From Cornwall to Northumberland, you can find every kind of hotel in England’s 48 ceremonial counties, from chic urban boltholes to rustic rural retreats. So whether you’re planning a specific trip or just enjoying a spot of wanderlust, we've tracked down the best UK hotels to add to your bucket-list – selected for their service, individuality and supreme comfort.
Read on to discover the best hotel in every English county...
Luton Hoo has a magnificently storied history, hosting the likes of Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II, and serving as a filming location for Vanity Fair and Four Weddings and a Funeral. With lavish, traditional interiors and 1,000 acres of parkland to stroll around, it’s the ideal choice for history buffs and luxury-seekers alike, and is well worth a visit to one of the UK’s smallest counties. The best bit? The hotel spa’s infinity pool, with floor-to-ceiling windows for a dreamy view while you take a dip.
Nestled on an island on the River Thames, near the picturesque village of Bray, Monkey Island Estate is an 18th-century retreat that has attracted a creative crowd (including First World War poet Siegfried Sassoon and author HG Wells) for decades. While the hotel’s spa and fine dining options mean you never need to leave, it’s also conveniently close to popular local towns Windsor and Marlow. Don’t miss the delicious afternoon tea on the terrace, watching boats and taking in the view from your own private oasis.
One for lovers of interior design and contemporary decor, Artist Residence Bristol’s attention to detail is what makes it special. Like staying in your dream apartment for a weekend, this hip boutique hotel is in the perfect location for sightseeing and each room is individually designed, complete with artwork from a diverse range of local artists. And with a strict no-single-use-plastics policy, it’s a sustainable choice, too. A must: taking a bath in one of their decadent clawfoot tubs.
Buckinghamshire is known for its sprawling manor houses and country estates, but one rules them all. Hartwell House is one of England’s only hotels owned by the National Trust (Europe’s largest conservation charity, who protect and conserve beautiful historic properties) and is set over 90 acres of stunning grounds. Hartwell is brimming with historical artefacts and paintings, and there’s plenty of activities on offer, too: from tennis to croquet, afternoon tea to exceptional spa treatments.
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Just minutes from Magdalene College and Jesus Green park, The Varsity is a city centre hotel with bags of character. With rooms named after different University of Cambridge colleges, it provides free bikes so that you can cycle the city at your leisure and is Cambridge’s top-rated hotel on Tripadvisor, receiving a ‘Traveller’s Choice’ award in 2024. The Varsity’s best feature is arguably its stunning rooftop bar, where you can take in Cambridge’s beautiful cityscape over a cocktail.
Described as ‘the ultimate expression of escapism’, Carden Park blends a traditional hotel experience – think delicious food, a world-class spa and epic views – with an array of extraordinary experiences, including not one but two championship golf courses. The highest-rated hotel in Cheshire on Tripadvisor, guests praise Carden Park’s outdoor and indoor pools and hot tubs, gorgeous views over the rolling countryside and Welsh Hills and luxurious but still family-friendly vibe.
One of the best hotels in the City of London is The Ned, housed in the historic former Midland Bank headquarters, designed by Sir Edwin 'Ned' Lutyens in 1924. Combining 1920s glamour with contemporary luxury, The Ned offers 250 uniquely designed rooms featuring vintage furnishings and Art Deco touches. Located in the heart of the financial district, it boasts nine restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines, along with a rooftop pool that provides stunning views of the London skyline. Guests can also enjoy a luxurious spa and gym.
One of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, Cornwall offers so many hotels, it’s almost impossible to choose the best. But with its lush Cornwall-meets-California vibe and panoramic views one of the county’s most beautiful beaches, Watergate Bay Hotel is a clear winner. Guests love the showstopper of a pool, where they can gaze out onto golden sands and the surfers feel close enough to touch. And with its plant-based menu options, incredibly family-friendly atmosphere and thriving lineup of community activities, there really is something for everyone.
Home to the Lake District, England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cumbria has no shortage of gorgeous stays. The ultra-romantic Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is loved by guests for its unique rooms, adorable resident alpacas and the Michelin-starred restaurant, Source, which is handily on site. A particularly special touch is the Lake House’s outdoor hot tubs, where guests can sip Champagne and watch the sunset over the rolling hills, whatever the season.
Callow Hall is a fairly new hotel, but it has already captured the imaginations of guests who flock to this quiet corner of Derbyshire. With colourful interiors by designer Isabella Worsley, it’s nestled among 35 acres of wild meadows, gardens and woodland – and you can even stay in a treehouse to truly get away from it all. Filled with cosy nooks and boasting a locally-sourced British menu, Callow Hall is on the doorstep of some of the Peak District’s prettiest villages and walks. It’s also been voted Hotel of the Year by both GQ and The Sunday Times.
When you visit Devon, one of Britain’s prettiest coastal counties, a sea view is a must. Happily, Burgh Island Hotel has ocean views for miles, thanks to its position on a private tidal island. Most excitingly, twice a day – due to the tides – the hotel is accessible only by sea tractor (guests also sometimes arrive in style in adapted Land Rovers). This Grade II-listed, Art Deco hotel is one of the UK’s most unique properties and has an incredibly storied history, with author Agatha Christie and playwright Noel Coward frequent visitors in the 1930s.
Dorset is famous for its dramatic Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts some of the most breathtaking views in all of England. Nestled near the scenic Studland beach, guests at The Pig on the Beach can enjoy luxurious amenities, including spa treatments in converted shepherd’s huts, a locally-sourced menu and the South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest and arguably most beautiful national walking trail, right on their doorstep.
Seaham Hall is a hotel that takes service seriously: from pillow menus to a car concierge, you can even ask for someone to come and run you a bath, if you’re feeling lazy. With such a focus on rest and relaxation, it’s no surprise that the Asian-inspired spa, including an outdoor thermal pool, is one of the hotel’s highlights. And while it may be resolutely modern in its approach to service, Seaham Hall still has a historical story to tell – the British poet Lord Byron was married there in 1815.
Located in the heart of a historic market town, HIGHFIELD is an ideal base for exploring the Yorkshire Wolds and the scenic countryside nearby. With an inviting bar and a restaurant that serves locally sourced dishes, guests rave about the wonderful rooms and friendly staff. The perfect retreat after a day of exploring nearby attractions, such as Driffield Canal, Sledmere House and the local market.
The Gallivant may be situated at the heart of Camber Sands, one of Britain’s most famous beaches, but you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in The Hamptons when you step through its French doors. Steps from the shore and sand dunes, the hotel’s thoughtful packages include morning yoga, 5pm English wine tastings and a locally-sourced three-course dinner. Contemporary to its core, guests can enjoy herbal tea under the stars and even purchase a piece of the hotel’s art, if it takes their fancy.
Just a 90 minute drive from London, the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel is the perfect escape from the Big Smoke. With a focus on guests’ wellbeing above all else, you can spend your days unwinding in the hotel’s hydrotherapy pool, enjoying a spin or Pilates class, or even taking part in a crystal sound bath meditation. The surroundings are equally soothing – 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens full of rare flora and fauna.
Gloucestershire is home to much of the Cotswolds, one of England’s most-visited regions, so tourists are spoilt for choice. When it comes to service, dining options and pure luxury, though, few hotels beat Thyme, which describes itself as ‘a village within a village’. A collection of several rooms and cottages dotted around the peaceful Southrop Estate, this family-run hotel includes a cookery school, spa and vegetable garden, offers classes in floristry and soap making and even has its own pub, The Swan.
From the ultra-traditional to the modern and minimalist, choosing the capital city’s best hotel is an almost impossible task – especially considering London has well over 100,000 hotel rooms. However, one hotel that everyone adores is Claridge’s. Setting the bar for high-end hospitality since the mid-1800s, it’s hosted everyone from Queen Victoria to Audrey Hepburn and Winston Churchill, and this Mayfair marvel continues to evolve and dazzle guests to this day.
The city of Manchester is as busy and bustling as ever, but guests at the King Street Townhouse will have no problem unwinding after a day spent exploring: the hotel includes a 20-seat basement cinema, a spa featuring a salt inhalation cave and a rooftop infinity pool with majestic views of the Manchester skyline. You can even enjoy afternoon tea and a hearty menu of British and French-inspired comfort food to fuel your next day of sightseeing.
Once voted ‘the Best Hotel in the British Isles’, Chewton Glen is legendary in hospitality. Situated on the edge of The New Forest, guests can embark on pony treks, take classes at on-site cookery school The Kitchen, explore the nine-hole golf course and take a dip in the huge hydrotherapy pool. The hotel even has its own helipad, in case your preferred mode of transport is a helicopter – and along with standard rooms, you can opt to stay in a secluded treehouse.
On the banks of the winding River Lugg (which brave guests can paddle in) sits The Riverside at Aymestrey, a relaxed pub with sustainability at its core – the property has planted 200 trees in recent years and is home to pigs, chickens and even bees. With its building dating back to the 16th-century, some of the hotel’s rooms include 400-year old wooden beams. The food is where The Riverside really sings, though: menu highlights include locally cured trout, Herefordshire beef and carrot top pesto from their kitchen garden.
A firm favourite with celebrities, Hertfordshire’s The Grove Hotel bills itself as ‘London’s country retreat’. Brimming with warmth and character, this Grade II-listed mansion is both family and dog-friendly, offering a plethora of activities from archery to s’more-making and clay pigeon shooting. Just 40 minutes outside of the capital city and around 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport (depending on traffic), guests can travel the world via The Grove’s choice of restaurants: from Indian cuisine to sushi and seasonal British classics.
Come for the breakfast – often praised as ‘the best on the island’ – and stay for the oh-so-Instagrammable balcony views. The Hambrough is a chic and friendly bed and breakfast just footsteps from Ventnor Beach, on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight, Britain’s largest island. Most rooms offer spectacular sea views, and those with balconies are flooded with light for much of the day, making them the perfect spots to enjoy morning coffee or an evening aperitif.
Half luxury hotel, half endangered animal reserve, Port Lympne might just be the most unique entry on this list. Imagine a hotel where you can fall asleep to the sounds of wild animals; sleep in treehouses, safari-style lodges and forest hideaways; and wake up with tigers or lions at your window. Safari dreams are made reality at Port Lympne, with black rhino, gorillas, giraffes, lions and tigers living on site, while guests young and old can explore the park by electric golf buggy before the day visitors arrive.
A short distance from the Forest of Bowland, which has been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lancaster Barn's thoughtful approach to little details – like fresh coffee on tap, which guests can take out with them in complimentary Thermoses – make it stand out from the crowd. The hotel also has rooms specifically designed for solo travellers (often overlooked in hospitality) and an on-site greenhouse, Market Garden, which grows over 60 varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Three words: rooftop infinity pool. With a mission to give guests back their me-time, ivy-covered Ragdale Hall takes care of details big and small – from dining to treatments – so you can fully relax and unwind. Family-owned for over 30 years, it’s seriously committed to guests’ wellbeing, with six pools (including thermal, whirlpool and candle-lit), up to 20 exercise classes per day and a full lineup of treatment options. Secluded in the tiny hamlet of Ragdale, it offers up sublime views too.
Mixing contemporary and traditional influences, Washingborough Hall is a regency-era, country-house-style hotel renowned for its warm and friendly service. With plenty of cosy character, it’s just 10 minutes’ drive from the city of Lincoln, and has an interesting story to tell, too: in a past life it served as a respite home for Second World War airmen. Locally, Washingborough (or Washy Hall, as it’s known) is beloved for its sunday roast dinners.
Liverpool, the city that brought us The Beatles, continues to dance to the beat of its own drum: and this extends to its hospitality. With its Scandi-inspired, unfussy aesthetic, Hope Street Hotel is a quiet oasis of calm away from the city’s main hub, offering seven types of room to suit all stays, from honeymoons to business trips. It also has a firm pulse on Liverpool’s creative scene, offering film screenings, wine tastings and more – and is also reportedly where Liverpool FC players and even John Lennon’s former wife, Yoko Ono, stay when in town.
A Georgian mansion with just 12 rooms, The White House is a seriously swanky place to stay. You’ll find this North Norfolk gem between the upmarket town of Burnham Market and much-loved Brancaster beach, and as you might have guessed, the aesthetic runs minimalist, but with soothing pastel accents to create a sanctuary you’ll never want to leave. It’s hard to believe, but The White House used to be derelict, until it was lovingly restored a few years ago.
In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, one of the UK’s most beautiful locations, lies Grantley Hall. And with its decadent spa, three bars and five restaurants – including one with a Michelin star – you’re unlikely to want to venture very far from this 5-star hotel. Every detail delivers guests the VIP treatment, from its marble-topped outdoor pool to wine-tasting room and Japanese garden. More like an international resort than an English country hotel, Grantley Hall is also conveniently close to stylish market town Harrogate.
When the list of previous guests includes British monarchs Elizabeth I and Charles I, you know you’re in for a seriously special stay. A short drive from Silverstone (the UK’s home of Formula One racing) Fawsley Hall is a wild ride through British history – so it’s no surprise that the vibe is opulent and Elizabethan, complete with wooden beams, stained-glass windows and four-poster beds. A must-experience is afternoon tea in the incredible Tudor Great Hall (pictured left) which dates back to 1537.
England’s most northerly county, Northumberland, is known for its stunning beaches. After a bracing walk along the wild Northumberland coast, guests at Beadnell Towers can unwind with a soak in one of the hotel’s luxurious bathtubs before sipping cocktails in the Reading Room. Located in the tiny fishing village of Beadnell, this dog-friendly boutique hotel offers an abundance of fresh seafood and is committed to sustainability, reducing single-use plastic and using local produce wherever possible.
Self-described as ‘dark, Gothic and thoroughly theatrical’, Manor Court is one of the more unique hotels on this list. With just six rooms, each is individually (and extravagantly) designed with themes ranging from Marie Antoinette to Gothic glamour – and the hotel’s intimate size means the service is highly attentive and tailored to individual guests. Depending on the season, guests are greeted with Pimm's, mulled wine or bubbles on ice – and they can even accommodate arrivals by helicopter.
There’s stiff competition for Oxfordshire’s best hotel, but one rules them all: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, one of the UK’s most famous (and desirable) destinations. Run by leading French chef Raymond Blanc, everything, unsurprisingly, centres around food: from the hotel’s much-celebrated two-Michelin-starred restaurant, to the cookery courses it offers on everything from bread to seafood. It’s no slouch elsewhere, either, with six options of pillow, perfectly curated fruit bowls in every room and stunning landscaped gardens.
It may be the smallest county in England by size, but Rutland still has plenty to offer visitors – including its reservoir, Rutland Water, of which Hambleton Hall offers a stunning view and plenty of water-based activities, from sailing to windsurfing. This Grade II-listed luxury hotel has also held a Michelin star since 1982, grows much of its produce on-site, and boasts a head chef who has worked at Hambleton Hall for almost two decades.
One of the most heart-stoppingly beautiful locations on this list, Pen-Y-Dyffryn is hidden in the hills of Shropshire, near the Welsh border – and is so remote, you might not even get a phone signal. But you won’t miss it with views this incredible, and inside the hotel is almost as impressive, with whirlpool baths, in-house spa treatments and an award-winning restaurant, Seasons. Plus, it’s the perfect location for exploring this rural county on foot. Truly a place to get away from it all.
While Somerset is a largely rural county, it’s also known for the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where over six million tourists a year flock to explore its ancient Roman springs. And while visitors can’t swim in the baths, guests of The Gainsborough can – as the hotel’s spa is the only one in the city with access to Bath’s thermal waters, via three thermal baths, two saunas and even the bathtubs in certain rooms. Once they’ve had their fill of hot springs, guests can tuck into a sumptuous breakfast buffet or afternoon tea.
Boasting its own lake, golf course and surrounding woodland, Waterton Park Hotel is located on the former estate of Charles Waterton, the pioneering naturalist who created one of the world’s first nature reserves here. Retaining many of its original Georgian-era features, this dog-friendly escape feels wild and rural, yet many of West Yorkshire’s biggest attractions are just a short drive away. Their commitment to sustainability and the local community, Wakefield, is also impressive.
Nature is embedded in every part of The Tawny, from its location bordering Consall Nature Park, near the Peak District, to its menus, which specialise in local, seasonal produce. And while its looks are impressive and ultra-Instagrammable – particularly the Scandi-meets-modernist glass-fronted restaurant, The Plumicorn – it’s a hotel with substance too. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, it offers a varied programme of activities, from kimchi making to foraging and stargazing.
Steps from the beach and right in the heart of the pretty coastal town of Aldeburgh, The Suffolk offers guests the best of both worlds. Starting life as a much-lauded restaurant, it now has six individually designed rooms, each brimming with antique furniture and soothing, sea-inspired details. The roof terrace provides stunning views of the coast, and the property is strongly committed to supporting local suppliers. A seriously chic place to stay.
Combining unparalleled luxury with rich history, Beaverbrook is a classy choice for contemporary travellers. Guests can indulge in exquisite dining experiences, unwind at the spa (complete with a stunning stained-glass roof) and explore the manicured grounds, including a charming Japanese garden. History buffs will love the stories its walls could tell, considering the estate’s fascinating past as the home of Lord Beaverbrook during the Second World War, where key political figures often gathered.
Occupying a prime location overlooking Newcastle’s River Tyne, INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle combines modern design with nods to the area’s rich character and history. The hotel's interiors reflect the city's maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Guests can also enjoy dining at the popular in-house restaurant, part of Italian-born, UK-based chef Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant brand.
Quaint Mallory Court is a popular wedding destination – and with its breathtaking grounds, ivy-strewn exterior and award-winning restaurant, The Dining Room, it’s not difficult to see why. Tucked away in the Warwickshire countryside, near Leamington Spa, the hotel is dedicated to improving guests’ wellness, even offering ‘mindfulness trails’ around the 10 acres of grounds.
While from the outside it may look like a traditional manor house hotel, enter the lobby of Hampton Manor and prepare to be surprised. Equal parts cosy and contemporary, the attention to detail – particularly to interiors – is exquisite. Known as ‘the foodie estate’ for good reason, it boasts its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Grace and Savour, an in-house bakery and regular ‘meet the maker’ sessions where guests can engage with the hotel’s chefs and artisans.
With a focus on relaxation and indulgence, Horsham’s South Lodge spa hotel offers a decadent experience with a difference. While they encourage guests to unwind and embrace the tranquil surroundings, you may be tempted to snap photos of the hotel’s sleek spa, 93 acres of woodland, and its fine dining options, including the modern restaurant, The Pass. South Lodge blends luxurious wellness with a beautiful country setting.
The Beatles and actress Jayne Mansfield are just some of the celebrities who have called Holdsworth House Hotel home for the night – and the stories don’t stop there, with popular British TV series Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax using it as a filming location. When you see the ivy-covered entrance, Grade II-listed details and charming grounds, it’s easy to see why. Guests also love its dog-friendly vibe and cosy real log-fires, perfect for curling up with a book.
With just 23 rooms, Whatley Manor is the perfect spot for those seeking a secluded and quiet getaway. Whether you’re after one of the UK’s best spas or Michelin-starred dining at The Dining Room, this hotel caters to grown-ups (and their dogs too). Whatley Manor even offers a private screening room, where guests can watch their favourite films.
A back-to-nature bolthole with a little touch of luxury: that’s how The Fish Hotel describes its unique appeal. With rooms ranging from tucked-away treehouses to ‘hideaway huts’ and more traditional suites, this Cotswolds hotspot boasts details for days and stunning countryside views. When it comes to feasting, The Fish offers an unfussy but delicious lineup, including Sunday lunch, a ‘tipsy’ afternoon tea and even a hot dog menu served in the hotel’s cosy lounges.
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