There’s a serene, romantic feel to this restaurant inside the charming Whatley Manor country house, which dates back to 1802 and sports 12 acres of formal grounds. The evening starts with snacks in the kitchen, before moving through to the dining room for the main event. Terse menu descriptions belie the detail and creativity in the artfully presented dishes, which come with some intriguing contrasts of texture and flavour. Extend your visit with an overnight stay in one of the luxurious modern bedrooms.

11.7km

Bybrook

Modern British · ★ Michelin

££££

One of the last true country house hotels, this 14th-century manor sits within 365 acres of formal gardens and parkland in a picture-postcard village – and the immensely charming interior features characterful oak panelling and a host of cosy open-fired lounges. Quality produce from Anjou pigeon to Cornish brill plays a pivotal role in the menu, which results in a flavoursome blend of simple and premium ingredients. Dishes are precisely prepared and deliver refined, classic combinations with modern overtones. Luxurious bedrooms are split between the house and mews cottages.

16.0km

Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park

Modern British · ★ Michelin

££££

This is country house dining at its finest – opulent, formal and sophisticated – and it suits this grand Palladian mansion perfectly. Rich, elegant décor, extravagant furnishings and sumptuous fabrics feature throughout, from the beautiful bedrooms to the drawing rooms where pre-meal drinks are enjoyed. Expertly crafted dishes rely on classic techniques but have a light, modern style, and ingredients are luxurious and of top quality. Structured service comes with as much polish as the silver.

19.2km

Grey's

International

£££

Sitting within the luxurious Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, but with a feel all of its own, is this elegant grey-hued restaurant – ask for a booth or dine in the garden in the summer months. It presents a slightly less formal alternative to The Dining Room, serving a menu of globally influenced small plates that's divided into 'Earth', 'Land' and 'Sea', often featuring salad and vegetables from the kitchen garden. The cooking showcases well-defined flavours and careful craft, in dishes like prawn tortellini with coconut bisque. On Sundays, you can enjoy a traditional roast lunch.

11.4km

Castle Inn

Modern British

££

This charming inn makes a delightful pitstop, especially for those visiting the nearby motor racing circuit. The menu is just what you want to see in a place like this: a blackboard of daily specials and dishes that are punchy and full of flavour. In season, local game is always worth ordering and the desserts are consistently good too. The building dates back to the 12th century and boasts many original features; comfortable, immaculately appointed bedrooms complete the picture.

15.8km

Walled Garden

Modern British

££

The titular garden is that of the exquisite Lucknam Park, one of the finest country house hotels in all the land. Hidden within the carefully manicured hedges, behind the 18th-century manor house, is this inviting, glass-enclosed brasserie. Sit on the gorgeous terrace or at oversized, marble-topped tables in the bright, pristine dining room and choose from a concise selection of vibrant, proudly executed dishes underpinned by textbook culinary technique. Pastas, risottos and freshly fired pizzas add to the Mediterranean vibe, while the day boat fish is hard to resist.

19.2km

Click a row to locate it · distances are approximate. Data from Overture / Michelin / Wikidata.

The Cowsheds

Room types · 1

Exclusive Cottage, Private Bathroom (The Cowsheds - Sleeps 17)

Facilities · 15

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