Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

Take the road from Buxton toward Ashbourne and you’ll pass the gateway to this characterful property. Biggin Hall is a 17th-century limestone building, containing centuries-old hearths, beamed ceilings, antiques and York stone floors. But these historic elements are offset by contemporary artworks (look out for the sculpture trail in the gardens) and it has the feel of an aristocratic home. Room bookings can only be made for groups where all parties are aged 12 and over, so it’s not an option for younger families. With sophisticated candlelit dining accompanied by live classical music, it’s definitely better suited to those preferring a refined atmosphere.

This exciting new edition to Liverpool’s Lime Street inhabits an old railway building; as a result, it bursts with both period and contemporary character, with original features and a fun, whimsical design. The commanding Radisson Red property accommodates 201 bedrooms, a barbecue and robata grill restaurant called Stoke, a gym, meeting and event spaces and a private dining room across its 10 storeys, as well as offering some great views of St George’s Hall. There are nods to the city’s icons and landmarks all around the buildings, with a plethora of bespoke artworks on the walls.

voco Oxford Thames is a 15th-century barn converted into a high-quality four-star hotel for those who prefer to relax slightly away from the city centre. Set in 30 acres of lush parkland on the outskirts of Oxford, and overlooking the River Thames, the hotel has a spa, pool, fitness centre, sauna, and outside tennis court. With its large comfortable rooms, excellent bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and fine dining, De Vere’s offers more than many five-star establishments.

The Retreat Elcot Park is a newly re-imagined 18th-century country house hotel and spa set in magnificent grounds, located in the heart of the beautiful West Berkshire countryside. The hotel boasts 55 rooms and suites (including adjoining rooms – ideal for families) each of which is beautifully appointed and displays its own individual charm. Eating and drinking is a memorable experience here with two stunning restaurants offering exceptional quality food; the 1772 Brasserie and Yu, pan-Asian Restaurant. For more informal drinks, light bites, and Afternoon Tea, guests can make use of the Orangery and many other fabulous spaces around the hotel. Relax and unwind in the spa, make a splash in the heated outdoor pool and the hydrotherapy indoor pool, and get active in the gym, fitness studio, or even on the tennis court.

Enjoy a bayside city break at voco. Rooms come with Antipodes toiletries and are dog-friendly for those travelling with a pooch in tow, while higher-grade suites offer one (or two) bay view balconies and comfy seating areas. Kids are made welcome too, with larger rooms to suit and menus for younger diners. The Admiral is the hotel’s all-day dining venue, serving exquisite courses such as Welsh rarebit crumpets, torched mackerel with pickled kohlrabi salad and kabocha pumpkin massaman curry. Those preferring something a little simpler can order a burger, sandwich or salad. A spa and pool area includes swan-neck fountains, a bubbling water bed and a hot tub.

A historic house believed to date back to the 16th century, Saltcote Place has been extensively renovated and restored over the years. Each of its six suites has been individually decorated and furnished with antique pieces and features such as wooden four-poster beds, chandeliers and roll-top tubs. Reserved for those over 14 years of age, Saltcote Place is a grown-up retreat and high-end B&B, where guests are treated to bubbles at breakfasts and complimentary nightcaps. The venue also hosts weddings in its function suites and caters especially well for honeymooning and anniversary couples.

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.

Standing proudly above storied golf links and the rugged Ayrshire coastline, Trump Turnberry provides modern Edwardian opulence and attention to detail along with 800 rolling acres of countryside where legendary King Robert the Bruce once had his castle. The property has been a landmark since 1906 and not only is it a renowned golf destination, featuring the famous Ailsa course it also offers a large destination spa and a wide range of outdoor pursuits including equestrian activities and clay pigeon shooting. Dining options include its signature 1906 restaurant, Grand Tea Lounge and Bar, and the Duel in the Sun, a golf-inspired eatery each overlooking its famous golf courses.

If you’re seeking something a little more bijou and intimate, check out La Haule Manor. The facade of this building originated in 1796, an era that’s mirrored in its lavish aristocratic interiors. Most of the 16 bedrooms afford views of the sea, with suites offering balconies and roll-top baths. The interiors echo Rococo style in the main, with plenty of antiques and breakfast is taken in a more contemporary designed room. Outside, guests can swim in a heated pool (during the spring and summer). Both St. Aubin town and Beauport Beach are within walking distance and there’s a shuttle service to the airport.

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.

A restaurant with rooms, this establishment feels bijou and boutique. It’s certainly a good option for foodies; whether you dine a la carte at The Stables, on pub staples at Broc Bar, or grilled dishes in the Garden, you’ll be tucking into award-winning food (Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand 2022 and 5 AA Gold Stars), that follows the hotel’s ‘From Nature to Plate’ philosophy. Book a beamed loft room, a four-poster suite, a superior room with patio doors, a double or a deluxe room – all come with The Bonnie Badger’s own bath products.

31 bedrooms at the Bird Bath tell their own stories, from dinky doubles through to the Abbey Deluxe. Each is replete with superb views afforded by the building’s raised vantage point, hand-crafted wallpaper, unique artwork and bold designs. And at the top end of the category, guests can enjoy a freestanding copper roll top tub, Malin & Goetz toiletries, a Dyson hairdryer and a Nespresso machine. Meals are served at the hotel’s dramatically decorated restaurant, Plate, with afternoon teas on its terrace overlooking The Abbey. There’s also the option of private dome dining, or The Lodge, for larger groups.