From quaint countryside retreats to stylish modern havens, we unveil the top destinations that promise not only luxurious accommodation but also convenient access to some of the UK's most breathtaking walking trails. Lace up your boots and get set to wander through Britain's beauty.
The Scottish Highlands
For an unparalleled walking adventure, the Scottish Highlands are a no brainer. From rugged mountains to serene lochs, the Highlands offer a diverse terrain perfect for all levels of walkers. Immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity, breathe in the crisp, fresh air and encounter wildlife in its natural habitat.
Where better to explore the picturesque land than The Fife Arms in Braemar. With 46 gorgeous rooms to choose from, the 19th century category B listed building also offers guests an onsite pub, private dining, Elsa’s cocktail bar, Bertie’s Bar, a spa and access to an array of golf courses.
If you’re a walking newbie, the hotel offers package experiences with a tour guide so you can ensure you make the most of your stay. Enjoy a 3-hour hike around Craig Leek, some wild swimming or maybe even an off-road experience. A truly undeniably beautiful experience awaits.
View this post on Instagram
With meticulous care, Foyers Lodge has been lovingly restored, offering indulgent adult-only accommodation on the serene shores of Loch Ness. The stunning Victorian retreat is the perfect retreat for Nessie spotters and relaxation seekers alike.
Step into the cosy dining room with its expansive bay windows, offering guests stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the famously stunning Falls of Foyers which is just a stone’s throw away from your lodging.
The perfect Highlands escape awaits you at Links House Royal Dornoch, a five-star luxury boutique hotel surrounded by stunning countryside. 15 gorgeous bedrooms are on offer at this converted church manse house set in some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.
The hotel offers an impressive menu of bespoke packages which won it the Unique Experience award in 2021. Highland distillery tours, falconry, shooting, fishing, archery and more are on offer at this countryside retreat. Embark on the iconic North coast 500 route to truly get the full experience.
The Yorkshire Dales
Discover the Yorkshire Dales for diverse walking trails through picturesque countryside, charming villages, and dramatic landscapes. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, it promises stunning views, cascading waterfalls, and historic sites.
A guaranteed luxury stay in the Yorkshire Dales, Yorebridge House in Bainbridge offers guests 12 luxury rooms in the heart of the countryside. The boutique dwelling also boasts an award-winning restaurant with menus bursting full of flavour from the first to last bite.
The Dales offers a variety of walking spots and manor houses to explore on your trip. Visit local attractions such as Aysgarth Falls, featuring a triple flight waterfall; have a tipple of local brew at the Black Sheep Brewery; or take in some culture at the world-famous Bowes Museum.
View this post on Instagram
Middleton Lodge in Richmond, North Yorkshire is a beautifully restored family-owned country estate set in 200 acres of parkland. Lovingly restored, the lodge offers calm and beautifully designed rooms each with their own bespoke features to ensure your stay is special and memorable.
Enjoy the local woodland walks then relax and unwind with a treatment in the Forest Spa before dining at the main restaurant, The Forge. Choose to stay in the main house, Coach House, Walled Garden, Dairy, Orchard or the Farmhouse
A 5-star luxury country house hotel and wellness retreat in the heart of Yorkshire, Grantley Hall in Ripon offers 47 opulent rooms. Why not hire a bike to explore the luscious grounds and surrounding areas to fully experience Yorkshire.
Featuring four restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Grantley Hall by Shaun Rankin, five bars, a lavish Three Graces Spa, and an indoor pool with a stunning vaulted ceiling, this boutique hotel promises an unforgettable experience.
The Lake District
Discover the Lake District's breathtaking beauty on foot, from tranquil lakeshores to towering peaks. Explore quaint villages, lush woodlands, and iconic mountains like Scafell Pike. Immerse yourself in nature's serenity and see why this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for outdoor lovers.
In Ambleside you’ll find the grade II listed luxury country house, Rothay Manor. With 18 modernly designed bedrooms, 3 AA Rosette fine-dining and access to some of the most stunning landscapes the Lake District has to offer you are sure to have the most luxurious walking getaway.
While in the Lakes, immerse yourself in the local beauty and let the hotel guide you to scenic walks tailored to your interests. Don't miss out on foraging masterclasses led by local experts throughout the year. It's all about embracing the stunning landscape and enriching your experience with the wonders of the outdoors.
View this post on Instagram
Over in Windermere, The Samling offers guests 12 luxury rooms overlooking the lake. Blessed with stunning views across the glistening water to the rolling fells and peaks beyond, it’s also the perfect location to start exploring this gorgeous corner of the English countryside.
Enjoy fine dining in the main restaurant or a more laid back approach at the Gathering, wind down with a tipple at The Reverie hotel bar or enjoy wine tasting, glamping or a stroll on the jetty. There’s also beehives and a listed summer house from where you can gaze along the length of the lake. And you might even spot a grazing deer in the long grass.
Just up the road surrounded by 21 acres of stunning grounds and glittering streams is the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House. The ultimate getaway for nature and adventure lovers with a Champagne bar, terraces, a croquet lawn – complete with resident llamas and alpacas, spa suites, spa lodges and the garden suites.
Dine at the Michelin Starred Source and enjoy locally sourced dishes or the 2 AA Rosette Gilpin Spice which offers a pan-Asian approach. The vast offering of water and land based activities won this hotel the Unique Experience Award in 2022.
For an active yet relaxed getaway, Another Place in Penrith has it all: open-water swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, fishing, sailing, archery, skiing, pony-trekking, and more. Explore walking and cycling trails, or conquer Helvellyn, one of England’s highest peaks. It's your ultimate haven for adventure and relaxation in one stunning location.
Forty bedrooms of all shapes and sizes are split between the Georgian country house at the hub of this resort. Enjoy the Living Space Bar for relaxed dining, Rampsbeck for more formal and the Glasshouse for wood-fired pizzas during your stay.
