Cosy Retreats

As winter settles in and the nights grow longer, there’s nothing more inviting than a retreat that wraps you in comfort. Think roaring fires, indulgent meals, and spaces that feel like a warm hug. This season, we’ve rounded up some of the UK’s most cosy retreats to keep you snug all winter long.

Forest of Arden Hotel

When a countryside escape is calling, the Forest of Arden Hotel is a perfect choice for a cosy retreat. Set in acres of ancient Warwickshire woodland, this idyllic country club is a place to switch off, slow down, and soak up the late autumn charm.

Golf enthusiasts will be pleased with the two championship golf courses on site, the Championship Arden Course and the Aylesford Course. The fairways wind through natural lakes and woodland, which are home to the area’s famous deer. For non‑golfers, the spa, leisure facilities and swimming pool provide a soothing sanctuary, while the walking trails and grounds offer fresh-air fun for all ages.

The Stanwick Hotel

Winning the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award every year since 2013, the Stanwick Hotel in Northamptonshire has earned a reputation for excellence. The genuine warmth of the staff who go above and beyond to give each stay a personal touch has guests coming back to this family-run hotel year on year for their cosy retreat.

Guests can choose from 31 beautifully decorated rooms, thoughtfully designed for comfort with soft mattresses, modern amenities, and charming touches. For something extra special, the hotel’s mock Tudor house rooms offer historic character, while the Guest House provides ten rooms with exclusive access to a cosy lounge, which is complete with plush sofas, soft lighting, books, board games, and a large TV. It’s the perfect setting to unwind for a cosy retreat.

Cowley Farm

Nestled on the borders of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Northamptonshire, Cowley Farm, a family-run gem, features seven luxury cottages surrounded by wide‑open fields and panoramic views.

There are seven recently renovated cottages, fully kitted out for self‑catering stays, with the option for a bed and breakfast hamper. Whether you’re visiting for a Monday to Friday work stay, a family get‑together, or a weekend mini-break, the cottages provide the perfect base.

Cowley Farm’s cottages are within easy reach of some of the UK’s most iconic attractions. Explore the splendour of Stowe House and Gardens, Waddesdon Manor, or Blenheim Palace.

Winchelsea Lodge

Just minutes from great Sussex locations including Rye, Hastings and Camber Sands, Winchelsea Lodge makes an ideal base for a cosy retreat. Built in the style of a traditional Sussex barn and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, the Lodge combines rustic charm with modern comforts. Inside, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere with 28 en-suite bedrooms, a stylish lounge bar, a bistro-style restaurant and plenty of space to unwind.

For guests looking to make the most of the stunning surroundings, Winchelsea Lodge offers electric bicycle hire. Perfect for both seasoned cyclists and casual riders, the bikes make it easy to explore winding country lanes, historic villages and enchanting woodlands.

Crown and Thistle

A restored Grade II listed coaching inn, the Crown and Thistle, blends original features such as exposed beams, open brickwork and a cobbled courtyard, adorned with 200-year‑old wisteria, with boutique comforts and modern flair. With 18 beautifully unique bedrooms, each individually designed with rich wallpapers, exposed textures and thoughtful extras, every stay is a memorable one.

Enjoy a delicious and authentic Neapolitan pizza, hand prepared by the Crown and Thistle’s trained pizzaiolos and cooked in a wood‑fired oven. However, if pizza isn’t to your fancy, guests can order from a large menu of pastas, salads, British classics and dishes fresh from the grill.

Marwell Hotel

Inspired by Kenya’s iconic Treetops Lodge, Marwell Hotel offers a unique blend of safari lodge charm and modern comfort. In the perfect Hampshire setting for both adventure and relaxation, Marwell Wildlife Park is on the doorstep and New Forest National Park is just 30 minutes away.

Double, Twin and Family rooms are available as well as accessible ground‑floor rooms with wheelchair access and low-rise bathtubs with handrails. For added comfort, many rooms enjoy woodland or garden views, creating a peaceful backdrop for your stay.

Make your cosy retreat complete with time spent relaxing in the heated indoor pool and sauna. After a full day, enjoy seasonal dishes made with local ingredients in the Dining Room Restaurant.