Best Boutique Hotels in England

Whatley Manor’s 12 acres of land has been carefully formed into no less than 26 separate gardens. The Grade II listed building became a hotel in 2003 but dates back to the 18th century. Found in the hamlet of Easton Grey on the edge of Malmesbury it provides a base to explore the southern wolds. It houses 23 unique rooms, Aquarias Spa, bars and eateries. Winner of this year’s Great British Menu, Executive Chef, Niall Keating serves his banquets in the venue’s on-site restaurant and brasserie, and via the roaming ‘Paradise Carriage’ takeaway.

Perched on the peninsula above Rutland Water in Oakham just outside of Stamford, this grand hall has been a privately owned hotel for decades. In that time it has earned a highly coveted three-star rating from the Michelin Guide for its cuisine (and boasts the UK’s longest-retained star), in a restaurant inspired by Michel Guerard’s Les Prés d’Eugénie in France. Much of its produce comes from the onsite walled one-acre kitchen garden, tended by a team of dedicated gardeners. Do come to dine, but also stay, and sleep in one of the rooms in the main house, or the self-contained two-bedroom Croquet Suite.

The grade II listed Quebecs Hotel offers the ultimate in comfort in the splendid surroundings of the former Leeds and County Liberal Club. Once through the impressive original entrance with its wrought-iron gates, you’re guaranteed a matchless experience in one of the hotel’s 44 unique rooms, with down-filled pillows and quilts on the comfortable beds. The former porters’ lodge is now a snug lounge bar which is perfect place for morning coffee, afternoon tea or an evening cocktail. That’s if you can be lured away from your sumptuous, well-stocked room.

Located in a peaceful idyll just a few miles from the university town of Cambridge, is the 17th century Tuddenham Mill. 12 acres of grounds include a pond with resident swans, weeping willows and a meadow. Stay in one of 21 boutique bedrooms (Nooks and Lofts) with lavish contemporary furnishings and rustic features. Dine in The Mill’s sleek three AA Rosette multi-award-winning restaurant or grab a drink in the airy lounge bar. The hotel is dog and child friendly, with special menus geared to younger visitors.§

Set right on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a stylish place to stay for people who like their creature comforts and enjoy plenty of pampering. This stunning Edwardian house is set in 21 acres of parkland that is set with pretty pools and other natural features. For optimum privacy and luxury, guests will want to choose one of the six Lake House rooms, which boast private hot tubs and spa facilities. The decadent restaurant and terrace also provide guests with the opportunity to sample Michelin-starred dining.

Found on the banks of the River Frome, The Priory is an independently owned boutique hotel, with a renowned fine dining restaurant on Dorset’s south coast. Bedrooms are all unique, cosy, decorated in soft hues and furnished with unique antique pieces. Some are in the Main House, while others are right beside the water in the Boat House. The dining room – serving meals all day from breakfast through to dinner – has a classic country house feel, with green oak beams, fine china and luxury Mulberry Home interiors. Very much a grown-up residence, The Priory is reserved for guests aged 14 and over.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a five-star haven of elegance and tranquillity in the historic centre of Bath. The hotel is an iconic property in Bath set within an acre of manicured gardens. Each of the hotel’s bedrooms is unique in design with its own character and charm, while their suites are brimming with Georgian elegance and 5-star amenities. If you want to go all out, book their garden villa which provides guest with their own private residence within the grounds of the hotel. Their award-winning spa includes a 12-metre relaxation pool with jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym and dining at the hotel’s Dower House Restaurant is sure to delight and in the summer months, you can dine in the garden.

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.

Primely positioned midway between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, The Cadogan is an iconic destination where quintessential British charm effortlessly imbues a modern elegance. An intimate ‘home’ in the heart of the city, where the past and present are intertwined with every detail, the hotel overlooks the private Cadogan Palace Gardens, a botanical haven to which guests have exclusive access. Steeped in history, The Cadogan has an illustrious list of past residents, including Lillie Langtry and Oscar Wilde – the room in which Oscar Wilde was arrested is now the noble Royal Suite. In the 54 individually designed rooms, two-thirds of which are suites, white-on-white linens are offset with vibrant pops of colour, silk and velvet, with captivating artwork and design details honouring the hotel’s rich heritage.

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!

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.