A magical winter: three country-house escapes across Britain
intro
Add a little period-drama glamour to your winter break with a stay at one of Britain’s historic country hotels, where grand interiors, windswept walks and cosy fireside drinks are all part of the package. Beyond the country-house gates, there’s plenty to keep the adventure going, from alpaca treks and heritage railway journeys to subterranean trampolines and high-speed zip lines soaring over flooded slate quarries. Whether staying at a 12th-century Scottish Borders estate with an 18-hole championship golf course, a Cumbrian manor with a Michelin-starred restaurant, or a five-star Victorian retreat on the edge of Snowdonia (Eryri), clients can combine spa treatments and seasonal dining with outdoor activities and local discovery.
Scottish Borders: SCHLOSS Roxburghe
Relax like a royal at SCHLOSS Roxburghe, a 12th-century manor house hotel set amid the rolling Borders countryside, just a 30-minute drive from Melrose. Shaped by centuries of history, from medieval battles and Jacobite Risings to royal visits, the building boasts original heritage features, including open fireplaces and decorative stucco ceilings, alongside 58 luxury guest rooms, self-catering cottages, and restaurants celebrating Scottish cuisine. Dining ranges from a tasting menu celebrating Scottish cuisine at Sunlaws Restaurant to relaxed French-inspired cooking at Charlie’s bistro, with menus focused on local Borders produce. Guests also have access to wellness facilities including an outdoor heated infinity pool, Finnish and bio saunas, an aroma steam room, a gym and an 18-hole championship golf course. Activities include salmon fishing, clay pigeon shooting and archery.
Where is it
SCHLOSS Roxburghe is in Heiton, around three miles west of Kelso in the Scottish Borders, close to the English border.
Getting there
Edinburgh Airport is around 55 miles away, while Newcastle International Airport is around 45 miles away; both take roughly one hour to 90 minutes by car. Alternatively, guests can take a train to Berwick-upon-Tweed or Tweedbank, both approximately 30 minutes from the hotel by taxi.
Getting around
A car is recommended for exploring the Borders’ villages, country estates and rural attractions. Kelso is a short drive away, and taxis can be arranged locally.
Things to see and do nearby
Beirhope Alpacas, Kelso
Meet the fluffy locals in the Cheviot Hills with a trek at Beirhope Alpacas. Your clients can wander beside their own four-legged companion while taking in panoramic views of the rolling hills and valleys of the Anglo-Scottish border. Experiences include gentle, family-friendly alpaca strolls, as well as longer treks, alpaca ice cream picnics and seasonal events. Afterwards, stock up on bespoke sustainable gifts at the barn shop, including alpaca yarn, knitwear and handmade soap. The farm also offers grass pitches for off-grid, eco-friendly camping.
Getting there: Around 10 miles from SCHLOSS Roxburghe; approximately 20 minutes by car.
More information:Booking online is highly recommended.
Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen, Kelso
Step into family-run farm life at Wilson Farm and Kitchen, just outside Kelso. Clients can start their visit with a guided ‘Field to Fork’ tour around the working farm, spotting lambs, cattle and rolling Borders hills. Then they can relax in a rustic dining room where open-flame cooking highlights the region’s best produce straight from the farm, including Borders lamb, beef and seasonal vegetables. Upgrade options include a ‘Scotch Beef Tasting Menu’ letting clients sample the farm’s grass-fed steaks straight from the barbecue after a day of walking. These and further bespoke options, including on-foot farm tours and cookery shows, are only available for the travel trade for larger coach groups of up to 50 people.
Getting there: Around 5 miles away; approximately 10 to 15 minutes by car.
More information: Experiences have to be booked in advance.
Abbotsford, Melrose
Once the residence of writer Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford, near Melrose, draws your clients into the world of the father of the modern British historical novel. Built in the early 1800s, the Gothic baronial mansion features turrets, towers and a wood-panelled library. Exhibits showcase Scott’s manuscripts and weaponry, while nearby Scott’s View offers a cinematic panorama over the Tweed Valley and Eild in the n Hills. Abbotsford also operates as a hotel with seven luxury en-suite bedrooms in the Hope Scott Wing.
Getting there: Around 15 miles away; approximately 25 to 30 minutes by car.
More information: Open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm; the House is open from 1st March to 31st December.
Floors Castle, Kelso
Built in 1721 by William Adam for the Dukes of Roxburghe, Floors Castle looms above the River Tweed with enough turrets to justify any fairytale comparison – or Hollywood cameo in The Legend of Tarzan (2016). Inside, clients will find Thomas Gainsborough portraits and French tapestries. For full fantasy-immersion, year-round stays in the 19th century Head Gardener’s House within the Walled Garden offer access to woodland trails, riverside walks and the castle’s fine art collection.
Getting there: Around 5 miles away; approximately 10 minutes by car.
More information: Castle and grounds are open from the 1 May until 30 September. Gardens are open all year round.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels
Inspired by author Alexander McCall Smith and designed by artist Andrew Crummy with historian Alistair Moffat, the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels encompasses 160 hand-stitched panels charting 420 million years of Scottish history. The award-winning, purpose-built visitor centre (Edinburgh Architectural Association’s ‘Large Project Award’, RICS Scotland’s ‘Best Public Building Award’) lets your clients discover the artwork with touchscreens, magnifiers and multimedia guides, before exploring temporary exhibitions, a café and shop.
Getting there: Around 25 miles away; approximately 40 to 45 minutes by car.
More information: Open seven days a week from 9.30am to 5pm
Cumbria: Askham Hall
Across the Lowther River, Askham Hall is a 13th-century stately family home in the Lake District that has been turned into a boutique hotel with elegant period features. it includes oak-panelled drawing rooms, four-poster beds, and art and antiques in every corner. Michelin-starred restaurant Allium, led by Head Chef Richard Swale and ‘Maitre de Maison’ Nico Chieze, serves seasonal dishes crafted from produce supplied by the hotel’s own kitchen garden and surrounding farms on the Lowther Estate. The Health Barn invites clients to relax with luxury spa treatments. Special ‘Wild and Mindful Retreats’, led by spiritual guide Krish Thapa, are also available, including guided meditations, forest bathing, walking and fine dining.
Where is it
Askham Hall is in the village of Askham, around 6 to 7 miles south of Penrith, near the eastern edge of the Lake District.
Getting there
Manchester Airport is approximately a two-hour drive away. Penrith railway station is around 10 to 20 minutes away by car, with direct rail services from London and other major cities.
Getting around
A car offers the most flexibility for visiting lakes, villages and attractions across Cumbria. Local buses connect Penrith with Askham, and taxis are available.
Things to see and do nearby
The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere
Step into the charming universe of Peter Rabbit and friends at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. This immersive attraction brings the author’s timeless tales to life with 3D displays, garden trails, and interactive exhibits. It’s a nostalgic trip for adults and a storybook adventure for children. Your clients can explore scenes from all 23 of Potter’s books, meet characters like Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and learn about the author’s real-life conservation legacy in the Lake District. Just a stone’s throw from where she once lived, it’s also a seamless introduction to the landscapes that inspired both her work and the Peter Rabbit films.
Getting there: Around 25 miles away; approximately 45 to 55 minutes by car.
More information: Open daily from 10am to 4.30pm; special ticket discounts available for groups of 15 or more.
L’Enclume, Cartmel
L’Enclume sources most of its ingredients from chef Simon Rogan’s nearby 12-acre farm, showcasing sustainability through low food miles and regenerative agriculture. The three-Michelin-Star restaurant offers a tasting menu featuring dishes such as Orkney scallop with dried roe powder, and King oyster mushroom, or Cartmel Valley roe deer with salted currants, Kalibos cabbage, juniper, and caramelised chestnut. The restaurant prioritises composting, reducing waste, and sourcing renewable energy. Adjacent to L’Enclume is Aulis Cartmel, an intimate dining experience for just six guests. Guests can enjoy L’Enclume dishes while interacting with chefs, learning about their creative processes, and exploring ingredients from the farm.
Getting there: Around 35 miles away; approximately 60 to 75 minutes by car.
More information: Advance booking is advisable; the reservations office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a charming heritage train offering panoramic journeys through the Lake District. This narrow-gauge railway runs from the coastal village of Ravenglass to Dalegarth for Boot, close to England’s highest range of mountains, covering a seven-mile route across Cumbria. Your clients can enjoy rich autumnal landscapes, including picturesque valleys and historic sites such as the Ravenglass Bath House. The railway also offers private hire options for group sizes of up to 200.
Getting there: Around 45 miles away; approximately 75 to 90 minutes by car to Ravenglass.
Derwentwater
Lightsabers and… Bridget Jones? Only in Britain. Derwentwater played a starring role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and pops up again in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. But the lake is just as rewarding away from the cameras. Take a boat trip from Keswick with Keswick Launch Co. for a leisurely cruise past wooded islands and mountain scenery, hopping off at one of eight jetties to explore the shoreline on foot. Walking routes range from gentle lakeside strolls to the popular Catbells hike, which rewards climbers with sweeping views across the water and surrounding fells. In calmer conditions, kayaking and sailing with Derwent Water Marina offer another perspective on the Lake District landscape.
Getting there: Around 25 miles away; approximately 40 to 50 minutes by car.
Snowdonia (Eryri): Palé Hall
Set in the Dee Valley on the edge of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park in Wales, Palé Hall is a Victorian country house surrounded by gardens, parkland and mountain scenery. Built in the 19th century, the five-star retreat retains its period character, with individually designed rooms, elegant public spaces and dining that celebrates Welsh produce. Guests can explore the grounds, arrange guided experiences – from clay pigeon shotting to fly fishing – and unwind in the peaceful setting after a day outdoors. The hotel’s location also makes it a base for discovering the region’s industrial heritage, historic railways and more adventurous attractions.
Where is it
Palé Hall is in Llandderfel, near Bala in Gwynedd, north Wales, close to the southern edge of Eryri National Park.
Getting there
The nearest larger town to Palé Hall is Wrexham, about 65 miles (105 km) east, a journey which takes around one hour 40 minutes by car. Wrexham offers train connections to Chester, Liverpool and Birmingham, and from there clients can reach major airports including Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport. Wrexham General is the nearest mainline railway station, around 55 minutes away by car.
Getting around
A car is recommended, as many attractions are spread across the national park and surrounding valleys. Bala is around a 10-minute drive away, with shops, cafés and access to Llyn Tegid, Wales’ largest natural lake.
Things to see and do nearby
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
The historic Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, taking clients on a 13.5-mile journey from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Welsh Highland Railway is one of Britain’s longest heritage railways running for 25 miles from Caernarfon to Porthmadog via the Aberglaslyn Pass. Both narrow-gauge railways wind through Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, passing waterfalls, forests and mountain peaks.
Getting there: The nearest stations and routes vary; allow around 45 to 60 minutes by car to reach the Porthmadog area.
Llechwedd Deep Mine, near Blaenau Ffestiniog
Descend around 500ft underground at Llechwedd Slate Caverns near Blaenau Ffestiniog to discover the harsh realities of 19th-century slate mining. The Deep Mine Tour takes visitors by tram and on foot through a network of tunnels and chambers, bringing the lives of the miners who worked here into focus. Along the way, immersive lighting, sound and storytelling reveal the dangers and demanding conditions of the industry that shaped this corner of north Wales. Above ground, visitors can explore the wider slate heritage site, set within a landscape recognised as part of the UNESCO-listed Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales.
Getting there: Around 30 miles away; approximately 45 to 60 minutes by car to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Bounce Below, near Blaenau Ffestiniog
Deep beneath the mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri), Bounce Below turns a disused slate cavern into an underground adventure playground. Part of Llechwedd Slate Caverns near Blaenau Ffestiniog, this subterranean attraction features giant suspended nets, tunnels and slides spread across several levels, all illuminated by colourful lights. Visitors climb, bounce and scramble through the vast chambers, with the cavern’s towering rock walls adding to the otherworldly setting. It’s a high-energy way to explore Wales’s slate-mining heritage from an unexpected angle, with a little less history lesson and a lot more bouncing.
Getting there: Located at the Llechwedd site near Blaenau Ffestiniog, around 45 to 60 minutes by car.
More information: Booking in advance advisable; open all year round; check website for seasonal/off-peak opening hours.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry (Velocity 2), near Bethesda
At Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, your clients can ride Velocity 2, the world’s fastest zip line, and fly headfirst over a flooded slate quarry at speeds over 100mph (160kph). It’s pure exhilaration, wrapped in cinematic scenery. There’s also a quarry-side café where your clients can watch the drama unfold while keeping their feet on solid ground.
Getting there: Around 40 to 45 miles away; approximately 60 to 75 minutes by car to Bethesda.
More information: Booking in advance advisable; open all year round; check website for seasonal/off-peak opening hours.
