Lords of the Manor Hotel

With an exceptional address on the atmospheric limestone-lined High Street of Oxford, encircled by the city’s oldest and most famous churches, this wonderfully well-maintained Georgian residence houses a hotel spread across three interconnecting buildings.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Old Bank Hotel has merged its past with contemporary touches to create interiors that are as characterful as they are cosy. Light pastels sit alongside more striking tones, and light-flooded rooms display the owner’s private collection of art. Views of the street, the spires and the rooftops can be soaked in from the cushy window seats, and the rooftop bedroom and terrace boast particularly exceptional vistas.

Dining can be done without leaving the door, as the former banking hall is home to the Quod Brasserie. This chic space encompasses a bar, with low-lit snugs and offers an all-day menu, which can be sampled on a heated Italian garden terrace throughout the year.

Mooching around Oxford is the best way to experience the city, and a daily guided walking tour is available, as well as complimentary bike hire for guests. After you’ve had your fill of punting and promenading, you can return in time for afternoon tea, pop into the library, looking out over the terrace, or opt for an in-room massage.

Set in quiet gardens just five minutes’ walk from the historic centre, The Principal York is the perfect place to discover this truly beautiful city.

Overlooking the York Minster, the 155 elegant rooms and suites have been refurbished by award-winning interior architects Goddard Littlefair. Each carefully blends the splendour of Victorian architecture with top-end modern amenities, including a rain shower, to ensure the ultimate in comfort and style.

Dining at the Refectory Kitchen & Terrace is a pleasure for the senses, and local ingredients are thoughtfully combined to create contemporary British classics. A traditional afternoon tea is served in the Garden Room which boasts spectacular views and a full English breakfast buffet is on offer each morning.

A heated swimming pool, sauna, gym and Jacuzzi await you after a day of discovering the charming cobbled streets and grand architectural structures of York. The hotel is also situated next to the York train station if you are keen to explore further afield.

Stroll through exquisitely tended gardens, allowing the scents and sounds of the countryside to welcome you to Gravetye Manor, a peaceful home away from home. Set on 35 acres of enchanting gardens in the Sussex countryside, this hotel is an idyllic rural escape.

Named after trees found on the estate, the 17 richly furnished rooms are designed with classic aesthetics in mind. Luxurious fabrics and carefully chosen antiques pick up on the floral theme that runs through the gardens and into the hotel itself. The rooms offer views out over the gardens, meadows and lake.

Take a seat in the wood-panelled restaurant for a relaxed meal, or enjoy a pleasant lunch out in the garden. The Michelin starred head chef uses the freshest homegrown produce from the estate to create his seasonal modern British menu.

The Gravetye team are proud of their gardens and love to see guests enjoying and using them as they were intended. Sip a cup of tea surrounded by fragrant blooms, stroll along stone pathways and breathe in the scents, and spend some time exploring the wild garden. Let the natural beauty of the estate rejuvenate you.