Caravanning doesn’t mean roughing it – for a special occasion, the money you save on your accommodation could go towards a Michelin-starred treat for you and your other half. Here is our pick of super gourmet getaways – and a budget alternative!
GRAVETYE MANOR, WEST SUSSEXgravetyemanor.co.uk
Glorious Gravetye Manor, near East Grinstead in West Sussex, was originally built for a local family in 1598, and has been operating as a country house hotel (currently four stars) with a fine dining restaurant for more than 60 years. The manor stands majestically in 1000 acres of beautiful countryside, with 35 acres of gardens that were first laid out in 1885.
The award-winning Dining Room has a Michelin star and is led by Executive Chef George Blogg. Marcus Wareing, of Mastercheffame, worked at Gravetye earlier in his career.
Visitors can enjoy a three-course seasonal lunch for £75.
Top dish Monkfish, Jerusalem artichoke, caviar and citrus Stay at Long Acres Caravan & Camping Parklongacrescamping.co.uk Nearby attractions Explore the splendid gardens at Wakehurstkew.org/wakehurst/visit-wakehurst Budget alternative The Crown at Turner’s Hill, a historic 16th-century pub, has Crown Pie for £15.50thecrownturnershill.co.uk
L’ENCLUME, CARTMEL, CUMBRIAlenclume.co.uk
In 2022, acclaimed chef Simon Rogan’s Cumbrian delight was the only new restaurant in the UK to win a third Michelin star. L’Enclume is set in an 800-year-old former blacksmith’s workshop, with Rogan’s nearby 12-acre farm supplying much of the produce.
Expect deliciously creative modern British dishes. The tasting menu is available for both lunch and dinner and costs £250, with signature wine pairing costing an additional £150.
Top dish Savory brined Greyhound cabbage, grilled Hen of the Woods, Fermented vegetable juices, elderflower, Welsh truffle Stay at Greaves Farm Caravan Parkgreavesfarmcaravanpark.co.uk Nearby attractions Enjoy the delightful architecture and lush scenery of Holker Hall & Gardensholker.co.uk Budget alternative The Pig & Whistle, a traditional oak-beamed pub in Cartmel, prides itself on its Sticky Toffee Pudding, just £5 robinsonsbrewery.com/pubs/pig-whistle-cartmel
THE OLD STAMP HOUSE, AMBLESIDEoldstamphouse.com
A 20-mile drive north from L’Enclume along the banks of Windermere brings you to this Michelin-starred restaurant in beautiful Ambleside. Wallet allowing (ouch!), you could enjoy the ultimate gourmet weekend with a visit to both restaurants.
Run by Cumbrian brothers Ryan and Craig Blackbu
