Country houses are something quintessentially English. With their impressive lawns and gardens and acres of indoors space, many have been rescued from an ignominious death and turned into hotels.
And country house hotels in England really are amazing if you like to be pampered.
Whether you're after a traditional break - think slap-up meals in a restaurant overlooking a croquet lawn - or you want to get re-energised with an expert spa treatment, these stately rural retreats are the way to go.
Escape the noise and bustle of the city to while away days surrounded by fresh country air and verdant scenery - there really is no better way to unwind with a loved one or the family.
Cliveden is a grand stately house that overlooks the river Thames as it flows through the Berkshire countryside. It is one of the world’s most luxurious hotels in the world and guests have included royalty and the famous.
One of the best luxury hotels in England! A Tudor castle with oak and antique interiors, full of butlers and suits of armour: the perfect escape from humdrum city life.
This beautiful spa hotel sits on the edge of the town of Shepperton Mallet in the Mendips district of Somerset. It’s ideally situated for visiting Bath, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury, and if you want an usual experience, Shepperton Mallet Prison.
Warner Leisure Hotels offer adult only breaks in country manor houses and relaxing coastal resorts, all in outstanding locations. These escapes are not “just bed for a night” type stays but go the whole hog on indulgence and relaxation. The prices include breakfast, fine dinners, sporting and leisure facilities, and live evening entertainment. Go on, spoil yourself…
This grade II listed Victorian country house is set in the heart of Cheshire and makes it a great place from which to explore the landscape and history. It has award winning gardens, a large pool and sauna, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained morning to night.
Cricket St. Thomas is set in 160 acres of beautiful parkland with colourful gardens and lakes. It was used as the manor house in the TV comedy “To the Manor Born”. For a day out you could try fossil hunting in Lyme Regis and along the Jurassic Coast or visit Sherborne to explore its medieval buildings, abbey, and two castles.
Heythrop Park is the latest Warner Leisure Hotel. This Cotswolds country house dates from 1710 but has lots of modern features for a great break. There is an 18-hole golf course, a spa, and 440 acres of parkland to explore. Oxford, Cheltenham, and Blenheim Palace and Woodstock are all close by.
Holme Lacy House is a grade I listed country house that was completed in 1674. It is set in 20 acres of grade II listed gardens in which it is reported that King Charles II and William Pitt held cabinet meetings. In a lovely location to explore the Wye Valley, the Forest of Dean, and the city of Hereford.
Littlecote House is a grade I listed Tudor manor house dating from around 1550. This hotel has a rich history and even includes Roman remains and mosaic floor in the garden. This would be a real treat for history lovers. Days out could include the stone circles of Avebury and Stonehenge, the city of Bath, Highclere Castle from Downton Abbey, or the much-filmed villages of Laycock and Castle Coombe.
Eighteenth century Nidd Hall is set in 45 acres of grounds with award winning gardens. Positioned on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales there is easy access to the glorious Dales countryside, the cathedral city of Ripon, the ruins of Fountains Abbey, and towns of Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Standing in rural Warwickshire, grade II listed Studley Castle sits in 28 acres of wonderful grounds. It is a wonderful place to relax and possibly pamper yourself to the spa treatments. For a great day out there are the picturesque Cotswolds, stunning Warwick Castle, or Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon to explore.
Thoresby Hall is a grand stately house that is surrounded by 30 acres of gardens and woodland. There are plenty of interesting places to visit close by, including Sherwood Forest and the Robin Hood story, the city of Nottingham, Clumber Park, Rufford Abbey Country Park, and exploring the limestone gorge at Creswell Crags.
Country House Hotels are the cream of luxury hotels in England. If you'd like to be treated as if you were lord or lady of all you survey, spend a long weekend in one. You won't be disappointed.
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