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The Ultimate Guide to the British Countryside
England may not boast the best beaches or reliable weather, but it does possess a pretty exquisite countryside. From endless rolling hills to cobblestone streets, there is so much of the country's landscape to explore. Here, BAZAAR.com's ultimate guide to the British Countryside.
England may not boast the best beaches or reliable weather, but it does possess a pretty exquisite countryside. From endless rolling hills to cobblestone streets, there is so much of the country's landscape to explore. Here, BAZAAR.com's ultimate guide to the British Countryside.
![British Countryside British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/1280x853/hb_072616_englishcountryguide_stay.jpg?resize=980:*)
Soho Farmhouse
![SoHo Farmhouse SoHo Farmhouse](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/1600x1067/gallery-1469469711-hbz-brit-week-london-restaurants-farmhouse.jpg?resize=980:*)
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.
Astley Castle
![Best British Countryside Best British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/29/2560x1706/hbz-brit-week-countryside-astley-castle-gettyimages-147851976.jpg?resize=980:*)
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.
Shingle House, Dungeness
![Best British Countryside Best British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/29/2048x2233/hbz-brit-week-countryside-shingle-house-gettyimages-527164082.jpg?resize=980:*)
Dungeness is not your classic fisherman's village. This seaside country resembles a desert with vast, flat land extending to low-lying marshes. Completely desolate, Scottish architects NORD thought it would be the perfect setting for the sleek design of Shingle House. The accommodation comfortably fits eight people with enough surrounding space to maximize alone time. The kitchen comes equipped with tea bags, fresh bread, butter and milk to get you started on your minimalist stay. Bathrooms are lined with REN products, including shampoo and conditioner. There is also underfloor heating and a fire—be warned, Dungeness' large unsheltered landscape means the winters are exceptionally frosty. The Shingle House, however, is by no means the only interesting house on this patch of coast. Dungeness has become a haven for artists and architects alike, with chic holiday homes scattered across the beach. This place is an Instagrammers dream; one can while away their days exploring the pebbled shores, taking in the eerie remains of buildings and boats, the crisp new homes and the abundance of wildlife in what seems like no place you have ever been before.
Ocea Island
![Ocea Island Ocea Island](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/1024x678/gallery-1469469104-hbz-brit-week-london-restaurants-osea-island.jpg?resize=980:*)
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 17th 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.
![British Countryside British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/1280x853/hb_072616_englishcountryguide_eat.jpg?resize=980:*)
The Wild Rabbit
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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.
Daylesford, Kingham
![Daylesford, Kingham Daylesford, Kingham](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/1024x1163/gallery-1469468730-hbz-brit-week-london-restaurants-daylesford-farm.jpg?resize=980:*)
Daylesford is known nationwide as the best supplier of organic produce. Its farm, located in the upmarket area of Kingham in The Cotswolds, is set in the middle of unspoiled countryside. Daylesford's farm house is always buzzing with locals exploring the abundance of organic treats from the farm shop—fresh meat and vegetables as well as pre-prepared salads and baked goods are all available to take away. For those with more time, reserve a table (Daylesford can get busy, especially on weekends) and dine in for lunch. The menu is filled with Daylesford classics like the standout cottage pie as well as fresh "super green" salads. In summer, the outdoor pizza ovens are fired up–we recommend dining al fresco in the fresh country air.
![British Countryside British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/1280x853/hb_072616_englishcountryguide_relax.jpg?resize=980:*)
Bamford Haybarn Spa
![British Countryside British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/768x764/gallery-1469477292-hbz-brit-week-countryside-bamford.jpg?resize=980:*)
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.
Danesfield House Hotel and Spa
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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 Herb House
![British Countryside British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/768x768/square-1469477043-hbz-brit-week-countryside-limewood-hotel.jpg?resize=980:*)
The Herb House Spa, located in New Forest National Park, is an idyllic setting for a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation. Let go of any city or travel tensions in the heated outdoor pool, steam room and sauna surrounded by forest views. Choose from an expansive list of treatments including reflexology, anti-aging facials, hot stone massages and a Mud House wrap for full body purification. For those wanting more of a health kick, try one of the intensive fitness packages curated by Britain's leading personal trainer Matt Roberts. Restorative yoga and meditation classes are also available on the Herb House roof garden. A variety of day spa packages include access to Raw and Cured, the spa's own raw food cafe offering fresh juices and lunches focused on natural ingredients. To top off your visit, stay overnight in the Lime Wood boutique country house. The only danger is you may never want to check out.
![British Countryside British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/30/1280x853/hb_072616_englishcountryguide_do.jpg?resize=980:*)
Blenheim Palace
![Best British Countryside Best British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/29/3200x2133/hbz-brit-week-countryside-blenheim-palace-gettyimages-518520643.jpg?resize=980:*)
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.
Rye, East Sussex
![Best British Countryside Best British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/29/2560x1701/hbz-brit-week-countryside-rye-east-sussex-gettyimages-118846412.jpg?resize=980:*)
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
![Best British Countryside Best British Countryside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/16/29/2560x1706/hbz-brit-week-countryside-solsbury-hill-istock.jpg?resize=980:*)
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.
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