Where to Stay in England: The Best Design Hotels, Homestays, Treehouses and More
My list of stylish England hotels (and other gems) from past trips and future travel wish list
Image: Old Boy’s Bedroom shot on a stay at Glebe House Devon
With an English husband, I am fortunate to spend a good amount of time in England and always take the opportunity to travel around a bit. As a result, I’ve always got my ear to the grindstone to identify new places for future visits. And not just any places, but hotels, homes and other accommodations with a focus on design, hospitality, and uniqueness, as in they must feel specific to England, and not like they could be anywhere in the world.
In fact, my list of where to stay is so in depth — and proven out by my frequent holiday photos — that my cousin who recently moved to London to work at the Mandarin Oriental (meaning, he obviously has very discerning taste) asked me for my recommendations for hotels outside of London. When I obliged in a flurry of text messages, he was thrilled and suggested that I share on Sense of Spencer. So here it goes.
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Why to Visit England, Beyond London
I realize most people traveling from abroad come to England primarily to visit London, and while the capital certainly has enough to occupy you, I strongly suggest planning a few days in another part of the country. You might think I’m working for the Visit Britain travel board, but I swear I am not (though I will suggest you play the accents game; for such a small country they really do have a plethora of accents). However, I am admittedly biased, as I have traveled all around England and believe it holds up to other popular destinations in Europe. England is such an exciting place for design and even food these days in addition to the sweeping landscapes of countrysides and sea as well as the trademark charm that has long distinguished it.
On the plus side, since it’s a relatively small country, it doesn’t take too much time to travel from London to other destinations. You could easily do a road trip stopping in a few choice destinations to maximize your ability to see and experience more (for extra inspiration, check out this hilarious movie The Trip, a story about two comic writers traveling around England on a gastronomic journey). For a shift of pace and to really soak up true England, you could pick one place to post up for an extended stay and would not be disappointed.
Getting around England
A car is the most efficient way to get around and allows you to navigate through villages and other off the beaten path spots. You can arrive in the country or the sea in as little as two to three hours from London (add a couple more hours to travel to more remote locations north or south). However, for the faint of heart unenthused about driving ‘on the wrong side’ or navigating one way country lanes, train travel is a fantastic option depending on the final destination. Many of the hotels I recommend are not far from train stops. Some are located in villages where you can easily walk around or are destinations unto themselves where you won’t want to leave. Plus, with the train, you get the added benefit of being able to gaze out at the countryside on your journey.
List of England Hotels & Other Accommodation
Since UK geography can be tricky to navigate without local knowledge, I am organizing the list of England hotels et al by general regions in terms of directionality (southwest, north, midlands, etc), familiarity (Cotswolds), and proximity to London. The one exception is rental houses that are located all over the country and grouped into one section.
Note: this list will continually be updated as new hotels (and other options) come to my attention. So check back in before you solidify your plans.
Image: Unique Homestay (Rhapsody)
Airbnb but Better (All Around England)
England has much better vacation home rentals options than anywhere else I’ve ever been. Move over Airbnb and VRBO, the rental sites in England are far more curated and thus a lot easier to navigate and find a place that feels special and worthy of your holiday. You can’t go wrong staying in any of these picturesque abodes whether you want to recreate the cozy country cottage from the Holiday, try out the English seaside, or plan an event on a spectacular estate.
Unique Home Stays
All over England
A curated collection of the UK’s most exclusive luxury cottages for homestays and weddings, all hand-picked and visited by their team. Accommodations include upscale homes, from architect-designed masterpieces to pared-back beach houses, luxury holiday cottages and flamboyant country houses in secret gardens.
https://www.uniquehomestays.com
Plum Guide
All over the world, with denisite in England
They tout themselves as ‘the best vacation rentals in the world’ or ‘the home stay equivalent of the Michelin guide’. Each home is vetted by expected and guaranteed by their promise. Accommodations include luxury cottages, ‘Airbnb alternatives’ and more.
Landmark Trust
Across the UK
Stay in historic homes that are each completely and utterly unique with charming and quirky details. Accommodations include over 200 historic buildings that have been lovingly restored, from castles to lighthouses and everything in between.
https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/
Kip Hideaways
UK and Ireland
Small places with soul is their tagline, which tells you everything you need to know. Membership gives you access to a tightly curated selection of homes and the ability to book directly with owners. Accommodations include a collection of cool, contemporary cabins.
Boutique Retreats
Across the UK, including England, Wales and Scotland
A unique portfolio of boutique retreats specializing in short breaks all year round. Accommodations include luxury cottages, from Victorian boat houses and water towers to ancient farmhouses and super-modern eco homes.
https://boutique-retreats.co.uk/
Where to Stay in London
Image: The Connaught
The Connaught
Mayfair, London
For a 5-star experience, The Connaught will exceed your expectations. Imagine stepping off a plane and letting the hotel’s world class service take care of everything upon arrival. I don’t know about you, but when I’m splurging, hospitality is everything, and gorgeous hotel rooms and premises are a close second. While many other 5-star hotels may offer the same things, the reason this hotel makes the list is because it is distinctly English but still offers the contemporary touches expected by the modern traveler.
Image: Middle Eight
Middle Eight
Covent Garden, London
Not the flashiest option but also not a generic chain hotel either, the Middle Eight is a very reasonably priced hotel that’s relatively new and offers thoughtful touches, like tea and biscuits waiting in the room on arrival. The rooms aren’t huge but they are well laid out with enough room to maneuver a bag and a sofa to recline on. The location is unbeatable, on a quiet road, just a stone’s throw from the shopping areas in Covent Garden and a short walk to Soho for restaurants and theater.
Image: Holborn Hoxton
Holborn Hoxton
Holborn, London
Another reasonably priced option in London, this hotel has a cool vibe and buzzes with energy. So it’s a good option if you want to land and feel like you’ve arrived, if you know what I mean. The lobby is always bustling with people working or eating, yet the rooms are still quiet. The location is close to central London destinations, but the hotel is on a busy street with few restaurants or shops in the immediate vicinity. The rooms are TINY, which is the biggest downside.
https://thehoxton.com/london/holborn/
Where to Stay Just Outside of London
Image: view from the Buckingham suite where I stayed
Cliveden House
Taplow, Berkshire
Once owned by the American Astors, where a major political scandal occurred, not to mention where Meaghan Markle spent the night before her wedding to Prince Harry, Cliveden House is a historical property updated to deliver modern luxury. When I visited, I had the fortune to stay in two different rooms, each one with a distinctive design (each room is named after a famous previous visitor and they put your name on a plaque on the door; I stayed in Buckingham and Vanderbilt). The property offers several restaurants, a spa and extraordinary gardens which you just might be lucky enough to get a view from your room (see above for the view from mine). Staying here is a highly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, probably the closest you’ll feel to being royalty. It’s not far from London so you could always escape the city for a night or two to get a taste of country grandeur.
Image: The Mitre Hotel
The Mitre Hotel
East Molesey, Hampton
If you prefer luxury with a more modern feel, this is the spot for you. A historic boutique hotel located on the River Thames, the relaxed interiors blend quirky British sensibility with upscale elegance. Just under an hour drive from London, the hotel is very close to Wimbledon, making it a perfect spot to take in some tennis during your stay.
Image: Heckfield Place
Heckfield Place
Hampshire
A little over an hour’s drive from London, but a world away, you’ll find this country retreat, which consists of a Georgian home restored and turned into a luxury hotel nestled on 400 acres of breathtaking landscape. With a mix of antiques, bespoke pieces, and pieces from the top design brands in England, the interiors manage to walk the line between elegance and informality. Whether wandering around the grounds or getting a spa treatment, it is impossible not to find peace here. Another highlight are the restaurant and bar with dishes and drinks inspired by seasonal estate grown ingredients.
https://www.heckfieldplace.com/
Where to Stay in the Midlands
Images: Charlotte’s Folly by Christopher Horwood for House & Garden UK
Image: Charlotte’s Folly via Emma Ainscough
Charlotte´s Folly
Weston-under-Lizard, South Staffordshire
This self-catering cottage, which is located on the grounds of a 200 acre estate, has been making the rounds on Instagram thanks to its “jewel-box interiors” by on the rise designer Emma Ainscough (per House & Garden UK). The terracotta exterior with gingerbread house architectural detail looks straight out of a storybook while the interiors are colorful and full of character. This place achieves its goal to feel like a cozy home away from home (if your home was this meticulously designed!).
https://www.uniquehomestays.com/self-catering/uk/shropshire/weston-under-lizard/charlottes-folly/
Image: Quist Treehouses
The Quist Treehouse
Brinsop, Herefordshire
You heard that right, you can stay in a treehouse. This is not the average kid’s treehouse, but a luxurious wood-paneled hideaway resting amongst the ancient oaks and firs. One touch I really appreciate is that they tell you in advance what equipment and pantry items are stocked in the kitchen so you can properly prepare (these include butter, sugar, jam, 6 eggs and a selection of pastries in addition to coffee and tea — when was the last time your Airbnb was this well stocked?). Great spot for families.
https://thequist.co.uk/the-quist-treehouse
Where to Stay in the Cotswolds
Image: Minster Mill
Minster Mill
Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire
If you want a touch of the English country without the traditional country interiors, this boutique hotel boasts a sleek ‘skandi’ style. One cool differentiator - the hotel is located on a river, and you can go fishing (they have a fishing lodge and provide equipment).
Image: The Swan Inn
The Swan Inn
Ascott under Wychwood, Oxfordshire
Come to this country inn and gastropub to eat and relax in an inviting atmosphere with local character. Several of the rooms have soaking tubs for extra pampering. Then feast on a menu of innovative, seasonal dishes sourced from the local area.
Image: Double Red Duke via @aconsideredspace
Double Red Duke
Clanfield, Oxfordshire
The best way to describe the design of this inn is that it feels like a relaxed, well-appointed country home with plenty of places to curl up. There’s an excellent gastropub on premises which also includes outdoor dining in a lovely garden in warmer weather. Keep an eye out for the gin pantry. Read a more detailed review from @aconsideredspace, one of my favorite English design account.
https://www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke/
Where to Stay in the South West
Image: Aller Dorset via YOU Magazine
Aller Dorset
Dorchester, Dorset
When I first saw this place, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Aller Dorset consists of raised huts (with stylish interiors, natch) set on a vast landscape. But the best part? An outdoor bathtub to bath under the stars. Alternatively you can swim in a nearby lake with a dock and step ladder. For convenience you can order a special pre-made fire pit supper (how good does that sound?) or hampers for breakfast or special occasions. Plus, since you’re love the interiors so much, you can purchase a selection of the pieces.
Image: a guest room at Glebe House taken on a recent visit
Image: a lovely sitting nook at Hotel Endsleigh photographed this past winter
Glebe House
Southleigh, Devon
This guest house is modeled after agriturismo offering rooms and dining based on local, seasonal ingredients, many of them grown on site. It has become a bit of a design hotel darling thanks to its quirky English country interiors — each room is uniquely designed. Started and operated by a husband and wife (converted from his childhood home), there are so many thoughtful touches like a truly delicious cookie upon check in and an illustrated book with nearby walks. It will always be a special place as it’s where we celebrated our engagement (I might add, that took place in one of those walks!).
https://www.glebehousedevon.co.uk/
Hotel Endsleigh
Milton Abbot, Devon
Built by the Duke of Bedford as a hunting and fishing lodge, the grand home (built by an architect who also worked on Windsor Castle) is set on a river with breathtaking river views and classical English gardens. The rooms are updated but still nod to the house’s historical roots. You feel like you’re staying in a friend’s country estate from enjoying the grounds (with wellies provided) to afternoon tea and even an elegant dinner served in the original dining room.
Image: Hotel Tresanton
Hotel Tresanton
St Mawes, Cornwall
Owned by the proprietor of Hotel Endsleigh, this hotel perched on a seaside cliff has a bit of a French Riviera vibe. There’s a high end restaurant and a beach club that’s a bit of a scene in summer. It boasts luxurious rooms with an upscale beachy design, each with a seaside view. Plus, it’s not far from some truly exceptional beaches.
Image: Coombeshead Farm
Coombeshead Farm
Lewannick, Cornwall
Coombeshead Farm is another agroturismo destination offering both accommodation and fine dining. It was started by April Bloomfield (the chef behind the highly regarded Spotted Pig in New York) and another London chef inspired to serve inventive dishes made from food grown on the farm. The emphasis is on the food, not the design, but the setting on a vast farm landscape speaks for itself.
Image: Gurnard’s Head
Gurnard’s Head
Saint Ives, Cornwall
The Gurnard’s Head is aptly described as a dining pub with rooms, located on the furthest tip of the Cornwall peninsula with a sweeping landscape that hasn’t changed in centuries. The pub serves good food with locally sourced ingredients. The rooms are relaxed and cozy. It all comes down to simplicity done well.
http://www.gurnardshead.co.uk/
Coming soon: Cottage Orne Collection
Dartmoor, Devon and Cornwall
This new project will consist of several guest houses for rent, located in Dartmoor which is a breathtaking moorland that’s protected as a national park (oh and did I mention, where wild horses roam free??). The interior design company behind Glebe House is in charge of the design, so I have every reason to believe it will be super special.
https://www.instagram.com/cottageorne/
Where to Stay in the South East
Image: The Rose
The Rose Deal
Deal, East Kent
This former pub was converted into a seaside destination consisting of an eight-bedroom inn and restaurant serving delicious food. The bold and vibrant interiors, which consist of lots of vintage finds, are vaguely reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, with a dash of granny chic. Whether you’re a tourist or a Londoner, it’s easy to access with a train ride from London directly to Deal.
Image: The Reading Room
The Reading Rooms
Margate, Kent
You might think this boutique bed & breakfast is in France, not England. There is not a whiff of English country decor; rather the property and rooms are decorated in an understated elegance with crisp white linens and antique French furniture. A perk I particularly love: the breakfast that’s included is served at your private dining table in your room at any time of your choice.
Image: The Gallivant
The Gallivant
Rye, East Sussex
Voted as one of the 50 Best Boutique Hotels in the UK, this gem of a hotel could fool you into thinking you’re in California. There’s the Cali cool decor and the emphasis on wellness and of course, the location on the dunes. (There’s even daily yoga and wellness classes.) If you need a proper reset, this is your place.
Image: The Star
The Star
Alfriston, East Sussex
Another hotel from the Polizzi Collection, The Star is a slightly more modest affair than its sister hotels (Hotel Tresanton and Hotel Endsleigh), but it’s no less impressive. The hotel is located in a medieval village near to a river and the sea. The structure which was originally built in 1345 has been lovingly restored and decorated with a signature mix of contemporary and vintage decor.
Image: Dot Cottage (Airbnb)
Dot Cottage
Rye, East Essex
This is not your average Airbnb. Charming is the best word to describe it. Dot Cottage is a full on English country escape, outfitted with plenty of chintz, vintage artwork, porcelain figurines, and other cozy touches. It’s the perfect place to hunker down in colder months with a hot cup of tea by the wood burning fire.
Where to Stay in the North
Image: North Farms
North Farm (single home)
Darlington, Durham
This place offers the unique opportunity to stay in the acclaimed interior designer Rita Konig’s elegant country farmhouse. With 7-8 bedrooms (made up with D Porthault sheets as an ultra luxurious touch) and fabulously decorated interiors, rent this home for a special occasion.