Venture beyond London in our newest Featured Journeys: British Countryside Escape. Highlighting three top luxury hotels, venture to Bath, The Midlands, and York for history, Medieval architecture, theater, and natural beauty. In Stratford-upon-Avon, visit Shakespeare's hometown, unwind in the modern baths at Thermae Bath Spa, go on hikes through nature in The Cotswolds set within The Midlands, and meander through the walled city of York. Of course along the way you'll want to take time for traditional Afternoon Tea, and a pint or two in local pubs waiting to be discovered. 

Bath, England

Situated in southwest England, Bath is known for 18th-century honey-colored Georgian architecture and natural hot springs. A destination of well-being since Roman times, the waters are still a draw for travelers today. Featuring a compact setting, Bath offers a collection of museums and galleries, including the Roman Baths, which are located in the heart of the city's World Heritage Site and one of the country's most popular tourist attractions, as well as the modern Thermae Bath Spa where visitors can bathe in the natural thermal hot springs. There's also the Bath Abbey, festivals, and sports, plus nearby attractions include the Somerset countryside, Stonehenge, Avebury, and the Longleat Safari Park. 

The Royal Crescent Hotel

Considered one of Bath's finest addresses, The Royal Crescent Hotel dates back to 1775. Designed by John Wood the Younger, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the best pieces of Georgian architecture in the United Kingdom. Featuring uninterrupted views over the River Avon, the property was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1971. Today, the hotel is surrounded by manicured gardens with regal furnishings, fine dining, traditional Afternoon Tea, and a spa. 

Five Star Alliance Perk: All guests making a reservation with Five Star Alliance will receive a $100 food and beverage credit per room/per stay and daily full breakfast. The following are subject to availability at the time of check-in and departure: upgrade, early check-in, and late check-out. 

Check availability at The Royal Crescent Hotel

The Midlands, England

Situated in central England, The Midlands is known for natural beauty as well as being the home of William Shakespeare. Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare's hometown, and throughout the area visitors can see inspirations for some of his most loved plays, including in Leicestershire where the battlefields and tomb of Richard III are located. Birmingham, England's second city is located in this region where travelers can meander amidst streets lined with Victorian redbrick houses, heritage museums, mega arenas, and contemporary stores. Nottingham has Medieval castles, underground caves, royal concert halls, and chic shopping areas. For outdoor enthusiasts, Peak Distict National Park has the tallest peak reachable by way of canals, secret caves, woodlands, and natural springs. 

The Lygon Arms

Situated in the town of Broadway, The Lygon Arms is a historic British inn surrounded by an idyllic countryside. The Cotswold luxury hotel is steeped in history with roots dating back to the 1300s, including stays and visits by Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I. There's a Great Hall with a vaulted ceiling, log-burning open fireplaces, and rooms combine old world glamour with modern luxuries. The inn has a traditional Afternoon Tea, The Lygon Bar & Grill serves a seasonal British menu, and The Lygon Wine Bar has Italian bites and wines with a relaxed setting. 

Five Star Alliance Perk: All reservations booked with Five Star Alliance receive one Champagne Afternoon Tea, per person, per stay, along with 10% off spa treatments. Also, subject to availability at check-in, a room upgrade, early check-in, and late check-out. 

Check availability at The Lygon Arms

York, England

Founded by the ancient Romans, York is located in northeast England. The walled city is home to the York Minster, a 13th century Gothic cathedral with medieval stained glass and two working bell towers. The visitable Clifford's Tower is all that remains of the York Castle, which has housed a prison and mint throughout the years. The National Railway Museum showcases vintage trains and exhibitions, the reimagined Jorvik Viking Centre highlight's the Viking's legacy in the area, and the York Castle Museum offers visitors the chance to see hundreds of years of history in one place with historic artifacts, actors that bring the past to life, and interactive exhibits. Plus, Shakespeare's Rose Theatre open in 2018 from June 25 to September 2. 

Grand Hotel and Spa York

Originally built for the North Eastern Railway Company in 1906 as a "Palace of Business", the Grand Hotel and Spa York offers a luxurious setting with fine British dining, Afternoon Tea, and a spa. Restored to it's Edwardian splendour, the property infuses history with modern elegance. Guest rooms and suites feature plush beds with Egyptian cotton bed linens, and bathrooms have Molton Brown toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. For upscale dining, the 3 AA Rosette Hudsons by Craig Atchinson provides a unique fine dining experience, there's classic Yorkshire dishes at The Rise Restaurant, the 1906 Bar has signature cocktails & local ales, plus the property offers a traditional British Afternoon Tea. 

Check availability at Grand Hotel and Spa York