Wonderful palatial hotels and stately castles are the perfect places for a refined getaway break that is a departure from the ordinary. DiscountHotels.com presents for your viewing pleasure four top-drawer choices to stay elegantly in the English countryside.

Cliveden House, Berkshire, England.

Part of the luxe Relaix & Chateaux group, Cliveden House was built in the 1600’s and is chock full of antiques, fine Persian rugs, and a long, illustrious history. A former stately, private home, at one time owned by the Astors, house guests have included Winston Churchill, President Roosevelt, the Beatles and royalty from all corners of the globe. It was converted into a hotel in 1985 and now you can stay there, for less, with DiscountHotels.com

Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire, England.

Set on 1,065 glorious acres in the English countryside, Luton Hoo sports a fishing lake, golf course and massive, meandering park-like gardens to get lost in, yet is only 32 miles from London. With 144 rooms and suites, there is a wide variety of choices, check DiscountHotels.com for rates and availability to get your Downton Abbey on.

Rushton Hall Hotel, Northamptonshire, England.

Built with the local stone in 1438, Rushton Hall is imposing, stately and apparently a good place to retreat and write a book. Charles Dickens was inspired to write many parts of Great Expectations while staying at Rushton. With 25 acres, a large lake, croquet lawns, tennis courts and an award-winning spa, you might be too busy to knock out a bestseller during your stay. Rates are very reasonable through DiscountHotels.com providing access to the high-life for less.

Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, England.

Peckforton Castle in the North of England features Gothic architecture and was converted into a hotel in 1988 by an American. At one time it did not have gardens yet the owner employed 17 gardeners! In that era living large was something wealthy land barons did rather well. Today you can have a wedding here, a conference or simply slip away for a magical respite from modern-day programming. As always, DiscountHotels has the very best rates at the very best places, including gothic castles!