In need of some time away just the two of you? Here are some great places for a romantic weekend break.
Words Morag Turner
So you’ve managed to convince your in-laws to babysit for the weekend or have farmed out your offspring to various unsuspecting aunties and uncles. But now just where to you go to make the most of your precious time sans enfant? The last think you want to do is waste hours stuck in the car so opt for one of these luxe romantic spots that are all within a couple of hours drive of London.
Chewton Glen
Chewton Glen is the quintessential English country house hotel; indeed it has been voted best of it’s kind in the world, amongst many other accolades.
While all the rooms are all fabulous, the tree house suites are beyond amazing. Fully kitted out with their own wood burning stoves, terraces and hot tubs they are the height of luxury.
Nestled in a 130 acre estate on the edge of the New Forest, the list of nearby attractions include beautiful woodland walks, fishing, golf, cycling and sailing on the South Coast. But if you prefer not to stray to far from your gorgeous room then the onsite actives are very impressive too. Pop into the spa, swim in the heated outdoor pool or even try your hand at falconry. Much of the food served in the Dining Room restaurant is produced in the hotels kitchen garden and can be washed down with one of the 1800 wines on their wine list.
Chewton Glen is the kind of hotel that you’ll always long to return to.
Coworth Park
Country manors don’t come much more glamorous that Coworth. The 17th-century mansion and polo estate has been treated to an intelligent and eco-friendly modern makeover that’s given it three restaurants, a spectacular spa, and an air of quietly confident grandeur. Set in 240 acres it has an onsite equestrian centre with a Guards Polo Academy where you can have lessons or simply head out on horse back on a ride through the stunning grounds. Afternoon tea in the Drawing Room is a particular highlight, then dress up for cocktails in the super chic bar.
If you’re looking to be swept up in truly glamour getaway then this is the place.
The Pig Near Bath
This is the third little piggy following in the footsteps of The Pig and The Pig in the Wall. It is perhaps the prettiest of them all. A beautiful country house that makes you feel as if you are in the set of a period drama with it’s tastefully decorated rooms, sweeping gravel driveway and stunning oil paintings. However the real highlight is the gastronomy. Head chef Kamil Oseka sources everything within a 25-mile radius, much from the hotel’s own well stocked and much loved garden, and rustles up unfussy seasonal feasts. It’s a place to relax, unwind and enjoy feeling like a houseguest at a fantastic county pile.
Lucknam Park
This place really does tick every imaginable box. Michelin- starred restaurant, award winning spa, 500- acre estate – there is even a cookery school if you feel like trying out something different a deux. You’ll be in the capable hands of head chef Hywel Jones who earned the Park its Michelin star. He serves up elegant culinary creations in the opulent dining room that was once a ballroom. Check out the stunning ceiling with a fresco of the sky.
On a sunny day wander around the stunning formal gardens and on a chilly one make yourself at home in the beautiful library.
The Close Cotswolds
With it’s dark painted walls and quirky interiors; The Close is a modern take on the Cotswolds. You’ll still find that old world charm but it’s mixed with a modern edge that gives the revamped 16th century farmhouse a comfy chic feel.
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, it’s a great place to explore the area or just chill out on one of the many deckchairs in the garden. With two restaurants and a stylish bar it offers a relaxed, yet stylish, break.
The Gallivant East Sussex
If you’re looking to blow the cobwebs away on one of the UK’s most dramatic beaches, then a stay at the Gallivant could be just the ticket. Describing itself as a ‘restaurant with rooms’, this relaxed beach spot is just across the road from the rolling dunes of Camber Sands.
With a clutch of awards (coolest beach hotel etc), it has 20 rooms all decorated in a Hamptons-esque style.
The New England feel continues into the restaurant where you’ll be served with the delicious local fare that got the Gallivant included in Squaremeal’s top 100 Restaurant List 2016.
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