Most trips to England begin in London. Clearly, a place with a 2,000-year history and 9 million inhabitants could take half a lifetime to discover fully. But whether this is your first visit or your 10th, you will still wish to stroll through the parks, take a boat ride down the Thames and wander along the elegant streets of Mayfair. London has a bewildering range of hotels, but if I had to pick just one, it would probably be Claridge’s, a uniquely atmospheric art deco landmark. Its location is perfect, the restaurants are exceptional, and afternoon tea in the Foyer is an unfailing delight.

From London, it is an 85-minute drive to the lovely university city of Oxford, which lies at the southeastern edge of the Cotswolds. After a guided tour of the colleges, continue northwest for another 40 miles to the exquisite village of Broadway. I recommend four hotels in the Cotswolds, but Buckland Manor remains my favorite. A 13th-century manor house, surrounded by 10 acres of gardens, it contains just 15 rooms. Even on rainy days, it is a pleasure to sit beside a smoldering log fire with a book and a glass of wine.

After heading southwest for 75 miles, you will arrive at Lucknam Park, an 18th-century Palladian country house hotel located 9 miles from the ancient city of Bath. Surrounded by 500 acres of grounds, the property offers a lavish spa, an all-weather equestrian center and a Michelin one-star restaurant. Eventually, however, you will wish to tear yourself away to visit Bath, with its extensive Roman remains and elegant Regency crescents and terraces.

From Lucknam Park, your journey continues southwest to Wells (one hour), home to one of England’s loveliest Gothic cathedrals. From there, it is a two-hour drive to Gidleigh Park in Devon, a rural sanctuary that is justly renowned for its excellent restaurant and 13,000-bottle wine cellar. Gidleigh provides a base from which to hike and ride in the dramatic landscape of Dartmoor National Park.

Cornwall, the southernmost of England’s counties, is a little world unto itself, with its own surviving Celtic language. An 80-mile drive will bring you to picturesque St. Mawes. There, the Hotel Tresanton is a stylish hideaway, with an exceptional restaurant specializing in local seafood. Tresanton is a perfect base from which to explore Cornwall’s magical gardens and coastal villages such as Fowey and Portloe. It is also an easy drive to the cliffs and surfing beaches of Cornwall’s northern coastline. In the attractive town of Padstow, you may wish to have lunch at the Seafood Restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Rick Stein.

Retracing your steps, it is a three-hour drive northeast, via the cathedral city of Exeter, to Summer Lodge, a tranquil country house hotel located at the edge of the picture-postcard village of Evershot. The 18th-century manor house offers 24 exceptionally comfortable guest rooms and a fine restaurant. From Summer Lodge, you will be able to explore the towns and landscapes of Dorset made famous by novelist Thomas Hardy.

The final leg of your journey takes you to Amberley Castle in Sussex, a 12th-century fortress hidden behind 60-foot walls. The hotel has just 19 rooms, decorated with antique furniture and heavy fabrics. Amberley lies amid the rolling chalk hills of South Downs National Park. In addition to rural hikes, you may wish to tour some of the unspoiled Sussex villages or visit one of the local vineyards for a tasting of the excellent sparkling wines that are now produced there.