203 Best Hotels in England

This fashionable boutique hotel occupies a charming old town house in one of London's most upscale neighborhoods. Rooms and suites have been individually designed with bold colors, handwoven carpets, eclectic artwork, and knickknacks from around the globe. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, Tivoli radios, and marble bathrooms with Firmdale Hotels' own RikRak products. The drawing room, with high ceilings, cozy fire, graceful windows, and honor bar, is a perfect spot to relax with a cocktail. English brasserie-style cuisine is served in the Potting Shed Bar & Restaurant, a smart, intimate neighborhood find. An elegant afternoon tea can also be enjoyed in the hotel's Drawing Room, which looks out toward Dorset Square. 

The design throughout this trendy East London lodging is contemporary—but not so modern as to be absurd; in keeping with a claim to combine a country-lodge lifestyle with true urban living, a fire crackles in the lobby. The chic but casual restaurant is packed with friendly youth; the comfortable guest rooms have Frette linens and down comforters; the bar is popular with local office workers; and the Hoxton Grill combines American steak-house style with French bistro chic. You'll be hard-pressed to find another hotel of this quality, near the center of town, for the price.

A shiny fortress of luxury, ME brings a splash of modern cool to a rather stuffy patch of the Strand. Designed by Foster and Partners (the architects behind London's City Hall and the Reichstag in Berlin, among other buildings), the sleek, subtly lit public areas give way to bright and spacious bedrooms with modern gadgetry like custom-controlled mood lighting. The main on-site restaurant—STK—is fun and glittery, but the Radio Rooftop Bar is the real star. The view of the Thames, from the Shard in the east to the old Battersea Power Station in the west, is one of the best in town. Other on-site facilities include plenty of meeting spaces and a 24-hour gym.

Lovingly restored, this Grade II–listed Victorian town house, set on a quiet, narrow street just across the river from the castle and cathedral, is Durham's best city center stay. Each of the boutique hotel's bedrooms provides a comfy king-size bed, modern bathroom, and eye-catching (often floral-themed) decor, but the very best ones have an added bonus: bay windows that frame a stunning view of Durham Cathedral. Rooms are linked by a spiral stairway lined with elegant stork wallpaper and bird-related artwork, as well as light fixtures in bird cages. Start each day with an excellent breakfast in the ground-floor dining room, and end it with a limoncello from the honesty bar in the cozy lounge. The center of town is a short (but steep) walk from the hotel, though you have to climb back up the other side of the river to visit the castle and cathedral.

With Clifton Suspension Bridge at the end of the street and the Avon Gorge directly below, this elegant Georgian B&B offers classic views of Bristol from its windows. The thickly carpeted rooms are spacious and embellished by antique furniture and works of art, and the comfy lounge offers access to a generous lawned garden. The staff welcome guests with a glass of sherry and a slice of homemade cake. Breakfast, around a communal table, is a lavish affair with smoked salmon on toast and pancakes with syrup among the numerous choices.

A classic Georgian building has been converted with flair and wit to create a contemporary guesthouse—the first link in what is now a small chain whose boutique properties all have a strong artistic bent. Each of the bright rooms has been individually designed by a different artist using a bold mixture of retro curios, old-style furnishings, and colorful murals, although bathrooms are reassuringly modern and well equipped. If possible, ask to see your room first (some are quite small). A self-catering cottage is available, too. The bar, restaurant, and terrace garden are also well worth exploring.

Three converted 17th-century stone cottages, once the homes of Grassington lead miners, make up this small, well-run hotel off the main street. Expect a cheery welcome on arrival, complimentary Prosecco in your quarters, a cozy brick-and-beam sitting room, and a walled garden. The comfortable bedrooms are sleeker and more modern than you might expect, and the homemade breakfast is excellent.

Ancient hub of the Lowther Estate, Askham Hall has spectacular gardens and fairy-tale rooms that have welcomed royalty and now welcome guests; the grand staircase and 13th-century peel tower give it a castlelike feel. But it's also refreshingly unpretentious, with homey touches to the country-house style: drinks are on the honor system, and the excellent restaurant is a chic hodgepodge of Spanish tiles and aged tables. Rooms are spacious and elegant, with ancient fireplaces and oak buttresses. The gardens have a 230-foot-long herbaceous border, secret paths, terraces, and views of the River Lowther. The hotel is about 10 minutes south of Penrith.

Used by Arthur Ransome as the setting for Swallows and Amazons, 15th-century Bank Ground is beautifully situated on the eastern shore of Coniston Water, opposite the village of Coniston on the western shore; this old-fashioned working farm now has six rooms and four cottages. Some rooms are family rooms, and the cottages with kitchens are a good option for longer stays. A guest lounge has an open fire. The Swallows and Amazon Cafe, open to the public, offers breakfast and lunch. 

Four miles west of Stratford-upon-Avon, this grand country-house hotel offers a lovely, pampering dose of escapism away from the busy town. Glorious gardens that include topiary, a fountain, and lots of hidden nooks are a delight to wander. Inside the hotel, the original wood paneling and period character in the bar and lounge are complemented by modern bedrooms and a serene spa. The dinner menu is a revelation with some Asian additions to British classics.

Right in the center of the city, a stone's throw from Bath Abbey, the owners of the Bird have taken an attractive villa-style property and transformed it into one of Bath's coolest design hotels. The 29 bedrooms are all individually styled, with handcrafted wallpapers, unique artwork, and, in many cases, views over Bath. Some rooms have freestanding copper bathtubs. Families and dogs alike receive a warm welcome. Whether you are staying here or not, it is worth having dinner in the restaurant or on the garden terrace overlooking Bath Abbey, or in one of the hotel's funky Igloos (in winter).  

Chic and sleek, this hotel a little off the seafront (three minutes' walk from Brighton Pier) is all about relaxation. The stylish rooms are painted in restful, pale shades of blue and white, and the spacious beds are swaddled in soft white linens. Breakfast offers a mix of continental options—muesli, fresh fruit, pancakes—to accompany the (meaty or vegetarian) "full English." The look is minimal without being cold, and the service hits just the right note of friendliness and helpfulness.

One of the best boutique hotels in the Cotswolds has enviable views across the Golden Valley and is in an early-19th-century Grade II listed house that retains many of its original features, including large fireplaces and an impressive wood-paneled dining room. There are different types of rooms in the main house and coach house, from cozy to large and luxurious, but all are modern and comfortable. The hotel's Wellness Garden, a tranquil spa, opened in 2024 and complements other activities such as scenic walks, clay pigeon shooting, and wild food foraging. Head Chef David Brown's creative menus include a mouthwatering seven-course tasting menu every Friday and Saturday night. Wherever possible, he sources ingredients from within 35 miles of the hotel. It's 8 miles north of Tetbury.

One of the highlights of the region, this thermal spa hotel occupies part of the spectacular Georgian-era Crescent building with its arches, colonnades, and 378 windows. Built in 1780 by fashionable architect John Carr for the fifth duke of Devonshire (of nearby Chatsworth House), it underwent a 17-year restoration and is a fantastic place to recharge in style, especially in combination with soul-stirring Peak District walks (it’s dog-friendly, too). Exceptional British cuisine awaits you in the restaurant on your return.

In a market town 5 miles southeast of Blakeney, this B&B—where guest rooms have Egyptian cotton linens, modern sound systems, and fresh flowers—epitomizes North Norfolk's increasing trendiness. Seven rooms are in an annex, and the rest are in the main building. In the evening, the busy café is transformed into a restaurant serving Mediterranean and English fare. There's also a superb delicatessen—excellent for preparing a picnic.

This small hotel located opposite the Roundhouse, with the Chalk Farm Underground station and Primrose Hill within easy reach, has handsome, comfortable rooms with an industrial chic vibe and luxurious bathrooms. Despite being located above a Victorian pub—the Enterprise, once a center of Camden's indie music scene and now better known for its food (it serves excellent breakfasts and the kitchen is open late)—the rooms are surprisingly quiet, although those directly above the pub may be less so. Some top-floor rooms have skylights.

There is no more peaceful place to stay in Canterbury then at this small and modern hotel tucked away within the grounds of the famous cathedral. Each of its quiet, soothingly decorated rooms with creamy white walls and exposed oak trim has cathedral views, as does the serene Campanile Garden. All guests have free access to the cathedral (a substantial savings for two people) as well as an even more precious extra: they get to stay inside the cathedral grounds when the gates close at night. There's limited free parking available for guests; ask when you book. Most rooms have U.K. double beds, which are surprisingly small. For a king-size experience, opt for a twin room and zip the beds together.

Small but full of character, this family-owned inn in a Georgian town house dating from 1790 is elegantly decorated with period antiques. Guest rooms—one with its own small patio—are individually and impeccably furnished; some have four-posters. The generous breakfast, served in a conservatory overlooking a courtyard garden, includes free-range eggs and fresh fruit.

These conjoined Georgian villas next to the moat (all that remains of Hereford Castle) offer luxurious lodgings, a warm welcome, and good food. Delicate plasterwork graces the public areas. Spacious guest rooms vary in style, with light hues and floral wallpaper; each bedroom contains a decanter of sherry and other local snacks as a welcome gift, and bathrooms have L'Occitane toiletries. The restaurant uses lots of regional produce—much of which comes from the owner‘s farm—such as Hereford beef and Gloucester Old Spot pork, along with fresh fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden. Though the hotel has been a fixture in the city for many years, it's the light-filled restaurant, using local stone and wood in its design, that's a game-changer.

In a pretty village on the Chatsworth Estate just a 20-minute walk from Chatsworth House itself, this intimate hotel oozes history as well as a quintessentially English country-house style that stems partly from the use of original furniture and artwork from Chatsworth. Rooms are as cozy as can be, while the welcoming lounge has a real fire. The award-winning Gallery Restaurant serves upscale, innovative comfort food including a stupendous Sunday lunch, with many of the first-rate ingredients sourced from the estate or the Chatsworth Farm Shop. The estate also includes a collection of around 25 stunning "boltholes" (cottages) that also combine a country-house feel with coziness and are ideal for those spending some time walking in the area. They include a 16th-century Hunting Tower, built for Bess of Hardwick; the Russian Cottage, inspired by a model gifted to the 6th Duke of Devonshire by a czar's brother; and an old washhouse.

With sumptuously appointed rooms, a popular bistro restaurant, and a convenient location right by the castle, this historic convent-turned-boutique-hotel is Alnwick's most luxurious stay. Each room is beautifully and individually decorated, but if you have to pick one, make it the Chapel—arguably the holy grail of Northumberland hotel rooms. This stunning (and seriously spacious) suite combines old chapel features like carved beam ceilings and stained glass windows with modern luxuries like a super-soft king bed, drench shower, freestanding bath, 60-inch flat-screen TV, and an Amazon Echo. Even if you don't stay here, pop in for a decadent afternoon tea (Thursday through Saturday) or a delicious dinner.

This luxury hotel in the heart of Chipping Campden injects contemporary design into a stately 18th-century manor house, and from the swirling staircase in the entrance to the individually designed guest rooms studded with contemporary art, it's a winning formula. Two rooms have their own garden and hot tub. The lounges invite lingering, the spa luxuriating, and the terrace and spacious garden suggest seclusion—the perfect spot for afternoon tea. Both the casual Bistro on the Square and the more formal Fig Restaurant offer creative takes on English and Mediterranean dishes; they're worth a stop even if you aren't staying here.

Amid shady grounds, this family-run hotel sits high up the side of the Malvern Hills, with splendid views of the landscape. The bright and contemporary rooms come with snowy-white bedspreads and tasteful pops of color; rooms with a view are equipped with binoculars. The 1919 Restaurant has the best panorama, with views over the Cotswolds and the Severn Valley; it serves excellent Modern British fare influenced by the forest and the sea. Cocktails are served on the Terrace in season, or in the Lounge Bar. The hotel is 3 miles south of Great Malvern in Malvern Wells.

Artsy, laid-back, and genuinely friendly, this little gem occupies an 18th-century building in the village of Orford, 10 miles east of Woodbridge. Many rooms have bathrooms with sunflower-size showerheads, and the garden rooms are particularly spacious. The restaurant focuses on Modern British fare, including fresh fish and local Butley oysters. In warm weather, the outdoor terrace is a great place for grandstand views of nearby Orford Castle. No children under eight are allowed.

It's easy to miss the low-key sign for this elegant, modern hotel tucked away amid the frilly houses on Marine Parade, but it's worth the trouble of finding, because everything is cool, calm, and sleekly designed. The lobby is dark and sophisticated, while each guest room has its own style, with handmade wallpaper, firm beds covered in luxurious linens, and art everywhere. Some "feature" rooms have quirky touches, including claw-foot tubs looking out to sea. Rooms with sea views are much more expensive than the others, but what's the point of a seaside hotel without a sea view? The hotel's excellent fine dining restaurant Dilsk has a big local following for its Modern European cuisine. 

After four centuries, this friendly old coaching inn remains an outstanding place for both food and lodging, with bedrooms—bright and exceptionally comfortable—that have wonderful views of the Langdale Pikes. Newer rooms have rolltop tubs and underfloor heating. Slip into the cozy, dog-friendly bar with an open fire and oak settles, and order a tasty real ale from the Duck's Barngates Brewery. The dining space is light and airy.

This beautifully converted town house (home of the Duke of Gloucester when he was a student) is forever cropping up in British newspaper articles about the best bed-and-breakfasts in the country. The guest rooms sure look like they've been copied from the pages of a lifestyle magazine—swaths of white and ivory, offset by subtle blues or floral accents, envelop the large and comfortable beds like a swanky cocoon. Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are thoughtful extras, and impeccably chosen local art hangs on the walls in the public areas. The house is a 10-minute walk from King's College.

This lodging option stands out for its historic setting enhanced by elegant, contemporary decor in a building—the Free Trade Hall, constructed in 1853 on the site of the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 and used at one time as a concert venue that hosted the likes of Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, and the Sex Pistols—that retains many original features. In the heart of the city, the hotel offers up an atmospheric subterranean spa (with a swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, and cutting-edge gym), and memorable dining including luxurious afternoon teas and contemporary Japanese and Mexican small plates in Peter Street Kitchen. 

You can’t miss the striking black-and-white facade of this centrally located Tudor hotel, which dates from the 16th century. Its interior has a satisfyingly antique flavor, with wooden beams, creaking staircases, and ancient floorboards; some rooms have four-poster beds, and some have a teddy bear propped up on the pillow to welcome you. A bright and welcoming coffee shop is downstairs, or you can book a table in the colorful main restaurant for seasonal mains, such as grilled hake or slow-braised Herefordshire ox cheek. Afternoon tea is available.

What was once a crumbling Georgian mansion has been beautifully converted to a relaxing, contemporary hotel with good-size, well-designed guest rooms decorated in soothing color schemes. Rooms have Nespresso machines and minibars stocked with local goodies. Overlooking the serene Ludlow countryside, Forelles Fine Dining serves well-regarded Modern British cuisine, with most of the produce sourced from within a 30-mile radius; Sunday lunch is particularly good. Also on-site are a bistro-style restaurant for more relaxed dining and a gorgeous spa with an outdoor cedar hot tub.