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.

People who have a love for all things artistic are sure to feel right at home in this quirky and eclectic establishment. The funky décor is perfectly complimented by the friendly and enthusiastic staff, who are always happy to go the extra mile to cater to the needs of guests. There are plenty of retro touches located throughout such as the wood burning stove, while there are plenty of large wooden terraces where guests can unwind while taking in the atmosphere. Each guestroom has been decorated by a different local artist and there is plenty of light and space. Mixing traditional English dishes and continental fare, the restaurant here does not disappoint and guests will want to walk along the coast to work up an appetite before taking their seat in the dining room.

PWeeke Barton’s sustainably-minded environment places an emphasis on homeliness. The owners (who live on-site, along with their spaniel and son) select the finest, most interesting products and ingredients, and have crafted a cosy yet minimal design for optimum relaxation. There are two sociable group sittings for dinner (kids at tea-time followed by adults only), allowing each group their own time. Then post-meal, why not recline into a garden hammock with a tasty tipple and take in the sounds of nature?

Offering some of the most stunning views in the whole of Canary Wharf, the Novotel London Canary Wharf sores high above the surrounding buildings. The sophisticated top-floor bar is the perfect place to unwind with a cool cocktail at the end of the day while soaking up the scenery. The check-in process is informal and is sure to put nervous travellers at ease while offering a memorable personalised touch. Lovers of luxury will want to make sure that they secure one of the 26 sumptuous suites, which have open plans to help them feel especially spacious and decadent.

An old station hotel dating back to the Victorian era, The Milner York has been transformed into an elegant, yet modern establishment ideally placed for exploring the city. York Minster is a ten-minute walk away and the National Railway Museum is just five minutes. As would be expected from a luxury hotel the facilities are excellent with hotel concierge, and porters who will meet you at the station if you’re arriving by train. While enjoying the sights and sounds of York don’t miss out on afternoon tea in the hotel’s fabulous Garden Rooms. In the evening make use of the hotel’s pool and gymnasium, before enjoying a gourmet evening meal prepared with Yorkshire’s finest products.

The Langley is part of the Marriott group and is located not far from the famed Pinewood Studios, in Iver. There’s a timeless feel to the Palladian mansion, accompanying Grade-II listed Brew House, lake and gardens, which were re-designed in the 18th century by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The hotel has a range of rooms and suites – 41 in total – as well as a glitzy spa and luxe fitness suite. Dine with a view at Cedar, take tea in the drawing-room and sip on cognac in The Churchill Bar.

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.

The Retreat Elcot Park is a newly re-imagined 18th-century country house hotel and spa set in magnificent grounds, located in the heart of the beautiful West Berkshire countryside. The hotel boasts 55 rooms and suites (including adjoining rooms – ideal for families) each of which is beautifully appointed and displays its own individual charm. Eating and drinking is a memorable experience here with two stunning restaurants offering exceptional quality food; the 1772 Brasserie and Yu, pan-Asian Restaurant. For more informal drinks, light bites, and Afternoon Tea, guests can make use of the Orangery and many other fabulous spaces around the hotel. Relax and unwind in the spa, make a splash in the heated outdoor pool and the hydrotherapy indoor pool, and get active in the gym, fitness studio, or even on the tennis court.

Housed in an ivy-clad Georgian Mansion surrounded by wrought iron railings, Hotel du Vin enjoys a prime setting on the quaint Town Quay. The property is a former merchant’s house, turned chic modern boutique hotel. It provides a comfortable familiarity for those already au fait with the chain and is large enough to provide facilities such as a courtyard for alfresco drinks, a bar and a bistro (serving French and British-inspired cuisine), alongside a sense of exclusivity (there are just 38 individually styled bedrooms).

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.

One of the cities newest luxury hotel’s The Tambulaine is a stunning and elegant hotel in an ideal location close to the centre of Cambridge. The hotel takes its inspiration from its namesake from 16th century dramatist and Cambridge alumni Christopher Marlowe’s most famous character. The hotel offers 155 guest rooms, which include floors to ceiling windows to let in maximum light. Décor is charming and full of character, with a base palette of Cambridge blue highlighting dark wood panelling, polished concrete, gleaming brass and richly patterned fabrics. The hotel’s bar offers seasonal menu options, while the Brasserie-style dining room features a majestic carved marble bar, along with accents of soft leather, gleaming brass and salvaged timber. And if you want somewhere to cost away in head to the library which features leather armchairs, an open fire and is where their Afternoon Tea is served each day.

Soaring 47 floors above the ground in the Beetham Tower, this is the place for a bird’s eye view. Super central, this property is handy for those preferring to explore on foot and a stay here provides ample opportunity to dress up for the evening.. The aptly named Cloud 23 cocktail bar and Podium restaurant (serving British cuisine) are situated on the 23rd floor; visit in the evening to see Manchester’s dazzling array of lights, as you drink and dine. And if you’d like a touch of VIP hospitality, stay in an Executive Guest bedroom for access to the Executive Lounge.