3 Stunning Countryside Escapes in the UK: The Perfect Weekend Getaways
If you’re dreaming of an idyllic UK countryside trip, look no further than these three incredible De Vere hotels, each offering its own unique charm and a memorable escape from the daily grind. Whether you’re looking to relax in a historical mansion, enjoy lakeside views, or embrace cosy vibes, these spots are worth adding to your UK travel bucket list:
If you’re dreaming of an idyllic UK countryside trip, look no further than these three incredible De Vere hotels, each offering its own unique charm and a memorable escape from the daily grind. Whether you’re looking to relax in a historical mansion, enjoy lakeside views, or embrace cosy vibes, these spots are worth adding to your UK travel bucket list. All hotels are affordable and quintessentially British:
1. De Vere Tortworth Court: A Grand Mansion House Near the Cotswolds 🌳
Located just outside the picturesque Cotswolds, De Vere Tortworth Court is one of the UK’s most beautiful mansion hotels, making it perfect for a luxurious weekend escape. Just a short train ride from London to Bristol Parkway, and a quick cab ride from there, Tortworth Court is an easily accessible countryside retreat.
What Makes It Special: De Vere Tortworth Court has the kind of old-world charm that transports you back in time. Set in a Grade II-listed Victorian mansion with a rich history, the hotel is surrounded by beautiful grounds and a famous arboretum with over 300 different trees, and having afternoon tea overlooking the gardens is pure magic! Inside, you’ll find elegant and cosy rooms that just give you that real UK countryside feeling, and they even offer gin and tonics for just £6 at their gin bar, perfect for that ‘very British’ experience! To me, De Vere Tortworth Court is the best hotel to visit in the UK in spring.
Room view at De Vere Tortworth Court
2. De Vere Latimer Estate: Cosy & Classic Countryside Vibes 🍁
If you’re after a quintessential British countryside experience, which is very close to London, De Vere Latimer Estate is a perfect choice. Just a quick 30-minute train ride from London, and you’ll arrive at this stately property with stunning views and that classic English charm we all love.
De Vere Latimer Estate
What Makes It Special: Set on a historic estate, Latimer Estate offers some of the most charming countryside experiences within easy reach of London. Picture yourself sipping tea in The Library, a grand room with cosy seating and panoramic views over the Chiltern Hills - don’t miss the famous sunsets! We loved walking around the grounds and exploring the nearby lakes - especially during autumn. Plus, their 1838 Restaurant & Bar offers diverse menu options, including food for vegans. Don’t miss out on their roast either - it was our highlight! To me, De Vere Latimer Estate is the best hotel to visit in the UK in autumn.
3. De Vere Cotswold Water Park: A Unique Lakeside Escape in the Cotswolds 🛶
Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, De Vere Cotswold Water Park offers an entirely different kind of countryside stay – one that combines the beauty of the Cotswolds with the thrill of waterside activities and lakeside dining. This is an ideal choice if you want nature, adventure AND the UK countryside all in one!
De Vere Cotswold Water Park
What Makes It Special: Cotswold Water Park is one of the most unique hotels in the Cotswolds, and definitely one of the most unique hotels in the UK, too. It offers stunning lakeside views and so many fun outdoor activities, from paddle boarding to kayaking. You can relax in The Old Boathouse Restaurant, which offers lakeside dining with seasonal British dishes and picturesque views. The rooms here are modern and welcoming, perfect for a cosy night in after a day out exploring. I especially loved waking up to the a view of the lake! Whether you’re up for an active weekend or a quiet lakeside retreat, this hotel shows you the best of the Cotswolds’ natural beauty. To me, De Vere Cotswold Water Park is the best hotel to visit in the UK in summer.
Where to Stay in Iceland: Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon
If you're wondering where to stay in Iceland, look no further than Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon. This modern and minimalist retreat offers a super peaceful escape while giving you direct access to one of Iceland's most iconic attractions – the Blue Lagoon.
If you're wondering where to stay in Iceland, look no further than Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon. This modern and minimalist retreat offers a super peaceful escape while giving you direct access to one of Iceland's most iconic attractions – the Blue Lagoon. Staying here was honestly a dream come true. Not only will you get to fall asleep surrounded by dried lava, you’ll also have an extremely relaxing stay, an unforgettable experience of soaking in geothermal waters and you may even get to see the Northern Lights! ✨
What makes Silica Hotel special? Trust me when I say, it’s all about the private lagoon – yes, you read that right! Guests have exclusive access to the hotel’s own geothermal lagoon, where you can float and relax without any crowds around at all. I also loved the floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms which guarantee 24/7 views of Iceland’s unique volcanic landscape.
Why Stay at Silica Hotel?
1. Prime Location
With a 10-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon and a 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport, Silica Hotel is is in a very convenient location. Whether you're visiting for the Northern Lights or Iceland’s geothermal attractions, the hotel is a perfect base for your Iceland adventure.
2. Private Lagoon Access
One of the top reasons to stay at Silica Hotel is the private lagoon, which is exclusive to hotel guests. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot where you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by incredible lava fields. Trust me, it really is THAT blue! 🩵 We had the most incredible time here and it’s definitely a touch romantic, too! If you’re coming with a partner to Iceland then a stay and a soak here are an absolute must.
3. Beautifully Designed Rooms
The rooms at Silica Hotel are sleek, minimalist and cosy, with large windows showing you views of the surrounding lava fields. Imagine waking up to this otherworldly landscape every morning! It's one of those unique hotel experiences in Iceland that you won't forget - I am still thinking about it for sure!
4. Northern Lights Wake-Up Service 📞
Yep, the hotel has a northern lights wake-up service. The Northern Lights are tricky to see, and naturally, they often appear in the middle of the night, so fear not: During your stay at Silica Hotel, you can peacefully fall asleep after having requested this service, as reception will keep an eye out for you and call you if they should appear. I was just about to snooze off when my phone rang one night during our stay, and you better believe I ran down the corridors to see the sky light up! 🤩
5. Complimentary Breakfast
One of the perks of staying at Silica Hotel is the complimentary breakfast, featuring fresh Icelandic produce; and let’s be honest, there is nothing like a really good hotel breakfast! No matter how long I do this job, I will never be tired of a hotel breakfast, and the selection at Silica Hotel was nothing short of amazing - Hands down one of my favourite breakfast spreads ever.
6. On-Site Restaurants
Not sure, but this may be one of my favourite reasons why you need to stay here. The on-site dining options at the close by Blue Lagoon are fantastic. I loved both, the Lava Restaurant for the food and views of the Blue Lagoon and the Moss Restaurant for the food of course, but also for the overall experience! At Moss Restaurant they have a farm-to-table menu that showcases the best of Icelandic ingredients, with a modern and fun twist. Think seafood, lamb, rye bread and other delicious Icelandic treats. They even offer a tasting menu, often paired with a carefully curated wine selection from their Wine Cellar, which is carved into an 800-year-old lava rock. 😍
So in summary:
If you're planning a trip to Iceland and wondering where to stay, I highly recommend Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon. To me, it was the perfect blend of luxury, nature, and relaxation – and the private lagoon is such a chic luxury moment, you cannot miss it! Plus, with its super convenient location near the airport, it’s ideal for both short stays and longer explorations of this beautiful country.