TRAVEL

20 historic British hotels you can afford

Augill Castle, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Wendy and Simon Bennett wanted to bring their children up in a big house in the country, so they bought a shell of a Victorian fantasy castle to restore. It lies in the Eden Valley between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, and the Bennetts have been welcoming guests since 1997.
Augill Castle, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Wendy and Simon Bennett wanted to bring their children up in a big house in the country, so they bought a shell of a Victorian fantasy castle to restore. It lies in the Eden Valley between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, and the Bennetts have been welcoming guests since 1997.
The Good Hotel Guide
Dinner four nights a week is a communal, convivial affair. On other nights there are platters. It’s magic. B&B from $200. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner $25-$31. 44(0)1768 341937, stayinacastle.com
Dinner four nights a week is a communal, convivial affair. On other nights there are platters. It’s magic. B&B from $200. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner $25-$31. 44(0)1768 341937, stayinacastle.com
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Overwater Hall, Ireby, Cumbria: The battlements are purely decorative. There is a warm, old-fashioned welcome at this 18th-century mansion-turned-hotel in the fells of the northern Lake District. It is run as a hotel by Stephen Bore and Angela and Adrian Hyde, and has a relaxed, live-in feel.
Overwater Hall, Ireby, Cumbria: The battlements are purely decorative. There is a warm, old-fashioned welcome at this 18th-century mansion-turned-hotel in the fells of the northern Lake District. It is run as a hotel by Stephen Bore and Angela and Adrian Hyde, and has a relaxed, live-in feel.
The Good Hotel Guide
Guests praise the attention to detail, the fresh flowers and fresh milk in comfortable bedrooms, Angela’s charm as a hostess. On cold days, take tea by the log fire in the drawing room. In the fine-dining restaurant, local produce abounds. B&B doubles per person from $112 ($62 single supplement). Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner $60. 44(0)1768 776566, overwaterhall.co.uk
Guests praise the attention to detail, the fresh flowers and fresh milk in comfortable bedrooms, Angela’s charm as a hostess. On cold days, take tea by the log fire in the drawing room. In the fine-dining restaurant, local produce abounds. B&B doubles per person from $112 ($62 single supplement). Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner $60. 44(0)1768 776566, overwaterhall.co.uk
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Askham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria: In landscaped gardens of terraces and topiary, this Elizabethan mansion was built around a 14th century pele tower (fortified keep). Charles and Juno Lowther have filled the rooms with antique and contemporary, ethnic and English furnishings, paintings, books, family photographs.
Askham Hall, Penrith, Cumbria: In landscaped gardens of terraces and topiary, this Elizabethan mansion was built around a 14th century pele tower (fortified keep). Charles and Juno Lowther have filled the rooms with antique and contemporary, ethnic and English furnishings, paintings, books, family photographs.
The Good Hotel Guide
Of the 15 bedrooms, the best are in the tower, with espresso machine, minibar larder, antique bath and garden views. Chef Richard Swale devises menus according to season, with produce from the kitchen garden and surrounding fields and woodland. A converted barn houses a café with wood-fired pizza oven. There’s a spa, and for summer a heated outdoor pool. B&B from $187. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner $62, tasting menu $81. 44(0)1931 712350, askhamhall.co.uk
Of the 15 bedrooms, the best are in the tower, with espresso machine, minibar larder, antique bath and garden views. Chef Richard Swale devises menus according to season, with produce from the kitchen garden and surrounding fields and woodland. A converted barn houses a café with wood-fired pizza oven. There’s a spa, and for summer a heated outdoor pool. B&B from $187. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner $62, tasting menu $81. 44(0)1931 712350, askhamhall.co.uk
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Lindeth Fell, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria: The Kennedy family’s Edwardian country house stands overlooking Windermere, England’s biggest lake, in grounds designed by gardener Thomas Mawson, which melt into the landscape. It is run as a luxury B&B, the 14 traditionally styled rooms supplied with classy toiletries, Egyptian cotton sheets – and a decanter of sherry on arrival.
Lindeth Fell, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria: The Kennedy family’s Edwardian country house stands overlooking Windermere, England’s biggest lake, in grounds designed by gardener Thomas Mawson, which melt into the landscape. It is run as a luxury B&B, the 14 traditionally styled rooms supplied with classy toiletries, Egyptian cotton sheets – and a decanter of sherry on arrival.
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Master rooms have espresso machine, robes and slippers. Take tea by the drawing-room fire – or on the terrace when the rhododendrons are ablaze. Play croquet on the lawn, enjoy a light supper and Sunday lunch. There is generous choice at breakfast. Guests have access to a local leisure club. B&B per person from $79. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Sunday lunch $28. 44 (0)1539 443286, lindethfell.co.uk
Master rooms have espresso machine, robes and slippers. Take tea by the drawing-room fire – or on the terrace when the rhododendrons are ablaze. Play croquet on the lawn, enjoy a light supper and Sunday lunch. There is generous choice at breakfast. Guests have access to a local leisure club. B&B per person from $79. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Sunday lunch $28. 44 (0)1539 443286, lindethfell.co.uk
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Rothay Manor, Ambleside, Cumbria: A stroll from Lake Windermere, this former merchant’s house was built in the 1830s and became a hotel a century later. New hosts Jenna and James Shail have picked up where the previous owners left off after 50 good years, retaining long-standing staff but refreshing the decor.
Rothay Manor, Ambleside, Cumbria: A stroll from Lake Windermere, this former merchant’s house was built in the 1830s and became a hotel a century later. New hosts Jenna and James Shail have picked up where the previous owners left off after 50 good years, retaining long-standing staff but refreshing the decor.
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Rooms are pretty and contemporary, with comfy seating, fluffy towels and bathrobes. Those in a separate bungalow are larger. The best have a balcony overlooking the landscaped gardens. In the candlelit restaurant chef Brandon Shepherd creates imaginative menus from seasonal ingredients, with produce from the kitchen garden. B&B from$168. À la carte $53.50. 44(0)1539 433605, rothaymanor.co.uk
Rooms are pretty and contemporary, with comfy seating, fluffy towels and bathrobes. Those in a separate bungalow are larger. The best have a balcony overlooking the landscaped gardens. In the candlelit restaurant chef Brandon Shepherd creates imaginative menus from seasonal ingredients, with produce from the kitchen garden. B&B from$168. À la carte $53.50. 44(0)1539 433605, rothaymanor.co.uk
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Seaham Hall, Seaham, Co. Durham: In the drawing room of this Georgian mansion, Lord Byron wed Anne Isabella Milbanke. The classical-style white building has proved far more durable than that brief marriage. It is today a stylish hotel and luxury spa.
Seaham Hall, Seaham, Co. Durham: In the drawing room of this Georgian mansion, Lord Byron wed Anne Isabella Milbanke. The classical-style white building has proved far more durable than that brief marriage. It is today a stylish hotel and luxury spa.
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Bedrooms are contemporary, with fluffy bathrobes and classy toiletries, some with views of Durham’s unspoilt Heritage Coast and "all the glories of surf and foam," as the poet wrote. Extensive grounds are beautifully landscaped. Eat light, pan-Asian fare in Ozone, or dine formally from the modern menu in Byron’s Restaurant. B&B from $243. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Market menu $37, à la carte $62. 44(0)1915 161400, seaham-hall.com
Bedrooms are contemporary, with fluffy bathrobes and classy toiletries, some with views of Durham’s unspoilt Heritage Coast and "all the glories of surf and foam," as the poet wrote. Extensive grounds are beautifully landscaped. Eat light, pan-Asian fare in Ozone, or dine formally from the modern menu in Byron’s Restaurant. B&B from $243. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Market menu $37, à la carte $62. 44(0)1915 161400, seaham-hall.com
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Judges, Yarm, Yorkshire: Thirty years ago, circuit judges would stay at Victorian Kirklevington Hall, set in 22 acres of gardens and woodland. Now the Downs family run it as a smart country-house hotel, its traditionally styled bedrooms supplied with Egyptian linens, down duvet, fruit, biscuits, fresh milk, sherry – even a teddy bear.
Judges, Yarm, Yorkshire: Thirty years ago, circuit judges would stay at Victorian Kirklevington Hall, set in 22 acres of gardens and woodland. Now the Downs family run it as a smart country-house hotel, its traditionally styled bedrooms supplied with Egyptian linens, down duvet, fruit, biscuits, fresh milk, sherry – even a teddy bear.
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Some have a four-poster or sleigh bed, some a whirlpool bath. Services include 24-hour valet, shoe shine and turn-down. In the restaurant, dine on such dishes as loin of Yorkshire lamb, wild garlic mashed potato, broccoli, pressed shoulder, capers. B&B from $180. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). À la carte $45. 44(0)1642 789000, judgeshotel.co.uk
Some have a four-poster or sleigh bed, some a whirlpool bath. Services include 24-hour valet, shoe shine and turn-down. In the restaurant, dine on such dishes as loin of Yorkshire lamb, wild garlic mashed potato, broccoli, pressed shoulder, capers. B&B from $180. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). À la carte $45. 44(0)1642 789000, judgeshotel.co.uk
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Middlethorpe Hall & Spa, York, Yorkshire: Thomas Barlow was just a cutler, but had royal Hampton Court in mind when he commissioned this redbrick mansion, complete with ballroom, in the reign of William and Mary. Traditionally furnished bedrooms look out over parkland.
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa, York, Yorkshire: Thomas Barlow was just a cutler, but had royal Hampton Court in mind when he commissioned this redbrick mansion, complete with ballroom, in the reign of William and Mary. Traditionally furnished bedrooms look out over parkland.
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Public rooms, approached by fire-lit halls, are replete with paintings and antiques. Dress up to dine by candlelight in the panelled dining room. Chef Ashley Binder devises first-class modern menus. Long-serving manager Lionel Chatard keeps things running smoothly for owners the National Trust. There is a kitchen garden, a rose garden, an arboretum. The ancient walled city of York is close by. B&B singles from $178, doubles from $256. Set dinner $86, à la carte $54. 44(0)1904 641241, middlethorpe.com
Public rooms, approached by fire-lit halls, are replete with paintings and antiques. Dress up to dine by candlelight in the panelled dining room. Chef Ashley Binder devises first-class modern menus. Long-serving manager Lionel Chatard keeps things running smoothly for owners the National Trust. There is a kitchen garden, a rose garden, an arboretum. The ancient walled city of York is close by. B&B singles from $178, doubles from $256. Set dinner $86, à la carte $54. 44(0)1904 641241, middlethorpe.com
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The Peacock at Rowsley, Rowsley, Derbyshire: This 17th-century stone manor house on the River Derwent is positively modern compared with nearby Haddon Hall, the medieval home of the Peacock’s owners, Lord and Lady Manners. Each of the individually styled bedrooms has a marble bathroom, good toiletries, a choice of duvet or blankets. There is one suite with its own sitting room; two special rooms with four-poster beds.
The Peacock at Rowsley, Rowsley, Derbyshire: This 17th-century stone manor house on the River Derwent is positively modern compared with nearby Haddon Hall, the medieval home of the Peacock’s owners, Lord and Lady Manners. Each of the individually styled bedrooms has a marble bathroom, good toiletries, a choice of duvet or blankets. There is one suite with its own sitting room; two special rooms with four-poster beds.
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Enjoy Dan Smith’s modern cooking in the dining room, sophisticated pub classics in the bar. A perfect base for exploring the Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales. B&B singles from $150, doubles from $237. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). À la carte $56. 44(0)1629 733518, thepeacockatrowsley.co.uk
Enjoy Dan Smith’s modern cooking in the dining room, sophisticated pub classics in the bar. A perfect base for exploring the Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales. B&B singles from $150, doubles from $237. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). À la carte $56. 44(0)1629 733518, thepeacockatrowsley.co.uk
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Langar Hall, Langar, Nottinghamshire: In the beautiful Vale of Belvoir (pronounce it "Beaver"), approached by an avenue of limes, this apricot-painted hotel is infused with the playful spirit of its late chatelaine, Imogen Skirving. Former patrons have included romantic novelist Barbara Cartland, after whom one of the 12 bedrooms is named. Some have four-posters; all have immense charm.
Langar Hall, Langar, Nottinghamshire: In the beautiful Vale of Belvoir (pronounce it "Beaver"), approached by an avenue of limes, this apricot-painted hotel is infused with the playful spirit of its late chatelaine, Imogen Skirving. Former patrons have included romantic novelist Barbara Cartland, after whom one of the 12 bedrooms is named. Some have four-posters; all have immense charm.
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Throughout you find fresh flowers, paintings and antiques. An enthusiastic young team provides attentive service. Take tea in the garden room. In the dining room, dishes might include Langar lamb, caramelised cauliflower, goat curd, golden raisins, garden chard. B&B from $162. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner (Friday, Saturday) $62, other nights $31-$37, à la carte $62. 44(0)1949 860559, langarhall.com
Throughout you find fresh flowers, paintings and antiques. An enthusiastic young team provides attentive service. Take tea in the garden room. In the dining room, dishes might include Langar lamb, caramelised cauliflower, goat curd, golden raisins, garden chard. B&B from $162. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner (Friday, Saturday) $62, other nights $31-$37, à la carte $62. 44(0)1949 860559, langarhall.com
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The Pear Tree, Purton, Wiltshire: A once-derelict 16th-century vicarage lives again as Anne Young’s excellent small hotel set in flower-filled gardens. The smiling staff make guests feel quite at home.
The Pear Tree, Purton, Wiltshire: A once-derelict 16th-century vicarage lives again as Anne Young’s excellent small hotel set in flower-filled gardens. The smiling staff make guests feel quite at home.
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Choose a charming room in the oldest part of the building, or a larger executive room. You’ll find fresh fruit and home-made shortbread to tide you over till dinner in the conservatory restaurant, where Adam Conduit’s imaginative modern menus include such dishes as griddled Scottish beef fillet, pearl barley, Madeira, pickled shallots, pancetta – washed down with wine from the hotel’s vineyard. Breakfast is a celebration of local produce. B&B from $137. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). À la carte $47. 44(0)1793 772100, peartreepurton.co.uk
Choose a charming room in the oldest part of the building, or a larger executive room. You’ll find fresh fruit and home-made shortbread to tide you over till dinner in the conservatory restaurant, where Adam Conduit’s imaginative modern menus include such dishes as griddled Scottish beef fillet, pearl barley, Madeira, pickled shallots, pancetta – washed down with wine from the hotel’s vineyard. Breakfast is a celebration of local produce. B&B from $137. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). À la carte $47. 44(0)1793 772100, peartreepurton.co.uk
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The Pig, Brockenhurst, Hampshire: The creation of hotel wizard Robin Hutson, at the heart of the New Forest, this creeper-covered country house is the mother Pig: Hutson has since opened three more little piggies (see Guide website). You won’t sense the hand of a designer at work; the whole has come together like a private home.
The Pig, Brockenhurst, Hampshire: The creation of hotel wizard Robin Hutson, at the heart of the New Forest, this creeper-covered country house is the mother Pig: Hutson has since opened three more little piggies (see Guide website). You won’t sense the hand of a designer at work; the whole has come together like a private home.
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Expect blazing fires, oil paintings, shelves of well-thumbed books. The best bedrooms have monsoon showers and free-standing baths. In the conservatory restaurant adventurous, sophisticated menus showcase food from local suppliers, kitchen garden, greenhouse, smokehouse and fruit cage. Eggs are from the hotel’s free-range hens. B&B doubles from $193. Breakfast $12–$18. À la carte $44. 44(0)1590 622354, thepighotel.co.uk
Expect blazing fires, oil paintings, shelves of well-thumbed books. The best bedrooms have monsoon showers and free-standing baths. In the conservatory restaurant adventurous, sophisticated menus showcase food from local suppliers, kitchen garden, greenhouse, smokehouse and fruit cage. Eggs are from the hotel’s free-range hens. B&B doubles from $193. Breakfast $12–$18. À la carte $44. 44(0)1590 622354, thepighotel.co.uk
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Old Rectory, Hastings, Sussex: Lionel Copley’s immaculately refurbished B&B stands on the edge of the increasingly hip Old Town in this faded seaside resort. In light-filled lounges find cut flowers, open fireplaces, stripped floors.
Old Rectory, Hastings, Sussex: Lionel Copley’s immaculately refurbished B&B stands on the edge of the increasingly hip Old Town in this faded seaside resort. In light-filled lounges find cut flowers, open fireplaces, stripped floors.
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Bedrooms are wonderfully characterful, with antiques and artworks. In the hand-painted breakfast room sit at leisure over home-made granola, home-made sausages, home-cured bacon, organic apple juice, locally smoked fish. Then there are plenty of restaurants to choose from – our inspector recommends The Crown. Children 10 and upwards. B&B singe from $112, doubles from $137. Discount vouchers (See GHG website). 44(0)1424 422410, theoldrectoryhastings.co.uk
Bedrooms are wonderfully characterful, with antiques and artworks. In the hand-painted breakfast room sit at leisure over home-made granola, home-made sausages, home-cured bacon, organic apple juice, locally smoked fish. Then there are plenty of restaurants to choose from – our inspector recommends The Crown. Children 10 and upwards. B&B singe from $112, doubles from $137. Discount vouchers (See GHG website). 44(0)1424 422410, theoldrectoryhastings.co.uk
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Northcote Manor, Burrington, Devon: The Northcote estate once belonged to Henry VIII. In Jean-Pierre Mifsud’s 18th-century stone manor, murals in the drawing room and dining room explore its history from monastic days. The hotel is an oasis of calm amid orchards and mature woodlands.
Northcote Manor, Burrington, Devon: The Northcote estate once belonged to Henry VIII. In Jean-Pierre Mifsud’s 18th-century stone manor, murals in the drawing room and dining room explore its history from monastic days. The hotel is an oasis of calm amid orchards and mature woodlands.
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Spacious bedrooms are a mix of contemporary and traditional. Fresh fruit, mints and homemade shortbread are among pleasing touches. Chef/manager Richard Herkes devises menus according to the seasons. Perhaps free-range red ruby braised beef fillet, fondant potatoes, caramelized carrot puree, roasted vegetables. B&B from $187. Set dinner $56, gourmet menu $112 (incl. wines). 44(0)1769 560501, northcotemanor.co.uk
Spacious bedrooms are a mix of contemporary and traditional. Fresh fruit, mints and homemade shortbread are among pleasing touches. Chef/manager Richard Herkes devises menus according to the seasons. Perhaps free-range red ruby braised beef fillet, fondant potatoes, caramelized carrot puree, roasted vegetables. B&B from $187. Set dinner $56, gourmet menu $112 (incl. wines). 44(0)1769 560501, northcotemanor.co.uk
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Hotel Endsleigh, Milton Abbot: Doyenne of British hoteliers Olga Polizzi has created the perfect retreat at this Regency fishing lodge built for Georgiana, Duchess of Bedford, deep in the Devon countryside. The River Tamar runs through the surrounding parkland of follies and grottoes, designed by the great landscape artist Humphry Repton.
Hotel Endsleigh, Milton Abbot: Doyenne of British hoteliers Olga Polizzi has created the perfect retreat at this Regency fishing lodge built for Georgiana, Duchess of Bedford, deep in the Devon countryside. The River Tamar runs through the surrounding parkland of follies and grottoes, designed by the great landscape artist Humphry Repton.
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Within, find a mix of tasteful simplicity, antiques, hand-painted wallpaper and modern art, log fires, fresh flowers, a well-stocked library, candlelight at night. Rooms are in the main "cottage," with suites in converted stables. The excellent cooking is modern European. Sleep in a quilted bed and awake to birdsong. B&B from $237. Set dinner $55. 44(0)1822 870000, hotelendsleigh.com
Within, find a mix of tasteful simplicity, antiques, hand-painted wallpaper and modern art, log fires, fresh flowers, a well-stocked library, candlelight at night. Rooms are in the main "cottage," with suites in converted stables. The excellent cooking is modern European. Sleep in a quilted bed and awake to birdsong. B&B from $237. Set dinner $55. 44(0)1822 870000, hotelendsleigh.com
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Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown, Devon: For thirty years, from 1881, when he was not dashing off novels and hymns, the Rev Sabine Baring-Gould was busy rebuilding his ancient manor in Arts & Crafts Tudor style. Here you find a 17th-century chimneypiece, there a Jacobean ceiling. Owners Sue and James Murray have filled the rooms with antiques, paintings and books.
Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown, Devon: For thirty years, from 1881, when he was not dashing off novels and hymns, the Rev Sabine Baring-Gould was busy rebuilding his ancient manor in Arts & Crafts Tudor style. Here you find a 17th-century chimneypiece, there a Jacobean ceiling. Owners Sue and James Murray have filled the rooms with antiques, paintings and books.
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Individually styled bedrooms include the suites a short walk from the main house, overlooking gardens, courtyard and fountain. Chef Matthew Peryer’s cooking is fresh and modern, using produce from the kitchen garden. Breakfast includes freshly squeezed juice and home-baked pastries. Children eight and upwards. B&B doubles from $225. Set dinner $62; five-course tasting menu $86. 4(0)1566 783222, lewtrenchard.co.uk
Individually styled bedrooms include the suites a short walk from the main house, overlooking gardens, courtyard and fountain. Chef Matthew Peryer’s cooking is fresh and modern, using produce from the kitchen garden. Breakfast includes freshly squeezed juice and home-baked pastries. Children eight and upwards. B&B doubles from $225. Set dinner $62; five-course tasting menu $86. 4(0)1566 783222, lewtrenchard.co.uk
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The Scarlet Hotel and Spa, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall: Now here is a hotel for the 21st century: eco-friendly, high-tech in style, with a wonderful indoor-outdoor feel. It’s strictly adults-only. (Families should check out the sibling Bedruthan Hotel and Spa – see Guide website).
The Scarlet Hotel and Spa, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall: Now here is a hotel for the 21st century: eco-friendly, high-tech in style, with a wonderful indoor-outdoor feel. It’s strictly adults-only. (Families should check out the sibling Bedruthan Hotel and Spa – see Guide website).
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From the airy lounge to bedrooms on five levels, glass walls look out over the bay and the Atlantic. Choose a room at ground level and walk straight down a grassy slope to the beach. Indulge in new-age therapies, swim in an indoor pool with ocean views, enjoy modern European cooking in the restaurant – perhaps Cornish fish from the local fishermen. B&B from $262. Set dinner $56. scarlethotel.co.uk
From the airy lounge to bedrooms on five levels, glass walls look out over the bay and the Atlantic. Choose a room at ground level and walk straight down a grassy slope to the beach. Indulge in new-age therapies, swim in an indoor pool with ocean views, enjoy modern European cooking in the restaurant – perhaps Cornish fish from the local fishermen. B&B from $262. Set dinner $56. scarlethotel.co.uk
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The Lake Hotel and Spa, Llangammarch Wells, Powys: Jean-Pierre Mifsud’s (see also Northcote Manor) mock-Tudor former hunting lodge stands on the banks of the River Irfon ibn Wales, with trout lake, croquet lawn, golf, tennis, spa and pool. The public rooms have open fire, antiques, oil paintings. Take afternoon tea in the grand lounge overlooking lawns.
The Lake Hotel and Spa, Llangammarch Wells, Powys: Jean-Pierre Mifsud’s (see also Northcote Manor) mock-Tudor former hunting lodge stands on the banks of the River Irfon ibn Wales, with trout lake, croquet lawn, golf, tennis, spa and pool. The public rooms have open fire, antiques, oil paintings. Take afternoon tea in the grand lounge overlooking lawns.
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Bedrooms in the main house have a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, or there are secluded contemporary suites in in a purpose-built lodge. Chef David Brown’s "modern Celtic" seasonal menus include such local ingredients as breast of Cefn Llan duck. Take breakfast in the orangery, with Welsh laver bread. B&B from $243. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner $56. (0)1591 620202, lakecountryhouse.co.uk
Bedrooms in the main house have a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, or there are secluded contemporary suites in in a purpose-built lodge. Chef David Brown’s "modern Celtic" seasonal menus include such local ingredients as breast of Cefn Llan duck. Take breakfast in the orangery, with Welsh laver bread. B&B from $243. Discount vouchers (see GHG website). Set dinner $56. (0)1591 620202, lakecountryhouse.co.uk
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Glenfinnan House Hotel, Glenfinnan, Highland: The MacFarlane family’s traditional hotel stands on the shores of Loch Shiel with distant views of Ben Nevis. On the opposite shore a monument commemorates the clansmen who fought and died for Bonnie Prince Charlie, but within the hotel all is peace, with fresh flowers, roaring fires and Jacobite-themed paintings.
Glenfinnan House Hotel, Glenfinnan, Highland: The MacFarlane family’s traditional hotel stands on the shores of Loch Shiel with distant views of Ben Nevis. On the opposite shore a monument commemorates the clansmen who fought and died for Bonnie Prince Charlie, but within the hotel all is peace, with fresh flowers, roaring fires and Jacobite-themed paintings.
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The bedrooms have no television, phone or key, while welcoming touches might include chocolates and a hand-written note. Garden-view rooms have spa bath and underfloor heating. At dinner, French-trained chef Duncan Gibson creates signature dishes with local produce such as scallops and wild mushrooms. B&B singles from $87, doubles from $175. À la carte $31-$44. 44(0)1397 722235, glenfinnanhouse.com
The bedrooms have no television, phone or key, while welcoming touches might include chocolates and a hand-written note. Garden-view rooms have spa bath and underfloor heating. At dinner, French-trained chef Duncan Gibson creates signature dishes with local produce such as scallops and wild mushrooms. B&B singles from $87, doubles from $175. À la carte $31-$44. 44(0)1397 722235, glenfinnanhouse.com
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The Levin: Little sister to the neighboring five-star Capital, David Levin’s townhouse hotel offers fantastic value close to Hyde Park and Harrods. Admire the spectacular light installation on your way up to modern bedrooms with hand-stitched beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, champagne minibar, 24-hour room service. Marble bathrooms have underfloor heating.
The Levin: Little sister to the neighboring five-star Capital, David Levin’s townhouse hotel offers fantastic value close to Hyde Park and Harrods. Admire the spectacular light installation on your way up to modern bedrooms with hand-stitched beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, champagne minibar, 24-hour room service. Marble bathrooms have underfloor heating.
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Dine in the informal basement bistro, on such classics as Cornish crab cakes or confit duck leg, with wine from the owner’s Loire wine estate – or slip next door to The Capital for Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin-starred cooking. A continental breakfast includes croissants and pastries from the owner’s bakery. B&B (continental) from $343. À la carte $31. 44(0)20 7589 6286, thelevinhotel.co.uk
Dine in the informal basement bistro, on such classics as Cornish crab cakes or confit duck leg, with wine from the owner’s Loire wine estate – or slip next door to The Capital for Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin-starred cooking. A continental breakfast includes croissants and pastries from the owner’s bakery. B&B (continental) from $343. À la carte $31. 44(0)20 7589 6286, thelevinhotel.co.uk
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