UNIQUE OUTSIDE LONDON
 

Will have been to Scotland and then through the Cotswolds but am looking for a unique place to stay for one night outside of London but accessible to London by train. Would like a castle, manor house or great hotel (perhaps near Oxford). Does anyone have any suggestions?<BR><BR>Thanks.

We loved Studley Priory Hotel outside Oxford:<BR><BR>http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk/hotels/studleyp.html

The Randolph in Oxford is terrific, very gothic! alternatively the Bear in Woodstock

the Studley Priory is terrific. When I lived near Oxford it was a favorite splurge. But it is in a tiny village east of Oxford and you would have to arrange transport from the city - perhaps the hotel could pick you up but I'm not sure.<BR><BR>The Randolph on the other hand would be a great place - follw in the steps of Inspector Morse and all that. It is a very nice hotel directly across the street from the wonderful Ashmoleon Museum and walking distance from everything in Oxford.<BR><BR>There are several wonderful manor house country hotels in the cotswolds - so you might want to pick one there. But for convenience and a city-center break you can't beat the Randolph.

I loved the Villa Magdala in Bath. <BR>only 1 hr from London by train.

The Springs in Wallingford is a beautiful hotel with a super restaurant. Used to be the home of some famous guitar player - the pool is shaped like a guitar. We'd stay there again in a flash.

I always wanted to go to Arundale and stay at a castle there. Don't know if that is within your requirements though, but it is so pretty there.

Try Cliveden House near Windsor. It's definitely unique & very luxurious. Lady Astor once owned it. Oh, the rooms are a bit expensive, $500 - $900 range. look at 'clivedenhouse.co.uk'