Set in neatly manicured grounds on the outskirts of the New
Forest, near to Lyndhurst, Lime Wood is easily accessible from
London. When we find ourselves in this neck of the woods, Lime Wood
hotel is almost always our first port of call. Originally a
medieval hunting lodge, it’s had quite the makeover with a much
talked-about spa, verdant gardens and A-grade cuisine. Take cues
from the talented kitchen team and attend a class at Hartnett
Holder & Co’s on-site cookery school. Suitable for both
beginners and those more advanced, Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder,
the duo behind the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, will guide you
through. For some R&R after a day spent manning the stoves,
head to a bedroom in the main house – if you’ve booked rooms one or
two, make good use of the tubs positioned beneath wide sash
windows

A weekend stay at Bingham Riverhouse, positioned right on the
banks of the River Thames between Richmond and Petersham, allows
for early-morning wandering along Richmond riverfront and
afternoons spent enjoying a moreish lunch at Petersham Nurseries.
The perfect juncture for Londoners short on travel time, this
riverside boutique hotel has a countrified feel – think wooden
parquet floors, dusty-pink walls and dog-eared Penguin books. Relax
in the company of a good title; this hotel was once a literary hub
– former occupants Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper are said to
have entertained William Butler Yeats here with gluttonous
afternoon teas. On the food front, Bingham River House excels with
an array of decadent dishes and a pleasing, seven-course tasting
menu – the chickpea fries alone make a visit well worth it.

A two-hour drive from the city, Babington House feels worlds
away from London. Check in at the Main House – complete with a
well-stocked library, cinema and lounge – and book a mud-soak at
The Cowshed Spa on arrival, before making full use of the outdoor
swimming pool. For close-to-total seclusion, hunker down in one of
three split-level Walled Garden Rooms. By day two, you’ll be ready
to dip your toe into some of the house’s more communal activities.
Ease in with a cinema screening and build to doubles on the tennis
court. Before heading back to London, do carve out some time to
explore Frome, where there’s some great independent shops and cafés
and Bruthons Hauser & Wirth a short drive away.

Discerning Londoners have been flocking to this hotel since it’s
opening last year. Hampshire (the only destination on our list we
love so much we name-checked it twice) rich has a rich landscape
that speaks to nature lovers, while Skye Gyngell – the culinary
director – dreams up menus that make this rural retreat as a
sublime foodie destination. Rooms designed by Ben Thompson, stay
true to the inherent charm of the old Georgian House. Enjoy a set
dinner menu at Hearth, toast to a long weekend under the disco ball
in the residents bar and sign up for a morning movement session
with Bodyism. With endless corners to explore, relaxing might be
lower on your to do list than you’d anticipated. Carve out some
time to get cosy with a book (and a generous slice of cake, freshly
baked each day) at this heavenly hideaway.

Lady Bamford – of Daylesford, Bamford skincare and Bamford
clothing – knows a thing or two about Cotswold chic. At The Wild
Rabbit, the proof is in the pudding (literally). Guests can enjoy
lunch or supper of Daylesford quality in cosified surrounds. The
inn is plotted amid Kingham’s evocative rural scenery, so rent
bikes from The Wild Rabbit and loop the commune. When tuckered out,
survey the premium interiors of yellow limestone, whitewashed wood
and swoon-worthy bathrooms. After check-out and en route home, take
in the surrounding countryside – factoring in a pit stop at the
Bamford Haybarn Spa. The weekend is only over when you say it
is.

Just 40 miles north west of London, Hartwell House is low-key
and lovely. Mentioned in hushed tones (fellow Londoners have been
trying to keep this Buckinghamshire address on the lowdown), its
rooms may be traditionally decorated, but they don’t fail to
impress. Ring in the weekend with a gaggle of friends in tow and
book out the Old Rectory house, which sleeps up to seven people
(dogs are also welcome). Head to the spa for a Saturday of
pampering – making good use of the elegant pool too.