Places to stay

Alexandra Fraser flies East to experience two holidays in one – a fun-filled week of skiing, and pure luxury in the Big Apple.

By Alexandra Fraser Published 19 December 23

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 16 December 23

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 9 December 23

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 2 December 23

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 25 November 23

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 Minchin Published 20 November 23

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 8 November 23

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 6 November 23

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 24 October 23

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 21 October 23

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 14 October 23

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 7 October 23

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 6 October 23

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 29 September 23

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 Minchin Published 23 September 23

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 16 September 23

Annunciata Elwes visits Chewton Glen, the New Forest gem that's one of Britain's best-loved country house hotels.

By Annunciata Elwes Published 30 August 23

Temple Guiting Manor is one of the country’s most handsome Tudor manor houses; together with its surrounding barns, it affords lavish and characterful self-catering accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds. Paula Lester took a trip.

By Paula Minchin Published 12 August 23

Make the most of summer with our competition to win one of two magnificent prizes from Hotel Tresanton and Fortnum & Mason.

By Toby Keel Published 31 July 23