the UK’S cosiest breaks – ideal for a winter weekend away
there’s no better way to get through the colder months than with a luxurious weekend away
Country comfort
Set in six acres of gardens, The Belsfield has stunning views over Lake windermere. Set back from Lake windermere by an idyllic garden, you’ll find Laura ashley Hotel, The Belsfield. This Grade Ii-listed building has been modernised to combine contemporary facilities with the most elegant interior decor by Laura ashley.
out of season, there’s still a lot to do in this picturesque part of Britain. Find the footpath to orrest Head and a circular rambling route winds through woodland, with stunning views of England’s largest lake.
need to keep the kids entertained? Bowness-on-windermere boasts The world of Beatrix Potter (hop-skipjump.com), a self-guided exhibition and garden. Come nightfall, head back to the cosy comfort of the hotel for dinner. Finally, sink into the plushest four-poster beds adorned with Laura ashley linens. Rooms start at from £119 per night at Laura ashley The Belsfield, visit lauraashleyhotels.com.
historic beauty
Take a weekend out to explore the highest of the Cotswolds towns. the peaceful cotswolds village of lower Swell – a 15-minute walk from Stow-on-the-wold – is where you’ll find the 200-year-old Spa changing Rooms. the cottage is a great place to base yourself as you explore the area, and is deceptively spacious inside, with three bedrooms, a large kitchen-diner and a wood-burning stove making it super-cosy on cold winter nights. plus, there’s a traditional pub, the golden Ball inn, just minutes away for a delicious Sunday roast.
as for Stow-on-the-wold, it’s a
picture-perfect village which is utterly charming. From there, a 20-minute drive gets you to Burford, the southern gateway to the cotswolds, where you’ll find chastleton house – one of Britain’s most complete Jacobean properties – close by.
Just over 20 miles away, near Woodstock in oxfordshire, is the awe-inspiring Blenheim palace. as one of the uk’s grandest buildings and the ancestral home of Sir Winston churchill, it’s well worth a look. and don’t miss Broadway tower, a delightful hilltop folly on the second-highest point in the cotswolds. on certain days, its adjacent and intriguing (decommissioned) nuclear bunker is also open to visitors. Book Spa Changing Rooms through Tripadvisor Rentals, from £80 per night.