Buckle up and journey into the Berkshire countryside for a rural retreat that feels like a home away from home. Except in this case, it’s one you won’t want to leave.

Royal Berkshire, part of the Exclusive Collection, is a stunning red-brick country house hotel just outside Ascot with serious flair. The standards are sky high and seduction is just part of the package. However, it’s comfort that’s King here (sorry Charles). Expect 66 stylish and cosy bedrooms that promise a great night’s sleep, with a ton of options for all and in-room facilities. Oh, and they’re B Corp certified so they have serious eco and sustainability cred too.

When you’ve finally managed to tear yourself away from your duvet, grab a bite in the Fork Restaurant, a gorgeous and relaxed setting for dinner and breakfast with views across the landscaped gardens. You won’t be able to stop ogling the artwork – especially the gigantic 3D fork hanging above the fireplace. The menu is all-day dining, including sandwiches, tapas-style snacks, a range of tempting starters, and lots of lovely mains like pork belly and steak.

But it’s not just hotel residents who have all the fun. The restaurant is open to all including non-guests – a fab pitstop after a day out. For special occasions, their legendary afternoon teas will go down a treat, which can be served on the garden terrace on sunny days. Then afterwards, take a breath from the everyday and walk it off with a meander around their 15-acres, play frisbee golf on the lawns, sample ice creams from their horsebox, or sip on a Pimm’s. Your stay, your way. And if it’s all gloom, no doom here. Hunker down in the stylish Polo Bar for tasty cocktails, tea, or some midday refreshments while the storm passes.

With a setting so stunning, it’s no wonder Royal Berkshire is also a hot destination for wedded-to-be to host their big day. There’s a number of romantic ceremony rooms to choose from with space for 150 guests and backdrops aplenty for those all-important wedding pics.

Fancy venturing out? Ascot racecourse, Windsor Castle and a collection of nearby golf courses are just around the corner, plus LEGOLAND is just a stone’s throw if the kids are tagging along (psst, book the Stay & Play package and they’ll sort your LEGOLAND tickets for you). Keep your eyes peeled for lots of events happening throughout the year including the school holidays too.