Travel
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The Fox at Oddington review: Where the Daylesford charm is in full effect
The Fox at Oddington — in The Cotswolds — is a triumphant addition to the Daylesford empire, says Rosie Paterson, who cannot help wondering if there's anything founder Lady Carole Bamford cannot do.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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Hotel Endsleigh review: A sliver of Scotland in the middle of Devon
This Regency fishing lodge in the Tamar Valley is like something out of a fairytale, says our Travel Editor Rosie Paterson, who spent a weekend exploring two new suites and getting lost in the Repton-designed gardens.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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Durslade Farmhouse review: An extraordinary 18th century restored farmhouse to rent
Durslade Farmhouse is a triumphant and bold restoration project (and the perfect place for a big birthday or celebratory stay) made even more special by its prominent position on the Hasuer + Wirth Somerset site, says our Travel Editor Rosie Paterson.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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Cliveden House hotel review: Where Italianate splendour reigns supreme
Undoubtedly one of England’s finest — and most expansive — country house hotels, Cliveden is steeped in history, glamour and political scandal, but is it resting on its heritage laurels? Emma Earnshaw pays a visit to find out.
By Emma Earnshaw Published
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No. 131 Cheltenham hotel review: Looking out for number 131
Smack-bang on the Promenade in Cheltenham — one of our most elegant spa towns — No. 131 is a chic and cool hotel that oozes glamour without compromising on its original Georgian period charm, says Paula Lester.
By Paula Lester Published
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Babylonstoren hotel review: 'As close to paradise as one can imagine'
Octavia Pollock passes through the portals of Babylonstoren and enters an enchanted world of ancient plants, fine wine and historic design, where every element, from scented field to owl box and beechnut path, contributes to the farm-to-table ethos.
By Octavia Pollock Published
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Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons review: The country house hotel-restaurant where 40 of the finest chefs in the world are responsible for your supper
Just a stone’s throw from Oxford, Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir is famously the go-to hotel for serious food lovers — it has a two Michelin-starred restaurant — but does it still make the mouth water? We sent Tiffany Daneff to find out.
By Tiffany Daneff Published
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Combe Grove in Bath: The wellness retreat in a former country house that's on a mission to improve our metabolic health
Combe Grove has set itself an audacious task: to harness the healing power of Nature, to improve guests' metabolic health and reverse the first signs of Type 2 Diabetes — all in a country house hotel setting on the outskirts of Bath. We sent Emma Hiley along to check it out.
By Emma Hiley Published
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The minesweeper that became a tourist cruiser: Life aboard HMS Gåssten
A veteran minesweeper is enjoying a new lease of life as a charter boat touring majestic Norwegian islands. Hugh Francis Anderson sails away on HMS Gåssten; photographs by Tord Karlsen.
By Country Life Published
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The Great Arch at Fonthill: A Grade-I getaway
The B&B options at the Beckford Arms in Wiltshire have always been lovely. Now, though, they include something really rather incredible: a Grade I-listed arch that was built as the gateway for a Georgian estate. Mark Hedges paid a visit.
By Mark Hedges Published
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Amanbagh hotel review: A peaceful oasis in rural Rajasthan
Amanbagh is part of the Aman hotel empire and its focus on all things wellness means it's the perfect, relaxing addition to any Indian itinerary. Just keep an eye out for the shampoo bottle-stealing monkeys, says Rupert Uloth.
By Rupert Uloth Published
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Beekeeper’s Hut review: A shepherd's hut in North Wales with impressive political links
Liberal politician William Gladstone would likely be pleased to find out that his Welsh estate is still in family hands, but it's hard to know what he'd make of the custom-built shepherds huts that have been newly installed in the grounds. We sent Ben Lerwill to judge for himself.
By Ben Lerwill Published
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Maberly House: A spectacular place to stay in one of Devon's most beautiful corners
In the heart of the South Hams and looking like the set from a period drama, Maberly House is a cut above your average holiday rental, as we found out when we paid a visit.
By Toby Keel Published
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The Country Life guide to Kent: Where to go, what to see, where to stay and what to eat
From its rich history and rugged coastline to fast-evolving cultural and culinary scenes, here's our guide to what to do, where to stay and what to eat in Kent.
By Ben Olsen Published
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What it's like to stay at the 'world's best hotel', the pleasure-filled paradise that is Passalacqua on Lake Como
It might look timeless and traditional, but there's a new hotel on Lake Como that's vibrant and fun without compromising on world-class service, finds Rosie Paterson.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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Thyme hotel review: All in good Thyme in the Cotswolds
This Cotswolds idyll – which encompasses a series of cottages, manor houses and barns in the village of Southrop – is a true epicurean haven of tranquillity that’s guaranteed to be unlike any other hotel you’ve stayed at, says Paula Lester.
By Paula Lester Published
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Honey, we’re bringing the kids: Why the honeymoon is changing and where to go
The honeymoon as we know it is over, says Amanda Morison, who explores the rising popularity of family-friendly, adrenaline-fuelled and health-conscious post-nuptial travel — and tells you exactly where to go.
By Country Life Published
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The Grove hotel review: A country retreat in 300 acres that's still within the M25
The Grove in Rickmansworth, just outside Watford on the north edge of London, has become one of the best-known hotels in Britain. But does it deserve its reputation? Ben Harris checked in.
By Ben Harris Published
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Chewton Glen review: 'I genuinely wanted to stay forever'
Annunciata Elwes visits Chewton Glen, the New Forest gem that's one of Britain's best-loved country house hotels.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
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The Country Life guide to Suffolk: Where to go, what to see, where to stay and what to eat
Suffolk is often overlooked in favour of neighbouring country Norfolk, but there's just as much to do here and plenty of fascinating early medieval period history. Here’s our guide to what to do, where to stay and what to eat.
By Justine Picardie Published
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The Three Horseshoes Batcombe review: Touring motorists need more pubs with rooms like this one
The Three Horseshoes Batcombe is a reimagined 17th century pub with fantastic food and rooms is inextricably linked to Country Life, discovers Giles Kime.
By Giles Kime Published