The best hotels in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is small in size, but grand in stature when it comes to history. In addition to heritage monuments aplenty, great cultural treasures, and green and pleasant lands, the UK has some truly dramatic scenery and is studded with charming villages. Yes, it can be a bit rainy, windy, and occasionally snowy, but that is all the more reason to make sure you have booked a room at one of the best places to stay in the United Kingdom. You'll be reassured that when the heavens open, you can retreat to somewhere cosy and characterful, in fitting with your preferences as a solo traveller, couple, group or friends or family.

Some of our United Kingdom Collections

• 20 of the Best Boutique Hotels in the UK
• 20 Great Luxury Hotels in the UK
• UK's 20 Best Spa Hotels
• 20 Best 5 Star Hotels in the UK
• 20 of the Best Family Hotels in the UK
• 15 Best Castle Hotels in the UK
• 20 Best Hotels with Pools in the UK
• 20 Great UK Pubs with Rooms
• 20 UK Hotels with Great Views
• Best Value Country Hotels
• UK Dog Friendly Hotels
• Best UK Hotels with Hot Tubs
• 20 Unusual UK Hotels

London dazzles with Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the Tower of London, while Edinburgh captivates with its imposing castle atop the Royal Mile. Lovely Bath is famed for its Georgian elegance, Beatles-mania is ever-present in Liverpool, Glasgow’s art scene is thriving, and Manchester has a seriously cool evening vibe. Beyond the cities, discover mystical Stonehenge, the romantic Lake District with its Wordsworth connections, the enchanting atmosphere of student-filled Oxford and Cambridge, and the craggy coastlines of Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands. Each region boasts its own character—from the gentle rolling hills of the Cotswolds with its honey-coloured villages to the wild beauty of the Norfolk Broads and the atmospheric moors of Yorkshire.

Being an island nation, the UK is rich in coastal treasures and seaside towns, each with distinct charm. Brighton entices with its cool, buzzy atmosphere and iconic pier, while St. Ives offers artistic heritage alongside beautiful beaches. Dartmouth combines naval history with steam trains and nearby literary connections, and Salcombe delights sailors and ice cream enthusiasts alike. Whether you seek solitary coastal walks, art-filled cities or lively late nights in characterful pubs and clubs, the best places to stay in the United Kingdom can be found in every corner of this diverse land.

The Best Places to Stay in the United Kingdom

For Historic Highlights

• Claridges has long been one of London's most iconic hotels. Red brick interiors reveal generous reception rooms with glittering chandeliers, chequerboard floors and smart corners for a coffee or a cocktail. Having recently benefited from a glamorous yet sympathetic makeover, this grande dame of a hotel is a stunning spot for an enchanting London holiday. 
• Ettington Park Hotel, a gloriously grand Neo-Gothic mansion turned country house hotel near Stratford upon Avon — the birthplace of Shakespeare — is a lavish retreat for those looking to unwind amidst well-preserved heritage grandeur. Experience Tudor history for yourself whilst soaking up the best of the Bard's hometown. 
• The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath sits right on the famous curved street itself. A striking example of Georgian architecture, the hotel has opulent guest rooms, suites and shared spaces, perfect for a romantic escape to one of the south of England's most charming cities. Fans of Jane Austen should make a bee-line for this one!

On the Coast

• Driftwood Hotel near Portscatho, Cornwall, feels as much Côte d'Azur as Cornwall with its light, airy and comfortable interiors. There is a semi-private beach at the foot of the garden, decked terraces with a dreamy view and a romantic cabin halfway down the cliff.
• Hotel Tresanton oozes understated sophistication in St Mawes. Think tranquil interiors decorated in well-chosen colours, a screening room for film nights and a private yacht for excursions out on the water. A seaside holiday with all the luxury touches. 
• The Grand Hotel, Brighton has a more classic feel, with 200-odd elegant guest rooms set across seven floors on Brighton's waterfront. Dazzling views are a huge part of the appeal, as are the serene spa, piano bar and generous afternoon teas. Brilliant for exploring the best of Brighton, too. 
• Melfort House in Argyll, on Scotland's picturesque west coast, overlooks glorious Asknish Bay and the islands of Scarba and Jura. An intimate B&B hideaway with just three cosy guest rooms, hearty breakfasts and fantastic fishing or hiking. The National Trust Arduaine Gardens are nearby.
• Star Castle on St Mary's in the Scilly Islands is undoubtedly one of the region's most unusual hotels. A 16th century star-shaped castle, this spot boasts pretty bedrooms with ocean views, and two restaurants. The owner is a keen lobster fisherman and his catches often appear on the menu. For ramblers and relaxed holidaymakers. 

Great Country House Hotels

• Cliveden House is a National Trust treasure, and probably still best known for its part in the Profumo affair. It also seems like everyone who’s ever been anyone has stayed here, from Churchill to Chaplin and Lawrence to Lennon. There are 44 rooms and 15 suites, original Old Masters on the walls, a spa with outdoor Canadian cedarwood hot tubs, boats on the river, two pools and a truly wonderful afternoon tea.
• Hotel Endsleigh is a historic shooting lodge in Devon's Tamar Valley. Styled by Olga Polizzi, the lodge has been transformed into an intimate 18-room hotel with two fairytale suites and a private villa. The Mediterranean food is fabulous, private picnics can be arranged in the flower-filled grounds, and families are welcome. Gorgeous. 
• Stapleford Park is an expansive Leicestershire estate with gardens designed by Capability Brown, and a plethora of activities ranging from archery to mini golf. The 55-room Georgian mansion has lavish interiors, and is a brilliant choice for a country wedding. 
• Hartwell House is owned by the National Trust and run as a country house hotel with all the trimmings. Think gorgeous period interiors, landscaped gardens, roaring log fires and fine paintings on the walls. A classic choice for heritage aficionados. 
• Inverlochy Castle, which impressed Queen Victoria in 1873, sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, close to Fort William. As well as spectacular views and beautiful decor in the 17 rooms, there’s a fine-dining restaurant overseen by Michel Roux Jnr. One for those seeking solitude.

For Families

• Calcot Manor Hotel & Spa in the Cotswolds is a restored former farmhouse, with a courtyard of lime trees and old barns. Praised for the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, the hotel has comfortable bedrooms, an indoor pool and an outdoor hot tub, as well as open fires and stacks of activities including tennis and horse riding. Plus there's a crèche for little ones. Brilliant for families. 
• The Cary Arms enjoys a seafront location with fabulous views over Babbacombe Beach in Torquay. Families will love the three self-catering cottages, each with multiple bedrooms. There's excellent gastropub fare and an outdoor barbecue and pizza oven during the summer months — perfect for relaxed evenings with guests of all ages after days spent in the sea. 
• The Master Builder’s is right beside the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, where many of Nelson’s ships were built. Flexible room options are ideal for families, pets are welcome, and there's fantastic cycling and walking, as well as outdoor activities for kids on the nearby Beaulieu Estate. 

For Foodies

• Ardanaiseig, on the beautiful banks of Loch Awe in Argyll, is a glorious and eclectic baronial mansion. Now an 18-room country house hotel, this rural gem promises stunning views and award-winning food. Chef Gary Goldie delights in crafting innovative dishes from foraged ingredients, and fishing and foraging excursions come highly recommended. 
• Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, outside Bagshot, Surrey, is a beautiful, ivy-clad 19th century house with a Michelin-starred restaurant and an award winning spa. There are 124 rooms and suites, surrounded by 120 acres of park and gardens. Book your tables at the Latymer (and the more casual Hillfield) well in advance, and expect exceptional fine dining. 
• The Torridon is a remote country escape with a food focus on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon, with just 18 rooms and 53 acres of park and woodland. The decor is a wonderful fusion of Scottish country house opulence and contemporary design. There’s a seriously good restaurant showcasing seasonal produce, and a whisky bar with more than 300 labels to sample and savour.
• The Atlantic Hotel on Jersey’s St. Ouen’s Bay is famed for its fabulous Ocean Restaurant, which has won a number of awards since it opened in the 1970s. This smart island escape has a superb spa, gym, tennis courts and indoor and outdoor pools — plus the La Moye Golf Course is just next door. For foodies and active types. 

For a Charming Pub with Rooms

• The Cott Inn in Dartington, right between Dartmoor and the South Devon coastline, is a pretty thatched building with exposed beams, low ceilings and flower-filled gardens.The perfect country escape with a snug bar, cosy guest rooms and an excellent restaurant.
• The Peat Spade Inn in the Test Valley, has long been a fishing inn; you can expect tartan decor, along with pictures of fish in the old pub. The eight, characterful rooms are perfect for anyone exploring the valley, and there are great walks starting from the door. There’s also a delicious seasonal menu and a welcoming atmosphere at the bar.
• The Crab & Boar in Berkshire was visited by Oliver Cromwell himself. A brilliant boutique bolthole, this charming pub has romantic guest rooms — some with private hot tubs and four-poster beds. The menu takes its inspiration from the pub's name, and combines seafood and field-to-fork game, and the two acres of manicured gardens are ideal for celebrations. Lovely. 

For an apartment or holiday cottage

• For a self-catering spot, we recommend visiting our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Heathrow is the UK’s main international airport, and the second-busiest in the world. It’s 23kms from the centre of London, which you can access by tube, bus, train or taxi. Gatwick, the UK’s second-largest airport, is a bit further out of town. Stansted, City and Luton are London’s other airports. Outside London, Manchester Airport is the UK’s main air hub, with connections to hundreds of locations worldwide. Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds and Birmingham also have international airports with good connections to Europe and beyond. Scotland has Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, Aberdeen Airport, Dundee Airport or Inverness Airport.
• Road trip opportunities abound in the UK countryside, and driving through little villages and towns is a wonderful way to discover the region. If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The UK is a year-round destination, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities whatever the time of year.  If you’re hoping for fair days and sunshine, travel in late spring, summer and early autumn. There’s definitely something to be said for a cosy pub fire on a winter’s day, too!  

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to explore our list of the best places to stay in London. 
• Alternatively, see our pick of all the UK’s Best County House Hotels, the UK’s Most Romantic Hotels or the 20 Best Family Friendly Hotels in the UK.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.