Best Secluded Hotels in United Kingdom

Located in the heart of Ballater, the Balmoral Arms offers 46 guest rooms and suites, marrying Victorian-heritage elegance with contemporary Scottish countryside decor. Inviting you to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Royal Deeside: interiors feature Highland hues, tweed textures and local artwork, and the dining experience showcases seasonally sourced produce and stately comfort.

Unwind by the fire in The Ghillies Bar after a day exploring the hills or visit the 1852 brasserie for Scottish-inspired fine dining. The property also offers treatment rooms for spa services using Hebridean-inspired products.

Like something from a Jane Austen novel both inside and out, Middlethorpe Hall is a pretty country mansion surrounded by 20 acres of rolling grounds, just a couple of miles from the city centre. Two Edwardian cottages house the destination spa and there’s a pool. Guests can stroll through the walled and rose gardens, dine in the two AA Rosette restaurant and attend a wine tasting in the 17th Century dovecote. 29 hotel rooms comprise main house suites, main house bedrooms, courtyard rooms and suites, garden suites and a cottage (the latter two are dog-friendly). The property is just one of three Historic House Hotels.

Crossbasket Castle, located in High Blantyre just 12 miles south of Glasgow, offers 40 Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites in its new hotel along with, nine historical rooms in its castle. Designed to blend early 20th-century elegance with modern luxury, featuring unique dining experiences such as Foveran’s, a light-filled space serving breakfast and lunch, and Trocadero’s, an energetic, Roaring Twenties-themed restaurant with live entertainment. Guests can enjoy rooms with luxurious amenities like marble bathrooms, underfloor heating, and Penhaligon’s toiletries, as well as expansive historical suites. The castle is set within 14 acres of landscaped gardens, with easy access to Glasgow, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs National Park, making it the perfect base for both relaxation and exploration.

Located in the heart of Crail in Fife, The Shoregate is a coastal treasure reimagined by Nicholas Frost and Damon Reynolds in 2019. This historic 18th-century building, which has operated as a hostelry since the late 1800s, underwent a meticulous two-year restoration and reopened in May 2022. The restoration emphasised local craftsmanship and historical authenticity, ensuring every detail reflected its rich heritage. The Shoregate offers a destination restaurant, cosy bar along with four stylish guest rooms, three with breathtaking views of Crail and the Firth of Forth and one a two room suite. Inspired by old photographs, original architectural plans, and local features, the bar retains its historic character with Victorian pitch pine panelling, etched glass ceiling fixtures, and brass ship’s lighting. Stained glass, both original and newly commissioned, adorns the space, alongside reclaimed pews from a chapel near New Lanark, upholstered in Ross-shire woven fabric. The dining room offers a calm yet dynamic atmosphere with light oak tables, Carl Hansen chairs, and accents of near-burnt orange and teal panelling. Mirrors enhance the space, creating depth and ambience. The room is furnished with Crail pottery and Harris tweed lampshades and cushions, contributing to its unique charm. The four guest rooms focus on spaciousness and comfort. The first floor features three large ensuites, transformed from five original rooms, with bespoke wardrobes by a local furniture maker. The top floor, previously staff quarters and storerooms, now houses a stunning two-room family suite with expansive views across the Forth.

Surrounded by 163 acres of lush parkland, next to the river Maine and just 30 minutes north of Belfast International Airport in County Antrim, lies the incredible Galgorm Hotel and Thermal Village. The luxurious accommodation options are paired up with award-winning dining and its pièce de résistance is the onsite thermal village with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. Galgorm has attracted many a celebrity with its five-stars, triple AA-Rosette restaurant, award-winning spa treatments and butler service yet it has a laid-back feel, befitting its relaxed countryside locale. We cannot rate this hotel highly enough for a break in Northern Ireland.

Overlooking Loch Feochan with panoramic views of rugged mountains and tranquil islands, Knipoch Hotel is just a short six-mile drive from Oban. This historic boutique 4-star hotel dates back hundreds of years, and it became part of the Sonas Collection in early 2024 following a £1 million renovation. The property has been carefully restored to preserve its original charm, featuring stone walls, fireplaces, and wood-panelled interiors while enhancing the guest experience with modern comforts such as super king-sized beds, luxury fittings, and a relaxing outdoor hot tub. Knipoch Hotel’s newly launched destination restaurant ‘1635’ offers a seven-course, high-end Scottish dining experience, blending the finest local ingredients with seasonal flavours from across the country. This peaceful retreat is surrounded by stunning highland views and is an excellent base for exploring the local area.

This stunning 17th-century castle is steeped in history and since its sensitive and thoughtfully executed renovation, Crossbasket Castle has become one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels. Still boasting many of its unique period features all of which have been restored to their original beauty using traditional craftsmen and materials this hotel is bursting with a romantic aura and grandeur typical of the era in which it was constructed. With nine breath-taking en-suite bedrooms each of which is decorated in a classical style that strikes the perfect balance between traditional character and modern finishing. The crowning glory of this hotel is the four-story bridal tower which dates back to the 16th century. The fairy-tale turret room, built on a hill overlooking the Calder River, is served by a sweeping spiral stone staircase. A short walk from the castle, there is a self-catering lodge available for guests who would like a longer stay or a more home-from-home experience. The fine-dining restaurant showcases a range of contemporary dishes, created by the Roux culinary dynasty, using ingredients from Scotland’s renowned natural larder with an added touch of creative flair from the iconic Roux team. The woodland in which the castle sits is ideal for exploring nature, with majestic waterfalls, wildlife and outdoor pursuits.

One of only a handful of Scottish hotels to boast the Michelin Hotel Guide single ‘Red House’ symbol, this country house is found on the coast, an hour from Inverness. Deeply romantic in setting, Glenmorangie House is surrounded by a walled garden and located beside a ruined castle. And with just nine bedrooms, the intimate atmosphere lends itself to an exclusive couples’ escape. Award-winning menus are served in a dinner party style to provide a sociable element to your stay and camaraderie with fellow guests. As you may expect from a hotel inspired by the national beverage, whisky tastings are frequent – plus you might even be surprised by a spontaneous post-dinner ceilidh featuring local musicians. Read our expert review here.

The Fairmont St Andrews resort is a luxurious five-star destination located on the cliffs of eastern Fife. It offers stunning countryside views and is known as the ‘Home of Golf.’ The resort spans 520 acres and features two Championship golf courses, 212 beautifully furnished guestrooms and suites, and two Manor Homes with scenic views. Guests can enjoy a blend of luxury, wellness, sports, and local charm, with top-notch spa facilities, golfing options, and five dining choices (including two AA-Rosette restaurants). The property provides an ideal combination of outdoor adventure and relaxation, making it a perfect getaway for individuals, couples, families, and corporate retreats.

Originally intended as an abode for the Bishops of Down, this 19th-century estate is found on the outskirts of Belfast. The historic grandeur of the building is contrasted with a modern extension, in the form of the ESPA spa with steam room and hammam. 98 spacious bedrooms provide plenty of room for king-sized beds, desks and bathrooms with rainfall showers. It’s not unusual to find a pianist or harpist playing in the bar or accompanying a meal. And in addition to the top-notch cuisine in the main restaurant, there’s a cosy inn within the grounds, for a beer and bite beside a roaring fire.

Cameron House is one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels. Located on the banks of Loch Lomond, this five-star hotel offers stunning views, world-class cuisine, and an unrivalled level of service. Housed in a recently refurbished, restored and historical 17th-century Baronial mansion, Cameron House Hotel is situated in the heart of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Cameron House’s rooms and suites are some of the most spacious and well-appointed in Scotland and the hotel’s grounds are truly breathtaking. Guests can enjoy a round of golf on the hotel’s championship course, relax in the spa, or take a boat out onto Loch Lomond as well as enjoy a wealth of sporting activities. Cameron House is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a truly luxurious experience.

Standing proudly above storied golf links and the rugged Ayrshire coastline, Trump Turnberry provides modern Edwardian opulence and attention to detail along with 800 rolling acres of countryside where legendary King Robert the Bruce once had his castle. The property has been a landmark since 1906 and not only is it a renowned golf destination, featuring the famous Ailsa course it also offers a large destination spa and a wide range of outdoor pursuits including equestrian activities and clay pigeon shooting. Dining options include its signature 1906 restaurant, Grand Tea Lounge and Bar, and the Duel in the Sun, a golf-inspired eatery each overlooking its famous golf courses.