Visiting the UK should be on your travel bucket list. Northwestern Europe’s popular island nation is composed of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England. It’s highly diversified in terms of cultures, traditions, jaw-dropping seaside views, iconic attractions, global music events, and world-class restaurants. Aside from Buckingham Palace, there are several touristy sites worthy of Instagram selfies. Whether it’s a sporting or music event, the major festivals held in England lure spectators to come in droves. The national parks in Wales shouldn’t be missed, as well. The UK also has plenty of castles. If you want to experience living like royalty, read on for a list of the top historic hotels in United Kingdom.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Pale Hall, Bala (from USD 402)
This huge Victorian manor house on a 16-ac (6.5 ha) Relais Chateaux property is surrounded by vast parkland and gardens. It is also near the River Dee. The main building offers 18 unique, stylish guest rooms and 4 gorgeous garden suites. Some rooms feature a garden view or a lounge. The Micheline star restaurant on site offers Welsh and British dishes. Outdoor activities such as horseback riding, shooting, and fishing are offered.
This hotel used to be the residence of railway engineer Henry Robertson in 1871. Then, it became a military hospital and evacuation center during both World Wars. The Duke of Westminster bought the estate during the 1950s.
2. Maids Head Hotel, Norwich (from USD 188)
On ancient Wensum Street and across Norwich Cathedral stands Maids Head Hotel. This hotel, which has been around since the mid-1090s, has some parts that are older than the others. The courtyard dining area of the award-winning Wine Press Restaurant was built a century ahead of the bar.
Renovations were made to keep up with the 21st-century guest’s requirements, yet the historic charm and allure of the hotel were retained. 84 splendid guest rooms, from comfy solo rooms to lavish suites, are best for romantic weekends or a one-night corporate stay. Freeview TV, ensuite bathrooms, and Ipad access to various guest services are provided.
3. The Langham London (from USD 803)
Like a regal castle, the prestigious Langham Hotel offers top-tier accommodations to its guests. Since its opening in 1865, this hotel has been hosting celebrities, diplomats, and royals, such as the Prince of Wales. It was one of the first hotels to have hot and cold running water systems and hydraulic lifts.
For over 150 years, Langham Hotel continues to serve its guests with innovative services and impeccable hospitality. They offer a spa and health club, award-winning bars and restaurants, and glamorous heritage rooms with a sophisticated style that makes every guest feel like a superstar.
The Langham London
Address: 1c Portland Place, Regent Street
4. Bodysgallen Hall and Spa (from USD 391)
Varied pricing, breakfast not always included, spa access may require pre-booking
Beautiful gardens, spa with pool, hot tub, steam and sauna, historic house with period sitting rooms
Well-situated for exploring North Wales, magnificent views of Snowdonia, lovely local walks
Excellent choice for breakfast, delicious dinner options, accommodating staff
Bodysgallen Hall is a meticulously refurbished Grade I-listed, 17th-century home. In 2008, it was passed on to the National Trust. During the 13th century, it served as a watchtower of Conwy Castle until it became the home of High Sheriff Richard Mostyn. It became the property of the Wynn Family by his marriage to Katherine Wynn.
Today, this magnificent hamlet-style hotel, which is surrounded by the grandeur of Wales’ best Arts and Crafts gardens, offers luxurious accommodations and therapeutic spa services. The on-site restaurant provides sumptuous food. The library, bar, and hall are the best places to enjoy afternoon tea.
5. Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Londonderry (from USD 208)
Reasonable pricing for a 5-star experience
Valet service, spacious and comfortable rooms, charming historic building
Perfect central location within the city walls, walking distance to attractions and tours
Amazing dining experiences, tempting cocktail list, fantastic breakfast, and excellent dinner options
This gorgeous boutique hotel was built in 1899 within the perimeters of the Cathedral Quarter in Derry City. Its magnificent Edwardian design was restored, earning a Grade B1 listing and a membership in the Blue Book of Ireland. This iconic hotel has witnessed several historic events. Through its revolving doors, many notable patrons have entered, such as Winston Churchill, who experience the impeccable hospitality and luxurious accommodations this hotel offers.
This metropolitan retreat offers 31 well-appointed rooms, apartments, and suites to their guests, as well as a gym, a library, a ballroom, and a historic champagne bar and restaurant.
6. Prince Rupert Hotel, Shrewsbury (from USD 119)
Reasonable pricing for central location, with complimentary sherry and breakfast included.
Historic building with character, clean rooms, but some areas are dated. Helpful and friendly staff, but the lift may be out of service at times.
Excellent central location, close to shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Car park is a 5-minute walk away, with additional charge.
Delicious and plentiful breakfast, with some minor issues in service. The hotel's restaurant may be closed on certain days.
Experience the opulent comforts and luxuries in this former residence of Prince Rupert. The lavish rooms have features that will take you centuries back. However, you will still have access to modern conveniences, such as Wi-Fi and cable TV, under a pitched ceiling with exposed beams and antique chandeliers.
Eat amid elegant surroundings in the two on-site restaurants that serve traditional British fare using fresh seasonal ingredients. The Royalist Restaurant features an armory and original tapestries, while the Chambers Brasserie has oak panels for its interiors and an open fireplace.
7. The Merchant Hotel, Belfast (from USD 427)
Formerly the Ulster Bank headquarters, this property’s distinctive sandstone structure has earned several architectural awards. Erected in 1857, this Grade I-listed hotel promises a wonderful stay.
This luxurious hotel in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter offers stylish air-conditioned rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and a lavish marble bathroom. Pamper yourself in a spa that comes with five treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy area. Workout at the rooftop gym, which comes with a steam room and a sauna. Feeling hungry? Indulge in various bars serving gourmet food, live entertainment, and a champagne lounge.
8. The Dustane Houses, Edinburgh (from USD 296)
Relatively high-end with cozy atmosphere, but some rooms may be small for the price.
Beautifully decorated boutique hotel with friendly staff, but limited facilities and no reception desk.
Conveniently located away from city center in a residential neighborhood, with a 30-minute walk to sites and near Haymarket Train Station.
Excellent breakfast and good quality food, but limited menu variety and some dining experiences may be expensive.
The Dunstane and Hampton Houses are two Victorian houses offering stylish bedrooms on both sides of the West End Road in Edinburgh. It’s a short drive to the airport and near a bus stop, Edinburgh central, and Haymarket Railway Station. Standing since the 1850s, these properties have changed ownership yet retained some original features of their baronial-style structures.
The exclusive accommodations offer plush beds covered in Egyptian cotton linen, free snack trays, Wi-Fi, flat-screen Smart TVs, and en-suite bathrooms with copper roll-top baths. The on-site bar and lounge serve all-day dining, afternoon tea, and tastings from their craft gins, ales, and whiskies collection.
9. The Rowton Hall Hotel, Chester (from USD 122)
Reasonable pricing with additional charges for certain amenities and breakfast options.
Beautiful spa, pool, gym, and spacious grounds for relaxation. Some areas and rooms may need updating.
Lovely, peaceful location with easy access to Chester and its attractions, including the zoo.
Delicious breakfast with a good selection, although some items may require an additional fee. Bar meals were enjoyable, but the restaurant menu could be more varied.
This gorgeous 1779 Georgian manor sits on a sprawling 8-ac (3.2 ha) garden property in the Cheshire countryside. It is near the historic center, the zoo, and the racecourse. Ownership of the manor has changed over the centuries, and with it came additions that transformed it into a luxurious boutique hotel.
Its connections to Rowton’s history are seen everywhere on the property. The names of Civil War heroes are displayed in the bar, the well-appointed suites, and other facilities, such as the award-winning Langdale Restaurant. Guests can enjoy stylish bedrooms with modern conveniences, spa access, and a huge playground for playing croquet and tennis.
10. Balcary House Hotel, Hawick (from USD 176)
The hotel offers lavish country-style accommodations in the form of spacious family and guest rooms. Provisions for a cozy stay are provided, including room service and a continental breakfast provided daily. The hotel also has an on-site bar, a restaurant, a barbecue area, and a communal garden and lounge. Outdoor activities include fishing, cycling, and hiking are within the Hawick area.
The hotel was built in 1888 as the home of local mill owners before turning into a shelter for survivors. It was a Christian conference center before its purchase in 2015 and transformation to a top-class hotel.
Hotels with intriguing history and impeccable hospitality
For several centuries, these hotels continue their tradition of offering guests their immaculate accommodations and superb hospitality. Since most of these hotels were former residences of high-profile people, you get to experience what their luxurious lifestyle would have been like 100 years ago by merely staying in their rooms. Create your own history by booking a room in the top historic hotels in UK.
History
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