The summer's now behind us and Christmas is just around the corner – but our beautiful countryside is still out there, waiting to be explored..
Why not take advantage of the best of Britain and treat yourself and a loved one – or even the whole family – to a short break in a country hotel? In often stunning settings with great walks from the door, UK’s rural hotels provide a much-needed dose of comfort, relaxation and exploration to suit any budget.
Of course, taking a short break in the British countryside means you escape the hassle of the crowds and long queues at the airport. Instead, you can simply book the hotel of your choice, turn up and unwind. So pack your wellies, head into the country and be prepared for a wonderful winter adventure where there’s always a warm welcome and a happy ending.
Simply click on one of the regions to see a list of fantastic destinations
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Edinburgh offers an enchanting mix of historic sites and green spaces, and the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is perfectly located to enjoy them all. This four star luxury hotel blends contemporary style and comfort with the historic Georgian building's original features and genuinely friendly service. All rooms are spacious and well-equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi and widescreen LCD TVs. The hotel also boasts a great restaurant with period features: Elliot's Bar and Restaurant, serving modern Scottish brasserie cuisine.
www.apexhotels.co.uk | Tel: 0131 441 0440
21212
Set within Europe's oldest Georgian terrace the stunning 21212, a Michelin starred restaurant with rooms, offers guests unparalleled luxury in the heart of Edinburgh city.
Facilities at five star 21212 include a 38 seater restaurant with open kitchen, drawing room, private dining and four luxury bedrooms.
www.21212restaurant.co.uk | Tel: 0845 22 21212
Hotel du Vin Edinburgh & Glasgow
A range of luxury hotels, synonymous with style & hospitality and offering exquisite accommodation, sumptuous food and an unquestionable devotion to wine.
Hotel du Vin in Edinburgh is nestled deep in the city’s Old Town with 47 timelessly styled bedrooms, bistro, Laroche tasting room and an outstanding wine cellar.
reservations.edinburgh@hotelduvin.com | Tel: 0131 247 4900
Hotel du Vin Glasgow at One Devonshire Gardens is a boutique hotel with an enviable reputation for service & style. With 49 stunning bedrooms, bistro, bar & whisky room, there’s only One Devonshire Gardens for that indulgent break.
reservations.odg@hotelduvin.com | Tel: 0141 339 2001
The Royal Scotsman
A tour of Scotland aboard this luxurious train brings to life the magical landscape and legends of this spectacular country. Encounter the ever-changing landscape of sweeping glens, towering peaks and mirror-calm lochs as the train weaves through wild countryside and along virgin stretches of coast. The Royal Scotsman train is relaxed, indulgent and exclusively for just 36 guests. Sumptuous meals, made from the finest produce are served in the dining cars. The luxurious cabins are furnished in country style with rich marquetry. On board the train, however you don’t simply admire the scenery there are plenty of opportunities to explore it first-hand.
www.royalscotsman.com | Tel: 020 7921 4010
The Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa
The Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa overlooks Craignure Bay with views over to Morvern and Argyll. Enjoy stunning sunsets from our hot tub, relax in the spa or explore the beautiful, historic islands of Mull and Iona. 
There’s an abundance of wildlife on Mull including deer, eagles, herons and seals.
Dornoch Castle Hotel
Come and treat yourself to a luxury break in one of the most scenic parts of Northern Scotland where we can offer the best in highland hospitality.
With an AA rosette for our food, a huge range of malt whiskies in our bar and the warmest of welcome’s to greet you.
Visit our website to see the range of gorgeous rooms we have
available and for special offers.
Tel: 01862 891216 | www.dornochcastlehotel.com
Glendavan House
Set in the heart of Royal Deeside in the Cairngorm National Park, Glendavan House stands in a stunning and secluded location overlooking Loch Davan. The grounds are home to varied Highland wildlife including regularly sighted red squirrels, pheasants and roe deer. Beautiful walks, castles, galleries and distilleries are all just a short distance away. Furnished to the highest standards, each suite combines bespoke and antique furniture, Victorian features and luxurious fabrics with state of the art, modern facilities. Accommodation at Glendavan has been tailored to offer every guest a little bit of luxury in a relaxed and informal manner.
www.glendavanhouse.com | Tel: 013398 81610
Dreamhouse Luxury Apartments & Suites
Entering a Dreamhouse apartment is a bit like slipping into an expensive designer suit. The wallpaper is stripy like a Savile Row shirt. The twin bathrooms bristle with designer Italian taps, the kitchen shines with Smeg and Gaggenau appliances and the living area boasts a massive, wall-hung TV with surround sound.
And even if you're not the business type, it's a far superior option to staying in a similarly priced hotel. First, why hire a bedroom in a corridor when you can get a luxury two-bed apartment with five rooms to spread out in?
Our luxurious apartments are available in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
www.dreamhouseapartments.com | Tel: 08452260232
Edenwater House
A hedonistic home from home situated at the heart of our beautiful Scottish Borderlands. Wonderful food, fascinating wines and truly personal service. Big comfortable bedrooms all ensuite. Two miles from Kelso Racecourse with the best beats on Tweed only two or three miles away. Our wine food and wine tasting weekends are legendary.
Edenwater House is recommended by The Good Food Guide, The Good Hotel Guide, Michelin, Fodors, Du Mont, Marco Polo, The Guardian B&B Directory, Scotland, The Best! and by those who appreciate personal service, comfort, good food and wine, and tranquility.
www.edenwaterhouse.co.uk | Tel: 01573 224070
Storrs Hall Luxury Lakeside Hotel
Amongst all the Hotels in the Lake District, Storrs Hall is unquestionably one of the most spectacular. The Hotel, a grade II Georgian Mansion, offers an idyllic setting to enjoy a luxury hotel experience. Storrs Hall, with its National Trust-owned folly the "Temple", has for years been a landmark to sigh over. Sitting in an unrivalled position, this lakeland Hotel enjoys views of Lake Windermere that seem endless.
www.englishlakes.co.uk | Tel: 08458 507 506
Coquet Cottages
Award-winning luxury holiday cottages in the best locations
If you’re searching for a very special, luxury holiday cottage on the coast or in the countryside of beautiful Northumberland then look no further. From a romantic weekend for two to a large family get-together, you’ll get more from your holiday in one of our privately-owned cottages and make it one to talk about and remember for a long time.
www.coquetcottages.co.uk | Tel: 0191 388 3752
Fischer’s at Baslow Hall
Fischer’s at Baslow Hall is situated on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate in the beautiful and dramatic Peak District of Derbyshire. Baslow Hall’s own garden is a delight with a large manicured lawn, vegetable kitchen garden, arboretum and much more to see and explore. The Michelin-starred restaurant achieves national recognition from all major guidebooks. All 11 bedrooms are decorated in a truly individual and elegant style to the highest standards. Special offers available throughout the year.
www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk | Tel: 01246 583259
The Cavendish Hotel
A mere 20 minutes walk across the field and into the Estate; Chatsworth can be easily accessed from the Cavendish Hotel, making it an ideal base from which the House and the surrounding Peak District can be explored.
The hotel exudes a quiet elegance with an extensive collection of original artwork and antiques adding to that elusive dimension – tranquillity. Add to that, of course, that view from the window of every bedroom – no traffic, only fields and you will begin to understand the lure of the Cavendish.
www.cavendish-hotel.net | Tel: 01246 582311
The Black Swan Hotel
The Black Swan in the picturesque setting of Helmsley’s market place has been a hostelry for over 500 years, and today this stylish boutique hotel enjoys a fine reputation for its culinary delights. The Rutland Restaurant at The Black Swan has two AA rosettes and serves dishes featuring seasonal, Yorkshire produce given a creative twist by Australian born Head Chef, Paul Peters. There are also mouth-watering afternoon teas in which to indulge at the hotel’s charming tea rooms, voted to be among the best in the country.
www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk | Tel: 01439 770466
Headlam Hall
Standing in beautiful walled gardens with its own luxury spa and golf course, there is no better place for a lovely relaxing short break than Headlam Hall Hotel. This 17th century Jacobean mansion which offers forty lovely en-suite bedrooms and suites, and looks out over its own rolling countryside estate amidst the scenic beauty of Teesdale in the Durham dales. Close by are many wonderful Teesdale attractions, including High Force, England’s highest waterfall, the amazing Bowes Museum with its antiquities, paintings, porcelain collections and famous Silver Swan, Raby Castle and the quaint market town of Barnard Castle with its numerous interesting antique shops.
www.headlamhall.co.uk | Tel: 01325 730 238
Burford House
99 High Street, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4QA
Burford House stands on the beautiful historic High Street of the Cotswold town of Burford, which time has forgotten. Though the house is 17th century, owners Ian Hawkins and Stewart Dunkley bring a freshness to their special kind of hospitality. Burford House is fast becoming a Cotswold landmark – make sure you plan a visit.
www.burford-house.co.uk | Tel: 01993 823151
Aylestone Court Hotel
Aylestone Hill, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 1HS
This Grade-II listed Georgian townhouse has been restored to create an inviting, homely environment. With nine individually furnished guest rooms and reception rooms full of period details, it’s the perfect retreat. Explore Herefordshire by day, then at night relax in the bar and restaurant. Winter and spring weekend breaks start from £99 per room per night.
www.aylestonecourt.com | Tel: 0845 365 3022
Windfall Cottage
Station Road, Beckford, Gloucestershire, GL20 7AD
Provençal-style furniture and crisp White Company linens lend this spacious cottage modern-day luxury. Bring your brood – there’s a baby suite, games and gadgets, and all the essentials, so you’ve more room to bring frivolities, high heels and dinnerparty duds. Cute Beckford village is on your doorstep and the rest of the Cotswolds are there to be explored beyond.
www.windfallcottage.com | Tel: 01386 881323
Moddershall Oaks Spa – Restaurant – Suites
Romantic retreat or a girly getaway, Moddershall Oaks has everything you need. This adult friendly spa is set in 72 acres of countryside & is the perfect place to relax & forget about the stresses of everyday life.
With 10 luxury 5 star suites, all with access to an outdoor hot tub, this boutique spa boasts a full range of spa facilities, an award-winning lakeside restaurant and a licensed bar. A range of luxurious spa treatments are on offer to aid relaxation & compliment the tranquil atmosphere in the spa area.
www.moddershalloaks.com | Tel: 01782 399000
A Perfect Lakeside Retreat
The Cotswolds. The heart of the Cotswold countryside plays host to our stunning collection of 4/5* quality lodges and contemporary homes. Enjoy nature, walks, spa's, market towns, water-sports, fishing, golf and much more. Properties sleep between 2-8 people and have their own private decking. Flexible breaks available.
Ideal for families. Pets welcome.
www.orionholidays.com | Tel: 01285 861839
The Vale Resort Hotel
Hensol Park, Hensol, Nr Cardiff , Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY
Nestled in over 650 acres of Welsh countryside, the resort recently received the accolade of Wales’ highest rated AA fourstar hotel. With 143 luxury bedrooms, two golf courses, Wales’ largest spa and award-winning dining facilities, it is one of the UK’s most desirable destinations. New year leisure breaks are available from £78 per room, per night bed and breakfast.
www.vale-hotel.com | Tel: 01443 667807
Oldwalls
Gower, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA3 1HA
Oldwalls’ award-winning cottages are pet-friendly while retaining a five-star rating (B&B and self-catering). Seventeen unspoilt beaches are all within 10 minutes, including Rhossili, voted Britain’s best bay 2010. Oldwalls, with its grounds, tennis court and trout lakes, coupled with a village pub right next door really is a first choice destination.
www.oldwallsleisure.com | Tel: 01792 391468
Gliffaes Country House Hotel
Gliffaes Country House Hotel, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1RH
In a world of corporate branding wouldn’t it be good to discover a hotel with individuality? Somewhere where the friendliness is genuine and a place where spas and gyms can’t begin to compete with a walk in the Brecon Beacons or an evening’s fishing on the river Usk. Somewhere you are more likely to hear an owl than a police car. If you are after a comfortable hotel (4 stars) with good locally sourced food, a sensibly priced wine list all wrapped up in 33 acres of grounds and all taken care of by the same family since 1948 then look at our website.
www.gliffaeshotel.com | Tel: 01874 730371
The Castle Hotel
High Street, Conwy, LL32 8DB
The Castle Hotel, an old coaching inn, has had a fascinating past and has made an important contribution to the history of the World Heritage town of Conwy, playing host to such famous figures as Telford, Stephenson and Wordsworth.
In recent times the famous old hostelry has had major upgrades and now sits proudly in the town, attracting locals and tourist alike. All 28 bedrooms and suites are to the AA's 4 Star standards with 2 Rosettes for dining. The style is relaxed and comfortable in a more contemporary environment.
www.castlewales.co.uk | Tel: 01492 582800
Court Farm
Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2PR
Our 16th-century farmhouse sits in 10 acres of grounds on the Somerset border with Wiltshire, close to Bath and minutes from Frome. Beautifully renovated in boutique hotel style, the cottage and glorious bedrooms in the farmhouse welcome parties from two to 10. Think delicious linens, log fi res in the winter and summer days in the courtyard full of herbs.
www.courtfarmstanderwick.co.uk | Tel: 01373 830495
Ston Easton Park
A superb Palladian mansion set in one of the West Country's most romantic estates, Ston Easton Park exudes elegance, warmth and comfort. Log fires burn, comfortable antique furniture and exquisite paintings beckon, evoking memories of a more leisured age.
As you might expect in these surroundings, the cuisine at Ston Easton Park is of award-winning stature, available in both formal and relaxed settings. Its cellars too are famed for their fine wines and vintages.
www.stoneaston.co.uk | Tel: 01761 241 631
Mount Somerset Hotel and Spa
The excellent food is one of the big attractions at the newly refurbished Mount Somerset Hotel and Spa. We use the finest ingredients – sourced locally wherever possible. Exmoor lamb and beef, our own smoked Salmon, Somerset ham hock, Somerset cheeses and Brixham crab feature regularly.
Prices start from just £127.50 per person per night including overnight accommodation, full English breakfast and seven course tasting menu. Rates subject to availability and based on two people sharing a room.
www.mountsomersethotel.co.uk | Tel: 01823 442500
Bishopstrow House
Bishopstrow House is without doubt one of the finest luxury hotels in Dorset and Wiltshire and is a temple to relaxation – guests receive the warmest of welcomes and the ultimate in hospitality.
Rates from £117.50 per person to include Champagne, Truffles, Dinner, and discounted spa treatments. Or Easter breaks from only £122.50 per person per night to include Afternoon Tea, truffle making, Easter Egg hunts and Dinner.
Bishopstrow House is the ideal location and place to visit with friends and family for local attractions such as Longleat Safari Park and Stonehenge.
www.bishopstrow.co.uk | Tel: 01985 212 312
Fowey Hall Hotel
Fowey Hall was the inspiration behind Toad Hall in 'Wind in the Willows' and sits in a spectacular location overlooking the sailing and fishing port of Fowey on the South Cornish coast, within its original walled gardens and with commanding views of the river estuary and far out to sea.
Fowey Hall is the most wonderful of luxury family hotels by the coast in Cornwall. An idyllic Cornish coastal hotel for the whole family.
www.foweyhallhotel.co.uk | Tel: 01726 833866
Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel
As you make your way to the Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel, through almost 55 acres of prime Cotswold parkland, you realise you are somewhere special. It is a sensation that will only grow, as you enter the hotel and discover a luxury four star haven, which compliments its stunning surroundings and provides all the contemporary facilities you could wish for. Built to a very high specification, the hotel’s architecture maximises the stunning location, with wonderful views and a sense of space throughout. Combining the peace of a rural retreat with the benefits of state-of-the-art facilities, it is the perfect place in which to mix activity with relaxation.
www.cotswoldwaterparkhotel.com | Tel: 0800 374 692
Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel
There is an ancestral estate in the South Gloucestershire countryside with a history as interesting as the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. It is a place where Lords, Knights and Dukes all played their part in weaving a rich, historical fabric.
Welcome to Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel. Situated within close proximity to Bristol and only a few miles from the picturesque Cotswolds town of Wotton-under-Edge, this restored Grade II listed Victorian mansion is a secret waiting to be unravelled. Nestled within 30 acres of private parkland, its distinctive charm is as quintessentially English as it is extraordinary.
www.four-pillars.co.uk/tortworth | Tel: 0800 374 692
Hunstrete House
Hunstrete House an historic country home nestling amid the Mendip Hills 8 miles from Bath. Beautiful 18th century Georgian manor in woodland, gardens and adjoining deer park gives guests a breathtaking experience to enjoy walking, photography, food and countryside - only 20 minutes drive from Bath and Bristol airport. For one of Somerset’s best kept secrets why not book the whole place for yourself – 25 bedrooms, 71 acres, grounds for marquees – great for family celebrations and private house parties!
www.hunstretehouse.co.uk | Tel: 01761 490490 (quote "BBCbreaks")
Larkbeare Grange Luxury B&B
Larkbeare Grange is a charming 5* Bed & Breakfast nestled away in a very peaceful setting close to Exeter. Charlie and Julia’s ethos is straightforward: To do the simple things well and always to exceed expectations. It is a brilliant base from which to access the city or the picturesque fishing villages of Beer and Branscombe, Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast. Each of the four bedrooms has its own personality and all are en-suite, tastefully furnished and finished with thoughtful little extras. The beautiful Georgian house is surrounded by rolling countryside so nature is never far away. The breakfasts are amazing.
www.larkbeare.net | Tel: 01404 822 069
FJB Hotels Dorset
Location.. location.. location...
Four luxury hotels situated in Bournemouth and on the Sandbanks peninsula, Poole each offering excellent facilities, breathtaking locations, stunning sea views, award-winning dining, uncompromising levels of service and stylish sophisticated interiors.
www.fjbhotels.co.uk | Tel: 0845 337 1550
Lewtrenchard
A Jacobean Manor tucked away in its own secret valley.
Hidden away in a wooded hollow just beneath the wild tors of Dartmoor, Lewtrenchard is a house virtually untouched by time. The original manor was mentioned in the Domesday Book, but today’s impressive Jacobean dwelling, set in its own shrub filled gardens and surrounded by peaceful parkland, dates from the early 1600’s.
www.lewtrenchard.co.uk | Tel: 01566 783 222
Moonfleet Manor Hotel
Moonfleet Manor is a handsome Georgian Manor House, situated on the stunning Jurassic Coast, near Weymouth in Dorset, with impressive views overlooking the Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach. The light touch, but attentive hospitality enshrines the sense of other worldliness, but the fabulous food and great house cocktails let you know that you really are in the present.
With so much exploring available right on the doorstep, there is so much to do…or not! You choose.
www.moonfleetmanorhotel.co.uk | Tel: 01305 786948
Woolley Grange Hotel
A beautiful Jacobean Manor House standing in 14 acres of grounds on the outskirts of the medieval wool town of Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire, Woolley Grange was the first Luxury Family Hotel in 1989.
Woolley Grange still retains the atmosphere of home, formality is replaced with a warm welcome and an understanding that our youngest guests need to let off steam whilst you need some welcome refreshments. Woolley is your home whilst you are with us; relax, unwind and let us take care of you!
www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk | Tel: 01225 864705
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
Get away from it all and enjoy our warm welcome and award winning cuisine. The Tudor Farmhouse is a privately owned 20 bedroom hotel set in 14 acres of protected ancient grassland. The former working farm has been carefully converted to mix the character of the old with contemporary touches.
We would like to offer visitors to this website the opportunity to stay with us for a special dinner bed and breakfast rate of just £145 per night (based on two sharing). This offer is valid on all bookings Sunday-Thursday until 30th June 2011 and is subject to availability. It also includes a complimentary basket of goodies, a glass of prosecco each before dinner, newspaper and full cooked breakfast.
www.tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk | Tel: 01594 833046 quote H&A
The Star Alfriston
This 13th century built historic hotel with original exposed oak beams and roaring fires is ideal for a getaway. Set in an idyllic English Tudor village, in the South Downs National Park, the Star is surrounded by nature’s playground. The hotel’s AA rosette restaurant, The Capella, uses locally sourced produce and features a fantastic modern British menu with classic French influences. Our warm and friendly staff will welcome you and make your stay as enjoyable as possible. You can pamper yourself to an in-room spa treatment or two, relax in our library and lounges or enjoy one of our recommended walking trails over the South Downs. Free Wi-Fi and car park on site.
www.thestaralfriston.co.uk | Tel: 01323 870495
The Capital Hotel
The Capital Hotel is located in the heart of Knightsbridge, one minute to Harrods, three to Harvey Nichols. With easy access to the Royal parks, The Capital Hotel is perfect for visiting some of the most prestigious botanic gardens in London, like the Chelsea Physic Garden and Kew Gardens.
The hotel provides luxury accommodation and personalised service; classic English decor is reflected in elegant furnishings. The award winning restaurant offers some of the finest British classics with a unique French influence.
www.capitalhotel.co.uk | Tel: 020 7589 5171
The Millstream Hotel
The Millstream is a pretty building dating from 1701, set within beautiful gardens in the heart of Bosham, a quayside village on the shores of Chichester Harbour four miles from the city. The ‘modern-British’ cooking has been awarded 2 rosettes by the AA and the exceptional hospitality, comfort and service have been recognised by a Gold Award from Visit Britain.
www.millstreamhotel.com | Tel: 01243 573234
Rye Lodge
Great British hotels are all around the country, Rye Lodge, is acclaimed and acknowledged as one of the finest luxury town house hotels in the South East and the only ‘Gold Award’ hotel for miles around! One reviewer said ‘this is a ‘little gem’ of an hotel with standards of service only achieved by experienced hoteliers through hard work and dedication to their art’. All the 18 bedrooms have elegant décor, luxury furnishings, and are thoughtfully equipped with little extras that make your stay special.
www.ryelodge.co.uk | Tel: 01797 223838
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