For many casual travelers, a trip to England starts, and often ends, with London. But while the iconic capital city is full of urban thrills (shopping, museums, nightlife) it\u2019s hardly the only vacation-worthy place the country has to offer. As locals and insiders will tell you, some of the nation\u2019s most charming getaways lie within sprawling, sleepy stretches of dreamy landscapes and historic villages.<\/p>\n
Among these pastoral countryside destinations is the Cotswolds, a Southwest region often frequented by celebrities. Kate Moss, Elizabeth Hurley, and Kate Winslet all have residences there; it was also the backdrop to Eve Jobs\u2019s buzzy nuptials this past summer. Known for its storybook-worthy towns and lush hillside scenery, it\u2019s a hot spot that\u2019s somehow both quaint and a total A-list scene. Berkshire County, meanwhile, is the home of the famous Ascot horse races and Windsor Castle, one of the royal family\u2019s vacation getaways. You also won\u2019t regret a stay in the coastal area of Hampshire, which rewards its visitors with a mix of rugged, romantic beachfronts and ancient woodlands. And these options only scratch the surface of places to explore\u2014there are so many captivating spots to pick from, it can be tough narrowing things down.<\/p>\n
The following six luxurious\u2014yet totally unpretentious\u2014hotels are sure to make your decision easier. Sprinkled throughout key parts of England\u2019s loveliest areas, these rustic escapes are all winning ways to soak up the country\u2019s quieter side.<\/p>\n
The only United Kingdom hotel to boast two full polo fields, Coworth Park in Ascot is an oasis of rolling green fields and fragrant gardens. Guests can keep themselves busy at the newly renovated spa (which includes a pool that plays soft underwater music, a packed menu of treatments, and a wellness-focused caf\u00e9), riding horses, or eating a decadent dinner at Woven by Adam Smith<\/a>, the resort\u2019s Michelin-star restaurant. However, you also can\u2019t go wrong with ordering yourself an afternoon tea and leisurely enjoying it outside with a book, your phone in airplane mode, and no other plans. <\/p>\n The dining rooms at Woven by Adam Smith at Coworth Park<\/p>\n Courtesy of Coworth Park<\/p>\n Guests can book opulent rooms, which are decked out in soothing shades of white and cream, at the main house\u2014or, for a more secluded experience, stay in a private cottage located further out on the grounds. And for those traveling with children, there\u2019s a kids\u2019 club with morning and afternoon hours, as well as the option to book babysitting services in the evening.<\/p>\n This stately Berkshire-based hotel, located less than 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport, was originally built in 1666 by the second Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress. These days, it\u2019s imbued with far less scandal, but has retained its sense of 17th-century decadence: picture ornate gold-covered moldings, plush velvet furniture, and richly colored draperies. <\/p>\n Courtesy of Clivedon House<\/p>\n Set on 376 acres of grounds maintained by the National Trust (an organization that preserves historic buildings and undeveloped land), the lavish hideaway offers access to full-service spa, a vast outdoor pool, and the River Thames, where guests\u2014which have included the likes of Meghan Markle\u2014can go boating.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Clivedon House<\/p>\n While this centuries-old Cotswolds retreat has universal appeal, it\u2019s a particularly delightful place for dog lovers. Besides offering rooms with beds, bowls, and treats for one\u2019s canine companions, the on-site restaurant offers a special dining space (complete with a dog menu) for eating with your four-legged friends. <\/p>\n There\u2019s also, of course, a slew of sumptuous amenities for humans: a massive spa (complete with a gym, pool, and sauna\/steam rooms), an on-site tavern, and an array of cozy rooms and cottages decorated in wood paneling, plaid fabrics, and antique furnishings. Although you\u2019d be more than satisfied on campus for your entire stay, it\u2019s worth venturing out to explore the neighboring area, which is full of the kind of fairy tale-like village scenes and country views you\u2019d find in a period film starring Keira Knightley.<\/p>\n Like many estates in rural England, Lucknam Park has roots that date back several hundred years: It stands on land in Southwest England with historical records dating back to 1199. Today, though, it\u2019s known for its grandly appointed facilities, which include elegantly adorned guest rooms and suites, an equestrian center, and a spa. <\/p>\n