Make the most of the season’s lingering warmth with five escapes made for golden days, alfresco feasts and outdoor adventures
The Lookout, Newquay, Cornwall
Following a record-breaking summer, it would be no surprise if temperatures continue to soar into autumn. For those who fancy relishing the sunshine with sweeping Atlantic views, access to hotel amenities and the privacy of a luxury coastal residence, The Lookout by The Atlantic Hotel might just do the trick.
The bougie spot sleeps up to eight, making it an ideal escape for those with busy group chats. Round up the gang for morning dips in the ocean, stints in the steam room and aperitivos on a balcony soaked in syrupy autumn sunshine.
Family-style cooking is, of course, part of the charm of staying in a fully kitted-out gaff. However, for evenings when you’d rather have someone else stirring the sauce, book a table at Silks Restaurant. Expect plenty of local fish on the award-winning restaurant’s menu, alongside crowd-pleasing classics – the juicy burgers are a great shout. For afters, head to the eclectic bar, designed in 1930 by none other than Harrods of London.
Priory Wareham, Wareham, Dorset
Romantic interiors, meandering rivers and slow afternoons in sunlight-dappled gardens – The Priory Wareham certainly offers an idyllic escape.
Set on the banks of the River Frome, the Food Lifestyle Award-winning hotel makes an excellent starting point for local walks and adventures. Wareham town centre is just a ten-minute stroll away, so guests can easily explore its historic architecture, independent shops and local restaurants.
After a day out and about (or simply unwinding in the hotel gardens), it’s worth booking a table at The Garden Room Restaurant, where produce-led dining in elegant surrounds is the MO. Start with the likes of Dorset-smoked confit duck and fig bonbons with sweetcorn puree, before moving on to a fillet of skrei cod with olive oil and parmesan creamed potato, curried butternut squash and wild garlic beurre blanc. End on a sweet note with bay leaf and pear panna cotta, poached pear and burnt white chocolate.
Glebe House, Devon
This east Devon staycation favourite is a triple threat. Guest house, farm-to-table restaurant and 15-acre smallholding come together in a glorious rural setting, with far-reaching views across the rolling hills of the Coly Valley and the Jurassic Coast just a short drive away.
The restored Georgian country house is home to five beautifully designed rooms, each rich in character and eclectic charm – ideal places to retreat to after a day spent stomping through the surrounding countryside. Those looking for more privacy and a touch of luxury should consider one of three cabins, each tucked away on the smallholding and complete with a wood-burning stove, outdoor bath and private terrace.
For the full experience, book one of the many workshops – bread-making, preserving and cooking, and cider-making are just some of the ways to make a stay more memorable. It would also be sacrilege not to sample the menu at the acclaimed restaurant, where dishes are inspired by the rural cuisines of Italy and France and crafted with produce drawn from Devon’s coast and countryside.
The Alverton, Truro, Cornwall
Escaping the city heat can be tricky, which is why a hidden oasis like The Alverton is such a welcome find.
Set in a Grade II-listed building within walking distance of Truro city centre, it offers respite from the heat without straying too far from the action. Grab a bite at its two-AA-rosette restaurant or retreat to the cool shade of parasols and towering trees for alfresco dining on the terrace, watching as the leaves begin to turn shades of amber and rust.
Choose between a room in the main house or courtyard, each individually designed with plenty of character and charm. Before making your reservation, check out what’s on at the hotel; you might just land on a date that coincides with one of its garden sessions. The hotel also hosts chef-led tasting evenings and themed balls, including murder mystery and wizard nights.
Pythouse Kitchen Garden, Tisbury, Wiltshire
For sensory seekers, green-fingered folk and the sustainably minded alike, this 18th-century walled garden in the Wiltshire countryside is an enchanting place to call home for a weekend.
Book a spot in Pythouse’s glamping village in the secluded orchard, or an atmospheric shepherd’s hut for two, and settle in for a restorative stay. Spend days unwinding in the outdoor sauna, pottering through the gardens and sampling Pythouse’s own Sprigster botanical drinks. Most importantly, experience the ethically minded dishes, kissed by fire and smoke, at its prestigious restaurant.
Enhance your stay with an open-fire cooking experience or a pickling and preserving masterclass.
Enjoyed our 5 of the best spots for Indian summer escapes? Check out our favourite glamping spots in the South West.
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