The British hotels I'm heading to as soon as lockdown ends
Will we get a summer holiday this year? It’s the question on almost everyone’s lips after over three months spent in lockdown. 2020 was supposed to be an ambitious year of travel for me, but I was forced to cancel multiple trips abroad and around the UK. However, with hotels set to reopen across the country on July 4th according to the government’s guidelines, many properties are gearing up to welcome guests again - I’m predicting the rise of the ‘British staycation’, as many seem daunted by the idea of stepping on a plane any time soon. I’m hoping to spend the summer exploring more of the UK, before venturing only as far as Europe for the rest of the year. I’ve rounded up the British hotels that I’ve got lined up this summer below - if you’re planning an escape, check out my guide to the best luxury hotels in the UK, or this guide to my favourite boutique hotels. Fancy a London staycation? I’ve got a guide for the best hotels in the city too.
One of the cosiest properties situated on the edge of the Lake District, this boutique hotel is a firm family favourite of ours - my parents make excursions here a couple of times a year, and it’s also where I had my hen party! Oliver’s parents have come to love the hotel too, and originally had a holiday booked here for the first weekend of July. In order to comply with social distancing rules, we’ve decided to take over the property for exclusive use, and I can’t wait to revisit - there are six bedrooms, each with deep jewel-coloured bathtubs, and vintage furniture. The food is Indian-inspired, and you can expect spicy scrambled eggs and cardamom porridge at breakfast.
Read a full review here.
One that’s been on my hit list for a while, this gorgeous Cotswold pad is home to 18 elegantly-furnished rooms and beautiful gardens. My sister and I had originally booked a surprise birthday weekend here for my Dad’s 60th, which was a couple of weeks ago, but this was sadly postponed. We’re now hoping to visit in early July once the hotel reopens. I’m looking forward to enjoying the deep bathtubs, tasteful furnishings, and gourmet spreads at the famed restaurant and pub.
My friends and I were supposed to be heading to Wilderness festival this year and were absolutely gutted to hear that it was cancelled. The festival is usually held at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire, in the heart of the Cotswolds; instead we’ve decided to book a short girls’ weekend away in the area, and will be spending one night at The Wild Rabbit, a Cotswold classic and sister property to Daylesford. I’ve eaten in their gourmet restaurant before, and if the food is anything to go by, I’m sure the rest of the property will be equally as tasteful: bedrooms are minimally furnished, with a honeysuckle Cotswold theme running throughout.
For the second night of our weekend gallivant, my friends and I will be heading to Soho Farmhouse, a much-loved countryside escape of mine. We’ll be staying in one of their larger cabins that features two bedrooms, plus a living area - I’ve stayed in a variety of their rooms and cabins before, but am very excited to experience their larger accommodation. We’ll most likely make use of the cinema, and acres of grounds to roam - plus order breakfast in bed of course.
Read a full review here.
For my sister’s birthday, we were planning on booking a girly spa weekend away, but when the UK went into lockdown, our undecided plans were left up in the air. Given that most properties will be hopefully reopening in early July, we’ve decided to book a trip towards the end of the month at Babington House, one of my all-time favourite properties, which my sister has yet to visit. I sadly doubt the famed Cowshed spa will be open by this time, but the property will still be wonderful in the summer, and we’ll be able to enjoy the grounds, and recent renovations.
Read a full review here.
One that’s been on my hit list for a long is the famed Lime Wood hotel, renown for its luxurious spa and restaurant by Angela Hartnett; as our family holiday to Malaysia and Bali was cancelled this year, my parents, sister, Oliver and I will be heading to Hampshire for an UK-based trip instead, and a three-night stay at Lime Wood. I’m looking forward to the stunning interiors (based on the photos I’ve seen), and the hotel’s famed restaurant run by Angela Hartnett.
After heading to Lime Wood, we’ll be moving onto The Pig near Bath for a few more nights as part of our family holiday. Oliver and I have visited a couple of The Pig hotels, and the one in Somerset is our favourite - like all Pig properties, interiors are shabby chic, and the restaurant is the beating hub of the property. We’ll be planning on doing day trips into nearby Bruton and Frome during our time here.
Read a full review here.
More ideas? Check out my guides to my favourite luxury hotels in the UK, and more boutique and affordable options.
