Country house hotels near Bristol

Birdsong 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 6.5 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 centre to Berwick Lodge takes 30 minutes by car.

Image - Berwick Lodge

De Vere Tortworth Court

Just over the border in south Gloucestershire, this magnificent pile combines a handy location just off the M5, old-school Gothic Revival architecture and a picturesque Cotswold setting. Grade II* listed, the hotel has had recent re-design, giving a 21^st 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 19^th century pet cemetery. Berkeley Castle is close by.

The 20-mile drive from Bristol takes about 30 minutes.

Image - 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 16^th 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 drive from Bristol to Thornbury takes 30 minutes via the M4. Or take a taxi from Bristol Parkway station (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 drive from Bristol takes around 30 minutes. The hotel is also located close to Yatton station, which is served regularly by 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.

Bristol takes 25-30 minutes by car (and there are into-the-city bus services within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel).

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 train station, which has links to London Paddington and Bristol.

• Learn more about the Great Garden Escape package with The Newt and GWR

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.

It takes approximately 35 minutes to drive to Bristol.

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.

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