There's something timeless about escaping to the English countryside. Woodland walks, country-house hotels, long lunches, open fires and the simple pleasure of having a little more space to yourself all have their appeal, whatever the season.
And while the idea of a countryside break might conjure images of a long drive into deepest rural England, some of the best escapes are surprisingly close to London. From a Georgian hotel surrounded by woodland to a working farm in Hampshire, a country-style retreat in Richmond and a Cotswolds cottage to call your own, these stays each offer a different take on the English countryside.
Whether you're looking for a quick weekend away, somewhere to gather friends and family or simply an excuse to swap city life for country air, these four escapes are worth keeping in mind.
Burnham Beeches Hotel, Buckinghamshire
There's something particularly satisfying about discovering a country-house hotel that feels properly removed from city life, only to realise it's remarkably easy to reach.
Set across ten acres of woodland and gardens, Burnham Beeches Hotel offers exactly that. Despite being reachable from London in around 40 minutes via the Elizabeth Line, the Georgian hotel feels a world away from the capital.
Following a recent refurbishment, its traditional country-house character has been given a lighter, more contemporary feel, while the surrounding grounds provide plenty of space to slow down.
A stay here can be as restorative or as sociable as you like. There's the spa for quieter days, afternoon tea when you fancy something indulgent and plenty of countryside to explore on foot. Its location also puts Henley, Windsor, Ascot and other much-loved destinations within easy reach, making it a useful base for exploring the wider area.
The result is a country escape that feels genuinely removed from London without requiring a long journey to get there.
Silchester Farm, Hampshire
If your idea of a countryside break involves good food, fresh air and plenty of room to spread out, Silchester Farm has the formula pretty well worked out.
Less than an hour from London, the Hampshire estate is centred around outdoor living and a slower pace. Accommodation ranges from the wonderfully named Pyggies, romantic pig-arc cabins with freestanding baths and views across the grounds, to larger houses designed for families and groups.
There's no pressure to fill every minute here. Days might involve cycling, swimming or tennis, while quieter moments can be spent wandering through the kitchen garden, exploring the estate or simply enjoying the space around you.
Food is also a big part of the experience, with the farm's kitchen making use of seasonal produce and the Trough Farm Shop offering local provisions. Throughout the year, events and gatherings bring people together around long-table meals, live music and the farm's own produce.
It's less about the traditional idea of a country break and more about creating the space to spend proper time together, whether that's a weekend with friends, a family gathering or a couple of days away from the usual routine.
Richmond Hill Hotel, London
Not all countryside escapes require leaving London at all.
Perched on Richmond Hill and moments from Richmond Park, Richmond Hill Hotel offers the slightly surreal experience of being in the capital while feeling as though you've escaped it.
The Georgian townhouse has plenty of country-house character, while its position beside Richmond Park and close to the Thames makes it particularly suited to anyone looking for more greenery and breathing space without sacrificing the convenience of London.
There are miles of parkland to explore, riverside walks to discover and plenty of independent shops, pubs and restaurants nearby. And when the weather isn't playing ball, the hotel itself provides a comfortable base to retreat to.
It's a particularly good option for Londoners who want the feeling of a proper break without the logistics of actually going away, and a reminder that sometimes you don't have to travel far to change your surroundings.
Arlington & Row, The Cotswolds
Then there's the classic English countryside escape: a beautiful house, a village nearby and nowhere particularly urgent to be.
Arlington & Row offers a curated collection of holiday homes across some of the Cotswolds' most desirable villages and rural corners, from one-bedroom cottages for couples to larger manor houses sleeping up to 20.
Rather than a traditional hotel stay, these properties are about having your own space and settling into the rhythm of the place. Think slow breakfasts, countryside walks, meals around the kitchen table and evenings spent lingering long after dinner.
For larger groups and families, the flexibility is part of the appeal. A manor house can become a base for a multigenerational gathering, while a smaller cottage works equally well for a romantic weekend or a few days away with friends.
And because there's no prescribed way to spend your time, these stays work whatever the season. Come for long country walks and garden lunches when the weather is warm, or retreat indoors for roaring fires, cosy dinners and slower days when the temperatures drop.