The best countryside hotels near London

Best for: families

For a taste of fresh-air family-friendly country pursuits without the tedious slog, Four Seasons Hampshire is just an hour’s train from Clapham Junction, or a breezy 35-minute drive from Heathrow. The sight of the 18th-century manor house is impressive, looming large over the verdant 500-acre estate. Inside is a winding mix of old and new, from the traditional Drawing Room where afternoon tea is served, to the conservatory-style infinity pool. There’s an approachable elegance throughout, making it a particularly beloved address for families, with crowd-pleasing spots including the indoor pool playground Sharkie’s Reef, and the main restaurant Wild Carrot. Outside, the equestrian centre is home to an array of glossy horses. Other country pursuits on offer include archery, falconry, fly fishing and tennis.

Rooms marry English trad with Four Seasons signatures and are scattered throughout the property, from in the mews to the manor house and overlooking the garden. Walls are clad in wainscoting panels, and those famed Four Seasons beds are crowned with romantic scalloped headboards. Sofa beds for wee ones are available in a number of categories, while there’s room for a larger brood in the speciality suites. Meanwhile, the slick spa is set within a converted 18th-century barn and spread across 27,000 square feet, and is one of the best near London. Many come for a paddle underneath the period-style conservatory, where a heated infinity pool stretches out into a manicured garden and flows into a hot tub. The signature Ni-Putu massage, a masterful mix of accupressure, massage and stretches performed with ylang ylang, jasmine and rose oil, is an equally worthy drawcard. In essence, expect all the grandiose beauty of a Georgian manor plus modern Four Seasons accoutrements, and an exceptional offering for families. Lauren Burvill

Address: Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Hook RG27 8TD
Distance from London: about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
Price: from about £468 per night