Weekends away

The beautifully-lit interior which gives a Surrey spa the undeniable feeling of being in church

Artist Brian Clarke was hired to make the spa at the Beaverbrook Hotel something a little special – here's what he came up with.

York's finest hotel, a state-of-the-art cookery school and the secret to throwing the perfect dinner party

Newly opened this month, The Grand's state-of-the-art cookery school, spearheaded by the charasmatic Andrew Dixon, teaches aspiring culinary connoisseurs everything from bubble and squeak to thai green fish curry. Alexandra Fraser paid a visit.

Hartwell House review: Bourbons, Roman gods and unbeatable luxury

Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire, where the exiled Louis XVIII took refuge in the early 19th century, has now become a grand country house hotel. Annunciata Elwes paid a visit.

Bressingham Hall review: A splash of Georgian luxury and a stroll in stupendous, award-winning gardens

In the heart of Norfolk the beautiful Georgian pile that is Bressingham Hall makes a wonderful spot for a break, says Martin Fone.

North Cornwall or South Cornwall – which is the place for you?

Pinkmead review: A private estate all to yourself in one of the Isle of Wight's prettiest spots

A twenty minute boat ride from the mainland lies a 24-acre private estate on the Isle of Wight which you can have to yourself.

Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast: Golf, Game of Thrones and the most spectacular cliff walk in Europe

Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast seems to be on a roll at the moment – and this year it'll have the eyes of the world on it as it hosts golf's greatest championship, with The Open coming to Royal Portrush. Toby Keel paid a visit.

10 gorgeously cosy hotels for a winter break

Country Life’s best travel stories of 2018: Honeymoons fit for royalty, domestic paradises and top tips for ski trips

2018 saw us travel to Mauritius and back, to the finest hotels in the Alps and to some of our classically British country manor hotels, just a short drive from home. See our best stories from this year for some inspiration: where will you go next year?

Armathwaite Hall review: Man-made elegance surrounded by the natural beauty of the Lake District

A stunning 16th century country house overlooking Brassenthwaite Lake and surrounded by all the amenities an outdoorsman could hope for has become an elegant luxury hotel, complete with a 16 metre infinity pool. Giles Kime paid a visit.

Wokefield Estate Mansion House review: A weekend break with a gin-loving twist

A winter weekend in Cornwall by train: No crowds, no cars, just blissful peace and beauty

Cornwall is even more beautiful without the summer crowds, says Kate Green, and you don't even need to drive to get the most out of a trip to the tip of England.

Petworth: What to do, where to stay and what to eat in one of Sussex's most charming towns

Melanie Bryan spent a weekend in Petworth, the picture-perfect market town in the South Downs that boasts superb shopping, food and one of Britain's greatest country houses.

Bedford Lodge & Spa review: A hunting lodge-turned hotel and spa near the centre of Newmarket

Newmarket's Bedford Lodge & Spa is a ten minute walk from the town centre and a stones throw from the world famous training gallops. Lucy Ford paid a visit.

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire review: A deeply luxurious hotel that still retains a country-house feel

A grand country estate that's become a fine place to stay, The Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire offers swish opulence and country charm within easy reach of London. Victoria Marston paid a visit.

11 Cadogan Gardens hotel review: An SW3 refuge for the country-house owner dragged into London

In a city where more and more hotels now have the charm and individuality of a suburban shopping centre, 11 Cadogan Gardens promises something rather more cosy. James Fisher paid a visit.

Mousehole: A charming dot on the map perfect for fishing, unwinding and soaking in the Cornish culture

The tiny fishing village of Mousehole, in the farthest reaches of Cornwall, is a charming spot for swimming, spider crab, art and everything in between. James Elwes explores.

10 of the best hotels in Britain to have earned themselves a spot in the latest Good Hotel Guide

Which are the best hotels to come on to the radar in the last 12 months? We asked the editors of the Good Hotel Guide for their favourite new spots.

Bicester Village: A delicate mixture of luxury shopping, teeming crowds and stunning British countryside

Alexandra Fraser visits ‘the Bond Street of Oxfordshire’ and their delectable new Café Wolseley, just in time for the Christmas rush.

Ellenborough Park: A luxury getaway for any country sporting enthusiast

Octavia Pollock takes a trip to Cheltenham to experience the best that this equestrian retreat has to offer.