| there's also a casual bar, and an 18-hole golf course. set in an 18th-century strawberry hill gothic-style mansion and annexes on 500-acre grounds, this upscale country house hotel is 4. 3 miles from the m4 and 8. 9 miles from highclere castle (the setting for downton abbey'). annexe rooms add shared patios or private terraces, while some are zen-style and set in a walled garden. check-in time: 2:30 amcheck-out time: 10:30 am. a formal restaurant with a patio and river views serves upmarket fare and afternoon tea. upgraded rooms are vintage-chic in style, while the luxurious suite adds separate living/dining areas. the classic rooms have tvs, free wi-fi, and tea and coffeemaking facilities
Heathrow Airport 1 hr 3
Basildon Park (31 min)
Restored stately home with a garden and extensive parkland, plus a tearoom and gift shop. Donnington Castle (7 min)
Site of a ruined medieval castle, founded in 1386, with the twin-towered gatehouse still standing. Welford Park (12 min)
Park surrounding an historic mansion, selling pork, ham and sausages from pigs reared on the estate. Sandham Memorial Chapel (11 min)
1920s church, now National Trust, with elaborate murals by British war artist, Sir Stanley Spencer. The Nature Discovery Centre (12 min)
In addition to interactive family programs, this nature centre features trails & a birding hut. Beale Park (31 min)
350-acre park with nature trails, river cruises and red deer, plus a number of rare birds. No dogs. Bucklebury Farm & Deer Safari Park (21 min)
Run, jump, swing, go-kart, ride on tractors and feed the animals, plus a cafe and farm shop. North Wessex Downs AONB (12 min)
This tranquil, hilly countryside is a popular walking destination offering sweeping, scenic views. Northcroft and Goldwell Parks (7 min)
Scenic area with sports fields, wooded paths, a BMX track & play equipment, including a zip slide. West Berkshire Museum (9 min)
Regional history is showcased through permanent & changing exhibits & events at this culture center. Highclere Castle (13 min)
Victorian country house and setting for Downton Abbey with sumptuous rooms, grounds and exhibitions. St Nicolas Church (10 min)
Church and history The Living Rainforest (19 min)
Rainforest fauna like birds, lizards and monkeys move freely in tropical plant-filled glasshouses. 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park & Family Farm (14 min)
This sprawling amusement center features over 20 play zones, including a zoo & pedal boats. Snelsmore Common (6 min) | 
