There’s something quietly magnetic about a British escape that feels effortlessly luxurious. The country’s rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and historic towns have always drawn travellers, and today they appeal just as much to locals seeking a memorable staycation as to visitors from around the world. More people are looking for experiences that feel both special and considered – whether it’s a slow weekend at a country estate, a curated coastal retreat, or an urban hideaway that balances comfort with culture.

Luxury in Britain isn’t about fine linen and polished silverware anymore (though they help); experiences that feel local, authentic, and thoughtful are the major pull. Afternoon walks with a view, curated dining that celebrates British produce, and moments of calm in boutique hotels that understand how to make time feel suspended – these are what make a “Great British escape” so compelling, whether you’re exploring from within the UK or flying in from New York, Los Angeles, or Tokyo.

Here, we’ll explore the most compelling retreats across the UK where this balance comes to life – from timeless country estates to coastal hideaways that are quietly redefining British luxury.

1. Beaverbrook, Surrey Hills

Set in the Surrey Hills, Beaverbrook is a historic (and absolutely quintessential) country estate with manicured gardens, rolling parkland, and individually styled rooms in both the main house and the Village cottages.

The Coach House Spa features six flower-themed treatment rooms, an indoor pool, a 20-metre heated lido, and a thermal area with sauna, steam room, and hot tub. The onsite activities are seemingly endless – from padel, fencing, and treehouse adventures to walking tours and a private cinema, there’s something for couples, kids, and multi-generational groups alike. Dining highlights include The Dining Room Japanese Grill with miso cod and raw lobster tacos, and The Garden House Restaurant, serving relaxed Italian classics.

RASK Recommends: Book a late-morning spa treatment, then take a short drive to Denbies Wine Estate for a private vineyard tour or tasting – it’s a perfect pairing of Beaverbrook’s calm luxury with the rolling landscapes and terroir of the Surrey Hills.

2. Fairmont Windsor Park, Berkshire

A stay at Fairmont Windsor Park feels like a deep exhale. Few hotel estates are positioned within an hour of Central London, yet feel this quietly removed from it all. Set beside Windsor Great Park, this hotel brings a sense of calm grandeur – polished, but never stiff. It’s the sort of place you come to recharge properly, whether that means a few days of impeccable spa rituals or simply lingering over breakfast with garden views.

The rooms are elegant and understated, full of soft tones and light. Many overlook the lawns and lake; others open onto terraces that catch the evening sun. The sense of space is part of the appeal – there’s room to slow down (a much-needed break from the buzz of Central London). That said, you’ll want to visit for the spa alone: cryotherapy, hammam, salt rooms, hydrotherapy pools – a destination in its own right. Guests drift between the thermal suite and treatment rooms in that contented, timeless rhythm that only the best spas achieve.

Dining spans refined to relaxed. 1215 serves seasonal British dishes in an intimate setting, while Moreish offers an easy brasserie atmosphere. Afternoon tea in the Orchid Room feels quietly indulgent – beautiful pastries, soft light, and service that never rushes.

RASK Recommends: Stay at least two nights to settle into the pace. Dedicate one day entirely to the spa, and another to exploring Windsor Great Park – the morning light through the trees is reason enough to rise early.

3. Heckfield Place, Hampshire

Few estates feel as self-contained yet effortless as Heckfield Place. Set amid rolling Hampshire countryside, it’s a place that encourages you to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the joy of space. Families, couples, and groups alike find their rhythm here, whether it’s wandering the gardens, exploring the estate, or simply sitting quietly with a book.

The Bothy is a standout: a 17,000-square-foot spa designed to make you forget your phone even exists. Thermal experiences, meditation rooms, and treatment suites combine with an ethos of deep rest – guests are actively encouraged to switch off, reset, and let time stretch luxuriously.

Beyond wellness, the estate has plenty of character. The working home farm produces much of the food served across the hotel, from hearty breakfasts to refined dinners in the main restaurant. The cottages offer private, self-contained stays with all the same attention to detail as the main house, and the on-site cinema is perfect for a quiet night in, complete with cosy seating and thoughtfully curated films.

RASK Recommends: Wake early for a farm tour or a session feeding the animals – it’s a surprisingly meditative start to the day. Try a hands-on cookery or foraging class in the kitchen garden, or borrow a bike to explore the estate trails before lunch. Finish the day with an outdoor fire pit experience under the stars, paired with a locally sourced charcuterie and wine from the estate cellar.

4. Chewton Glen, Hampshire

Chewton Glen has long been a benchmark for British country-house luxury, but it never feels stuck in the past. The estate stretches across 130 acres of gardens, woodlands, and private golf courses, giving you the sense of stepping into a world where time slows but the details never slacken. Every corner is meticulously maintained, yet somehow still warm and inviting.

Rooms and suites blend traditional elegance with contemporary touches, many with private terraces or garden views. The dog-friendly treehouse suites, suspended among the estate’s canopy, offer a playful yet refined way to stay – a truly immersive way to experience the grounds.

The spa deserves its own mention: with an indoor pool, thermal suites, and a range of treatments, it’s designed to reset the body without overwhelming the mind. Outdoor options abound too, from tennis and croquet to guided walks through the nearby New Forest, and a wonderful ‘beehive’ kids’ club – making it a versatile retreat for couples, families, or small groups.

Dining at Chewton Glen celebrates provenance and subtle creativity. The Michelin-starred Restaurant turns local ingredients into artful dishes, while the relaxed Garden Kitchen offers a more approachable take on British classics. Afternoon tea in the main house or a picnic in the gardens gives every guest a chance to slow down and savour the estate at their own pace.

RASK Recommends: Check in and check out the Christmas festivities if visiting over the holidays. With Christmas lights adorning every corner of the hotel and more than 200 Christmas trees filling the estate, Chewton Glen transforms into a magical seasonal retreat.

5. Lympstone Manor, Exmouth

Lympstone Manor is quintessentially Devon – elegant, coastal, and quietly individual. This Relais & Châteaux estate sits just outside Exmouth, offering easy access to the dramatic Exe Estuary while feeling tucked away in its own world. Michael Caines MBE’s culinary vision permeates every corner of the property, from the fine-dining restaurant to more informal culinary touches, ensuring a stay that delights every sense.

The suites are light, airy, and thoughtfully designed, each with its own character and impeccable attention to detail. For a playful twist, the estate also offers a handful of shepherd’s huts – quirky, cosy, and utterly charming, giving couples or small families a private slice of the grounds, complete with rolling bath tubs and sky roofs for instant stargazing.

Wine lovers will relish the estate’s vineyard tours. Walking among the vines, tasting the fruits of the manor’s own production, and pairing with seasonal menus is a quietly indulgent way to spend a morning or afternoon. Beyond the estate, Devon beckons: cliff-top walks, beaches for early-morning strolls, or visits to nearby historic villages like Topsham and Exeter, all within easy reach.

RASK Recommends: Begin your day with a vineyard tour, then enjoy a private tasting paired with a seasonal lunch curated by Michael Caines. Take an afternoon to explore the South Devon coast by bike or on foot, then retreat to a shepherd’s hut for a late-evening glass of wine under the stars.

6. Grantley Hall, Yorkshire

Grantley Hall feels like a private country estate with a cosmopolitan heartbeat. Set amid 200 acres of rolling Yorkshire countryside, it’s part of The Leading Hotels of the World, yet it manages to be warmly approachable. The combination of historic architecture, sprawling lawns, and modern interiors makes it a place you can explore without ever feeling rushed.

Rooms are generously proportioned, even the cosier options feel grander than most. King-sized beds, complimentary mini bars, and pillow and robe menus ensure a stay that’s as comfortable as it is elegant.

The estate is alive with experiences. Music and cultural events are central to the calendar, from intimate live performances in the hall to seasonal festivals that bring the estate to life. The award-winning Three Graces Spa offers restorative treatments and thermal experiences designed to soothe both body and mind. And, of course, food and drink are equally considered. The estate has seemingly endless options, from contemporary cocktail lounges to more traditional dining rooms, and even an off-site country pub that showcases the best of Yorkshire produce. Every venue has its own atmosphere, letting guests tailor their experience.

RASK Recommends: Catch a summer concert on the lawn or explore the estate’s hidden gardens at sunset – it’s a side of Grantley Hall most visitors miss.

From the rolling Surrey Hills to the rugged Devon coast and the serene Yorkshire countryside, these estates show how varied a Great British escape can be. Each property offers its own personality: some immerse you in spa indulgence, others in culinary craft, and others in expansive gardens and countryside walks. Across them all, there’s a shared sense of calm, luxury, and thoughtful detail.

The festive season is a particularly enchanting time to visit, with twinkling lights, seasonal menus, and rooms that feel ready for celebration. Spring brings its own appeal – gardens in bloom, longer days, and the kind of soft, luminous light that makes every walk and morning coffee feel special.

Ready to explore? Contact RASK Travel to craft a stay that’s perfectly timed, thoughtfully tailored, and entirely yours. Get in touch or email info@rasktravel.com.