There’s no doubt about it: London is the center of all things luxe in England. From high-end hotels to Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury fashion boutiques, and exclusive wellness spaces, the city’s got it all in abundance. But if you want to vacation in the lap of luxury away from the urban chaos, you can do that too. There are enough dreamy countryside hotels peppered throughout England to host you for a lifetime. They might not be walking distance to a Burberry boutique or a trendy cocktail bar, but they do have grand architecture, exceptional restaurants and spas, and lovely afternoon tea offerings, all within a serene, peaceful setting. We’ve selected our three favorite hotels in the English countryside so you can live out your Lord and Lady of Manor fantasies.
The PIG, In The New Forest, Hampshire
Address: B3055, Brockenhurst SO42 7QL, United Kingdom
There are nine PIG hotels in England, all of them top-notch properties in stunning locations. But if we had to choose one, it would be The PIG, In The New Forest. The first-ever PIG hotel, The PIG, In The New Forest is within the New Forest National Park, where ponies roam free, along with donkeys, cattle, and pigs. But if the prospect of adorable animal sightings isn’t enough to draw you in, worry not, there’s plenty more.
The 1602 property is not only charming on the outside, it also has plenty of character on the inside. The 31 bedrooms are all uniquely decorated in the English countryside style we all know and love. If you like a busy wallpaper, pattern textiles, comfy armchairs, and four poster beds, you’ll love the rooms located within the house. The stand-alone accommodations have a more chic-yet-rustic cabin aesthetic, but they are just as appealing. Our advice: If you plan on staying at this property outside of the summer months, opt for a room with a log burner. It will turn up the cozymeter to its maximum setting.
One of the many highlights of this property is the indoor conservatory restaurant. There, the chef uses the ingredients from the on-site walled kitchen garden, and the products of local suppliers, to concoct delicious meals. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you won’t even have to leave the hotel for sustenance. For something more casual, there’s also the Garden Oven, an al-fresco dining venue for pizza and barbecued fish and meat.
Those seeking relaxation can enjoy a massage or a facial in the quirky Potting Shed and Shepherd’s Hut located at the bottom of the garden. Although, taking a walk or a bike ride in the forest is just as effective to help you forget about the rest of the world. And watching the ponies graze in the wild is a surefire way to lower any residual anxiety you might have brought with you.
Thyme, Gloucestershire
Address: Southrop Manor, Thyme, Gloucestershire GL7 3NX, United Kingdom
If you’re going to stay in a hotel in the English countryside, you want to pick one with lots of space to roam and some eye-poppingly beautiful historical buildings. And Thyme, located in the storied Cotswolds region, certainly fits the bill. Not only is it set on 150 acres of land, but that land is dotted with centuries-old cottages, houses, and barns. Add to this magical picture a river, award-winning flower gardens, a vast kitchen garden, a working farm, and orchards and you have the very definition of bucolic.
In order to keep guests immersed in nature even when they’re indoors, Thyme has decorated each of its accommodations in a unique botanical theme. You can expect a palette of delicate colors and nature-inspired wallpapers that match all the textiles, including curtains, armchairs, cushions, and even lampshades. The Elegant Bedrooms category is the one that won our hearts. The elegant vegetable-patterned wallpapers are irresistible.
The dining and drinking venues on site are just as beautiful and welcoming. The Ox Barn, a former agricultural building dating back to the 19th century, is now a sophisticated restaurant. For pre-dinner caviar, oysters, and Champagne, head over to the very cozy Fifi’s Lounge. And for breakfast, coffee, and cocktails, make your way to the Baa Bar, where bartenders use the gardens’ herbs and flowers to craft lovely drinks.
There are several wellness spaces on the estate, including Meadow Cottage, the Botanical Bothy, the swimming pool, and Orchid House. All three are worth a long visit. And if it’s absolute relaxation you’re after, book the Botanical Bothy Signature Ritual. You won’t regret it.
To pass the time and take in the beauty of the property’s surroundings, you can explore the nearby trails by bike or on foot. There are also badminton, tennis, and ball courts on site. Painting, cooking, and flower arrangements workshops and classes are available for the more artistically inclined guests.
The Newt In Somerset, Somerset
Address: Hadspen, A359, Bruton BA7 7NG, United Kingdom
Making a working farm be luxurious is no easy feat, but The Newt In Somerset has done it. Because, as well as a farm, the vast estate includes woodlands, gardens, orchards, cyder mills, farm-to-table restaurants, and a very fancy hotel.
The hotel at The Newt In Somerset is split into two sections. There is Hadspen House, a 17th-century Georgian home, and The Farmyard, a former dairy farm transformed into stylish rooms. Both are exceptional, but if you’re looking for historical vibes and traditional decor, you should opt for Hadspen House. There are only 12 rooms, and all are elegantly decorated. The Hadspen Spa has an indoor-outdoor pool, steam room, sauna, salt infusion chamber, and treatment rooms where you can indulge in some much-deserved self-care. The atmospheric Oak Room and the light-filled Glass Room comprise the onsite restaurant and are the highlight of Hadspen House. And while The Farmyard has a more contemporary vibe, you’d be remiss to check out the stunning indoor pool set in an old barn.
The newly opened Yarlington Lodge, a 12-acre property owned by the Newt, is another option for your stay. That said, note that it’s one mile away from the estate. Yarlington Lodge is divided into three gorgeous residences that can host up to 32 people. There’s a butler team and private chef so you won’t lack anything. The tennis and indoor-outdoor pool will keep you fit during your stay.
For an afternoon tea experience like no other, head over to the Newt-owned Creamery at Castle Cary station, just 10 minutes away from the estate. There, you’ll enjoy scones, sandwiches, and more in a restored British Pullman train carriage.
While exploring the estate is a good way to get your daily exercise, there is also a grass tennis court that will help you train for Wimbledon, and expanses of lawn for badminton and croquet competitions.
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FAQs
Q: How many PIG properties are there in England?
A: There are nine PIG hotels in England.
Q: How big is the Thyme estate in Gloucestershire?
A: Thyme encompasses 150 acres.
Q: Does The Newt in Somerset offer afternoon tea?
A: Yes, The Newt in Somerset offers afternoon tea in a restored luxurious train carriage.
