Make like royalty and take a mini-break in a spectacular English abode in Devon or Cornwall
We take a closer look at three beautiful locations in Bristol, Cornwall and Leicestershire
The Castle
Contributing Editor Kara Dolman snuck away with husband Dan and their daughter Audrey, two, to Pentillie Castle, Cornwall.
STAY: While Pentillie would be perfect for a romantic break, a pop-up bed for our toddler makes this boutique B&B family-friendly too.
Originally built in 1698, the estate sits beside the River Tamar on 55 acres of gorgeous woodland gardens with views over the Cornwall and Devon border.
Each of its nine dreamy, traditionally styled rooms comes with a modern en-suite bathroom and just-sink-into bed, plus there’s a charming bathing hut from which – if you’re brave – you can take a river dip.
Every morning we tucked into an out-of-this-world breakfast – think a locally sourced fry-up, eggs royale and freshly baked croissants. Yum!
EXPLORE: Pop to Totnes, half an hour’s drive away, where you’ll find a Norman castle, entry £4.30 for adults, £2.60 for kids (), as well as quirky independent shops like gift haven China Blue ().
Meanwhile, the picture-postcard village of Beer on the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site 35 minutes away, has a shingle beach with white chalk cliffs and working fishing boats.
Later, go stargazing at the Norman Lockyer Observatory, entry £8 for adults, £4 for kids ().
REFUEL: When in Devon, do as Devonians do and enjoy a cream tea. The impossibly cute Anne of Cleves tearoom in Totnes serves perfect scones with jam, clotted cream and a cuppa, £5.60.
In neighbouring Plymouth, a 20-minute drive from Pentillie, Rockfish is the destination for trendy seafoodies.
It offers daily specials of freshly caught classics like whole-roasted sea bream with rosemary and lemon, £16.95, as well as fun twists such as guac- and lime-filled crispy fish tacos, £11.95.
Plus, little ones will love the bottomless chips with each meal ().
DON'T MISS: The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth has the UK’s biggest fish tank, with more than 400 animals including sharks, stingrays and sea horses.
Entry costs £16.95 for adults, £12.95 for kids ().
BOOK IT: Double rooms cost from £135 B&B ().
The Manor House
Junior Writer Molly Reynolds and mate Charlotte spent a weekend at Berwick Lodge, Bristol.
STAY: In the Turkish-inspired rooms of this 19th-century manor, you’ll find features like claw-footed tubs, marble floors and stained glass (oh, and hi-tech massage showers).
In the lounge, cosy up by the fire in antique chairs with a glass of Biferno Rosso Riserva red wine, £5.
In the restaurant, Hattusa, sink your teeth into dishes like rosemary and brioche crumbed venison, £26, or scallops and pig-head croquettes, £14.
And don’t leave without wandering around the gardens to check out the stone statues and romantic pergola.
EXPLORE: Blaise Hamlet, a five-minute drive away, is a gorgeous green surrounded by storybook-like Georgian cottages with thatched roofs that's well worth an Insta ().
Have a look inside Brunel’s SS Great Britain ship, £14 (), then drive 10 minutes to the peaceful Leigh Woods nature reserve ().
En route you’ll cross the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge ().
REFUEL: Take in harbour views as you feast on a Sunday roast, £13, with local ale at the converted Grain Barge ().
Or if it’s not Sunday and you fancy munching on something (slightly) lighter, grab a plate of bubble and squeak at Broken Dock ().
DON'T MISS: Her Majesty’s Secret Service (HMSS), a short taxi ride from Berwick Lodge, is a quirky bar with speakeasy vibes and experimental cocktails.
Order the Loch Ness Mobster, with silver tequila and peach wine, £8.50 (). Hic!
BOOK IT: Double rooms cost from £125 B&B ().
The Stately Home
Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley and husband Andy checked into Stapleford Park, Leicestershire.
STAY: You’ll feel like the lord and lady of your own (massive) manor in this jaw-droppingly beautiful Grade-I-listed country house, with four-poster beds and roaring log fires on a 500-acre estate.
The Wedgwood bedroom – designed by the iconic china company – is a beaut of blue and white decor, and the complimentary carafe of home-made sloe gin goes down a treat.
Play croquet on the lawn, then take a dip in the retro pool before hitting the sauna. The cocktail list is superb – try the Gin Garden with rhubarb jam or the champers-based Strawberry Spritz, £12.50 each.
In the 2AA-Rosette restaurant, expect classics like fillet of beef, £30, and a cheeseboard including local stars such as Stilton and Red Leicester, £16.50.
Best of all? Despite feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere, this gem is just 20 minutes from the A1.
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EXPLORE: Stroll around no fewer than 38 gardens at Barnsdale, entry from £7.50, before a slice of cake in its pretty tearoom ().
Or hire a bike, £23 a day, and cycle around Rutland Water reservoir in England’s smallest county, a 20-minute drive ().
REFUEL: In market town Melton Mowbray, 15 minutes away by car, the Melton Cheeseboard has an impressive selection ().
Belvoir Brewery hosts tours with ale tastings, £10 (), and it would be a crime not to try the pastry the town is famous for at Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe ().
DON'T MISS: From May until September, get an adrenalin kick on Rutland Water’s seriously fun inflatable obstacle course, from £20 ().
BOOK IT: Double rooms cost from £160 B&B ().
- Compiled by: Catherine Bennion-Pedley Photography: Golby Creative, Alamy, Getty Images