Whether you want to chill or thrill, these breaks could be just what you need
Gilpin Lake House, Cumbria
There’s an intimate feel to the luxurious six-room Lake House hideaway in the north-west’s wildest region, famous for its rugged walks and natural pools. Entering the gardens, you’re met by a small wooden pier, a wooden boat and an expanse of rippling water, surrounded by fairy-garden slopes – set off in any direction to find beautiful walking trails, perhaps spotting the wild deer grazing nearby. Back at the house there are two outdoor hot tubs, an indoor pool and woodland sauna, plus a spa offering a host of treatments. Indulge in afternoon tea with a view, or sit out late on that pier with a nightcap and blanket, and breathe in the peace and quiet.
Book now: Doubles from £305 B&B; thegilpin.co.uk
Sopwell House, Hertfordshire
Nestled just outside London, Sopwell House is the perfect place to get away from it all. Although the 12 acres of grounds feel vast, the hotel’s spa – Cottonmill – oozes exclusivity and tranquillity. To enhance your stay even more, upgrade to The Club access where you’ll be issued with your own wristband (which flashes up with your name!) to gain access to the gardens, complete with three more hot tubs and heated pool, and Deep Relaxation room.
We stopped by The Octagon Bar, where cocktails such as Righteous Princess and Last Viceroy tell the story of the historic Georgian country house, followed by dinner at Omboo. The waiters helped us choose from the many droolworthy options on the menu – standouts were the pulled duck salad, miso-glazed black cod, and the cabbage (yes, really!), but in this place you can’t go wrong.
Book now: Doubles from £259 B&B; sopwellhouse.co.uk
Manor House, Alsager
If you thought swim-up bars were only for tropical-island holidays, think again – the UK’s first has opened in the Manor House Hotel in Alsager, Cheshire. The heated vitality pool, where you can order bubbly or cocktails, sits alongside the potting shed, which houses a herbal sauna. The salt steam chamber, salt shed, and glass-walled, heated sunroom are also pure bli
