Top 10 Luxury Hotels for your next UK Staycation – from spas and foodie retreats to city breaks

Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime in lockdown, the government has announced its ‘roadmap’ back to normal life, and that, of course, includes travel so here are Top 10 Luxury Hotels for your next UK Staycation.

And it seems like staycations will be the first big step that we can definitely plan for, meaning it’s time to start thinking about where exactly you want to go! We have put together some inspiration for you – if these properties don’t get you excited, we’re not sure what will. From 17 May you can stay in a hotel in England. Although travel abroad may start from 17 May it’s yet to be confirmed, at least with a break in the UK you can have something definite to look forward to. The joys of someone else cooking you breakfast or making your bed that we have all missed!

These are some of the fanciest, most luxurious properties across England (stay tuned for our article on snazzy stays in Scotland, Wales and Ireland), perfect for an indulgent staycation to help you forget the last year. Tell us which one is your favourite, or if we have missed any you think we should include!

Nearly all of the hotels below can be booked with extra perks though specialist luxury travel agents like our partners Debonair. We have listed the extra perks you can get alongside each hotel. The majority of rates are also cancellable and fully flexible but make sure you check the specifics when you book. 

Note: Most properties have announced they will be back to operating in May, however some private stays and dining options will open in April. Make sure you check the requirements and restrictions before booking. 

Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath

Let’s start the ball rolling with this gorgeous Grade II Listed, Georgian and Victorian property, set right in the middle of the World Heritage Site of Bath. 

The most special aspect of this hotel is that is has the exclusive privilege of direct access to the famous thermal waters Bath is famous for.

Centred around the Spa Village Bath, the hotel’s 99 spacious rooms feature five-star amenities, including luxurious bedding, complimentary high end bath products and even a Nespresso machine. A private Townhouse is also available for families or groups.

The 14,000 square foot spa has a range of treatment rooms, three thermal pools, a steam room and a sauna. The spa ‘process’ is a serious business: guests are encouraged to create ‘spa intentions’ and start the bathing journey with the creation of a personalised pouch of aromatherapy scented salts, unique to each guest.

It’s not all about the water though – there is food too! Chef Dan Moon prepares locally sourced produce, served in a relaxed setting (perfect for those post-spa vibes). Excellent service across the board tops off this lovely hotel experience.

The Gainsborough is part of SLH which means you can also redeem and earn points with Hyatt. If you want to extra perks you can join the SLH “Invited” loyalty scheme free which gives 10% off plus early check-in and late checkout. You can find out more about Invited here.

You can check rates here. 

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire

Located right near Oxford,  Le Manoir hotel-restaurant is ideal for foodies. Not only are there two Michelin-starred restaurants led by celebrated French chef and owner Raymond Blanc, but an entire sprawling, gastronomically dedicated estate.

Wander through the extensive (and yummy) gardens, which include an organic kitchen garden, an orchard, herb garden and mushroom garden. The gardens change significantly throughout the year, providing a stunning backdrop no matter when you visit.

The hotel features 32 rooms and suites, each individually designed and all featuring luxurious amenities – cushy beds, luxe fabrics and marble bathrooms. There are also private apartments to rent.

The property also offers cooking and gardening courses, as well as more unique experiences like handling birds of prey. Visitors can also take advantage of concerts and music in the on-site St Mary’s church.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD Food & Beverage or spa credit
• Complimentary full English breakfast for two daily
• Wi fi

The Lanesborough, London

The Lanesborough is a gem in the ideal London location – a 5-star, listed Grade II hotel right on Hyde Park Corner. Luxurious, air-conditioned rooms combine 19^th-century style with modern luxury and provide in-room tablets (the tech kind) and free Wi-Fi throughout. Guests can also take advantage of a personal butler service.

Many of the properties 93 rooms also feature views over Hyde Park.

The hotel also features the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, as well as a super snazzy cigar lounge which offer an impressive selection of cognacs and cigars to the discerning guest.

The on-site Club & Spa won ‘Best Hotel Spa 2019’ at the World Spa Awards, and includes a fitness centre, stunning spa and wellbeing facilities.

Michele – I visited the spa last year and was really impressed. It was extremely luxurious with a button to press for service next to the loungers by the spa pool. The treatment was also very good. It is usually open to non-residents.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP Food & Beverage or spa treatment credit; 3 nights+: Room: One-way transfer to/from any London airport or rail terminal; Suites: Roundtrip transfer to/from any London airport or rail terminal
• Complimentary Full English breakfast (up to 38 GBP per person, per day)
• Basic Wi-Fi

Coworth Park, Berkshire

For those who want a country getaway, without being too far from the city, look no further than Coworth Park.

Tucked away in Berkshire, the property provides guests with a luxurious a 240-acre rural escape. Once owned by Galen Weston, owner of Selfridges and Fortum & Mason, the aristocratic manor house became a hotel in 2010, after a full refurbishment.

Each spacious, elegantly furnished room features large bathrooms, under-floor heating and large copper baths. All the mod-cons are included, of course, with high-end tech tucked away amongst all that finery – including a Nespresso coffee machine. All rooms also enjoy views over the gorgeous surrounding gardens, and private stays in the listed Dower House are also available.

The on-site equestrian centre offers an extra rural touch, with a nod to its nearby neighbour Ascot. Guests can take advantage of riding lessons, go for a ride or simply enjoy wandering the extensive stables and making some new (equine) friends. The property is also the only UK hotel to host its own polo fields.

Coworth Park’s eco spa gives guests the chance to unwind after a long day of rural living; featuring a unique roof of fragrant herbs, the spa offers a wide range of relaxing spa and beauty treatments in a contemporary and calming space. There is also a swimming pool (with underwater music, of course) and a gym.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP resort credit
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily
• High-Speed/Enhanced Wi-Fi

The Langley, Buckinghamshire

Once home to the third Duke of Marlborough, this 150 acre property is no less fancy now than it was back in the day. The Palladian-style mansion house, along with it’s adjoining Grade-II listed Brew House, offer 41 magnificent guestrooms and suites.

The hotel’s rich history combines with modern taste and upscale amenities to provide an indulgent and relaxing stay for guests, from start to finish.

The Langley Spa is a real treat: with a unique VIP suite, exceptional thermal facilities and a next level fitness centre, the spa covers 1600m2 and offers guests a sumptuous spa experience.

Once you’re all scrubbed and satisfied, visitors can opt to dine on-site overlooking the lake and estate grounds, where the cuisine is inspired by the bountiful English countryside. The Churchill Bar is a great choice for a nightcap, with a specifically curated selection of cognac, cocktails and spirits, as well as rare cigars. There is even an outdoor pool if we get a rare hot English summer day!

Pet friendly rooms are also available, so bring your pooch for a pamper too!

The Langley is part of Marriott so you can redeem points for a stay or collect them. On points, prices range from around 40,000-60,000 points which is good versus the cash price which can be up to £500 a night or more. 

You can find our full review of The Langley here. 

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD Food & Beverage or spa credit
• Complimentary full English breakfast for two daily
• Wi fi

NOTE: If you have Marriott status you will still collect points and receive Marriott benefits through Debonair. 

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Just a hop, skip and jump out of London, Cliveden House sits on over 350 acres of protected National Trust land, and has a long, exciting history of aristocratic owners and royal visitors.

Overlooking the Thames, this Italian-style mansion is surrounded by stunning gardens, and a short walk takes guests to the breath-taking chalk cliffs, with expansive views across the countryside.

Rooms are named after famous guests and contain antiques and priceless original works of art, as well as deluxe furnishings, fireplaces and handmade beds.

The on-site spa provides a glorious range of treatments, and other facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool (the outdoor one is quite famous), jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas, a gym, tennis courts and more. The Spa Kitchen provides healthy food and cocktails.

The Cliveden Dining Room Restaurant is managed by Michelin-starred chef André Garrett, has 3 AA Rosettes and spectacular views over the gardens. The Astor Grill is a more relaxed dining option in the old stables.

Megan Markle spent the night at Cliveden House, prior to her wedding to Prince Harry. Cliveden is also one of Roving Reporter’s favourite UK hotels.

You can actually stay at Cliveden from 12 April as their Spring Cottage will be available to book as self-contained accommodation. The Cliveden Spa will be exclusively available to guests of Spring Cottage and spa members only during this time. The Astor Grill will be open for outdoor dining.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP resort credit
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily
• Basic Wi-Fi

Lympstone Manor, Devon

Another historic Grade II listed Georgian manor house, this lovely hotel sits right near Exmouth Beach overlooking the mouth of the Exe estuary and provides a bit of a modern twist on the traditional country house hotel.

21 luxurious guestrooms and suites use the local landscape and wildlife as inspiration – each one is named for a local bird species, and decorated in a colour palette inspired by the surrounding birdlife. Rooms all feature luxurious bedding, high-end toiletries, expansive views and deep bathtubs.

Three separate and individually decorated dining rooms serve Michelin starred seasonal and local produce, and the on-site winery produces its own sparkling wine. Guests can visit the wine room to try different varieties, or wander through the 17,500 vines (great for taking selfies).

There is a big focus on the local flora and fauna, and guests are encouraged to wander the grounds and surrounding natural areas. Lympstone Manor works hard to be sustainable, and have partnered with the Devon Wildlife Trust to ensure all creatures great and small are looked after.

Private woodland huts nestled in the woodland of the hotel grounds are available to book, and the property also has pet-friendly options.

Michele – Roving Reporter and I loved our stay there a couple of years ago. If you are a foodie, this makes a perfect relaxing break. 

You can read Michele’s full review here. 

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• A bottle of Michael Caines Champagne Blanc de Blanc in room on arrival
• chocolates welcome amenity
• upgrade at time of booking

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire

This unique property is great for families, with plenty of facilities and activities to keep the kids happy. Set among lush English gardens, the restored, 18^th century manor sits on 500 acres of land, not too far outside of London.

The property, after a multi-million-pound refurbishment, features classically styled rooms with a modern vibe, as well as fancy, custom Four Seasons mattresses with heat-absorption technology, marble bathrooms and all the essential mod-cons.

An on-site spa provides all the usual treatments in a zen-style environment, and there is also a lap pool, an outdoor ‘vitality pool’, steam rooms and tennis courts.

However, it’s the more unusual facilities that make this property so interesting – in particular, the child-friendly Highwire Adventure obstacle course featuring zip wires, tree-canopy bungee jumps and scary high ropes.

Guests can also partake in a range of activities like horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, canal boating on the on-site river, crochet, yoga and cycling.

After all those activities, guests can stop off at ‘Carrot’, the on-site restaurant which incorporates ingredients from local markets. There is also a café, and ‘The Library’, which is famous for its afternoon tea.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD hotel credit (Excludes third party services, car transfer or spa retail)
• Full English breakfast for two daily in-room or at Wild Carrot (Max 62.50 GBP per room, per day)
• Basic Wi-Fi

The Langham, London

This classic hotel was opened in 1865, as Europe’s first ‘grand hotel’. Over the years it has played host to royalty, foreign dignitaries and celebrities.

Situated right at the top of Regent St in London’s West End, the Langham is the perfect place to stay if you plan on heading to the theatre. 380 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites combine the best of Victorian charm with discreet modern amenities, providing guests with everything they need for an indulgent stay.

Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club features a 16m swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, a fully equipped gym and several treatment rooms. This was all refurbished a few years ago.

The hotel also features a range of dining options, including the award-winning and very glam Artesian bar, and the Roux at the Landau restaurant, which serves pared back but delicious French cuisine. Guests can also choose to take afternoon tea in the opulent Palm Court, or enjoy a pint at the Wigmore, a traditional British tavern. The food at the Wigmore is designed by Michel Roux Junior and includes the most amazing toasted cheese sandwich you will ever have! In fact, the Wigmore is where we had the TLFL reader party!

Michele – I have stayed here a number of times and the Club rooms are probably the best that I have stayed in, anywhere. Champagne, cocktails and wine served all day and an amazing spread of food throughout the day. The service in the lounge is second to none.

You can read our full review here.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP Food & Beverage or spa credit; Complimentary glass of English sparkling wine with Afternoon Tea in Palm Court, once per stay
• Complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily
• Wi Fi

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Lake District

Set amongst the stunning scenery of the Lake District, the white-washed Edwardian house is set amongst 21 acres and has been transformed into a lavish, modern country house hotel. Gilpin Hotel is  part of the Relais and Chateaux group. 

Featuring 31 rooms, all lodgings have Lakeland views and private hot tubs. The lodges feature private spa facilities, including indulgent rainfall showers and private steam rooms. All accommodation provides guests with stylish, individually designed interiors, crisp and comfortable beds and luxurious bathrooms.

The separate Gilpin Lake House offers a choice of six different suites, all of which have private access to 100 acres of garden, a lake with a boat house, and spa facilities including hot tubs, saunas and a swimming pool.

Alpacas and llamas wander through the extensive gardens, and a small spa with panoramic views of the lake provides guests with bespoke services and products.

The Michelin-starred restaurant, Hrishi, features locally sourced produce with an Asian twist with a nod to the Cumbrian spice trade and taking inspiration from across the Indian sub-continent.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Complimentary breakfast

We have manors, mansions and estates, plenty of Michelin stars, a bevvy of beautiful views, lots of comfy beds, a scattering of spas, country escapes and beach getaways. Throw in some horses, some birds, llamas and a high ropes course…if there isn’t something in there for you, we will be stunned. 

Although you may be yearning for a tropical holiday, for now, we have to look to our own backyards for inspiration until we know when we can definitely go abroad. Hopefully, this list makes you that bit more excited to plan your next UK staycation – let us know which one was your favourite! And if you think we’ve missed any, let us know.