Tucked between the capital and the rolling hills of Sussex, Surrey offers a convenient countryside escape within easy distance of London. Inundated with high-end properties to stay at, from grandiose manor houses and riverside lodges, to charming boutique hotels in quieter villages, all these venues are set against some of the most beautiful countryside in England. This is a county made up of quiet affluence, filled with dozens of period buildings that have been thoughtfully reimagined as destinations for welcome spa breaks, retreats, and gourmet dining affairs.
The following selection of hotels includes some of Surrey’s most characterful offerings, coming with a refined sense of place, service and of course, comfortable lodgings that are perfect for a quick getaway from the city.
Beaverbrook Hotel
Set within the rolling Surrey Hills, Beaverbrook is a quintessential countryside hotel. Once the private residence of Lord Beaverbrook, a prominent newspaper magnate and confidant of Winston Churchill, this grand, 470-acre estate is one of the finest country retreats in the south of England. The main house retains much of its original character with wood-panelled libraries, deep velvet armchairs and stained-glass windows that offer sweeping views of the gardens. There are 18 charming bedrooms to stay in at the house, with a variety of suites that offer the option for private terraces, free-standing bath tubs and four-poster beds.
Dining at Beaverbrook is a highlight for any stay. The cornerstone for dining is the Japanese Grill, which offers meticulously crafted sushi and sashimi alongside Robata-grilled specialities. Alternatively, the lavishly decorated Garden House Restaurant serves seasonal British fare, sourced from the hotel’s kitchen garden and the surrounding estate. Guests can indulge in more rejuvenating activities at the Coach House Spa or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool overlooking the woods. With numerous walking trails through the surrounding hills to explore, Beaverbrook excels for those seeking both seclusion and comfort in Surrey’s charming countryside.
Great Fosters
This Grade I listed building dates back to the 16th century and is one of Surrey’s most atmospheric hotels. The manor house is a prime example of Tudor architecture. Strutting Red brick chimneys, leaded windows and intricately carved woodwork, whilst inside, carefully preserved heavy oak beams crisscross the ceilings, open fireplaces warm the reception rooms, and the tapestry-hung corridors lend a palpable aura of grandeur. Although the 50-acre estate may seem modest compared to other destinations on this list, its formal gardens incorporate a Saxon moat with a wisteria-draped Japanese bridge, which is undeniably charming.
The Tudor Pass is the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant that's well-recognised for its intimate setting and inventive tasting menus that celebrate British produce. For more casual dining, The Estate Grill offers seasonal brasserie dishes served in a sun-filled glass conservatory, which is brilliant to dine in on the brightest of days. A heated outdoor pool hidden within the gardens is a welcome respite for walkers after a long day exploring the nearby Windsor Great Park and the pathway along the River Thames. Great Fosters serves its guests well thanks to its deeply layered historical charm that offers a palpable sense of romance to every getaway.
Pennyhill Park
Pennyhill Park is part of the Exclusive Collection, sitting within 120 acres of parkland and has long served as the training base for England’s national rugby team. Inside, the bedrooms are individually designed, offering a mix of four-poster beds, roll-top baths and private balconies overlooking the lawns. Public areas, including the drawing rooms and lounges, are elegantly adorned with plush sofas, dark wood furnishings and soft lighting that’s positively made for sipping long drinks late into the evening.
What sets Pennyhill apart is its award-winning spa, one of the largest in the UK, featuring eight indoor and outdoor pools, thermal experiences, herbal saunas and treatment rooms offering a menagerie of rejuvenating therapies. The on-site restaurant, Hillfield, serves a ‘farm-to-fork’ menu focused on sustainability and regional produce, while the crowning piece to this hotel-come resort’s dining experience is the Michelin-starred Latymer, known for its exceptional fine dining offering. With a rare seamless blend between modern wellness facilities and refined countryside charm, Pennyhill is ideal for weekend escapes or extended stays closer to London.
Foxhills
Founded as a private manor house in the 19th century, the enormous estate at Foxhills comprises over 400 acres of space, with two championship golf courses, tennis courts, cycling trails and an ultra-modern fitness centre. This is a destination for active retreats, either for couples or the whole family, thanks to a range of facilities and activities suitable for all ages. The hotel’s 70 bedrooms and suites are split between the main manor house and the more modern courtyard buildings, blending period charm with contemporary comforts such as underfloor heating and walk-in showers.
The resort’s spa includes swimming pools, a sauna and treatment rooms offering massages and facials using luxury skincare brands, including the option for families to enjoy treatments together with child-friendly offers. With so much to explore across its sprawling estate, Foxhills presents a unique mix of sport, wellness and relaxation that makes it ideal for everything from short family trips to corporate retreats in the heart of Surrey’s magnificent countryside.
The Mitre
Located on the banks of the River Thames directly opposite Hampton Court Palace, The Mitre dates back to 1665 from its time as a coaching inn, but has now been cleverly reimagined into a boutique hotel. Keeping with the area’s Tudor character, furnishings inside the property include velvet sofas, bold printed wallpapers and vintage-inspired pieces. Many rooms feature river views and roll-top baths, whilst the hotel's communal spaces such as the charming library and riverside terrace, offer guests the chance to relax and watch the world roll by from the riverside.
The Mitre’s two restaurants should be of particular note for any budding guests. Coppernose serves British classics with a contemporary twist, while the 1665 Riverside Brasserie offers fresh fish and seafood dishes that are beautifully cooked over its grill, enjoyed in an elegant setting overlooking the water. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the Orangery or cocktails on the terrace, and with Mitre's ideal placement for exploring Hampton Court and nearby Bushy Park, the hotel provides a fantastic base for those seeking to explore the area's history and riverside walks.
Barnett Hill
A Queen Anne-style mansion perched atop the slopes outside of Guildford, Barnett Hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a quiet, secluded atmosphere that’s ideal for a break from the city. Originally built as a private home in the early 20th century, the Edwardian property has been transformed into a 56-room hotel that retains many of its period features, including grand staircases, decorative plaster ceilings and ornate fireplaces.
The hotel’s Oak Room restaurant serves classic British dishes using seasonal, local ingredients, while afternoon teas are a popular option in the light-filled lounges or the landscaped gardens. Guests can explore the 26-acre estate, which includes woodland walks and secret picnic spots, or, take a short walk down the hill to venture into nearby Guildford for further exploration of the area. Easily reachable by train from Central London, Barnet Hill offers a very understated stay for those looking for a much quieter break away in one of Surrey’s most scenic spots.
