There are some glorious old country manor houses in the English countryside and if you are looking for a rural weekend break in a Downton Abbey-style estate or a boutique bolthole with a pub; if you’ve ever lusted after a charismatic, historic, country escape, you need to check our top 10 below.
We have picked 10 of the best boutique hotels in the English countryside. Expect exposed beams, antique furniture, cream teas on the lawn and even complimentary Hunter wellies for long country strolls to a dreamy country pub. Our picks will make your dream of a country idyll come true.
Our first choice is the beautifully refurbished and renovated Four Seasons Hampshire. This is probably the most swish and stylish manor house in the English countryside, and although some might say the Four Seasons makeover has ripped out some of the historic heart of the hotel, we love the fact that you don’t have to put up with a slightly tatty interior which other large country house hotels in England sometimes suffer from. This Four Seasons, as you would expect, offers stunning rooms with enormous flower arrangements, typical Four Seasons rooms and a million activities pre- arranged. Your kids will love it and you will love that they do. There is a great play park, kids club, swimming pool, spa, bar, restaurant, along with maps that take you on those all important strolls in the countryside (which will take you to the idyllic lake pictured above). If you want an olde country pub there is even one of these 5 minutes drive away.
Our second choice is The Greenway which is an old country house looking over acres of lawns which lead onto one of those classic rolling Cotswold hills.
In position three I choose the Old Swan and Minster Mill which can be found in the most perfect Cotswolds village imaginable.
Wherever you choose, there is nowhere that you can enjoy a more quintessentially English country break than in one of the hotels below.
We have picked 10 of the best boutique hotels in the English countryside. Expect exposed beams, antique furniture, cream teas on the lawn and even complimentary Hunter wellies for long country strolls to a dreamy country pub.
Four Seasons Hampshire Review
The first time we reviewed Four Seasons Hampshire was back in 2016, and following a return visit, I feel compelled to share exactly why this hotel is hands down the best family hotel in the English Countryside. The Four Seasons Hampshire is set in a beautifully restored Georgian Manor on a 500-acre estate in the English countryside. The hotel is only just over an hour from central London by car and just 10 minutes from Fleet railway station (with a train service to London Waterloo Station four times an hour).
The Cotswold's Greenway Hotel and Spa
If I was quizzed about England's Cotswolds and what all the fuss was about, I'd point the inquisitive towards The Greenway Hotel and Spa, a member of the Eden Hotel Collection and Small Luxury Hotels. Turn off a busy road, travel up the hotel's long driveway, and you are instantly transported into the heart of the English countryside. There are picturesque villages like Stowe On The Wold nearby, but dear reader, should I have felt bad in having no real desire to leave the Greenway?
Old Swan & Minster Mill Review, Cotswolds
As you drive up to the Old Swan & Minster Mill you can’t help but be delighted by its perfect Cotswolds village setting, complete with grey stone cottages fronted by grass verges and colorful flowers. The hotel, which was built circa 1445, spans numerous cottages and outbuildings. Beyond these, the small village tails off to one end, and the River Windrush gurgles past at the other. Take in the hotel's beautiful surroundings with our video tour. The reception is in one of two main buildings and sits beside an enormous open fire.
Review of England’s Oldest Inn, The Porch House
With staycations very much on the up again, where better to pay a visit to than the beautiful Cotswolds – quintessentially English; with beautiful villages, gorgeous boutiques and endless stylish country pubs complete with beautiful pub gardens. We recently stayed in the heart of the Cotswolds in an enchanting country inn: The Porch House in Stow-on-the Wold. Located right in the centre of Stow, you are ideally situated to explore the town and its surrounding villages.
Boutique Cotswold Luxury At The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms at Paxford is located in the heart of the rural Cotswold hills, just north of the historic town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Set in a typical old stone pub in the centre of Paxford, The Churchill Arms beautifully combines a traditional country inn with a touch of modern design. This contemporary 17th century pub features boutique rooms as well as exceptional food and varied wine and ale choices. With just two cosy boutique ensuite bedrooms, you will feel part of the village when you stay at The Churchill Arms.
Review: The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa
The historic Mount in Somerset is a country house hotel with 3 Rosette dining, ESPA spa, and the prettiest views over the English countryside. Situated on the side of a hill and built-in 1805, the original owners of this stately manor house clearly selected this idyllic location for the views over the rolling hills and green fields. Today this country house, which is surrounded by manicured lawns and gardens, offers those same far-reaching views over the Vale of Taunton and many fluffy sheep! You arrive by driving up a narrow country lane.
Oak House No.1 Boutique Hotel - A Celebrity Hang Out In The Cotswolds
Oak House No.1 is a luxury boutique hotel in the Cotswolds packed full of intriguing objects and wonderful artworks. These unique and opulent surroundings have attracted many celebrity guests including Martin Freeman, Peter Andre, Tim Minchin, Kelly Jones and more. These rockstars and royalty are attracted by the immaculate and luxurious rooms and the casual and discreet environment. Oak House No.1 is nestled in the heart of the picturesque, fudge-coloured Cotswolds town of Tetbury. This little town has been wealthy since the 15th-century wool trade.
Review: Tudor Farmhouse, Cotswolds
Imagine lying in a bubble-filled rolltop bath, looking up at the blue sky through the skylight in your beam-filled rooftop room. A warm summer breeze blows the bubbles ever so slightly, a Cockrel cocodoodles in the garden, and the only thing to contemplate is how lovely your afternoon country stroll was and which dish to choose for your evening's delight. That's how I felt during my stay at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel near the Forest of Dean and on the edge of the Cotswolds. Utterly relaxed and ever so far from the madding crowd, a mood reflected in our video tour of the hotel.
Ellenborough Park Review, Cotswolds
Arrival at Cheltenham's Ellenborough Park was impressive. The hotel sits alone on the side of a hill, in acres of immaculate grounds with sweeping views down to one of the UK's most famous racecourses. We were expecting great things from this hotel as Ellenborough Park has won many awards, its main restaurant is the proud recipient of 3 rosettes. Having seen the grounds, I couldn't help thinking that I had found the Four Seasons of the Cotswolds. As I approached the main house there seemed not one but three extravagant weddings!
You may also be interested in our top 5 guesthouses in the Cotswolds.
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