451 Best Hotels in England

Convenient for exploring nearby Standen House, this luxurious country hotel offers traditionally furnished bedrooms, superb gourmet dining, and fun and games galore—from golfing on the scenic 18-hole forest course to spa treatments in the country club (as well as tennis, swimming, croquet, snooker, and bike hire). Built in the 19th century, the hotel's enviable location on the edge of Ashdown Forest, which was the setting for A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories, means there are appealing walking paths all around; a half-day circular walk takes in the original Poohsticks Bridge. Even if you can't stay overnight, come here for a round of golf, a relaxing spa day, or afternoon tea on the lawn. And, if you can, stick around for dinner, as the hotel's Anderida Restaurant is one of the region's best. Ashdown Park is 6 miles southeast of East Grinstead.

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. 

Staff provide a warm, personal welcome at this charming, Art Deco--inspired hotel in Mayfair, which sets the tone for the attention-heavy, detailed approach to luxury hotel living. Between the elegant rooms with their tightly curated bedside book selections, the Gatsby Room for afternoon tea, the Magritte Bar for cocktails, and the Colony Grill Room for steaks, there is almost no reason to leave the hotel.

Convenient for Knightsbridge shopping, the very elegant Berkeley (owned by the same group as Claridge's and The Connaught, with rates to match) is known for its excellent restaurants, heated rooftop swimming pool with views over Hyde Park, and an excellent, if pricey, Bamford spa. The spacious rooms, all with lavish marble bathrooms, reflect an uncluttered, modern approach to luxury. Several have terraces or balconies. The Collins Room serves classic British cuisine in a relaxed and informal environment (don't miss the afternoon Prêt-à-Portea with its couture-inspired minicakes). There's also the Blue Bar (an understated celebrity haunt), and the Berkeley Café, which has a small all-day menu and an attached patisserie overseen by renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet that features his Instagram-friendly sweet treats.

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).  

With the grandeur of a country estate and the amenities of a modern hotel, Bovey Castle, built in 1906 for Viscount Hambleden, has it all, including guest rooms and self-catering lodges. On its vast grounds are an outstanding golf course and 24 miles of riverbank that can be used for salmon fishing. There's a resident pianist, falconry displays, and a spa center, and children have a barn filled with activities. Enormous fireplaces and oak-panel rooms give a sense of early-20th-century pomp to the public rooms; bedrooms are luxurious, and even some of the bathrooms have great views across the valley.

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.

Wonderful modern art lines the walls of this former Victorian pub a mile east of the Tower of London, which has been beautifully restored and converted into a modern bed-and-breakfast. It's all the work of Julian Cole, the gregarious and charming owner, who spent decades making arts documentaries for the BBC. Guests can use the sitting room, which doubles as the breakfast room in the morning. There's also a roof terrace, overlooking a striking historic mural that covers one side of a nearby building. Titled The Battle of Cable Street, it commemorates a clash between local Jewish protestors and British Fascists that took place here on October 4, 1936.

In an ideal world everyone would sojourn in this oasis of opulence at least once; however, the luxury never gets in the way of the overall air of relaxation, a tribute to the warmth and efficiency of the staff. A quintessential country-house hotel, it's also family-friendly, with a high-tech children's play area as well as a luxurious spa. The modern guest rooms are spacious and quiet; family suites have refrigerators and either bunk beds or singles in a separate room. Dishes at the elegant Brasserie are a blend of traditional and modern elements, whereas the Hive is a relaxing café. The hotel is 3 miles west of town.

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.

This B&B in the medieval quarter is just a three-minute walk from Lincoln Cathedral and almost as old—the exposed-beam roofs you'll be sleeping under date from the 12th century. Hosts Christina and Paul have renovated the place themselves, their care and attention to detail shines through in the small but stylish guest rooms, where beds have cast-iron or solid wood frames and are draped in contemporary fabrics. There are a few modern touches such as flat-screen TVs.

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.

Superstar London hotel designer Kit Kemp has taken the fabled Bloomsbury Group as her inspiration for this supremely stylish boutique hotel, which, if anything, feels more like a private members' club. Bedrooms are adorned with period art, chic wallpaper, and decorative beds, but have all the contemporary luxuries you'd expect: walk-in showers, flat-screen TVs, and iPhone docking stations. Communal areas include the beautifully appointed drawing room, complete with a Chesterfield sofa on either side of the fireplace, and a sumptuous library featuring paintings by Bloomsbury Group artists. The restaurant, Oscar, serves excellent European cuisine, and the bar is a trendy (though pricey) local hangout. There's also a weekend film club showing classics and new releases that's a great value: a three-course lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, plus a movie in the plush private screening room, all for £55.

Situated on Ludford Bridge, this food-focused pub with rooms has lovely river views, especially from the Riverside Suite and the Othello Suite; the latter has its own terrace with hot tub. Rooms are smart and comfortable, with lots of heritage fabrics. Breakfast, including locally made sausages, is a real treat. In fact, all the food is very good. This is a bit of a destination restaurant, and even dishes that sound run-of-the-mill, such as a duck spring roll or dressed crab, are anything but. Views from the restaurant are fabulous, too.

Handmade Italian furniture and swaths of French silk fill this luxury downtown hotel in a Tudor-style building, dating to 1865. Marble bathrooms, high-definition TVs, and a first-class spa are among the luxurious amenities. There are two restaurants: the fine-dining Arkle restaurant and the more relaxed La Brasserie, with an indoor barbecue. The intimate library is a perfect spot for afternoon tea.

This grand early-19th-century country-house hotel and spa on 130 acres of manicured grounds ranks among Britain's most acclaimed—and most expensive—lodgings. All rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated using rich fabrics; many have a balcony or terrace, and all ooze luxury. Romantics might want to try one of the 12 secluded "treehouse" suites in the woods. The lavish spa is particularly strong on facials and has a large and elegant pool. The restaurant, the Dining Room at Chewton Glen, concentrates on grilled meats and more plant-based or Asian-influenced dishes, with a choice of more than 700 wines (there's also a less formal gastropub and pool bar). Besides golf and tennis (on indoor or outdoor courts), family-friendly leisure activities such as archery, falconry, pony grooming, and walking with miniature sheep are available, along with guided bike rides in the forest or kayaking. There's also a self-contained cooking school and a tree house kids' club. A 20-minute walk through the grounds takes you down to the coast. Chewton Glen is 12 miles southwest of Lyndhurst on the A35.

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.

The London outpost of the exclusive Corinthia chain is design heaven-on-earth, with levels of service that make anyone feel like a VIP. There's an eye-popping lobby; the Northall restaurant is a treasury of soaring columns, Edwardian woodwork, and futuristic chandeliers; Kerridge’s Bar & Grill—designed by David Collins—references the chef's gastropub past with leather banquettes and a pewter-topped bar; and the elegant Crystal Moon Lounge wows with its stunning Baccarat chandelier. Guest rooms in cool tones have beautiful city views, and spacious bathrooms have underfloor heating, so even your toes will feel pampered.

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.

This stunning Georgian mansion set among 55 acres of lush gardens and parkland has been completely refurbished under the direction of interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who took her inspiration from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as well as the building's own history. Choose between rooms in the house itself (some with lovely balconies) or, for more privacy, the converted stable block. The spa, set into the ground, looks like a work of art. Chef Jackson Boxer takes pride in using Gloucestershire's best local ingredients in the restaurant, where diners can sit in the wood-paneled dining room or outside on the terrace. The hotel is 5 miles south of Cheltenham.