Great accommodation is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of going on holiday – it really can make or break your time off. Britain is full of amazing boutique hotels, cottages and B&Bs, so next time you're booking a break in Britain look past generic hotel chains. From jaw-dropping holidays homes to unique, wallet-friendly stays, we've looked far and wide to find the best places to stay in Britain. This gallery is a part of our Best of Britain series.
Situated amidst landscaped gardens in a breathtaking cliff-top location, Seaham Hall hotel and spa is located in a restored Georgian country house. Each room is individually styled and a wide range of spa treatments are available to help you relax and recharge. From getting to know Durham to taking a stroll along Seaham Beach, there's plenty to get up to.
Celebrating the city's thermal spa heritage, The Gainsborough has been named AA Hotel of the Year in England and deservedly so. With direct access to the natural thermal waters, the hotel's spa village is its crown jewel. And once you've enjoyed a range of treatments in the spa, the hotel's bedrooms offer a peaceful and calming retreat.
Manchester's Hotel Gotham is glitzy, stylish and opulent. The 60 bedrooms are lavishly decorated with fur, wood and leather details. Perfect for a decadent weekend escape, the hotel is situated in the heart of Manchester offering easy access to shops, restaurants and bars. We've got more Manchester travel tips here.
Sitting right on the water's edge, each of the Sea Garden cottages comes with an en suite bathroom, fully equipped kitchen and can sleep between six and eight people. With breathtaking views across the water to St Martin's, Round Island and the Eastern Isles, it's the perfect place to get away from it all.
Located on the shore of Loch Eriboll near Durness, this self-catering cottage offers a wilderness escape in total comfort. The owners of Croft 103 are also very conscious about eco living – the cottage was constructed using local timber, stone and traditional building techniques and is powered by a small on-site wind turbine.
With a stunning surfing beach on its doorstep, Watergate Bay is a brilliant destination for a beach holiday in England. It's a relaxed hotel that is also dog-friendly and offers free dinners if you book a three-night stay. You'll have a chance to dine at Zacry's restaurant, The Beach Hut and Jamie Oliver's Fifteen.
Lying back and gazing up at the stars is what camping is all about. There’s nothing more perfect for that than a hand-crafted, bespoke-designed shepherd’s hut with a glass ceiling. StarBed Hideaways comprises two unique rustic cabins on wheels set on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park. Each comes with a comfy king-sized bed and deep bath tubs and have been designed with a romantic getaway in mind.
Holiday homes don't really get more remote than this stunning property on the Isle of Harris. Isolated clifftop location and sweeping sea views are just some of its best features while clear winter nights offer a chance to observe the Milky Way and northern lights.
Located in Edinburgh's West End, just a short stroll away from Princes Street, these luxury serviced apartments are perfect for a weekend away. With several packages on offer, there are one- and two-bedroom apartments that feature spacious living rooms, fully fitted kitchens and comfortable bedrooms. Want to know what a serviced apartment is? Read this.
A part of The Pig, who also own the more well-known The Pig on the Beach and The Pig near Bath, this 12-bedroom hotel is set within Southampton's historic medieval walls. Its shabby chic interiors and generous deli-dining make for the perfect gateway to exploring Southampton and beyond.
Located in the heart of the Lake District National Park, the hotel is a part of the Langdale Estate that includes Brimstone Spa, Stove Restaurant and Bar and extensive leisure facilities. Get active on an off-road driving adventure and rent a canoe or relax in the spa and enjoy one of the many treatments.
Commanding lofty views of fertile East Lothian, this fortified 16th-century tower makes an impressive getaway for a large group of friends. Country pursuits can be arranged on the extensive grounds or it’s a mere stone’s throw from the beaches of North Berwick and 24 miles from Edinburgh. As you’d expect from a grand castle, the seven bedrooms are lavishly decorated with tasteful touches throughout, such as the inviting copper bath in the Erskine suite.
A former warehouse in Stanley Dock, the Titanic Hotel has a slick loft apartment look with exposed brick walls here and nods to the legendary ocean liner. The hotel's 153 rooms offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and enjoy one of the many rum-based cocktails – a nod to the building's past as a spirits warehouse. Read our guide to Liverpool here.
Set in beautiful woodland surroundings, Lime Wood is laid-back luxury at its best. The rooms are beautifully decorated without being pretentious and the hotel has a natural, relaxed feel about it. Renowned chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder do the cooking, while a sizable sauna and a swimming pool look out to the woods. Just two hours away from London, it's a great weekend escape.
Designed with the streamlined Scandinavian interiors in mind, Brocco On The Park has become an elegant yet cosy hotel with buckets of personality and warmth. All eight bedrooms have large, inviting beds but our favourite is The Dovecote thanks to its in-room freestanding copper bath and beautiful Juliet balcony.
For true isolation, head to the deserted private island that is No Man's Fort, located in the Solent. As well as having its own lighthouse, cabaret bar and laser tag arena, the fort has incredible views across the water, 23 individually-decorated bedrooms and plenty of opportunities for water sports and boat rides. Check out our review here.
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, this unique country hotel is set in a beautiful 17th-century manor house. Named after the members of the Whitmore family, who used to own it as a family home, each room is individually styled and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Opened in 2017, The Driftwood comfortably surpasses expectations of what you might expect from a B&B. From the welcome coffee and complimentary beers stocked in the mini fridge, to the luxurious Bown of London dressing gowns, every little detail has been executed with evident TLC. Rooms are decked out immaculately in Manhattan loft style with beautiful furnishings and quirky details like colourful Asian statuettes and stylish, retro radios that blend in perfectly with the high design aesthetic. Check out our tips for a weekend in Bexhill here.
If your ideal getaway is a rural retreat paired with award-winning food then the Tudor Farmhouse is perfect for you to kick back and relax. The rooms are set in a converted working farm while chef Rob Cox creates seasonal menus with locally-sourced ingredients. Nearby is a series of wild swimming locations and the gorgeous Wye Valley.
This boutique bed and breakfast, set in a restored 18th-century barn, is an excellent country hideout with unspoiled views of unspoiled countryside. Wake up to a breakfast of fresh farm eggs, explore the surrounding fell walks or cycle trails and enjoy a full afternoon tea on arrival.
London’s Victorian-Gothic Midland Grand Hotel was only recently returned to its former glory. Lovingly restored and reopened it's once again a landmark building in the regenerated King’s Cross area, operating as the 5-star St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. There's an open-plan apartment inside the 82-metre clock tower with city views of St Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf and The Shard. Originally designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the entire opulent building is Grade I listed.
Set on the North Devon coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Longlands Glamping exists under the mantra of "unplug, reconnect, revive". Each of the five safari tents is kitted out with vintage upholstery, elegant furniture and the finest Egyptian cotton bed linen. You’ll find each tent equipped with a trunk full of games to play by candlelight or you could take a dip in the hot tub as you gaze into the night sky. Love the idea of glamping? We've got more tips here.
Take your pick between the Gilpin's spa lodges or garden suites and enjoy a relaxing break in total tranquility set within the Lake District National Park. From a private hot tub to a champagne bar and even a Michelin-starred restaurant, everything's there for your comfort.
Amberley's origins can be traced right back to 1103 when a wooden hunting lodge was built on the site. Over the centuries, many modifications and additions have been made to transform it into the grand manor house it is today, including returning the portcullis to working order. Curl up by the fireplace, sink into the inviting four-poster bed or gaze down at the courtyard through leaded windows. Whichever of Amberley’s 19 bedrooms you stay in, a sumptuous slumber is definitely in order.
With just five rooms in the hotel, The Kedleston Country House is a stunning boutique hotel located within the rolling hills of the Peak District and offers easy access to Derby. Don't miss a chance to enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant where fresh veg from the kitchen garden and local meats are turned into delicious dishes. Check out our guide to Derby here.
One of the most stylish additions to the Hilton portfolio, the Bournemouth property is a far cry from your standard chain hotel. Right in the town centre with views to the ocean from its Level 8 cocktail bar, the décor is stylish, rooms have bespoke Ted Baker furnishings, and the restaurant serves some exceptional dishes. We love the ceviche and steaks.
Looking more like it’s made of gingerbread than wood, this fairy-tale treehouse at Blackberry Wood sprouts as much from a wild imagination as it does from the old oak tree at its centre. The treehouse can sleep up to five people: you can choose between the ‘library’ bed downstairs or the bird’s nest-inspired mezzanine room up the wooden staircase. Known affectionately as ‘Higgeldy’ it now has a neighbour – another treehouse called ‘Piggledy’ is now open for bookings.
There aren't many places in the UK you can spend the night inside a National Nature Reserve but at Elmley you’re right there overlooking a protected wetland and marshland landscape. From one of the five shepherd’s huts, you can watch the sun rise through the morning mist or owls at dusk as they hunt for their evening meal. The huge, endless skies make it popular with artists, photographers and bird watchers alike but it’s also ideal for those just wanting a weekend escape from the bustle of the city.
Make your fairy-tale dreams come true at this magical French-inspired château hotel. Located in the heart of North Wales, Château Rhianfa is perfect for special occasions like weddings or simply for a weekend away. From the peaks of Snowdonia National Park to the nearby Pant Du Vineyard, there's a long list of activities and things to do in the area.
Situated on a Georgian square, this landmark property, and former home of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, has long been one of the city’s most sought after addresses. Bedrooms have an aristocratic bent and the lobby and restaurant are fitted with marble fireplaces, period ceilings and wood panelling. Read our guide to Glasgow here.
Tucked away in the picturesque countryside of Oxfordshire, this 15th-century manor is the vision of celebrity chef Raymond Blanc. From a Michelin-starred restaurant to beautifully designed rooms, the hotel is surrounded with herb gardens, stunning flower beds and postcard-perfect orchards. Can't keep those green fingers still? Sign up for one of Belmond's gardening courses where you'll take home advice, inspiration and ideas for your own vegetable plot. Check out our guide to the nearby city of Oxford.
Rubbing shoulders with the New Forest just minutes from the sea, Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa combines contemporary interiors with a quintessentially English exterior. With a generous spa treatment offering and lush countryside ready to be explored, it makes for a brilliant weekend escape.
The 60-foot Victorian water tower on the edge of the Royal Sandringham Estate was built in 1877 to ensure a clean water supply. The elegant and functional red brick tower is a landmark building, and today, you can stay in it thanks to its restoration and up-keep by the Landmark Trust. There are 360-degree views from the second floor (and the viewing platform at the very top) that take in Norfolk’s beautiful rural landscape.
Land of ancient kings and fierce warriors, Northumberland’s turbulent past makes it a must-visit for castle lovers. Built in 1350 by Sir Thomas de Lucy, Langley oozes history at every turn and the hotel has accentuated many of its original features. There are nine bedrooms within the castle itself, including the Radcliffe room which has a charming window seat set into the seven-foot-deep stone walls. Read why we love Northumberland here.
Synonymous with style, luxury and timeless elegance, Clardige's is one of London's most sought after hotels. Its unique Art Deco interiors, fine dining and enviable Mayfair location make it not only a hotel but a destination in itself. Here's our guide to London for more inspiration.
Situated in the heart of Berkshire, Hurley House Hotel has 10 chic yet elegant bedrooms on offer. Surrounded by wonderful outside terraces and a small spa in the hotel, it really is an ideal place to kick back and relax.
This is the ultimate in luxury camping: a spacious yurt made entirely from local materials with plenty of lavish soft furnishings. Outdoorsy types will enjoy its location next to Dartmoor National Park, while others will be content to sip wine on the deck, or lay on the plush bed and gaze up out of the skylight.
One of the most stunning hideaways on the south coast, The George in Rye is full of character. Each room features a unique individually-designed interior while the George grill restaurant is the perfect place to recharge after exploring the medieval town of Rye.
Overlooking the Exe Estuary, Lympstone Manor combines contemporary and sophisticated interiors with its stunning country house exterior. Created by celebrity chef Michael Caines, this 21-bedroom hotel has a world-class wine cellar, 28 acres of gardens and parklands and a fine-dining restaurant. Surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of East Devon and the Jurassic Coast, Lympstone Manor is ideal for a tranquil weekend away.
Originally used to transport people around Coventry and Birmingham in the 1980s, this old MCW metro bus was saved from the scrap heap by qualified carpenter Adam Collier-Woods. The bus has three bedrooms upstairs and a chill-out area at the front where you can keep cosy thanks to the log burner. On warmer evenings, you can hang out around the fire pit on the patio or even take a dip in the hot tub.
Wilderness of Dartmoor National Park surround Gidleigh Park – a refined and formal manor hotel. Complete with an 18-hole golf course, opportunities for fly fishing and a tennis court, there's plenty to get up to at this Tudor-style country house before retreating to one of the beautifully decorated rooms and sinking into luxurious king-sized beds.
With rooms overlooking the famous Cheltenham Racecourse, Ellenborough Park is a magnificent country estate in the Cotswolds. Opulent bedrooms, a serene spa and a fine dining restaurant ensure that holidays at this hotel are relaxed and unforgettable.
Built in 1791 and painstakingly restored and reopened in 2014, this 14-bed Regency boutique hotel has a cool, contemporary feel throughout. Plus, 12 of the rooms have direct sea views over the Royal Harbour. Read why we rate Ramsgate as one of Kent's best towns.
A golf lovers' paradise, Gleneagles in Scotland has three golf courses on its doorstep. Other activities at this sophisticated yet luxurious hotel include anything from horse riding and tennis to off-road driving and falconry, while Scotland's only two Michelin-star restaurant is an indulgent place to recharge after a day of fun. Prefer a more laid back break? Relax at the hotel's ESPA spa resort.
Set in 220 acres of beautiful Cotswolds' meadowland, Calcot Spa Hotel is a charming country house hotel with comfortable bedrooms. An indoor-pool, hot tub and multiple treatment rooms are there for you to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful holiday. If you're in for something a bit more active, the hotel offers free bikes so you can explore the surrounding area.
One of the most talked about hotels of the last few years, Soho Farmhouse is one of Britain's most sought-after hotels. With weekend bookings only available to members, its 40 cabins, a four-bedroom cottage and a seven-bedroom farmhouse offer the perfect setting for a weekend getaway. Guests can enjoy local ales in the Mill Room, watch a film at the Electric Barn Cinema or have a treatment at Cowshed spa.
Set on one of Britain's finest beaches, the rooms at Woolacombe Bay Hotel offer sweeping sea views and relaxed interiors to escape the daily hustle and bustle. Benefiting from an excellent seafront location, this holiday hotel is perfect for learning how to surf, taking a dip in the Atlantic or discovering the rugged beauty of Exmoor National Park.
Llys Meddyg, set in a Georgian coaching house, is a charming yet minimalist boutique hotel. The eight rooms are bright and spacious with buckets of character, from wooden details to large comfy beds. In the morning set out to explore the Pembrokshire Coast National Park and west Wales.
A WWII bunker might not first spring to mind when planning a relaxing getaway – but this one has been converted into a stylish home from home. The bunker dates back to 1941, when it emitted lights as a decoy to enemy war planes flying overhead. Today the bunker easily blends into its lush surrounds, and the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons are on its doorstep.