Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

Set on Scotland’s Sutherland coastline at the start of the North Coast 500, Royal Marine Hotel, Brora is an Arts and Crafts period country house, transformed into a coastal retreat, complete with a quintessential, yet contemporary Highland welcome. The building itself, designed in 1913 by the celebrated architect, Sir Robert Lorimer, as a private residence, was acquired by Highland Coast Hotels and reopened in 2022 following a £1.6 million refurbishment. The result is a 21-room bolthole, complete with dining space championing local produce, a cosy bar, set alongside one of the area’s most challenging golf links for its neighbour. A convenient hour from Inverness and the same onto to Wick and Thurso makes this the perfect base to either relax and explore the area or use it as a stepping stone on your journey around Scotland’s rugged highland coast.

A luxurious flagship hotel in the historic Paddington area of London, Inhabit Southwick Street – a member of Design Hotels offers respite from the bustling city centre and a range of world-class amenities to enhance your stay. There are 159 thoughtfully designed guestrooms showcasing the best of contemporary Scandinavian design with traditional Eastern and British twists. On-site dining is available in Yeotown where fresh, plant-based cuisine is served all day or at Pantry where you’ll find healthy snacks and soft drinks on offer. Inhale at Inhabit is the comprehensive wellness centre boasting indulgent treatments and a yoga studio alongside the fitness centre featuring a Peloton bike. There is a calming library and a retail facility where guests can browse.

This incredible ivy-clad building is a veritable labyrinth, with many nooks and crannies. The site has been home to an inn or hotel for thousands of years now, so brings with it a wealth of hospitality heritage; dine in its formal Oak Room or relaxed Garden Room, order bubbles at the 14th-century Champagne Bar and get a snack in the York Bar. Bedrooms are adorned with features such as heavy antique drapes, curtained four-poster beds, patterned bedspreads, dark wood panelling and carved headboards. Each has a unique style and layout, so you can stay time and again and have a new experience.

This was the grand hotel of choice for the Duchess of Sussex the night before her nuptials. The five-star mansion has often been a royal haunt. It dates back to the 17th century and was the home of the Astor family. Regal rooms are furnished with antiques and plush textiles, some with their own hot tubs and separate living areas. The Astor Grill and Cliveden Dining Room are refined grand affairs and afternoon tea is a speciality. Guests can also enjoy some pamper time in a spa located behind its walled garden.

Anyone who has an interest in history is sure to love the chance to stay in a carefully maintained and preserved Grade ll-Listed Arts and Crafts building. The Jesmond Dene Hotel is surrounded by extensive grounds and overlooks a wooded valley, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers. This magnificent building is the home of Sir Andrew Noble and is scattered with numerous pieces of artwork throughout the communal areas and guestrooms. The Great Hall is set with a bar and lounge and unwinding beside the roaring fire is the ideal experience on a chilly evening. Those who crave privacy and space will want to make sure they secure one of the eight lavish rooms in the New House.

Set right on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a stylish place to stay for people who like their creature comforts and enjoy plenty of pampering. This stunning Edwardian house is set in 21 acres of parkland that is set with pretty pools and other natural features. For optimum privacy and luxury, guests will want to choose one of the six Lake House rooms, which boast private hot tubs and spa facilities. The decadent restaurant and terrace also provide guests with the opportunity to sample Michelin-starred dining.

Situated less than two miles from Bourton-on-the-Water in the picturesque Lower Slaughter with easy access to Cheltenham, The Slaughters Manor House features 19 rooms with rich fabrics, oversized beds and plush furnishing. Sleep in the main house or a courtyard room – many of which can be connected to form family rooms. Play tennis, croquet, boules and billiards for the stately home experience and dine in the hotel’s three rosette restaurant.

Situated just a few miles from the M20 motorway, this is a dreamy place to break from a road trip. Awarded four AA Red Stars and a Visit Britain accolade in 2020, the ethos here is all about creating custom-designed experiences for guests. It has a Grade I listing, dates back to the 17thg century and is surrounded by 22 acres of land with a grand fountain greeting arriving guests. Rooms here are filled with antiques, alongside yoga mats and fitness equipment to work out in the privacy of your own space. Accommodation is spread between the main house, a new wing, a renovated stables and coachman’s cottages. Dine at Culpeper, or arrange your own private dinner party in one of Chilston Park’s exclusive dining areas.

Whatley Manor’s 12 acres of land has been carefully formed into no less than 26 separate gardens. The Grade II listed building became a hotel in 2003 but dates back to the 18th century. Found in the hamlet of Easton Grey on the edge of Malmesbury it provides a base to explore the southern wolds. It houses 23 unique rooms, Aquarias Spa, bars and eateries. Winner of this year’s Great British Menu, Executive Chef, Niall Keating serves his banquets in the venue’s on-site restaurant and brasserie, and via the roaming ‘Paradise Carriage’ takeaway.

With open views across the golf course to the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock, this is the hotel to choose if you want to be right beside the sea. The Marine has been restored to reflect its grand past, with tastefully chosen furnishings and textiles exuding a sense of old-world opulence and vintage flair, that’s as inviting as the outlook. Dine on local beef, game, and freshly landed seafood at The Lawn and order a cocktail or afternoon tea beneath the glittering chandeliers of the stylish Bass Rock Bar and Lounge. The French skincare brand Caudalie has partnered with the hotel to bring its spa treatments, designed using scientific techniques and active ingredients from the brand’s Bordeaux vineyards.

The Varsity of one of the city’s most luxurious properties and also conveniently located in the city centre close to St John’s, Trinity, Jesus and Magdalene College. King’s, Christ’s, Queens’, Gonville and Caius, Clare, Corpus Christi universities. Boutique in size with just 44 rooms, each being individually designed and celebrating the heritage of the city. Their Superking Rooms feature four-poster beds and gorgeous free-standing hot tubs with walk out balconies, while their fellow suites is set over 80sqm, including a private terrace, 19” Apple Mac roll-top bath and a monsoon shower. The hotel includes two dining options SIX their brasserie on the top floor includes 360o views across Cambridge and serves dishes from their Wood Stone oven, Grill and Rotisserie, while their Steakhouse The River Bar down at the River Cam serves 28-day dry-aged steaks. If you are looking for some pampering head to the hotel’s spa The Glassworks which includes an Elewmis Spa, Gym, Steam Room and Jacuzzi.

Boasting one of few year-round outdoor heated pools in Scotland, this newly renovated country house hotel (on the Duke of Roxburgh’s former estate) is a top spa destination. The gleaming light-filled, glass-walled, hydro-spa is absolutely a highlight, with its indoor to outdoor, swim-through pool. But there’s so much to do beyond; a top-tier golf course, a fly-fishing centre, a shooting school, a croquet lawn and a driving range. 60 new lodges have been erected on the grounds, giving a self-contained alternative to the more traditional main house bedrooms. Or you can opt for a room in the modern wing.