With regional lockdowns still playing havoc with travel plans, you may want to holiday closer to home. From the charming Cotswolds to the regency glamour of Cheltenham or a tree house in Warwickshire, here’s 10 luxurious staycations to suit every taste and price across the Midlands.
— 1 —
Combermere Abbey, Shropshire
Relish having free reign at this glorious 900-year-old abbey on the Shropshire-Cheshire border. Choose between 10 dog-friendly, stylish self-catering cottages on the estate or a B&B suite in the glamorous North Wing of the imposing abbey. Reunite with family at the cottages, picnic among glorious woodland, play tennis or even go wild swimming at this beauty spot. Prices from £157 for the decadent B&B suite at the Combermere Abbey website here.
— 2 —
The Lygon Arms, The Cotswolds
This high-end Cotswolds hotel is set amongst the honey-coloured stone of Broadway village. From the same hotel group that owns prestigious Cliveden House, The Lygon Arms is a sophisticated haven in a region frequented by celebrities from Kate Moss to Zara Phillips. Indulge in The Lygon’s sumptuous afternoon tea, chill out in the spa or take a walk to the famous Broadway tower via many stylish boutiques and bars. Prices from £185 at The Lygon Arms website here.
— 3 —
Hotel Indigo, Stratford upon Avon
This lavish boutique hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon combines historic features with contemporary décor and comforts. All 93 exquisite rooms in this 16th Century half-timbered building pay homage to William Shakespeare in a subtle fashion. Close to Stratford’s enchanting river and town centre, the hotel offers clues to the neighbourhood’s attractions on its shelves, so you’ll never get bored. Make sure you find time to indulge at the hotel’s atmospheric The Woodsman restaurant with its focus on mouth-watering game and fish, including some of the best venison you’ll ever taste. Prices from £80 from the Hotel Indigo website here.
— 4 —
Queens Hotel, Cheltenham
Immerse yourself in Victorian grandeur during a stay in chic Cheltenham. This Grade II-listed property – part the of MGallery Hotel Collection – is the epitome of opulence with chandeliers and neo-classical architecture. Behind its traditional façade overlooking Imperial Square, there’s lavish rooms and a grand restaurant and tea lounge with modern touches. Plus it’s only a short walk to both designer stores in the city centre and ultra-hip Montpellier. Prices from £128 at The Queens Hotel website here.
— 5 —
Winchcombe Farm Glamping, Warwickshire
This boutique glamping retreat in tranquil Tysoe village is just 50 minutes from the centre of Birmingham – but it feels like a world away. Be greeted with a welcome hamper to unique luxury accommodation including Warwickshire’s only tree house holiday home, three lodges, outdoor pizza ovens and private hot tubs. Forget all your worries while alpaca trekking or star-gaze with telescopes in the geodesic domes at this rural haven near historic Edgehill battlefield. Prices between £205 and £335 per night at the Winchcombe Farm website here.
— 6 —
The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern
This sumptuous retreat is an intimate hideaway, high in the hills of stunning Malvern. Nestle into refurbished, stylish rooms across the Main House, Beech Cottage or Coach House. Keep your head in the clouds as you tuck into a Champagne afternoon tea or dine at its 2AA Rosette restaurant, 1919, before trying one of its many cocktails on the terrace. A new Covid era one-way system in the hotel puts your mind at ease as you relax and enjoy the view. Prices from £56 per person and you can get one night free when booking five nights or more in particular rooms. See The Cottage in the Wood website here.
— 7 —
Narrowboat holiday around Worcestershire
Cruise at your own pace through the canals and locks of leafy Worcestershire with your bubble of family, friends or partner. Narrowboat specialist Black Prince has a seven-night Chocs Away route from Stoke Prior in Bromsgrove through Birmingham to the Severn Valley and Worcester. Dock up and visit pubs and attractions, like Cadbury World, along the way and make yourself at home in this charming alternative stay. Prices for 7 nights from £1,499 for four sharing. View other Midland routes at the Black Prince website here.
— 8 —
Dragonwood Boat House, Rutland
Revitalise your senses at this remote lakeside property, nestled within a 60-acre private country estate. Designed with romance in mind, wake up to floor-to-ceiling views of the lake from your double bed at this self-catering boathouse near Oakham for two people. The traditional Victorian bolthole hides a modern Italian interior within, complete with a log fire and kayaks to use on the lake. Offered by Unique Home Stays, prices start from £895 a week or £725 for a short break from the Unique Home Stays website here.
— 9 —
Selina Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter
Enjoy a city break in one of Birmingham’s newest hotels. This fashionable boutique hotel features large loft spaces and suites with stylish murals above the bed, a movie room and Latin-American inspired speakeasy restaurant La Mariposa. Staycation while throwing your support behind Birmingham’s many independent shops, attractions, bars and restaurants – including six Michelin starred eateries – on the doorstep. Rooms from £30 plus a range of special offers at the Selina Birmingham website here.
— 10 —
Laura Ashley Hotel The Iliffe, Coventry
Lounge into the finest Laura Ashley furnishings at this historic house set in three acres of landscaped gardens. Close to Coombe Abbey Country Park, unwind in the hotel’s famous tearoom or take a romantic jaunt around the scenic gardens. Each room has a different look by the famous home furnishings designer and you can currently get up to 15% off and free cancellation, giving peace of mind at this unsettling time. Prices from £80 at the Laura Ashley The Iliffe website here.
