Hartwell House & Spa

In the midst  of the Buckinghamshire countryside, an hour outside London, Hartwell House is a Grade I-listed mansion that’s owned by the National Trust and operated as a hotel and spa. Its sweeping drive leads to a part-Georgian, part Jacobean facade. In turn, this draws you into magnificent interiors that are frankly so grand that at times you might wonder if you are allowed in. But, of course, you are. And not only allowed to explore, but also to stay overnight in one of 48 guest rooms and suites. This place may once have housed King Louis XVIII but now it’s open to everyone. What's more, it also boasts a restaurant, a bar, tennis courts and a spa, along with 90-acres of gardens and parklands.

This is a country house hotel on a stately scale and the hospitality here matches the grand surroundings. While you have contemporary conveniences here and all mod cons like WiFi and EV charging, everything ultimately remains in keeping with the age of the place, as you might expect from the National Trust. That means elegant surroundings all round with antiques and period furniture everywhere – in guest rooms as well as shared lounges.

You could easily spend your whole time here, and most who stay here do just that. After all, there’s a lot to take it in. There are original paintings on the wall, blissful treatments in the spa and walks available in the grounds – not to mention the fine dining menus of its elegant restaurant. Should you wish to go further, though, Hartwell House sits on the outskirts of Aylesbury and is only 20 minutes’ drive from the historic city of Oxford.