Hand Picked Hotels, created by former City lawyer Julia Hands, is the leading collection of architecturally splendid country house hotels - built for pleasure and continuing a centuries-old tradition of offering guests an indulgent yet attainable country house visit, with a contemporary twist. The award-winning hotels are renowned for exquisite food, fine wines and bespoke service by Hand Picked people in stylish, relaxing surroundings. 

There are 20 classically British hotels in rural settings across the UK, with locations ranging from the New Forest and Jersey to the Cotswolds and Edinburgh. Hand Picked Hotels was awarded the AA Hotel Group of The Year 2012-2013, winning this impressive accolade for the second time in seven years. Nine of the hotels have spas offering the latest therapies and treatments to promote wellbeing and relaxation.

Anna Maria, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, is credited with the invention of afternoon tea in 1840. She is said to have experienced what she called a ‘sinking feeling’ in the middle of the afternoon due to the long gap between light luncheon and her evening meal. To relieve her hunger pangs she requested a pot of tea and a little light refreshment. She enjoyed this ritual so much she began to invite her friends over for tea and gossip about the latest scandal. The ritual caught on and afternoon tea became all the rage and what better place to enjoy this wonderful treat than in one of our country house hotels. Our chefs carefully prepare pastries and cakes, homemade scones, dainty sandwiches and the finest leaf tea selection, for extra indulgence, just add Champagne.