Best Luxury Hotels in England

Wilde Cambridge City Centre introduces its distinctive aparthotel concept to one of the UK’s most celebrated cities. With 227 studio and one-bedroom apartments, the property is set among Cambridge’s historic university colleges, a short walk from Jesus Green and the River Cam.Inspired by Oscar Wilde, the interiors capture literary sophistication through rich woods, brass accents and textured finishes. Designed by acclaimed studio Thurstan, social spaces feature a blend of mid-century and contemporary styles with velvet, marble and warm lighting creating an inviting atmosphere.

The aparthotel’s social hub, Oscar’s, includes a shop, coworking lounge and café bar serving seasonal produce and artisan snacks throughout the day. Guests can enjoy breakfast featuring British honey and locally sourced eggs, cheese and charcuterie platters for light meals, and dishes such as Lamb & Apricot Tagine in the evening. Amenities include a fitness room, outdoor terrace and on-site shop. Art plays a prominent role, with curated works from local artists displayed throughout the building, reflecting the creative and academic heritage of Cambridge.

Housed in a former printing works which dates from the 1850s, The Nadler is another successful case of a warehouse conversion done right, managing to retain faithful marks of its original history updated for the present. Each of its bedrooms are contemporarily designed with solid, contrasting monochrome features and lots of exposed brickwork. The reception is friendly, the price is very reasonable and the facilities are top notch. This is a top pick for quality-minded guests on a modest budget, situated within and around plenty of dining and drinking spots in the lively Ropewalks area.

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.

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.

CitizenM graces South Bank with a luxury hotel experience at an affordable price handily placed in the bustling cultural area near Tate Modern and the Borough Market. The open-plan ground floor offers great space to relax, work or play with comfortable furniture, communal desks and private conference rooms. Bright décor includes world-class art and books to browse and the four-star hotel’s 192 guest rooms are cleverly designed for two adults with floor-to-ceiling windows, pod-style bathrooms and extra-large beds. The Dutch chain, which is increasing its number of popular city outposts, provides super-fast free Wi-Fi and iMacs for guests to use, while the canteenM restaurant and bar offers food and drinks 24/7 and a buffet breakfast in a five-hour window. Southwark and London Bridge stations are nearby, providing easy access to the rest of the city.

This was once the country seat of Lord Mountbatten. Now the Georgian mansion is a modern hotel with 126 rooms and a sleek spa (The Cottonmill). For an ultra-exclusive stay, book a Mews Suite, accessed via private gates, and set in gardens designed by the RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Gold award winner, Ann-Marie Powell. Drink and dine in The Brasserie, Outdoor Terrace, Cocktail Lounge and Conservatory.

An Edwardian mansion is the centre-piece of this sprawling resort, surrounded by farmland and woods. 141 large bedrooms are decorated in a traditional baronial style. Public areas feature real fires, dark oak panelling and rich velvet upholstery. By contrast, the restaurant is bright and airy, with two additional bars serving child-friendly hearty classics. Guests can play golf on its two championship courses, take part in country pursuits, get pampered in the spa and try a range of malts in the hall’s Whisky Snug. Well suited to families, dogs are also welcome in some of the rooms. And there’s plenty more to see and do in the local area – Hadrian’s Wall and Derwent Water are just two of the attractions close by.

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.