Yahoo Finance 30 of the best staycation ideas for 2023
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30 of the best staycation ideas for 2023
A far-flung adventure might feel like the ultimate wishlist trip but, if you know where to go, a UK staycation can offer just as much beauty, adventure and luxury.
With summer bringing gorgeous, sunny days, now is the ideal time to browse ideas for a cosy staycation in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Choosing a staycation in the UK over a holiday abroad has many advantages. Not only can you leave your passport at home and avoid the airport hassle, you can usually drive or travel by train, making your flight-free journey a more relaxing part of your getaway.
A UK staycation is much more than a practical convenience, too. Our cluster of islands are home to 12,500 miles of rugged coastline, 15 national parks that abound with natural, unkempt beauty and flourishing wildlife, and endless opportunity to indulge in mouthwatering seasonal produce, homegrown wine and local delicacies.
In fact, there are seemingly endless acres of breathtaking countryside and a myriad market towns, honey-hued villages and seaside destinations to explore.
From the lavender-lined path of the world-renowned Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, to the regal Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh - where foodies can tuck in at a Michelin-starred restaurant and the prettiest tea salon in the city - there's a UK staycation to suit everyone.
So, whether you’re escaping as a family, an intimate couples' getaway or a fabulous solo escape, here are the best UK staycations to book in 2023. Turns out there really is no place like home…
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1) Careys Manor & SenSpa, New Forest
Arriving at the idyllic Careys Manor & SenSpa, you'll feel like you're stepping into a New Forest dream before you've even entered the hotel. A gorgeous sanctuary in a serene location in Brockenhurst, it's just how we like our unassuming country retreats.
The superb setting means you're a lovely walk away from Brockenhurst's bustling village centre, where you can stop for cream tea and watch the world go by at the cafes where many cyclists gather - you're likely to spot New Forest ponies and possibly donkeys on your walk from the hotel, too. Of course, there are also some wonderful walks in the forests nearby, such as the route along gravel paths via Balmers Lawn Road (don't forget your walking shoes).
Days out exploring nature's beauty and cute villages are a must but when it comes to relaxation, Careys Manor has it all - including an impressive Thai-inspired spa. This is one wellness space you'll want to make time for, however long you're staying in the New Forest. The SenSpa's hydrotherapy facilities are some of the best you'll find at a four-star hotel in Britain.
The massaging jets in the hydrotherapy pool are perfect for easing any tension in your back and legs, and appreciated after those long walks. There are also thermal rooms for you to unwind in various steam rooms, saunas and under ice showers. If it's simply leisurely laps you have planned, there's a 14-metre swimming pool overlooking the Zen Garden to transport you to Asia.
The spa treatments here shouldn't be missed either and you can relax with a Thai massage or facial in this very British location. Careys Manor also offers a fantastic SenSleep spa package, which includes a stay, dinner, spa access, Ayurveda Head Massage and a gift box filled with sleep treats including the spa's own blend of herbal tea - perfect for those checking in for some proper R&R.
When it comes to the sleep part of your stay, you'l be ready to retreat to your room with cosy country decor, while the three restaurants ensure you're covered when for British, Thai or French dining.
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2) St James Hotel & Club Mayfair, London
Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac just a stone’s throw from Green Park and the finest addresses of Mayfair, you’d be forgiven for assuming that a city break at London’s luxury St James Hotel & Club would be all about the high life. While the hotel’s Superior suite certainly is opulent - and the potent cocktails served in the venue’s fashionable 1857 Bar could lead you astray if you were so inclined - the hotel is bringing the art of self-care to its guests this year. Its St James’ Self-Care Stay wellness package enables you to truly switch off for a night or two and focus on some well-deserved me-time.
If you’re feeling burnt out post-pandemic and craving some head space but escaping out of the country isn't possible right now, this five-star setting invites you to relax and unwind for a mini-break in the city. The stay starts with a powerful one-to-one virtual life coaching session with Harsha Perera. Be it complex business matters or emotional family concerns, the thought-provoking coach who honed his skills growing up in Sri Lanka gently but persuasively talks you through your personal and professional obstacles, and helps you find clarity and balance with his bold yet intimate bedside approach.
Unwinding in one of the hotel's luxury suites is another antidote and helps you find peace of mind, as the blush rose and soft grey seating area creates a calming sanctuary from the busy streets of the capital.
Once you’ve had a chance to reflect and gather your thoughts, you can tuck into a zesty cocktail prepared by one of the hotel’s expert mixologists – we opted for the classic French 75 and felt giddy with joy. The 1857 Bar has been deftly decorated with a mixture of contemporary and classic art that manages to balance old-world elegance with the buzz of cosmopolitan city life, creating a laissez-faire vibe that ties in seamlessly with the wellness package.
Focusing on wellness need not neglect your palate, and the delectable French cuisine crafted by Executive Head Chef William Drabble in the adjoining Michelin-starred Seven Park Place restaurant will nourish your soul and appetite, too. From the attentive staff to the perfect location and timeless décor, me-time in London has never felt so opulent.
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3) The Mitre, Surrey
Whether you're based in London or somewhere else, the Mitre is the perfect place if you're thinking of escaping to a wonderfully rural location that isn't far from the capital. Set opposite Hampton Court Palace and in an excellent location if you're visiting the Flower Festival, this relaxed and stylish hotel with River Thames views is a dream staycation spot.
From its sun-kissed terrace for summer cocktails to marvellous cafe and wine bar Coppernose, with its whimsical vibe, the boutique hotel is a beautiful place to get away from it all for a couple of days.
It's an interior lover's paradise, brought to you by designer Nicola Harding, who created a space that makes you feel at home while in a luxury environment, using statement wallpaper, wicker seating and upcycled orginal furnishings to blend the old with the new.
The rooms are an utter sanctuary, especially if you've spent the day walking the extensive grounds of Hampton Court Palace our browsing the antique shops in the area. They feature plush bathrooms and sumptuous beds, some with four poster beds, and in-room bath tubs to bring relaxation to your stay.
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4) The Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast
Standing high on the slopes of the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa, a prestigious five-star hotel in Northern Ireland.
Originally built as an official palace for the Bishops of Down, the Culloden stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland.
Palatial surroundings, exquisite decor, fine antiques and exceptional service combine to give the Culloden Estate and Spa a unique air of elegance.
With all its tranquil opulence you could be forgiven for thinking the Culloden is a rural retreat, however, this beautiful property has the added advantage of being just 10 minutes from Belfast's city centre and is conveniently located to many of Northern Ireland’s major visitor attractions.
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5) Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire
This spa hotel in the Cotswolds has it all: a sweeping drive, extensive grounds, stables, an open-air hydrotherapy pool and a Michelin-starred restaurant worth the trip to the country.
Lucknam Park's bedrooms are split between the main house and courtyard, but they all have a country feel, with floral patterns, mahogany details and marble bathrooms. There are some seriously romantic mini-moon-worthy suites featuring four-poster beds and a fireplace you can light yourself or ask the hotel to light for you.
Dining in Restaurant Hywel Jones is one of the most amazing foodie experiences in the UK. You'll want to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the drawing room (the Lucknam French Martini with vodka, Chambord, raspberry infused syrup, lime juice and pineapple juice is divine) and a digestif in the library, while leafing through books.
Citrus cured Loch Duart salmon topped with blood orange, braised day boat turbot with buttered iceberg, Cornish crab and hand-rolled macaroni; and Wiltshire venison with Brussel sprouts, Bromham parsnip and Medjool date are some of the incredible dishes that will delight you.
Or, if you’re looking for something more low-key, The Brasserie offers relaxed, modern British cuisine.
Spa time is a must, whether you're visiting during warmer seasons or the chilliest time of year. The steaming outdoor hydrotherapy pool is where you can easily while away a few hours. Inside, the stunning pool is backed by a fire, creating a sleek yet cosy atmosphere to bliss out in your robe.
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6) The Mermaid Inn, East Sussex
Smugglers' tunnels, hidden passageways and secret priest holes, it's no surprise that the 15th-century Mermaid Inn in Rye offers one of the most unique staycations in the UK. Once the headquarters of the notorious Hawkhurst gang of smugglers, it now attracts legions of ghost hunters and history buffs.
A night here is even more tempting thanks to its two-AA star Linen Fold restaurant, cosy Giant’s Fireplace bar and four-poster beds.
Located on one of the town's ancient cobbled lanes, the inn is on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a short drive from some of the south coast’s top beaches.
You'll find antique furniture and exposed beams in the rooms, giving a real sense of history, with the Elizabethan Bedchamber allegedly the most haunted room. A secret passageway behind the bookcase leads down to the bar.
The restaurant focuses on local produce, with the roasted halibut one of the favourite dishes to try.
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7) Richmond Hill Hotel, London
This refurbished 18th-century Georgian townhouse is in a terrific location and has sweeping vistas over Petersham Meadows, while just a short distance from Richmond Park.
Inside Richmond Hill Hotel, you’ll find an excellent restaurant and the SKIN Lounge, which offers a range of treatments.
Choose from the Georgian Collection bedrooms, which have characteristics of original townhouses, hand-stitched Heal’s beds and underfloor heating, or the Hill Collection – bright, compact rooms with smart TVs and extra sound-proofing.
You’ll be close to London's liveliest corners, but far enough to feel like a world away.
Hire a bike to explore the park, walk along the Thames, head into Richmond to sample its upscale restaurants, visit Kew Gardens, or opt for a sundowner on the terrace.
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8) The Idle Rocks, Cornwall
On the quayside in the traditional fishing village of St Mawes in Cornwall, The Idle Rocks boasts excellent sea views and fresh seafood.
On this UK staycation, the food is sourced locally and the head chef Dorian Janmaat is ex Le Manoir, with a new menu focusing on seasonal produce and Cornish fish.
You can enjoy a cocktail in the bar, or on the terrace which offers lovely sea views.
The village is home to St Mawes Castle, coastal and inland walks and watersports. Falmouth is a mile away by ferry, which operates year-round and Trelissick Gardens, St Austell and Truro town centres are 30-minutes drive away.
Want to amp up the glamour? You can arrive to The Idle Rocks by boat, on the Falmouth Foot Ferry.
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9) AIRE Ancient Baths, London
For a spa-cation in London that makes you feel a world away from the city, AIRE Ancient Baths is an experience like nothing else in the capital. Tucked away behind the busy Strand, you'll feel your stresses melt away as you step inside this oasis hidden in the centre of town. The subterranean spa is inspired by the Roman bath, a complex of spaces to relax, indulge and socialise.
Perfect for celebrating an occasion with a partner or a friend, this luxurious haven has thermal pools for soaking, floating and soothing your muscles. This is a place where the concept of time is left at the door. The spa encourages you to work your way around the various baths at your own pace. There's a hot bath, warm bath, cold baths, salt bath, the Bath of Thousand Jets and and the aromatherapy steam room to discover before the bell rings for your massage. If you're feeling super-indulgent, the Wine Bath Experience is something the Romans would approve of.
The nearby Sofitel St James is the perfect place to check into after a decadent few hours at the spa. You can end your day with fine dining at Wild Honey St James, where Chef Anthony Demetre delights with French-inspired dishes, before sipping on cocktails at the St James Bar.
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10) Wivenhoe House, Essex
A gorgeous base for exploring Colchester, Wivenhoe and Beth Chatto’s famous gardens, Wivenhoe House has the feel of a country househotel with a modern twist.
The luxurious rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, large balconies and extravagant bathrooms. They're split between the 18th-century main house and a new contemporary wing.
You’ll enjoy fresh modern European cuisine in the restaurant, a classic British menu in the bar, stonebaked pizzas, 24-hour room service and cream teas, not to mention generous breakfasts.
The lovely gardens and terrace are a must for drinks and dining on balmy summer nights. It's ideal for an affordable escape from London.
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11) The Grand Brighton, East Sussex
This Brighton landmark affords sweeping views across the English Channel for a seaside staycation in one of Britain's best-loved cities. Built in 1864, The Grand Brighton is stylishly modern inside.
Bowler-hatted doormen will welcome you, while a
grand staircase spirals through seven floors of plush rooms and suites. Restaurant Cyan serves small plates and
sharing platters.The sea-view rooms are decorated in breezy blues and creams, and have knockout views along the coast.
Don't miss a drink in the Victoria Bar, which boasts a striking interior and a Grand twist on classic cocktails. You also
can’t beat afternoon tea in the glass-covered Victoria TerraceThe Grand Brighton - 13/32
12) Paddock View, North Yorkshire
Escape to North Yorkshire for a luxurious family break at this stunning cottage in the small village of Osmotherley. Paddock View is a self-catering property from luxury cottage rental site Holiday at Home, which affords all the comforts of home, such as log burners, board games and a perfectly preened garden, alongside the unexpected touches you'd normally find in a hotel.
Here, you can enjoy spa-style robes, miniature toiletries and a rain shower in one of the bathrooms, as well as an AGA to entertain the family with delicious feasts. When the weather permits, you'll want to head out to the garden and fire up the pizza oven and BBQ. With enough room for eight, it's perfect for a multi-generational holiday. The grandparents will love relaxing in the pretty garden, while the teens won't get bored thanks to the table football and Xbox in the games room.
With Farrow & Ball paint, sumptuous beds and high-quality decor throughout (we love the kitchen island with bar stools and elegant dining room), this cottage was designed to impress the whole family, including furry members with four legs.
Nearby, there's an abundance of walking trails and beauty spots, like Cod Beck Reservoir. For days out, Whitby, York and Harrogate are worth considering when you're not soaking up the village atmosphere in Osmotherley.
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13) Thyme, Cotswolds
A romantic country bolthole, Thyme is Britain's answer to a rural Tuscan hotel set across a dreamy village. In this case, the village is honey-stone Southrop, sat prettily beside the River Leach in the Cotswolds. With a spa and acclaimed restaurant, it's a sublime retreat for adults, and attracts sybaritic foodies and city escapees, as well as locals looking for a luxurious staycation.
The food in the beautiful Ox Barn restaurant is phenomenal (think venison, wild garlic, pumpkin and other local ingredients magnificently transformed into world-class dishes). You'll love the vibe too - we think of Thyme as an alternative to the celebrity-loved Soho Farmhouse. The design, interiors, discretion and traditional country luxe-feel create an unforgettable retreat.
A few hours in the spa is a must. The serene Meadow Spa specialises in treatments based on botanical products (Thyme has its own Bertioli collection) that promote mindfulness. From the calming body and scalp massage to the hands and feet ritual, the Bertioli experiences use bathing, breathing and nurturing techniques for some seriously luxurious R&R.
After your treatment, you'll want to head downstairs to the gorgeous relaxation space, one of the most stylish ones we've seen, for some tea and to fully unwind in the peaceful surroundings. And if you like interior ideas from your hotel, this delightful cottage-inspired room will leave you wanting to redecorate when you get home!
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14) Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire
It looks so classically English, with a lavender-lined path leading to a honey-stone Oxfordshire manor. But with both boules and croquet on the lawn, there's a hint of the marriage of French and British culture inside Le Manoir - a fantastical world created by two Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc.
You know the food is going to be good, but there is another wow factor: the chef has let his creative passion in the kitchen spill out into the bedrooms, which are inspired by his travels and his past.
Service isn't snooty, but it still manages to be impeccable - Blanc ensures that everything is as perfect as a hotel can be. For a place that feels truly special from the moment you arrive to your departure, look no further than Le Manoir.
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15) Hever Castle, Kent
Surrounded by glorious Kent countryside, Hever Castle’s B&B offers 28 luxury bedrooms in the Astor Wing and the Anne Boleyn Wing, both Edwardian Wings, designed in Tudor style.
If you're looking for a regal staycation with quirky yet luxurious character, this is one place worth checking out.
The Astor Wing offers a beautifully panelled lounge with deep sofas and a selection of books and magazines for guests to relax with during their stay. There’s also a rather splendid Billiards Room to be discovered.
The Anne Boleyn Wing enjoys its own beautiful Breakfast Room which is flooded with natural daylight and offers window seats looking out across the orchard to the Castle.
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16) Newbridge on Usk Boutique Hotel, Monmouthshire
Housed in a characterful, 200-year old country inn in the Monmouthshire countryside, the Newbridge on Usk boasts an a la carte restaurant, stunning river views and a relaxed feel. Furnished in oak and teak, each room boasts a roll-top bath and the kitchen garden and outside terrace are good spots in warmer weather.
You can also use all the facilities of the five-star sister property The Celtic Manor (eight miles away), including six restaurants, three 18-hole championship golf courses and two spas, with complimentary transfers available.
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17) Barnsley House, Cotswolds
A honey-stone manor house in a picture-pretty Cotswold village, Barnsley House has stylish interiors, good food, a neat little cinema and a charming spa that backs onto a meadow. But that all plays second fiddle to its famous grounds, devised by gardening legend Rosemary Verey, who lived here from 1951 until her death in 2001.
Now beloved as one of the top hotels in the Cotswolds, Barnsley House is an adults-only retreat - every inch a dreamy destination for romantic getaways, garden aficionados and those seeking a rural escape. Make sure to check out the chickens, who run free behind the stone wall of the manicured gardens.
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18) Rock House, Edinburgh
Home and studio of early photography pioneers Robert Adamson and David Octavius Hill, this fascinating house (said to be one of the oldest in the city) with separate annexe and belvedere studio is set in a commanding yet secluded city-centre position near the foot of Calton Hill.
Imaginatively restored and skilfully styled, Rock House is an attractive take on high-Victorian meets uncluttered contemporary. The flexible space makes it perfect for friends or extended families, with sufficient privacy, whether in a group or separately renting the apartment or studio.
There's a garden, courtyard and terrace, but the unique location means parking away from the house with access involving steps, so it's not suitable for those with limited mobility.
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19) Amberley Castle, West Sussex
Amberley Castle is the charming English castle of children's drawings. Some parts of the hotel even date back to the 12th century and inside you'll find suits of armour, large fireplaces and bedrooms with original features.
The gorgeous 12-acre grounds are neatly edged with hedges and contain the ruins of a Great Hall, destroyed in the English Civil War. Yet the restaurant takes a modern, creative turn, offering tasting menus or three-course à la carte.
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20) Salcombe Harbour Hotel, Devon
There's no forgetting that you're beside the water at the Salcombe Harbour Hotel in South Deon. The hotel's estuary-side seat delivers on views over the quaint harbour - with its sailing boats (not a cruise ship in sight, don't worry) - from all rooms and particularly if you can nab yourself a prime spot on the terrace.
Rooms have a chic seaside aesthetic, decked out in blue and white, with driftwood and wicker furnishings, and coastal-kitsch knick-knacks dotted around throughout.
And when you're not out exploring, treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea, pilled high with scones and cream, or take some time out with one of the holistic ESPA treatments available.
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21) The Balmoral, Edinburgh
One of Edinburgh's two great railway hotels, its clocktower (traditionally set a few minutes fast) still dominates Princes Street. The Balmoral has everything you could desire from a grand hotel, including a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant, a French brasserie and the prettiest tea salon in the city (complete with harp player).
Be pampered in the indulgent spa, take a dip in the 15-metre pool or check out the impressively stocked SCOTCH Whisky Bar. It's got every service imaginable, not to mention 167 stylish bedrooms (and 20 suites). With staff that are both peerless and personal, don't worry about the size, just feel the luxury.
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22) The Masons Arms, Devon
The Masons Arms’ in Branscombe, believed to be the longest village in England, occupies a position nestled amongst the quaint thatched cottages, with a luscious hilly backdrop.
The 14th century thatched inn boasts 27 contemporary bedrooms, a cosy bar complete with inglenook fireplace and a comfortable, relaxed ambience.
The area sweeps towards Branscombe Beach, a long shingle cove, where keen walkers can join the South West Coastal Path and less keen0walkers can dip their toes in the cool (read: chilly) waters.
Meander into the village to explore its working forge and grab a baked treat from the old bakery, or venture further afield to take advantage of fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast.
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23) Goldsborough Hall, Yorkshire
Set within the peaceful village of Goldsborough, this 17th-century hall is just a short drive away from the historic spa town of Harrogate and the market town of Knaresborough.
However, you needn't leave the grounds of Goldsborough Hall to feel as though you're really immersing yourself in local culture. Enjoy afternoon tea in the oak-panelled library or a leisurely drink in Princess Mary’s Drawing Room and, if the weather is good, take a stroll around the Royal Gardens which wrap round the hall.
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24) The Swan at Lavenham, Suffolk
The Swan’s timber-framed set of buildings look as though they are straight out of the pages of a quaint story book and occupy pride of place within the old Tudor wool village of Lavenham.
The village itself - whose main square is just 30 seconds walk away - boasts a famous bakery serving all manner of sandwiches and sweet treats, the notable Guildhall and a 15th-century church, all encircled by half-timbered medieval cottages.
In the medieval period it was among the 20 wealthiest settlements in England and The Swan certainly upholds an air of refined charm.
Service is friendly and professional, and the hotel has a bar, two restaurants, two car parks, a spa and garden and a very comfy lounge that wraps around most of the ground floor.
The spa, a relatively recent addition, with its ultra-modern facilities is in stark contrast to the creaky, wood-clad corridors of the original building, but the two seem to merge seamlessly.
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25) The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, East Sussex
This magnificent five-star hotel faces the beach from King Edward's Parade. It offers luxurious accommodation, two award-winning restaurants, and both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.
The Grand Hotel Eastbourne has welcomed many famous guests, including Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin, no doubt in the collection of rooms that boast spectacular sea views.
Traditional English cuisine is served in the Garden Restaurant. Mirabelle Restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes, and afternoon tea is available in the hotel’s Great Hall.
The Health Club and Spa features a sauna and steam room and you can enjoy treatments in the beauty salon. The shops and theatres of the town centre can be reached in around 10 minutes on foot.
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26) Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Cumbria
The family-owned Gilpin Hotel and Lake House has it nailed when it comes to a modern country house hotel that combines the best of tradition with the excitement of the new. The original Edwardian villa - with its sprawling lounges, smart Michelin-starred dining and super-comfortable bedrooms - has expanded into a swathe of chic lodges and garden suites, plus a vibrant, pan-Asian second restaurant.
And if you want the cosier charm of - almost - a private house, there's Lake House, a mile down the road and wrapped in 100 acres of woodland. Service throughout is tip-top yet friendly, and the overall feel is of indulgent privacy - though some may feel it's almost too quiet.
Certainly this is the place to switch off and chill out - with spa treatments, too, if you're in Lake House or a spa lodge.
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27) The Victoria Inn, Norfolk
Close to one of the most beautiful, isolated beaches, this genteelly refurbished pub on the Earl of Leicester’s Holkham estate is ideal for exploring the north Norfolk coast.
At The Victoria Inn, Enthusiastic staff welcome locals, tourists and their dogs to the open-plan bar, where hunting trophies and taxidermied wildfowl are displayed; in the dining rooms, local produce (beef from the estate; shellfish, fish and samphire from local waters) dictates the daily specials on the unfussy menu.
Bedrooms and family-friendly suites in country-cottage hues have a few antiques and plenty of perks, including a mini-fridge with complimentary drinks. A plus, for Ancient House residents is the walled rose garden, for the sun and the scent.
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28) The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath
This hotel is quintessentially Bath. With an unrivalled location behind the landmark facade of the sweeping Georgian crescent, the Royal Crescent Hotel occupies two five-storey original period homes. The exceptional Regency-era hospitality begins as you walk in the door and you're immediately shown into the drawing room.
From there, the experience continues with original fireplaces, decorative mouldings, sedan chairs peeking out from under the stairs and landscaped gardens in keeping with the period, where you can enjoy alfresco dining and barbecues in summer.
Afternoon teas are served alongside fine dining in the elegant Dower House. The original coach house is now the bath house spa - a relaxing sanctuary where you can bathe in the pool and rejuvenate with a facial and massages.
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29) Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire
Set on a 500-acre country estate, this elegant hotel in a Georgian mansion is two miles from Dogmersfield village and six miles from Farnham Castle.
At the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, there's a plush spa with a heated indoor/outdoor pool and a fitness centre. Dining options include a fine-dining restaurant, a refined bar with a fireplace, and a library lounge offering afternoon tea. Other amenities include a treetop zipline course and bike rentals, plus activities such as tennis, horse riding and fishing - ideal if you're thinking of bringing the extended family along for the ride.
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30) Saracen's Head, Herefordshire
On the banks of the River Wye, the old-world, timbered Saracen's Head sits at the edge of the River Wye and is just three miles from Goodrich Castle and six miles from the Forest of Dean.
The 10 simple, bright rooms boast river views and upgraded rooms in a boathouse annexe have seating areas, and a balcony. Drinks and dinners can be enjoyed on the outdoor terraces, with gorgeous river views, and for late-night tipples we advise retiring to the pub inside.
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31) North House, Isle of Wight
Occupying a handsome townhouse, which was once a theatre, at the top of a small lane in the sailors' mecca of Cowes, North House is a chic and welcoming 14-room bolthole by the sea.
There are large lanterns, a buzzy cocktail bar and a lovely brasserie serving fresh seafood downstairs, and upstairs, beautiful bedrooms with huge beds, clawfoot tubs or wet rooms stocked with Ren products.
Outside, there's a walled garden - a perfect sunbathing spot in the summer - and a shaded seating area with firepit and blankets if you fancy an outdoor, evening tipple. A croquet lawn and a small heated pool are also at your disposal.
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