5 min readBirdsong or Bansky? Hedgerows or Harbourside? If you can’t decide between a city break or a country retreat, do both. North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and the rolling hills of the Mendips are all within a hop and a skip of Bristol city centre. Dress like a city weekender, but don’t forget your wellies.
Berwick Lodge
Combine the grandeur of an Ottoman palace with the elegance of an English country house - only six and a half miles north of Bristol. The love child of Anglo-Turkish couple Sarah and Fevzi Arikan, Berwick Lodge is set in enchanting gardens, with views across the Severn Estuary towards South Wales from some of its 14 sumptuous rooms and suites. Afternoon tea in the lounge or dinner in the restaurant is a special treat and it’s not just the lawns that are green - the hotel has a special commitment to energy efficiency and the environment. Nearby attractions include Bristol Zoo Project and Blaise Castle Estate.
Bristol to Berwick Lodge takes 30 minutes by car, and 1 hour 20 minutes by bus.
Image: Berwick Lodge
De Vere Tortworth Court
Just over the border in South Gloucestershire on the tip of the Cotswolds, this magnificent pile combines a handy location just off the M5, old-school Gothic Revival architecture and a picturesque setting. Grade II* listed, the hotel has had recent re-design, giving a 21st century twist to traditional country-house style. As well as 30 acres of grounds to explore, Tortworth boasts a glassy Victorian orangery, a bar and restaurant in the old library, a gym and pool, and, unusually, a 19th century pet cemetery. Berkeley Castle is close by.
The 20 mile drive from Bristol takes roughly 30 minutes.
Image: De Vere Tortworth Court
Thornbury Castle
If you’ve always wanted to stay in a castle this is the real deal – complete with turrets, towers, dungeons, suits of armour and king-size bedchambers all set in 15 acres of south Gloucestershire. Dating from the 16th century, Thornbury was once owned by Henry VIII (you can sleep in the room he once shared with Anne Boleyn). With a vineyard, walled Tudor gardens and opportunities to try your hand at archery, falconry and croquet, the castle is the perfect place to immerse yourself in English country life within an easy drive of the city.
The 15-mile journey from Bristol to Thornbury takes 30 minutes by car via the M4 and 1 hour by bus. Alternatively, take a train to Bristol Parkway Station, then hop in a taxi to the hotel (9 miles).
Image: The King Henry VIII Suite at Thornbury Castle
Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House
Enjoy the best of of a traditional country manor with contemporary luxury at this four-star spa hotel just outside Bristol. Enjoy a stroll around the grounds in between spa treatments, or visit one of the hotel's on-site restaurants for a memorable meal.
The 12-mile journey from Bristol takes around 30 minutes and 1 hour by bus. The hotel is also located close to Yatton railway station, which is served by regular trains to Bristol and London.
Image - Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House
THE PIG-near Bath
A great option for a foodie or spa getaway, THE PIG is nestled between Bath and Bristol on the edge of the village of Hunstrete. The garden and kitchen teams work hand in hand to create the restaurant’s 25-mile menu, celebrating all things Somerset.
In the hotel area you'll find cosy lounges with open fires, eclectic interiors and simple yet sophisticated rooms. We'd also recommend taking in the views at their outside terraces.
The 11-mile journey from Bristol takes 25-30 minutes by car and 1 hour 30 minutes by bus.
Image: The PIG near Bath
The Newt in Somerset
This luxury retreat is set across several buildings, with the main house dating from the 17th Century and remodelled in Georgian times. This former dairy farm has all of the luxury touches, from a bar and all-day kitchen to a spa with indoor-outdoor pool, steam room, sauna and treatment rooms.
Bristol is 1 hour 15 minutes away by car, or The Newt is just a short distance from Castle Cary railway station, which has links to Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington.
Image: The Newt in Somerset
The Old Parsonage
Dating from the late 1600s and Grade II listed, this historic house has a luxury B&B in the main house, as well as self-catering apartments with their own private entrances.
The journey from Bristol takes approximately 35 minutes by car, or 50 minutes by bus.
Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Perched on the edge of Bristol’s spectacular Avon Gorge, this is where you stay if you want a city base with the countryside right on the doorstep. From the hotel’s gorge-ous rooms, you can see Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge – your gateway to the leafy paths of Leigh Woods or the deer park of the Ashton Court Estate (both within manageable walking distance). The hotel’s Goram and Vincent restaurant is named after the mythical giants are who are said to have created local rock formations, including the Avon Gorge.
From the city centre, Clifton and the Avon Gorge is a 10-minute drive or a 25-minute walk (uphill). From Temple Meads station take the number 8 bus.
Image: The Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Other country house hotels near Bristol
For even more country house breaks, check out Mercure Bristol North The Grange Hotel, Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort and the Tyntesfield Estate's cottages: Summerhouse Cottage, Chaplain's Lodge and Chaplain's House.
