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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Luxury country hotel recommendations

40 replies

Ihateslugs · 01/07/2023 00:36

I’m planning to treat my adult children and their partners to a short UK holiday next year. Originally I was thinking of a really nice self catering cottage with four bedrooms, all en-suite, and a pool or hot tub and found details of loads of places in N Wales and Shropshire.

Once I starting thinking about domestic details, I began to go off the idea of self catering as I want a complete break without even thinking of what to eat, where to eat, food shopping etc. I even considered using a private chef but that would still leave lunches and breakfasts to faff with!

So, now I’m looking at hotels, not large chains, more country manor style with a swimming pool and maybe a lounge area for us to chat in the evening, serving breakfast, lunch and evening meals so we have choices of when to eat based on our dat time activities.

I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations I could look at? We need to be within an hour or so drive from Manchester and Birmingham with some nice places nearby to explore. I’m not too bothered about price, I’ve got some money saved in my retirement fund which I’d like to enjoy with my family.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
cherryassam · 01/07/2023 01:11

Cheshire:

Rookery Hall Hotel, Nantwich
The Mere, Knutsford
Cranage Estate, Holmes Chapel (It is a DeVere though)
Rowton Hall Hotel, Chester
Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Chester

Staffordshire:

Hoar Cross Hall Hotel, Burton on Trent
Moddershall Oaks, Stone

Would highly recommend Rookery Hall Hotel, The Mere, and Hoar Cross Hotel.

Fivemoreminutes1 · 01/07/2023 06:02

The Tawny near Stoke on Trent is one of the most relaxing hotels I’ve been to. Really tucked away, lovely grounds, friendly staff, great spa…. Lots to do nearby https://thetawny.co.uk/category/nearby/#

CarlaTheGnome · 01/07/2023 06:36

Hoar Cross is incredible! There are some amazing places in the North Cotswolds if that's not too far, around Moreton in the Marsh and Cheltenham.

Ihateslugs · 01/07/2023 18:14

I’ll have a look at these suggestions, thanks.

Any ideas on places in N Wales? I like the area around Conway but have only stayed in small B & Bs before.

OP posts:
MinnieMountain · 01/07/2023 18:23

Possibly not luxurious enough but a friend highly recommended the hotel in Portmerion.

Quella · 01/07/2023 18:33

If you're thinking about North Wales, check out Portmerion. I've stayed at both the village (in on Castell Deudraeth

Quella · 01/07/2023 18:35

Sorry, hit send by mistake!
That should be stayed in an apartment in the village, as well as one e of the hotel rooms in the Castell and both were lovely. ( particularly the Castell)
Lots to do at Portmerion itself as well as nearby.
Hits your brief for catering as well.

cherryassam · 01/07/2023 18:36

Bodysgallen Hall is nice as is Hotel Portmeirion, mentioned by PP

cherryassam · 01/07/2023 18:40

Castell Deudraeth in Portmeirion is gorgeous, but I think only has an outdoor swimming pool. It’s been many years since I’ve been though

BadGranny · 01/07/2023 18:41

Hambleton Hall, Rutland.

jannier · 01/07/2023 18:51

Bodsgallyn hall is good.
If you go back to the cottage idea Smallshaw farm near Penistone yorkshire has an amazing range of 5 star cottages an outdoor hot tub, BBQ hut and the best spa ever.
They stock the houses with a wine selection you can order food from supermarket to arrive before you.....they put it away for you....or the local farm shop does brilliant ready meals.

ReviewingTheSituation · 01/07/2023 19:16

Do you need to be within an hour of both Mcr and Bham? If so, that narrows your search area significantly.

JazzyBBG · 01/07/2023 19:21

Agree with pp the Tawny looks amazing.

There's Chateau Rhianfa and Lake Vyrnwy Hoyel in n Wales though I've heard the Lake Vyrnwy one whilst in a stunning setting is a bit odd!

Nearer Birmingham you've got Ardencote Manor, New Hall, Hogarths, Nuthurst Grange etc.

JazzyBBG · 01/07/2023 19:23

Oh also Hampton Manor v near NEC, seriously posh and outstanding food.

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 01/07/2023 19:25

Stapleford Park in Melton Mowbray is lovely.

Mexicocalling · 01/07/2023 19:34

The tawny is exceptional. It’s a phenomenal hotel. Hampton Manor has amazing food but definitely more than an hour from Manchester!

Palé Hall Hotel in Bala is another lovely one. If you can manage longer journeys, the Grove at Narberth is absolutely incredible. But it’s a long drive from B’ham and Manc!

SirQuintusAureliusMaximus · 01/07/2023 19:45

Lygon Arms in Broadway - & Broadway is lovely with cute shops.

LittleBowSheep · 01/07/2023 19:55

It's Conwy, not Conway.

likeasongbird · 01/07/2023 20:00

Middlethorpe Hall, York 100%

Mytholmroyd · 01/07/2023 20:09

SirQuintusAureliusMaximus · 01/07/2023 19:45

Lygon Arms in Broadway - & Broadway is lovely with cute shops.

Ooh that brings back memories! Yes lovely old hotel - we had our first child free romantic weekend away there back in the 1990s and I nearly fell off my chair at breakfast when I recognised Tom Berenger at the next table!

PickledPurplePickle · 01/07/2023 20:38

https://www.thefishhotel.co.uk/sleep/rooms/

Snowdrop90 · 01/07/2023 20:46

The Tawny as pp, it’s stunning

The Elms, Worcester

Grantley Hall - further afield but beautiful