9 Country House Hotels in Britain Made for Food and Romance
Britain’s countryside offers some of the most romantic escapes in the world, especially when paired with exceptional food. Country house hotels combine fine dining with historic architecture, garden views, and quiet luxury. Whether tucked away in the Highlands or overlooking the Thames, these properties invite guests to slow down and savor every moment. From Michelin-starred dining rooms to cozy garden restaurants, here are nine country house hotels where love and flavor come together beautifully.
1. Cliveden House, Berkshire
Cliveden House is one of Britain’s most famous estates, known for its grandeur, gardens, and royal history. Overlooking the River Thames, this 17th-century mansion offers refined hospitality and a menu that celebrates seasonal British produce. The dining room, framed by tall windows and chandeliers, serves beautifully presented dishes like roast lamb and lemon tart. Guests can stroll through the National Trust gardens or relax with afternoon tea on the terrace. Elegant rooms, ivy-covered walls, and impeccable service make it a quintessential romantic retreat steeped in heritage.
2. Gravetye Manor, West Sussex
Gravetye Manor perfectly blends historic charm with culinary excellence. Built in 1598, the Elizabethan manor sits among exquisite gardens that supply the ingredients for its Michelin-starred restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring dishes like estate-grown vegetables, venison, and heritage apple desserts. The atmosphere is peaceful, the service is personal, and the dining room overlooks wild meadows that glow in the evening light. It’s a place where couples can experience slow dining, quiet luxury, and a deep connection to nature in every bite.
3. Flodigarry Country House Hotel, Isle of Skye
Perched on the dramatic coastline of the Isle of Skye, Flodigarry Country House Hotel combines wild beauty with heartfelt hospitality. The menu celebrates Scottish ingredients such as freshly caught seafood, Highland venison, and local root vegetables. Guests dine while watching seagulls and waves crash along the rugged cliffs. With only a few guest rooms, the atmosphere feels private and warm. The blend of cozy interiors, fireside lounges, and breathtaking scenery creates a romantic getaway that captures the essence of the Scottish Highlands.
4. Rufflets Country House Hotel, St Andrews, Fife
Rufflets is one of Scotland’s oldest family-owned hotels and remains a model of relaxed sophistication. Surrounded by ten acres of gardens, it offers quiet luxury near St Andrews’ historic town center. The Seasons restaurant highlights Scottish ingredients, from salmon to Angus beef, using simple yet elegant preparation. Couples can enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the drawing room or a walk through the walled gardens before dessert. The atmosphere is warm and timeless, offering the charm of a classic Scottish manor without pretension.
5. Dalmeny Park Country House Hotel, near Glasgow
Just minutes from Glasgow but surrounded by lush parkland, Dalmeny Park feels like a world apart. The 19th-century house has been transformed into a tranquil hotel that balances heritage and comfort. Its restaurant serves contemporary Scottish fare, featuring dishes like seared scallops, roast duck, and sticky toffee pudding. Guests can explore the landscaped gardens or share a quiet meal by candlelight. Dalmeny Park is ideal for couples seeking countryside peace without straying too far from urban life, combining charm, accessibility, and romance.
6. Haighton Manor Country House Hotel, Lancashire
Haighton Manor offers traditional English charm within reach of Preston’s rolling farmland. The restored manor retains its character with stone fireplaces, oak beams, and manicured lawns. Its restaurant serves comforting British dishes such as roasted chicken, local fish, and hearty puddings made with seasonal fruit. The setting is intimate, perfect for couples who prefer understated luxury over extravagance. With thoughtful service and cozy rooms, Haighton Manor is a peaceful haven where guests can unwind and enjoy a slower pace of countryside living.
7. Mount Somerset Hotel, Somerset
Mount Somerset, once a grand Georgian home, delivers classic elegance in the heart of the West Country. The property’s sweeping views, curved staircase, and open fires create a sense of old-world romance. Its dining room celebrates regional flavors like cider-braised pork, roasted vegetables, and homemade desserts. The surrounding countryside provides quiet walks and beautiful sunsets. The hotel’s charm lies in its balance of simplicity and sophistication, offering a calm escape that feels timeless yet personal. Couples come for the food but stay for the serenity.
8. The Torridon, Scottish Highlands
The Torridon sits dramatically between mountains and Loch Torridon, offering a mix of luxury and wilderness. Its restaurant, 1887, is celebrated for refined Scottish cuisine that showcases ingredients from the hotel’s own farm and kitchen garden. Guests can enjoy dishes like hand-dived scallops or Highland beef before relaxing with whisky by the fire. With loch views, outdoor adventures, and candlelit dinners, The Torridon delivers romance at its most elemental. It’s ideal for couples who want fine dining paired with awe-inspiring scenery.
9. Abbey House Hotel, Cumbria
Designed by renowned architect Edwin Lutyens, Abbey House Hotel is an elegant Arts and Crafts property surrounded by landscaped gardens. Its restaurant, Oscars, features modern British dishes like lamb shank and locally sourced fish. The hotel’s interiors combine period detailing with contemporary style, and its setting near the ruins of Furness Abbey adds a sense of history and tranquility. Couples can stroll the grounds, enjoy a meal by soft lighting, or simply relax in the serene atmosphere that defines this Cumbrian landmark.
