Our Summer Staycation Edit: Hotels We'd Recommend This Summer
Summer is a wonderful time to rediscover just how much the UK has to offer. From coastal escapes to countryside retreats, there are plenty of hotels that truly come into their own at this time of year.
We spend a great deal of time in hotels, working with many of the country's leading properties and discovering others that continue to inspire us. Along the way, we've built a list of places we'd happily recommend. Each has its own character, but all share the kind of thoughtful hospitality that makes you want to return.
If you're planning a summer staycation, here are a few that have caught our eye.
The Gallivant, Camber Sands
Just behind the wide sweep of Camber Sands, The Gallivant is made for those who want sea air, good food and a slower few days close to the coast. It has that easy rhythm that works so well in summer, with beach walks, daily yoga and plenty of time to move between the dunes, the restaurant and a comfortable room at the end of the day.
It is a place that feels relaxed without losing its sense of detail. The rooms are calm and coastal, the food is a real part of the stay, and the beach is close enough to shape the whole experience. Ideal for anyone who wants a summer break that feels restorative rather than overplanned.
Penmaenuchaf, North Wales
Perched above the Mawddach Estuary at the foot of Cadair Idris, Penmaenuchaf is a country house hotel with one of those settings that does a lot of the work for you. The landscape is dramatic, with Eryri National Park close by, making it well suited to walking, exploring and properly switching off.
The hotel describes itself as a mountain hideaway, and that feels right. Rooms are individual and characterful, the house has plenty of history, and the food focuses on high quality ingredients sourced as locally as possible. For summer, it is a lovely choice if you want space, scenery and a stay that feels deeply rooted in its surroundings.
THE PIG on the Beach, Dorset
Set above Studland Bay on the Jurassic Coast, THE PIG on the Beach brings together sea views, kitchen garden food and that very particular PIG sense of informality done well. There are beach walks, garden wanders, Potting Shed treatments and plenty of fresh air, with golden sands reached by footpath from the hotel.
Food is central here, as you would expect, with the restaurant serving seasonal British dishes shaped by the Kitchen Garden and coastline. In summer, the Garden Oven is especially appealing, with wood-fired pizzas and relaxed outdoor dining away from the main house. It is a coastal stay with plenty to do, but no pressure to do very much at all.
The Grove, Hertfordshire
The Grove is a strong choice for anyone who wants a summer stay that works for both adults and children. Set within 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, it offers the feeling of a proper country escape without travelling too far from London.
The Walled Garden is the real summer draw, with Ralph's Beach, a heated outdoor pool, daybeds, a bar, family games and activities. Everyman in the Garden also returns each summer with outdoor screenings for hotel guests and dinner-and-cinema packages. It is polished, spacious and easy to enjoy, particularly if you are planning a family break where everyone needs something to look forward to.
The Tawny, Staffordshire
The Tawny is a more unusual kind of hotel, spread across a landscape of gardens, woodland and water in Staffordshire. Rather than one traditional building, the rooms include treehouses, lookouts and other private spaces woven into the estate, many with outdoor William Holland spa baths.
There is a heated outdoor pool, a three-Rosette restaurant and plenty of space to wander, making it a good option for anyone who wants a summer stay that feels close to nature without giving up comfort. It has a slightly wilder feel than a classic country house hotel, which is exactly what makes it memorable.
Fowlescombe Farm, Devon
Close to Dartmoor, Fowlescombe Farm is an intimate retreat with just ten suites, set within the Devon countryside. It is rooted in the land around it, with a strong focus on food, farming and time spent at a slower pace.
The suites are beautifully designed, while the wider experience centres around the farm, the landscape and the Refectory, where seasonal food is a key part of the stay. It feels particularly well suited to those who want a summer escape that is calm, generous and connected to its surroundings.
Bring the Luxury Hotel Experience Home
One of the pleasures of staying somewhere special is noticing the details that make the experience feel different. The softness of the towels after a swim, a robe waiting after the spa, or a bed that feels genuinely difficult to leave in the morning.
If one of these hotels has inspired your next staycation, why not bring a little of that luxury hotel experience home?
From beautifully made bedlinen and towels to robes you'll reach for every morning, our collection is trusted by many of the UK's leading hotels and available for your own home.
