Best Boutique 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.

The Varsity of one of the city’s most luxurious properties and also conveniently located in the city centre close to St John’s, Trinity, Jesus and Magdalene College. King’s, Christ’s, Queens’, Gonville and Caius, Clare, Corpus Christi universities. Boutique in size with just 44 rooms, each being individually designed and celebrating the heritage of the city. Their Superking Rooms feature four-poster beds and gorgeous free-standing hot tubs with walk out balconies, while their fellow suites is set over 80sqm, including a private terrace, 19” Apple Mac roll-top bath and a monsoon shower. The hotel includes two dining options SIX their brasserie on the top floor includes 360o views across Cambridge and serves dishes from their Wood Stone oven, Grill and Rotisserie, while their Steakhouse The River Bar down at the River Cam serves 28-day dry-aged steaks. If you are looking for some pampering head to the hotel’s spa The Glassworks which includes an Elewmis Spa, Gym, Steam Room and Jacuzzi.

Anyone who has an interest in history is sure to love the chance to stay in a carefully maintained and preserved Grade ll-Listed Arts and Crafts building. The Jesmond Dene Hotel is surrounded by extensive grounds and overlooks a wooded valley, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers. This magnificent building is the home of Sir Andrew Noble and is scattered with numerous pieces of artwork throughout the communal areas and guestrooms. The Great Hall is set with a bar and lounge and unwinding beside the roaring fire is the ideal experience on a chilly evening. Those who crave privacy and space will want to make sure they secure one of the eight lavish rooms in the New House.

The ivy-clad frontage of this 16th-century mansion is an impressive sight for the arriving guest. It’s surrounded by 20 acres of grounds and the resident peacocks, Canada geese and mallards. Inside, the 32 bedrooms have been decorated in a classic, luxury country manor style, many with Juliet balconies and four-poster beds or views of the lake. And there are homely touches like a decanter of port in each room. Mary Queen of Scots was said to have stayed here, although of course it’s undergone major renovations since, including the addition of a restaurant that’s been awarded two AA rosettes.

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.

Taking its cue from the original Artist Residence in Brighton, this hip, creative hot spot is found in the up-and-coming St Paul’s district. Decorated with limited edition art prints, shabby chic original fixtures, industrial accents, and an eclectic mix of vintage and reclaimed furniture, it’s a bohemian dream, with the added benefit of luxe conveniences like Roberts radios, Nespresso coffee machines, fully stocked minibars and organic Bramley bath products. There are many room categories to suit every type of traveller including the Broom Cupboard, Boot Room, Factory, Loft, The Lookout and an Artist Suite – some of which are dog and family-friendly.

A member of the Dorchester Collection, 45 Park Lane has somewhat of a more boutique feel than some of its neighbours. It may have just 45 rooms but doesn’t skimp on size or style; the stunning penthouse suite, accessed by private lift, presents breathtaking panoramic views from its wrap-around balcony, whilst all other rooms and suites are as equally as glamorous with their own unique features. The recently launched Spa offers guests a haven of tranquility where they can indulge in some quiet time by the pool, sauna or steam room or enjoy a well-deserved spa treatment. The building is art deco in design, a theme that continues on within the interiors of the hotel.  Dinner here is an event. Think juicy Wagyu steaks savoured while surrounded by Damien Hirst artworks; this is Wolfgang Puck’s esteemed CUT restaurant – his first venture in Europe. 

King Street Townhouse is a contemporary hotel conveniently located within the upper King Street conservation area of Manchester city centre. The elegant and impressive Italian renaissance building dates back to 1872 and was designed by Edward Salomons, a local architect. Now, a modern ‘baby grand’ hotel and part of the Eclectic Hotel Collection, King Street Townhouse, comprises 40 bedrooms and suites – with a good choice of room type (from snug to Luxe suites) to suit every type of visitor. For those in need of some relaxation, indulge in some time in the unique infinity pool located on the seventh floor and offering stunning views across the city. For those who enjoy a little more activity, there is a small but well-equipped gymnasium for residents to use. From the rooftop terrace to the wine cellar there are exclusive spaces for residents to enjoy cocktails and grazing platters through to tasting menus with a sommelier service. Brunch, Afternoon Tea, wine tasting and all day dining options are available for residents and non-residents to enjoy at The Tavern at King Street – the stylish onsite restaurant. Seasonal menus showcase the finest British cuisine with tasty dishes created from local ingredients. This really is the place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and eat, sip and socialise!

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.

If you love all things vintage, you’ll adore the Art Deco interiors at this five-star property. It’s packed with 1920s era antiques, with lashings of mahogany furnishings, over a thousand original artworks (as well as notable modern pieces from Turner prize winners) and literary works from yesteryear. The building itself is a piece of history, built during the previous roaring ‘20s and now carrying a Grade II listing – even the D.R. Harris bath products nod to this heritage. But there are modern amenities too; like a shiny new spa and salons. Set beside Brown Hart gardens, there’s a tranquillity that belies The Beaumont’s central location.

Nestled within four acres of mature award-winning gardens, The Bath Priory Hotel is a tranquil oasis just a short walk away from the city centre, think country house in the city. The hotel feels like a private residence, rooms are named after flowers and each of the 33 guest rooms are different, and adorned with artwork and antiques, sourced by Andrew and Christina Brownsword the hotel proprietors. Rooms come in various categories from classic through to deluxe with beautiful views out to the garden and their own balconies and if you want to go for the ultimate luxury experience choose one of their suites which includes decadent roll-top baths and separate living areas. The hotel includes the UK’s only L’Occitane Spa, with treatments using products from the Provencal brand as well as an indoor pool, sauna and steam-room. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant takes guests on a culinary journey with a focus on fresh local produce and garden views.

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.