The UK boasts an alluring national history with a wealth of opulent estates, cosy cottages and romantic ruins to stay at. With a stay at historic hotels in the United Kingdom, you’ll experience a slice of this heritage, whether lounging in a living room graced by royalty or tracing the footsteps of poets and playwrights. We’ve collected the top historic hotels in the United Kingdom for you to book on your next British escapade.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Church Rd, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7PD
Set in the elegant Oxfordshire countryside near Great Milton, this impeccable 15th-century retreat is among the country’s most luxurious. At its core is a Raymond Blanc restaurant, the only 2 Michelin Star restaurant in the UK to hold such prestige for over 3 decades. The hotel boasts an alluring blend of British and French period interiors designed by Emily Todhunter. You’ll leave feeling like a member of the royal court.
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Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Hotel
The Lamb Inn
Sheep St, Burford OX18 4LR
This Oxfordshire inn and hotel is set across several 15-century weavers’ cottages. The Lamb Inn boasts charming period interiors of carved wood and plush leather next to roaring pub fires. Bedrooms are spacious and modern with a country chic design. The surrounding village of Burford is equally delightful with its tranquil river setting and impressive architectural history.
Lobby lounge at the Lamb Inn
Thornbury Castle
Castle St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH
Thornbury Castle is an impressive Tudor manor with a storied history. Henry VIII stopped here at the tower suites with his wife, Anne Boleyn – a room that you can also stay in, too. Tasteful Tudor-style furnishings and four-poster beds are found throughout its updated rooms. The manor oozes charm with many historical features that transport you back in time.
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Superior Deluxe at the Thornbury Castle Hotel
Hambleton Hall
Ketton Rd, Oakham LE15 8TH
Hambleton Hall is a luxurious Victorian manor and country hotel in the cosy Hambleton hamlet. Rooms have been lovingly designed in a retro, Victorian fashion with plenty of delightful floral patterns and antique furnishings. The hotel also boasts a highly-lauded Michelin-starred restaurant with a French focus. The hotel benefits from authentically opulent lounges and dining areas alongside a well-manicured garden overlooking Rutland Water.
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Double room at the Hambleton Hall Hotel
Bovey Castle
Dartmoor National Park, North Bovey, Newton Abbot TQ13 8RE
Historic Bovey Castle is located in the tranquil Dartmoor National Park with sweeping views of its hills and forests. Set within its own 275-acre site of winding trails, the interiors offer an idyllic blend of period furnishings and modern-day comforts. In 1907, the hotel was built by the politician William Henry Smith in a Jacobean style and retained its antique charm despite being thoroughly updated for modern-day luxury.
Junior Suite at the Bovey Castle Hotel
Brown’s Hotel
33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP
Widely regarded as one of London’s oldest hotels, Brown’s is also one of its most luxurious. This grand city hotel was built in 1837 and has been a residence for the world’s royalty, leaders and artists. It’s nestled in the heart of Mayfair and boasts opulent, antique-laden rooms in keeping with the area’s prestige. Its afternoon teas are a legendary experience.
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Charlie’s Restaurant at the Brown’s Hotel
Middlethorpe Hall and Spa
Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 2GB
Middlethorpe Hall is a bucolic estate just 2 miles from historic York. Established in 1699, the hall delivers an eye-catching blend of authentic Early Modern interiors and Edwardian updates. You can dine or lounge in sumptuously regal rooms flanked by historic paintings or relax in the estate’s 20-acre gardens.
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Double room at the Middlethorpe Hall and Spa
Dornoch Castle Hotel
Castle Street, Dornoch IV25 3SD
Dornoch Castle Hotel is an imposing 15th-century castle in the Highland town of Dornoch. Overlooking the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral, it’s an atmospheric stay with a rich, Baronial style. They distil their own whisky and gin on-site that can be sipped beside a roaring fire. The interiors are suitably lavish with homely tartan and original wood-panelled walls. Opt for a castle suite rather than the annexe for a more historic stay.
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Whiskey bar at the Dornoch Castle Hotel
Storrs Hall
Storrs Hall Hotel Storrs Park, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3LG
Storrs Hall is one of the most fascinating historic hotels in the United Kingdom. It’s located in a tranquil corner of the Lake District and boasts eye-catching Georgian architecture. Constructed in the late 18th century by Sir John Legard, it has hosted Lakeland cultural icons, such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, at high-society events like the County Ball. Its rooms are individually decorated with a blend of chic country furnishings and period décor.
Sea view suite at the Storrs Hall Hotel
The Priory Hotel Wareham
Church Green, Wareham BH20 4ND
The Priory Hotel is situated in the coastal area of Dorset within the grounds of a dreamy 16th-century country house. Formerly a monastery, it now boasts fine interiors of exposed brick and beams with a delicate assortment of country chic furnishings. It has a fine restaurant, welcoming lounges and a wealth of coastal attractions on its doorstep, not least Durdle Door.
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Restaurant of The Priory Hotel
Hazlewood Castle & Spa
Paradise Ln, Leeds, Tadcaster LS24 9NJ
Few hotels in the UK have such a storied history as this 13th-century castle retreat. Close to Leeds in rural Tadcaster, it’s surrounded by 77 acres of stunning woodland trails. Recorded in the Domesday Book, the hotel hosted Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1569 and was a noted refuge for Catholics fleeing Henry VIII’s persecution. Today, it boasts warm and inviting interiors with pampering spa facilities for a most romantic stay.
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Double room at the Hazlewood Castle and Spa
The Guy Fawkes Inn
25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP
Situated right at the heart of historic York in the shadow of the towering York Minster, this converted Georgian townhouse hotel has a rich history of its own. This was the supposed birthplace of the renowned gunpowder plotter Guido Fawkes. Its interiors are richly decorated with period-style furnishings and feature delightful four-poster beds.
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Guy Fawkes Inn Bar
Palé Hall
Palé Estate, Llandderfel, Bala LL23 7PS
One of Wales‘ most luxurious country hotels has hosted such esteemed guests as Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill. Located in the hilly outskirts of Snowdonia, the 50-acre Victorian estate includes manicured gardens and tranquil leafy trails overlooking River Dee. The interiors are equally fascinating with their blend of decadent furnishings and plush antiques.
Palé Suite at the Palé Hall Hotel
Cliveden House
Cliveden Rd, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JF
Cliveden House is a palatial country estate in the foothills of the Chiltern Hills. Its history dates from the 17th century as the home of duke George Villiers and has been a stomping ground for various royals. The interiors remain just as elegant today with antique portraits, period features and original plush furnishings.
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Tea room at the Cliveden House Hotel
The Olde Bell
High St, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5LX
The Olde Bell is one of the world’s oldest coaching inns, with a history dating to 1135. Its charming pub interiors retain much of its original aesthetic, with crooked floors, beams and hidden nooks and crannies. Everything else is thoroughly updated with airy, modern bedrooms with designer furnishings. Rooms are spread across old malt houses and lodges at the heart of this Berkshire village near the tranquil Chiltern Hills.
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Standard room at The Olde Bell Hotel
