Amberley Castle
Hotel and restaurant in the country
After 900 years standing proud in the unspoilt county of West Sussex, known as “the garden of England”, this Medieval Castle with a working portcullis, 18 meters high walls and storybook battlement towers, has weathered the attacks of enemies and of time itself. Today, the battles of the past have made way for an enchanted peace, but certain historic traditions remain. Every night, just before midnight, the impressive portcullis is lowered ever so silently, as if to protect slumber that little bit more. The suites are princely, with four-poster beds, and windows overlook gardens full of blossoming trees. The food is also fit for a king and is served in a dining room with vaulted ceilings and walls decorated with tapestries and suits of armour. Take a journey back in time in this uniquely romantic setting. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Amberley

Buckland Manor
Hotel and restaurant in a village
This is one of the finest manor houses in the Cotswolds, set next to a 13th century church, amidst beautiful gardens which create an oasis of tranquility. William the Conqueror even mentioned this establishment in his private diary. It is the perfect place for relaxation, with the opportunity for horse riding, golf, tennis, hunting and walks. Crackling log fires warm the cosy lounges. Bedrooms with large bathrooms have a country house feel, giving the comfortable impression that you’re spending some quiet, relaxing time in your own home. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Buckland near Broadway

Farlam Hall
Hotel and restaurant in the country
This beautiful 17th century manor house stands in grounds populated by 100 year-old trees and the experimental track for the first steam engine locomotive, “The Rocket”, invented by the “Father of Railways”, George Stephenson, once ran through the garden. The house is a chameleon of sorts. Covered in ivy and climbing vines that change colour with each passing season, it blends marvellously into its surroundings. Its presence is only occasionally betrayed when the little lake reveals the house’s reflection. The interior design reflects that of a traditional country house. A local flying club is on hand to teach the basics of flying above the many historical sites in the area. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of abbeys and castles and be sure to watch out for Hadrian’s Wall, the stone fortifications crossing the width of England. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Brampton

Glenapp Castle
Hotel and restaurant in the country
Standing high above a dramatic coastline overlooking the Irish sea, in the south west of Scotland’s historic lowlands, Glenapp is a family owned and occupied baronial castle set in an area of outstanding and unspoiled natural beauty. Underneath its fairytale turrets and towers there are oak-panelled rooms, rich fabrics and fine antiques, as well as modern award winning cuisine and impeccable service. The castle is hidden from the rugged landscape by 15 hectares of magical gardens filled with specimen trees and plants, including a fine collection of rare and unusual rhododendrons. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Ballantrae

Gravetye Manor
Hotel and restaurant in the woods
Gravetye Manor is a truly enchanting place; both close to the pleasures of London, yet far from its hustle and bustle. This beautiful Elizabethan manor sits proudly amongst the winding pathways and abundant flower beds in the English natural and wild gardens created by William Robinson, the father of the English natural garden. This quintessential English country house’s charm is evident in the wood panelled restaurant with crackling log fires. All year round, the sweeping countryside views, first-class cuisine and attentive yet unobtrusive service ensure an unforgettable experience. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Near East Grinstead

Hambleton Hall
Hotel and restaurant on a lake
A Victorian House, elegantly converted into a prestigious hotel, Hambleton Hall is hidden away in the heart of the Midlands, in the county of Rutland. England’s smallest county is also home to the largest artificial lake in Europe. A geographical detail which further enhances the seductive powers of this hotel perched on a hill overlooking the water. You will appreciate the incomparable hospitality of Tim and Stefa Hart and succumb to the charms of the sumptuous interior décor and the cuisine that is quite simply unique. When departing this magnificent setting, each guest has only one thing in mind… to return as soon as possible for another interlude of calm and well-being. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Oakham - Rutland

Longueville Manor
Hotel and restaurant in the country
It was on the island of Jersey that exiled French author Victor Hugo wrote some of his most beautiful poems. This is readily understandable upon visiting this magical island edged by wild beaches. A poetic atmosphere envelops you the moment you pass through the gates of this 14th century manor house. In the grounds there are majestic fountains and delightful little wooden bridges, and the suites boast silky soft fabrics and state of the art bathrooms. The old crypt is now a smoke house for the kitchen’s own smoked fish and meats. If in need of a self-imposed exile, tranquility can be found between a game of lawn tennis and a stroll through the woodland amongst hundred-year-old sycamores and oaks. ...Read more
United Kingdom, St Saviour

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Hotel and restaurant in the country
Lucknam Park, the very name conjures up images of trees and tranquility, of stately nature and magnificent settings. This country retreat boasts sumptuous bedrooms and outstanding cuisine. Dine in the grand atmosphere of the Park Restaurant or go to the Brasserie for stylish, all-day dining. Luxuriate in the spa, which is regarded as one of the finest in the UK. Enjoy a beautiful horse ride over the estate, all levels of riders are taken care of, from beginner to advanced. Or simply enjoy the 202 hectares of gardens and the magnificent 1.6 km long avenue of 400 lime and beech trees planted in 1827. If you want to venture out of this retreat, the lovely city of Bath is just 9 km away, but most who leave Lucknam Park find themselves wanting to return very soon. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Colerne-near Bath

Mallory Court
Hotel and restaurant in the country
Not far from Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Mallory Court is charming for its understated beauty and dedicated staff. This country manor house cultivates British elegance down to the slightest detail, from the perfectly mown lawns to the organic herb garden and traditional herbaceous borders. This is an ideal place to restore yourself with in-room beauty treatments and games of croquet. Another must is a visit to the house where Shakespeare was born. Perhaps a woodland creature will even whisper into your ear a verse composed by the great bard himself: “With this field-dew consecrate, Every fairy take his gait”, so that your time here will forever remain a memory like a midsummer night’s dream. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Leamington Spa

Marlfield House
Hotel and restaurant in the country
To arrive in this part of Ireland from Dublin, pass through the magical countryside of Wicklow, a county nestled between the sea and the mountains and boasting some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. Rosslare port is also very close to Marlfield House. It is in this unspoilt, yet easily accessible region that the Bowe family chose to create their gem of a hotel, a model of conviviality and elegance complete with a rose garden and woodland walks. Dining in the Victorian conservatory is delightful, particularly the delicious breakfast. Here life is about enjoyment, don’t we call the Irish “the Latin people of the North”? ...Read more
Ireland, Gorey Co. Wexford

Sheen Falls Lodge
Hotel and restaurant on a river
Surrounded by purple heather-covered mountains and cascading blue waters, the town of Kenmare is one of the spots in Ireland that the Irish themselves like best. Sheen Falls Lodge is not only perfectly placed for exploring the southwest of Ireland, the world famous Ring of Beara, Ring of Kerry and the famous Killarney Lakes, but it is also known for its piano-jazz ambience, its collection of old Irish whiskeys, its selection of fine wines from one of Ireland's largest wine cellars and the dishes prepared with the salmon caught in the nearby river. There are unrivalled views of Kenmare Bay, the McGuillicuddy Reeks and cascading Sheen waterfalls. All of this, combined with outstanding Irish hospitality and Celtic legends, creates a sense of magic that pervades. ...Read more
Ireland, Kenmare Co. Kerry

Summer Lodge Country House & Spa
Hotel and restaurant in a village
Deep in the heart of the rolling Wessex countryside and only a short drive from the dramatic rocks and fossils of the world renowned Jurassic Coast, little has changed from the days it was immortalised in the novels of Thomas Hardy. Summer Lodge remains a magical escape from the prosaic realities of the 21st century. Set in nearly two hectares of idyllic gardens, with a croquet lawn, indoor pool, health spa, and a collection of richly furnished guest rooms and suites, it’s a small world in itself. Add in a restaurant of international repute, one of the best cheeseboards in the UK, and the 200 whiskies and 100 brandies that are on offer, plus service that manages to be wonderfully discreet yet impressively thoughtful, and it’s easy to see why guests come from so far and wide. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Evershot

The Vineyard
Hotel and restaurant in the country
The Vineyard has been described as a temple to Californian Wine. Just outside Newbury, about an hour from London, it certainly lives up to its reputation and more. The cellar holds over 30,000 wines from both the New and Old Worlds, as well as the unique and award-winning estate wines of the owner, Sir Peter Michael. It is also celebrated for its contemporary French cooking with a Mediterranean touch, using seasonal sustainable produce prepared by the executive chef. A destination restaurant deserves a great hotel and again The Vineyard does not disappoint. Traditional bedrooms, spacious contemporary suites, spa and a private art collection to die for, make it a delightful retreat for gourmands and the curious alike. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Newbury

Ynyshir Hall
Hotel and restaurant in the country
This imposing white manor house used to belong to Queen Victoria, who left her imprint on the décor and gardens, and loved this part of the kingdom because of the abundance of birds flying in from the nearby estuary and beaches. One of Britain’s finest bird reserves adjoins the grounds. Located in Machynlleth, the ancient capital of Wales, the house is now run by Joan Reen and her husband, the painter Rob Reen. They have made it their own without losing sight of the influence of Her Royal Highness Queen Victoria, whose favourite trees still stand where she planted them. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Machynlleth

Whatley Manor
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
Two hours from London, the Cotswolds is an enchanting world of wide-open countryside and honey-coloured stone buildings. It is known as the Heart of England, not because of its geographical location – it is in the Southwest – but because of the emotion that in inspires amongst its visitors. It is here that you will find Whatley Manor, a beautiful private manor house hotel set in twelve acres of English country gardens that are divided into 26 areas with different themes. There is also a private cinema and contemporary spa. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Malmesbury

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Hotel and restaurant in the country
Gilpin is a charming hotel in an extraordinary place: the Lake District National Park. In the main hotel the rooms are exquisitely designed and six have their own private gardens and cedarwood hot tubs. At the beautiful Lake House (a mile from the main hotel) there are just six suites, exclusively sharing 40 hectares of grounds including a private lake, swimming pool, sauna and cedarwood hot tub. Make time for the simple pleasures of the stunning surroundings, between soothing body treatments and invigorating sporting activities. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Windermere

Airds Hotel & Restaurant
Hotel and restaurant in the country
With its breathtaking landscapes and incredible views of the loch, Airds Hotel is the perfect spot for those who want to soak up the beauty of Scotland. The remote and peaceful setting epitomises classic west coast scenery and aptly, Port Appin, where the hotel is located, provided the dramatic opening for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel “Kidnapped”. This exquisite 18th century lochside inn with charmingly decorated rooms represents the very best of Scottish elegance and sophistication. Excellent service is combined with the finest cuisine and a wine list that is just as impressive. A highlight of any stay at the Airds is to enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant whilst admiring the spectacular views of the atmospheric loch and iconic mountains behind. The Airds is the perfect base from which to explore the Hebrides, starting with Lismore, a remote and wild paradise that is only a five-minute boat trip away. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Argyll

Lower Slaughter Manor
Hotel and restaurant in a village
In one room, the décor features a torrent of crystals. In another, a sea of cushions. Opulent, gently lit, with wall hangings and plush sofas, Lower Slaughter Manor envelops you in its warmth and romanticism. A Norman Knight, Philip de Sloitre (translated to “Slaughter”), was granted this land by William the Conqueror. Today, this is an address that is all about elegant hedonism, with tennis, beauty treatments, fishing, horse riding or bike rides in one of the most beautiful and untouched parts of England. Hope that it rains and that the earth exhales the perfumes that make this country so bewitching. ...Read more
United Kingdom, Lower Slaughter Cheltenham

Cliff House Hotel
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront
Cliff House Hotel is in a stunning location, overlooking Ardmore Bay. The hotel’s architecture is truly extraordinary as it has been built right onto the side of the cliff. The bar and outdoor terrace, the restaurant, spa and each guest room all enjoy exceptional views of the expansive bay. With direct access to the sea, the hotel offers numerous outdoor activities, such as ocean kayaking, surfing, whale watching, fishing and rock climbing. There are many beaches nearby and you can walk to St. Declan’s Well on the famous Cliff Walk. Local attractions such as Lismore Castle and the Midleton Whiskey distillery are easy to reach from Ardmore. ...Read more
Ireland, Ardmore Co. Waterford