As if visiting the Isles of Scilly – an unspoilt archipelago that's all sandy beaches and quaint stone buildings off the coast of Cornwall – wasn't exciting enough, you can also stay at a real life Tudor castle while you're there...
Star Castle hotel, based in a 1593 stone castle, sits atop a hill on St Mary's, the largest island in the Isles of Scilly and where ferries and flights from the mainland arrive and depart.
This makes it a great base for exploring other islands – like Tresco with its unique subtropical gardens – as small day trip boats depart regularly from the quay a short walk away. It is also one of the accommodation options for our own Isles of Scilly tour to discover the area's wildlife and gardens.
The hotel is perched above Hugh Town, the largest settlement of the island (but still just the size of a small village). From its stone ramparts, you can enjoy panoramic views over the whole archipelago – and scout out which beaches you'd like to visit!
Bungalows dotted around the garden offer additional accommodation, a swimming pool and the Conservatory Restaurant – although for historical charm, we favour the Castle Dining Room in the main Tudor building.
With its stone walls and traditional décor, this is a cosy spot to enjoy delicious meals prepared with local produce, including freshly-caught lobster and crab.
Venture downstairs and you'll find the Dungeon Bar. Once a prison, it's now a unique place to relax and enjoy a pre-dinner tipple. The hotel also serves afternoon tea up on the ramparts – so non-residents can enjoy the historic surrounds too as part of their Isles of Scilly holiday.
We were staying in a garden bungalow, which features a comfortable bed with soft white linen, charming beach-themed decor and generous tea and coffee-making facilities.
Walking to breakfast over Tudor stone walls – and being greeted by resident hotel dog, Rupert – was an inspiring way to start the day, followed, of course, by a delicious spread in the dining room.
Rafe the boatman circulates every breakfast in case guests fancy booking a boat trip that day – we were particularly tempted by the wildlife safari, offering the chance to spot seals and rare birds, and would highly recommend a visit to St Martin's, which is known for its stunning sandy beaches.
Overall, this historic hotel offers a warm welcome, and a comfortable base for anyone wishing to explore this unspoilt corner of the UK.
Rooms at Star Castle Hotel start at £205 per night, bed and breakfast.
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Le Manoir, Oxfordshire
As you approach Le Manoir along its long, lavender-lined path, you'll soon realise you're checking in at a truly special hotel. On the grounds of this picturesque English estate, Raymond Blanc has created a beautiful blend of eccentric French and British flourishes, evident in the quirky décor as well as the Michelin-starred food.
The grounds here are sublime, with acres of orchards, wildflower meadows, natural spring ponds, and a zen Japanese tea garden to enjoy. But the real highlight is the excellent herb and vegetable gardens which provide the kitchen with organic produce which the chefs soon rustle up into award-winning dishes.
The hotel offer: Stay for one night at Le Manoir from £685 per person and enjoy a welcome glass of Champagne on arrival, a seven-course dinner, breakfast in L'Orangerie or in your room, and a guided tour of the 11 gardens and orchards with a senior gardener, as well as a limited edition bag with Le Manoir treats.
Rick Stein's St Petroc's, Cornwall
The renowned chef Rick Stein has played a huge part in Cornwall’s gastronomy scene for the past few decades, famously running several restaurants in Padstow. He and his wife Jill opened their first outpost, the Seafood Restaurant, in the town almost 50 years ago and it’s as popular as ever today.
At St Petroc’s, there are 10 bedrooms for a handful of lucky guests to stay over for a food-focused seaside break. Sights nearby include Rock, Daymer Bay (ideal for kite- and windsurfing) and various scenic coves. Your furry friend might not be as discerning as you when it comes to food, but St Petroc’s is pet-friendly, so they’ll be welcome to come along too.
The hotel offer: Spend two nights at in a Cosy room at St Petroc’s (upgrades are available) and enjoy the full foodie experience: a three-course set lunch with a glass of Champagne in the Seafood Restaurant and a three-course à la carte dinner at St Petroc’s Bistro. You’ll also be able to savour a bottle of Rick Stein’s Spanish wine with some cheese and charcuterie at Ruby’s bar. Continue the culinary adventure after check-out – a signed copy of the star chef’s newest book Food Stories will be in your room on arrival ready to take home.
Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire
Ragdale Hall is a sumptuous country pile in the Leicestershire countryside and is the ideal escape if you’re looking for state-of-the-art wellness facilities. This beautiful manor house has a rooftop infinity pool where you can kick back and soak in the gorgeous views of the rural surroundings.
There is also a wide selection of wellness treatments available so you can be sure you’ll be leaving feeling rejuvenated.
The hotel offer: Save up to 35% on a blissful two-night spa break at Ragdale Hall, which includes two 40-minute spa treatments, full use of spa facilities including the Rooftop Infinity Pool, a Clarins skin consultation and gift for each guest, and all meals throughout your stay. From £582 per person.
Richmond Hill Hotel, London
It may be close to the heart of the capital, but Richmond is home to London’s biggest Royal Park – and with a stay at Richmond Hill Hotel you’ll feel like you’re in the countryside but with all the bright lights of the city on hand, too. The hotel is in a Georgian townhouse that was refurbished a few years ago, with modern additions such as under-floor heating, smart televisions and Heal’s beds ensuring 21st-century comfort.
From this bucolic base, you can go in search of the park’s famous deer, stroll along the banks of the Thames or head to Kew Gardens. And to get to Waterloo, it’s just a 30-minute train ride.
The hotel offer: A two-night stay at Richmond Hill Hotel, from £235 per person in a Georgian Deluxe Room, with breakfast each morning, afternoon tea with a glass of champagne each on the day of arrival, a dinner allocation of £35 per person and late check out.
Mosborough Hall Hotel, South Yorkshire
Take a trip to the stunning South Yorkshire countryside with a stay at Mosborough Hall Hotel. This 12th-century manor house is only a short drive from Sheffield, so you can combine the buzz of this friendly city with the tranquillity and wonderful landscapes of the Peak District.
There are also several stately homes with beautiful landscaped grounds within easy reach of the hotel, including Haddon Hall, Tissington Hall and the famous Chatsworth Estate. If you’d prefer to simply relax at the hotel you could enjoy a delicious afternoon tea before taking a walk in the delightful surrounding gardens.
The hotel offer: Enjoy a two-night stay at Mosborough Hall from £129 per person with breakfast on both mornings, a two-course dinner on your first night, afternoon tea on the second day and a free stay for dogs.
Rick Stein's Shepherds' Huts, Cornwall
For a truly unique seaside getaway, head down to lovely St Merryn near Padstow, Cornwall, where you'll find six cosy shepherd's huts nestled in the grounds of Rick Stein's pub, The Cornish Arms.
Each hut has a bright living area, an en-suite shower room, a kitchenette, and a private patio. With underfloor heating and a double bed with beautifully crisp linen, you can be sure of a snug night's sleep. You'll be moments from some of Cornwall's best beaches like Harlyn Bay and Constantine Bay, where you can head down for a morning dip or watch the sunset.
The hotel offer: Enjoy a two-night stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut from £270 per person. Included is a three-course meal at The Cornish Arms, breakfast each morning, a signed copy of Rick's latest cookery book, and a bottle of Rick Stein Spanish wine.
Summer Lodge, Dorset
In the sleepy Dorset village of Evershot and a short drive from Dorchester, this former dower house, built in 1798, offers an idyllic rural retreat for some true peace and quiet. Guests can borrow a bicycle to explore the scenic surroundings, play tennis or croquet, or head to the spa.
The cosy Whisky Bar has more than 300 varieties to work your way through, or leave your beverage selection in the safe hands of the sommelier. The restaurant, which serves the very best local produce, is the star of the show.
The hotel offer: This two-night stay in a Cosy Double costs from £395 per person, with breakfast, dinner on both evenings (plus a bottle of wine on the first night), and access to the hotel’s spa and swimming pool.
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
