2 Best Hotels in Aylesbury, The Thames Valley

Part Jacobean, part Georgian, this magnificent stately home provides formal luxury in an opulent country setting. The building is decorated with a masterful touch—crystal chandeliers, original oil paintings, and carved ceilings adorn the ornate public areas; the magnificent Jacobean staircase is guarded by unique carved figures. Bedrooms, furnished with well-chosen antiques and comfortable beds, are suitably grand. Some rooms are situated in Hartwell Court, on the approach to the main house, and some have direct access to 90 acres of landscaped parkland. You can dress to impress for dinner, enjoy the terrace of the spa's café, or just drop in for a refined afternoon tea.

Next to the main entrance of Waddesdon Manor, this elegant building, constructed to house estate workers, features fancifully patterned brick chimneys, purple gables, and contemporary-style bedrooms done in restful colors and furnished with antiques from the manor. The delightful suites in the Courtyard Stables are big enough for those who want more room to stretch out. A fine restaurant and pub serve inspired modern fare and British classics.