203 Best Hotels in England

Solid mahogany doors, handsome stairwell tilework, and Art Nouveau ironwork are among the original features at this luxurious but down-to-earth hotel near the train station and in a 1906 building that was formerly the headquarters of the regional railroad. Spacious bedrooms are sleek and contemporary, with king-size beds, good soundproofing, and well-equipped bathrooms with underfloor heating. The breakfast-and-dinner-only Rise restaurant serves favorites like pan-friend stone bass or shepherd's pie, while the more formal Legacy offers small-plate tasting menus of five, seven, or nine courses (from £90) Wednesday through Sunday. There's also a highly proficient spa with a pool.

Though this stately, carefully restored home retains original elements from its days as a grand Victorian country pile, its welcoming owners have invested in handsome local furniture, stripped away some of the chintz, and opened up inspiring views across the pristine lawns to the valley and the central Lakeland peaks beyond. Rooms have ornate beds, plenty of luxurious fabrics, patterned wallpaper, and stunning views. Communal areas are relaxed and welcoming and the whole place exudes a warm hospitality, exemplified by handmade complimentary truffles and sherry on arrival. Dinners in the restaurant focus on local ingredients prepared with Modern British flair.

This marvelously atmospheric lodging, full of historic personality and stately antiques, occupies three connected 18th-century town houses, one of which was the last home of the English critic and essayist William Hazlitt (1778–1830). Traditional English style and opulent Regency furnishings form a huge part of its appeal, but it's charmingly devoid of a few modern amenities—as the owners say, "In 1718, there were no elevators, and there still aren't." Rooms are named after infamous Soho denizens like the 1st Duke of Monmouth and nearby are more interesting restaurants than you could visit in a year.

Small but sumptuous, this lodging has a modern but distinctly feminine sensibility, with floral wallpaper, pastel decor, and painted woodwork. State-of-the-art contemporary touches such as TVs in the bathrooms and underfloor heating add extra luxury, and two rooms have private terraces. Dig into a generous and tasty breakfast downstairs in Heidi's Cafe.

As the name suggests, this luxury Victorian B&B in Lynton occupies a lofty position with spectacular vistas over the Bristol Channel. Each of the guest rooms has an individual design, but all feature comfortable beds—ranging from carved and ornate to Jacobean (one has a four-poster)—and benefit from the exquisite views. Breakfast is in the conservatory and includes choices like eggs royale (with smoked salmon on a toasted muffin) and pancakes with berries, as well as several gluten-free options. There are discounts for two or more nights, a two-night minimum stay on Friday and Saturday, and children (that's anyone under age 18) and pets are not allowed.

This hip chain has brought high-tech flair to six former sugar-refining warehouses, built in 1728 when the River Frome ran outside the front door. Rooms are spacious and crisply contemporary, but retain many original industrial features, while the bathrooms have monsoon showers and roll-top baths. The bistro-restaurant specializes in modern but robust French fare. The hotel is close to the docklands and the city center. If you have a car, reserve parking when booking as spaces are limited.

A Victorian eye hospital got a makeover from this hip chain, but it retains such original details as the ironwork double stairway and marble columns. Beyond the imposing redbrick exterior is an inner courtyard with a retractable roof, which is a great summertime outdoor space and a lovely location for afternoon tea year-round. Bedrooms are sleek and contemporary, with leather-encased sleigh beds, slippers and robes, and a choice of drinking glasses to accompany the minibar. The bistro has a flavor of Paris, and in the Bubble Lounge you can sample a wide variety of sparkling wines.

In a town that overflows with B&Bs, this comfortable town house stands out because of the contemporary flair and pampering touches in its pristinely redesigned and refurbished apartments. Nice features include cherry, elm, oak, or slate floors; natural carpets using local wool; and bespoke wooden furniture by local craftsman Danny Frost. The beds are top-notch, with pocket-sprung mattresses and goose-down pillows and duvets. A fabulous room at the top of the house has views of the mountains from the bath. Breakfasts might include housemade porridge (great preparation for a day on the fells), eggs Benedict, or a full Cumbrian fry-up.

In a central neighborhood where hotels veer from wildly overpriced at one extreme to grimy bolt-holes at the other, the Lime Tree gets the boutique style just about right—and at a surprisingly reasonable cost for the neighborhood. The casual dining restaurant The Buttery, which serves delicious cooked breakfasts and brunch, light lunches, and cake, backs onto a sweet little garden, while the simple yet elegant bedrooms are in muted tones of taupe and cream; many have views over the classic Georgian London street outside. Thoughtful extra touches include a guest computer and a guidebook library.

This delightful, elegant townhouse in the popular Wyle Cop area of Shrewsbury is stylish and modern where it counts—in the chic bar area and adjoining restaurant—but nevertheless has plenty of character in its wonky floors and oak beams. The bright, light-hued rooms come with crisp linens, wrought-iron bedsteads, and pocket-sprung mattresses, and have decent bathrooms. The town's main attractions are within walking distance, as long as you can manage some hills.

This wonderfully welcoming boutique hotel is a little gem. Each of the four guest suites is spacious, elegant, and uncluttered, with crisp white linens, polished original wooden floors, and tasteful furniture. There's a pretty little terrace where you can sit with a glass of wine or the morning paper. Guests enjoy special rates at a local gym, swimming pool, and spa, and can also call upon the services of a chauffeur who can take guests to the airport for less than the cost of a train or taxi. Breakfast is available upon request and is supplied by nearby chic café/deli, Daylesford.

Steeped in a history of smuggling—look for Rudyard Kipling's atmospheric poem "A Smuggler's Song" on the wall outside—the 600-year-old Mermaid is Rye's most historic inn; its sloping floors, oak beams, low ceilings, and huge open hearth look like a film set, but it's all totally authentic. Bedrooms are quite small, but some have four-poster beds and stone fireplaces. The restaurant, warmed by a roaring fire in winter, serves good Modern British cuisine.

This 18th-century house in the center of Richmond has been beautifully restored and packed with Georgian silver, Persian rugs, and Biedermeier chairs. The spacious bedrooms are done in soothing neutral colors, decorated with well-chosen art and antiques, and stocked with books and free malt whisky (but no televisions). All have views of the town or the extraordinary gardens, which offer additional views of the waterfalls on the River Swale and have won Royal Horticultural Society awards. The big claw-foot tubs in the bathrooms—some of which have their own fireplaces—invite a relaxing soak after a hike on the Dales. Breakfasts here win raves for their variety and freshness. In addition to the three rooms, there are two self-catering alternatives: a five-bedroom coach house and a garden apartment that sleeps two.

Perched on a hill overlooking the town below, this charming, family-run boutique hotel has spacious, individually designed rooms that combine home comforts like Hypnos beds, walk-in showers, and roll-top baths with quirky touches like bold print cushions, pineapple-shaped lamps, and antique chairs. The hotel's restaurant and bar, set inside an 8th-century cavern below the hotel, is one of the town's best; the all-day menu changes seasonally but might include chilli salted squid, mixed beans risotto, and venison and beef stew. Walk past rooms 7 and 8 and you may find yourself doing a double-take; they are suspended halfway up the wall and don't go anywhere.

Located in Boxgrove, a village just northeast of Chichester, this charming B&B offers space, comfort, and personalized service within a gorgeous, 17th-century thatched cottage. The two suites here are large and characterful, with traditional features like bowed timber beams, squat-to-enter doorways, and antique furniture complemented by modern luxuries like rainfall showers, large and comfy beds, and fast Wi-Fi. Guests are welcomed by the owners with a spot of tea and cake in the garden, while hearty breakfasts are served every morning in the historic dining room.

The best views in Mousehole can be enjoyed from this lodging's guest rooms, some of which have balconies or terraces, and all of which have modern bathrooms and come with Cornish tea and proper coffee with fresh milk. You can also soak up the sea views on the sheltered deck overlooking the subtropical garden, at the bottom of which the coast path gives direct access to the harbor, a three- or four-minute walk away. There's good food to be had in the open-plan bar and restaurant, which is adorned with local art.

In the heart of Tunbridge Wells, this stylish boutique hotel perfectly situated between the café-filled Pantiles and the shop-lined High Street is a luxurious and intimate place to stay, with spacious and contemporary guest rooms. Expect chic design in muted colors and natural woods, exceptionally comfortable king or super-king beds, and modern bathrooms with rainfall showers (and, in larger rooms, baths). The brasserie restaurant is excellent—try the incredible garlic and chilli king prawns flambé —and a bright, art-filled bar and snug serves traditional afternoon teas and evening drinks. Everything else you could possibly need is right on your doorstep. Larger groups should consider booking the self-catering townhouse, while sleeps up to eight in four double bedrooms.

With the elegance of an Edwardian villa combined with clean-lined modern style, this friendly hotel close to Porthminster Beach offers the best of both worlds. Guest rooms are bright and contemporary, and spacious common areas include a large lounge that opens onto a veranda. Sea-facing rooms with balconies cost more. The beach is just steps away, and a pretty footpath connects the hotel with the center of town. Parking is available.

An outstanding inn and restaurant, the Punch Bowl is a stylish but down-to-earth retreat in the peaceful Lyth Valley, between Windermere and Kendal. The bright, airy bedrooms have high ceilings and lots of sturdy oak beams. Chic fabrics and wallpaper add some flair, and handsome rolltop tubs take pride of place in the wood-paneled bathrooms. Views are over the village church and the fields, and the breakfasts are famously good. The sleek, slate-floored bar serves fine real ales, and you can sample top-notch homemade and locally sourced dishes in the bright, contemporary restaurant or in the traditional bar.

A stylish period masterpiece in the heart of laid-back Clerkenwell, The Rookery is a luxury boutique hotel with a hefty dollop of Downton Abbey charm. Huge, wood-paneled bedrooms have heavy raw silk drapes, antique furniture, artfully scattered antiquarian books, and white marble bathrooms with deep claw-foot tubs big enough for two. The elegant, Regency-style drawing room has a well-stocked honor bar, and the conservatory, with its small patio garden, is another relaxing place to unwind. There's no restaurant, but 24-hour room service is good quality and reasonably priced. Breakfast, served in your room, features a large basket of freshly baked breads and pastries, juices, and yogurts.

Part of Dartmouth's historic waterfront (and consequently a hub of activity), this hotel has truly earned the name "Royal"—several monarchs have slept here. It was built in the 17th century, reputedly of timber from wrecks of the Spanish Armada, and fireplaces and beamed ceilings are traditional features that remain. Rooms come in different sizes and styles, but all are thoughtfully and richly furnished, with a liberal sprinkling of antiques. Number 6 has its own "priest hole," a secret room used to hide Roman Catholic priests. Most of the pricier rooms facing the river have hot tubs. The food in the restaurant and bars is consistently good, and breakfasts are a royal feast. The hotel has no private parking—ask at reception about the local park and ride deals.

One of the Southeast's most unusual B&Bs, this 450-year-old whitewashed windmill overlooking the River Tillingham is home to lovely bedrooms with large bathrooms, including walk-in showers. If it's available, opt for the extraordinary two-floor Windmill Suite, which has a balcony with panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. There's no restaurant, but guests can enjoy the comfy lounge—complete with a roaring fire and an honesty bar—in the evenings, and hearty and delicious breakfasts are served in the beam-roofed breakfast room. Enthusiastic and well-informed hosts Toby and Kathryn are on hand to help with everything from sightseeing recommendations to restaurant reservations.

Close to the cathedral on the distinguished Southernhay, this graceful Georgian hotel with a secluded garden was once the home of an East India Company merchant, so its spacious, elegantly furnished guest rooms are named for wares (Silk, Cotton, Ivory, Spice, Opium, etc.) that made the company's fortune. Public areas have the atmosphere of an intimate club, and the whole hotel has an understated, boutiquey feel. There's a good selection of modern European dishes on the menu in the airy restaurant, and there are also snacks available in the bar along with an impressive list of cocktails. There's no on-site parking, but there are plenty of public spaces nearby.

This stunningly restored Victorian landmark—replete with gingerbread turrets and neo-Gothic flourishes—started as a love letter to the golden age of railways, and now it's one of London's most sophisticated places to stay. Originally built in 1873 to serve wealthy passengers for the adjacent St. Pancras rail station, the hotel's original High Victorian Gothic features have been restored to great effect, from the soaring, redbrick reception area to the stylish, gilt-trimmed bar and restaurant, a reworking of the old station's booking hall. Guest rooms, styled with a restrained elegance and understated grandeur, are spacious, comfortable, and feature a host of up-to-the-minute gadgetry.

Close to Tavistock's center, in restored Georgian town house that dates from 1822, this light and airy small hotel is a successful blend of classical  elegance and chic, modern style. Bedrooms are spotless and fully equipped, with gleaming contemporary bathrooms, while the top-notch breakfasts—ordered on the previous day—include homemade granola and yogurt, freshly baked pastries, croissants, and fresh fruit (cooked options are not offered). Private parking is available, but children under 14 and pets are not accommodated.

This beautiful vineyard, just a 15-minute drive from Ledbury, comes with a choice of guest rooms or lodges (the latter have rolltop baths) that overlook the vines or are set within them. The modern rooms are spacious and comfortable but not overly fussy. Three Choirs Vineyard (named after a famous choral festival that rotates between Hereford, Worcester, and Gloucester) kickstarted the English wine industry back in the 1970s and has never looked back. There are no tours, but guests can enjoy tapas-style dishes in the restaurant or charcuterie boards alongside a self-guided wine tasting.

This art-filled former 19th-century office building, now part of the Hilton chain, is in a superb location, and some guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with extraordinary views of Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, and The City. Twenty-one rooms are split-level, with upstairs space for chilling out and sleeping space below. Bathrooms have deep tubs, full-size toiletries, and mini-TVs. Go up to the roof garden for spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. Better yet, ask for Room 303 to enjoy these exquisite views in privacy.

In a quiet nook of Penzance, just steps from the Promenade and harbor, this Georgian house has bright, spacious, smartly decorated guest rooms with views over Mount's Bay from front-facing rooms. The hosts are always smiling, helpful, and full of information on what to see and where to eat. Breakfast is made to order with options including waffles, pancakes, eggs royale (with smoked salmon), and vegetarian. There's normally a two to three-night minimum stay in July and August, though there may be availability for last-minute bookings of one or two nights. 

With the laid-back friendliness of a B&B and the sophisticated style of a country house, plus a focus on sustainability, Yewfield is a very good value—especially if you can score one of the rooms at the front of the house with a great view across the valley. The smart guest rooms are decorated with imagination and care: think rich fabrics, Indian art, sunken baths. The 19th-century Gothic house, between Hawkshead and Tarn Hows, sits on 80 acres of land, complete with woods and a tarn. Breakfast is wholesome and vegetarian, and evening concerts are a special treat. Check out the good discounts for longer stays and single guests.

This is a real Norman castle, right down to the dungeons and maze of dark flagstone corridors—one room even has a bathroom hidden behind a bookcase. Antiques and rich fabrics lend the castle rooms a sumptuous feel (those in the courtyard annex are less expensive, but also less atmospheric), while the bar and lounge areas are fittingly decked out with historic portraits and chandeliers. Dine in the modern and surprisingly inexpensive Black Knight—perhaps the hotel's most beautiful room—or join one of the regular, and somewhat corny, Elizabethan banquets (one goblet of red wine and one of mead included). You'll find the hotel just east of Chester-le-Street, around 8 miles north of Durham on the road to Newcastle.