Best Luxury Hotels in England

Set in 175 acres of land on the outskirts of Ipswich is Hintlesham Hall Hotel, a 32 bedroomed 16th-century hall with Georgian facade. The pale terracotta coloured main house is accompanied by two wings with an array of intact period features and shuttered windows. Climb the grand oak staircase to an expansive beamed suite in the eaves furnished in rich fabrics, or stay in a courtyard room close to the orchard (one of which had a former life as a culinary school kitchen). Chef Alan Ford cooks French cuisine eaten in Carrier’s Restaurant – a la carte or table d’hote, the choice is yours.

Dating back to the early 17th century and found in Thomas Hardy’s homeland, Plumber Manor remains the Prideaux-Brunes family residence. As a result, the feel is homely and familial, with a warm welcome from the handpicked team of food and hospitality experts. The Jacobean manor has also been a hotel for four decades, flanked by pretty gardens and a stream. Options for activities include organised shoots, a trip to nearby Longleat and leisurely dog walks (there are a number of pooch-friendly rooms). Or spend some ‘me time’ reclining in a deckchair close to nature as you’re served some of Dorset’s finest cocktails.

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.

This elegant Relais and Chateaux property and spa is found among the rolling green fields of Evershot. Listed as one of the Best Country House Hotels in Britain by The Daily Telegraph in 2019, awarded Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the Dorset Food & Drinks Awards in 2017 and voted No. 2 Top Hotel in the UK at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2017, the Lodge has an array of accolades to its name. Rooms and cottages are peaceful, and comfortable, yet regal in style. Fine dining is de rigueur, while the bar is home to over 300 whiskies.

Visitors to North Yorkshire can elect to stay in the grand surroundings of this privately owned stately home, the once-residence of Princess Mary. The five-star 17th-century Grade II listed building is set in 11 acres of land with far-reaching views. Stained glass windows, Jacobean architecture, oversized fireplaces, heavy drapes, four-poster beds, exposed beams and antique rugs are just some of its regal features. There’s also a spa, hot tub, charming orangery and some of the best service in the county. Hearty yet high-end Yorkshire cuisine is to be found on the menu – the hotel has an AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence and you mustn’t miss the traditional afternoon tea in Princess Mary’s Drawing Room.

Perched on a working farm, where the northern Cotswolds’ border meets the Avon valleys is Eckington Manor. The family-owned and run hotel offers 17 bedrooms spread over four barns and outbuildings. The suites retain period beams, flagstones, wood stoves and antiques, combined with up to date materials and furnishings tastefully in keeping with the building’s age. Enjoy farm to fork cuisine in the 12th-century Dutch barn restaurant and take lessons at the Georgian manor’s own cookery school.

If you’d rather stay somewhere central and buzzing with activity, the Kings Head Hotel has a host of amenities and attractions on its Cirencester doorstep. But there’s plenty to keep you from leaving the 46 roomed premises – a spa and cinema in the cellar, the elegant dining room, cosy bar, frequent events and live entertainment. The 14th-century building also contains the remains of a Roman mosaic, encased in glass in the lobby. Kids and dogs are welcome in this relaxed yet luxe inn.

Set among 400 acres of the Farncombe Estate in Broadway village, Dormy House makes for a divine spa getaway with a Veuve Cliquot nail bar, Temple Spa products, a 16-metre sleek indoor pool, hot juniper sauna, an experience shower, salt-infusion therapy room, rhassoul-mud room and outdoor hot tub. Interior designer Todhunter Earle has infused a retro meets Scandi style in the 38 rooms and suites. Dine with a view in the Garden Room Restaurant and be sure to take a peek at the estate’s secret Japanese garden.

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this 50-room spa hotel is perched on the tranquil estuary adored by sailing enthusiasts and mariners. Stunning sea views, award-winning in-house restaurants serving the freshest seafood, chic sun decks, pools, ESPA treatments and nearby access to beautiful beaches make this a winning choice for any traveller.

This grand building is found among the treetops of Dartmoor National Park and offers an upscale golf and spa retreat in the wilds of deepest Devon. Awarded five AA Red Stars – a lofty accolade – it offers a choice of self-catering lodges and sumptuous hotel bedrooms. Here you can explore nature trails, take a fine tea in the dining room beside a roaring fire, eat in the newly refurbished brasserie with stunning views, or enjoy an idyllic on-site picnic prepared by the Castle’s team of expert chefs.

PWeeke Barton’s sustainably-minded environment places an emphasis on homeliness. The owners (who live on-site, along with their spaniel and son) select the finest, most interesting products and ingredients, and have crafted a cosy yet minimal design for optimum relaxation. There are two sociable group sittings for dinner (kids at tea-time followed by adults only), allowing each group their own time. Then post-meal, why not recline into a garden hammock with a tasty tipple and take in the sounds of nature?

Rising from the ethereal mists of Dartmoor is Gidleigh Park’s impressive Tudor frontage. The parkland provides enables activities including fly-fishing, tennis, croquet and golf on the 18-hole Peter Allis Course. Stay in a room or suite with antique pieces and period features, or book the charming thatched cottage in the hotel’s grounds. Dine in elegance at the hotel’s intimate restaurant and select from the choice of 13000 bottles of international wine held in the cellar.