Last-minute winter breaks

Got annual leave to use before April? Or simply can’t wait until spring for a gourmet getaway in the South West? Check out these last-minute winter breaks

Homewood, near Bath

When it’s grey and cold outside, there’s no better place to escape the elements than in a luxury hotel spa. Thaw chilly fingers and toes in the steam room, unknot tight muscles on the massage table and transport yourself to tropical paradise in the bubbly warmth of a hot tub.

The team at Homewood near Bath have crafted a bespoke Winter Spa Break to give those who it need a little respite from the British weather. The package includes full use of the high-spec spa, a 30-minute treatment, a bottle of Galoupet Nomade rosé and £40 towards dinner (per person). Upgrade to one of the hot tub suites and you’ll be sipping rosé in your own private tub.

The Homewood Winter Spa Break starts at £199 per person. Available until March 31.

Wild Thyme & Honey, Cotswolds

Take advantage of the quieter winter months to explore the Cotswolds without the crowds and score a room at one of the region’s most talked about new openings. Earning a spot in The Times’ Top 50 Boutique Hotels list within a year of its launch, Wild Thyme & Honey has quickly earned a reputation as one of the Cotswolds’ top luxury country inns.

Located in the charming village of Ampney Crucis, its honey-coloured 16^th century building is a wonderful base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. It’s super dog-friendly too – your four-legged friend can join you for the night as well as in the bar for post-ramble refreshment.

Wild Thyme & Honey’s Winter Package starts from £220 per room and includes dinner, bed and breakfast for two. Available until February 28.

Artist Residence, Bristol

Bristol’s thriving independent dining scene delivers a constant stream of new restaurants to visit and Artist Residence’s Winter 3 for 2 offer provides the perfect opportunity for those looking to eat their way across the city.

Book two nights at the effortlessly stylish hotel (housed in a former boot factory) before the end of March and get a third night free. Located in the creative St Paul’s neighbourhood, it’s only a short walk from the city centre and many of Bristol’s most exciting restaurants.

Artist Residence’s Winter 3 for 2 offer is available until March 31.

Two Bridges Hotel, Devon

There’s still time to lean into all of the best bits of winter – crisp country walks, crackling log fires and comforting seasonal suppers – at this Trencherman’s Award-winning hotel before the first buds of spring appear. Two Bridges Hotel’s Winter Warmer packages start from just £85 per person per night this February and include a three-course dinner at its award-winning restaurant.

Spend the days exploring the wild Dartmoor landscape, then snuggle down in front of the fire in the ancient bar with a locally brewed Jail Ale. Dinner will be prepared by executive chef Mike Palmer, who does an exceptional job of showcasing the local larder in dishes such as Dartmoor venison with parsnip, blue cheese, and pistachio and pink peppercorn sauce.

Two Bridges Hotel’s Winter Warmer offer is available until March 31, with a minimum of a two-night stay.

St Michaels Resort, Cornwall

Sample some of Cornwall’s finest fare at St Michaels Resort this winter. Those who treat themselves to the Falmouth destination’s Savour by the Sea getaway get to dine at two of the region’s best restaurants: Brasserie on the Bay (within the hotel) and The Cove at Maenporth – Michael Caines’ first Cornish restaurant.

At Brasserie on the Bay, guests can expect to feast on beautifully presented dishes such as Newlyn hake with sun-dried tomato and herb potato cake, and Cornish rose veal with lemon, spinach and crème fraîche, while at The Cove the ultra-local menu features the likes of flame-grilled Cornish mackerel with quinoa, parsnip vanilla puree and pomegranate and fennel salad.

The Savour by the Sea break is available from March 1 and starts at £279 per person for two nights.

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