103 Best Hotels in England

From the impressive collection of modern artwork throughout the hotel to the sleek furnishings in the guest rooms, this stately converted bank building displays contemporary style in a city that favors the traditional. Oxford's most centrally located hotel also holds the busy Quod Restaurant & Bar, serving creative salads and pizzas, as well as heartier dishes like duck confit.

Just a short drive or taxi ride from the center of town yet surrounded by a sea of green, Ramside Hall is one of the most luxurious stays in the Northeast. The main hotel has some good rooms and wonderful suites, but the treehouses are even better—they're built on stilts and set in woodland overlooking the two 18-hole championship golf courses surrounding the hotel. Each of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom treehouses offers a spacious living room with a gas fireplace and enormous TV, a well-equipped kitchenette, a modern bathroom with a free-standing copper bath, and a spacious terrace with a hot tub and steam room. Shuttle buses take you from the treehouses to the main hotel complex, where there are two excellent dining options (try the pan-Asian restaurant Fusion) and an ultra-modern spa with pools galore.

One of the original luxury boutique hotels of the Lakes has all the hallmarks of country elegance and comfort: bold, printed wallpapers and stylish furnishings; huge, soft beds; and roaring fires in the elegant common areas. The crowning achievement, however, is the food at the restaurant; head chef Aaron Lawrence showcases the best seasonal ingredients to create an unforgettable fine dining menu and an exemplary afternoon tea.

Discreet, beautiful, and exceptionally well-run, this converted Chelsea town house makes for a restful hideaway. The clue's in the name as far as the vibe is concerned, with a decidedly Italianate feel to the decor and furnishings. The opulent guest rooms are filled with luxury fabrics, rich colors, elegant antiques, and well-chosen art, though minimalists allergic to swags and valences may find it all too much. But as is so often the case with boutique hotels, the thing that really makes the difference here is the service—the staff is exceptionally thoughtful and welcoming, and the place feels impeccably run. They'll happily sort out dinner reservations for you, so the absence of an on-site restaurant or bar shouldn't pose a problem, especially in the heart of Chelsea.

This lovely, larger-than-you-expect farmhouse on the grounds of Sissinghurst Castle was originally built in 1885 and lovingly restored in 2009 by the National Trust. Tastefully decorated in muted, neutral color schemes, bedrooms are spacious and welcoming, with comfy beds, modern bathrooms, and sumptuous views across the estate. On arrival, guests are served tea with homemade cakes in the cozy communal lounge—or in the garden if the weather's nice—while charcuterie and cheese platters can be ordered in the evening (there's no restaurant). An honesty bar stocked with snacks and drinks is also available—though make sure to save enough space for tomorrow's deliciously filling breakfast.

A former gentlemen's club that began life in 1857, with members that included Ian Fleming, Winston Churchill, and Henry James, a stay here will see you follow in the footsteps of the British aristocracy. In a quiet cul-de-sac just off Piccadilly, this luxury boutique hotel is the perfect spot for a special night or two, with an ideal location close to Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. With suites like the Penthouse or St. James's, you'll have the luxury of your own private elevator, a large lounge and dining area, or a terrace with views of St. James's Palace. Seven Park Place is the fantastic on-site restaurant from Michelin-starred head chef William Drabble. Whether you choose to eat in the bar or the main dining room, you'll be served exquisite, modern French dishes using British ingredients, with an extensive menu of wines and ports. Make sure you find time to lounge in the bar too—not least for its history—as the cocktail-making is exquisite. The wonderful staff will go out of their way to make this a memorable stay.

This is a rare find: a posh hotel that's equal parts elegance and friendliness, and located in one of the few peaceful spots in the area, down a small lane behind Piccadilly. All the accommodations are luxurious and chic, but those in the 18th-century Carriage House, some of which feature fireplaces and exposed beams, are especially pleasant. Those who prefer more contemporary style should ask for a suite in the Mews. The restaurant's incredible wine cellar—several hundred years older than the hotel itself—is one of the best in the city. A curious historical nugget; in the 1930s almost every large hotel in central London opened an "American Bar," to entice the sought-after U.S. clientele (and their notoriously deep pockets). The Stafford has one of only two left in its original form (the other is at the Savoy), and certainly leaves you in no doubt of its heritage, with virtually every space filled with knickknacks of vintage Americana from model airplanes to club ties. 

If you've ever wanted to experience the Downton Abbey lifestyle, head for this luxury hotel in a Victorian Gothic castle that's complete with battlements, a tower, and a turret. The core of the house dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, with the baronial features added in the 19th century by its current owners, the Cunliffe-Lister family. The plush public rooms epitomize the traditional country-house style, as do the spacious bedrooms, which are named after Yorkshire towns (and come complete with teddy bears). The castle's location on one of the largest private estates in England, 20,000 acres bordering Yorkshire Dales National Park, guarantees seclusion and abundant outdoor pursuits, including falconry. The property has 200 acres of parkland with 63 miles of trails and a 4-acre walled garden along with an excellent, modern spa complex, an on-site cooking school, two detached cottages, a 10-room Coach House, and eight luxury yurts in a meadow for "glamping" (camping glamorously). The formal restaurant specializes in seasonal Modern British food—much of it sourced from the estate itself. There's also a more casual restaurant with outdoor tables and a fine dining "chef's table" restaurant in the cooking school. Masham is 8 miles north of Ripon and 35 miles north of Leeds and York.

Constable painted the rich meadowlands that are the setting for this luxurious Victorian country-house hotel, where period antiques and print fabrics decorate suites (each named after Britain's most famous poets) that are elegant, spacious, and have sumptuous bathrooms. Some rooms have private access to outdoor hot tubs and a swimming pool. While you're here it'd be a shame bordering on effrontery not to eat at the Talbooth restaurant, a short walk or free ride down the lane and owned by the same company. Breakfast is served in your bedroom. Check the website for special offers, including discount deals.

An impressive lodging, Thornbury has everything a genuine 16th-century Tudor castle needs—huge fireplaces, moody paintings, mullioned windows, and a large garden. There's also plenty of history as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor all spent time here. The standards of comfort are famous, and the pampering touches in the "bedchambers" include complimentary decanters of sherry. Guests come from all over to dine in the restaurant, where you'll find sophisticated fare that makes use of local venison, duck, and halibut. The hotel is 12 miles north of Bristol.

No matter how hip the crowd here gets, the clientele is never likely to distract from the sumptuous decor of this boutique hotel that is equal parts Tudor-style and Georgian flair, with a pinch of steampunk for good measure. The Parlour bar serves a concise range of snacks along with a list of sublime cocktails that make it a popular destination for nonguests, too. 

This combination of four Victorian town houses on a quiet street, London's only Relais & Châteaux property, is a warren of tucked-away, intimate public rooms, where aubergine walls enlivened by gilt-framed Victorian portraits and an abundance of fresh lilies create a glamorous, luxurious, and slightly decadent atmosphere in keeping with the hotel’s former owner, Elizabeth Hurley (it’s now run by the owners of luxury country house hotel Chewton Glen). The 56 bedrooms, by contrast, are light and airy, several with four-poster beds. There’s a terrace and a good bar and grill offering all-day dining that opens directly onto buzzy, fashionable Pavilion Road. For longer stays, there are six apartments on the other side of the square.

Magnificently sited above the Cobb, this family-owned boutique hotel combines contemporary design with the genteel charm of yesteryear. Guest rooms in the 18th-century mansion range from light, airy, and elegant to the more functional. Most have views over either the garden or Lyme Bay. Light lunchtime sandwiches and platters, plus a selection of impressive afternoon cream teas, are served in the Conservatory Restaurant overlooking an expanse of lawn. The formal Alexandra Restaurant has an impressive wine list to complement its locally sourced Modern British menu. You can get aromatherapy massages and facials in the on-site treatment room, and there's a direct path to the beach.

A sense of style emanates from every surface of this stylish hotel in the heart of Kensington, and the playful vintage vibe lends the property a refreshingly down-to-earth feel in a neighborhood that can feel stodgy. Guest room decor is whimsically inspired by the cultural institutions nearby—the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert, and the Science Museum—with musical, astronomical, ornithological, and botanical themes. Some suites have balconies. Apero, the hotel's main restaurant, specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, or you can take afternoon tea in the bright and colorful Drawing Rooms.

Dark carved wood, antique tiles, and a stunning location overlooking Ullswater give Another Place plenty of upscale country-house style, though the hotel manages to be more relaxed than some of its competition; it also has chic modern shepherd huts. The bar has old leather sofas and flocked wallpaper, and there is a grand piano in the lounge. Bedrooms are all individually decorated in a fresh color palette, with sumptuous fabrics, antique furniture, and huge windows pointing toward the lake and fells. The Rampsbeck Restaurant, open to the public, offers a three-course fine-dining menu including dishes such as potted brown shrimp, roasted harlequin squash, and whole charcoal-baked sea bass, as well as afternoon tea. The Glasshouse is a more casual option and has a wood-fired pizza oven. The hotel has plenty of activities and welcomes families. 

A short walk from Gloucester Road Tube station and within walking distance of Harrods and the Kensington museums, this is one of the better boutique hotels in this part of town. Guest rooms vary in size, but most are spacious enough, and flooded with natural light from elegant floor-to-ceiling windows. Certain periods of time require a two-night minimum.

About 5 miles south of Bamburgh on the scenic coastal road, this chic boutique hotel combines 18th-century heritage and character with 21st-century luxury and comfort. The individually designed rooms are colorful and spacious, with exposed brick walls and criss-crossing beamed ceilings, though the decor varies dramatically—not everything will be to everyone's taste. For ultimate luxury, opt for the top-floor Craa's Nest suite, which includes a comfy seating area, freestanding copper bath, and even a telescope (to scan the horizon for ships). Downstairs, Beadnell Kitchen serves good food all day long; try the fish pie, which is the catch of day topped with a cheddar crust and served with buttered greens.

This ivy-covered Regency manor house set on 27 acres has been converted into a relaxed country-house hotel that combines well-chosen antiques with modern amenities. There's an airy conservatory and a small but luxurious spa fed by its own borehole (a type of well) that features Elemis treatments and a heated outdoor pool. The guest rooms, decorated in country house shabby chic, overlook the grounds (which include two meadows and a stretch of river) or an interior courtyard. The restaurant serves Modern British gastropub favorites. Bishopstrow House is 1½ mile east of Warminster.

Nothing is ever too much at this elegant hotel that was formerly a private house; mattresses are handmade, sheets are 450 thread count, bathrooms are marble, and everything is done in impeccable taste. There are fine-grain woods, original prints, and soothing, country-chic furnishings throughout, and service is understated. All the rooms are spacious but ask for one facing the front to get more space. Several star chefs got their start at the restaurant, which currently offers all-day dining in the form of everything from poké bowls and pasta to burgers and steaks from the Josper grill.

Squeezed into a narrow space at the bottom of a steep lane just outside Torquay, this secluded coastal spot lies just feet from the rocky shore and the waters of Babbacombe Bay, where dolphins and seals are occasional visitors. There's a view-laden lounge, a cozy pub-restaurant with open fires in winter, and plenty of outside seating. Guest rooms are spacious and there are also luxury beach huts and self-catering cottages away from the main building. If you're not tempted by Babbacombe Beach, you can indulge in the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and treatment rooms instead. Valet parking takes the stress away from negotiating the steep approach road.

Deep in the heart of Mayfair, the former town house of the Earl of Chesterfield welcomes guests in wood-and-leather public rooms that match the dark-wood furnishings in the bedrooms—small but looking like fashion magazine spreads, with bold designer wallpaper or tones of fawn and gray. Notice the needlepoint dog pillows on chairs and couches throughout the lobby, a touch from the hotel's dog-loving owners. There are bargains to be had if you book online in advance, and the service is excellent. One neat little detail: the honey at breakfast comes from the hotel's own hives located on the roof.

In a Victorian town house and former dairy near the city walls, this guesthouse retains atmospheric features like stained or etched glass, period fireplaces, and ornate plaster cornices. The pastel-walled bedrooms are simple but stylish, with books, games, and hospitable touches like complimentary cookies and chocolates. The flower-filled interior courtyard is lovely.

Around 6 miles northwest of Dunstanburgh Castle, halfway between Alnwick and Bamburgh, lies this 200-year-old country mansion—now a popular spa hotel. Set within lovely gardens (among them a walled garden and hedge maze) and surrounded by rolling, lake-dotted countryside, the central building is home to a host of well-appointed bedrooms and suites. There's also an excellent restaurant, and the extensive spa facilities include a large heated swimming pool, whirlpool bath, steam room, sauna, and several treatment rooms. For longer or more secluded stays, opt for one of the three coach houses or the self-catering cottage in the grounds. Even if you aren't able to stay the night, you can still visit with a day package, which can include spa treatments and a two-course lunch.

Situated next to Cheltenham Race Course, Ellenborough Park is a 15th-century English country estate, now a hotel with a luxury spa and 90 acres of grounds. The 61 rooms are individually designed and many have four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs; the Elemis Spa has a wonderful heated outdoor pool; and the grand dining room is a superb location for a blow-out meal. In the summertime, you can also dine alfresco on the Summer Lawn. In spite of the grand surroundings, the hotel is unstuffy and welcomes children and dogs. There are plenty of ways to wear out both of them on the estate, including rental bikes and walks.

This Victorian Gothic mansion, featuring arched windows and romantic turrets, is approached along a private avenue and is a soothing retreat for theatergoers who want to escape Stratford’s crowds. If you like four-poster beds and antiques, book a room in the main house, while the modern wing is perfect for those who prefer more contemporary elegance. The oak-paneled restaurant offers great Modern British cuisine, or you can take afternoon tea in the beautiful Great Drawing Room. There's also a spa with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and spa pool. In summer, borrow a picnic blanket and take your tea outside to the 40-acre grounds, which contain the ruins of a 12th-century church. The hotel is 6 miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon.

A showy Victorian edifice, all turrets and elaborate plasterwork, this hotel with 5 acres of gardens, a spa, and a pool was the original inspiration for Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows. It's a great place for families—most rooms are spacious enough for several people, and there are excellent facilities for the kids. Modernizations have successfully melded vintage character with contemporary pizzazz. The relaxed dining room, which opens onto a terrace, is open to nonguests.

The city's most famous hotel and a seafront landmark, the Grand Brighton is a huge, Victorian wedding cake of a building dating from 1864. It's both imposing and elegant, with high-ceilinged public rooms richly decorated with enormous chandeliers and plenty of marble. Having afternoon tea here is a Brighton tradition, and highly recommended. The spacious bedrooms are light-filled and traditional, with luxurious fabrics, white linens, and large bathrooms. Prices vary significantly depending on season and even day of the week (a weekend stay in summer often costs twice as much as a weekday one), so search the website for deals.

Close to the Minster in York's oldest inhabited house (dating from 1080), Gray's Court has its own ½-acre garden and atmospheric features like leaded-glass windows, limestone fireplaces, and a wood-paneled Jacobean Long Gallery. Several bedrooms are furnished with handsome antiques. Bathrooms, however, are modern, with walk-in showers. The Bow Restaurant emphasizes local produce, and meals can be taken in the garden.