Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

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.

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.

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.

This chain operates in five UK cities, including the Merchant City district of Glasgow. One-bedroom suites through to three-bedroom penthouses are available, but all of the 25 apartments come with a fully fitted kitchen and dining area – making this the venue of choice for those wishing to cook full-scale meals while in town. Each of the apartments can be booked for just a single night, up to multiple weeks and has either a private balcony or rooftop terrace. Guests can take advantage of a free grocery shopping delivery service, daily maid service and a welcome pack with all basic necessities, as well as Taylor’s of London toiletries.

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.

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.

Those seeking a boutique escape need look no further than the 21-room Lympstone Manor on the River Exe. Contemporary comfort is found within this Grade II listed Georgian Manor House surrounded by manicured gardens. As part of the Relais and Chateaux group, the cuisine is a highlight. Renowned Executive Chef and MBE Michael Caines creates delectable seasonal tasting menus drawing discerning foodies from near and far afield.

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.