Best Boutique Hotels in England

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.

Located in the seaside town of Deal, The Rose used to be simply a pub with rooms. Now it’s a designer boutique hotel with five standard rooms and three suites, all of which have been individually styled with impeccable taste (the owner used to be design editor of US magazine Wallpaper). Local art and Farrow and Ball wallpaper adorn the walls, with rolltop baths, Austin Austin toiletries and mid-century furnishings to boot. But don’t expect a TV in the room – instead, there are record players, with a selection of vinyl – ideal for those wanting to switch off from screens. An innovative take on British dishes is served in the equally modish restaurant, with seasonal cocktails served in the bar.

This ex-coaching inn has been sensitively restored. 14 king-sized bedrooms on three floors are each unique, with features such as high sash windows, a terrace, a large stone fireplace and freestanding baths. All come with REN toiletries, Netflix, Roberts Radios, mini-bars, Nespresso coffee machines and a fresh delicious continental breakfast hung on the door daily, awaiting guests’ awakening. And most bedrooms can be arranged to accommodate a child in a cot or small bed. Yard’s courtyard coffee bar serves hot drinks and pastries by day, becoming a sophisticated bar – serving biodynamic and organic wines alongside small plates – by night.

While spa breaks are traditionally the domain of adults, Woolley Grange offers a unique all-age experience. Mini-me pamper sessions catering to younger skin enable kids to get a taste of treatments and the large indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the charming Bath stone walled garden, is super for some fun splash time. But there are also zoned areas for grown-ups to relax away from the little ones. The treatment spaces are housed within a contemporary oak-timber building that exudes a sense of calm as soon as you enter. And there’s also an outdoor heated 12-metre pool, open from May to September.

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.

Love the ambience of a boutique hotel but prefer the freedom of your own luxury apartment when you’re away? Imagine your ideal space in a magnificent historic building in Leeds. Now set it within the distinctive soundscape of the cathedral, and you’ve discovered The Bells Serviced Apartments. Luxuriate in the super kingsize bedrooms of the Big Ben penthouse, with its panoramic views over the city. Alternatively, indulge your inner introvert in the snug library-like atmosphere of the Old Tom apartment with its private balcony. For the ultimate in indulgence, both the Gothic-inspired Emmanuel, and oak-panelled Great George apartments have private balconies with hot tubs.

The Pig is another superb New Forest hotel, found in the village of Brockenhurst. Rooms are a mix of lodges, huts and forest hideaways with wood stoves, This trendy new brand is where luxe meets rustic, with earthy interiors, organic local produce, home comforts and family-style dining. It’s committed to 25-mile menus and many ingredients come from the kitchen garden. Head past the beehives, take the bridge over the lake and you’ll come to the charming spa housed in a Potting Shed and Shepherd’s Hut.