Book it: Four amazing weekend breaks to the great outdoors
The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds
Best for…magical seclusion
The low-down: A quirky collection of luxe hotel houses, The Fish, set within a 400 acre Cotswold estate, unveiled five luxury shepherd huts earlier this year. Bijou living at its best, the hand crafted bespoke Hilly Huts are a masterclass in cosy living packing in underfloor heating, woodburner, en suite bathroom, complimentary minibar plus lounge area with TV and DVD and free Wi-Fi (if you really can’t resist). Oh, and don’t forget your cossie as each hut has its very own private hot tub. If holidaying as a family, there are 68 contemporary country bedrooms with a Scandi design influence spread across four individual buildings. The restaurant and bar are a great space for kicking back and enjoying the panoramic views of the hills. With a dressed down, relaxed dress code, leave formalities at the door and dive into delicious and honest food and be sure not to miss the Sunday roasts.
• The most romantic hotels in the Cotswolds
Out and about: With a team of activity organisers on site, any thrillseekers will be in their element zooming round the estate on a quad bike or navigating the fiendishly difficult Segway Safari course. The picturesque town of Broadway is a short walk away with charming gift shops, sumptuous interior stores, pubs and tea rooms aplenty (the scones at Tisanes are a must). Further afield Sudeley Castle and Gardens and Blenheim Palace would make for a perfect day trip out.
Stella loves:The Hilly Huts benefit from a complimentary minibar and Nespresso coffee machine (George Clooney sadly not included).
Chrissy Amer
Hilly Huts at The Fish start from £189 per hut per night B&B; thefishhotel.co.uk. Read the full Telegraph Travel review here.
Boutique Barge, London
Best for...water based tranquility
The low-down: A Wind in the Willows fantasy, hop aboard a beautifully restored 100-year-old barge within the metropolis of the capital. The barge is moored in Little Venice, a charming and peaceful part of London and perfect for exploring the Regents Canal and nearby Portobello and Camden to get your shopping fix. Beautifully designed with quirky and antique touches, the barge can sleep up five people and is child and pooch friendly. If it’s nippy, cosy up next to the woodburning stove or enjoy a soak in the claw foot bath. Be sure to head up to the roof with a large glass of something and watch the sunset making passersby green with envy.
• The best boat hotels in London
Out and about: Great for a lunch or brunch The Quince Tree is on your doorstep in the beautiful Clifton Nursery, the oldest garden centre in London. Head to The Waterway with its amazing terrace overlooking the canal and enjoy their superb menu and live music.
Stella loves: A whole host of goodies in our welcome pack of bread, butter, jam, eggs, milk and tea to keep us going. Make sure you save some bread for your new water-based friends!
Rates from £280 for a two night stay; notonthehighstreet.com
North Star Club, Yorkshire
Best for...boutique woodland escapism
The low-down: North Star can be found within 500 acres of handsome woodland in the Yorkshire Wolds. There are eight unique woodland suites, some sleeping up to six, with sumptuous interiors, wood burners, spa-style bathrooms and in the Star Suite sink into a huge copper roll top bath before tumbling into your rustic four-poster bed. There are no kitchens as such but you are supplied with your own fridge, kettle and charming tin plates and mugs. Fire up your own gas BBQ, indulge in a spa pamper package or stargaze under the canopied fire pit. Better still, do all three.
• The best luxury hotels in Yorkshire
Out and about: A 15 minute stroll away The Star at Sancton has people flocking in for the award winning food. North Star guests can order scrumptious packs with breakfast supplies, local meats to cook on the BBQ or a platter of Yorkshire charcuterie and cheese. Any pro or beginner equestrians can try their hand at polo at the White Rose Polo Club that runs a whole raft of courses for all levels.
Stella loves: The Woodshed, a communal relaxation space with tea, coffee and delicious homemade cakes all based on an honesty system.
Hayley Caradoc-Hodgkinson
From 325 for a two-night midweek break; couples get a 25 per cent discount; northstarclub.co.uk
Sweffling Hall Farm, Suffolk
Best for...switching off in style
The low-down: Love that camping allows you to switch off, but hate the lack of creature comforts? Sweffling Hall Farm’s rural retreat might just be the answer. Its six canvas cottages come complete with woodburners and comfy beds. Sit on your deck gazing across the fields, ramble through charming local villages (stopping at country pubs) try archery on-site or drive 30 minutes to the Suffolk coast with buckets and spades. Couples will love the solitude, while families can reconnect without all those pesky screens and children can play outside all day. Other glamping sites in the collection are to be found in Rutland, Somerset and Lancashire.
Out and about: The Sweffling White Horse has been voted CAMRA’s regional pub of the year three times and has character in bucketloads. Don’t miss the pies. Nearby Thorpeness is a charming Edwardian holiday village with a pebble beach. Lick a local ice-cream as you visit the windmill and the ‘house in the clouds’ -- a converted water tower with a house at the top. The brightly painted beach huts of Southwold are but half an hour away. Children can play on the beach and enjoy arcade games on the pier, while older kids can take the Adnams brewery tour via the Little Fish and Chip Shop.
Stella loves: With an honesty shop, a fresh egg vending machine and unspoilt views across the Suffolk countryside, Sweffling Hall Farm is an antidote to busy, modern life.
Claire Cohen
Rates start at £365 for a four-night midweek break; lanternsandlarks.co.uk
