Four of the best luxury hotels perfect for a UK staycation
From rolling countryside escapes to elegant historic estates, the UK is home to an impressive collection of luxury hotels that rival any far-flung destination. Whether you’re craving restorative calm, exceptional dining or indulgent spa experiences, these standout properties prove that the perfect getaway doesn’t require a passport. We’ve rounded up four of the best luxury hotels for an unforgettable UK staycation.
Nestled among the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, just a stone’s throw from Chipping Campden, Hyll is one of the region’s most-talked about new openings – and with good reason. Set within a beautifully restored Grade II-listed 17th-century manor house on a 60-acre estate, this boutique hotel invites you to slow down in an atmosphere that feels more like a private country home than a traditional luxury property.
Hyll is home to 26 individually designed rooms, ranging from cosy courtyard retreats to elegant manor house chambers with sweeping countryside views. Each space has been thoughtfully crafted using tactile natural materials, complete with plush Naturalmat beds, Verden toiletries and Grind coffee machines to elevate your morning routine.
The hotel’s restaurant, led by Head Chef Mark Coleman, champions seasonal cooking rooted in locally sourced produce. Standout dishes include the Hereford ribeye and pan-fried halibut, while daytime dining brings its own highlights – most notably the signature Hyll toastie. Filled with Salt Pig chorizo, smoked ham, Single Gloucester Cheddar and béchamel, it’s a rich, indulgent bite that’s well worth seeking out.
Elsewhere, inviting lounges and cosy reading nooks encourage guests to truly settle in and make themselves at home, while curated monthly book menus created in partnership with Borzoi Books further reinforce Hyll’s calm, unhurried ethos. Altogether, Hyll is a quietly luxurious retreat that champions slowing down and savouring the simple pleasures of countryside living.
For an elegant country escape with serious gourmet credentials, The Beacon is a truly standout choice. Set just outside Royal Tunbridge Wells in the idyllic woodland landscape known as Happy Valley, this beautifully restored Arts & Crafts house has been thoughtfully reimagined into a charming hotel with just seven individually styled bedrooms.
Interiors are warm and characterful, with botanical wallpapers, vintage touches and deep bathtubs that make each room feel like a cosy retreat. For something truly special, the Summerhouse offers guests the most breathtaking views across the Kent countryside. Tucked discreetly below the main house, this secluded hideaway is often favoured by honeymooners and newlyweds – unsurprising, given that The Beacon also serves as a sought-after wedding venue.
Designed by SGS Design, the Summerhouse Cabin combines rustic, reclaimed textures with inviting furnishings. Inside, a super king-size bed and a spacious walk-in rainfall shower set the tone, while outside, a freestanding bathtub sits on the private terrace, complete with privacy glass and uninterrupted views over Happy Valley.
When it comes to dining, The Beacon offers two distinct evening experiences, each with its own charm. The Hearth Restaurant is the hotel’s refined dining space where Head Chef Scott Goss delivers thoughtfully curated set menus using the finest locally sourced ingredients. For a more laid-back setting, the Garden Bar provides a chic and welcoming alternative. Open from breakfast through to after-dinner cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a casual bite, a glass of wine or a sunset drink.
So whether you’re enjoying cocktails by the fire before dinner, or stepping out for a woodland walk at sunset, The Beacon is a boutique staycation destination that combines relaxed sophistication with genuine local charm.
Just a short stroll from Bath’s iconic Georgian centre, The Bath Priory is the epitome of refined British luxury. Set within four acres of award-winning gardens, this elegant Relais & Châteaux property offers a serene retreat where grandeur and tranquillity exist in perfect harmony.
Rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with timeless details, from plush Vispring beds and designer toiletries to antique furnishings and, in some cases, charming “Romeo and Juliet” balconies overlooking the gardens – ideal for unwinding after a day exploring the city.
At the heart of the hotel is the celebrated 3 AA Rosette restaurant, where modern European dishes are complemented by an exemplary wine cellar and magnificent views across the award-winning gardens.
For a more relaxed setting, The Pantry & Terrace offers an informal alternative, while alfresco dining in early summer is especially enchanting, with wisteria-clad walls framing the gardens. Afternoon tea proves itself to be a quintessential highlight, featuring delicate finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, alongside a wide selection of teas or the option to elevate the experience with Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
The hotel is home to the UK’s first and only spa by L’Occitane, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room and an extensive menu of treatment – making it a destination worthy of lingering long after check-out.
Set within 63 acres of picturesque Hampshire parkland near Winchester, Lainston House is a quintessential country house hotel that effortlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary luxury. Dating back to the 17th century and reportedly linked to Sir Christopher Wren, the elegant estate offers guests a truly welcoming atmosphere.
Rooms and suites are individually named and styled, offering a choice between opulent period charm or a more contemporary aesthetic. Traditional spaces showcase antique furniture, generous proportions and statement four-poster beds, alongside roll-top or whirlpool baths – many complete with televisions inside the bathroom for added indulgence.
Dining is a major highlight. In the Avenue restaurant, Head Chef Tom Hamblet, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, presents a masterful tasting menu that showcases playful precision and bold, flavour-led cooking.
Beyond the dining room, manicured gardens and countryside pursuits invite guests to explore at a leisurely pace. For those seeking classic country house elegance with a contemporary edge, Lainston House delivers an experience that feels both indulgent and effortlessly refined.
Alexandra Davis
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