LUXURY HOTELS NEAR LONDON AIRPORTS

Driving time to airport: 40 minutes to London Gatwick

A grade II-listed Palladian mansion set in 312 acres of rolling parkland, this luxury hotel near Gatwick counts William Wordsworth, Winston Churchill and Marlon Brando among its high-profile past guests. You can quite literally live like royalty too, as Queen Mary and George V once slept in a suite here (touches include a glittering chandelier, original fireplace and rolltop bath). Executive and classic rooms are mostly in the garden wing; many come with French doors that open onto a private terrace – ideal for a morning cup of tea or pre-dinner aperitif. Don’t miss dinner in two AA rosette restaurant The Orangery, which serves up modern British dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients such as Buxted Park venison, Hastings’ stone bass and Sussex lamb.  Ashdown Forest is a short drive away for stretching your legs before a long flight.

Driving time to airport: 60 minutes to London Gatwick

Get your holiday started with a wine tasting experience at Chapel Down vineyard – then head to nearby Chilston Park for dinner at two AA rosette restaurant, Culpeper’s. Housed in the 17th century country house hotel’s original dining room, it has wonderful vistas of the surrounding 77 acres of parkland. It’s known for modern British fare based around local ingredients such as Caldecott Farm chicken and south coast turbot, as well as classics like chargrilled steaks and beer-battered fish and chips. Afterwards, bed down for the night in rooms that are split between the manor house and the mews, made up of three buildings around a central courtyard. Country cottage-feel junior suites, for instance, are on the ground floor of the stables and ideal for families with a separate living area, two bathrooms and extra beds for children on request. Feature bedrooms have carved oak four-posters and characterful period features; suites have the best views of the lake and manicured gardens.

Driving time to airport: 15 minutes to London Gatwick

Nothing is more relaxing before a flight than an overnight spa break near the airport. The Utopia Spa at this contemporary Sussex hotel (once the home of poet Percy Shelley and author Mary Shelley) has a bespoke outdoor barrel sauna and bubbling hot tub on the terrace, plus steam rooms, and several indoor pools too. Book in for OSKIA therapies – perhaps the Renaissance Vitamin Body Glow, a full body experience that encompasses exfoliation, a mask and head-to-toe massage; an ultra-hydrating Super-C facial (to combat dryness on the plane); or a stress-busting bamboo massage. After bubbles at the 1608 Champagne Bar, tuck into dishes such as roast sea trout or pan-fried lamb rump at the laid-back Reflections restaurant or dress up for supper at the more formal three AA rosette fine dining restaurant AGs.

Driving time to airport: 15 minutes to London Heathrow

Michelin-star restaurant Tudor Pass is one of the biggest draws to this foodie-favourite just outside Windsor – especially for anyone wanting to splash out on a sensational supper to celebrate the start of a holiday. Diners can choose between four and seven-course tasting menus (it’s open Wednesday to Saturday and there are only seven table so be sure to book in advance). Alternatively, sit down for a more informal dinner at the Estate Grill where dishes could include lobster and salmon raviolo, 48-hour slow cooked pressed lamb belly or mushroom risotto. There are also 50 acres of grounds and gardens with listed parterres, a Saxon moat and Japanese bridge, to explore. Plus, the Utopia Retreat spa, which has an Art Deco heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and historic suites in keeping with the 16th-century country house hotel near London Heathrow itself.

Driving time to airport: 20 minutes to London Gatwick

With its elegant sitting room, roaring log fire (in winter) and cosy wood-panelled bar, this luxury hotel near London Gatwick is set in eight acres of grounds overlooking Cuckfield Park, is a fantastic place to hunker down before a holiday. Traditional rooms are in the main Elizabethan manor; contemporary spa suites come with their own private roof terrace. The spa itself is built inside a walled garden: drift between the indoor-outdoor pool, saltwater floatation tank, rainforest shower (fed from the hotel’s natural underground spring), and dedicated relaxation space. The same menus are served throughout, so you can choose between eating dinner in the drawing room, the more casual bar or outside on the terrace. The afternoon tea is renowned, and a a delicious indulgence to kickstart your trip.

Driving time to airport: 25 minutes to London Heathrow

Coworth Park is, of course, best known for polo and a stay here is a chance to leap into the saddle yourself – whether for private lessons, solo pony treks or a polo master class. There are masses of other activities you can try your hand at too, from archery and falconry to exploring the grounds by Segway, strolling the sculpture trail and playing tennis. The design throughout is tranquil and takes its cues from the natural world, from the rooms and suites to the Michelin-star restaurant, Woven by Adam Smith. Have polo-inspired drinks in the bar, afternoon tea in the drawing room and a pampering holiday-ready pedicure in the spa.