So You Want to Go to Saltburn
From Kate Winslet’s Surrey cottage in The Holiday to the titular manor in Saltburn, this year’s coveted winter destination is the English countryside. And no matter how much you manifest it, you’re probably not going to come across Jacob Elordi in the street and find yourself with an invitation to a sprawling English estate. But there’s still hope for a Saltburn-inspired trip.
Where was Saltburn filmed?
As for the house in Saltburn, a 127-room privately owned manor in Northamptonshire, it’s literally locked shut. Part of the confidential agreement to film there even guaranteed that no one involved in the production could disclose its name. (We did our research; it’s the Drayton House in Northamptonshire.) The house that became the Catton manor — home to Jacob Elordi as Felix, Rosamund Pike as Lady Elspeth Catton, Richard E. Grant as Sir James Catton, and Alison Oliver as Venetia — is just as iconic as its cast … and Barry Keoghan in that unforgettable bathtub scene.
While (I hope) what happened in Saltburn isn’t oft-repeated in these giant homes, the homes themselves are more abundant than you think. Classic English properties are the hallmark of a bygone era of British history — and, in part, a pretty grimy one. But you’re in luck. The legacy of British country houses has evolved from Downton Abbey and Bridgerton in the modern age. Many of these manors and mansions have been sold off from their cash-poor legacy families and transformed into hotels, resorts, and even schools.
Saltburn inspired trips
While a 6’5 heartthrob might not invite you to his family Northamptonshire home (though, never say never)…you can score an invite to these estates. That’s if you’re a fan of the polo or if you travel in the right circles to be privy to their garden parties and art exhibitions. Many estates function as museums, opening their doors to the public and allowing guests to stroll through manicured gardens, explore historic rooms, and play pretend to the tune of “Murder on the Dancefloor.”
Still, the easiest way to achieve a Saltburn-inspired trip is to book a countryside stay at one of the manors-turned-hotels. These luxury getaways are filled with cozy creature comforts like fireplaces and bathtubs (Oliver would love that), classic British high-touch service, and fresh British favorites (if you haven’t come around on British food yet, you soon will).
So pack your sweaters and your wellies; the English countryside awaits! It’s time to plan a Saltburn-inspired trip. Here are some country getaways to add to your vacation bucket list for a Saltburn summer:
Babington House – Somerset
This Soho House property is less crowded than its larger Soho Farmhouse, but the Somerset property deserves more hype. The main building houses three restaurants and three floors of bedrooms, as well as guesthouses around a pond. You can also get the classic Cowshed treatment at their spa, complete with an outdoor and an indoor pool. Lounge around in the famed Soho House robes and book yourself a room with a bathtub.
Double Red Duke – Cotswolds
This lowkey and charming resort has all the comfort without the pretension. Explore classic activities like walks, fly fishing, tennis, and more. No wonder it’s an old money favorite!
Boys Hall – Kent
This refurbished 17th Century house offers 9 unique bedrooms for a Kentish escape. Fresh, local, and seasonal produce are the highlights and the modern take on traditional design will make for enviable Instagrams.
The Three Horseshoes – Batcombe
This new hotel is a landmark destination by chef Margot Henderson, whose East London restaurant Rochelle Canteen is a creative mainstay. Food lovers, pack your bags and book the first flight here for elevated, yet traditional, British fare. It’s cute, it’s kitschy, it’s country. It even used to be a pub.
Oakley Court – Berkshire
Just under an hour from London, take a trip along the Thames to Oakley Court — a sumptuous space set in 35 acres of English countryside. Get your dose of design inspiration and relaxation in the recently refurbished Mansion House, Boathouse, and Garden bedrooms, which boast a blend of traditional English fabrics with Modernist furniture. It’s 15 minutes from Heathrow if you’re looking for a glamorous stay before an early flight.
Heckfield Place – Hampshire
The paragon of relaxation, Heckfield Place boasts a 17,000-square-foot spa on its sprawling grounds. Go from the pristine pool to one of the restaurants and bars — the onsite farm gives new meaning to farm-to-table.
