From the rolling green countryside of the Cotswolds to the prairie-like look of the Fens or the charm and appeal of Devon and its country lanes and coastal landscapes; getting into the country is good for your wellbeing. And for an additional tonic, turn a day away into an overnight stay! Choose a hotel that beautifully succeeds in creating the country park hotel décor and atmosphere that’s so popular today. Alternatively, get back to nature and pick a country park lodge for a taste of tranquillity and seclusion.
Where to get your country park hotel fix
Think of Cheltenham and it’s impossible not to conjure up an image of the Cotswolds. Firstly, the stunning architecture of the different towns is certainly attractive. In fact, visitors come from across the globe to experience this little piece of English countryside.
And secondly, the picture postcard villages featuring the warm hues of Cotswold stone are instantly recognisable too. And the rolling hills and gentle valleys that form this Area of Natural Beauty make the region a top choice for stylish getaways in luxury hotels and country lodges.
Greenway Hotel and Spa is a fabulous example of a hotel that excels in creating the comforting country park hotel style that’s so on-trend. A ticking grandfather clock, wooden floors, roaring fires, exposed stone walls and luxury guestrooms guarantee you’ll be cocooned in Cotswolds charm at this beautiful country house style hotel.
We dare anyone to resist the magnetic pull of the relaxing lounge and bar! With open stone fireplaces and an exciting cocktail menu, loosing yourself for a couple of hours is easily achieved! We believe you’ll find it equally difficult to get out of bed in the morning too, such is the comfort of the guestrooms.
Head to Hook for a country park inspired getaway
Highfield Park in Hook is located on the boundaries of Hampshire and Berkshire. Sitting on a 35 acre estate of inviting parkland, the hotel is an elegant property with 58 distinct guestrooms, including spacious suites. Accommodation is located in the main house or just a short walk away in Fir Tree Court and makes an attractive, luxurious alternative to country park lodges.
The tasteful en-suite rooms are individually designed, creating a tranquil and calming backdrop to your country park inspired getaway. Many of the rooms feature under floor heating in the bathrooms for an added touch of comfort. Bespoke furniture carefully crafts a unique look to each room. Fluffy robes, slippers and complementary toiletries add to the luxurious feel of a getaway to the stunning Highfield Park.
The hotel, which is independently owned and managed, has a rich history too and one former resident was Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.
Our top tip for your country park inspired stay at Highfield Park is to make time for the wine! Whether you’re having a cheeky afternoon tipple or deciding on an accompaniment for your evening dining! The organic wine list features some wonderful English wines which must surely be the perfect accompaniment to a country park inspired stay.
Quorn Country Hotel
A popular choice for weddings, the Quorn Country Hotel offers a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located on the banks of the River Soar, in the charming Leicestershire village of Quorn, this country park inspired stay is 4-stars of loveliness! From the warm hospitality and friendly service through to the innovative award-winning cuisine, Quorn Country Hotel is an idyllic offering and a super alternative to country park lodges.
Why not enjoy a classic Sunday roast in the hotel’s Orangery? Or treat yourselves to that other English classic of afternoon tea as you sit back and relax in the hotel’s Charnwood Library Bar.
Country Park Lodges
If you’re a lover of country lodges, Donnington Grove in Berkshire will hold lots of appeal. Furthermore, as well as being a charming country park hotel, Donnington Grove features four fabulous lodges too! These are located in the grounds of the estate and the country lodge style rooms create a feeling of seclusion.
If you’re after peace and tranquillity, lakeside views and lots of space, these lodge style rooms are perfect. They have access to a shared patio area with garden furniture to make the most of relaxing outdoors. Plus guests have access to a separate parking area away from the main hotel.
Pick Donnington Grove and you will feel like you’re in your own private piece of a country park!
Devon and Dartmoor
Forests and moorlands, wetlands and winding rivers, and the famous Dartmoor ponies; does it get any more country park than the stunning Dartmoor National Park? This vast area of wilderness in South Devon offers plenty of opportunities for outside adventure and exploration either by foot, bike, horse or water!
With all this adventure, we recommend you start the day with a freshly cooked, full-Devon breakfast at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock! The historic, landmark hotel excels in award-winning dining. Its Devon teas and Dartmoor craft ales are certain crowd pleasers too! In other words, guests get the best of both worlds here; a country park wilderness on the doorstep and a delightful hotel in the centre of town.
If you like old leather Chesterfields to sink back into, a bustling bar and stylish dining, the Bedford is for you.
Enjoy a park stay in the Peaks
The Peak District National Park is a stunning country park in the UK. In our opinion it’s one of those areas that must be visited several times to be fully appreciated. The Peak District covers the counties of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire. And it’s big too! Measuring 555 square miles, the region is also one of the most cycle-friendly areas in England. The stunning landscape provides plenty of adventure for adrenaline junkies too. Along with hiking and rock climbing, there’s caving, paragliding, canoeing and kayaking. Lots of visitors take a cable car to the cliff top country park at the Heights of Abraham too!
There’s a good choice of country lodges around the Peak District. However, our top pick for a country park inspired stay in Derbyshire has to be Makeney Hall Hotel. Situated just two miles from the market town of Belper, this Victorian country mansion makes an instant impression. Striking architecture and fabulous views of the Amber Valley will ease you into this stylish country park inspired hotel break.
If you like country park hotels and country lodges, similarly you’ll find our romantic retreats read useful too!