Taking aside that silly decision on Brexit, the English have a plenty they do right. First there’s the monarchy, where it’s hard not to love Princess Kate right now. And even though we were always Team Diana, Kamila is admirably holding her own. Then there’s fish and chips like no other, and on the other side of the spectrum, the brilliant tradition of afternoon tea. But before we digress into warm scones, let’s get down to brass tax. The English countryside and the plethora of manors and inns, are essentially unbeatable by any other locale. These are the hotels that should be on your list for now and into the fall.
The Hotel: Thyme
Location: Southrop
Overview
If you’re looking for a stay committed to a theme – Thyme has got you covered. The theme is Botanics. For one, the estate is connected by intertwining gravel paths alongside picturesque gardens. Secondly, the rooms named after botanicals like Horny Goat Weed and English Rose mimic the color scheme of their assigned plant. There is room for all travelers between The Farmhouse designed by six-times Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Bunny Guinness and the Lodge. Botanics don’t end there; gardeners and chefs work together to create modern British countryside feasts. You can enjoy your meal in the nineteenth-century Ox Barn, the Baa Bar with botanical-inspired cocktails, The Swan, or Orchid House with a sedum roof full of orchids and butterflies. As for leisure, you can enjoy the spring water pool, take a cooking or floristry class, and visit the shop to see a curated fashion and home goods collection.
The Hotel: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Location: Oxfordshire
Overview
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, founded by chef Raymond Blanc OBE, is a ‘where to begin?’ type of experience. The renowned chef marries traditional countryside elements with characteristics of his world travels. So, there are all the elements of a country stay, like lavender fields and herb gardens, but with worldly nuances that surprise even those of you most well-traveled. Examples of the manor’s selection include a room dedicated to women’s silhouette; another features walls of purple silk printed with silver snowflakes. While the deluxe suite Lemongrass evokes old-world Asia with a scented steam room and relaxation beds in the bathroom. What’s more, the establishment has held onto two Michelin stars since 1984 and a Green Michelin Star for their seasonal hyper-local ingredients.
The Hotel: Estelle Manor
Location: Oxfordshire
Overview
Next is Estelle Manor, your one-stop shop for luxury in the British countryside. This country house hotel is on 85- acres of land and is also a Grade-II listed Landmark House. Perhaps its most unique feature is the 3,000 sq m Eynsham Baths, taking inspiration from Ancient Roman bathing halls. The way in? A walk through a peaceful winding forest. The Tea Lounge overlooking the hall takes a classic afternoon tea a step further with a long list of healthful and calming tea options. Old-school charm finds its way into activities like foraging, archery, and falconry. Rooms are homey but luxurious, with dining nooks, wood accents, and silk and velvet upholstered furniture.
The Hotel: Heckfield Place
Location: Hampshire
Overview
A city girl at heart? Heckfield Place ticks off the location box if you want a country respite… With the option of a shopping spree in London when you’ve had enough. However, Heckfield Place might make you think twice about leaving, with a deep love for the land and sustainability at the heart of their mission. The 250-year-old restored home stays true to a natural initiative with a biodynamic garden, single-use plastic-free rooms, and a natural skincare line. The rooms have cozy elements like handmade ceramic bedside lamps, 20th-century furniture, and original British artworks. But the food is where living off the land applies most. Fresh onsite ingredients are listed on every menu, from Marle with a Green Michelin Star to wood fire meals at Hearth and Afternoon Tea in The Glass House. Most menu items utilize the dairy, farm, and garden; even The Moon Bar uses homemade liqueurs and syrups from the harvested fruits and herbs that rely on lunar phases for planting.
The Hotel: The Newt in Somerset
Location: Somerset
Overview
Two words: cyder and gardens – you can’t go wrong. The Newt in Somerset is a Georgian estate with a 300-year-old past, 65 acres of orchards, and a wapping variety of 70 different apples. The good news is that many apples equate to plenty of cyder tastings and orchard tours. Next door to the orchards is the Parabola; in other words, you can expect an apple maze through the garden walls and lots of deer. A Newt sighting is not off the table either. Rooms span between Hadspen House, the Farmyard, and the surrounding area—the accommodations sport rustic elegance with exposed beams, furs, and checkered flooring. Of course, staying in your room can be the day’s activity. But the 40 ft high treetop walkway may be your ticket out of bed. The Roman Villa and exhibitions on the property might also do some persuading.
The Hotel: Soho Farmhouse
Location: Oxfordshire
Overview
Soho Farmhouse has variety. We’re talking about cabins, huts, and a seven-bedroom farmhouse that looks like it came from an HGTV episode. Dome-shaped cabins, floor-to-ceiling windows, and wood-burning stoves are in the mix. While exploring the views, you can skip a sweater and warm up in a free-standing outdoor tub. An atypical selection also finds its way into food options, from wood ovens to Japanese at Pen Yen or Persian at a pop-up restaurant, Little Berenjak. Did we mention fresh homemade sourdough loaves and cinnamon buns daily? Sometimes, you want to be lazy, and we give kudos to Soho Farmhouse for saying it like it is. At Lazy Lake, you can enjoy the ice room, sunken onsen-style baths, ozone sauna, and indoor-outdoor pool.
The Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
Location: Hampshire
Overview
It wouldn’t be fair not to give you the option of a traditional hotel feel, insert Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. The generous countryside rewards guests with spacious, understated rooms. The still traditional-looking hotel offers king-sized beds and marble bathrooms. Food also varies from Southeast Asian at Cafe Sante, local British cuisine at Wild Carrot, and Italian at La Terrazza. If you’re feeling homesick, you can take the kids and dogs, too; there are plenty of activities for both. Together, you can all experience the Hampshire Countryside on horseback or take a canal through the barge.
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