The United Kingdom boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes and cities in the world, providing the perfect setting for a host of luxury hotels. From quaint country inns to stunning Georgian townhouses, these boutique lodgings will leave you feeling pampered and indulged while also providing something a little bit different to the larger hotel companies. Whether it’s due to the majestic views or the on-site spas, the following hotels are some of the most gorgeous in the UK.
Strattons Hotel in Swaffham, Norfolk
Strattons is a family-run boutique hotel, restaurant and café-deli tucked away in the beautiful market town of Swaffham. Each room is individually decorated, with an emphasis on art, design, luxury and comfort. Rooms include the sumptuous Red Room (pictured), with its four-poster bed and open fire, and the Print rooms — stylish and sleek 2-person apartments, which include a kitchen, dining room, lounge and surround sound cinema. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant serves organic and locally sourced food, with eggs from the Strattons’ own hens and fruit from its orchard. The hotel’s glamorous style and modern ethos have earned it many awards, including the E.D.P’s ‘Best Norfolk Restaurant’ Award and ‘Best Small UK Hotel’ from the International Hotel Awards.
Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa in Pulford, Cheshire
Hotel
The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is situated within its own gorgeously landscaped grounds, a short drive away from the historic city centre of Chester. The luxury establishment boasts 73 ensuite rooms for guests to enjoy, while two high-quality restaurants expertly handle the dining experience. Ciro’s Brasserie is the hotel’s own Mediterranean-themed restaurant, providing diners with fresh, seasonal, local produce, while gastro-pub Nelson’s Bar provides a range of seasonal ales and bar meals. What sets this hotel apart is its award-winning Spa by Kasia — an opulent retreat offering six treatment suites, three relaxation rooms, a couples’ VIP suite, a Roman-style swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and much more. The hotel’s grounds also include a tennis court and the beautiful Asian Sensory Garden.
The Bear in Hay-on-Wye, Powys
This former coaching inn dates back to the 16th century and is a Grade II listed building in the centre of the charming ‘book town,’ Hay-on-Wye. The Bear may not be big, but the quality of its three individually decorated bedrooms more than make up for this. The interior décor mixes antique, vintage and contemporary design, instilling these bijou lodgings with unique charm. A changing menu of homemade breakfasts are served each morning in the guest lounge, using the finest local ingredients. The town of Hay-on-Wye is a bibliophile’s dream destination, with around two dozen shops selling antique and secondhand books. When not spending time reading and relaxing in this unique and easy-going part of the country, The Bear’s destination on the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons means guests are ideally situated for walking, canoeing, fishing and a host of other outdoor activities.
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The Lime Tree in Fort William, Highland
Hotel
Views don’t get much more majestic than those surrounding The Lime Tree Hotel, which is situated in the mountainous North West Highlands of Scotland. From the hotel’s grounds, you can experience the breathtaking scenery of Loch Linnhe and the rugged, imposing landscape beyond. It’s not just the views that are attractive though. The hotel is also pleasing to the eye with nine stylish bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant, open fire-warmed lounges and, of course, a nationally acclaimed art gallery.
Harington's Hotel in Bath, Somerset
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Harington’s is an independent boutique hotel located in the historical heart of Bath city centre. Perfect for all types of visits, from family holidays to business meetings or romantic getaways, Harington’s is sure to deliver. Though located in the very centre of the city, with all of Bath’s attractions only minutes away, the hotel’s location on a cobbled side street means you won’t be kept awake by late-night revellers. Behind the Georgian façade lie thirteen individually decorated boutique bedrooms, kitted out with luxury furnishings. Food and drink is looked after by the hotel’s restaurant, bar and coffee lounge, while extra relaxation is provided by the hotel’s own private hot tub — situated in a pretty, secluded courtyard. As if all of this wasn’t enough, Harington’s also offers three private apartments tucked away within the cobbled streets of Bath, laden with everything you need for a perfect city break.
The Peacock Hotel in Rowsley, Derbyshire
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Courtesy of the Peacock at Rowsley / Expedia
Originally a manor house, this Grade II listed boutique hotel sits in the heart of the Peak District National Park, close to the quaint market town of Bakewell. Fifteen individually styled bedrooms and one luxurious suite await visitors hoping to relax after exploring the beautiful surroundings of the Peaks. The Peacock’s restaurant has been awarded three AA Rosettes for its delicious menu, created from local Derbyshire produce. Sunday lunch at the Peacock restaurant is a firm favourite among Rowsley residents, but for something a little less formal, the hotel bar offers a more casual environment to meet for lunch or dinner, offering its own menu of freshly cooked food. Perfect for a spring or summer break, The Peacock offers day passes for fly fishing on the Derbyshire Wye and the River Derwent, giving guests a rustic and authentic local experience.
Holbeck Ghyll in Windermere, Cumbria
Hotel, Lodge, Cottages
Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel is a multi-award winning country retreat — and it’s not hard to understand why. The estate is surrounded by acres of verdant woodland and gardens, with stunning views of Lake Windermere and some of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks. These views can also be seen from 29 luxury rooms and suites and two exclusive private holiday cottages. When not spending time in the private quarters, guests can also relax in the hotel’s oak-panelled dining room, its sumptuous lounges and the picturesque terrace, where the same incredible view can be experienced — voted one of the top 15 in the world. The hotel’s restaurant was ranked 24th in the 2009 Good Food Guide and is run by a team offering expert service. Though the hotel and its surroundings may well be relaxing enough, there’s also an indulgent health spa in which guests can unwind. The hotel’s location makes it a perfect place for guests to admire the Lake District not only from their room but also by foot, bicycle or car.
Loch Ness Lodge in Inverness, Highland
Lodge
Loch Ness Lodge sits in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Highlands and overlooks its famous and picturesque namesake near Inverness. The lodge features a combination of traditional Scottish architecture and contemporary design, with the interior décor and colour scheme taking inspiration from the natural environment of the Highlands. Most of the seven rooms boast stunning views of the surrounding loch and the hills beyond, plus all are individually designed giving each room its own distinct character. The combination of traditional design and modern elegance is continued in the drawing rooms and the breakfast room, featuring antique furniture, contemporary style and artwork. Outside, the grounds have been landscaped into beautiful and intimate gardens, perfect for quiet and romantic strolls. For the more relaxation-minded, the lodge’s spa and therapy suite offer an assortment of luxurious treatments, an indoor hot tub and a sauna. All of this and its location in one of Scotland’s most picturesque areas make Loch Ness Lodge perfect for romantic escapes, quick getaways and special celebrations.
The Blue Lion Inn in East Witton, North Yorkshire
Hotel
The Blue Lion Inn offers guests and visitors the perfect taste of traditional, rural England. The cobbled entrance driveway sees guests into the welcoming and friendly interior of one of Yorkshire’s most iconic pubs. Once inside the 18th-century building, warm yourself by one of the roaring log fires before checking into one of 15 beautiful, country-styled bedrooms. Each individually designed, the bedrooms are split across the main building and the converted stables, which once housed the horses of travellers who would often pass through Wensleydale. The Blue Lion’s seasonal menu makes the most of the local Yorkshire produce, earning it the ‘Dining Pub of the Year’ three times. Large wooden benches and traditional oak tables provide guests with a quintessentially English pub setting to feast in, while the more formal restaurant sets the scene with delicate candlelight and indulgent food, perfect for a quiet romantic meal. The hotel’s location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park gives guests immediate access to one of the UK’s most breathtakingly beautiful areas.
Hipping Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
Hotel
Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, Hipping Hall takes its name from the ‘Hipping’ or stepping stones that crossed Broken Beck, the small stream that runs past the estate. Though it may be more famous for its award-winning restaurant, which has received critical acclaim for its delectable menu and wine list, the hotel itself definitely doesn’t disappoint. The quaint ivy-clad stone buildings house nine individually decorated rooms and one luxury suite, with all bathrooms tiled in natural stone. The restaurant’s dinner menu changes daily, but every night a seven-course tasting menu or a five-course fixed-price menu is available, all expertly curated using local and seasonal flavours. Make sure you choose your wine carefully as the list has been delicately crafted, and staff are also on hand to help guide you — for your convenience, glasses of wine have been matched to every course of each menu.
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