Britain on the Cheap

“Downton Abbey” fans are flocking to the UK’s stately homes, as the popular costume soap opera starts a new season in Britain—US fans will need to wait for January for Round Two. One of England’s most opulent mansions, Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire, has a special 3-for 2 deal through Pride of Britain Hotels. Stay two [...]

Last call for a summer break of £49/$81 per person per night at more than 40 Macdonald Hotels & Resorts across the UK. You’ll also receive a £15/$24 voucher to spend on a meal, a round of golf, or spa treatment, from Sunday to Thursday. If you book for three nights, the rate drops to [...]

The Lake Country House in the heart of Wales is stretching summer with a five-nights-for-the-price-of-three break now through September. The country house, near Builth Wells in Powys, is set on a three-acre lake, with riverside walks and woodland. The special is £292.50/$479 per person with breakfast for five nights (saving £195/$315); and £417.50/$684 per person [...]

Heading to the 167th Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Aug. 25-28? Dartmouth Golf & Country Club, four miles away, has B&B and golf packages for the fete, which includes fun on land and sea, fireworks and a flyover from the world-renowned Red Arrows. B&B for Friday and Saturday nights is £160/$263 per person, including free [...]

Yes, it’s posh and pricey, but the The Rubens at the Palace in London is offering a free children’s cinema, kid-favourite foods, and special children-only activities during August. The movies, such as “Shrek,” “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess Diaries,” “School of Rock” and the first five Harry Potters, will be shown daily [...]

Splash out with summer savings at the new Corinthia Hotel London, which opened in April in a landmark Victorian building between Trafalgar Square and the Thames. A “Beat the Heat” package, from July 24-Sept. 5, starts at £225/$363 for a superior room, English breakfast for two in The Northall restaurant and 20% discounts on ESPA [...]

To celebrate its 30th anniversary as a hotel, gorgeous Bodysgallen Hall in Wales is offering a Summer in the Country break during August and September. The cost of £265/$426 per person sharing includes dinner and breakfast both days and use of the hotel’s spa, plus free entry to your chose of historic castle–pick from such [...]

Three northern hotels within the Classic Lodges group have dropped rates for July – a night’s dinner, bed and breakfast is now £49.50/$80 per person, plus your choice of a free room upgrade, afternoon tea or bottle of prosecco. Based on two people sharing a standard room, the saving average £43/$71 each on normal rates. [...]

If you’re totally besotted with William and Catherine, you might want to splurge on the Milestone Hotel’s “Live Like Royalty” package—or at least have a cocktail named for the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The London hotel directly overlooks Kensington Palace, where the royal newlyweds will live. The package includes two nights in a [...]

Macdonald Hotels are welcoming summer with rates starting at £49/$80 per person at 40 hotels in Scotland, the Midlands, Lake District and South England. If you book midweek, you’ll also receive a £15/$24 voucher to spend at your hotel’s restaurant, spa or golf course.