The 7 Best Country Hotels within 90 Minutes of London by Train

Are you searching for a change of scenery without committing to a long-haul journey? Then you’re in luck. Fortunately, some of the country’s most beautiful retreats are just a short train journey from London.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a spa break or a leisurely Sunday lunch with an overnight stay – from grand Surrey estates and Sussex manors to woodland hideaways in the New Forest – these are the best country hotels near London. 

The best country house hotels for a London escape

1. Beaverbrook, Surrey

Set within 470 acres of glorious Surrey countryside, Beaverbrook is exactly the sort of place that makes a weekend escape feel wonderfully indulgent.

Once the home of Canadian-British newspaper magnate Lord Beaverbrook, who founded The Daily Express, the estate seamlessly blends a contemporary interior with historic grandeur, creating the ultimate atmosphere for a weekend break in a luxury country hotel near London.

Not a standard hotel by any means, there are actually several ways to stay here. From the quaint private cottages dotted around the fringes of the estate to the elegant Garden House and the impressive Main House. Spend your day relaxing in the stunning award-winning spa, or enjoying the scenery of the beautiful gardens in the grounds.

This is a fantastic luxury country house in Surrey, especially for couples wanting to escape London for a special trip, while still being within easy reach of the city.

How to get there from London: Take a train from Waterloo or London Victoria Station (around 55 minutes) to Leatherhead Station, then take a taxi to the estate (7-10 minutes).

2. South Lodge, Sussex

With sweeping views across the South Downs and with 93 acres of parkland to explore, South Lodge delivers countryside escapism on a grand scale.

If you want to book somewhere that you can enjoy taking life at a slower pace – a breath of relief from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in London – then this is the place to be.

A major draw of South Lodge is its award-winning spa, perfect for spending an afternoon of pampering and self-love. Take advantage of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, thermal experiences and a wide array of treatments designed for serious relaxation.

There are also multiple dining options, with something to suit every taste: the Michelin-starred The Pass restaurant speaks for itself, while the Three AA Rosette-awarded Camellia sources the majority of its ingredients from the hotel’s walled gardens. Botanica offers light, dairy-free options for the health-conscious, and the Billiard Bar is a fantastic place to stop for a quick aperitif.

If you’re searching for a spa hotel near London by train, South Lodge should be high on your list.

How to get there from London: Take a direct train from London Victoria to Horsham (around 55 minutes), then take a short taxi (approximately 15 minutes) to the hotel.

3. Ockenden Manor, Cuckfield

For something a little more intimate, Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield is an excellent choice.

This gorgeous Elizabethan manor house has the kind of character which is increasingly difficult to find: roaring fireplaces, magnificent oak beams and antique furnishings which perfectly complement the history of the building.

However, the modern spa adds a splash of 21st-century luxury, with both indoor and outdoor facilities – including swimming pools – which make this a perfect option year-round, whatever the weather.

In the summer months, you can opt to explore the stunning Sussex countryside, while in the winter you can cosy up in the hotel with the fire blazing.

Ockenden Manor is a wonderful country house hotel within 90 minutes of London for travellers who want somewhere that feels genuinely rural without a complicated journey to reach it. It’s also a standout luxury country-house hotel in Sussex for a romantic, relaxing break.

How to get there from London: Take a train from London Bridge Station to Haywards Heath (approximately 45-55 minutes), then continue by taxi (approximately 7-8 minutes).

4. Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead

Few luxury country hotels near London feel as romantic as Gravetye Manor.

Set within over 1,000 acres of Surrey countryside, this atmospheric Elizabethan-era manor house hotel is known for its spectacular gardens, exceptional food and deeply historic interiors.

The house was the former home of the famed Irish gardener William Robinson, whose journalistic work helped to inspire the ‘cottage garden’ and wild gardening aesthetic and movement in the early 20th century; as such, the gardens remain one of the hotel’s main attractions.

The dining is equally a strong point of the hotel. In fact, Gravetye Manor is one of the best options for a Michelin-star hotel near London, with beautifully crafted seasonal dishes showcasing ingredients from the hotel’s estate and the kitchen gardens.

Add in the peaceful countryside settings and centuries of history surrounding the manor house, and Gravetye Manor is one of the best choices for a special country hotel weekend break near London.

How to get there from London: Take the direct train from London Victoria to East Grinstead (around an hour), then take a taxi (approximately 12 minutes) to Gravetye Manor.

5. Oakley Court, Windsor

Set close to the banks of the River Thames and just outside of Windsor in the glorious Berkshire countryside, Oakley Court is a grand Victorian mansion with lots of personality.

The building itself is easily recognisable with Gothic architecture, a wonderfully theatrical feel, and sprawling grounds surrounding it.

Despite its historic exterior, the hotel’s interior tells a different story and has been given a refreshing modern look. Beautifully designed rooms and stylish social areas help to make the hotel feel fresh and relaxed, rather than dark and dingy.

There is also lots to do near the hotel, from boat trips down the River Thames to exploring the historic nearby Windsor Castle.

If you’re searching for a historic hotel near Windsor, then Oakley Court is a superb choice. It is one of the best choices for a luxury country hotel near London when you want to visit somewhere scenic and filled with character, while still being close to the capital.

How to get there from London: Take a train from London Paddington to Slough (around 30 minutes), then continue by taxi. A taxi takes around 15 minutes from Slough.

6. Crafted at Powdermills, Battle

Set in a gorgeous Grade II-listed country house in East Sussex, surrounded by lakes and woodland, Crafted at Powdermills is the perfect weekend getaway near London by train.

The setting is wonderfully peaceful, offering a sense of calm and serenity, making it ideal for long, leisurely walks, slow breakfasts and even slower lunches, and even just relaxing with your favourite book, a good cup of tea, and doing nothing at all.

As a boutique country hotel in East Sussex, Crafted at Powdermills is an excellent pick for travellers who like their hotels with a sense of quirkiness and unique character. 

Whether you want to stay in one of their cosy rooms or beautiful suites, or take advantage of their on-site private cottages to stay with a group of friends, Crafted at Powdermills makes for an unforgettable stay around 90 minutes from London.

How to get there from London: Take the train from London Charing Cross to Battle (around 1 hour 20 minutes), then take a taxi (approximately five minutes) to Crafted at Powdermills.

7. New Park Manor, New Forest

For a wild, rustic country escape, head south from London to New Park Manor.

Set deep in the New Forest, this former royal hunting lodge, most famously used by former English King Charles II in the 17th century, is surrounded by ancient woodland, open heathland and free-roaming ponies which make this part of England so distinctive and wild.

Despite its former royal connections, the atmosphere at New Park Manor is more relaxed than grand, making it particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts or even families who want an escape from the city.

After a full day of exploring the forest, there’s a wonderful spa, with a heated outdoor pool, an indoor pool, and plenty of massage treatments on offer to soothe your muscles.

As a country hotel in the New Forest, New Park Manor offers a different type of escape from the more polished manor houses in this article. While it may be a little further away than some of the other options, if your idea of the perfect country house hotel under 90 minutes from London allows for a little flexibility, then this is the one for you.

Getting there from London: Take a train from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst (around 1 hour 30 minutes, but can sometimes be longer), then take a taxi (approximately five minutes) to New Park Manor.