This Dreamy English Estate Will Make You Feel Like You're Living in a PBS Drama
Our take
Lucknam Park, as described, embodies a longing for a certain kind of escape—one steeped in timeless elegance and a deliberate slowing of pace. The article’s appeal, particularly for those accustomed to the whirlwind of royal events and high-society gatherings, speaks to a desire for respite, a retreat into a world where tradition and understated luxury intertwine. It’s a feeling amplified by the author’s background as a royal editor, someone intimately familiar with the demands of a public life, making her yearning for quietude all the more resonant. This resonates with a broader cultural shift; we're seeing a renewed appreciation for classic aesthetics and a rejection of fleeting trends, a move away from performative displays of wealth towards a more considered and personal sense of style. The desire to experience a world akin to a PBS drama—one filled with impeccable manners, beautiful landscapes, and a gentle rhythm of life—is a powerful draw, especially in the current climate of constant digital stimulation. It’s a yearning for authenticity, for a connection to something enduring. Gigi Hadid Styles Her French-Girl Denim With Summer's Wildest Shoe Trend also reflects this desire for understated chic, proving that effortless style remains a potent force.
The choice of Lucknam Park itself is significant. It’s not a flashy, modern resort; it’s a historic estate with a palpable sense of heritage. The promise of horseback riding through sprawling gardens, followed by fine dining and explorations of quaint villages, paints a picture of curated experiences, designed to nourish both the body and the soul. The article’s emphasis on decompression and escape from crowds highlights a crucial need in today's society. We are increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of constant connectivity and the pressure to always be "on." This curated retreat offers a chance to disconnect, to reconnect with oneself and with nature, and to simply *be*. Harriet Sperling Turns to Her Wedding Dress Designer and Princess Kate-Approved Shades for a Lime Green Wimbledon Moment echoes this sentiment; even within the context of a social event, there’s a desire for refined elegance and timeless style, reflecting a move away from ostentation.
Beyond the immediate appeal of a luxurious weekend getaway, the article taps into a deeper cultural narrative—the enduring fascination with the English countryside and its associated ideals of grace, tradition, and understated refinement. It’s a romanticized vision, of course, but one that holds a powerful sway over the collective imagination. This type of travel—focused on experiences rather than just destinations—is becoming increasingly prevalent, as people prioritize meaningful connections and personal growth over simply accumulating Instagram-worthy moments. Lucknam Park, with its promise of horses, gardens, and fine dining, offers a distilled version of this ideal, a chance to step into a world where time seems to slow down and beauty is found in the simplest of things. The emphasis on “feeling like you’re living in a PBS drama” isn’t merely about aesthetics; it's about embracing a slower, more deliberate way of living.
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of places like Lucknam Park lies in their ability to offer a sense of sanctuary, a respite from the anxieties and demands of modern life. As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, the desire for quiet elegance, authentic experiences, and a connection to something timeless will only grow stronger. Is the future of luxury travel less about opulent displays and more about crafting immersive experiences that nourish the soul and offer a genuine sense of escape? The answer, it seems, lies in places that prioritize serenity, heritage, and a deliberate slowing down of the pace – places where one can truly breathe and reconnect with oneself.
As a royal editor, I've been to London more than my fair share of times. Royal events are certainly fun, but after an action-packed week in London and Eton attending Trooping the Colour, Garter Day and Royal Ascot, I was looking to decompress and get away from the crowds without being too far from the airport. My ideal hotel experience involves feeling like I'm in the middle of a Masterpiece drama but with a spa, dining and maybe even a bit of falconry. Throw in some horses, and I’m sold—and that’s how I found Lucknam Park.
Located about an hour-and-a-half from London in the Wiltshire countryside, Lucknam Park is a close drive to Bath and numerous Cotswolds villages. But with 500 acres of parkland, the historic estate gives you plenty of peace, quiet and privacy, making you feel completely removed from the outside world.
While I’m a certified horse girl, you certainly don’t need to be a rider to enjoy a trip to the area, as my friend Lauren can attest. Whether you want to make it a spa weekend, pretend you're an extra in Bridgerton while visiting the city of Bath or drink tea in the wood-paneled library, read on for my guide to the ultimate English countryside girls’ trip.
Riding and Country Pursuits
As a horse girl, the biggest attraction for me was Lucknam Park's equestrian offerings, so my ride around the estate was the highlight of the trip. Accompanied by an instructor, my pony Cindy and I walked, trotted and cantered through the forest and fields of flowers while meeting some wildlife and just taking in the stunning views. I only took up horseback riding a few years ago as an adult, and my instructor gave me some incredibly helpful pointers during our time together that I’ve been able to apply to my riding back home.
For non-riders, the hotel offers everything from duck herding (really, this is a thing!) to croquet, cycling, archery, falconry, picnics, garden walks and clay pigeon shooting. Although I forgot my swimsuit, the hotel also has a beautiful indoor pool area located within the relaxing spa—next time I’ll definitely be taking advantage of a massage.
Rooms and Dining
One of my favorite parts of staying at Lucknam Park was how homey it feels. With only 42 rooms, you’re certainly not a number, and we got to know the wonderful staff by name. Guest rooms are situated in the main country house, the rose cottage or around the courtyard, where our room, the Lilac Suite, was located, and thoughtful touches include shelves of wellies and Barbour jackets available for loan.
We enjoyed an elegant dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones as well as more casual meals at the Walled Garden restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner is served either indoors or al fresco. One of my favorite details was the map showing where the different ingredients were sourced from around the region.
Day Trips
Our top priority was visiting Bath, and since it was less than 30 minutes away, it made for a great way to spend the morning and early afternoon before we had afternoon tea at the hotel. With plenty of attractions like the Roman Baths, The Jane Austen Centre and Bath Abbey, you can make your outing as busy or as laid-back as you want. Since I’d already done all of the above on prior trips and we were more interested in wandering, my friend and I spent a happy day shopping and admiring the Regency architecture.
There’s nothing I love more than exploring a quaint English village, so I was excited to discover that the village of Lacock, where numerous scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed, was less than 20 minutes away from the hotel. Unfortunately, Lacock Abbey closed at 5 p.m. and we arrived around 4:30, but we were able to head into a few shops and check out the beautiful timber-framed homes, some of which date back to the 13th century. My friend and I found the cutest shop with locally made soaps, candles and leather bags, and I bought myself a leather horse keychain as a reminder of our trip.
How to Get There
I was traveling with an English friend who had her car with her, so she drove us from Eton to Lucknam Park. But if you’re arriving by air, Bristol airport is an hour away, and London Heathrow is roughly an hour and a half from the hotel. I highly recommend Executive Cars of Bath for a private car service, and there’s also a train station in Chippenham or Bath. While having access to a rental car would be ideal, the hotel is also situated amongst some fairly wild, one-lane country roads that aren’t for the faint of heart—if you’re a nervous driver and/or not used to driving on the British side of the road, stick to hiring a taxi for day trips.
My British Countryside Essentials
The Duchess of Edinburgh is perhaps the world's number-one espadrille fan, and her beloved Penelope Chilvers shoes saw me through dinners and drinks at Lucknam Park.
This might technically be a Kentucky Derby print, but blue and white toile plus horses work just as well in the British countryside, too.
A go-with-everything earring means less to think about when packing, and these striking studs are a smaller version of Essen's The Drop earrings worn by Meghan Markle.
My navy dotted version has since sold out, but this floaty dress got me stopped in the garden by a lovely woman who wanted to tell me how pretty it was.
Other than at Royal Ascot, I used this icy blue version of Princess Kate's Demellier Small Hudson bag every day of my U.K. trip. Despite its small size, this bag fits a surprising amount, and the removable crossbody strap gives it extra versatility.
![Jisulife Portable Handheld Fan Life9, Turbo Power High Speed Air [18h Max Cooling Time], 5 Gear Wind, 5000mah Rechargeable, Mini Pocket Design, Personal Fan for Travel Concerts Camping Makeup - Grey](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mUi4AK7CW2fYyexkuGS7rQ.jpg)
Since most places don't have air conditioning, summer in the U.K. calls for a portable fan, and this one fits neatly in my bag.
The name of this scent alone makes this a perfect choice for any English trip, but I'm obsessed with its peppery mix of vanilla and citrus.
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