If you’re thinking of a great escape that blends countryside calm with a touch of casual fine dining, The Great Bustard in Wiltshire may just be your new favourite spot.
Tucked away in the pretty village of Great Durnford, this boutique country inn ticks all the boxes for a wholesome, feel-good getaway – especially if, like me, you love home-grown food, nature, and a touch of wellbeing pampering.
Liz Earle reviews The Great Bustard
Rooted in nature, made with love
One of the things I immediately loved about The Great Bustard is how connected it is to the land. Much of what ends up on your plate is grown just footsteps away on the estate – from seasonal vegetables and fragrant herbs to wild-foraged ingredients that pop up in cocktails or daily specials.
Head chef, Jordan Taylor, took me foraging and we found so many interesting plants and herbs that ended up in our cocktail glasses and on our dinner plates. There’s something deeply grounding about knowing your supper was harvested just hours before it lands on your table.
You can even browse the on-site farm shop for jams, oils, honey and herbal goodies – perfect for taking a slice of country life home with you.
Dog-friendly and down-to-earth
If your idea of heaven includes your dog happily trotting alongside you, you’ll be pleased to hear The Great Bustard is wonderfully dog-friendly too. A few of the rooms are designed with four-legged friends in mind, complete with outdoor access and dog-friendly terraces. And yes, your pup can join you in the bar area too – muddy paws and all.
Spa calm and countryside comfort
After a long walk along the river or a stomp across the nearby downland, the on-site treatment room, Osprey, is a dreamy place to unwind. Think herbal oils, soothing massages and their own small-batch Durnford skincare made with homegrown botanicals including rosemary, lavender and lemon verbena.
Carefully curated by the brilliant Annie Brown, the guiding light behind several high-end spas (The Potting Shed at The Pig and Beaverbrook’s Coach House spa). Not only does she make wonderful natural oils and balms, but she also has some of the best massage hands in the business.
Each of the 10 bedrooms is named after a native bird, and they’re every bit as tranquil as that sounds – with soft linens, oak floors and the kind of bathrooms you’ll want to linger in.
Morning starts gently here, with freshly brewed coffee, chia pudding topped with fruit, green smoothies, or heartier fare like fluffy crumpets and buttery scrambled eggs (my choice). It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel both nourished and a little bit spoiled.
The food: relaxed, rooted and seasonal
Head chef Jordan is passionate about letting his local ingredients sing. Expect estate venison burgers, garden herb pizzas from the wood-fired oven, and seasonal dishes that celebrate simplicity and flavour. There’s no fuss here – just thoughtful cooking and generous hospitality in a setting that feels more like a friend’s beautifully restored country home than a hotel.
In a nutshell
Whether you’re looking to slow down, soak up some nature, or simply spend a little more time with your dog (while someone else does the cooking), The Great Bustard is a real gem. It’s a place that feels connected – to the land, to the seasons – and to that gentle rhythm we often forget in daily life. We came away feeling rested, nourished – and already planning our return.
