20 great countryside hotels

Over the last few years many of us have fallen in love with the ‘staycation’, rediscovering the joys of the Great British countryside and exploring the wonderful landscapes and fieldsports opportunities that it presents. However, finding the right place to stay in order to do this can sometimes be a challenge; factors like gun storage, what to do with the dog or even sheer proximity to the desired activity can rule out any number of options, so we’ve put together a brief list of some of the best in the country to provide assistance and inspiration.

No matter whether you’re after a quiet country pub, great for walks and cosy fireside chats, or a grand hotel capable of accommodating your entire syndicate, or something in between, there’ll be something here for you.

Countryside hotels in the South East

White Horse, Chilgrove

Located next to the country’s premiere shooting estates, the White Horse provides everything you could possibly need for a luxurious shooting weekend, including secure gun storage, a shoot butler service, dog-friendly accommodation, private dining, cigars and a wide selection of fine wines and whiskies… and a heli-pad. For non-shooting trips, West Wittering beach, Tinwood vineyard and Goodwood Estate are all within striking distance.

Royal Oak, East Lavant

This 200-year-old country pub with rooms is set within the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, with its excellent walks and hikes, horse and motor racing venues and top shoots. The comfortable, dog-friendly rooms and menu of seasonal British dishes with a twist make this a great basecamp for shooting trips or summer weekends away.

Crab & Boar, Chieveley 

Set in the heart of Berkshire countryside, Crab & Boar is a stunning country pub, perfect for shooting guests, with rooms offering award-winning British cuisine and 14 country-style bedrooms. The excellent Pennsport shooting ground is just a few minutes away, as are numerous bridlways and footpaths, not to mention Highclere Castle and Newbury Racecourse.

Countryside hotels in the South West

The Lamb, Hindon

A traditional coaching inn in the heart of Hindon, next to the Fonthill Estate in south Wiltshire and only twenty minutes from Stonehenge this countryside inn is the perfect traditional setting for a shooting party or a quiet weekend away. With low beams and roaring fires, along with two private rooms boasting grand tables and a fully secure gun room with dog showering facilities, dog beds and boot drying racks, it has everything you could need. In warmer months the nearby River Nadder offers excellent chalkstream fly fishing.

The Arundell Arms, Lifton

One of England's premier sporting hotels, shooting parties have been coming back to the Arundell Arms for over 75 years, attracted by the great shooting available locally and the warmth of the welcome and service. Close to many of the West Country’s leading shoots, all guns and dogs are welcome, while the 22 miles of private fly fishing makes it a fluff-chucker’s paradise.

Tarr Farm Inn - Exmoor

Tarr Farm is a beautiful inn dating from the 1600s based in the heart of the Exmoor National Park right by the historic Tarr Steps on the River Barle. Surrounded by the famed high-bird shoots of Exmoor, the inn is a firm favourite with guns, while the stunning landscape provides a whole host of other outdoor activities, from rock climbing and riding to fly fishing and 4x4 off-roading.

Croydon Hall, Minehead

Set in five acres of beautiful English countryside, in spectacular Somerset scenery in Exmoor National Park, this boutique country house estate is the perfect place to unwind. After a busy day Shooting, hiking, riding, fishing, cycling or cider-tasting, relax in the spa’s jacuzzi before a delicious supper in the hotel’s restaurant, serving fresh and locally sourced seafood, steaks, and vegetarian dishes and falling into bed in one of the 15 uniquely appointed bedrooms.

Countryside hotels in the Midlands

The Manners Arms Hotel, Grantham

The Manners Arms is a luxury AA 4 Star country restaurant with rooms claiming pride of place in the heart of The Vale of Belvoir. This former hunting lodge was built for the 6th Duke of Rutland and has been lovingly refurbished to a very high standard. Boasting 10 pretty individually appointed bedrooms, an award winning restaurant and a traditional bar that welcomes several shooting parties throughout the season, a gunsafe and dog-friendly rooms. Outside of the season, the Vale of Belvoir has a huge variety of activities to offer;  visit Belvoir Castle itself, explore the various nature reserves nearby, enjoy a spot of fishing or get your boots on and explore the wooded hillsides and peaceful canal paths.

Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray

Stapleford Park was designed for entertaining on a grand scale, and with that comes comfortable, luxurious hotel rooms, suites and cottages for you to retire to. With original features, unique design and all of the 21st century accoutrements you would expect, there is a perfect space for everyone at Stapleford Park. The 500-acre estate provides an escape that allows you to disconnect and recharge, whether that’s through a game of croquet on the lawn, a hack through the Lincolnshire countryside, or a day on the peg.

Countryside hotels in the East Anglia

The Victoria - Holkham - Norfolk

Owned and managed by the Holkham Estate, The Victoria is an independent English inn located on the north Norfolk coast, standing at the gateway to Holkham Park and a few minutes’ walk from the golden sands of Holkham Beach and the internationally important Holkham National Nature Reserve. Secure gun storage, dog-friendly rooms and a kennels make it a wonderful base for a shooting weekend, be that a driven day at Holkham itself or flighting wildfowl on the marshes.

Bodney Lodge, Thetford

A stunningly restored 19th century barn and stable that offers accommodation for up to 16 poeple. The main barn is particularly spectacular, with open plan living arranged underneath the huge vaulted, oak-beamed ceiling, making it an ideal venue for shoot parties. It also comes with its own private ‘pub’ – The Blue Nosed Bastard of Bodney, which includes darts and a full size snooker table. Guests can also enjoy a host of activities, such as fly fishing on a private stretch of River Wissey or choose to use Bodney Lodge as a base to explore the many treasures Norfolk has to offer.

Countryside hotels in the North East

The Old Bank - Helmsley

With two self-catering luxury holiday apartments (The Pheasant and The Partridge), The Old Bank offers comfort, luxury and period character, along with modern technology – it’s ideal for country getaways, walking/cycling holidays, shooting trips or special occasions. The Old Bank was designed with country living in mind, with a boot and coat dryer, shower and gun safes on the ground floor. It’s everything you need after a long day out enjoying the stunning North Yorkshire Moors and the numerous top shoots in the area.

St Mary's Inn,  Morpeth

You will certainly be made to feel welcome at St Mary's Inn, a relaxed but luxurious Northumberland pub, hotel and restaurant. Enjoy restaurant-quality food and beer, with a distinctly Northumbrian flavour, and make the most of the cosy corners and real fires. Recently refurbished with comfort in mind, St Mary’s Inn is the perfect staycation for couples and families, with dog-friendly rooms available.

Countryside hotels in the North West

The Inn at Whitewell

Surrounded by the shooting, fishing and walking opportunities afforded by the fells, moors and the Forest of Bowland AONB, The Inn is one of the leading fieldsports hotels in the country. The 26 comfortably appointed rooms and excellent menu add to the appeal, as does the dog-friendly policy, with dog beds available and even dog-friendly tables in the dining room.

The Devonshire Fell, Burnsall 

Perched on a hillside overlooking the river, the picturesque village of Burnsall and across to the hills of the Yorkshire Dales, guests never cease to be entranced by the stunning views. A vibrant, lively hotel with fantastic bedrooms each individually decorated with rich fabrics, bold colours and contemporary interiors which contrast well with the traditional Edwardian architecture of the building. Being in North Yorkshire means the hotel is surrounded by top shoots and glorious countryside, perfect walking and hiking country.

Countryside hotels in Scotland

Cringletie

Located just outside Peebles and 35 minutes from Edinburgh, Cringletie is a luxury hotel comprising 13 individually appointed guest rooms & suites and a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom cottage in the grounds. In addition to secure gun cabinets, the hotel can even arrange for the transport of all your shooting gear to the hotel. As well as the glorious walled gardens and local shooting opportunities, the hotel can arrange everything from golf to fly fishing, and even have a paddock so that you can bring your horses!

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, Melrose

Nestled in a magnificently wooded private estate on the banks of the River Tweed, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is a very special country house hotel situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders surrounded by excellent shoots, not to mention the fishing! The hotel has a restaurant, a bistro, as well as private dining rooms Dog friendly, and with 10 acres of grounds to exercise your four-legged friend.

Murrayshall House Hotel, Scone

Murrayshall Hotel is a luxury four-star country house and estate, set amongst 365 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside. With two golf courses to play, walking routes carefully plotted to allow guests to enjoy the estate, and myriad activities ranging from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on the Tay, to fishing and whisky tours, there isn’t a step too far for the helpful and friendly staff. Oh, and did we mention that the kitchen will also pack a luxury picnic to take with you on your adventures! Expansive views, exquisite dining, plus dog-friendly rooms available, what more could you want?

Countryside hotels in Wales

The Beaufort, Raglan

This 16th century coaching in sits in the heart of the Usk Valley, home to some excellent fishing, shooting and other outdoor activities. Secure gun storate, a drying room and a dog-friendly bar are complemented by comfortable rooms and delicious traditional fare. After a day exploring the surrounding countryside, return to The Beaufort to refresh yourself with a drink and meal in front of the fire and catch up with friends old and new.

Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, Llanwddyn

Escape to this extraordinary lakeside hotel and surround yourself with the breathtaking scenery of the Welsh countryside. Woodlands, waterfalls and the top shoots of Powys are just some of the attractions of the surrounding area, while the lake itself is one of the largest trout fisheries in the UK, and the hotel owns the rights. Fishing is done ‘loch style’, drifting in a boat, targeting stocked rainbow trout and native brownies. The cosy bedrooms enjoy views of the lake or gardens, and the hotel’s restaurant offers traditional afternoon teas and delicious lunches and dinners using locally sourced produce.