Places to stay

Straddling five counties, the Cotswolds is arguably England's most famous region outside of London. Here’s our guide to what to do, where to stay and what to eat.

By Paula Minchin Published 12 May 23

The Lime Wood in the New Forest has established itself as one of Britain's best country house hotels, but does it live up to the hype? We sent Rosie Paterson to find out.

By Rosie Paterson Published 6 May 23

Once owned by Henry Austen — and where his sister Jane wrote parts of Sense and Sensibility — Henry’s Townhouse in Marylebone proffers Georgian splendour and a real home-from-home in the heart of the capital, says Paula Lester.

By Paula Minchin Published 29 April 23

The Benmore Estate: Treasure Island

By Benmore Estate Published 5 April 23

From the countryside colours of the suites to the ingredients showcased in the 4 AA Rosette restaurant and next-level experiences that champion local businesses, The Balmoral has a sublime sense of place. 

By The Balmoral Published 4 April 23

The trick to surviving a weekend in London with a young family in tow is to stay in one of the capital's best hotels, discovers Country Life's Dean Usher.

By Dean Usher Published 25 March 23

Mary Lussiana checks into the Portuguese capital's prettiest hotel.

By Mary Lussiana Published 18 February 23

A manor house in the Garden of England — rumoured to once have hosted Charles I — is now a buzzy restaurant with rooms. Gilly Hopper checks in

By Gilly Hopper Published 11 February 23

The lodges at The Farmstead in Suffolk, not far from the world famous site at Sutton Hoo, are cosy, charming, quirky and fun. Toby Keel paid a visit.

By Toby Keel Published 4 February 23

Looking for somewhere to live out your 'New Year; new me' mantra? Then follow in the footsteps of Victoria Marston who discovers a perfect break from reality on the Greek island of Kefalonia.

By Victoria Marston Published 9 January 23

Lydia Stangroom discovers a New England-style beach house on the Cornish coast that's as enchanting in the winter as it is come summer.

By Lydia Stangroom Published 7 January 23

Gleneagles Townhouse has seemingly, and impressively, matched the lofty standards set by its country cousin, Gleneagles hotel, finds Mary Miers, on a visit to the hotel, member's club and all-day restaurant rolled into one.

By Mary Miers Published 17 December 22

Sustainability has never been more luxurious than in the Maldives, where innovative methods are being employed to ease environmental pressures without sacrificing style, finds our Travel Editor Rosie Paterson.

By Rosie Paterson Published 10 December 22

The Cotswolds without the crowds? Annunciata Elwes visits Stockbridge’s Grosvenor Hotel.

By Annunciata Elwes Published 6 December 22

Crowd-free beaches, coastline, marshes and meadows, and plenty of wildlife make Northumberland a superb place to go. Here's our guide to what to do, where to stay and what to eat.

By Rosalyn Wikeley Published 26 November 22

A few miles from Bristol lies Thornbury Castle, a creation that's been a beautiful place to stay for half a millennium —  though the guests today are tourists rather than the Tudor royal household.

By Toby Keel Published 12 November 22

The Turquoise Holiday Company partners with boutique-hotels on the world’s best beaches for the perfect winter-sun break.

By Turquoise Holidays Published 4 November 22

Emma Earnshaw checks into Retreat East and finds a new hotel that's paving the way for more sustainable hospitality.

By Emma Earnshaw Published 29 October 22

From falconry to fly fishing, there's something for everyone at Gleneagles, says Country Life's Editor-in-Chief Mark Hedges, who checked in for his honeymoon.

By Mark Hedges Published 1 October 22