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Great Britain

Recommended accommodations for the Best of the English Countryside

Ambleside (Lake District (England))
Rothay Manor, Rothay Bridge, Cumbria, LA22 0EH
Built in 1825, this lovely hotel is a great choice for food – the restaurant is the best in town. Very stylishly decorated, most of the rooms have French doors opening onto balconies with splendid views.
Phone:  01539.433.605
Fax:  01539.433.607
Email:  hotel@rothaymanor.co.uk
Web:   www.rothaymanor.co.uk
Doubles From:   155GBP

Baslow (Lake District (England))
Fischer's Baslow Hall, Calver Road, Derbyshire, DE45 1RR
Although it seems like a Tudor home, this stately house was actually built in 1907. In addition to offering outstanding accommodations, Fisher's has exceptional food. In fact, the hotel won Egon Ronay's Restaurant of the Year Award in 1995.
Phone:  01246.583.259
Fax:  01246.583.818
Email:  m.s@fischers-baslowhall.co.uk
Web:   www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk/
Doubles From:   140GBP

The Cavendish Hotel, Derbyshire, DE4 5JU
Built in the 1780s and reopened as the Cavendish in 1975, this is one of the nicest country house hotels in Britain. The property is located on the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, whose family home – Chatsworth House – is a 15-minute walk away.
Phone:  01246.582.311
Fax:  01246.582.312
Email:  info@cavendish-hotel.net
Web:   www.cavendish-hotel.net
Doubles From:   135GBP

Bath
Apsley House Hotel, 141 Newbridge Hill, Somerset, BA1 3PT
This Georgian country house built in 1830 is a 20-minute walk to town. Refurbished in 1994, the hotel and its gardens are lovely. There's parking and you can enjoy a cocktail in the drawing room or in the gardens.
Phone:  01225.336.966
Fax:  01225.425.462
Email:  info@apsley-house.co.uk
Web:   www.apsley-house.co.uk/
Doubles From:   70GBP

Bath Priory Hotel, Weston Road, Somerset, BA1 2XT
In a Gothic house built in 1835, the Bath Priory was extensively renovated in 1997. Surrounded by two acres of formal gardens and greens, the hotel is one mile from town. In addition to fine lodging, it offers a health club, indoor and outdoor pools, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Phone:  01225.331.922
Fax:  01225.448.276
Email:  bathpriory@slh.com
Web:   www.slh.com/bathpriory/
Doubles From:   245GBP

Queensberry Hotel, Russel Street, Somerset, BA1 2QF
John Wood, architect of the Royal Crescent, built this house in 1772 for the Marquis of Queensberry. Today, it is a wonderfully inviting hotel, but less formal and less expensive than some. Guests who will not use the health club facilities at Bath's other leading properties will probably be satisfied here.
Phone:  01225.447.928. 800.323.5463 in the U.S.
Fax:  01225.446.065
Email:  reservations@thequeensberry.co.uk
Web:   www.thequeensberry.co.uk/
Doubles From:   105GBP

Royal Crescent Hotel, 16 Royal Crescent, BA1 2LS
If money's no object, there's no better address in Bath. Occupying two of the 18th-century townhouses in the Royal Crescent, this beautiful property is walking distance to everything. There's a health club and excellent restaurant.
Phone:  01225.823.333 or 888.295.4710 in the U.S.
Fax:  01225.339.401 or 888.295.4711 in the U.S.
Email:  reservations@royalcrescent.co.uk
Web:   www.royalcrescent.co.uk/
Doubles From:   235GBP

Broadway (Cotswolds)
Broadway Hotel, The Green, Worcestershire, WR12 7AA
This 15th-century timber-frame house sits right on the village green. A good choice for those who want to be able to walk to restaurants and shops.
Phone:  01386.852.401
Fax:  01386.853.879
Email:  info@broadwayhotel.info
Web:   www.broadway-cotswolds.co.uk/bwhotel.html
Doubles From:   130GBP

Buckland Manor, Buckland, near Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LV
The 10 acres of grounds here have a running stream with waterfalls and are adjacent to the "Cotswold Way" for unparalleled walking. The 13th-century gabled mansion is beautifully decorated, and there's tennis and a pool.
Phone:  01386.852.626
Fax:  01386.853.557
Email:  buckland@relaischateaux.com
Web:   www.bucklandmanor.com
Doubles From:   235GBP

The Lygon Arms, High Street, Worcestershire, WR12 7DU
This historic coaching inn dates from the 16th century. It's got old world charm in spades and state of the art fitness facilities at the adjoining club.
Phone:  01386.852.255
Fax:  01386.854.470
Email:  info@thelygonarms.co.uk
Web:   www.the-lygon-arms.com/default.htm
Doubles From:   119GBP

Buxton (Peak District)
Lee Wood Hotel, The Park, Derbyshire, SK17 6TQ
Located a 15-minute minute walk from town, this sophisticated hotel has two great restaurants and a lot of charm.
Phone:  01298.23.002 800.528.1234 in the U.S.
Fax:  01298.23.228
Email:  leewoodhotel@btinternet.com
Web:   www.leewoodhotel.co.uk/
Doubles From:   136GBP

Chipping Campden (Cotswolds)
Charingworth Manor House, Charingworth, near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6NS
This 14th-century country house includes 55 acres of beautiful grounds, a spa with heated indoor swimming pool, a tennis court, and an excellent restaurant.
Phone:  01386.593.555
Fax:  01386.593.353
Email:  charingworthmanor@englishrosehotels.co.uk
Web:   www.englishrosehotels.co.uk
Doubles From:   170GBP

Cockermouth (Lake District (England))
Kirkstile Inn, Lowes Water, Cumbria, CA13 0RU
This cozy, nicely located inn is the value leader in the area. It offers comfortable accommodations in a 16th-century building that has hosted guests for 400 years. The pub is popular with the locals.
Phone:  01900.852.19
Fax:  01900.852.39
Email:  info@kirkstile.com
Web:   www.kirkstile.com/index.html
Doubles From:   76GBP

The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite Lake, near Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YE
This charming old coaching inn was an ale house in the 18th century. The pub here is still a popular spot. Far from the bustle of Windermere, the hotel sits on a quiet country lane.
Phone:  01768.776.234
Fax:  01768.776.002
Email:  info@the-pheasant.co.uk
Web:   www.the-pheasant.co.uk/location.htm
Doubles From:   122GBP

Keswick (Lake District (England))
Armathwaite Hall Hotel, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria, CA12 4RE
This stately country house sits on a 400-acre deer park on Bassenthwaite Lake. With a heated indoor pool and every activity imaginable, it's a great choice for the active. A hotel only since the 1930s, the house dates from the 1300s and has a well-regarded restaurant.
Phone:  01768.776.551
Fax:  01768.776.220
Email:  reservations@armathwaitehall.com
Web:   www.armathwaite-hall.com/
Doubles From:   156GBP

Swinside Lodge, Grange Road, Newlands, Cumbria, CA12 5UE
Overlooking Lake Derwentwater at the foot of the Catsbells Fells, this 1850s house is great for walkers. A five-minute stroll takes you up the Fells where you can catch a launch across the lake.
Phone:  01768.772.948
Fax:  01768.772.948
Email:  info@swinsidelodge-hotel.co.uk
Web:   www.swinsidelodge-hotel.co.uk
Doubles From:   150GBP

Matlock (Peak District)
Riber Hall, Riber, Debryshire, DE4 5JU
Dating from the 15th century, this lovely country house has been beautifully restored and retains much historic charm. The restaurant is one of the best in the area and the Automobile Association recently described it as "one of the most romantic hotels in Britain."
Phone:  01629.582.795
Fax:  01629.580.475
Email:  info@riber-hall.co.uk
Web:   www.riber-hall.co.uk
Doubles From:   145GBP

Painswick (Cotswolds)
Cardynham House, The Cross, Gloucestershire, GL6 6XX
One of the best values in the Cotswolds. Each of the rooms in this unique property is individually decorated. One even contains a 16-ft swimming pool. There's a pub next door and a Thai restauarant.
Phone:  01452.814.006
Fax:  01452.812.321
Email:  info@cardynham.co.uk
Web:   www.cardynham.co.uk
Doubles From:   69GBP; The pool room is 150GBP

Painswick Hotel, Kemp's Lane, Painswick Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 6YB
Located behind the village church, this Georgian House was once the vicarage. Beautifully decorated with impeccable service, this is one of the finest inns in the area. And it's a good value.
Phone:  01452.812.160
Fax:  01452.814.059
Email:  reservations@painswickhotel.com
Web:   www.painswickhotel.com
Doubles From:   125GBP

Penrith (Lake District (England))
Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel, Lake Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2LZ
Just the ticket for neurosurgeons and recent lottery winners, there's not a more inviting hotel in the Lake District. Surrounded by 12 acres of gardens fronting Lake Ullswater, this member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group seems plucked from the Italian Lakes. The view from the terrace of the mountains reflected in the lake will take your breath away. And the restaurant is superb.
Phone:  01768.486.301
Fax:  01768.486.349
Email:  sharrow@relaischateaux.com
Web:   www.sharrowbay.co.uk
Doubles From:   340GBP Rate includes breakfast and dinner

Stow-on-the-Wold (Cotswolds)
The Grapevine, Sheep Street, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AU
This lovely inn is within walking distance of Stow's 60 antique dealers. Located right on the main street, the inn is sophisticated, yet cozy and a good value.
Phone:  01451.830.344
Fax:  01451.832.278
Email:  Enquiries@vines.co.uk
Web:   www.vines.co.uk
Doubles From:   140GBP

Wyck Hill House, Burford Road, Gloucestershire, GL54 1HY
This 18th-century manor house is set on 100 acres overlooking the Windrush River Valley. Rooms are available in the manor, the coach house, or the orangery.
Phone:  01451.831.936
Fax:  01451.832.243
Email:  enquiries@wyckhillhouse.com
Web:   www.wyckhillhouse.com
Doubles From:   175GBP

Ullswater (Lake District (England))
Rampsbeck Country House Hotel, Watermillock, Cumbria, CA11 0LP
This 18th-century house sits on 18 acres of landscaped grounds fronting Ullswater Lake. It's a very nice property for the price.
Phone:  01768.486.442
Fax:  01768.486.688
Email:  enquiries@rampsbeck.fsnet.co.uk
Web:   www.rampsbeck.fsnet.co.uk
Doubles From:   120GBP

Upper Slaughter (Cotswolds)
Lords of the Manor Hotel, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2JD
The stream running through the property of the 17th-century estate is filled with trout. Located outside the lovely, peaceful Slaughters, this country house hotel is charming, beautiful and well-run.
Phone:  01451.820.243
Fax:  01451.820.696
Email:  enquiries@lordsofthemanor.com
Web:   www.lordsofthemanor.com/
Doubles From:   160GBP

Windermere (Lake District (England))
Mortal Man, Troutbeck, Cumbria, LA23 1PL
This 17th-century inn is close to the attractions of Ambleside and Windermere but very nicely located on a quiet country lane in Troutbeck. There's a popular pub and a good dining room.
Phone:  01539.433.193
Fax:  01539.431.261
Email:  enquiries@themortalman.com
Web:   www.themortalman.com/
Doubles From:   80GBP

York
Dean Court Hotel, Duncombe Place, North Yorkshire, Y01 7EF
It's hard to imagine a better location than this one, right next to York Minster. The house was built in 1850 to house the clergy and today's it's one of the better places in town.
Phone:  01904.625.082
Fax:  01904.620.305
Email:  info@deancourt-york.co.uk
Web:   www.deancourt-york.co.uk
Doubles From:   125GBP

Grange Hotel, 1 Clifton, North Yorkshire, Y030 6AA
This ivy-clad Regency townhouse is a ten-minute walk from York Minster. With three great restaurants on site, it's a great choice for those who don't want to venture out again.
Phone:  01904.644.744
Fax:  01904.612.453
Email:  info@grangehotel.co.uk
Web:   www.grangehotel.co.uk/
Doubles From:   140GBP

Grasmead House, 1 Scarcroft Hill, The Mount, North Yorkshire, YO24 1DF
A very affordable bed and breakfast that's a 15-minute walk from town. Many of the rooms in this cute Victorian house have four-poster beds and antiques.
Phone:  01904.629.996
Fax:  01904.629.996
Email:  stansue@grasmeadhouse.freeserve.co.uk
Doubles From:   85GBP

Judge's Lodging Hotel, 9 Lendal, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AQ
This stately Georgian home was made the official residence of the Assize Court judges in 1806. Today, this well-located hotel is a very inviting place to stay.
Phone:  01904.638.733
Fax:  01904.679.947
Email:  info@judgeslodgings.com
Web:   www.judgeslodgings.com
Doubles From:   100GBP

Middlethorpe Hall, Bishopthrope Road, North Yorkshire, YO23 2GB
This lovely Queen Anne country house on 20 acres is just ten minutes from town. There's also an award-winning restaurant. A very nice place for those who prefer to stay outside the city.
Phone:  01904.641.241
Fax:  01904.620.176
Email:  info@middlethorpe.com
Web:   www.middlethorpe.com
Doubles From:   175GBP