Amberley Castle

In the county of Berkshire, The Vineyard Hotel & Spa enjoys a privileged position at the heart of the South of England. Perfectly placed for sightseeing, many of the region’s highlights are nearby: Oxford, Highclere Castle, Stonehenge, Salisbury, The New Forest, Portsmouth, Windsor Castle and the southern Cotswolds.

The South of England is also home to the country’s burgeoning sparkling wine industry and The Vineyard has its own 30,000 bottle wine cellar. The hotel has been in the ownership of the Michael family since 1996, who also own the Peter Michael Wintery in California. This expertise is in evidence throughout the hotel. The award-wining wine list means guests have a choice of 100 wines to taste and enjoy by the glass, and food and wine experiences that include private hosted wine pairings.

The Vineyard has 49 rooms ranging from Luxury Doubles to Grand Suites with views out onto the gardens. Set in its own little estate, activities include golfing and clay pigeon shooting. Some of the family’s private art collection can also be viewed on the walls of the hotel, which adds another personal touch.

The split-level restaurant features floor to ceiling windows and striking wrought-iron railings, which only adds to the hotel’s character. Awarded Five AA Red Stars and 3 Rosettes the restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best in the area.

Last but not least, the Vineyard’s spa is the perfect hideaway for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The spa offers a full range of facilities including Jacuzzi, circular pool with massage jets and current machine, steam room, sauna and relaxation area.

A stay at the charming Chewton Glen is all about comfort and understated elegance. Ideal for guests looking for a quiet break, this quintessential country house offers tranquility and luxury.

The 70 rooms and suites (including a collection of wonderful treehouses) offer views over the surrounding gardens, croquet lawn and parklands. For a truly memorable stay, make one of the 12 luxury tree houses your temporary home. The décor in the rooms ranges from traditional to more contemporary.

The team at The Dining Room use fruit, vegetables and herbs fresh from the kitchen garden, in keeping with the hotel’s focus on sustainability. The head chef and estate manager team up when it comes to planning menus according to what is most readily available in the garden.

Explore the 130 acres of woodlands and gardens which reach right to the borders of the New Forest National Park and towards the coast.

Take your relaxation to the next level at the award-winning spa, where a team of therapists are on hand to help you re-energize. Choose from 50 different treatments, and make use of the hydrotherapy spa pool, aromatherapy saunas, crystal steam rooms and nail studio. Active guests can spend some time on the tennis courts, in the dance studio or play a round of golf.

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.

Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House is a beautifully historic Grade I-listed building set within 376 acres of National Trust Grounds. It has played host to many an occasion in its 350-year history and today it is every bit as glamorous as it once was.

The house has stayed true to its roots, with antique furniture, period pieces and beautiful artwork adorning the walls. Entering the property feels like stepping back in time, but with all the modern amenities and facilities of a contemporary luxury hotel, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds.

47 rooms and suites are spacious and elegant, many coming with private terraces that look out over the courtyard and the surrounding countryside. There is also a three-bedroom cottage perched on the banks of the River Thames with a private garden, two lounge areas with open fireplaces and a kitchen with its own dining area.

Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to eating and drinking. Enjoy fine dining at Andre Garrett, where locally sourced ingredients and a menu that follows the seasons create a brilliantly British dining experience. For a more informal atmosphere, enjoy the mix of classic American and British dishes at the Astor Grill, located in the old stable block, and for something quintessentially English, take afternoon tea in the great hall.

The Pavilion Spa is tucked away in the walled garden, and here you can enjoy a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool or relax and unwind with a signature treatment. There is also a fitness suite as well as indoor and outdoor tennis courts.