The Hand Picked Hotels to escape to this autumn, from spas to country houses
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There is something particularly alluring about an autumn staycation. Crisp country walks, browning leaves, reading by roaring fires, and long evenings over red wine at dinner. This year, Hand Picked Hotels is embracing the changing of the seasons with its Amber Hours deals across countryside houses and coastal retreats.
Designed to make the most of the quieter, golden months, the offers are available on stays until 30 November. A one-night staycation includes a champagne after tea and a complimentary upgrade to the next available room category, while two nights or more adds a specially curated three-course dinner.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend away from the city or a longer escape from the daily grind, decide between historic properties, contemporary country houses, or spa stays. Nutfield Priory in Surrey combines Victorian Gothic character with views across rolling hills, while Brandshatch Place in Kent offers a more intimate experience set within 12 acres of parkland and gardens, giving the illusion of your own country pile.
Ettingtin Park in Warwickshire sits on 40 acres alongside the River Stour, while Buxted Park Hotel is a Georgian property with modern luxuries, and New Hall Hotel and Spa sees you bed down in England’s oldest inhabited moated house.
Ahead of the busy festive period, recharge and reset with a spa break at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, New Hall Hotel & Spa, Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, and Wood Hall Hotel & Spa – all two-night stays include a 50-minute Tranquillity Pro Sleep Ritual for two, use of the spa facilities and a complimentary 200ml Tranquillity Pro Sleep Bath and Body Oil by Comfort Zone to take home.
Swap Sunday roasts in the city for hearty fare in historic surroundings, with seasonal dining and three-course meals included in the Amber Hours offers. Dine at Ettington Park’s Great Drawing Room, with views across 40 acres of parkland and the River Stour, or savour modern British dishes at Crathorne Hall’s Leven Restaurant, where period features and sweeping views of the Leven Valley set the scene. At Rookery Hall, settle into rich wood-panelled surroundings for seasonal dishes inspired by the Cheshire countryside, while at Rhinefield House, dine beneath the glittering jewels of the Alhambra Room, deep in the New Forest.
Meanwhile, the Champagne afternoon tea experiences celebrate the best of seasonal, autumnal flavours, including orchard fruits, warming spices, apple and cinnamon, alongside traditional scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry conserve. Conclude your afternoon indulgence with a walk through the hotel grounds, before sinking into a lounge chair to finish your book.
An autumnal weekend done right, you can find the full list of participating properties on Hand Picked Hotel’s website.