How to plan a winter stay with Chef & Brewer Hotels in the countryside
Winter, the season that blankets the landscape in stillness with frost-covered hilltops and glistening forests of pine and spruce. Indeed, there’s something magical about winter in the countryside — romping through freshly fallen snow before returning to a crackling fireplace with a mug of something hot and steaming. Even better when there’s a lovely cosy bed waiting for you! As such, consider this your guide to top hotels in the countryside, so you can plan the ultimate winter escape.
Exploring the British countryside in winter
Even if you consider yourself a seasoned countryside adventurer, being out in nature during winter can come with its fair share of caveats. So, once you’ve picked your location, consider packing the following:
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Sturdy footwear
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Warm clothing
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Waterproofs
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Travel first aid kit
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Water and snacks
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Sunscreen (yes, even in winter)
That said, if you’d prefer to hunker down indoors and enjoy the beauty of nature through a frosty country pub window, be our guest! We’ll get the fire going.
Relax with our Chef and Brewer hotels in the countryside
Planning a staycation shouldn’t be stressful — after all, what’s the point of a staycation if not to relax? Opting for a cosy country pub with accommodation saves you a world of trouble, so you can spend less time meticulously planning the “inns” and outs of your stay and more time on the important things, i.e., enjoying yourself! From top-notch facilities to delicious meals served hot and fresh to warm you up after a long, meandering winter walk, Chef & Brewer has it all covered.Our top picks for hotels in the countryside
Ready to start planning your ideal winter getaway? Although we’d love to keep them all to ourselves, the following country pubs with accommodation are just too good to keep secret...
The Victoria, Menai Bridge
The Victoria is perched beside the Menai Bridge, which connects the Isle of Anglesey with the mainland, surrounded by rugged coastal beauty, quintessential of North Wales. While a seaside location may not be everyone’s cup of tea during the colder months, there’s something uniquely enchanting about frosty beach walks and dramatic waves.
And once you’ve lost the feeling in your fingers and toes, you can always retreat to the Victoria for a tasty pub meal and a glass of something special to warm your cockles. Plus, with 14 comfortable guestrooms, you can drift off peacefully before waking up to a hearty country pub breakfast to set you up for another day of chilly coastal exploration.
The De Trafford Arms, Alderley Edge
The De Trafford Arms is a charming pub restaurant, perched on the edge of the Peak District in Alderley Edge. As far as country pubs with accommodation go, the De Trafford Arms is a standout example, blending historic character with modern amenities for a stay as convenient as it is whimsical. Of course, few areas in the UK are richer in folklore and history than Alderley Edge. From mysterious stone circles to wizards and knights of old, the ancient landscape is intertwined with myth and legend. Perfect for a cosy winter getaway while you read a few Alan Garner novels by the fireside, pint in hand.
The Green Man, Harlow
Situated less than an hour from central London, you may not associate the Green Man in Harlow with the great outdoors but make no mistake; this Grade II listed country pub and hotel is enveloped by greenery. Nestled on the doorstep of Epping Forest and surrounded by nature reserves, the Green Man certainly lives up to its name.
This 14th-century coaching inn features 58 beautifully decorated rooms, each promising a good night’s sleep after a day of exploring the beautiful Essex countryside.
The Dog House, Frilford Heath
If you’re craving that “middle of nowhere” type of peace and quiet, the Dog House in Frilford Heath is nothing short of perfection. At a twenty-minute drive from central Oxford, this charming country pub and hotel offers a slice of rural tranquillity, with an inviting atmosphere and 20 beautiful guestrooms.
If you’re looking for family-friendly hotels in the countryside, the Dog House is an excellent choice, providing you can convince the kids that a brisk walk around the Abbey Gardens in nearby Abington is worth venturing into the cold… well, we can assure you it is.
The Riverside Inn, Cound
Grade II listed country pub, the Riverside Inn, sits in the charming village of Cound, just seven miles from the historic market town of Shrewsbury, with a relaxing atmosphere and breathtaking views of the River Severn. Of course, Shropshire is an area renowned for its rolling hills and multitude of historic sites, such as the nearby 13th-century fortified manor house, Acton Burnell Castle.
Himley House, Himley
The industrial town of Dudley may not be synonymous with dramatic rural landscapes. However, the village of Himley, perched on the border between Staffordshire and the West Midlands, is well renowned for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere and walking trails. There you’ll find Himley House, sitting pretty in the shadow of the majestic Himley Hall, hedged by picturesque parkland.
Breathtaking in the summer and just as stunning in the winter, at stay in one of Himley House’s 23 beautifully decorated en-suite guestrooms offers a little slice of luxury with all the cosy familiarities of a traditional country pub. Sunday roast, anyone?
The Red Lion, Todwick
When it comes to selecting the perfect location for a countryside getaway, few areas in the UK match the dramatic and diverse beauty of Yorkshire, even in winter. So, if you need to warm up after traversing the vast hilltops and valleys, the Red Lion in Todwick is the perfect place to get a good night’s rest, not to mention some hearty, traditional pub food!
With free Wi-Fi, disabled facilities and 30 cosy guestrooms where you can hunker down safe from the bracing winter winds, the Red Lion will soon feel like your home away from home. Plus, a little touch of luxury makes all the difference, doesn’t it?
Finding hotels in the countryside near you
Whether you’re heading to the Lakes for a spot of peace and quiet or somewhere by the sea to blow away the cobwebs, you’ll find plenty of unique and cosy hotels in the countryside with Chef and Brewer Hotels to make your winter getaway one to remember.