Great Escapes: 4 Luxury Properties Outside London

When you’re in London for work, the possibilities of side trips from the city span a wide range. We’ve chosen four favorite properties that are worth at least a few nights’ stay before or after your business trip. They’re all within three hours of town and easy to reach by car or train.

Below, we take you to the spectacular farmlands of Somerset, the sprawling landscapes of East Sussex, the charming Cotswolds, and the waterside Dorset. Pick the one that grabs your attention most and start planning that getaway.

The Newt in Somerset

Bruton

Guest room at Hadspen House, The Newt in Somerset, Bruton / Photo: Courtesy of The Newt

Set amid 1,000 acres of parkland with orchards, lakes, a grotto and a Roman villa, The Newt bills itself as a “place of wonderment,” and that it truly is. The property, which dates to the 17th century, has a main house with understated yet chic guest rooms. Spend your time ensconced in the spa or partake in some of the many workshops on offer. Learn all about beekeeping, for example, or try your hand at farming and even dry-stone walling. Or book a cider stroll and tasting and explore the many historic villages nearby. Much of the food for The Newt’s restaurants is grown on-site, and the cuisine pops with freshness and flavor.

The Pig on the Beach

Studland

Looe Harbour fish with sweet corn at The Pig on the Beach / Photo: Courtesy of Max Milligan

The Pig brand has a loyal following among Londoners, and this property makes it clear why the cognoscenti are repeat guests. Set along Studland Bay in Dorset, it features spectacular panoramas of the surrounding coastline and offers various rooms, including the two-story Lookout with its own beach hut. Dining, as at all Pigs, is a main reason to check in, with simple dishes beautifully executed with local produce. The menu, featuring options with ingredients that are sourced from within 25 miles, can change up to twice a day. That could mean a chilled pea soup with oregano sour cream as a lunch starter and pork loin from a nearby farm with a blackberry red wine sauce as your dinner entrée.

While you’re here, take plenty of gorgeous coastal walks, and make time for a relaxing treatment at the rustic spa. Our vote goes to the Upper Body Unwind with a back exfoliation and arm and hand massage.

The Star

Alfriston

The Star, Alfriston / Photo: Courtesy of The Star

Located in the quintessentially English village of Alfriston, The Star offers an endless list of diversions. Beaches (including a long stretch of undeveloped coastline), historical attractions, all levels of walks, art galleries, and wineries are on your doorstep. We also love Glyndebourne, regarded as one of the premier small opera houses worldwide. The challenge here is figuring out where you should spend your time. The rooms have been tastefully decorated by renowned designer Olga Polizzi, while the on-site restaurant, which serves delicious lunches and dinners, will pack a tasty picnic basket for excursions.

No. 131

Cheltenham

Yoku restaurant at No. 131, Cheltenham / Photo: Courtesy of No. 131

Located on the Promenade, the main thoroughfare in the Cotswolds town of Cheltenham, No. 131 is a smart property in an 18th-century townhouse that sat abandoned for years. Now it’s the epicenter of the action, with its always hopping bar, excellent Japanese restaurant Yoku (the sushi is a knockout) and The Terrace, which serves food all day. Sunday lunch is an affair here, with a menu that includes traditional English roasts and British dishes such as smoked ham hock salad.

Cheltenham itself is a hubbub of activity and home to many art galleries. It also hosts festivals all year, including ones celebrating jazz and literature.