From the top to the bottom (and on the sides), we’ve discovered the best boutique hotels in the United Kingdom
Historic castles, charming manor houses, and even forest-side retreats.
We love swanning off to Croatia, Bali, and Thailand when we can, but staying at home is the new travelling abroad. Thankfully, the UK is blessed with a range of stunning cities, towns, and counties where you can discover palaces, cottages, inns, and new-builds that are packed full of character and charm. Here’s our list of the best boutique hotels in the United Kingdom. It’s time to get booking and #SupportLocal!
The best boutique hotels in the United Kingdom (tried and tested!)
1. Artist Residence | Brighton
If you’re looking for somewhere in Brighton that captures the region’s artsy spirit, then look no further than Artist Residence. At this 24-room boutique property no two rooms are the same, as each showcases a different artist such as, Blek le Rat, Joe Webb, and Charlie Anderson. Limited edition art prints co-exist with vintage furnishings and reclaimed materials to create wonderfully inviting spaces. Don’t miss popping into the café and bar downstairs during your stay to chat with guests and locals alike.
Read our full story on the best boutique hotels in Brighton.
Find out more about Artist Residence Brighton or Book through Booking.com
2. Dalhousie Castle | Edinburgh
If you’re heading to bonnie Scotland, then you kind of have to stay in a castle, at least once anyway. With 29 rooms and suites that have been occupied by the likes of Queen Victoria and Oliver Cromwell during its 700-year history, Dalhousie Castle is the perfect place to indulge. Explore the historic passageways, take in a spot of falconry on the grounds, and be sure to enjoy dinner in the candlelit dungeon.
Dive into our guide on the best boutique hotels in Edinburgh.
Learn more about Dalhousie Castle or Book through Booking.com
3. The Gore | London
It doesn’t get much more British than a stay at The Gore in London. Nestled in the heart of Kensington, the 50 rooms and suites on offer here are each individually designed for a completely unique stay every visit. You’ll find a selection of gorgeous antiques and historic photos onsite, and don’t miss the rock ‘n’ roll vibes at Bar 190 (the place where they shot the cover for Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones in 1968!)
Discover our full list of the best boutique hotels in London.
Find out more about The Gore or Book through Booking.com
4. Cow Hollow | Manchester
When it comes to the best boutique hotels in the United Kingdom, we simply have to include somewhere a little eccentric. 16-room Cow Hollow in the Northern Quarter of Manchester fits the bill thanks to its palm trees, lavish furnishings, and the almost jungle vibes that can be felt throughout. Once the home to a working textiles factory, nowadays the hotel is renowned for its elegant rooms and buzzing cocktail bar.
Uncover our picks for the best boutique hotels in Manchester.
Discover more about Cow Hollow or Book through Booking.com
5. The Yard in Bath | Bath
Built on ethos of sustainability, The Yard in Bath is the perfect place to stay when you’re venturing to this historic city. Formerly and 18th-century coaching inn, the 14-room property offers stylish guestrooms around a wonderful courtyard – the perfect spot for an evening tipple. Luxuriate in the freestanding bath, warm yourself by the fire, and enjoy breakfast in bed with an artisan hamper.
Read our full guide to the best boutique hotels in Bath.
Find out more abut The Yard in Bath or Book through Booking.com
6. The Forest Side | The Lake District
Described as a ‘Fairytale Gothic Mansion’, The Forest Side in Grasmere is the ultimate romantic fantasy, set in the midst of iconic natural wonders. Once a private home, the hotel offers a selection of rooms that have all been designed to feel like a quintessential cottage home. Locally sourced seasonal produce is the order of the day at the award-winning restaurant, and you must take time to explore the gardens and visit the Fellside, home to Roe Deer, Red Squirrels and native plant species, including Foxgloves, Wood Sorrel and Common Sorrel.
Here, you’ll find our list of the best boutique hotels in the Lake District.
Find out more about The Forest Side or Book through Booking.com
7. The Montagu Arms Hotel | The New Forest
If it’s a quaint English escape you’re looking for then take a look at The Montagu Arms Hotel in The New Forest. This elegant country house has a stunning English garden just begging for a cheeky G&T.
Each of the 33 rooms feature interiors inspired by the countryside, the perfect spot to recover after a day of ambling through the countryside. Sample wonderful dishes crafted from local ingredients at the restaurant and be sure to carve out time at the spa located at the sister property, just six miles away.
Read our full review of The Montagu Arms Hotel.
Learn more about The Montagu Arms Hotel or Book through Booking.com
8. The Merchant Hotel | Belfast
The Merchant Hotel offers unparalleled five-star service and the height of luxury in the heart of Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter. The rich history and heritage of our grade A listed building is complemented by a wealth of modern, multi-award winning facilities and services with every comfort the modern traveller could wish for. We look forward to welcoming you to your home from home in Belfast. Designed by Glaswegian James Hamilton, its building, to accommodate the headquarters of Ulster Bank, dates back to the second half of the 1800s.
Read our full story on the best boutique hotels in Belfast.
Discover more about The Merchant Hotel or Book through Booking.com
9. New House Country Hotel | Cardiff
Originally built in the 1730s, this boutique hotel in Cardiff offers guests a historic stay in a Grade 2 listed building. Take in the sweeping views of the countryside and stay in guest rooms that promise country chic interiors with all the mod cons.
Onsite, The Sequoias is renowned for its exquisite dishes crafted from the very best local and regional produce. Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, we recommend a table in the glass pergola to take in the epic views.
Find out more about New House Country Hotel or Book through Booking.com
10. Lord Crewe Arms | Northumberland
Home to just 26 rooms, Lord Crewe Arms is a delightful bolthole nestled in the honey-stone village of Blanchland. There’s a colourful history here, as the property was once a guesthouse for the local abbey.
Northern-born Chef Paul Johnson ensures that the F&B offering reflects the very best regional and seasonal delights and guests won’t want to miss a visit to the medieval vaulted pub onsite.
Learn more about the Lord Crewe Arms or Book through Booking.com
11. Number 38 Clifton | Bristol
If you’re looking for a stylish stay in Bristol, then this former Georgian merchant’s house should be on your radar. Home to just 12 beautifully appointed guest rooms that have that levelled up home-away-from-home feel, guests enjoy thoughtful touches such as 100 Acres bathroom products and funky Roberts radios.
The cooked breakfast on offer here is second to none and crafted from locally sourced and seasonal produce. A selection of cocktails, wines, and hot drinks are on offer at the bar or to enjoy in your room, the Library is where you can settle in with a good book, and don’t miss relaxing on the sun-filled terrace.
Find out more about Number 38 Clifton or Book through Booking.com
12. Longueville Manor | Jersey
Over in Jersey, Longueville Manor sits on an 18-acre estate and has 30 rooms and suites to choose from. Every room has been lovingly designed with a mood and character of their own, complete with oversized bath sheets, REN toiletries, and gently scented candles. In the spring and summer, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, there’s also a fitness suite, tennis court, and cottage garden spa onsite. Foodies will want to head straight to the restaurant where Executive Head Chef Andrew Baird celebrates the finest local produce Jersey has to offer.
Learn more about Longueville Manor or Book through Booking.com
13. 2 Blackburne Terrace | Liverpool
Step inside this hillside mansion built in 1826 in the upper reaches of the Georgian Quarter and get ready for an experience. With just four rooms across three levels, every suite is individually designed, creating bespoke spaces with unique furniture, freestanding bathtubs, and beautiful art pieces throughout. Design lovers will revel in a stay here, especially thanks to the selection of books to enjoy in the lounge.
Read more about 2 Blackburne Terrace
14. Grove of Narberth | Pembrokeshire
Head over to Wales to experience one of the best boutique hotels in the United Kingdom: The Grove of Narberth. Nestled in the rolling countryside and offering sweeping views of the Preseli Hills, here you’ll find a romantic hotel, the perfect spot for a special weekend getaway. Choose to stay in one of the 14 rooms in the house, or opt for an individual cottage on the grounds, each individually designed with warm interiors. Spend time wandering the gardens, enjoy a meal at The Fernery, and enjoy an in-room massage for complete relaxation.
Learn more about Grove of Narberth or Book through Booking.com
15. Outbuildings Dorset | Dorset
This family-owned property in West Dorset is an idyllic spot for a weekend retreat, no matter the season. Expect homely touches at each of the seven outbuildings, each of which has its own look and feel. Food is cooked by the family onsite and made from local and seasonal ingredients. We love that you can book the Haybarn Cinema for a romantic night out, complete with a huge screen and handmade treats to enjoy the show with.
Read our full review on Outbuildings Dorset.
Find out more about Outbuildings Dorset or Book through Booking.com
16. The Pig at Combe | Devon
Part of The Pig hotel family that has outposts around Great Britain, The Pig at Combe is a fun place to check-in when heading to the south coast. With 27 rooms all designed with the perfect blend of homely and chic, you’ll fall in love with the vintage and plant-filled spaces here. Sample home-grown delights at the restaurant before heading to the Potting Shed for a blissful spa treatment.
Find out more about The Pig at Combe
17. Foxhill Manor | The Cotswolds
This stunning private manor house is the place to stay when you’re heading to The Cotswolds. A Grade II listed Arts and Crafts country home, the property has been revitalised for the modern traveller without losing any of the charm of its village location. We really get behind their motto: ‘whatever you fancy, wherever you fancy it’, which allows guests to have free rein over meals, expeditions, and timings. And when things get too much, the staff can drive you over to the next-door sister hotel to indulge in the spa.
Learn more about Foxhill Manor
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