3 Best Hotels in England

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.

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.

For a no-frills stay in the Cotswolds, this minimalist but well-appointed hostel offers comfortable, different-size rooms with self-catering facilities in a refurbished building that was once a store for the town brewery. The hostel rooms are basic but clean with strong Wi-Fi; there are also single and double rooms. The neighboring New Brewery Arts center runs day courses in arts and crafts.