Menu
Cart
Name Price QTY

Subtotal:
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

View cart

Your cart is empty

    Photo Credit: Gleneagles

    Beat The January Blues At These UK Countryside Escapes

    Beat The January Blues At These UK Countryside Escapes

    Grey skies, soggy pavements and post-holiday blahs got you longing for a reset? Forget crowded airports — these UK countryside escapes are just the ticket. Think misty hills, cosy cottages, and fresh air that clears more than just your lungs.

    Grey skies, soggy pavements and post-holiday blahs got you longing for a reset? Forget crowded airports — these UK countryside escapes are just the ticket. Think misty hills, cosy cottages, and fresh air that clears more than just your lungs.

    BY KATIE SILCOX / 01 JANUARY 2024

    BY KATIE SILCOX / 01 JANUARY 2024

    Photo Credit: Gleneagles

    Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or wellbeing.

    Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or wellbeing.

    the newt

    Somerset

    Brainchild of South African husband and wife duo, Koos Becker and Karen Roos - and with interior design by Roos, and garden landscaping by Patrice Taravella - it’s no surprise that The Newt in Somerset is a masterpiece of a hotel; from the luxe yet no-fuss interiors, to the seasonal food and drink and the wide ranging activities on offer. 

     

    Here, within Hadspen House and its surrounding estate, complete with lakes, forests and orchards (the latter producing home-made cider), is a true get-away-from-it-all retreat. We could wax-lyrical about everything this property has to offer, from wild swimming to countryside hikes, exploring the on-site gardening museum to taste-testing the farm shop, but really it’s about the feeling of ease it gives you as soon as you check in. Visit for a not-so-quintessential weekend in the Somerset countryside, as you explore the allure of this modernised 17th Century, Grade II listed building and its surrounds.

    Find Out More

    Photo Credit: The Newt

    foxhill manor

    Cotswolds

    As you drive through the Somerset countryside - more specifically the 400 acres of Farncombe Estate, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - with its fields of green stretching as far as the eye can see, it’s almost impossible not to feel at least some of the pent up stress leaving your body. 

     

    The inside is a no-stress zone, too, thanks to the relaxed approach to service - this is a five star hotel that feels more like a stylish home. There’s no formal dining room or restaurant here, meaning you’re free to eat what you want, where you want. Formalities be gone. Each of the five rooms and three suites take inspiration from the great outdoors; Birch, Chestnut and Oak for example. Book Oak for its dual, windowside baths overlooking the great outdoors, or take a dip in the property’s outdoor hot tub. Either way, you’ll blow all those metaphorical winter cobwebs away.

    Find Out More

    Photo Credit: Foxhill Manor

    dormy house

    Cotswolds

    Located in the same stunning estate as Foxhill Manor (above), sister hotel Dormy House is the sibling to book if your idea of a countryside getaway just isn’t complete without downtime in a spa, and a treatment - or three.  At Dormy House, the state-of-the-art spa, The Temple Spa, is one of the highlights of any stay, thanks to its unique range of treatments: we love the CBD facial, the hand-free massage conducted using warm water jets, and The Float Tank filled with 1000 litres of water and 500 kilograms of epsom salts. 

     

    Neutral, calming decor throughout the property is designed to make sure you feel at home and, as such, you can’t really go wrong when it comes to room choice. Though, for or a weekend of complete indulgence, book a stay at one of the Hot Tub Suites which come with private heated outdoor tubs. Did somebody say relax? 

    Find Out More

    Photo Credit: Dormy House

    gleneagles

    Scotland

    The Winter Lodge at this hotel might just be the best place in all of Scotland to spend time this month, thanks to their seasonal ‘Winter Escape Pass’ which gives access to their warming Winter Lodge serving fresh coffee from the moment it opens (midday), homemade cakes in the early afternoon and live music as late afternoon turns into evening. In between times, the pass affords you access to a whole host of activities and experiences such as axe throwing, a bird of prey display and guided walks of the estate. 

     

    Even without these added extras this is the place to be in Scotland right now; the 850 acre estate and 1920s building opened to wide acclaim as a hotel in mid-2022 and has been crowd-pleasing ever since. And it’s no wonder; its 232 rooms, three golf courses, eight bars and restaurants, and spa with treatments using natural botanicals from the surrounding countryside are a five-star combination, offering the ultimate in outdoor escapism. 

    Find Out More

    Photo Credit: Gleneagles

    aller dorset

    Dorset

    A quadruple of shepherd huts overlooking a farmyard lake in Dorset, Aller Dorset is one of the more adventurous places you can stay in the UK, while maintaining a level of comfort and luxury. This is glamping, yes, but perhaps even better than you know it. Inside, these unique huts feature bold design choices - think By Alice glassware, Christopher Farr fabrics, and Pooky lamps. No surprise when you learn that co-owner, Cat, once worked in fashion PR. 

     

    Outside you’re surrounded by farmland, and free to explore the great outdoors; go for a morning hike, take part in yoga, or jumpstart your senses with a swim in the lake. Huts are self-catered (though you can ask owners Cat and Ant for anything you might need) and come fully equipped with an indoor kitchen to whip up a few of your favourite dishes, and an outdoor fire pit for long nights over good food and conversation. 

    Find Out More

    Photo Credit: Aller Dorset

    soho farmhouse

    Cotswolds

    As part of the Soho House group, this property likely needs no introduction. The countryside counterpart to the mainly city-based global member's club, Soho Farmhouse brings much of the same, fun-loving ethos to its 100 acres in the Oxfordshire fields. Yes, you can come here for the fresh country air and wholesome walks, but it's more likely you'll find yourself part of a hedonistic crowd. Especially at the weekends. If that's what you're after, you're in the right place. 

     

    If it's not, but you still fancy checking the place out, book one of the stand-alone cabins: they overlook the water and come with a balcony-bath offering a more private stay that evades much of the crowd. The Cowshed spa is another wonderful way to take time out, offering all the usual treatments plus GUAM® body therapies, maternity massage and hair removal treatments. Don't miss the Lazy Lake hydrotherapy circuit where you can make your way around various hot tubs and saunas. If we have one tip for you when it comes to Soho Farmhouse it's this: book your stay - and any activities you wish to try - in advance. This is a hot property and notoriously hard to get into.

    Find Out More

    Photo Credit: Soho House

    Title
    Travel
    By Sophie Bronstein
    01 November 2024
    Title
    Travel
    By Davina Catt
    18 January 2024
    Title
    Travel
    By Lucy Gornall
    12 January 2024
    Title

    share

    Subscribe to claim your exclusive discount & receive our weekly newsletter

    Thank you for joining Dandy! Expect premium wellness insights, exclusive offers, and updates straight to your inbox.
    • Home & Living

    • TOOLS & DEVICES

    • BEAUTY

    • VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

    • BOOKS & JOURNALS

    SHOP ALL

    SHOP ALL

    SHOP ALL

    SHOP ALL

    SHOP ALL

    Disclaimer: All images are used with credit to the original creator where possible. Please get in touch if an image needs updating or removing.

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.