Best Luxury Hotels in England

Independently owned, The Newt is a remarkable property dating back to 1687. Set in a Palladian mansion, Hadpsen House, it’s on a working estate close to Castle Cary. The grounds are home to an orchard, maze, walled garden, cyder press, swimming ponds, a farm shop, ice cream parlour and even a gardening museum. Karen Roos, one of the owners, was once editor of Elle Decoration South Africa and has brought her exquisite taste to the 23-bedroomed hotel. Spend time rejuvenating at the Scandi-style spa and feast in its two fine restaurants.

This stunning 17th-century property in Amersham is part of the Relais and Chateaux portfolio, promising high-quality gastronomy. Hartwell House was once the court of Louis XVIII in exile and while the exteriors are from Jacobean times, inside you’ll find elegant Georgian and rococo interiors. Baroque furnishings, antiques and high ceilings are found in the public rooms, whereas the bedrooms (which include everything from singles to multi-room suites) have a cosy traditional country style. Guests can savour Chef Daniel Richardson’s fine English cuisine in the elegant dining room.

A full-service spa, two dining areas and 75 unique rooms await visitors to Danesfield Hotel in Marlow. The menus are imagined and created by Head Chef, James Bailey. Meals can be taken on the sun-soaked terrace for a convivial alfresco experience with views of the River Thames and Chiltern Hills. The estate was purchased and given its current name back in 1750 and has had an eclectic and illustrious history. It’s now a luxury, riverside country house hotel.

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.

Found in the beautiful little Forest town of Lyndhurst, The Lime Wood was once a mediaeval hunting lodge. It belonged to the Duke of Clarence in the 1700s and is now an extravagantly decorated 32 roomed boutique hotel. The Herb House Spa and heated outdoor pool epitomises country chic. The main dining room, Hartnett, Holder & Co, serves foraged foods and hand-reared meats that have been smoked on-site. Velvet couches and funky Tracy Emin artworks adorn the walls. Guests can also dine at Raw & Cured or The Courtyard for lighter bites.

Stay just outside the bijou city of Winchester in a 17th-century hotel with its own cookery and falconry schools. The hotel has retained its period feel with plenty of velvet textiles and antiques. Some of the 50 opulent rooms have four-poster beds, double showers and freestanding tubs. 63 acres of land provides plenty of outdoor activity, including archery, croquet, tennis and fishing. Menus in the wood-panelled restaurant Avenue, are created by Chef Andrew Birch and include local delicacies.

Down Hall has 98 grand and elegant rooms decorated in theatrical rich fabrics and sporting freestanding mirrored tubs. Close to Stansted Airport, it’s ideal for those seeking a base before jetting abroad, or vacationers from the far end of the UK seeking a break just a short domestic flight away. The hotel is very family-friendly and treatments at the Eden Spa can be booked ahead of your stay. Walk, play tennis or have a game of giant chess in the 120 acres surrounding the property and dine at the Grill Room Restaurant with its excellent daily changing menu.

Created by none other than Raymond Blanc in 1984, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons was awarded two Michelin stars in its first year. Each of the hotel’s 32 rooms has been independently styled, inspired by Blanc’s own travels. Lawns, orchards, a large kitchen garden and colourful flower gardens surround the 15th-century property. The hotel is situated in the village of Great Milton, just 11 miles from the centre of Oxford.

Once a village pub, this nine roomed bijou hotel has been reimagined with on-trend interior design and contemporary art. But it retains its charming wooden beams, fireplaces, rustic flooring and some antique furniture. For an extra treat book the Farmhouse Suite with its large copper bathtub. Ales and quality pub grub cab be enjoyed in the bar, and there’s a cosy dining area – The Clubhouse serving high-quality British plates.

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.

Just 18 miles from London, The Grove was the ancestral home of the Earls of Clarendon. Perfect for a golf break close to the city, it has a championship course, fine dining options and an award-winning spa. Its outdoor pool is a superb spot to catch some rays as you recline on a lounger with a cocktail in hand – and there’s an activities programme to keep younger guests occupied, so the adults can relax and enjoy a romantic picnic in the grounds.

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.