Best Luxury Hotels in England

15 years were spent transforming this property to create a grand, yet cosy 36 bedroom hotel. Originally constructed in 1818, it’s now Northumberland’s only four AA red star awarded hotel and comes with 10 acres of its own land. Conveniently close to the A1, it’s the perfect luxury stop-off if travelling further afield, or booked for an elegant getaway, and canine companions are made extremely welcome, no matter their size. A spa with an indoor pool, carefully manicured gardens, afternoon teas served fireside in the library and a fancy two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, add to Doxford Hall’s wide appeal. If you’re planning a romantic trip away, you can request a room with a four-poster bed.

One of the oldest hotels in the area, this four-storey castle was erected in 1350. The restored medieval tower house has walls seven inches thick, ensuring a quiet night’s rest. Another superb option for couples celebrating a special occasion, it has many four-poster beds (some in the main body of the castle) and a two AA Rosette eatery, the Josephine restaurant. Interconnecting rooms ensure families are well catered for as well and despite its age, the hotel offers a good level of accessibility. Guests can learn more about the Grade I listed building’s colourful history with tours of the battlements.

Fancy a stay on a private island in glamorous art deco style? The vintage landmark building is evocative of the gleaming ocean liners of the 1930s and houses fascinating original pieces from the era, in addition to a colourful past (Agatha Christie and Noel Coward were among the patrons of old). As the tide draws close to its perimeter there’s a sense of seclusion, yet there’s so much to do on land and water, as well as black-tie ballroom dining. Guests are even given a book about the island as a parting gift and lasting memento.

Torquay is famed for the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers. But the popular coastal town is also home to some divine accommodation. Cary Arms and Spa is a luxury five-star property on Babbacombe Bay. It’s a dog-friendly property with 10 sea-view suites, four restored fisherman’s cottages and eight quirky beach huts & suites. Dining takes place in the 19th century Inn, where the fresh catch of seafood and shellfish is a highlight. Book the Captain’s Table, the Pod, or the Wheelhouse for extra special views while enjoying an unforgettable meal.

Enjoy a sublime spa getaway at this rural stone-built manor house within easy reach of Plymouth. Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, alfresco hot tubs, a Finnish sauna, a Crystal Salt steam room, a sensory journey shower experience, a relaxation room overlooking a wildflower meadow and a laconium herbal sauna. The ‘Spatisserie’ serves both healthy and indulgent meal options to nourish and treat guests, and luxe contemporary rooms ensure deep and dreamy sleep afterwards.

Set among 400 acres of the Farncombe Estate in Broadway village, Dormy House makes for a divine spa getaway with a Veuve Cliquot nail bar, Temple Spa products, a 16-metre sleek indoor pool, hot juniper sauna, an experience shower, salt-infusion therapy room, rhassoul-mud room and outdoor hot tub. Interior designer Todhunter Earle has infused a retro meets Scandi style in the 38 rooms and suites. Dine with a view in the Garden Room Restaurant and be sure to take a peek at the estate’s secret Japanese garden.

Visitors to North Yorkshire can elect to stay in the grand surroundings of this privately owned stately home, the once-residence of Princess Mary. The five-star 17th-century Grade II listed building is set in 11 acres of land with far-reaching views. Stained glass windows, Jacobean architecture, oversized fireplaces, heavy drapes, four-poster beds, exposed beams and antique rugs are just some of its regal features. There’s also a spa, hot tub, charming orangery and some of the best service in the county. Hearty yet high-end Yorkshire cuisine is to be found on the menu – the hotel has an AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence and you mustn’t miss the traditional afternoon tea in Princess Mary’s Drawing 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?

If you’d rather stay somewhere central and buzzing with activity, the Kings Head Hotel has a host of amenities and attractions on its Cirencester doorstep. But there’s plenty to keep you from leaving the 46 roomed premises – a spa and cinema in the cellar, the elegant dining room, cosy bar, frequent events and live entertainment. The 14th-century building also contains the remains of a Roman mosaic, encased in glass in the lobby. Kids and dogs are welcome in this relaxed yet luxe inn.

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.

Dating back to the early 17th century and found in Thomas Hardy’s homeland, Plumber Manor remains the Prideaux-Brunes family residence. As a result, the feel is homely and familial, with a warm welcome from the handpicked team of food and hospitality experts. The Jacobean manor has also been a hotel for four decades, flanked by pretty gardens and a stream. Options for activities include organised shoots, a trip to nearby Longleat and leisurely dog walks (there are a number of pooch-friendly rooms). Or spend some ‘me time’ reclining in a deckchair close to nature as you’re served some of Dorset’s finest cocktails.

Situated less than two miles from Bourton-on-the-Water in the picturesque Lower Slaughter with easy access to Cheltenham, The Slaughters Manor House features 19 rooms with rich fabrics, oversized beds and plush furnishing. Sleep in the main house or a courtyard room – many of which can be connected to form family rooms. Play tennis, croquet, boules and billiards for the stately home experience and dine in the hotel’s three rosette restaurant.