Relax at some of the UK's finest hotels
Looking for a rural retreat? Booking into the right hotel can turn a pleasurable holiday into a memory to treasure. Crisp linen sheets. A crackling log fire. Total relaxation. You'll find plenty of choice throughout Britain.
You can sample the lifestyle of a Scottish laird at Skibo Castle. Exclusive and luxurious, with its own golf course, beauty spa and Victorian conservatory pool, it's easy to see why Madonna chose this venue for her wedding! Or, why not unwind at the luxurious Stoke Park Club. If you are lucky, you might see the odd celebrity guests, as the club has previously been used for movies such as James Bond and Bridget Jones.
If a break away means taking part in some activity, Swinton Park may have the answer. Dating from the 17th century, Swinton Park, a luxury country hotel near Ripon in North Yorkshire, houses a cookery school in the 18th-century stable block. Those taking the course are encouraged to bring their partners to stay in the hotel where they can enjoy a programme of activities including golf, fishing, riding, shooting and falconry on the estate.
If you are looking for a romantic retreat, then Chewton Glen is for you. A luxury hotel, spa and country club situated between the ancient New Forest and the sea, the setting is undeniably romantic. Or, Whatley Manor, a beautifully restored Cotswold manor house with an award-winning spa, and what could be more romantic than taking a beautiful walk in the Cotswolds. To make your stay complete, the Lygon Arms offers open fireplaces and snugs to really compliment a romantic break.
Welsh Rarebits, an elite collection of 44 quality hotels across Wales. The group, which can be only be joined by invitation, contains some of the UK's top country house hotels. Also included are restaurants with rooms and modern rustic properties that reflect today's cosmopolitan tastes.