Best Luxury Hotels in England

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.

This incredible Grade I-listed, Georgian building is the jewel in Buxton’s crown. Built by the fifth Duke of Devonshire in the 1780s, it fell into disrepair at the end of the 20th century. Under more recent ownership by the Ensana brand, Buxton Crescent reopened at the end of 2020, after undergoing a lavish renovation spanning almost two decades. As a result, everything here is in mint, brand new condition, sensitively retaining the original features, while adding sophisticated and on-trend elements. Drawing on the natural thermal waters of its environs, the spa here is a dream, with several indoor hydro experiences, relaxation rooms and a salt grotto. Guests have unlimited access and can swim from indoors to out, in the rooftop infinity pool. The dining offer is top class too, with service to match.

Overlooking Cornwall’s most famous bay, Fistral Beach Hotel is conveniently close to the surf action — choose a waterfront room and you can fall asleep to the soothing sounds of crashing waves. The colour palette inside reflects nature’s colours outside, with laid back contemporary decor across the 71 bedrooms (guests also have the benefit of Nespresso machines and ESPA toiletries). Dine indoors at Dune restaurant and drink outdoors, overlooking the ocean, at the Bay Bar. Fistral Beach is a super choice for fitness fanatics, with a state of the art gym and a busy timetable of classes, as well as a top-notch spa.

You may recognise this hotel from the small or big screen — it featured in The Witches, Wild Things and an episode of The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. Perched on a peninsula, it offers an escape from the more populated parts of Newquay. Dog and family-friendly, The Headland has a sophisticated spa, gym, a cocktail bar and epic, elevated sea views. Accommodation options include rooms, suites and self-catering cottages, all with elegant furnishings and GAIA Skincare toiletries. Samphire Restaurant and the Terrace Bistro both hold two AA Rosette awards, while The Deck serves casual meals beside the hotel’s pool.

A short distance from the city itself, on the edge of the Peak District, is this village-based hotel. Like Whitley Hall, Fischer’s is a creeper covered country mansion, but is much newer, having been built in 1907. It has a Grade II listing and was formerly a private home. The centrepiece is very much its Michelin starred restaurant. Fischer’s gained this accolade back in the 1990s and has maintained it ever since, with creative, beautifully presented cuisine. Complementing the fine fare are activities arranged in-house, around culinary themes (such as foraging tours and wine tastings). There are just 11 bedrooms, with designer decor, Nespresso machines and Sedbergh Soap Company bath products.

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.

A room at the Radisson Blu will bring you right to the city’s riverside. The contemporary hotel has 207 rooms ranging from standard doubles through to a Presidential Suite complete with a separate living and dining area. It’s a family-friendly choice — cots can be requested and there are children’s menus available in the restaurant, Collage. The eatery serves mainly British dishes, with the breakfast buffet becoming a more international affair. Radisson Blu also has a gym, a spa and an indoor pool with a poolside jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Stay in the centre of town on your Durham mini-break. The four-star Hotel Indigo is housed in a four-storey former civic building. Its original Victorian architecture is contrasted by the brand’s signature contemporary style. What was once a council chamber is now a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse with high ceilings and stained glass windows. And if you want a quick snack, you can visit the in-house Tinderbox cafe. 83 bedrooms pay homage to the city’s history, including academic and ecclesiastical design elements and vintage artefacts. Hotel Indigo places you close to the city’s attractions, ensuring you can visit the highlights on foot.

The highlight of the 90 roomed Rudding Park is undoubtedly its stunning glass rooftop spa comprising a 17-metre pool, eatery and garden. While Harrogate is just a short car ride away, the property is surrounded by peaceful parkland and two golf courses. The decor is funky yet chic featuring bold modern art, dramatic feature pieces and an urban meets country style. Dine in the Clocktower restaurant, drink on the terraces, work out in the gym and catch a film in the private cinema.

Discover the Harrogate and The Dales while staying at five-star Grantley Hall. The hotel -part of the Relais and Chateaux portfolio – is made up of 47 bedrooms, four restaurants, three bars, a gym and the Roman-inspired Three Graces Spa. The decor echoes the buildings grand Palladian origins, accompanied by a muted, calming palette, Fine dine at Shaun Rankin, Fletchers, Eightyeight and Valeria’s. Grab a bite at the Norton Bar and Courtyard of the spa lounge. Swim in a marble edged pool, take drinks al fresco on the terraces, wander through the olive tree-lined atrium and spend a few hours in the wine tasting room.