was where the royal spent his last night as a bachelor. There’s plenty for the equestrian crowd, of course – the 240 acres include polo grounds – and even those who don’t wear jodhpurs will appreciate the wildflower meadows, cozy evenings by the fire and bluebell-strewn walks of the wood in spring.

The Drawing Room patio overlooks the terraced garden and staff are happy to hand out blankets for sunsets or sit out on the also heated barn terrace for views of the British countryside.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

For the coast and In the countryside, the New Forest’s Chewton Glen is hard to beat – this Hampshire hideaway has grounds that lead to the beach and the wooded glen of Chewton Bunny. And there are actual treehouses — alone with hot tubs on the deck, freestanding tubs with views of all that greenery, wood-burning stoves, and, yes, walkways connecting them through the canopy of trees.

Activities on offer include croquet, archery, and cooking lessons, or head to the spa for treatments, healthy lunches, and champagne. Treehouse clients can also arrange in-cabin treatments, so you never have to leave your private playground.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Tens of millions of pounds have been lavished on this grand gilded Yorkshire mansion and it shows: the 17th-century stay now boasts a village worthy of food and drink establishments, the fine cuisine of a local hero ( Shaun Rankin) at a British brewery. and a nightclub.

The Three Graces spa at Grantley Hall, in the hotel’s new Roman villa-style wing, has everything you could need to feel your best, whether it’s an Ila treatment, a yoga or individual training, a snow room, an altitude room or a cryotherapy cabin. It also has a heated outdoor pool with waiter service.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Cliveden may be a luxury country hotel, but it leaves the stuffiness at the door – although there’s full armor in the lobby, a grand staircase, patterned rugs and oil paintings. oversized oil. And we haven’t even mentioned the bedrooms, which obviously have coved ceilings, richly draped beds, and plenty of antiques. You’re staying the night on National Trust property, after all.

The Palladian mansion has its own parterre, outdoor pool (made famous by a certain ’60s scandal), and spa; and restaurants include the Astor Grill for great steaks thanks to its Josper oven and the elegant fine dining room, where you can select a mix of top-tier choices from the trolley at the end of the evening for take away in a candy-lined paper bag.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Perhaps the most quintessential Cotswolds location in all of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire (and the rest) combined, Thyme has all the beamed ceilings and golden stonework you could want. It’s in the village of Southrop, with the rooms spread across various buildings and cottages, and gravel paths leading through the gardens.

Some of the rooms have clawfoot tubs and four-poster beds, and you’ll be greeted in each with a free trug of treats. The Meadow Spa is all about plants, with essential oils created by sister brand Bertioli. Guests can enroll in the on-site school to master everything from baking to pasta.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

A Regency house on the outskirts of Ambleside, Rothay Manor is within walking distance of the historic Lake Town Cinema and incredible restaurants (including the Old Stamp House and Lake Road Kitchen). And if you’re looking for more fine dining, drive about 40 minutes south to Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in the village of Cartmel.

Or stay at the hotel, which can provide comforting Sunday lunches and afternoon teas in the garden. Some rooms have a terrace with hot tub and others have a balcony overlooking the lawn.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

This warm, honey-coloured mansion sits a few miles south of Bath, making it the perfect country hotel for city dwellers at heart. The grounds have a heated swimming pool, with cabanas (even though it’s Somerset, not St Barths), which is open for swimming all year round.

The historic building has been updated with playful modern touches, like a wall of clocks and a yellow submarine in the garden. Unless Bath’s famous Roman baths appeal to you, you can take a dip right here, in a hot tub overlooking the valley.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

This Dartmoor dwelling was built for WH Smith himself. Today, the stationery supplier’s vacation playground (all 275 acres) includes a championship golf course, a Gentlemen’s Quarter at the spa, a gin school, and every conceivable activity you want to do at all. -field, skeet shooting or flying. -fishing.

There are rooms in the neo-Elizabethan main house at Chateau de Bovey, as well as three-storey cottages in the grounds, each with a kitchen – which may not be in use, as the chefs will also be happy to deliver meals to you.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

For a country hotel, Monkey Island Estate is quite close to towns such as Windsor and Slough (but don’t let that put you off). Windsor Royal Racecourse is also nearby. The luxury country stay is on its own island in the River Thames at Bray (the Berkshire village of Fat Duck fame) and has absolutely nothing to do with monkeys (the name is believed to derive from the medieval monastic heritage of the region).

The estate spans seven acres, which includes six private residences ideal for groups and families — convenient, as it’s a great spot for a party. The hunting lodge has hosted royalty, writers and musicians, and Elgar even composed a symphony in one of the cabins along the riverbank.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Welcome to ‘Scotland’s Playground’, where you can shoot, zipline or off-road, entertain eagles, train hunting dogs or just play golf. If you’ve overdone it with the activities, head to the massive Gleneagles Spa (passing past the archway to stock shortbread along the way).

Start each evening with a drink in the Century Bar before taking your pick from the dining options which include Scotland’s only two Michelin star restaurant. Some of the rooms are basically apartments, with four-poster beds, plush sofas, and multiple tea stations (for more shortbread opportunities).

CHECK AVAILABILITY