12 Romantic Hotels Within Two Hours Of London
The Mitre, Hampton Court
Situated on the banks of the River Thames, overlooking Hampton Court Palace, The Mitre is a charming boutique hotel that has recently undergone an extensive makeover. With impressive interiors throughout, you’ll find a selection of characterful bedrooms that are big on comfort and romance. If you’re after a special treat, opt for the Henry VIII Suite, complete with stunning riverside views, a regal four-poster bed and a copper roll-top bath. Couples looking for a romantic staycation can enjoy a riverside picnic or make use of the exclusive Whispering Angel Bar on site. Hampton Court, Strawberry Hill and Richmond Park are also just a short distance away if you’re in the mood for a scenic walk.
From £160 a night
Visit MitreHamptonCourt.com
Cliveden House, Berkshire
Dating back to the 17th century, Cliveden is an enchanting setting for couples. Located in Maidenhead, Berkshire, the stunning property is set in acres of beautiful National Trust gardens, overlooking the banks of the River Thames. A weekend for two is best spent in the Spring Cottage – an indulgent, romantic hideaway offering a generous living space with private gardens – though the main hotel is also lavishly furnished. Celebrate a special occasion in the Cliveden Dining Room, opt for afternoon tea with a view, or dine by candlelight in the sultry Cellar Dining Room. Couples can also make use of the brand-new Cliveden Spa or unwind in an outdoor hot tub.
From £380 a night
Visit ClivedenHouse.co.uk
Amberley Castle, West Sussex
Nestled in the Sussex countryside, Amberley Castle is home to a selection of luxury rooms set inside 900-year-old medieval walls. Look out for original features such exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings and oak flooring, while in the 12th-century Queen’s Room, guests can dine in a truly majestic setting surrounded by rich tapestries and coats of armour. For a secluded stay, book a room in one of the Gatehouse Suites and make a reservation at the award-winning on-site restaurant for a private dining experience. With the area steeped in British history, set off on a romantic tour of the local architecture or visit Parham House for its wild deer park.
From £300 a night
Visit AmberleyCastle.co.uk
Limewood Hotel, New Forest
This boutique country hotel is located in the New Forest, home to some of the most stunning vistas in the country. The hotel itself boasts impeccably designed interiors and a variety of generous rooms, ideal for a couple’s retreat. Choose from Lake Cabins, Forest Cottages and Hideaway Suites to enjoy the beautiful views. Then, relax with your loved one in one of three heated pools or book a treatment in the Herb House spa, before ordering room service from the Hartnett Holder & Co à la carte menu – the ultimate treat.
From £395 a night
Visit LimewoodHotel.co.uk
Coworth Park, Ascot
Part of the Dorchester Collection, Coworth Park is a luxury country hotel in Ascot. Set among acres of breath-taking views, couples looking for outdoor pursuits can make use of an equestrian centre and polo field, as well as visiting local heritage sites around the Berkshire hills. Inside, the interiors are just as impressive, with four-poster beds, free-standing baths and characterful country features such as original fireplaces and exposed beams. The hotel also has not one, but three on-site restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Coworth Park.
From £530 a night
Visit DorchesterCollection.com
Elmley Nature Reserve, The Isle of Sheppey
Set on a 3,300-acre estate on the Isle of Sheppey, Elmley Nature Reserve is only an hour from London and is a lovely spot to escape to for a romantic weekend. Those looking for a quiet getaway can stargaze with a glass of champagne, snuggle up at the outdoor fire pit or spend some quality time in The Salt Box, one of the site’s shepherd’s huts. Get a hearty supper or breakfast delivered to your hut door to sample some of the island’s local ingredients, too. Once you’ve made the most of the Isle of Sheppey, take a day trip to nearby Whitstable for coastal walks and oysters.
From £115 a night
Visit ElmleyNatureReserve.co.uk
The Gallivant, Rye
You’ll find the Gallivant on the Sussex coast in Rye. Head here for a wellness retreat for two and experience an English wine tasting or go wild swimming, before relaxing in one of the hotel’s coastal-inspired bedrooms. Inside, you’ll find nautical décor throughout, hidden reading nooks and beautiful views of the beach. Camber Sands is a three-minute walk away, while Rye Harbour, Hastings and the famous Mermaid Street are also only a short distance from the hotel. Couples wanting a romantic seaside escape will love the relaxed ambience and picturesque views.
From £390 a night
Visit TheGallivant.co.uk
Heckfield Place, Hampshire
Romantic hotels don’t get much better than Heckfield Place in Hampshire. Just 75 minutes from London by car, this SL favourite boasts elegantly decorated rooms with views across the lakes and grounds. Book the Long Room for a private apartment with vaulted ceilings, an outdoor terrace and a cosy fireplace. Guests can also make the most of the peace and quiet around the property, and experience natural treatments in the couples’ treatment room in The Little Bothy Spa, including massages, facials and manicures. Once you’ve made the most of the hotel and 400-acre grounds, arrange a tour of the orchards or ride horses at the nearby Wellington Estate.
From £350 a night
Visit HeckfieldPlace.com
Thyme, Cotswolds
Located in the quaint Cotswolds village of Southrop, Thyme is a village within a village, set among a beautiful 150-acre estate. While the main hotel has a selection of stylish country bedrooms, the Houses and Cottages are made for a romantic weekend away, thanks to their private location, and generous yet cosy living spaces. Couples will love Thyme’s breakfast baskets with eggs from the resident hens and homemade bread and organic milk, as well as delicious food served at the two-acre kitchen garden. Thyme’s renowned cookery school makes a great couples’ activity, or, for a memorable day trip, head to Blenheim Palace, Burton-on-the-Water or Cirencester, all of which are just a short drive away.
From £245 a night
Visit Thyme.co.uk
Barnsley House, Cotswolds
Barnsley House is a luxury spa hotel in the picturesque cobbled Cotswolds village of Barnsley. The 17th-century manor house oozes style and character, and features 18 pastoral-inspired bedrooms. The Stable Suites are a cluster of romantic hideaways: The Potting Shed, Rosemary Suite and Secret Garden Suite, to name a few, are all quietly tucked away. Barnsley Spa includes a steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy pool and garden terrace, while The Village Pub offers relaxed dining with a range of bistro options. The hotel is four miles from Cirencester, while surrounding villages in the Cotswolds are also nearby.
From £350 a night
Visit BarnsleyHouse.com
The Swan, Cotswolds
This 16th-century inn in Ascott-under-Wychwood is 40 minutes from Oxford and two hours from London. For a romantic weekend for two, The Swan has eight beautiful rooms to choose from, each with its own unique countryside flair. A local seasonal menu at the on-site restaurant and a riverside bar make for a wonderfully romantic setting, as does The King’s Head, The Swan’s sister inn. If you’re after something more casual, burger evenings are hosted each Thursday with prime local beef on the menu. Aside from the excellent food options, there also a range of must-see sights in the area – don’t miss the nearby Wychwood Forest, ideal for a romantic picnic.
From £140 a night
Visit Cotswold-Inns-Hotels.co.uk
Belmond Le Manoir, Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire heritage meets French flair in the luxurious Belmond Le Manoir in Oxford. Inside, expect to find impeccably decorated bedrooms with unique style. For a special romantic stay, opt for the Garden One Bedroom Suite, complete with a marble bathroom, heated floors and a private terrace. Horticultural enthusiasts will love Raymond Blanc’s gardening school, while those with an interest in fine dining can book in for a cooking lesson at the Michelin-starred chef’s cookery school. Here, food is at the heart of what the hotel has to offer; so, for a romantic dinner, opt for one of the memorable five or seven course meals.
From £741 a night
Visit Belmond.com
*DISCLAIMER: At the time of writing, all properties featured have availability between the 1st and 31st November. Travel restrictions are changing daily, so please check the latest government advice before you book. Please ensure you are aware of the social distancing guidelines in place as well as rules on meeting up in groups larger than six.
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