We have visited several luxury Country House hostels in North Yorkshire in the North of Britain and trust the following will help in your search for suitable exclusive Country House hotels in this beautiful agricultural part of Britain.  This area of the country has many old English market cities and villages located in the state Parks of the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. 

The following Country House hostels all have our private recommendation:-

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – found by the stream Wharfe at Bolton Abbey Nr Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales.  The hotel belongs to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.  A hearty welcome awaits-your bags will be taken for you from your vehicle to your bedroom that may be beautifully appointed.  We stayed in a room in the original part of the hotel which had a pony racing theme.  Fires burn in inclement weather in the entrance hall and the lounges.  The Michelin starred restaurant serves beautiful wine and food and there is also a superb brasserie for informal dining.  The spa is located across the road in what appears to be a converted barn and contains a little gymnasium.  The staff are very friendly providing a top ~ first ~ firstclass service with nothing being too much trouble.  Having borrowed an umbrella and wellies which are offered by the hotel by the front door for your personal use we took a short walk by the river Wharfe in the snow to the ruined Abbey and then crossed the stream by way of the stepping stones.  Returning to this superbly designated Country House Hotel we enjoyed tea and scones in front of a roaring fire in one of the lounges.  If you are visiting the Yorkshire Dales you must stay at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – you won’t be disappointed.  Incidentally dogs are tenderly welcomed the hotel having two resident dogs who will appreciate sharing your biscuits! 

Lastingham Grange – found in the attractive village of Lastingham a few miles from the market town of Pickering where the North Yorkshire Moors railway is found.  This Country House Hotel has been owned and run by the same family for a number of years with many guests returning time upon time.  Set in many acres including beautifully maintained gardens you can walk out of the front door of the hotel and within a 5 minute walk be on the North Yorkshire Moors enjoying spectacular perspectives.  We were warmly greeted on arrival and taken direct to our room which was well elected.  We enjoyed tea and scones in the lounge which had a roaring fire-the Darjeeling tea is the best we have tasted.  Dinner was unusual with the food being of a high standard as was the highly private service – it was like staying in somebody’s home.  You cannot fail but to relax in this standard Country House Hotel.  Dogs are welcome. 

Alan Hope and his other half Anne have stayed at numerous other exclusive Country House hotels in England.

If you enjoy traveling and would like to read more on some of the most famous places in the world, visit famouswonders.com and also check out Big Ben history.

No Comments » Posted by hotelreviews / Uncategorized

Although it may seem strange, Winnie the Pooh, Anne of Cleves and the Long Man of Wilmington all have something in common: East Sussex. With such a wide array of stunning attractions and a rich heritage, the country should definitely be on your holiday hit list.

East Sussex is situated in the south east of England and has a rather chequered history. Ruled by tribesmen, the Roman legions and several independent monarchs, it was also the site of the Norman Invasion in 1066. It wasn’t however until the 17th and 18th centuries that the village of Brighton developed into one of the country’s most popular seaside resorts. Charming and picturesque countryside is to be enjoyed throughout East Sussex as well as the magnificent chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters and thick woodland at the Ashdown and Friston Forests.

And of course, a holiday to East Sussex simply has to start with a trip to the wonderful seaside town of Brighton. Choose from the superb range of Brighton holiday accommodation and enjoy the perfect base to explore everything the area has to offer. Brighton Beach, the Palace Pier, the ruins of the West Pier and the oriental Royal Pavilion are all essential sights when visiting Brighton, but also not to be missed is the Volks eclectic railway, which is the world’s first electric train and the Toy and Model Museum. If you are planning your visit during May, be sure to book tickets to a performance of Brighton festival, an event that is, after Edinburgh, Britain’s second largest arts’ festival. Complete your visit to Brighton by browsing the shops and boutiques of the lanes or perhaps stopping for lunch at one of the areas many cafes and restaurants.

Tourists might also like to visit the historic town of Lewes as well as the neighbouring seaside town of Eastbourne. If you do get an opportunity to visit Eastbounre, don’t miss a chance to enjoy the Long Man of Wilmington, an enigmatic chalk figure carved into the hillside. The wonderful historic town of Lewes is home to a number of perfectly preserved attractions including the home of Anne of Cleves, who was one of King Henry the 8th’s infamous wives as well as the stunning Lewes Castle. A visit to East Sussex would not be complete without paying a visit to Battle Abbey and Pevensey Castle before a short day trip to Paradise Park where children and adults alike can relive Prehistoric times with the park’s life size dinosaurs. Whether you are interested in family fun, historic monuments, literary landmarks or sporting or artistic attractions, East Sussex surely has it all. To discover their stunning region for yourself, why not consider choosing from the range of Sussex holiday cottages and booking your own break in East Sussex today.

No Comments » Posted by hotelreviews / Uncategorized