Bzzzzzzz. Beep beep. Ding dong. Does your life (like ours) seem to be accompanied by an irritating soundtrack of incoming emails and messages? If you need to get away from it all, book a peaceful stay at one of these spots where mobile reception is patchy at best, and leave your phone at the door…
The Talbot, Mells, Somerset
If this stunning country pub did have a signal, we’d still want to throw away our phones. With wonderfully friendly staff and a cosy welcoming bar, you’ll find all the company you’ll need. If you’re after full escapism, we suggest you borrow some wellies and head across the cobbled courtyard to explore the stunning Somerset countryside around pretty Mells – just be sure to get back in time to enjoy some delicious local fare in the restaurant.
Cartshed Cottages, near Holt, North Norfolk
Nestled in a tiny hamlet near the beautiful North Norfolk coast, these chic self-catering cottages are the kind of place you’ll wish to be stranded. From the soothing colour palette of the décor to the lavender-scented terraces, every aspect is geared towards luxurious relaxation. Head out for lung-fulls of fresh sea air on the wide sandy beaches, tuck into super-fresh seafood, and return for a long soak in a roll-top bath before sinking into your heavenly bed. Work? What’s work?
Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, County Durham
This ancient coaching inn is so wonderfully remote that your mobile won’t work inside or out. Bliss. It’s set in a pretty Pennine village, and it’d be a crime not to pull on your walking boots and set out, OS map and compass (provided in every room) in hand, to hike the North Pennines or stroll along the river banks from the hotel. It’s definitely worth walking up a good appetite so you can fill up on the delicious food: we loved the fried duck egg with spiced brown shrimp butter, the roasted Weardale grouse, and the Sunday lunch sharing feasts. And who needs technology when you can while away an afternoon by the fire with a good old-fashioned board game?
Weeke Barton, Devon, southwest England
Near-total silence awaits you at this homely B&B on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It’s surrounded by green hills in every direction, and you’re sure to have a peaceful night’s sleep with only the distant sound of braying cattle to wake you. With no TV or phone signal, it’s refreshing to switch off the gadgets and enjoy a good old chat with other guests around the vast candlelit dining table. During our stay we feasted on venison and juniper pie with delicate buttered greens, followed by a comforting apple and vanilla crumble with blackberry-infused clotted cream. Good food. Good wine. Good conversation. Good times.
Augill Castle, near Brough, Cumbria
On the edge of the grandly impressive Pennines sits this ostentatious Victorian folly, built in a moment of showy one-upmanship between two brothers. Today a 15-room B&B, it retains all of the frills and decadence of its original form: think turrets, ornate lattice windows and castellated towers. But despite the pomp of its appearance, it’s a relaxed and welcoming bolthole and offers some of the most unspoilt walking in the UK. If that sounds a little challenging, there’s always afternoon tea and croquet on the lawn.