TRAVEL David Wickers rounds up his favourite winter retreats
Dark, cold days call for cosy retreats. Travel writer David Wickers rounds up some of his favourites
What makes a perfect hotel for a winter getaway? Fine meals, hardto-get-out-of beds, service with a smile, log fires, maybe a massage... and something interesting to do when (or if ) you manage to haul yourself outside. Here’s my selection of great escapes.
1 ROSE CASTLE COTTAGE, NEAR CONISTON, CUMBRIA
For those who prefer to self-cater, the two-bedroom Rose Castle Cottage in the heart of the Lake District will – according to the National Trust – ‘leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside’.
The pretty 19th-century stone cottage sits alone in the landscape just above beauty spot Tarn Hows, with not a neighbour in sight. Carefully restored to retain its original, simple character, it’s the perfect retreat – with a log-burner ready to warm your cockles after a day’s hiking. nationaltrust.org.uk
2 THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS, BEELEY, DERBYSHIRE
Despite the name, this Devonshire Arms is actually situated in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District, close to beautiful Chatsworth House, and is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. With original beams and open fires, the 18th-century village inn blends traditional charm with modern touches, and offers gastro-pub dining based on estate-farmed and local produce. Dogs are welcome. devonshirebeeley.co.uk
3 THE OLD MANSE OF BLAIR, PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND
Last spring, the 200-year-old building was transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel, with ex-Gleneagles chef Jonathan Greer at the helm of its new restaurant, The Orangery (where there’s a chef’s table in the kitchen). Set in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy – while the wild Highland topography contrasts wonderfully with the peat fires, comfy drawing room (complete with a baby grand piano) and general cosiness offered indoors. theoldmanseofblair.com
4 THE SWAN, SOUTHWOLD, SUFFOLK
Southwold is a coastal gem beside the North Sea and right at its heart, overlooking the market square, stands the 17th-century Swan. ‘Two days here is worth two weeks anywhere else’ a regular confided. Churchill has also been a guest. Owned by Adnams, champion brewer of real ale (the brewery is in the middle of town), The Swan was given a contemporary makeover (bright new feathers!) two years ago and is one of the most elegant of English seaside retreats. theswansouthwold.co.uk
5 WHATLEY MANOR, EASTON GREY, WILTSHIRE
A beautiful example of Cotswold manor-house architecture, with gorgeous gardens leading down to the banks of the Sherston Avon, Whatley is a perfect place to convalesce from daily life. One of the Pride of Britain collection (prideofbritainhotels.com), it has just 23 rooms, Michelin-star dining from Niall Keating, an amazing spa, a spread of lounges and even a cinema. whatleymanor.com
6 THE GROVE, NARBERTH, PEMBROKESHIRE
A previous winner of one of The Good Hotel Guide’s prestigious César Awards, The Grove sits in 26 acres with gardens and meadows overlooking the Preseli Hills. The 26 rooms, half in the main house, others in nearby cottages, range from contemporary rustic to warmly traditional. After a day spent walking on the Pembrokeshire coast path, you can enjoy afternoon tea served in one of the lounges, cocktails in the candlelit bar and good food in the Fernery restaurant. It’s also the current AA Welsh Hotel of the Year. thegrove-narberth.co.uk
7 THE HALL, BUCKNELL, SHROPSHIRE
This attractive Georgian farmhouse close to the Welsh border is one from Alastair Sawday’s Great British Bed & Breakfast Guide (£14.99). A stay starts with a home-baked cake and hot drinks. Bedrooms in airy vaulted spaces come with sofas and flowers, breakfasts include homemade bread, rhubarb and ginger jam, buckwheat granola, porridge with cream and whisky, spicy Mexican beans on toast, Ludlow sausages, poached home-laid eggs with avocado on sourdough, tomato, garlic and chilli... then finish your day with a Moroccan rose oil bath before bed. thehallbucknell.com