The British countryside offers an idyllic escape – some of the UK’s most stunning regions set the stage for unforgettable short breaks. Grand coastal retreats, and secluded country estates nestled among rolling hills and meandering rivers, the diversity of Britain’s landscapes is mirrored in its exceptional hotel resorts.
Across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, a distinguished collection of heritage-rich establishments combines elegance with world-class hospitality, extending a curated and refined experience. Whether indulging in fine dining, unwinding in state-of-the-art wellness facilities, or enjoying private parklands and championship golf courses, these hotels exemplify the very best of British luxury.
Cliveden House, Berkshire
Constructed by the Duke of Buckingham in 1666, Cliveden House evolved from its initial function as a hunting lodge into a crucial social spot for the aristocracy and politicians of Great Britain throughout the following centuries thanks to its proximity to London. Today, part of the estate is run in partnership with the National Trust, whilst Cliveden itself now finds purpose as a 5-star hotel. Its fantastic suites come with period furnishings and magnificent views of the River Thames.
The grade 1 listed building and 18th-century landscaped gardens are wonderful to stroll through during the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom and the well-maintained lawns are an imperious shade of green. Boasting exceptional spa and wellness facilities, a magnificent dining room, and a host of activities from private boat trips along the river, clay pigeon shooting, and falconry experiences, Cliveden remains as active now in the pursuit of leisure as it was at the time of its founding.
The Newt, Somerset
Somerset, affectionately known as “The West Country”, is one of England's most beautiful rural areas. In keeping with the county’s heritage, The Newt is a converted Georgian Manor and estate that has become something of an agricultural haven focusing on sustainability and preserving the estate’s heritage. Whilst certainly a grand enough residence for a countryside hotel, it is the working nature of The Newt that sets it apart as a unique getaway.
There are charming gardens in keeping with the hotel’s period design to explore, but the more curious additions include the estate’s cider press, creamery, and farm-to-table restaurant, all of which are open for guests to enjoy. The working nature of the estate is a joy for the more eco-conscious guest, but the hotel still very much delivers on its five-star status, with a beautiful botanical spa, comfortable period bedrooms, and the chance to sample and explore more of the countryside surroundings guests find themselves in.
Palé Hall, Wales
Wales is known for its rolling valleys, friendly natives, and of course, the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, within which one may find Palé Hall – a Victorian-era mansion that was visited by the monarch herself during her reign. Palé Hall comes with many surprises and offers experiences that are in keeping with the area's rural setting.
The rooms come with stunning vistas over the Welsh highlands that are beautiful to behold throughout the year, whilst the manor’s heritage has been lovingly preserved, as displayed by the period furnishings in the elegant drawing rooms and library. Guests can delight in exploring more of the wonderful landscape and hike the many trails that Snowdonia has to offer. The hotel organises guided fishing trips along the River Dee, as well as star gazing, as the skies around the mountain are particularly clearer here than in other parts of the UK.
Glagorm, Northern Ireland
Close to the beautiful coast of County Antrim, Glagorm offers an exceptional blend of Irish hospitality and some of the best wellness facilities in the county with its thermal spa village. Boasting an impressive array of outdoor hot tubs (including ones that are beautifully perched along the river bank), saunas, steam rooms, and hydro pools, there is no surprise that many of the guests choose to spend the majority of their time at this resort.
Built around a beautiful 18th-century manor house and surrounding estate, Glagorm incorporates locally sourced produce into its fine dining establishment and riverside bistro, and has its whisky bar dedicated to offering guests only the finest of Irish vintages (with a few crowd-pleasing selections from other parts of the world too). However, it is the natural elements that take centre stage at this wonderful country hotel, with forest bathing, horse riding, and golfing just a few of the activities guests can enjoy during their stay.
Gravetye Manor, Sussex
One of the oldest establishments in the UK, Gravetye Manor was built in 1598 and became the home of famed horticulturist William Robinson, who created the concept of the “wild garden”. As one might expect, the grounds are resplendent, and meticulously maintained, offering numerous examples of Robinson’s pioneering ideas that reshaped the look of gardens across the world. The estate boasts a Michelin-guide restaurant that serves incredible dishes from produce only sourced in the kitchen garden within the grounds, continuing the aspirations of its most famous residents today.
The rooms at Gravetye Manor boast stunning views of the South Downs and are all designed “country style”, with copious amounts of room and period furnishings that retain the manor’s heritage. Walking is very much the activity of choice here, whether it be around the estate's famous grounds or, across the rolling hills of the South Downs. Guests should indulge in the fantastic tasting menu at the hotel’s restaurant and enjoy all the goods of nature that Gravetye has to offer.
Gleneagles, Scotland
No list of countryside retreats in the UK would be complete without the fabled “Riviera of The Highlands”. Opened in 1924 as a purpose-built golf resort, Gleneagles has gone on to host the Ryder Cup with its three championship golf courses, within the atmospheric fells of Scotland’s famously rugged highlands. The hotel offers much more than golf for visitors making the trip this far. With an award-winning spa, Michelin-approved restaurant, and an on-site equestrian centre, guests will certainly have a fair share of activities to choose from each day.
But one of the most endearing aspects of the highland retreat is its location. The option to explore its famous peaks and valleys either by foot or, from the air by helicopter or paraglider, is not one to be turned down. No matter the time of year, from the first frosts to the golden light of summer, Scotland’s untamed beauty deserves to be appreciated firsthand. Waking up in one of Gleneagles' magnificent four-poster beds with such spectacular views, and embarking on an extensive circuit of the resort's fantastic facilities, is an opportunity waiting to be repeated.
