Time is precious, so weekends deserve to be spent somewhere exceptional. Here’s our pick of cool places to stay in the South West this autumn
The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Escape modern life at England’s oldest hotel. Dating to 1220, The Old Bell Hotel near Malmesbury Abbey was refurbished in 2021 to deliver sumptuous and contemporary comfort alongside a charming dose of history.
The Old Bell’s owners certainly didn’t stint on the refurb and the hotel’s glam interiors are rivalled only by the two‑AA-rosette cooking to be found in its Abbey Row restaurant. Exec chef Daniel Kerr and team craft beautiful dishes using produce from the kitchen gardens of sister property Abbey House Manor, alongside other local and seasonal ingredients.
Pier House, Charlestown, Cornwall
Pier House reopened this summer following last year’s devastating fire. Fully refurbished in smart style, it’s now the flagship spot in St Austell Brewery’s growing fleet of pubs with rooms.
The listed harbourside building, in the historic village of Charlestown (famed for its tall ships), is well placed for those wanting to immerse themselves in the area’s mining and maritime heritage and enjoy a stomp along the South West Coast Path.
Stylish bedrooms – with all mod cons – are keenly priced and paired with a crowd‑pleasing food and drink offering. Muddy boots, sandy toes and soggy paws are all welcome.
Rosilian Hall, Flushing, Cornwall
We spotted this magnificent house while having dinner across the water in Falmouth, and just had to find out who owned it. Turns out it’s available to rent for a holiday or mini-break. So, if you’ve a generous budget and 19 friends (and up to three dogs) who you trust to not bust your bliss, the luxurious riverside mansion could be the location of your autumn group getaway.
The magnificent hall is set over four floors, with ten bedrooms and several indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. The best bits, however, are a luscious garden that stretches down to the water and the private beach from which you can explore the area by boat.
In The Times, Mariella Frostrup described Rosilian Hall as ‘the most perfect place on earth’. ‘Nuff said.
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole, Cornwall
Mousehole is magical all year round, but the savvy make a beeline for the charming fishing village when the summer swarm has retreated. At the heart of the buzz is The Old Coastguard with its 14 comfortable rooms, lovely terrace overlooking the ocean, and Trencherman’s‑rated cooking.
Head chef Danny Garland and his team have attracted attention (and plaudits) for The Upper Deck, Sun Deck, Terrace and The Crab Shack, which max on The Old Coastguard’s coastal vibe, views and very local (Newlyn is just two miles away) ingredients. Equal expertise is applied to the drinks offering, which sees South West tipples sharing the striking timber bar with an award‑winning wine list.
Thyme, Near Lechlade, Gloucestershire
The concepts of restoration and rejuvenation have been applied to every element of the family‑run village of Thyme in the Cotswolds. It’s evidenced in the 31 rooms in impeccably restored houses and cottages, and the abundant kitchen garden that fuels chef Charlie Hibbert’s farm‑to‑fork menus. His culinary talents can be experienced in the Ox Barn restaurant (pictured), The Swan pub and the stunning poolside Orchid House.
Active relaxation is encouraged in the tranquillity of Thyme’s Meadow Spa, as well as through art exhibitions, wellness sessions and cookery workshops. Those for whom ‘therapy’ is best preceded by ‘retail’ can treat themselves to a remedy at Thyme’s beautiful homeware and fashion store.
Saunton Sands Hotel, Saunton, north Devon
The Art Deco hotel, which presides over three miles of sand and surf-friendly waves, has long been a draw in summer but the installation of a fabulous spa has made it a seductive destination for autumn and winter escapes too.
Source Spa won the AA Best UK Spa Award this year for its marine-vitality pool, thermal journey experience (incorporating steam, ice and sauna), treatment rooms with sea views and glassed chillout zone. Head to this rooftop sundeck to lounge – post‑spa – and sip herbal tea while watching the sun set over the ocean.
Beach walks, wild swimming, yoga and two‑AA‑rosette cooking add the final touches for complete rejuvenation.
Enjoyed our curation of cool places to stay in the South West this autumn? Discover exquisite coastal breaks in the region.
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