Best Luxury Hotels in England

Down Hall has 98 grand and elegant rooms decorated in theatrical rich fabrics and sporting freestanding mirrored tubs. Close to Stansted Airport, it’s ideal for those seeking a base before jetting abroad, or vacationers from the far end of the UK seeking a break just a short domestic flight away. The hotel is very family-friendly and treatments at the Eden Spa can be booked ahead of your stay. Walk, play tennis or have a game of giant chess in the 120 acres surrounding the property and dine at the Grill Room Restaurant with its excellent daily changing menu.

The Langley is part of the Marriott group and is located not far from the famed Pinewood Studios, in Iver. There’s a timeless feel to the Palladian mansion, accompanying Grade-II listed Brew House, lake and gardens, which were re-designed in the 18th century by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The hotel has a range of rooms and suites – 41 in total – as well as a glitzy spa and luxe fitness suite. Dine with a view at Cedar, take tea in the drawing-room and sip on cognac in The Churchill Bar.

Found in the beautiful little Forest town of Lyndhurst, The Lime Wood was once a mediaeval hunting lodge. It belonged to the Duke of Clarence in the 1700s and is now an extravagantly decorated 32 roomed boutique hotel. The Herb House Spa and heated outdoor pool epitomises country chic. The main dining room, Hartnett, Holder & Co, serves foraged foods and hand-reared meats that have been smoked on-site. Velvet couches and funky Tracy Emin artworks adorn the walls. Guests can also dine at Raw & Cured or The Courtyard for lighter bites.

A full-service spa, two dining areas and 75 unique rooms await visitors to Danesfield Hotel in Marlow. The menus are imagined and created by Head Chef, James Bailey. Meals can be taken on the sun-soaked terrace for a convivial alfresco experience with views of the River Thames and Chiltern Hills. The estate was purchased and given its current name back in 1750 and has had an eclectic and illustrious history. It’s now a luxury, riverside country house hotel.

Located in Hook close to the town of Basingstoke, Tylney Hall is a Grade II listed building in sweeping landscaped grounds with carefully tended gardens and an 18-hole golf course. There’s a welcoming classic country feel to the place, with florals, artwork and lavish marble bathrooms. It houses 113 rooms, health suite, indoor and outdoor pools, a wood-panelled Oak Room Restaurant and a fancy lounge for sumptuous afternoon teas.

Stay just outside the bijou city of Winchester in a 17th-century hotel with its own cookery and falconry schools. The hotel has retained its period feel with plenty of velvet textiles and antiques. Some of the 50 opulent rooms have four-poster beds, double showers and freestanding tubs. 63 acres of land provides plenty of outdoor activity, including archery, croquet, tennis and fishing. Menus in the wood-panelled restaurant Avenue, are created by Chef Andrew Birch and include local delicacies.

Hotels in the Four Seasons group promise a reliably luxurious standard of living, as well as great food. This one in Dogmersfield encompasses 500 acres of land, with accommodation varying from a Grand Manor Room with estate views, through to an elite two bedroomed Royal Suite. The decor reflects its countryside locale, as does the culinary offer. Meals can be taken at Wild Carrot, Cafe Sante, in the Library, the bar, or Fox Hollow (the latter providing private dining for groups). The hotel is very child and pet friendly, ideal for a family break.

Enjoy a sublime spa getaway at this rural stone-built manor house within easy reach of Plymouth. Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, alfresco hot tubs, a Finnish sauna, a Crystal Salt steam room, a sensory journey shower experience, a relaxation room overlooking a wildflower meadow and a laconium herbal sauna. The ‘Spatisserie’ serves both healthy and indulgent meal options to nourish and treat guests, and luxe contemporary rooms ensure deep and dreamy sleep afterwards.

Torquay is famed for the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers. But the popular coastal town is also home to some divine accommodation. Cary Arms and Spa is a luxury five-star property on Babbacombe Bay. It’s a dog-friendly property with 10 sea-view suites, four restored fisherman’s cottages and eight quirky beach huts & suites. Dining takes place in the 19th century Inn, where the fresh catch of seafood and shellfish is a highlight. Book the Captain’s Table, the Pod, or the Wheelhouse for extra special views while enjoying an unforgettable meal.

One of the oldest hotels in the area, this four-storey castle was erected in 1350. The restored medieval tower house has walls seven inches thick, ensuring a quiet night’s rest. Another superb option for couples celebrating a special occasion, it has many four-poster beds (some in the main body of the castle) and a two AA Rosette eatery, the Josephine restaurant. Interconnecting rooms ensure families are well catered for as well and despite its age, the hotel offers a good level of accessibility. Guests can learn more about the Grade I listed building’s colourful history with tours of the battlements.

An Edwardian mansion is the centre-piece of this sprawling resort, surrounded by farmland and woods. 141 large bedrooms are decorated in a traditional baronial style. Public areas feature real fires, dark oak panelling and rich velvet upholstery. By contrast, the restaurant is bright and airy, with two additional bars serving child-friendly hearty classics. Guests can play golf on its two championship courses, take part in country pursuits, get pampered in the spa and try a range of malts in the hall’s Whisky Snug. Well suited to families, dogs are also welcome in some of the rooms. And there’s plenty more to see and do in the local area – Hadrian’s Wall and Derwent Water are just two of the attractions close by.

15 years were spent transforming this property to create a grand, yet cosy 36 bedroom hotel. Originally constructed in 1818, it’s now Northumberland’s only four AA red star awarded hotel and comes with 10 acres of its own land. Conveniently close to the A1, it’s the perfect luxury stop-off if travelling further afield, or booked for an elegant getaway, and canine companions are made extremely welcome, no matter their size. A spa with an indoor pool, carefully manicured gardens, afternoon teas served fireside in the library and a fancy two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, add to Doxford Hall’s wide appeal. If you’re planning a romantic trip away, you can request a room with a four-poster bed.