Best Luxury 4 Star Hotels in England

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.

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.

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.

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this 50-room spa hotel is perched on the tranquil estuary adored by sailing enthusiasts and mariners. Stunning sea views, award-winning in-house restaurants serving the freshest seafood, chic sun decks, pools, ESPA treatments and nearby access to beautiful beaches make this a winning choice for any traveller.

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?

Part of The Polizzi Collection, this hotel lies in utterly peaceful and magical surrounds made up of grottos, woodland, hidden follies and the soothing flow of the River Tamar. Each of its 19 rooms has been individually designed to fuse the past and the present. Once the Duke of Bedford’s hunting lodge, the grounds feature a romantic stable perfect for private dining, weddings and unique events. Look out for falcons, otters kingfishers and deer as you meander the calming and quintessentially English countryside.

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.

Lauded by the Sunday Times as one of the best country stays and with two AA Rosettes for its culinary offer, this hotel is highly regarded. Built in an arts and crafts style in 1914, Losehill House is intimate with 23 guest rooms, yet boasts a full spa with an indoor pool and an outdoor hot tub. Losehill House’s Grafene Restaurant was named one of the ’20 best wild places to eat in Britain’ by The Times and prepares homemade seasonal meals with tempting vegetarian options, using ingredients harvested from the hotel’s own garden.

The Varsity of one of the city’s most luxurious properties and also conveniently located in the city centre close to St John’s, Trinity, Jesus and Magdalene College. King’s, Christ’s, Queens’, Gonville and Caius, Clare, Corpus Christi universities. Boutique in size with just 44 rooms, each being individually designed and celebrating the heritage of the city. Their Superking Rooms feature four-poster beds and gorgeous free-standing hot tubs with walk out balconies, while their fellow suites is set over 80sqm, including a private terrace, 19” Apple Mac roll-top bath and a monsoon shower. The hotel includes two dining options SIX their brasserie on the top floor includes 360o views across Cambridge and serves dishes from their Wood Stone oven, Grill and Rotisserie, while their Steakhouse The River Bar down at the River Cam serves 28-day dry-aged steaks. If you are looking for some pampering head to the hotel’s spa The Glassworks which includes an Elewmis Spa, Gym, Steam Room and Jacuzzi.

The sophisticated boutique hotel overlooks the River Cam and offers stunning views of the local area. Just a short walk from the University and close to the historic centre, the hotel presents guests with a convenient location. The four-star hotel takes inspiration from the prestigious University and throughout the hotel there are nods to college architecture and crests, and discoveries like the DNA double helix. Rooms are refined and comfortable with upgraded rooms boasting a private balcony and river views whilst the 2-room penthouse includes a private roof terrace. Riverfront dining (indoors and outdoors) can be enjoyed in the hotel’s restaurant Garden House. The restaurant serves a seasonal flame-focussed menu with a great range of British, European and new world wines and creative cocktails to complement at Garden Bar.

Looking out on the southern corner of the 25 acre Parkers Piece park the Gonville Hotel offers a truly unique experience in the heart of the city. It is just a short walk from the hotel to Market square and Cambridge’s colleges. The hotel has been recently renovated and the finished look is both contemporary but in keeping with the history of this historical city. if you want complete luxury book one of their eight feature rooms in Gresham House the stand along villa in the hotel. Each room has been individually styles and features extras like Bose speakers, cashmere bed, and glorious ESPA toiletries in the bathroom. Foodies can rejoice as the hotel has some of the best dining in Cambridge. You can have Fine Dining in the hotel’s Cotto Restaurant overseen by Master Chef Hans Schweitzer and lunch in the Atrium Brasserie. They also have a comprehensive wellness spa offering a large range of spa treatments, and to top things off they offer complimentary picks up and drop offs in the hotel’s Bentley.