Best Boutique Hotels in England

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.

This country abode close to the village of Hemingstone was imagined and designed by its owner, architect Dominic Richards. It’s a mixture of standalone 16th-century barns and new build additions housing guest accommodations from one to four bedrooms. The style is farmhouse chic, with exposed beams, fireplaces, slate floors and the kind of sofas you can sink into. At the centre of the property lies the Grand Barn and the hotel’s restaurant with menus featuring seasonal local ingredients and produce from the onsite kitchen garden. There’s also a gym, sauna, steam room and spa with an alfresco hot tub.

The River Arts Club is housed in a Victorian Mansion beside the Thames. Boasting private moorings and access to the river, the hotel overlooks the Guards Club Island – home to many species of birds. It’s situated close to Bray, a gastronomic village paradise, to which guests can travel on water via the hotel’s private launch. There are six categories of bedrooms, all with original artworks and some offering open log fires, park or river views, and terraces.

This 162 suite aparthotel provides accommodation ranging from king-bedded studios to two-bedded apartments. The Grade II listed warehouse building also houses a lounge, a restaurant, a bar, an all-day deli counter, a takeaway shop, an outdoor terrace, the award-winning BLOK fitness studio and even a cinema. Interconnected studios are available, with some apartments featuring beamed ceilings, glass vaulted roofs, double-height ceilings and private terraces. Just a couple of minutes walk from Picadilly Station and five minutes away from trams, a stay here will certainly have you feeling like a Manchester native in no time.

The hallowed bar walls are home to the Fat Badger, an upmarket inn with rooms that boasts what is widely thought to be the best beer garden in the city. The traditional Yorkshire pub is a favourite among gin enthusiasts, with a huge selection, while the restaurant area provides wonderful views and an a la carte menu. Those staying onsite are treated to designer decor in the 12 ensuite bedrooms, with features such as four-poster beds, tactile velvet fabrics, original sash and case windows and a colour palette that blends sophisticated dark hues with explosions of bright cheery colour.

Experience a little of Manchester’s industrial heritage, with a stay at this refurbished cotton factory. Stylish contemporary interior design has been woven around original features, maintaining the building’s unique character and celebrating its past, while providing guests with a modern base. The venue, just opposite Canal Street, has public areas (including a Conservatory Bar, restaurant, workout studio and co-working lounge) as well as a programme of events and activities that are perfect for those travelling solo for work. 160 rooms are furnished in vintage colour palettes, with slick black SMEG kitchenettes, Kinsey Apothecary toiletries and chic designer lighting.