Places to stay

Country Life's Travel Editor Rosie Paterson joins the podcast to share her wisdom, experience — and a disturbing number of blunders.

By Toby Keel Published 24 January 24

From a heavenly spa to gleaming copper bathtubs and sculptures woven into Nature, Coworth Park gets everything (almost) perfect, finds Carla Passino.

By Carla Passino Published 20 January 24

Once the summer residence of the 7th Duke of Atholl, Dunkeld House has now established itself as the latest location on the set-jetting map, says Agnes Stamp.

By Agnes Stamp Published 13 January 24

From hiking to cooking classes, a family-run stronghold in the heart of Tuscany offers the perfect low-season retreat, says Agnes Stamp.

By Agnes Stamp Published 6 January 24

What are the ingredients of an unforgettable trip to Paris? An overnight stay at The Dorchester on Park Lane, before hopping on the Eurostar and arriving at Le Meurice overlooking Jardin des Tuileries in time for lunch, says Paula Lester.

By Paula Minchin Published 21 December 23

In the beating heart of Paris, stands a statuesque hotel bedecked with signature bright red awnings and tumbling geraniums that’s as haute couture as the boutiques lining the streets surrounding it, discovers Paula Lester.

By Paula Minchin Published 20 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

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 11 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

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