TOP FIVE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTELS FOR COUNTRY LIVING

Emma Love

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Make the most of crisp mid-winter days with classic outdoor pursuits, from fishing and clay pigeon shooting to hiking and wild swimming. Here’s our pick of the top country house hotels round the UK, all of which make a great base for an action-packed stay. Afterwards, come in from the cold for hearty suppers and a warming dram of whisky by the fire.

The Fife Arms, Braemar, Scotland

Since being given a new lease of life by Iwan and Manuela Wirth in 2018 (the art dealer couple behind Hauser & Wirth in Somerset and the Artfarm brand), this Victorian coaching inn has become as renowned for its jaw-dropping collection of art and antiques as the countryside pursuits on the doorstep. Its idyllic location 15 minutes from Braemar, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, means bookable guest experiences range from a walk through a Caledonian pine forest on a riverside trail with one of the hotel’s Ghillie team to wild swimming in a Loch, guided e-biking to an off-road Defender experience with mountain vistas on the Invercauld Estate. There are two ski centres nearby too, for skiing and snowboarding in winter. After adventure-filled days outdoors, evenings can be spent eating supper in The Clunie dining room, where wood-fire cooking showcases Scottish produce and tasting some of the 500 whiskies on display, library-style, in Bertie’s Bar. The Russell Sage-designed interiors feel playful yet entirely of their place, from the dramatic antler chandelier above the grand stairwell to the house tartan, and rooms divided into categories such as Scottish culture, nature and poetry.

Located on a tributary of the river Dee, renowned as being one of the great salmon rivers of the world. The Fife Arms becomes the perfect base to cast your line. Nearby fisheries include Crathie, Glenmuick, Dinnet (pictured above) and Deecastle. Book fishing online through our sister website.

The Gunton Arms, near Cromer, Norfolk

Set in a 1,000-acre deer park, this pub with rooms is best known for chef Stuart Tattersall’s sensational cooking over an open fire (he is a former head chef at Mark Hix). For a front-row seat, request a table in the Elk room. Venison comes from the deer park and beef from nearby Blickling; seafood, mussels and Cromer crab is caught by local fishermen. Owner Ivor Braka’s passion for art is in evidence in works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Lucian Freud that hang on the walls in the series of small dining spaces. Upstairs, comfortable rooms were designed by the late Robert Kime and have views out across the deer park. Four miles from the beaches on the north coast, it’s also brilliantly positioned for exploring the Norfolk Broads and nearby country estates such as Fellbrigg and Holkham Hall.

Mallory Court Hotel and Spa, near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

At this country house hotel between Warwick and Leamington Spa, guests can try their hand at activities such as riding (lessons for all abilities take place at the Warwick International School of Riding) and shooting. The latter, at the Honesberie Shooting School on a family-owned 400-acre farm, includes air rifles, clay pigeon shooting and archery. Choose between traditional rooms in the grand Lutyens-style manor house or a stay in Orchard House, which has a more neutral, contemporary design. There are also 10 acres of grounds (ask at reception for the mindfulness walking map or sign up for a garden tour with the estate’s manager) and the Elan spa, where highlights include the hydrotherapy pool and outdoor vitality pool. Eat in The Dining Room, a wood-panelled space where ingredients from the hotel’s kitchen gardens dictate the seasonal menus or at informal Asian restaurant, Sencha.

Linthwaite House, Windermere, Cumbria

From easy rambles to hardcore hikes, the Lake District is a well-known walking county – and this hotel overlooking Lake Windermere makes a great base (many fell routes start from Ambleside at the northern tip). It’s surrounded by 14 acres of manicured hilltop gardens and woodlands and has its own rowing boats on a private tarn. More watersports action takes place on Windermere itself – whether you fancy canoeing, paddleboarding or sailing. At Linthwaite House, the best rooms come with lake views and a hot tub on the terrace (the Fell Suites are in a separate low-level, wood-clad building) while at Henrock Restaurant, which is overseen by celebrated chef Simon Rogan, menus (three-course set or tasting) are based around produce from his regenerative farm in the Cartmel Valley. There’s also all-day dining and cocktails at The Bar & Conservatory, where guests can gather around the crackling fire in winter and sit out on the terrace for afternoon tea in summer.

Minster Mill, Oxfordshire

Pottering around charming honey-hued Cotswold stone towns, visiting historic palaces and excellent walking, such as along a section of the Cotswold Way National Trail, are, depending on your interests, all must-do’s during your stay at Minster Mill. It’s in the village of Minster Lovell, right on the bank of the River Windrush – meaning that guests can also try their hand at fly fishing for rainbow trout and bream, either independently or with an experienced ghillie. Splash out on a Feature room, which comes with a firepit on the private terrace, or a spacious Junior Suite. For supper, choose between British fare at the Wildling restaurant (such as cote de boeuf for two or cider pork cheek with sage polenta) or eating at more casual sister property the Old Swan, a proper English pub, just across the road. Don’t miss spending time in The Garden Spa either, which has an indoor plunge pool, sauna and steam room.