Set in eight acres of rolling Cheshire countryside, the 17th century Crewe Hall boasts a striking interior with 26 historic feature rooms and suites. Perfectly blending the traditional with all modern conveniences, the adjacent contemporary wing houses the classic rooms, health club, spa, restaurant and bar.
A long and winding road up the beautiful Ceiriog Valley leads to the tiny village of Llanarmon and this ancient former farmhouse and drover’s inn. The Hand is now renowned for its award-winning food, comfortable beds and sparkling modern bathrooms.
Located in the heart of Denbies Wine Estate, this fabulous hotel is set in the heart of the rolling Surrey Hills just one hour from London. Offering just 17 ensuite rooms with a new restaurant and bar, guests can enjoy winery and vineyard experiences.
Boasting crenellated towers and machicolated battlements, the 19th century Sneaton Castle now offers 14 en suite spacious bedrooms and suites. Set on the outskirts of the town in manicured gardens, it sits alongside St Hilda’s Priory, St Hilda is the patron saint of Whitby.
Visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens, Traquair is reputed to be Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Originally a royal hunting lodge, it now provides a truly magical venue for weddings, celebrations and corporate events. B&B guests can stay in one of the luxurious antique furnished rooms.
Dating from around 1380, this boutique hotel is set in the heart of Dartmouth and offers refurbished luxury bedrooms, some of which feature cove and river views. The restaurant serves seasonal food including locally landed fresh fish and famous Dartmouth crab.
Situated in the historic and picturesque Dartmoor village of Lydford, this 16th century Devonshire pub offers a main bar, snug, restaurant and thirteen well-appointed, individually styled, en suite bedrooms. Food at the Castle Inn is traditional, homemade and honest.
This luxurious Victorian hotel is superbly positioned between two National Trust headlands and boasts direct access to three miles of beautiful, uninterrupted golden sand, blue flag beaches of Woolacombe Bay. The hotel offers a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centre and two restaurants.
Just a stroll away from the heart of Warwick and all its historic attractions, the Old Fourpenny Shop is a small cosy hotel, pub and restaurant. All en suite guest rooms are recently refurbished, and food menus feature a selection of old favourites as well as modern classics.
With a history dating back more than 600 years, the castle takes its name from its creator Sir Ralph Lumley, a knight renowned for his bravery in battle. The hotel now boasts 73 luxurious and uniquely designed bedrooms, many with four poster beds and feature baths.
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A country house is a large historic house, hall or mansion, usually set within extensive estate grounds and parkland. The term ‘country house’ can sometimes be referred to as a ‘manor house’. Historically, as part of a feudal estate the local lord would typically own the house and the surrounding land. Many of these country house estates are steeped in history dating back several centuries. Others were built by the nouveau riche with proceeds gained from the much more recent Industrial Revolution. Some of these old country houses have now been converted into luxury hotels, many with 21st century amenities and features.
Usually set in extensive grounds, activities such as archery, cycling, fishing, golf and tennis are common. Many hotels also feature wellness facilities such as swimming pools with leisure spas offering a range of body treatments. In particular, activities to be found at some Scottish country houses may also include falconry, shooting, skiing and even stalking.
As mentioned above, as many of these hotels are set in extensive grounds, and as the name suggests, deep in the country, dog friendly accommodation for walkers is common. Guests need to mention pets when booking as extra charges may be applicable. Whilst children may be welcome in many properties with some even offering babysitting services, others are for the exclusive use of adults. Please check the individual property details for specific information concerning pets and children.
Normally smart casual is the order of the day when enjoying a fine dining experience, so generally no shorts or flip-flops.