They say that a change is as good as a rest and, with travel restrictions still firmly in place, domestic breaks are enjoying unprecedented popularity – but it shouldn’t come as a surprise! The UK has long been home to some of the most beautiful countryside retreats, and it has never been easier to search for your ideal spot.
Fancy a country house with a spa? Easy! Looking for golfing facilities? No problem. There are a number of getaway search tools, and hotels.com is highly recommended among them, so let’s take a look at five of the best retreats that you could book today!
Tyrella House, Downpatrick NI
An amazing country house with a private beach, just three bedrooms and an interesting family at the helm, Tyrella House is particularly pleased to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community. Large picturesque grounds surround the Jane Austin-esque property, and weddings, conferences or simple retreats are all catered for. There’s free wifi but given the beautiful setting, you might prefer to unplug entirely.
Pendragon Country House, Cornwall
Traditional with a bold dash of colour, Pendragon Country House gives you an authentic taste of the English countryside, complete with open fires, gardens to roam, a library and free breakfasts. Known for its stunning beaches and numerous historical sites, Cornwall has a lot to offer, much of it within walking distance of the Pendragon. Previous guests comment on the particularly professional and friendly hosts who clearly love exceeding expectations, and have made it their life’s work.
Burton Court, Leominster
Despite the grandeur of the house itself, Burton Court offers just two guest rooms, allowing for focussed relaxation and very attentive hosts. Exceptionally upmarket and set in amongst sprawling perfectly manicured grounds, there’s plenty to love about this quietly opulent location – not least the bar! With a golf course a short drive away and multiple local points of interest to visit, you can be as active or as chilled as you like here.
Hawkstone Hall Hotel, Shrewsbury
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s picturesque, nestled into the countryside and the right blend of romantic and stately, take a look at the Hawkstone Hall Hotel. Large and impressive, the property is the image of English upper-class living, complete with a luxurious spa and free use of bicycles. You might need them too, as the grounds are large and the hotel itself delightfully secluded within them. Children are welcome, and there are plenty of golf facilities nearby too.
Panteinion Hall, Fairbourne, Wales
A more lowkey and relaxed countryside retreat here, with a charming guest house close to multiple beaches, each one prettier than the last.
The interior has been decorated in a rustic style, giving you a cosy lodge feeling and, though there is a bar and a television in the communal area, you won’t want to spend too much time indoors. The gardens are idyllic, there is a picnic area outside and the Welsh countryside is just too gorgeous to ignore. How could it not be, when you’re staying in a national park?
Don’t snooze on the potential that the UK has to offer in terms of peaceful, beautiful and memorable countryside breaks. We might not be able to compete with yoga retreats in LA for weather, but when it comes to restorative rolling hills, romantic open fires and hosts that really strive to cater to all of their guests’ needs, the UK is hard to beat.