Head to a National Park for unrivalled beauty and a break away you will never forget…
Summer is here and there is no better time to book a staycation and experience some of the most beautiful parts of the country the UK has to offer. Why not head to one (or a couple) of the national park’s for unrivalled beauty and serenity? Here is a list of our top picks for you to enjoy. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
1Lake District – Holbeck Ghyll
Holbeck Ghyll is set in the Lake District, overlooking the Langdale Fells and one of England’s loveliest stretches of water – Lake Windermere. A fine country house hotel built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for Lord Lonsdale. The ivy-covered Arts and Crafts house stands in extensive grounds that slope down to Lake Windermere. Stay overnight from £125 pp (two sharing) including dinner and a full Cumbrian breakfast.
2New Forest – Montagu Arms
The Montagu Arms is a charming 17th century country house hotel in the idyllic village of Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest. The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the forest’s flora and fauna and you’ll be remined of your location when you look out of the windows as New Forest ponies roam past regularly. After a day’s walking, indulge in Head Chef Matthew Tomkinson’s enticing modern menu of richly comforting dishes laced with touches of innovation at the hotel’s Terrace Restaurant. Stay overnight from £219 per room (two sharing) including full English breakfast.
3Dartmoor – Bovey Castle
Situated in the spectacular Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle spans 275 glorious acres with expansive gardens and lakes. The estate, with its 60 uniquely-appointed bedrooms and 22 luxury lodges, is well known for outdoor pursuits – try your hand at tennis, archery, cider and sloe gin-making. Better still, to really make the most of the moors, saddle up and join the hotel’s resident falconer Martin Whitely to fly hawks from horseback. Stay overnight at Bovey Castle from £179 per room (two sharing; room only), including full access to the Elan spa.
4South Downs – Ockenden Manor
On the edge of the South Downs National Park, Ockenden Manor is a glorious Elizabethan Manor Country House Hotel & Spa. Make the most of the South Downs with the hotel’s Nordic Walking retreat with resident Nordic Walker Jacob Parsons. Intersperse walks along the South Downs Way and the High Weald Landscape Trail with indulgent massages and fine dining. The two-night Nordic Walking break (16-18 September) costs from £645/£323 pp (two sharing) or £439 (single occupancy) including accommodation, full English breakfast each morning, two massages (a neck, back and shoulder massage and an indulgent foot massage), two dinners, a picnic lunch, an extensive programme of Nordic walking and full use of the hotel’s spa and leisure facilities.
