From charming cottages with thatched roofs to idyllic gardens, stately homes and immense mansions, as well as small winding roads through unspoiled landscapes, the English countryside is charmingly beautiful. From the Roman city of Bath to Yorkshire in the North, this route is full of historic sites and pretty villages where time seems to stand still.
Hotel and restaurant in town. Ivy climbs up the Georgian sandstone of The Bath Priory, a charming manor built in 1835, nestled in the gardens of a former priory. Lilac, heather and hyacinth are among the lovely flower names given to the rooms whose decor offer a splendid blend of modern fabrics and antique furniture. Sheltered by low walls, the herb garden is just a hint of the delicious aromas you will soon savour.Crossing Royal Victoria Park, you are only steps from the historic centre of Bath, where you can stroll among Georgian architecture and visit the Roman baths. But the most beautiful bath awaits your return at The Garden Spa by L’Occitane. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge decorated with paintings and works of art.
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It would be ideal to be able to (re)read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen here, a novel which so admirably describes the atmosphere of the Assembly Rooms. In the ballroom in the basement of this prestigious building, a stunning costume collection traces the history of 16th century fashion to modern times....
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Roman Baths and Circus, Bath
The first spa in England, Bath already had natural hot water before the construction of its first thermal baths by the Romans. Used for nearly four centuries, the baths were then neglected and forgotten. It was finally the arrival of Queen Anne in the early 18th century that made Bath a fashionable water...
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Crinolines of the Fashion Museum, Bath
It would be ideal to be able to (re)read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen here, a novel which so admirably describes the atmosphere of the Assembly Rooms. In the ballroom in the basement of this prestigious building, a stunning costume collection traces the history of 16th century fashion to modern times....
Read Moreless
Roman Baths and Circus, Bath
The first spa in England, Bath already had natural hot water before the construction of its first thermal baths by the Romans. Used for nearly four centuries, the baths were then neglected and forgotten. It was finally the arrival of Queen Anne in the early 18th century that made Bath a fashionable water...
Colerne near Bath -
United Kingdom
42 rooms - 6 villas
This property is open.
Hotel and restaurant in the country. Lucknam Park — the very name conjures images of trees and stately nature. This country retreat boasts sumptuous guest rooms and outstanding cuisine, to be savoured in the grand atmosphere of Michelin- starred Restaurant Hywel Jones or in the contemporary Walled Garden Restaurant. Luxuriate at the award-winning spa, enjoy horse riding on the 200 hectares of parkland covering the estate or simply enjoy the gardens and the magnificent avenue of 400 lime and beech trees planted in 1827. If you wish to venture out of this retreat, the lovely city of Bath is just 15 kilometres away.
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Castle Combe’s charm has remained intact since the beginning of the 17th century. Since then, no new construction has spoiled the beauty of this village, which seems to come straight from a fairy tale. Stroll between the honey-colored stone cottages to the market square and the charming St Andrew's...
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Corsham Court, Wiltshire
The foundations of this imposing Elizabethan manor house dates back to the mid 16th century, but it was two centuries later that Paul Methuen discovered the more classical contours and decided to house his incredible collection of paintings. Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Veronese, Rubens and...
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Discover the monoliths of Avebury
Less known than the famous megalithic Stonehenge, the Avebury site comprises some hundred monoliths erected on nearly 11 ha. Erected around 2500 BC. AD, the Avebury Stone Circle was likely a sacred site, and most of its stones were shattered by superstitious villagers. Located near High St., the Alexander...
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Castle Combe
Castle Combe’s charm has remained intact since the beginning of the 17th century. Since then, no new construction has spoiled the beauty of this village, which seems to come straight from a fairy tale. Stroll between the honey-colored stone cottages to the market square and the charming St Andrew's...
Read Moreless
Corsham Court, Wiltshire
The foundations of this imposing Elizabethan manor house dates back to the mid 16th century, but it was two centuries later that Paul Methuen discovered the more classical contours and decided to house his incredible collection of paintings. Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Veronese, Rubens and...
Read Moreless
On the route
The pastoral world of the Cotswolds
Teaming with farmers and wool merchants, the Cotswolds are a stunning pastoral universe. The mansions, farms, "wool churches" and sheep pasture paddocks were all built in typical Jurassic limestone. Wild vegetation has spread over some of the hills once covered by sheep. This part of rural England still...
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Benedictine Abbey of Malmesbury
We can no longer distinguish the nave and the former southern gate of the ancient abbey of Malmesury, and yet the building remains very impressive for those who visit. With construction beginning in the 12th century, the famous abbey remains associated with the scholar Saint Aldhelm (shown in a window)...
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The pastoral world of the Cotswolds
Teaming with farmers and wool merchants, the Cotswolds are a stunning pastoral universe. The mansions, farms, "wool churches" and sheep pasture paddocks were all built in typical Jurassic limestone. Wild vegetation has spread over some of the hills once covered by sheep. This part of rural England still...
Read Moreless
Benedictine Abbey of Malmesbury
We can no longer distinguish the nave and the former southern gate of the ancient abbey of Malmesury, and yet the building remains very impressive for those who visit. With construction beginning in the 12th century, the famous abbey remains associated with the scholar Saint Aldhelm (shown in a window)...
Hotel and restaurant in the country. With its aura of spectacular otherworldliness, Thornbury Castle stands proudly in the county of Gloucestershire, near Bristol, England. Sumptuously set within 15-acre grounds, the 16th-century Tudor architecture and historic charm of this exceptional hotel are embodied not only in its stone walls but also in its majestic interiors, as evidenced by its spacious rooms and suites. Remarkably peaceful, the hotel provides the perfect tableau to the lush countryside of the Severn Valley. It encapsulates the best of castle life, with days spent relaxing in front of the fire, being pampered in the spa treatment room, enjoying royal afternoon tea, basking in idle contemplation accompanied by spectacular views over the enclosed gardens and indulging in the many activities nearby. It is an enchanting setting, that can be savoured in the four dining rooms of Thornbury Castle’s gourmet restaurant, where the focus is on creative cuisine that celebrates the essentials. Chef David Williams brilliantly blends garden vegetables and produce from local farmers, offering both traditional and vegetarian menus that will delight the most discerning of connoisseurs.
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Architecture lovers will not want to miss Bristol Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture dating from the 12th century, then remodelled and reinvented over the intervening years – the nave was rebuilt in the 19th century. Today, the cathedral remains one of the finest examples of what is...
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On the route
Dyrham Park
The stunning baroque manor house of Dyrham Park in South Gloucestershire is set in an ancient deer park dating back to the 17th century. Spanning more than 110 hectares and complete with lake, orchard, and centuries-old trees, William Blathwayt’s former country house is now home to furniture, works of...
Hotel and restaurant in a village. Nestled amid beautiful gardens, Buckland Manor is one of the finest manor houses in the Cotswolds and a unique retreat for peace and reflection. If not relaxing in the surroundings of timeless beauty and elegance, where crackling log fires warm the cosy lounges, you can always burn up some energy on the tennis court or try your hand at horse riding, hunting and hiking into the vicinity area.Savour top hospitality, fine wines and exquisite food — be it a sumptuous dinner or a light al fresco lunch — amid glorious vistas where the sun falls on honeyed stone. With its air of classic English charm, Buckland Manor offers an idyllic spot for a few days away or an exclusive event.
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Designed by Lawrence Johnstone, these beautiful gardens were created in the 1910s as a series of "rooms" in the open. Each has a beauty rivaling the previous. Even today, this enchanting maze is extensive at more than 5 hectares and consists of various plants, colorful flowers and aromatic herbs, remaining...
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The tradition of Chastleton House
Owned by the same family between 1612 and 1991, Charleston House has crossed the decades without major changes. It is this respect for tradition and the unique mark of the past that led the National Heritage Memorial Fund to acquire this large house, still dominated by massive towers. Its furniture and...
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The garden “rooms” of Hidcote Manor
Designed by Lawrence Johnstone, these beautiful gardens were created in the 1910s as a series of "rooms" in the open. Each has a beauty rivaling the previous. Even today, this enchanting maze is extensive at more than 5 hectares and consists of various plants, colorful flowers and aromatic herbs, remaining...
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The tradition of Chastleton House
Owned by the same family between 1612 and 1991, Charleston House has crossed the decades without major changes. It is this respect for tradition and the unique mark of the past that led the National Heritage Memorial Fund to acquire this large house, still dominated by massive towers. Its furniture and...
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On the route
Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon
The owner of the home where Shakespeare was born destroyed it in 1759 to put a stop to visits from admirers! Completely rebuilt in the 19th century in the typical Tudor architecture style, the house nevertheless continues to draw a crowd from around the world today. Certain original editions of his work...
Hotel and restaurant on a lake. A Victorian house elegantly converted into a prestigious hotel, Hambleton Hall is hidden away in Rutland, in the heart of the Midlands. England’s smallest county is also home to the largest artificial lake in Europe. It is a geographical detail further enhancing the seductive powers of this hotel, which is perched on a hill overlooking the water.You will appreciate the incomparable hospitality of Tim and Stefa Hart and succumb to the charms of the sumptuous interior decor and the cuisine that is quite simply unique. When departing this magnificent setting, you will have only one thing in mind: to return as soon as possible for another interlude of calm and well-being.
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With a surface area of just over 10km2, Rutland Water is the largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom. Completed in 1976, this freshwater reservoir is now bordered by many protected habitats. It has become a major wild bird sanctuary, both for migratory bird species and for birds that winter here,...
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Discover Burghley House, Peterborough
This amazing castle belonged to Sir William Cecil (1520-1598), the highly influential Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I. It is even said that he designed the plans himself. The stately home features finely worked chimneys and pinnacles that tower high into the sky and is today home to an impressive...
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Birdwatching on Rutland Water
With a surface area of just over 10km2, Rutland Water is the largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom. Completed in 1976, this freshwater reservoir is now bordered by many protected habitats. It has become a major wild bird sanctuary, both for migratory bird species and for birds that winter here,...
Read Moreless
Discover Burghley House, Peterborough
This amazing castle belonged to Sir William Cecil (1520-1598), the highly influential Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I. It is even said that he designed the plans himself. The stately home features finely worked chimneys and pinnacles that tower high into the sky and is today home to an impressive...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
From ancient Roman Baths, the Cotswolds on to the nature reserve of the Hambleton Peninsula - a journey of natural beauty
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