The best properties in Britain for a bank holiday staycation

A bank holiday weekend offers the perfect excuse to escape the daily grind with a much-deserved jaunt. This year, rather than casting your gaze to far-flung regions, why not make the most of what’s on your very doorstep?

Whether you’re longing to fill your lungs with sea air, seeking to school yourself in history or simply wanting to enjoy a few days of peace and quiet in the countryside, these long-weekend destinations will help you see the UK in a whole new light and lend you a fresh sense of appreciation for what this country has to offer.

Surrounded by 400 acres of ancient woodland, flower-filled meadows and verdant gardens, Heckfield Place feels so rural and remote that you’d never guess it’s only an hour out of London.

Inside the Georgian pile, you’ll find a glamorous screening room, two farm-to-table restaurants helmed by culinary director Skye Gyngell, and a raft of original fireplaces, fixtures and fittings. Spend your days swimming in the lake, indulging in The Bothy by Wildsmith spa and exploring the grounds on bike or foot.

Set within 38 acres of beautifully manicured gardens at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Grantley Hall is a 17th century estate that has been meticulously transformed into a luxurious five star hotel.

Authentic Yorkshire charm, stately grandeur and contemporary comforts all combine to create an exceptional countryside experience. Check into one of the 47 rooms and make the most of the hotel’s offerings, which include the award-winning Three Graces Spa, an array of culinary options (the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall fine dining restaurant gets our pick), and three bars, each with their own unique look and feel.

This 18th century townhouse turned boutique bolthole in the charming Cornish fishing town of Padstow features six uniquely styled suites, each named after a classic dessert or sweet treat (Rhubarb Custard, anyone?)

The property is owned by much-loved chef and television personality Paul Ainsworth, so it’s safe to say you’ll never go hungry: there’s even a fully stocked Kitchen Pantry where guests can help themselves to anything they’d like – from sweet and savoury snacks to sommelier-selected wines.

Nowhere quite has that symbolical English charm than the Cotswolds, as is evidenced as Sheepscombe House. A ‘petite’ Georgian manor property with enough room for 10, it sits in discreet splendour among the heart of a lush green valley that has the promise of superlative country views and brisk, easy-weekend walks.

And guests sure won’t be short of activities from which to choose. For those seeking to remedy the pollution and noise of city life, Sheepscombe House comes with its own all-weather tennis court and heated outdoor pool. However, if you prefer to stay warm and cosy indoors (it is England, after all), there’s a built-in cinema room so you can catch up on those Scorsese flicks you’ve been meaning to watch, as well as a double drawing room perfect for holing up and tackling that pile of books that’s accumulated on your bedside table.

In a pocket of rural English countryside not far from the Welsh border is this period property. Atelier Rose is replete with character, seemingly both worn-in and sleek at the same time, and, as the name suggests, it’s surrounded by something of a gardener’s paradise in which guests will find an abundance of fruit and olive trees.

The verdant theme continues indoors, with a lush green orangery that comes complete with a one-tonne William Holland spa bath made of tin and crafted to erase all your pent-up new-year stress. The interiors feature murano-glass chandeliers, luxurious four-poster beds (enough for 12 guests) and a forest of exposed wooden beams.

Dating back to 1815 and recently restored by the Duchess of Roxburghe, the Head Gardener’s House is positioned within the walled garden of Floors Castle and is the paragon of off-duty country living, with premium finishes by Osborne & Little, Lewis & Wood and Romo, all of which add a vibrant, characterful spirit to the fit-out.

Scotland is famous for its worldly walks – and, here, strolling across the park grounds and on the banks of the River Tweed make for a fine afternoon. That’s if you even make it out of your room; the large expanses of beds simply call out for your occupancy.

For more travel inspiration, check out our pick of the hottest hotel openings in 2025...

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more