The Perfect English Countryside Escape
By Holly Armstrong
17 September
As early autumn settles in and the buzz of city life begins to die down, you might find yourself needing to decompress and take a breather from it all. That might mean escaping to an off-grid cabin in the woods with only a pile of books for company or retreating to the countryside for restorative walks and farm-to-table dining. We’ve curated our favourite staycation spots in England for off-season escapes.
Cornwall
Known for its 420-mile coastline and breathtaking beaches, Cornwall is also home to some remarkable country estates and countryside. In terms of where to stay in Cornwall, why not take a digital detox in the Unplugged Elsa cabin – perched above the rolling Bodmin Moors, it’s the perfect spot for stargazing from its wood-fired hot tub. Or book a room at Falmouth’s Packet House. This Georgian townhouse overlooking the sea was originally built for a captain in the 1820s, and its 3 bedrooms still bear some original Regency features. For dining, Coomeshead Farm allows you to sample seasonal produce, all grown and reared on site, or head to Falmouth to enjoy a taste of coastal foraged ingredients at Culture. Explore the natural woodlands and wild marshlands of the Camel Trail, or visit the National Trust’s Lanhydrock House – a late-Victorian country estate with stunning gardens, built on an ancient woodland estate.
Cotswolds
With its thatched-roof cottages, honey-hued villages and charming market towns, the Cotswolds is high on our list of dream English staycations. Nestled in the Gloucestershire hills, Thyme is a restored farmhouse on a 150-acre estate, teeming with history. This botanical-inspired Cotswolds hotel offers a cosy, home-away-from-home feel. Unwind in their Meadow Spa and grab a bite at The Ox Barn, whose ingredients are picked daily from the estate’s own gardens. Alternatively, stay at the Slaughter’s Manor House – a 17th-century manor hotel – just a stone’s throw from the chocolate-box village of Bourton-on-the-water and dine at Daylesford Organic’s The Wild Rabbit, a stylishly modern inn focusing on natural flavours and organic ingredients. Alternatively, you won’t go wrong with The Bull at Charlbury – this much-loved institution is celebrated for its ‘no-middle-man’ farm-to-table ethos and was recently crowned Pub of the Year.
Norfolk
There are few counties as diverse as Norfolk, where balance is found between stunning coastlines, beautiful countryside and lush forests. For a romantic getaway, Spinks Nest in the picturesque Glaven Valley is a firm favourite for a Norfolk staycation. Wander to the nearby dunes and shingle beaches and build up an appetite for a meal at the Michelin-starred Meadowsweet at Holt. For larger groups, Blackwood is a family-owned homestay, tucked away in the woodlands of West Runton with a stunning, considered interior, oozing with Californian cool, just a short drive from West Runton beach. From local farm shops to Holt Country Park and two National Trust properties on your doorstep, Norfolk offers a slice of English countryside at its best.
The Lake District
Renowned by ramblers and climbers for its dramatic landscapes, the Lake District’s appeal extends far beyond its natural beauty. Plan an escape to England’s largest national park and stay at Mead Cottage – a stone-built hideaway for two in the village of Lindale, complete with a log fire and hot tub. If you’re looking for a Lake District hotel, Ambleside’s Grade II-listed Rothay Manor is a must, famed for its award-winning restaurant, Rowan. When you’re ready for a break from fell-climbing, explore Lingholm Estate, once Beatrix Potter’s summer home. Foodies: securing a table at the Michelin-starred Old Stamp House is well worth the effort.