Best Secluded Hotels in United Kingdom

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.

Fancy a stay on a private island in glamorous art deco style? The vintage landmark building is evocative of the gleaming ocean liners of the 1930s and houses fascinating original pieces from the era, in addition to a colourful past (Agatha Christie and Noel Coward were among the patrons of old). As the tide draws close to its perimeter there’s a sense of seclusion, yet there’s so much to do on land and water, as well as black-tie ballroom dining. Guests are even given a book about the island as a parting gift and lasting memento.

Those seeking a boutique escape need look no further than the 21-room Lympstone Manor on the River Exe. Contemporary comfort is found within this Grade II listed Georgian Manor House surrounded by manicured gardens. As part of the Relais and Chateaux group, the cuisine is a highlight. Renowned Executive Chef and MBE Michael Caines creates delectable seasonal tasting menus drawing discerning foodies from near and far afield.

Part of The Polizzi Collection, this hotel lies in utterly peaceful and magical surrounds made up of grottos, woodland, hidden follies and the soothing flow of the River Tamar. Each of its 19 rooms has been individually designed to fuse the past and the present. Once the Duke of Bedford’s hunting lodge, the grounds feature a romantic stable perfect for private dining, weddings and unique events. Look out for falcons, otters kingfishers and deer as you meander the calming and quintessentially English countryside.

A historic house believed to date back to the 16th century, Saltcote Place has been extensively renovated and restored over the years. Each of its six suites has been individually decorated and furnished with antique pieces and features such as wooden four-poster beds, chandeliers and roll-top tubs. Reserved for those over 14 years of age, Saltcote Place is a grown-up retreat and high-end B&B, where guests are treated to bubbles at breakfasts and complimentary nightcaps. The venue also hosts weddings in its function suites and caters especially well for honeymooning and anniversary couples.

Take the road from Buxton toward Ashbourne and you’ll pass the gateway to this characterful property. Biggin Hall is a 17th-century limestone building, containing centuries-old hearths, beamed ceilings, antiques and York stone floors. But these historic elements are offset by contemporary artworks (look out for the sculpture trail in the gardens) and it has the feel of an aristocratic home. Room bookings can only be made for groups where all parties are aged 12 and over, so it’s not an option for younger families. With sophisticated candlelit dining accompanied by live classical music, it’s definitely better suited to those preferring a refined atmosphere.

Right at the centre of the Peak District, is the Cavendish Hotel. It used to be a coaching inn and is now part of the Chatsworth estate – the Duchess of Devonshire herself had a hand in the interior design. It has a definite country house feel, with the Cavendish family’s stamp across the property – quite literally on the bedroom carpets – including some of their personal art collection. The Gallery restaurant creates seasonal menus and there’s the Garden Room for relaxed all-day dining. The Cavendish has 23 guest rooms in total, including a two-bedroom suite.

Formerly a dower house, The Peacock is now a chic boutique hotel. Antiques from across the ages mingle with stylish modern pieces, upholstered in rich fabrics. Guests can enjoy more casual dining in the firelit bar, or take a table in the formal restaurant surrounded by oil paintings and heavy drapes – either way, the delicious menu translates across to both venues. Younger children aren’t permitted to stay at weekends and overall it does suit adults better, especially those seeking a break with a more grown-up vibe.

Stay on this impressive Tudor estate on the outskirts of the town. The 50 acres of grounds alone are a sight to behold; they contain a sundial presented to Great Fosters by Sir Francis Drake, topiaries, terraces, a florally decorated Japanese bridge that crosses over a moat, a fountain, tennis courts and a heated outdoor pool. Once inside, you’ll find two restaurants, the Michelin starred Tony Parkin at The Tudor Room and the two AA rosette awarded The Estate Grill. The hotel has brought together several buildings, the oldest thought to be a Royal hunting lodge dating back to 1550.

Found a little further afield in Sunningdale, near Ascot, Coworth Park is part of the Dorchester Collection. It’s more like a resort than a hotel, with an eco-friendly spa, a pool with underwater music, tennis courts, an equestrian centre and Guards Polo Academy, three restaurants (one of which has a Michelin star) and a library, as well as acres of land to roam. Yet with just 70 rooms it retains a sense of intimacy. Each has its own minibar, Nespresso machine, Mitchell and Peach bath products and a Bang + Olufsen TV, while some suites offer freestanding copper coloured tubs, four-poster beds and garden views.

Found right on the riverbank, this four-star hotel provides direct access to some water-based recreation in the form of its own hire boats. In the summertime, the outdoor terrace becomes an open-air cinema, as well as a place to eat and drink. Very family (and dog) friendly, the hotel has a games room with a PS4 and Xbox, table tennis, a playground and an indoor pool for kids. There’s also an outdoor pool area with sun loungers, a hot tub, and a Guinot crown elite spa. A river theme runs throughout The Runnymede, in the decor and its aptly named Leftbank restaurant (boasting a theatre-style kitchen and Japanese robata-style grill) and the Lock Bar restaurant.

Conveniently located on the edge of the stunning Windsor Great Park, this hotel provides a very green outlook. Sitting beside a lake and landscaped gardens it’s a serene setting, but with ample onsite facilities. There are more than 200 large bedrooms and multiple places to eat and drink: the 1215 Restaurant, the 1215 Bar, the Orchid Tea Room, MOREISH Restaurant, The Library Club, Schroders’ Botanicals Bar and Greens Cafe. A spa and wellness area offers group classes and advanced treatments such as cryotherapy, dry flotation and nutritional therapy. Book the luxury two-bedroom corner suite for your own in-room private cocktail bar.