These are five of the best Relais & Chateaux (opens in new tab) hotels across the UK, which are home to some of the most charming gardens – from Devon to North Yorkshire. Featuring private parklands, Roman baths, strolls through Georgian architecture, ancient woods and grottoes, these gardens provide a true sense of escape, serenity and ‘becoming one with nature’. Every detail is carefully designed to give your getaway the calm it requires. See our news section for more expert interiors tips, product launches, and luxury travel and property updates
1. BALLYFIN
Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains just over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin – part of the Relais & Chateaux portfolio – has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. It is a place of history, romance and natural beauty, surrounded by 614 acres of private parkland, a 28-acre lake, ancient woods, follies and grottoes. With 20 bedrooms, magnificent grandeur, and a sense of seclusion - decorated with Irish art and antiques from around the world – Ballyfin is in the same spirit of refined elegance that the early House reflected in the 1820s. Good to know: This aristocratic mansion houses an outstanding collection of paintings that trace the development of Irish art from the mid-17th century to today. From £489.35 per nightAddress: Cappanrush, Ballyfin, Co. Laois, Irelandrelaischateaux.com/ballyfin See:The top 10 garden trends for 2020, according to the Society of Garden Designers
2. GIDLEIGH PARK
Gidleigh Park – a Relais & Chateaux property - sits majestically on the upper reaches of the River Teign within 43 hectares of mature grounds, featuring an acclaimed kitchen garden, croquet lawns and putting course. The house has an air of tranquillity and romance, and many of the guest rooms overlook the beautiful gardens and the river, each unique with thoughtful touches and indulgent bathrooms. The interior of the house draws inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement, complemented by artwork and antiques from the family’s private collection. The hotel’s intimate oak-panelled dining room also overlooks the hotel’s magnificent gardens and showcase the season’s finest ingredients on menus. Good to know: Borrow a pair of walking boots from the Boot Room to explore the atmospheric gardens and woodland surrounding the hotel. A walk through the beautiful water gardens or the carpets of bluebells in spring is a magical experience. From £247.50 per nightAddress: Gidleigh Park, TQ13 8HH, Chagford (Devon)relaischateaux.com/gidleigh See:How to create a winter garden –transform your space into a winter wonderland
3. GRANTLEY HALL
Following the path of the River Skell, past mature woods and a lake, Grantley Hall – part of the Relais & Chateaux family - will leave you in awe. From the bedroom windows, guests can gaze over the estate’s surroundings, including its beautiful gardens which can be viewed from the bath in the Royal Suite. Grantley Hall is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, perfect for a pastoral stroll. Amid hills covered with heather moors, each of the valleys has its own charm, its own flowered stream and its own dry-stone walls. Good to know: At the beginning of last century, Sir Christopher Furness, the property’s owner at the time, diverted the river to flow around the house. As for his wife, her mark can be seen in one of England’s first Japanese gardens, which she designed for the estate. From £300 per nightAddress: Grantley Hall, Grantley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3ET, Ripon, (North Yorkshire)relaischateaux.com/grantleyhall
4. MARLFIELD HOUSE
Marlfield House – a Relais & Chateaux property – is hailed as one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in Wexford. The garden and grounds extend to 36 acres, whilst woodlands form the backdrop to meandering paths through the gardens. To arrive in this part of Ireland from Dublin, guests have the pleasure of passing through the magical countryside of Wicklow, a county nestled between the sea and the mountains, boasting some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. Good to know: Chefs are seen throughout the day in the kitchen garden picking vegetables, fruits and herbs for dinner in one of the two exquisite restaurants. From £94.50 per nightAddress: Courtown Road, R742, Gorey, Co. Wexfordrelaischateaux.com/marlfield
5. THE BATH PRIORY
The Bath Priory a Relais & Chateaux property – is a charming manor built in 1835, nestled in the gardens of a former priory. Due to the constant nurturing touch of Head Gardener, Jane Moore, The Bath Priory Gardens have become award-winning destinations. Crossing Royal Victoria Park, guests are only a few steps from the historic centre of Bath, where they can stroll among Georgian architecture and visit the Roman baths. Afterwards, they can relax and unwind in a bath in The Garden Spa. Good to know: The Bath Priory is home to the first and only L’Occitane Spa in the UK. Offering an indoor and outdoor pool, steam pod and sauna, it’s treatment rooms also boast fantastic views of the four acres of beautiful gardens. From £140 per nightAddress: Weston Road, BA1 2XT, Bath (Somerset)relaischateaux.com/bathpriory
