Forget passport queues, flight delays and spending a small fortune in an airport Pret — it’s about time we gave the UK its due. From a Michelin-listed inn in the heart of Suffolk to a design-led Highland estate and a regenerative farm retreat on the edge of Dartmoor, these three hotels prove that you don’t need to leave the country to check in, switch off, and eat remarkably well. Viva la staycation.

1. For an Award-Winning Stay: Peacock Inn, Suffolk

What: Set in the quietly picturesque village of Chelsworth, The Peacock Inn is a Grade II-listed, 14th-century timber-framed pub that balances historic charm with a modern sense of purpose. At its core, it remains a true village local — a place to gather, eat well, and stay the night — but it’s also quietly ambitious. Now listed in the Michelin Guide’s November 2024 selection — the only inclusion in the immediate area — The Peacock is firmly on the map for those looking for substance and style in a rural setting.

What to Expect: The inn houses a refined restaurant serving thoughtful, seasonal food, a relaxed bar, seven individual bedrooms, and a self-contained cottage, all set around a well-kept country garden. It’s comfortable without being fussy, stylish without trying too hard. The menu features indulgent, comforting dishes exhibiting the finest Suffolk ingredients. Plates include ‘Suffolk Lamb hotpot’ with wild garlic salsa verde, creamed cavolo nero, minted lamb sauce and Roasted guinea fowl with Wye Valley asparagus, purple broccoli, ratte potato puree, truffle, and reblochon.

Where: 37 The Street, Chelsworth, Suffolk, IP7 7HU

2. For a Scottish Escape: Newhall Mains, Ross-Shire

What: Once a near-derelict Highland estate, Newhall Mains has been reimagined as a boutique retreat that pays careful homage to its agricultural roots. The “Mains” — traditionally the principal buildings of a Scottish farm or estate — has been thoughtfully restored by Euan Ramsay and his family. Each space is individually styled — from the grand, three-bedroom Red Gates in a former coach house to the one-bedroom Divine Suite, complete with a freestanding bath and a touch of Louis XIV drama.

What to Expect: Newhall Mains has a standalone restaurant, with a menu showcasing quality British produce, often cooked in the woodfired oven in the hotel’s courtyard. The kitchen team is committed to making the most of Scotland’s larder, with dishes using ingredients foraged from the Newhall Mains estate and surroundings. New for 2025 is Newhall Mains’ wellness experience, including a bespoke outdoor sauna designed by Mor & Broze and a cold plunge pool, available to book for private use for up to six guests.

Where: Newhall Mains, By Dingwall, Balblair, Ross Shire IV7 8LQ

3. For a Luxurious Break: Fowlescombe Farm, Devon

What: Set in the foothills of Dartmoor, this regenerative organic farm has launched ten luxury suites, marking an exciting new chapter in Fowlescombe’s story. This one-of-a-kind country escape offers thoughtfully designed accommodation, a farm-to-table restaurant, bespoke concierge service, and a curated programme of on- and off-site activities.

The Lowdown: At the heart of the retreat is The Refectory, a farm-to-table restaurant that offers hyper-seasonal menus with produce from the farm’s gardens and fields. Snacks include the Farm’s Charcuterie, No-Waste Croquettes, and main courses include Manx Loaghtan Hogget or Salcombe Crab Linguine. Guests can also enjoy in-suite dining and seasonal long-table events in the Greenhouse. A curated programme of immersive experiences is also available daily and included in the room rate, from wildlife walks and floristry workshops to historic tours and bread-making. Offsite, bespoke adventures are also on offer, from sea foraging by kayak to Dartmoor gravel biking.

Where: Ugborough, Ivybridge PL21 0HW

Photo credit: Jon Tonks