By Lucy Richardson, i-escape Assistant Editor
Set among blooming meadows and long, leafy lawns, these majestic country-house retreats prove that summertime in the UK really is beautiful (even if the weather sometimes isn’t). There’s still time to book your British summer escape!
1 Cider House, Devon
This gorgeous B&B sits in the pristine grounds of historic National Trust property Buckland Abbey, former home of Sir Francis Drake. Stay here and you get free access the Abbey, plus there are heaps of countryside trails surrounding the estate, and Dartmoor is on your doorstep.
Price: from £140/night
2 Dillington Estate, Somerset
Set in the pristine grounds of a grand 16th-century house, these period cottages (sleeping 2-10) have characterful original features and pretty, mature gardens. Bring your bikes to explore the estate and the surrounding countryside, or day trip to the stunning Jurassic Coast. Heaven for families.
Price: from £120/night
3 Cowley Manor, Gloucestershire
Nowhere screams quintessential Britain quite like the Cotswolds. Lose yourself in its rolling hills and chocolate box villages, then retreat to Cowley Manor: a lavish stately home with an award-winning spa and lovely walks on its doorstep. Just look at that swimming pool!
Price: from £175/night
4 Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire
The immaculate white façade and manicured lawns of this period property are enchanting. Choose to stay here and you’ll be treated to classy rooms, 3-course feasts, afternoon teas and beautiful gardens. Nearby, the stunning Pembrokeshire coast beckons – pretty Tenby is only 15 minutes’ drive away.
Price: from £180/night
5 Lime Wood, Hampshire
If you’re out to truly spoil yourself, head to Lime Wood. This luxurious country-house hotel has beautifully designed rooms, fabulous food, a world-class spa and bags of class, plus there are beautiful New Forest walks and horse riding on your doorstep.
Price: from £245/night
6 10 Castle Street, Dorset
Any hotel that offers a free G&T on arrival (exclusive to i-escape guests) is a winner in our books. This elegant country retreat sits in secluded gardens, in the beautiful Dorset village of Cranbourne. Its smart rooms are kitted out in classic, country-house design, and there’s a lovely terrace for alfresco lunches in the sunshine.
Price: from £195/night
7 The Peacock, Derbyshire
While filming at nearby Chatsworth House, the cast of Pride and Prejudice lodged at this historic boutique hotel, which has gorgeous classical interiors, beautifully presented food and the Peak District just outside. Jane Austen would certainly approve.
Price: from £215/night
8 Middleton Lodge Estate, Yorkshire
This smart Georgian estate is oh-so sophisticated. Rooms are dotted around 200 acres of lush woodland, and there are 2 gourmet restaurants on site that showcase the very best of British cooking. Spend your days biking and hiking in the Yorkshire Dales, or stay within the estate and try your hand at clay-pigeon shooting or croquet.
Price: from £160/night
9 Linthwaite House Hotel, Cumbria
This hilltop hideaway has the most remarkable views of Lake Windermere, plus there are 14 acres of gardens, lawns, woodlands and a private lake to explore. And did we mention it’s just had a 10-million-pound refurb? With a new restaurant, new woodland rooms and newly landscaped grounds, you’re in for an absolute treat.
Price: from £214/night
10 Windlestraw, Peebleshire
The twee name of this peaceful retreat is very apt. Think elegant bedrooms with roll-top bathtubs and chaise longues, tea with homemade shortbread and fabulous views of the Scottish Border hills. The area is fabulous in summer, with golf courses and some of Britain’s best fishing and mountain biking nearby.
Price: from £200/night
See all of our boutique hotels in the UK