The Ultimate Guide to the British Countryside

One of the newest projects from the notoriously trendy Soho House group, this is the ultimate country escape for urbanites. Located in The Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, the Soho Farmhouse has thought of everything: from a boat shed housing indoor and outdoor heated pools, a Cowshed spa, steam room, sauna, fully equipped gym with spin cycle classes, tennis courts, row boats, horse stables and a plush cinema fitted with luxurious sofa seats and cashmere blankets. Cabins are scattered across 100 idyllic acres, each carefully positioned with its own sense of serenity. (Cabins on the waterfront have an outdoor bathtub kitted out with every type of Cowshed lotion and scrub you can imagine. Other cabins have freestanding bathtubs within the room.) Transport is slow-pace, as is life in the country–guests are asked to leave their cars at the front gatehouse so staff can ferry you around in converted milk carts. Meanwhile cruiser-style mint-green bicycles, fitted with wicker baskets, eagerly wait outside each cabin on arrival. This is the only transportation you'll need during your stay—the milk cart service can take you back to your room after too many cocktails in the Mill Bar. For food, the Main Barn serves homely British fare made with ingredients locally sourced from the kitchen garden. There's also Fancy Farm—expect white tablecloths and chandeliers but in the most kitsch possible way. Whatever you do, don't leave without testing the cocktail van, a portable bar driven straight to your doorstep upon request. These vans are in hot demand but circulate the property making bespoke cocktails for guests until the wee hours so you never even have to leave your cabin.

An ancient Medieval moated castle is definitely not your average Airbnb find, but thanks to Britain's Landmark Trust, you can rent Astley Castle—winner of the Stirling Prize, Britain's most prestigious architectural award—for your next vacation. (Murder Mystery dinner party, anyone?) From the exterior you might expect a complete ruin, but behind these crumbled walls lays a fully operational contemporary house—a delightful and unexpected twist. The property comfortably sleeps eight with four double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large open-plan living area. The dining table is fittingly suitable for a king and queen. A three-night stay is roughly £700.

A secluded island only accessible by low tide causeway, boat or helicopter? Sign us up. Semi-deserted, the privately-owned Ocea Island is a unique part of England's nature, untouched by inhabitancy for hundreds of years, and only recently opened to the public. Getting to the island itself is a surreal experience; driving through Essex, most locals may not have even heard of Ocea. Only accessible with car via a 4,000-year-old causeway built by the Romans, which rises from the estuary at low tide, it can be difficult to get the timing right. But you can also fly via helicopter from London's Battersea. In recent years, the island has become a haunt for London's young A-listers—and summer celebrity parties are a regular occurrence. Famous guests include Poppy Delevingne and Sienna Miller.

Stay in Manor House, a Great Gatsby-esque mansion complete with four-poster beds and its own private pool. Or for a slightly more romantic stay, retire in one of the charming 17^th century cottages. Bikes are provided to explore the island–no shops, no pubs, just 380 acres of uninterrupted countryside. If you miss the tide and get stuck for another night, things could be worse.

A former pub transformed into another Cotswolds gem, The Wild Rabbit is an atmospheric restaurant and hotel, all housed in a very pretty stone building. Although rustic in feel, the dining area is bright and beautifully laid with artisan tableware and seasonal herbs. Food is largely organic with many ingredients grown in their own garden. Rabbit is, of course, a regular on the menu along with plenty of tempting modern British flavors. Leave room for pudding.

The luxury Bamford Haybarn Spa is just another reason to visit Daylesford Farm. Step into the white-washed spa cottage and feel automatically at ease, with sun loungers lining the windows overlooking expansive views of endless green acreage. Guests are invited to relax on the loungers before or after treatments while enjoying the spa's signature herbal tea. A variety of sensual treatments are available to book, on top of gentle yoga and pilates classes. In keeping with the farm's ethos, treatments use botanic Bamford products made organically in England. For the ultimate package, book in for the "Perfect Haybarn Day," beginning with a 60-minute yoga class to unblock and clear the mind, followed by a Bamford Bespoke Facial and Bamford Body Signature—a full body indulgence involving a footbath, Shiatzu massage and (to end) an Indian head massage.

The setting is utterly romantic in this 1901 Renaissance Manor overlooking the River Thames. As well as offering a range of luxurious treatments, Danesfield House is known for its state-of-the-art gymnasium featuring bespoke fitness classes as well as a complimentary osteopathy consultations (available on request). Robes are donned on arrival and are encouraged to be worn throughout your stay. Packages cater to couples, brides-to-be as well as singles simply in need of a time out. All hotel guests are entitled to full use of the Spa facilities, including the pool and jacuzzi, so best to make this visit an overnight stay.

The Versailles of England, this grand estate was once home to Sir Winston Churchill. Now a World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is one for your bucket lists. Set aside a full day to discover its extensive grounds and historical State Rooms and save some energy and catch a miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens. Once you finally tire, stop by Blenheim's local town of Woodstock for a well deserved afternoon tea–scones, jam and clotted cream is our choice. It doesn't get more British than this–it's no wonder Dior is so fond of showing their Couture presentations here.

Just under just two hours by car from London, this charming village makes for the perfect day trip. Perched on a hilltop, Rye stands proud from the surrounding marshlands. Wander through the narrow, cobbled twists and turns of the town's famously beautiful Mermaid Street, past delightful teashops, family-run pubs and crumbling Tudor houses and you will think time has stopped. Venture further uphill to the church tower and take in expansive sea views stretching to France. Stop for lunch and a pint of ale at The Mermaid Inn, an antique Medieval dining house serving British pub classics like fish and chips with mushy peas. The cellars here date back to 1156 so it's doing well to remain (relatively) in tact.

Little Solsbury Hill, a landmark treasure protected by England's National Trust, is located close to the picturesque city of Bath. At 625 feet, its height allows for immense views—perfect to watch the world unfold below. Conditions are often muddy, so it's best to do as the Brits do and don rubber "wellies" on the walk. The National Trust has excellent guides available to plan the best route; it takes roughly an hour to reach the top.