Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

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.

Hidden within 36 acres of Italian gardens and woodland outside of Ballantrae, this hotel lies close to the Ayrshire coastline. A late 19th-century baronial castle, it was first intended as the family seat for the Earl of Inchcape and holds a significant claim to fame – Winston Churchill was said to have discussed the D-Day landings while staying here in the 1940s. Pursuits for the well-heeled are a speciality – shooting, fishing and falconry, as well as tennis and croquet. Inside, guests can relax beside log fires, feast on six-course meals and peruse enormous wine lists. 17 bedrooms offer a period feel filled with antiquities and panelled or marble bathrooms include Penhaligon toiletries.

Built at the turn of the twentieth century, this central Derry hotel pays homage to its location and history in its artworks and carefully restored interiors. Bishop’s Gate was once a gentleman’s club, hosting luminaries including Winston Churchill and WB Yeats. Order drinks and food from the marble bar in Wig, and peruse the fireside portraits of these, and other, former club members, along with an enormous library of antique books. Formal meals are taken in Gown, a fancy candlelit French restaurant – named (like the bar) after the courthouse next door. The hotel also has a gym, 28 rooms and two suites, decorated in classic Edwardian hues.

Arguably Jersey’s finest hotel, Longueville Manor is one of Europe’s top boutique hotels. Its 29  bespoke rooms and suites are the definition of splendour and occupy a stunning and quaint restored manor house. The Longueville’s attention to detail and personalised service ensures guests receive the quintessentially British luxury experience. There is always something to do at Longueville as it has tennis courts, a fitness centre, jogging trails, an outdoor pool and a Spa. The Longueville can also arrange a Luxury yacht charter for guests wishing to explore the stunning coast of Jersey. The hotel’s restaurant is in the The Oak Room whose iconic oak panelling creates the perfect atmosphere for a night of fine dining. The menu is curated by award-winning Chef Andrew Baird whose divine food is accompanied by some of the best wines in the world.

Built in 1887 by the then Earl of Lovelace, this 18-bedroomed baronial hunting lodge is filled with original features. While the hotel’s design certainly harks back to the building’s former life, the decor has splashes of bright accented colour. A kitchen garden supplies a multitude of organic produce, along with local meats and fish. And Highland cows can often be spotted wandering past the grounds. If travelling with kids, or those seeking some thrills, Torridon Outdoors is conveniently located on the doorstep, providing a range of outward-bound activities. Be sure to take a peek at the hotel’s drawing room, with its unusual zodiac-designed ceiling and to sample the hotel’s own Arcturus gin.

Sitting at the crossroads of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and Georgian New Town, The Balmoral meaning ‘majestic dwelling’ in Gaelic is more than just a hotel, it’s one of the Scottish capital’s most iconic landmarks.A true masterpiece of Scottish Baronial design, its exterior is a romanticised interpretation of medieval Scottish castles brought to life through its warm sandstone façade. While intricate carvings along with decorative turrets, gables and ornate columns, all add to its sense of history and grandeur. A masterpiece outside is equally matched inside, including 187 rooms, suites and one-of-a-kind signature suites including the J.K Rowling Suite where the novelist herself finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Experience award-winning fine dining at Number One, sophisticated Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court, stylish brasserie dining and bar Brasserie Prince, and an exceptional whisky collection at SCOTCH. The Balmoral Spa adds to the experience with indulgent treatments, making the hotel a true resort-like escape in the heart of the city.

A fashionable address and celebrity haunt, The Lowry has an Elemis spa with eight treatment rooms, a relaxation area and a sauna, plus a hair salon. Rooms also have the wellness brand’s toiletries, along with huge windows, walk-in wardrobes, baths and fine artwork. The Hotel is named after one of Manchester’s most famed artists and hosts revolving art and photography exhibitions. Head to the first floor River Restaurant and Bar for hearty a la carte dishes, or lighter bites – kids can select from a mini gourmet menu (toddlers eat for free, with those under 12 at half price).

There is something extremely romantic and magical about escaping to a private island for a holiday and the 300 acres of stunning land that is the Isle of Eriska certainly does not disappoint. This is the setting and the perfect backdrop for those guests choosing to stay at the Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa. For over four decades the Buchanan-Smith Family worked hard on developing and nurturing this hotel which has flourished into a luxury destination offering guests peace, tranquillity, outdoor pursuits and much more – all with a touch of luxury. The hotel comprises of 34 bedrooms with 16 bedrooms in the main house, 5 spa suites located in the gardens with private hot tub, 2 garden cottages and 6 hilltop reserves along with a self-catering house option which is a short drive from the main hotel. Fine dining in the Hotel Restaurant or something more casual on The Deck can be enjoyed by residents and non-residents.

Part of the Hastings Hotel group, this 180 room resort is found in Newcastle, County Down, on the edge of the Mountains of Mourne. The prestigious Royal County Down Golf Club sits on one side, with a scenic sandy beach on the other. Slieve Donard has hosted visitors for over a century, with the more recent additions of a luxe mountain view spa and gym. The decor here is traditional, with splashes of bold colour and uber-comfy ‘cloud’ beds. There are three dining options – the formal Oak Restaurant, the Lighthouse Lounge specialising in healthy options and the cosy Percy French Inn, named after the composer of the song The Mountains of Mourne.

Four cottages and a 15th-century longhouse make up the Grove of Narbeth. Here, the old world meets the new with interiors designed by Martin Hulbert. Furniture, pottery and lace come from local artists and makers, along with a few exotic textiles from far-flung lands. The Fernery restaurant operates a low mileage policy on produce and has it’s own veg and herb gardens under the direction of executive chef Allister Barsby. It’s an all-round eco-friendly staycation choice, with electric car charging points courtesy of Tesla, solar panels and recycled water. There’s also a casual dining area, The Artisan Rooms, and 26 plush bedrooms in bold and autumnal classic shades.

Stay in one of the upscale rooms or cottages (the largest of which sleeps 10) in this Edwardian Arts and Crafts country manor. The decor is classic and homely with antique furnishings, designer floral wallpapers, rolltop tubs, hanging tapestries and original fireplaces. Its 6 acres comprise a walled garden, an alfresco terrace, tennis courts, a croquet lawn and a putting green, all perched beside the Muirfield championship golf course. Inside you can sample elegant cuisine in the first Chez Roux Restaurant in Scotland, read a book from the library in a wood-panelled drawing room, get a massage in the spa and take tea in the garden room.

Surrounded by 163 acres of lush parkland, next to the river Maine and just 30 minutes north of Belfast International Airport in County Antrim, lies the incredible Galgorm Hotel and Thermal Village. The luxurious accommodation options are paired up with award-winning dining and its pièce de résistance is the onsite thermal village with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. Galgorm has attracted many a celebrity with its five-stars, triple AA-Rosette restaurant, award-winning spa treatments and butler service yet it has a laid-back feel, befitting its relaxed countryside locale. We cannot rate this hotel highly enough for a break in Northern Ireland.