Rumour has it (and it’s allegedly been scientifically proven), this is the most popular week for us to book a holiday. But with January having (what feels like) 93 days; let’s pick a countryside retreat, rather than jetting off further a field. Keep on reading for my top 10 recommendations on the best rural escapes, no more than 2 hours outside of London...
We start our countryside escapism in the delightful Housedean Farm - located in the South Downs National Park near Lewes. Here you can stay a minimum of 2 nights and be totally switched off from the world around you. It's calm. It's peaceful. It's perfect if you're after 'me-time' or seeking a romantic weekend away with your loved one. You can opt for a camping pod or their Shepherd's Hut, which is somewhat of a farmer's tin over 100 years old. The hut features a comfy double bed with stylish furniture, candle lanterns, a wood burning stove, BBQ firepit, alfresco dining and unbeatable views of the South Downs. You can stay here from April this year, with prices starting at £160 for 2 nights per couple.
Next up is The Pig ,located in Brockenhurst in the New Forest - where wild horses and unicorns run free. The Pig is a chic, country house boutique hotel which is stylish and cosy in every way; featuring a max of 30 rooms. There is an onsite spa located in their new potting shed and shepherd's hut, which have been transformed into beautiful treatment rooms. The rooms are cosy, and all equipped with plenty of snacks and treats for adventures (where you are encouraged to explore the town) and a fancy Nespresso coffee machine in every room. You are encouraged to take a gentle stroll down the gravel and brick path, where you are led to their own site smoke house, kitchen (where all the food in the main restaurant is home grown), gardens, greenhouses, fruit cages, wild flower meadow orchards, chicken coops (where you can get fresh eggs delivered to your room) and very active, friendly pigs - hence the name! This place is perfect for a chilled and quaint bachelorette party or a romantic couple's getaway. Room rates start at £99 per night.
Step back in time to the Roman Empire, without leaving the country...that's right, the city of Bath is stunning and a great place to jump in the car, or hop on a train to on a Friday after work for the weekend. With endless historic tours, sightseeing, eateries and spas; the location is a perfect getaway. The best place to relax and fully unwind in the area, is the famous Thermae Spa - Britain's only natural thermal spa with a rooftop infinty pool; overlooking the stunning city. This is the only place where you can enjoy natural thermal spring waters (as the Celts and Romans did), dating back to over 2000 years ago. Spring water is renowned to have many healing powers, designed to ease your the body and soothe the soul. There are many experiences and packages to visit Thermae, but you are best off visiting on a Monday-Thursday, as part of their Midweek Reviver offer for the cheapest rate and 241 deals. Prices start at £42pp for a 2 hour experience without treatments.
Head on down to the cosy Cotswolds, and you'll come across the delightful Dormy House Hotel & Spa - where farmhouse meets chic! It's a little bit like home, but better. Perched high above the village, think cos corners, open log fires and sumptuous interiors. When booking your trip; the website is extremely user friendly, asking if you will bring yourself, better half, colleagues, family or pooch - from there it will pick the best room and suite for you. And all of them are stunning! From the doggy-dating suite (perfect for you and your 4-legged companion) to the hot tub suite (if you fancy getting steamy with your partner). The Cotswolds is an easy location to get to and great for walks and countryside cycling. Dormy House features a sensuous spa and many experiences and things to do in Farncombe - which is only a short walk away. You can discover the cute and insta-worthy village of Daylesford, find things to do on a rainy day and even feast on Afternoon Tea. Stays start at £335 which include a three-course dinner, breakfast and champagne and chocolates in your bedroom.
Staying in the Cotswolds, we invite you to step in the doors of the warm and welcoming Cowley Manor. Featuring 3 bedrooms, a multi-award winning spa and 55 acres of Grade 2 listed gardens - it's the perfect spot for an indulgent getaway. With an Italian feel and bold, iconic interiors; it's the perfect choice for both families and couples alike. Located by Cheltenham, you can even tie in a day at the races. The venue is pet-friendly and offers loads to do in the local area. They currently have a winter sale, with rooms costing £144 per night, which includes free breakfast and spa access.
Partnered with Centre Parcs; Aqua Sana is that little slice of heaven, which you didn't realize existed. Situated in various locations, with the closest spots being Woburn, Sherwood Forest of Elveden; Aqua Sana is a great weekend away or day out with your girlfriends. With treehouse saunas, Scandinavian snugs and an ice palace room; there's plenty of indulgence to play and relax the senses. The spa offers many 241 days and even includes heavily discounted treetop suite hotel rooms.
Let's jump back to Bath and head to the Gainsborough Bath Spa: Plush quarters in a traditional Georgian building, stylish restaurants and a high-end spa - it's another great weekender location. Being described as the most luxurious hotel in the heart of Bath; it doesn't come cheap with rooms starting at £420 a night! The hotel currently has a booking direct offer however. If you book directly you will receive free breakfast, a 3-course dinner, 24 hour room butler, complimentary room minibar, 20% off any treatment booked in the spa and a complimentary bottle of champagne for each night of your stay. Plus if you stay between a Monday to Thursday; you will receive a 60 minute free spa treatment of your choice. Sounds luxurious indeed, but maybe save this one for a treat weekend or special occasion!
Canopy & Stars is like the Air B&B of glamping experiences. And the one place which is taking everyone's fancy at the moment, is the stunning Treehouse in Somerset, based in Harptree Court. It will cost you £245 per couple per night; but the views and features are breathtaking. There's a giant free-standing copper bath tub, a wraparound balcony for stargazing, log burner and king sized bed. The treehouse is barely visible from the ground and is only accessible by climbing the stairs wrapped around the gnarled host's trunk. You can wake up to the sound of bird's tweeting and go fruit picking in your own orchard for breakfast. Bath, Bristol and Wells are all close by and offer some cheap and traditional country pubs. The owner and host of this treehouse has also recently featured this place on Air B&B, so you might be able to snap up a better bargain...
Sticking with the wilderness theme, I invite you to explore the actual Wilderness...based in Suffolk heritage coast, you can be as rural as they come, by spending a weekend at Wilderness Reserve. Pick your hut or cabin and escape from society. No modern day gadgets and no electricity - especially if you stay in the Hex Cottage. A dreamy cottage for two, candelit and set in the woods overlooking its own meadow. The estate has over 10 different types of accommodation to suit everyone's needs. Whether you are looking to hire a stately home for a party of 30, or have somewhere a bit cosier for a family retreat. The site is pet-friendly and encourages golfing, fishing, cycling, wilderness shooting and paddleboarding. The larger homes don't come cheap however, with Sibton Park costing £8460 per weekend for 29 people. So if you have 28 mates, you can have a decent weekend away for less than £300 each; living it up like Gatsby...
Finally we have the charming Tudor Farmhouse based in Clerwell (between Bristol and Oxford). It's a boutique bed and breakfast where you can stay in a hen, cockerel or hatching room (depending on your needs). There are 20 rooms which all feature roll top baths, monsoon showers and king size beds. Rooms start at £129 per couple for 2 nights and are super cosy. The Farmhouse have an ethos for trying new activities and regularly host chunky knitting classes, flower arranging, foraging tips and cycling tours. The venue is pet-friendly and children under 6 get to stay and play for free - a perfect place for a family getaway!
Well, I hope you enjoyed my top 10 rundown and are inspired to whizz off to the country this weekend? I certainly am! Which location is your favourite? Have you been privileged to visit any of these places before?
As usual, this full run down and list is on the Grabbd App - a great app at the tip of your fingertips to get trip advice and inspiration.
I'm off to enjoy a cup of tea in the garden, as that's as close as I'm currently getting to glamping right now...
Have a fabulous weekend and keep on discovering!
Danie xxx
Comments