Take 5: luxury hotels in South West England
Want to push the boat out on an elegant escape which also delivers an exceptional dining experience? Check out these five luxury hotels in South West England
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham, Wiltshire
Wind your way up the tree‑lined driveway that runs through the 500 acres surrounding Lucknam Park to discover one of the most astonishingly beautiful luxury hotels in South West England – if not the entire country.
Elegance is the watchword at this Palladian mansion, yet the experience isn’t pretentious. Contemporary elements such as the luxury spa and a relaxed brasserie provide an alternative to the decadent dining experience at Restaurant Hywel Jones.
The latter is the reason Lucknam has retained a Michelin star for 17 consecutive years and why gourmets flock to this Wiltshire gem. The best way to experience Hywel’s star-quality cooking? Plump for his seasonal tasting menu.
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Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant, Lyme Regis, Dorset
Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant sits high on the hill above Lyme Regis. The setting is so lush and escapist that, in summer, diners find themselves inexorably drawn to a postprandial stroll through the gardens to take in the astonishing seascape below.
The views and mature gardens are complemented by smart interiors designed in eclectic country style. There’s something interesting to catch the eye on every shelf and wall – especially in the maritime‑themed sitting room. However, beyond all these attractions, foodies favour the 18th‑century hotel for its contemporary British cooking.
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The Slaughters Manor House, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire
The beautiful 17th-century Slaughters Manor House in the heart of a Cotswold village combines authentic tradition with creative modernity.
Feast on head chef Nik Chappell’s artful creations amid crisp white table linen and original stonework in the contemporary orangery‑style restaurant. Nik and team use their menus to celebrate the finest Cotswold produce, and mix up the use of regionally farmed and reared ingredients with foraged finds from the surrounding countryside.
Lunch, dinner and afternoon tea are all pleasures to be experienced – the latter a wonderful way to combine an English tradition with a wander round the elegant gardens.
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The Manor House, Castle Combe, Wiltshire
The Manor House, nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Castle Combe, exudes a magnetism that begins on the winding drive leading up to the 14th-century retreat.
Complete with Michelin‑star restaurant, outdoor dining, The Full Glass Bar (180+ gins), lounges, private dining options and even its own country pub (The Castle Inn), there’s a dining experience to suit every occasion.
The Bybrook restaurant takes its name from the river that runs through the hotel grounds, and is the jewel in the hotel’s crown. Executive chef Rob Potter has retained a Michelin star here since 2017. He leads a team of talented chefs in crafting seasonal dishes that utilise local and British ingredients, elevated by impeccably matched wines.
Stay over in the historic hotel or mews cottages to spend time exploring the Italian gardens, Bybrook River and 365 acres of grounds (including an 18‑hole championship golf course). You can even bring the chopper – The Manor House has its own helipad.
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Hotel Riviera, Sidmouth, Devon
The imposing Hotel Riviera on Sidmouth’s esplanade offers charming English seaside views and smart two AA rosette dining.
Attention to detail is the defining characteristic of chef Patrice Bouffaut’s modern British menus, while the hotel’s heritage adds traditional appeal. The Riviera has been run by the Wharton family for over four decades, and the seafood on its menu is supplied by a third‑generation local fishing family.
If you opt for a gourmet break, glorious sea views are enjoyed from many of the hotel’s tastefully furnished rooms and you’ll be impeccably well looked after. The establishment is known for its genuine welcome, traditional hospitality and excellent service.