Five British gourmet getaways

If you’re anything like me, the culinary aspect of a hotel stay can really be the defining factor of an entire holiday; whether visiting abroad or travelling within the UK, the food eaten and the meals enjoyed at a hotel can really ‘make or break’ a trip for me. When it comes to staying at hotels, the properties that have really cemented themselves in my memory are those where we had delicious meals - think inventive menus and tasty dishes, and where breakfast certainly isn’t an afterthought. Read on for five gourmet getaway recommendations below.

The Rectory, Wiltshire - The Cotswolds

One of my favourite countryside hideaways, this converted rectory turned boutique hotel is nestled in the heart of Cotswolds country. Its stellar restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner each day - every meal here is as flawless as the next, featuring seasonal ingredients and a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Expect delicate dishes, delicious but unfussy - the bedrooms here are similarly laidback but luxurious. Value for money is fantastic, with a cooked breakfast included in the room rate - you’ll also find homemade shortbread in your bedroom, and sister pub The Potting Shed is a short walk away if you fancy some hearty pub grub.

This stay was discounted for press reasons, but all opinions are my own. I do not accept and write about press stays unless I truly enjoy them.

Heckfield Place, Hampshire

This flawless, 5-star country house hotel features three separate restaurants, all under the direction of Michelin-starred Skye Gyngell. With a seasonally changing menu (informed by the hotel’s own farm produce, and what’s growing in the gardens), you can expect to be constantly delighted - enjoy Italian-inspired summer dishes in the greenhouse, or hearty fare in the cosy Hearth restaurant. Breakfasts are an impressive affair, and you’ll find delicious cake served at teatime, as well as a minibar in your bedroom, restocked with complimentary home baked biscuits every day. With its air of contemporary luxury that isn’t suffocating or pretentious, Heckfield Place is the sort of place that you’ll love if you’re a foodie, and will never want to leave.

Artist Residence, Cornwall

Fancy running away to the seaside? What better place to escape to for a gourmet getaway than Cornwall, the home of cream teas, Cornish ice cream, and all things seafood? The Artist Residence in Penzance is the ideal location to rest your feet - the hotel’s Clubhouse is the beating heart of the property, offering cooked breakfasts and an all day menu throughout the week (with hearty roasts on Sundays). I would recommend visiting by car so that you can explore the local area too; from coffee in Falmouth, to dining at Portminster Cafe in St Ive’s and Rick Stein’s Padstow restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice when visiting.

This stay was gifted, but all opinions are my own. I do not accept and write about gifted stays unless I truly enjoy them.

Beaverbrook, Surrey

You wouldn’t expect this luxury country house hotel in the middle of Surrey to be harbouring one of the best Japanese restaurants in the UK - but the Japanese Grill at Beaverbrook is perhaps one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Under the direction of head chef Maruyama Taiji, you can expect to be wowed by the menu and delicate dishes here, featuring sushi, robata, and much more - breakfasts are just as delicious, and the hotel is also home to an Anglo-Italian restaurant, and spa cafe where you can find lighter options during the day. Little extras also include a complimentary minibar in your bedroom restocked with new snacks every day, and cake served in the beautiful drawing room in the afternoons.

Coworth Park, Berkshire

This Dorchester Collection property located in the heart of Berkshire offers 5-star luxury and service on a beautiful estate. You can experience fine dining in the hotel’s main restaurant, which boasts a Michelin star, or enjoy equally-as-delicous, contemporary fare in The Barn. Breakfasts at Coworth Park are no less spectacular: wake up to breakfast in bed, and enjoy the view from your bedroom whilst nibbling croissants and enjoying a full English.