50 Of The Best Hotels And B&bs In The UK
A gorgeous hotel can be a destination in itself. We pick top rural hideaways, foodie, coastal and urban stays, and eccentrically brilliant boltholes
TEN BEST COUNTRY HOTELS
The Manor at Sway New Forest
A few miles from Lymington, the Manor is an Edwardian country house hotel and a relaxed base for exploring. Gardens extend into woodland, and the coast is a short drive (ask for walking or cycling routes - bikes can be delivered, too). Inside, it's all William Morris wallpaper, antiques and wooden floorboards, and even the smallest of the 15 bedrooms is charming. The dining room has small plates (braised lamb tacos, £5) and seasonal mains (pork belly with black pudding, £16); breakfast offers a decent choice of cooked options.
• Doubles from £100 B&B, dog-friendly, themanoratsway.com
The Royal Oak Wiltshire
As a young farmer taking over Eastbrook Farm, Helen Browning was frowned upon for insisting on going organic. Thirty years on, she has an OBE, is chief executive of the Soil Association, and heads a successful organic meat firm. She and partner Tim also run Bishopstone village pub the Royal Oak (for Arkell's brewery) and last year added 12 characterful bedrooms. There's great walking where the downs roll up to the ancient Ridgeway. Guests can join a "pig safari" around the farm, and breakfast on super-tasty bacon next day.
• Doubles from £70 B&B, two dog-friendly rooms, one accessible room, helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk
