Luxury English Staycations: Countryside Calm and Coastal Charm

Devon and Cornwall

Embark along the dramatic English Riviera and South West Coast path of Devon, an impressive coastline with prehistoric fossil-rich cliffs and charming harbour towns. Picturesque villages like Clovelly and Salcombe offer a nostalgic slice of seaside life, while Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks provide rich opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and wild swimming.

Soak in a heated swimming pool overlooking the Exe estuary, walk through vineyards and tuck into remarkable cuisine at Lympstone Manor Hotel, Restaurant and Vineyard – an exceptional retreat where luxury, nature, and gastronomy intertwine, perfectly capturing the essence of luxury english staycations.

Further west, Cornwall vistas are the epitome of Wild and Wonderful. Here, locals invite you in warmly, folklore and traditions are upheld that exist nowhere else in Britain, the unique Cornish language predates Roman times, and there’s no shortage of delicious pasties, pies, and Yarg cheese.

The Pig at Harlyn Bay is set in a 15th-century home, with “far-reaching sea views, oodles of quirks and stacks of original features.”

Nourish yourself with homegrown produce from their garden, locally sourced suppliers, and seafood alfresco at The Lobster Shed. Stroll down to the beach, go surfing at Polzeath, or hop over to Padstow for plenty of gastronomic feasts. Don’t miss the Eden Project or Tintagel Castle for culture-rich excursions.

Hampshire

In Hampshire the past comes to life — from the grandeur of Highclere Castle, the real-life inspiration for Downton Abbey, to the iconic Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth Harbour, home to some of England’s most famous ships. Take a heritage steam train on the Watercress Line or picnic along the River Itchen.

King Arthur’s Round Table and Great Hall are wonderfully preserved in Winchester Castle, and families can keep their kids on their toes at a variety of museums and theme parks including Paultons Park.

Nestled in the New Forest, enjoy a relaxing spa retreat or take to the skies in one of Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa’s contemporary Treehouse Hideaways.

Admire the incredible walled garden and sculptures, or hone your cooking techniques with friends at the Kitchen Cookery School, guided by expert chefs with classes on British Comforts and a range of international cuisine.

Heckfield Place is renowned for its “lovingly restored Georgian family home at the heart of [their] working estate,” flaunting the most sublime gardens and stylish design elements. Sustainability meets luxury here, with biodynamic farming, an on-site cinema, and mindful wellness programmes.

Suffolk

Boasting two National Landscapes – the Heaths & Coast of Dunwich and Dedham Vale – it’s no wonder that two of England’s greatest painters, Constable and Gainsborough, have immortalised Suffolk’s scenery on canvas. This region is perfect for a luxury English staycation filled with walks, heritage, and artistry.

Pass through the charming medieval Wool Towns of Lavenham and Clare, ride the oldest and sturdy breed of Punch horses, step back in time at Aldeburgh’s Moot Hall, and stop at the most easterly Ness Point to grasp its seafaring legacy.

Wilderness Reserve offers a completely immersive experience set in restored and eclectic properties, “breathing new life [from the] Manor House and 15th-century Barn, to charming thatched cottages and romantic retreats.”

Classically English with a twist, the remote quality of each hideaway can accommodate a romantic couple or a grand party housing up to 40 guests. Enjoy wildflower meadows, paddle boarding on private lakes, and foraging sessions that celebrate the land’s bounty.

Sussex

From the chalk-white cliffs of the Seven Sisters to the ancient Wealden woodlands, Sussex blends coastal drama with pastoral charm. The South Downs National Park stretches across rolling hills and patchwork farmland, offering panoramic walks, cycling trails, and dark skies for stargazing. Step back in time with visits to Cissbury Ring, England’s largest hill fort, and the medieval splendour of Arundel, Bodiam and Herstmonceux Castles — all complete with moats, towers and tales of the past.

On the coast, Rye is a jewel box of cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and antique shops, while nearby Camber Sands tempts with vast golden beaches perfect for blustery walks, sandcastle building, or exhilarating kite surfing. Wine lovers can explore Sussex’s flourishing vineyards such as Rathfinny Wine Estate and Tinwood Estate, where English sparkling wines rival those of Champagne.

True to its name, The Gallivant invites you to live the good life, just a sand dune away from the windswept beauty of Camber Sands. This coastal retreat blurs the lines between boutique hotel and wellness sanctuary, with laid-back interiors, warm hospitality, and a strong connection to nature. Rooms are thoughtfully designed with calm, natural tones, some featuring freestanding baths and private gardens, while the onsite spa offers seaweed wraps, massages, and rebalancing rituals.

Here, soulful experiences are at the heart of everything. Guests are encouraged to slow down and reconnect — whether through somatic breathwork, moonrise yoga, or seasonal masterclasses led by chefs, florists, and well-being practitioners. The restaurant champions hyper-local, sustainably sourced ingredients from nearby farms and fishermen, while the daily ‘Wine at Five’ ritual invites you to gather, sip, and savour.

The Gallivant perfectly encapsulates the essence of luxury UK staycations: relaxed, rejuvenating, and effortlessly refined.

Lake District

The Lake District marks the start of Wainwright’s Way at St. Bees Head, an exhilarating coast-to-coast National Walk that crosses U-shaped valleys, steep fells, slate ridges, and England’s deepest lakes. Rich in wildlife and a rugged dreamscape for eager ramblers, families will also love visiting craft fairs and markets, independent shops and tearooms, as well as chasing waterfalls like Aira Force.

At this family-run abode with resident llamas and alpacas, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House believes that “hospitality starts with a warm welcome and ends with a friendly goodbye,” a wholesome approach that makes you feel right at home.

Whether staying at their luxurious hotel with a Spa Space and Champagne Bar, or lakeside in an 8-bedroom sanctuary with hot tubs, sauna and swimming pool, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Indulge in a private chef’s dinner or hot air balloon ride for one of the best truly unforgettable luxury English staycations.

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds sings a harmonious tune that lulls you into repose, a picturesque idyll dotted with historic villages, stone cottages, rolling farmland, and the renowned birthplace of Shakespeare.

Look for local arts and crafts, antique stores, and silversmiths at Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway, then wander around the jewels of Highgrove Royal Gardens and Sudeley Gardens as you walk in the footsteps of royalty.

Revel in “a glorious sprawl of forest and field” at The Fish Hotel in Farncombe, where laid-back luxury meets Cotswold charm. Set within a 400-acre private estate, this rustic-luxe bolthole blends countryside escapism with playful, stylish design. The hotel’s collection of unique accommodations includes cosy rooms in converted farmhouses, cedar-clad woodland huts, and spectacular treetop hideaways, all offering comfort, character, and panoramic views.

Live in hand-crafted structures of quirky treehouses and hilly shepherd’s huts, equipped with luxurious sunken tubs, heated floors, and magical outdoor decks where you can stargaze in silence or sip morning coffee as deer wander past. Guests can dine at Hook, the hotel’s acclaimed seafood restaurant, or gather around the firepit with a glass of wine after a day spent exploring.

Embrace nature at your doorstep, explore the Windrush Valley, or take a slow drive to Blenheim Palace, stopping en route to discover honey-hued villages, charming tearooms, and picture-perfect walking trails that define the joy of luxury English staycations.