Most Romantic Hotels in the South East of the UK

The South East of England is big. And there’s a lot to see here. But if you’re here for romance then our Guru’s carefully curated list of the most romantic hotels in the South East is a good place to start planning your visit. We haven't included the most romantic hotels in London, that's a separate article.

Some of Our Guru’s South East Collections:

For a special occasion

Long time haunt of the anyone who could wrangle themselves an invitation - from Chaplin to Churchill and Laurence to Lennon - Cliveden House is an authentic stately home with genuine Old Masters adorning the walls and a priceless collection of antiques. You’re just 45minutes from London, but the stylish, National Trust owned surroundings and luxurious details make this a trip-back-in-time. The hot tubs are of the outdoor, Canadian wood variety, and there’s also indoor and outdoor pools and a good spa.
Owned by the National Trust, Hartwell House in Aylesbury is a grand country house on one of ‘England’s great showcase estates’. Dating back to the 16th century, the house is exquisitely kept, and the grounds are beautifully landscaped. The restaurant is excellent and, despite the grandeur and luxury, the atmosphere is relaxed.

The Rye Windmill B&B has been converted from a Grade II listed windmill. Importantly, only two of the ten rooms are in the windmill itself, and these are the ones to book. You’re right next to the river and within a short walking distance of Rye. The decor is simple and the breakfasts generous.
If you’re looking for something memorable, then Amberley Castle, near Arundel in the beautiful South Downs is the 12th-century-castle-turned-19-room-hotel for you. Atmospheric doesn’t begin to describe it, what with the moat, portcullis and acres of landscaped gardens.

Most Romantic Hotel Escapes

The Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa in Midhurst, within the South Downs, is a handsome old inn with four-poster beds and a gourmet restaurant. There are 39 rooms plus an indoor pool and contemporary spa. Perfect for history lovers.
The Mermaid Inn is an historic inn in the centre of Rye, dating back to the 13th century. There are 31 rooms, oozing with charm and original features: think carved four-poster beds, sloping, beamed ceilings and a vast fireplace in the bar. The restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes.

The Dundas Arms is a Grade II listed Georgian inn on the banks of the Kennet River in picturesque Kintbury, close to Newbury. The views from the eight classically country house bedrooms are peaceful and rural, but with luxurious bathrooms and wonderful feature wallpapers. Some of the rooms have private terraces. There’s a welcoming pub plus a more formal dining room.
The Five Arrows in Aylesbury is a former coaching inn on the Rothschild’s Waddesdon Manor estate. There are 16 pastel coloured rooms with exposed beams and four-poster beds, plus an excellent restaurant. This is a great spot for walkers as you’re close to The Chilterns.
Jeake’s House is a quirky, old fashioned and slightly theatrical B&B in the centre of characterful Rye. The 11 bedrooms and public spaces have some great antiques, including beautiful four-poster beds, and they do a truly epic breakfast.

For a mini-break

Stoke Park is a luxurious Palladian mansion turned 49 room country house hotel. It’s beautiful. And, as you might expect has an award-winning restaurant, a spa and a country club with a golf course, a pool and indoor and outdoor tennis courts.
The Grand Hotel, Brighton is a glorious Victorian hotel right on the Brighton’s front. There are 200-odd elegant rooms and suites over seven floors - some with amazing views. Everything is luxurious, from the spa to the piano bar to the afternoon tea.
Hillside in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is a thatched Georgian villa, but a total revelation when you get inside. Chock-a-block with designer Danish furniture and abstract art, it oozes cool Scandinavian sophistication with a very warm welcome.

For a country house hotel

Danesfield House Hotel and Spa is a grand country house in the Italian Renaissance style set in 65 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens leading right onto the River Thames. There are 79 individually designed rooms, in a choice of traditional or contemporary style, and an excellent restaurant and spa.
Coworth Park is a wonderfully English countryside retreat with a luxurious eco-spa, a choice of restaurants and bars and excellent equestrian facilities. This is a beautifully decorated hotel and a dream for anyone of a horsey persuasion.

Buxted Park Hotel is a Palladian mansion turned 44 room country house hotel close to Uckfield, Wakehurst Place and Hever Castle. The modern, British restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes, and offers cookery classes, and the hotel is set amidst three hundred acres of stunning grounds, which includes three lakes, a deer park and a walled garden.
Built in the 16th century, Langshott Manor is a quintessentially English manor house with beamed ceilings, four-poster beds, plush fabrics and roaring fires come winter. The restaurant is award-winning.

For Foodies

Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons is beautiful country manor house turned Raymond Blanc hotel and restaurant. There are 32 charming rooms and 13 suites, extensive gardens and an acclaimed, two Michelin starred restaurant - obviously. Le Manoir also runs cooking classes.
Bray’s The Waterside Inn is the ultimate foodie venue. Michel and Alain Roux run the place and have three Michelin stars for their troubles. There are 22 sumptuous suites and rooms - some of the larger ones arranged in cottages nearby, and a wonderfully French breakfast served to your room on wicker trays.

Pennyhill Park Hotel and The Spa is a beautiful, creeper-clad country house hotel with an award-winning spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant. In fact all the facilities are lavish, as is the decor in many of the 120-odd rooms. There’s also 123 acres of Surrey parkland surrounding the hotel.
The Hambrough in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is a must for foodies - it is the island's only Michelin starred establishment, but it also boasts stylish accommodation, pampering bathrooms and wonderful views over Ventnor's esplanade.

For a spa hotel

The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne is a contender if your idea of a romantic getaway includes time spent in a luxurious spa. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, an award-winning restaurant, a putting green and a children’s playroom. Pets are welcome too. The Victorian stucco exterior and five stars help make for a memorable stay.
The Vineyard at Stockcross is a five star country retreat with a 30,000 strong wine cellar, an excellent restaurant, an award-winning spa and 49 individually themed, spacious and elegant rooms and suites. If you, or your loved one needs a bit of pampering this is the place to come.

Ashdown Park Hotel is a country house hotel with excellent facilities for the whole family. The hotel has direct access to Ashdown Forest, with acres of parkland, plus a golf course, tennis courts, an award-winning restaurant with first class views and a beautiful spa.
Robustly elegant and quintessentially English, The Randolph is an extremely comfortable grand dame of a hotel in the heart of Oxford. There are around 150 rooms and suites, a luxurious spa and an excellent, if traditional, restaurant. Their breakfasts are grand, as are their afternoon teas.

Just outside London, the Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa is a boutique country house hotel set on 120 acres of its own parklands. The 57 rooms have been recently refurbished in an opulent style, plus there’s a champagne bar as well as a choice of fine dining options. Of course there’s also a pool and spa, but this is the sort of hotel where your day stops for afternoon tea, so be prepared for the full mini-break experience.
Tranquil and historic, Ockenden Manor is a 28 room country house hotel surrounded by lovely gardens and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s a Michelin starred restaurant, a spa and beautiful terraces with scenic walking trails leaving directly from them.
Chewton Glen is a gorgeous country house hotel with a wonderful spa and a collection of tree-house bedrooms with panoramic views and private hot tubs - if you’re looking for something unusual. The hotel is surrounded by 130 acres of parklands. Expect five star service and gourmet dining.

For a hotel with a hot tub

If you’re looking for a room with a private hot tub try the Godman or Farriers Suites of the South Lodge Hotel. Both have a private terrace with a hot tub with room for four. The hotel is located near Horsham and has beautiful views over the South Downs. Guests with romance in mind will also benefit from the Michelin starred restaurant and sumptuous rooms.
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa has an award winning spa, which is where you’ll find their hot tubs, plus 30acres of private parkland and direct access to the beach. Its 39 rooms are large with high ceilings and four poster beds and the mock medieval exterior lends atmosphere.
Wallett’s Court Country House is an old Jacobean manor house with spectacular, sweeping views towards and over white cliffs - near Dover. Not only does this property trace its roots back to the days of William the Conqueror, it also boasts the award-winning Garden of England Spa, which has a hot tub as part of the pool complex. There are 17 rooms, starting from around £140 per night.

If you’re looking for a private hot tub with a view, the Crab and Boar is a wonderful option. It has an enviable position: high in the Newbury Downs, and several of its 14 rooms have private terraces with their own hot tubs. The decor was updated in 2015, into to a rustic-inn/ boutique hotel hybrid, which is a real pleasure to stay in - but this is actually an historic spot and Oliver Cromwell is a previous guest.
The Four Seasons Hampshire is a beautiful country house turned hotel with traditionally decorated rooms, a spoiling spa, sauna and hot tubs, tennis courts and all sorts of country pursuits on offer.
Rhinefield House Hotel is a magnificent Gothic/ Tudor country house hotel in the depths of the New Forest. The decor is traditional and the wonderful formal gardens, water gardens and manicured lawns create a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere. There are fifty rooms, some of them quite grand, plus a choice of restaurants and a hot tub which accommodates four people.

For great value

Amersham’s The Crown Inn, is a modern coaching inn at the very end of the Metropolitan line, just 40 minutes from the centre of London. There are 23 compact, chic and comfortable rooms upstairs - you might recognise room number 12 from ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ - and downstairs is the bar with its inglenook fireplaces and old wooden floors. Rooms start from around £95 per night.
If you’re looking for a lively mini-break, Brighton is always a good choice, and the Artist Residence Brighton, is an arty, centrally located place to stay with great views and a cool cocktail bar. The 23 rooms and suites have been individually decorated and you’re close to the beach and everything else in Brighton.
The Miller of Mansfield is a traditional, ivy-covered inn in the pretty village of Goring on Thames. There are 15 individually designed rooms and suites, an acclaimed restaurant and bar and beautiful river views.

The Master Builder’s is a wonderful old property right by the Beaulieu River in the New Forest. This was where some of the finest ships in the Royal Navy were built, including a couple of Nelson’s, but these days it’s a very nice nautical inspired boutique hotel, with a very friendly pub, a stylish restaurant and good food all round. The most romantic rooms are in the original part of the property.
The Little Gloster is a stylish B&B close to Cowes that is becoming increasingly popular with the the boating set. It serves up delicious yet unpretentious food in the eponymous restaurant and offers three cool bedrooms - book the balcony suite for a private terrace overlooking the Solent.
The Victorian B&B isn’t just a reasonably priced B&B in beautiful Royal Tunbridge Wells, it’s also an experience. Run by Harold Brown, a former royal butler with a penchant for everything Victorian and a devotion to service below stairs, this is a totally unique place to stay. Harold’s wonderful stories come as part of the package.
For around the same room rate you can stay at Bel and the Dragon, a charming hotel in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to Haslemere. This area inspired Jane Austen - and this is certainly a beautiful place for a stroll, or something more serious.

If you haven’t found your idea of the most romantic hotels in the South East on our Guru’s list of 66 of the Most Romantic Hotels in the South East of the UK, you could:

Consult our Ultimate Guide to the Most Romantic Hotels in the UK? or even consider our collection of The 60 Most Romantic Hotels in the South West of the UK? or 25 of the Most Romantic West Country Hotels?
Or you could browse through our list of all the 25 Best Pubs with Rooms in the South East? or our Guru’s collection of the 20 Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in the South East?
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

66 of the Most Romantic Hotels in the South East of the UK

Crazy Bear Hotel

Oxfordshire

Eclectic, eccentric – a one off converted coaching inn. Think padded leather walls, silver beds, copper free standing baths. A London red bus sits decoratively in the garden. The two restaurants serve traditional British or Thai food. Best for wacky weekends away.

Romantic Break - In room freestanding baths and intimate dining areas make for a romatic weekend away.
Fishing - Fly fishing is organised by the hotel both for events or just a day out.
Great walks - Explore the 80 acres of parklands with rare bread farm and woods.
Romantic

from CA$354 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

66 of the Most Romantic Hotels in the South East of the UK

Some of Our Guru’s South East Collections:

For a special occasion

Most Romantic Hotel Escapes

For a mini-break

For a country house hotel

For Foodies

For a spa hotel

For a hotel with a hot tub

For great value

If you haven’t found your idea of the most romantic hotels in the South East on our Guru’s list of 66 of the Most Romantic Hotels in the South East of the UK, you could:

66 of the Most Romantic Hotels in the South East of the UK

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