The Hotel Guru
20 Great Luxury Hotels in the UK

20 Great Luxury Hotels in the UK

The UK is home to some of the world’s great grande dame hotels, those luxury hotels that have become household names for one reason of another: Claridge’s, Gleneagles and The Ritz, for example. And, while much of their allure lies in the fact that time has only added to their glamour and appeal, they’re certainly not been the only contenders for our list of 20 Great Luxury Hotels in the UK! No, there are PLENTY of gorgeous, luxurious hotels in the United Kingdom!

A myriad of incredible ancestral castles, manors and great houses have been sympathetically converted into luxurious hotels, so that now everyone can be the Lord or Lady of the manor for a night or two. And the UK also has an excellent selection of luxury spa hotels, both city-central-glamour-spots and escape-to-the-country-to-rejuvenate boltholes. It’s not all gilt, chandeliers, damask and red velvet either, if you prefer contemporary luxury, or you want a UK luxury hotel for the whole family we have something on our list for you. We’ve even found some super value luxury hotels in the UK.

Luxury Grande Dame Hotels

Claridge's is an Art Deco institution where service and decor is so seamless that it probably contributed to the idea of what a luxury hotel should be. Its afternoon tea is the stuff of legend, through those beautiful rotating doors, across the checkerboard of an entrance hall and straight into the 1930s of dainty sandwiches and tiny cakes. There’s a manned lift, with a sofa, they have a fumoir, two elegant bars, wonderful furniture in every room, properly monogrammed towels, and superb dining. There’s really no reason except variety to want to stay anywhere else in London.
Gleneagles isn’t just a luxurious grande dame of the hotel spa resort community, it’s a golfing institution. But we think it should be known just as much for its incredible Perthshire location, its facilities and its top-notch spa, as for its three championship golf courses. It’s also the home of British falconry, has a fully equipped equestrian centre, a shooting school with gun-dog training, an archery range, tennis courts, fishing facilities, a huge range of facilities for children and families, and has the only restaurant with Scotland with two Michelin stars. And it’s a great place for cycling and walking and birdwatching. And extremely luxurious inside as well, starting from the way you’re greeted by a gentleman in a kilt, all the way up until you lay your head on the most luxurious of plump, linen pillows.

Cliveden House is one of the UK’s great country houses, and it’s just stacked with luxury and history, from its collection of original artwork that rival many a gallery’s to its history as the home of Nancy Astor and setting for the Profumo Affair. And now it’s one of the world’s finest five star hotels, with just 44 incredibly comfortable rooms and suites and a range of facilities that can’t fail to please. Relax in the spa – or the indoor or outdoor pool, take a cocktail in the Library Bar then choose between Cliveden’s two restaurants. Maybe enjoy a proper afternoon tea the following day? And if you’re here with your children this hotel has a lot to off them. And it’s not just the acres of National Trust Gardens.
The Balmoral is Edinburgh’s grande dame, a gorgeous old railway hotel kept gorgeous by regular refurbishments and reimaginings, the most recent by Olga Polizzi. The location is impossible to beat, and the views are enviable. There are 168 rooms and suites, in a range of layouts and decor, the spa is very comprehensive and the restaurant has a Michelin star. If there’s anything else you need this hotel is the sort of place where they’ll try and arrange it for you too.

Luxury Spa Hotels

One of the first of the Lake District’s modern country house spa hotels, and set on 40 acres of stunning Lake District loveliness, the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has just 31 rooms, and six of them have their own private gardens and cherrywood hot tub. Many of them with a view too. Their Woodland Spa is perfect for additional pampering with an excellent range of treatments on offer, and afterwards you could opt to fish, go riding, explore the region on foot or curl up by one of the hotel’s roaring fires with a book and a glass of wine.
In the Cotswolds, surrounded by 55 acres of its own grounds and heritage-listed gardens, Cowley Manor is a manor-turned chic hotel with 55 trendy rooms and a good sense of fun in the bright, bold coloured decor. There are two pools a gym and an award-winning modernist spa, plus a relaxed restaurant and a gorgeous terrace. They really want you to unwind.

Luxury Hotels for Foodies

Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons is a fantastic fusion of acclaimed restaurant and cooking school, extraordinary gardens and luxurious country house hotel. And the standards are exceptional all round, with 32 individually designed rooms and suites, a wonderfully changing garden that provides much inspiration and many ingredients to Raymond Blanc’s food, and a menu that’s so good it’s surprising. And has two Michelin stars which it has held for the past 35 years.

Great Luxury City Break Hotels

Bath’s Royal Crescent Hotel is part of one of the UK’s most prestigious pieces of residential property, occupying two of the houses in this masterpiece of a crescent of Georgian architecture. The interiors are classical, with period antiques and art, four-poster beds — if you fancy it, and marble baths. The spa is excellent, this is a spa town after all, and the Dower House Restaurant has won many an award. The perfectly historic base from which to explore historic Bath.

Romantic Luxury Hotels

Like many the hotels on this list, Beaverbrook qualifies for inclusion in several different categories. It’s certainly a gorgeous example of a country house hotel, and its spa has a thermal spa, pool and a range of treatments, so it definitely qualifies as one of the UK’s top spa hotels. But there’s just something so romantic about the hotel’s stately exteriors, beautiful manicured gardens and small size — it has just 29 rooms, all different and all romantic. Outside Leatherhead in Surrey, it’s an easy journey from London, close to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so perfect for a romantic tryst or mini-break.

Luxury Country House Hotels

The New Forest is home to a number of very charming country house hotels, it’s just a short journey from London, the landscape is gorgeous and extremely refreshing and there are numerous lovely pubs and restaurants dotted about the place. Chewton Glen is one of our favourite examples, with its traditional main house with big windows, and its newly-built luxurious tree-house suites with their incredible panoramic views of the estate’s 130 acres of parkland, and private outdoor hot tubs. All in all there are 72 rooms and suites, plus a fantastic spa, tennis, an exceptional kid’s club, and a gourmet restaurant run by a celebrity chef.

For a wilder surrounds try Inverlochy Castle, a castle at the foot of Ben Nevis. Converted into a 17 room hotel, this is the quintessential country house hotel from the chintz wallpaper, four-poster beds and heavy drapes, to the clay pigeon shooting and fishing in the private loch, to the award-winning restaurant.
Set in expansive Wiltshire grounds, Lucknam Park is refined and beautiful, rather than showy, but it’s full of character. There are just 42 rooms and suites, with high ceilings, chandeliers and four-poster beds, plus comfortable, welcoming public spaces, like the lounge and the library, that make you feel as if you're here as a personal houseguest. There’s both an indoor and an outdoor plunge pool, and an award-winning-spa, plus an impressive onsite equestrian centre. And while the dining room is a bit on the reverential side, it turns out that the food deserves the reverence, conjured up by a Michelin-starred chef. Who also runs a cooking school on the grounds. And you’re only six miles from Bath.

Family friendly Luxury Hotels

Right on a stretch of golden Cornish sand, The Nare is a luxurious country house-style hotel on the beach! So the standard list of facilities like a pool and croquet lawns, are added to with volleyball, cricket, sailing, art classes and other beach-y break activities. There are just 36 rooms, with quite a number of good configurations for families, plus loads of space. And a hot tub that overlooks the sea. Not forgetting the two restaurants and a bar.
Bovey Castle is a castle, which is impressive in itself, and certainly luxurious, but it’s the sort of place where you’ll really feel looked after, whoever you are. For kids they offer Lego room service, daily egg collections and the opportunity to meet the ferrets and watch a falconry display. For adults there’s a spa — the UK’s flagship SUNDARI spa, and gym, clay pigeon shooting, and cider and sloe gin making. They have two restaurants, one is fine dining and the other more family friendly. And you’re close to Dartmoor National Park if you can bear to leave.

For a Luxury Bolthole

Barnsley House, just outside Cirencester, is a lovely little manor house set in stunning, and famous gardens. It has 18 rooms, decorated in a contemporary style, but in sympathy with its surrounds, plus a lovely, low-key spa and a restaurant serving exceptional British cuisine. Perfect for a luxurious escape to the Cotswolds.
For more than just an escape to the country there’s Palé Hall, an extremely elegant Victorian manor house on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. Their 18 rooms and suites have a regal something to them: elegant rather than opulent, and the public spaces, like the lounge and the library, are welcoming, beautiful and cosy, giving the feel of being a houseguest at a very well organised party where the hosts leave you to your own devices in a stunning setting, and the food is divine.

Best Value Luxury Hotels

Elegant rather than imposing, Victorian built Hambleton Hall is a superbly run, unfussy luxury lakeside country house hotel with Michelin-starred food and serene views over Rutland Water. Their south-facing terrace overlooks the flower-filled formal gardens and beyond that woods and water. There’s a pool, tennis courts and a proper bar, but no mini-bar, pillow menu or spa. It’s very traditionally English like that, but very luxurious all the same.
The Torridon is a country house escape on pristine Loch Torridon, surrounded by 53 acres of park and woodlands. If you want the great outdoors, followed up by cosiness and cosseting, and a dram of whisky, then this hotel is for you. The region is perfect for keen walkers, or cyclists; alternatively you can birdwatch, sail or kayak. They have an open-topped Morgan for hire, and a sailing yacht, so now is your chance to live like a Laird!

If you haven’t found your idea of the UK’s perfect luxury hotel on our Guru’s list you could:

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in the UK,
or refine your search to just one of the UK’s Best County House Hotels, or the UK’s Most Romantic Hotels,
Or you could refine your search by location and consider just our recommendations for Top 5 Luxury London Hotels, or for the 14 Best Luxury Hotels in Dublin, or the 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Devon.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Claridge's London (Mayfair) 197 rooms from AU$1409
  
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  Spa  -  Claridge's Spa combines Japanese healing rituals with restorative bodywork and the best in bio-innovations
  Sights nearby  -  Nestled in the embassy district of town, you will see many old grand buildings.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Outstanding location
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection
  
  Art Deco-inspired, luxury-centric hotel in the heart of Mayfair offering seamless service, spa treatments and gym facilities. Large, contemporary rooms exude comfort. Whether it is the famous Afternoon Tea in the 1930's Reading Room or a gourmet meal at the restaurant, be ready to be spoiled. See More
  
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- Cliveden House Taplow, Berkshire 44 rooms from AU$1137
  
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  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor and Outdoor Pools
  Country House  -  Grand neoclassical pile
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Antiques
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Frommers, Kiwi Collection
  
  Boasting a spectacular rural setting and a famous history, Cliveden House is one of Britain's great country houses. Sumptuous, traditional rooms and suites boast truly spoiling bed linens and marble bathrooms. There's an exceptional spa, Library bar plus two restaurants. Simply superb! See More
  
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- Gleneagles Hotel Perthshire 233 rooms from AU$657
  
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  Child friendly  -  Great facilities for children of all ages with organised activities and childcare available.
  Restaurant  -  Andrew Fairlie Restaurant is the only establishment in Scotland with two Michelin stars.
  Other Activities  -  Shooting, fishing, falconry, gun dog training, off road driving to name a few!
  Golf  -  Three championshire courses and PGA National Golf Academy on site.
  Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection
  
  Luxury grand dame resort hotel in the heart of stunning Perthshire countryside. With three championship golf courses, top notch spa and more activities than you can imagine, this is the perfect resort for all the family. See More
  
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- The Royal Crescent Hotel Bath 45 rooms from AU$648
  
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  Swimming Pool  -  12m heated relaxation pool in the spa
  Traditional
  5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin Travel
  
  Five star luxury hotel situated in the classical splendour of Bath's Royal Crescent, with The Spa at the Royal Crescent and Dower House Restaurant - ideal for exploring the World Heritage Site on your doorstep. See More
  
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- Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons Great Milton, Oxfordshire 32 rooms from AU$1249
  
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  Foodies  -  The hotel has retained its Michelin stars for the 35th year running. Dining here is unmissable!
  Garden  -  Le Manoir's stunning gardens provide most of the ingredients for Raymond Blanc's epic food.
  Cooking classes  -  Raymond Blanc's cookery school
  Gourmet
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin Travel
  
  World-class indulgence in the Oxfordshire countryside. Raymond Blanc's delightful fusion of hotel, acclaimed restaurant and gardens is luxurious, yet warm and charming. Thirty two rooms and suites are individually designed, the gardens are divine, and the food breathtaking! Simply stunning. See More
  
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- Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Windermere 31 rooms from AU$404
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Six of the incredible suites come with their own private gardens and cedarwood hot tubs, ideal for a romantic getaway!
  Country Escape  -  20-acre gardens filled with magnolia, cherry blossoms and copper beech, not to mention the stunning private lake
  Foodies  -  Michelin starred SOURCE restaurant is run by head chef Ollie Bridgwater formerly of Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck
  Fishing  -  Fishing can be organised on site, either on the private lake or a day trip to somewhere nearby
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Relais & Chateaux, Sawdays
  
  A luxurious and relaxing modern country-house hotel with a choice of traditional or cutting-edge rooms, many with hot-tubs. Michelin-starred dining, woodland spa plus flawless service. Set in 40 acres of stunning surroundings with a picturesque lake and lots of activities to offer nearby. See More
  
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- The Balmoral Edinburgh (Princes Street) 168 rooms from AU$391
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
  Great walks  -  Walk to the summit of Calton Hill and enjoy the panoramic views.
  Views  -  Wonderful city views towards Arthurs Seat.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi Collection
  
  Quietly confident, stylish, sophisticated and efficient.THE place to stay in Edinburgh. Part of Rocco Forte Collection and boasting a Michelin starred restaurant, comprehensive spa and over 150 bedrooms. The old railway hotel transformed into a grande dame. True indulgence. See More
  
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- Cowley Manor Experimental nr Cheltenham, The Cotswolds from AU$470
  
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  Spa  -  Wide range of treatments using Green & Spring products.
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor and indoor heated pools.
  Great walks  -  55 acres of parkland surround the proerty with natural springs, lakes, and Victorian cascades.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the "Venice of the Cotswolds" the village of Bourton on Water.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels
  
  A contemporary-chic manor house set on 55 beautiful acres, in the Cotswold countryside. Trendy rooms mix the best of both worlds, with original sash windows, high ceilings and fireplaces mixed with sleek handmade modern furnishings and bold colour combos. A sophisticated, fun country escape. See More
  
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- Chewton Glen New Milton, Hampshire 72 rooms from AU$761
  
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  Country Escape  -  A gorgeous country house spa, set in 130 acres of parkland at the edge of the magical New Forest.
  Tennis  -  There are both indoor and outdoor tennis courts and coaching with the resident pro.
  Great walks  -  Plenty of walking across the 130 acres of parkland, or head into the New Forest.
  Kids Club  -  All new The Beehive, available every weekend and school holidays
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin Travel
  
  On the edge of the New Forest and close to the sea, Chewton Glen offers five-star luxury to couples and families. Its wow-factor treehouse accommodation is the star of the show, along with the fantastic staff that always go the extra mile. Imitable service, gourmet dining and The Beehive, kids club. See More
  
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- Beaverbrook Surrey 29 rooms from AU$657
  
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  Country Escape  -  Enjoy a slice of the (very) good life in this Grade II listed country house.
  Spa  -  The Coach House Spa offers a wide range of treatments plus there's a thermal spa, swimming pool and much more.
  Cooking classes  -  The Garden House cookery school offers a wide range of courses for all from amateur to aspiring Masterchef!
  Restaurant  -  There are several dining options, including Japanese inspired cuisine in the main restaurant.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Nestled amongst the verdant Surrey Hills, Beaverbook offers a glorious escape for couples, families, or groups of friends. Stand-out features include the uniquely-designed spa and the Japanese Grill headed by ex-Nobu chef Taiji Maruyama. Plus endless rural pursuits on offer. See More
  
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- Lucknam Park Chippenham 42 rooms from AU$545
  
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  Active Holiday  -  Plenty of countryside persuits for the sporty types with clay pigeon shooting, riding, tennis, archery, and falconry.
  Foodies  -  Executive Chef Hywel Jones runs the Michelin starred The Park, as well as the award winning cookery school.
  Cooking classes  -  Learn to whip up your favourite dishes from The Parks' menu at the in house cookery school, a lovely way to pass a rainy day!
  Sights nearby  -  Bath is only six miles away- if you can tear yourself away from the endless entertainment at Lucknam Park.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux
  
  A luxury country home full of character. High ceilinged rooms are adorned with chandeliers and four poster beds. The surrounding parkland and gardens are painstakingly up kept. A spa, indoor pool and outdoor plunge pool aid relaxation. The fine dining restaurant is headed by a Michelin Star chef. See More
  
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- Inverlochy Castle Fort William 17 rooms from AU$629
  
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  Families  -  Plenty of kit for the kids indoors including games rooms, DVDs, playstation plus endless outdoor activities.
  Foodies  -  This fantastic restaurant has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes- utterly delicious!
  Fishing  -  Fishing in Loch Na Marag in the Castle grounds or salmon and trout fishing further afield.
  Great walks  -  Stunning scenery to be explored starting straight from the property.
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux
  
  Elegance, romance and old-school service in sublime surroundings at the foot of Ben Nevis. Imposing rooms with heavy curtains, chintz wallpaper, antique paintings and four poster beds. The bathrooms are the height of modernity. Plus there's a fine dining restaurant. The perfect country getaway. See More
  
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- The Nare Cornwall 36 rooms from AU$545
  
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  Families  -  A good choice for an inter-generational break with something to entertain all ages (plus the dog is welcome too)
  Active Holiday  -  With pools, a tennis court, and boats there is plenty to do at the property itself
  Self catering  -  The Pendower Suite and The Lemoria Cottage have kitchens
  Sights nearby  -  The Lost gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project are easily accessible and worth a visit
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  A country house hotel with fabulous sea views. Elegant rooms and suites feel like a luxury home with antiques, Persian rugs and printed wallpaper. With standout service, two restaurants, outdoor and indoor pools, a spa, a tennis court, and a croquet pitch - this is a real crowd-pleaser for all ages. See More
  
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- Bovey Castle Chagford 64 rooms from AU$430
  
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  Child friendly  -  Daily egg collecting, meet the ferrets and falconry displays. Colouring books & crayons for little ones at meal times!
  Spa  -  UK's flagship SUNDARI spa
  Families
  Restaurant  -  The Edwardian Grill for fine dining and Castle Bistro for more family friendly fare.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Small Luxury Hotels
  
  Family friendly country hotel with something for everyone: lego room service for the little ones & bespoke spa treatments for the adults! Ideally situated for exploring the wilderness of Dartmoor and more activities on site than you can imagine. See More
  
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- Palé Hall Bala, Gwynedd 18 rooms from AU$507
  
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  Foodies  -  Palé Hall serves up exquisite cuisine and you can even book a private dinner and customise your menu with the chef!
  Country Escape  -  Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life at this beautifully historic spot just outside Snowdonia National Park
  Great walks  -  Palé Hall's stunning surroundings mean there are plenty of fanstastic walks in every direction!
  Fishing  -  If you fancy a relaxing afternoon thean head off to the River Dee for a quiet spot of fishing
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  This historic Victorian manor house is situated next to Snowdonia National Park. Feel like royalty in their traditional, elegant rooms and suites. The cosy library is perfect spot for curling up with a good book after a day out trekking! Divine cuisine, gorgeous surroundings - a perfect retreat. See More
  
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- Barnsley House Cirencester (Barnsley) 18 rooms from AU$562
  
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  Romantic Break  -  A stately home with indulgent chic interiors- think dual baths, large suites and a pampering spa.
  Country Escape  -  A rural abode on another level, the ultimate luxury getaway in stunning surrounds.
  Cooking classes  -  The nearby reputed Foodworks Cookery School offers a number of different classes for various levels.
  Great walks  -  This area is littered with beautiful walks, ask at the front desk to be pointed towards a favourite.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection
  
  An imposing Cotswold house set within stunning (deservedly famed) gardens. Gorgeously renovated rooms are light, airy and full of mod cons. The chic modern interiors, indulgent spa and contemporary British cuisine make it hard to leave! A popular rural escape for urbanites. See More
  
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- Hambleton Hall Rutland 17 rooms from AU$366
  
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  Garden  -  17 acre grounds
  Restaurant  -  Michelin star
  Lakeside  -  On Rutland Water, the largest manmade lake in Europe
  Restrictions on children  -  No young children allowed in the restaurant
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux
  
  Superbly run lakeside luxury country house hotel with no gimmicks but Michelin-star food, peace and comfort, along with plenty of outdoor activities on tap. Family friendly, an oasis of comfort. See More
  
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- The Torridon Ross-shire 18 rooms from AU$413
  
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  Bar  -  Over 300 Malt Whiskies available in the Whisky Bar not forgetting their very own Arcturus Gin and Cushie Doos Tonic.
  Restaurant  -  3 AA Rosettes
  Sailing  -  Sailing tours on S/Y a 13 m sailing yacht both within the loch and to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.
  Sights nearby  -  Boat cruises available off the west coast for dolphins and if you're lucky whale watching.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  Country escape on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. 53 acres of park and woodland provide many outdoor activities. Scottish country house opulence twinned with contemporary designs. Seriously good restaurant and whisky bar. See More
  
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