From the top to the bottom (and on the sides), we’ve discovered the best boutique hotels in the United Kingdom

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

Hotel: Artist Residence Brighton
Address: 34 Regency Square, Brighton BN1 2FJ
Number of rooms: 24
Brand: Artist Residence
Year opened: 2008
Style: Eclectic, bohemian boutique hotel filled with contemporary art, vintage furnishings and reclaimed materials
Best for: Art lovers, couples, creative travellers and Brighton city breaks
Family amenities: Family-friendly rooms and larger accommodation options
Wellness facilities: No dedicated spa; the seafront location is ideal for outdoor activities
Prices starting from: £150 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

2. Dalhousie Castle | Edinburgh

Hotel: Dalhousie Castle
Address: Bonnyrigg, Midlothian EH19 3JB, Scotland
Number of rooms: 35
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 13th-century castle; hotel operation established later
Style: Historic Scottish castle hotel combining medieval architecture with traditional luxury
Best for: Couples, history lovers, castle stays and special occasions
Family amenities: Family rooms, junior suites and four-poster rooms suitable for families
Wellness facilities: Spa, sauna, hot tub and wellness treatments
Prices starting from: £200 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

3. The Gore | London

Hotel: The Gore London
Address: 190 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5EX
Number of rooms: 50
Brand: Starhotels Collezione
Year opened: 1892
Style: Traditional Victorian boutique hotel packed with antiques, artwork and historic character
Best for: Couples, history lovers, music fans and Kensington sightseeing
Family amenities: Family rooms and suites
Wellness facilities: No dedicated spa or pool
Prices starting from: £200 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

4. Cow Hollow Hotel | Manchester

Hotel: Cow Hollow Hotel
Address: 57 Newton Street, Manchester M1 1ET
Number of rooms: 16
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2018
Style: Glamorous, eccentric boutique hotel blending industrial heritage with lush, jungle-inspired interiors
Best for: Couples, weekend breaks, design lovers and Northern Quarter nightlife
Family amenities: Limited; best suited to couples and adults
Wellness facilities: No dedicated spa or gym
Prices starting from: £100 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Hotel or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda 

5. The Yard in Bath | Bath

Hotel: The Yard in Bath
Address: 1 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AT
Number of rooms: 14
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2019
Style: Sustainable boutique hotel occupying a former 18th-century coaching inn
Best for: Couples, romantic city breaks and design-conscious travellers
Family amenities: Cots available in selected rooms
Wellness facilities: No dedicated spa; some rooms feature freestanding baths
Prices starting from: £150 per night, depending on room and season.

Built on an ethos of sustainability, The Yard in Bath is the perfect place to stay when you’re venturing to this historic city. Formerly an 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 about The Yard in Bath or Book through Booking.com  Book through Agoda

6. The Forest Side | The Lake District

Hotel: The Forest Side
Address: Keswick Road, Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 9RN
Number of rooms: 20
Brand: The Samling Collection
Year opened: 2016
Style: Gothic country-house hotel with cosy, cottage-inspired bedrooms
Best for: Romantic escapes, food lovers, walkers and Lake District getaways
Family amenities: Family-friendly accommodation and extensive grounds
Wellness facilities: Gardens, walking trails and nature-based relaxation
Prices starting from: £250 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Book through Expedia

7. The Montagu Arms Hotel | The New Forest

Hotel: The Montagu Arms Hotel
Address: Palace Lane, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7ZL
Number of rooms: 33
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 1742
Style: Elegant English country-house hotel with traditional interiors and contemporary touches
Best for: Couples, country escapes, food lovers and exploring the New Forest
Family amenities: Family rooms and child-friendly dining
Wellness facilities: Spa access at the sister property, approximately six miles away
Prices starting from: £200 per night, depending on room and season.

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 features 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 Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

8. The Merchant Hotel | Belfast

Hotel: The Merchant Hotel
Address: 16 Skipper Street, Belfast BT1 2DZ, Northern Ireland
Number of rooms: 62
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2006 as a hotel
Style: Five-star heritage hotel combining Victorian architecture with Art Deco-inspired interiors
Best for: Luxury city breaks, couples, food lovers and history enthusiasts
Family amenities: Family rooms and suites
Wellness facilities: Health club, gym, sauna, steam room and hot tub
Prices starting from: £200 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

9. Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel | Buxton, the Peak District

Hotel: Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel
Address: The Crescent, Buxton SK17 6BH
Number of rooms: 80
Brand: Ensana Hotels
Year opened: 2020
Style: Restored Grade I-listed Georgian hotel with contemporary luxury interiors
Best for: Spa breaks, couples, special occasions and Peak District escapes
Family amenities: Family rooms and swimming pool
Wellness facilities: Thermal spa, natural mineral baths, swimming pool, sauna and treatments
Prices starting from: £180 per night, depending on room and season.

If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel that finds its home in a Grade I listed building, then look no further than Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel. Originally built between 1780-1789, the Georgian Crescent was given a new life, reopening as an 80-room hotel in 2020.

For a special occasion, opt for a Suite, where you’ll have access to a gorgeous freestanding tub, a four-poster bed, and a living room. Best of all, all guest rates include entry to the onsite spa, where you can swim, sauna, and massage your way to feeling great.

Head to 1789 for a refined menu featuring the very best local produce, or indulge in your favourite tipple at stylish Darwin’s Bar.

Read the full review of Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel.

Learn more about Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda  

10. Middlethorpe Hall & Spa | York

Hotel: Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
Address: Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2GB
Number of rooms: 29
Brand: Historic House Hotels of the National Trust
Year opened: 1699
Style: William and Mary country house combining historic architecture, traditional interiors and contemporary comforts
Best for: Romantic breaks, history lovers, spa weekends and special occasions
Family amenities: Family rooms and extensive gardens
Wellness facilities: Spa, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms
Prices starting from: £250 per night, depending on room and season.

If it’s Bridgerton vibes close to York that you’re looking for, then Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is the boutique hotel for you. One of just three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, the property is a wonderful example of a William and Mary House, blending heritage and luxury to create an idyllic stay.

We love that the rooms overlook the sweeping grounds (we enjoyed spotting deer through the window when we stayed) and take in the abundant flora and fauna that make up the gardens. 

Be sure to book in for a relaxing spa treatment and to try the hotel’s iconic afternoon tea.

Read our full review of Middlethorpe Hall & Spa.

Discover more about Middlethorpe Hall & Spa or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

11. Warwick Castle Hotel | Warwickshire

Hotel: Warwick Castle Hotel
Address: Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU
Number of rooms: Varies across hotel and accommodation options
Brand: Merlin Entertainments
Year opened: 2016
Style: Medieval-themed family hotel inspired by the history and characters of Warwick Castle
Best for: Families, castle lovers and themed stays
Family amenities: Themed bedrooms, children’s activities and access to Warwick Castle attractions
Wellness facilities: None; focus is on activities and entertainment
Prices starting from: £150 per night, depending on room and season.

Here’s one for the entire family. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to live in the time of knights and princesses, then a visit to this castle that was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror is a must-visit.

Accommodation options here come with something for everyone: a themed hotel, glamping, and lodges. We stayed at the hotel and appreciated the spacious rooms decked out in medieval-style interiors.

There are plenty of photo opportunities to be had here with added activities happening over school holidays and Christmas time.

Read our full review of Warwick Castle.

Find out more about Warwick Castle Hotel or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

12. Ellenborough Park | The Cotswolds, Cheltenham

Hotel: Ellenborough Park
Address: Southam Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3NJ
Number of rooms: 62 bedrooms across four areas of the estate
Brand: Independent
Style: Historic Cotswold country-house hotel combining centuries-old architecture with relaxed contemporary luxury
Best for: Romantic countryside escapes, spa breaks, families, dog-friendly stays and exploring the Cotswolds
Family amenities: Interconnecting rooms, family-friendly accommodation and dedicated family offers
Wellness facilities: Spa with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym, relaxation room and 16-metre heated outdoor pool
Prices starting from: £180 per night, depending on room and season.

There are few things more quintessentially English than a historic country house surrounded by rolling countryside, and Ellenborough Park delivers that experience beautifully. Set within 90 acres at the foot of Cleeve Hill, just outside Cheltenham, this lovingly restored manor house combines centuries of history with modern luxury. The first glimpse of the biscuit-coloured Cotswold stone building is impressive, but stepping through its original 1485 door and into the stone-flagged entrance hall really brings the property’s history to life.

The double-height Great Room is a highlight, with wood panelling, stained glass, chandeliers, ornate carpets and an imposing fireplace, while cosy spaces such as The Snug add a more intimate feel. Our Deluxe Room, tucked into a turret of the original house, continued the theme with a heavy wooden bed, antique mirrors, patterned drapes and countryside views, alongside thoughtful touches including Noble Isle toiletries and locally sourced minibar treats.

Food is another highlight, with the elegant Restaurant serving seasonal dishes showcasing local produce, while Horse Box Brasserie offers more relaxed dining and excellent cocktails. The hotel also has a full-service spa, secluded Garden Retreat with hot tub, sauna and ice bath, a 16-metre heated outdoor pool and gym. One of the best ways to experience the setting is to head out into the countryside using one of the hotel’s walking routes, with boots and coats available from its Dubarry Boot Room.

Read our full review of Ellenborough Park.

Learn more about Ellenborough Park or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

13. 2 Blackburne Terrace | Liverpool

Hotel: 2 Blackburne Terrace
Address: 2 Blackburne Terrace, Liverpool L8 7PE
Number of rooms: 4 suites
Brand: Independent
Style: Intimate design-led boutique townhouse hotel
Best for: Couples, design lovers, architecture enthusiasts and romantic city breaks
Family amenities: Limited due to the intimate four-suite format
Wellness facilities: Freestanding baths and relaxing in-room facilities; no dedicated spa
Prices starting from: £150 per night, depending on room and season.

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

Hotel: Grove of Narberth
Address: Molleston, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8BX
Number of rooms: 26 rooms and suites, plus cottages
Brand: Independent
Style: Romantic Welsh country-house hotel with individually designed rooms and cottages
Best for: Couples, food lovers, countryside escapes and special occasions
Family amenities: Family-friendly cottages and spacious accommodation
Wellness facilities: In-room massages, gardens and outdoor spaces
Prices starting from: £200 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

15. Outbuildings Dorset | Dorset

Hotel: Outbuildings Dorset
Address: West Dorset, Dorset, England
Number of rooms: 7 individual outbuildings
Brand: Independent, family-owned
Style: Rustic-chic countryside accommodation with individually designed converted buildings
Best for: Couples, families, groups and peaceful rural escapes
Family amenities: Self-contained accommodation and family-friendly spaces
Wellness facilities: Outdoor spaces and countryside activities
Prices starting from: £200 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Book through Agoda

16. The Pig at Combe | Devon

Hotel: The Pig at Combe
Address: Gittisham, Honiton, Devon EX14 3AD
Number of rooms: 27 rooms
Brand: The Pig Hotels
Year opened: 2016
Style: Relaxed country-house hotel combining vintage interiors, botanical touches and contemporary comfort
Best for: Food lovers, couples, countryside breaks and garden-to-table experiences
Family amenities: Family-friendly accommodation
Wellness facilities: Potting Shed spa and extensive gardens
Prices starting from: £250 per night, depending on room and season.

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

Hotel: Foxhill Manor
Address: Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7LJ
Number of rooms: 8
Brand: Dormy House & Foxhill Manor
Style: Intimate Grade II-listed Arts and Crafts country house with luxurious, individually designed rooms
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, exclusive-use stays, and luxury Cotswolds escapes
Family amenities: Children aged over 12 welcome; dogs over one year welcome
Wellness facilities: Complimentary access to the House Spa at neighbouring Dormy House
Prices starting from: £1,350 per night, depending on room and season.

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

18. Lord Crewe Arms | Northumberland

Hotel: Lord Crewe Arms
Address: The Square, Blanchland, Northumberland DH8 9SP
Number of rooms: 26
Brand: Independent
Year opened: Historic building with origins connected to Blanchland Abbey
Style: Characterful country inn combining historic stone architecture with cosy contemporary interiors
Best for: Couples, food lovers, walking holidays and rural escapes
Family amenities: Family rooms and child-friendly dining
Wellness facilities: No dedicated spa; surrounding countryside provides extensive walking opportunities
Prices starting from: £180 per night, depending on room and season.

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

19. Number 38 Clifton | Bristol

Hotel: Number 38 Clifton
Address: 38 Upper Belgrave Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2XN
Number of rooms: 12
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2015
Style: Stylish Georgian townhouse hotel with contemporary, homely interiors
Best for: Couples, food lovers, design enthusiasts and Bristol city breaks
Family amenities: Family rooms and larger accommodation options
Wellness facilities: Outdoor terrace and nearby walking opportunities; no dedicated spa
Prices starting from: £150 per night, depending on room and season.

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 is 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  Book through Agoda

20. New House Country Hotel | Cardiff, Wales

Hotel: New House Country Hotel
Address: Thornhill Road, Cardiff CF14 9UA, Wales
Number of rooms: 37 rooms and suites
Brand: Independent / Town & Country Collective
Year opened: 1730s as a private country house
Style: Grade II-listed country-house hotel combining historic architecture with contemporary country-chic interiors
Best for: Couples, weddings, countryside escapes, food lovers and Cardiff visits
Family amenities: Family rooms and spacious accommodation
Wellness facilities: Gardens and countryside setting; no dedicated spa
Prices starting from: £150 per night, depending on room and season.

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 Book through Expedia Book through Agoda 

21. Longueville Manor | Jersey

Hotel: Longueville Manor
Address: Longueville Road, St Saviour, Jersey JE2 7WF
Number of rooms: 30 rooms and suites
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 1970s as a hotel
Style: Elegant country manor surrounded by gardens and mature grounds
Best for: Couples, families, food lovers and luxury island escapes
Family amenities: Family suites, including a two-bedroom Cottage Suite
Wellness facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, fitness suite, tennis court and cottage garden spa
Prices starting from: £250 per night, depending on room and season.

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 its 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 Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

But wait, there’s more…

• We recently checked out The Pop-Up Hotel Silverstone, a travelling hotel concept
• We recently toured the Peak District on e-bikes with PeakEPedals
• And here’s our review of the Seat Cupra Tavascan as we journeyed through the Cotswolds