| Summertime in Britain used to be all about buckets | | | | the shores of the Irish Sea. Dating back to the 19th |
| and spades, whilst the rainy days were spent playing | | | | century, it's a luxurious place for holiday makers |
| board games inside dreary B&Bs. Today, boutique | | | | exploring the remote and wild countryside of this |
| hotels on the British coastline mean the weather | | | | region. Fishing, pony trekking and hiking can be |
| doesn't have to be bright and breezy every day for | | | | enjoyed in the surrounding grounds and the hotel will |
| you to make the most of a vacation close to home. | | | | prepare a champagne picnic to keep guests going all |
| Inside gorgeous country mansions or historic retreats, | | | | day. |
| there are tons of modern pursuits that will keep | | | | There's also a private beach for sunbathing and an |
| even the most restless luxury holiday lover | | | | excellent restaurant with fine and fresh cuisine, plus a |
| entertained. | | | | cellar with over 400 wine bottles. Traditionally |
| 1. Driftwood, Rosevine, Cornwall | | | | decorated with country house prints and antique |
| Nestled amongst acres of beautiful gardens and set | | | | furniture, the hotel still reflects its long history as a |
| above a stunning cliff top, this intimate hotel was | | | | noble and royal retreat. Most famously, Churchill |
| converted from a traditional family house into a | | | | sought relaxation here at the end of the Second |
| luxury and stylish haven in the heart of Cornwall's | | | | World War. |
| heritage countryside. With just 10 bedrooms, the | | | | 3. Westover Hall Hotel, Lymington, New Forest |
| Driftwood offers the privacy typical of the world's | | | | A Grade II listed Victorian Mansion, this sumptuous |
| best boutique hotels. | | | | boutique hotel has spectacular views over |
| However, it certainly doesn't lack space; there's a | | | | Christchurch Bay and beyond to the Isle of Wight. |
| restaurant with views of the sea, a terrace for al | | | | Yards from both a peaceful beach and the charming |
| fresco dining, cosy sitting and drawing rooms and a | | | | village of Milford-on-Sea, Westover Hall is pure |
| TV room for the kids. Nearby, small pubs and | | | | Victorian seaside charm. |
| excellent stretches of beach are perfect for a lazy | | | | Built in 1897 by the famous architect Arnold Mitchell, |
| seaside vacation, whilst watersports, horseriding, | | | | this hotel is a masterpiece of stained glass windows, |
| tennis and gold are on hand for the energetic. | | | | okay panelling and grand surroundings. There's a |
| 2. Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick, Scotland | | | | popular restaurant specialising in local produce and 11 |
| This lovely hunting lodge in western Scotland lies on | | | | bedrooms decorated in gleaming luxury style. |