5 Luxury Hotels in the UK That Are Truly Worth the Splurge
From my early teens, I wanted to earn money. I had makeup and clothes to buy—not to mention the secret bottles of 20/20 and Babycham that my friends and I would dust off while dancing around to Madonna in our bedrooms. Bring back the nineties—they were great.
So I worked. Every weekend.
From the age of 14, I was a pot wash in a busy restaurant, and over the years I moved through pubs, restaurants and hotels, funding my way through university along the way. I should have known back then that my love affair with hospitality would be a lifelong one.
Throughout my life, I’ve returned to the industry in various guises. Now, I find myself on the other side of it—almost a spectator looking in. And it’s a great place to be. I get to write about these places without having to do the AFDs or deal with those customers who probably shouldn’t have gone out for dinner that day.
And the chefs… I don’t have to deal with chefs anymore—a particularly challenging part of being front of house, in the nicest possible way…don’t come for me…
So now I’m a writer—a great job that regularly gives me the chance to visit some exceptional hotels and meet the incredibly talented teams behind them.
There are plenty of nice hotels that offer a pleasant stay and good food. But then there are the exceptional ones—the places that create unforgettable experiences. The ones that stay with you long after you’ve checked out.
So I thought I’d share five of the most memorable luxury hotels I’ve experienced in the UK—places that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
None of them are cheap. But they are absolutely worth the splurge if you can stretch to it—and they’ll stay with you far longer than you stay with them. The hotels below are not in any particular order.
1. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Lake District
I’ve stayed at Gilpin more than once—and that’s probably the highest compliment I can give any hotel.
Most recently, I visited again, but it had already earned its place on this list long before that. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to experience both the Lake House and the Spa Lodges, and I’ve eaten in both of the hotel’s restaurants.
In my opinion, this is one of the finest hotels in the UK.
What makes Gilpin stand out isn’t just one thing—it’s the way everything comes together so effortlessly. The setting, tucked away in the Lake District, is peaceful without feeling remote, and the design strikes that perfect balance between luxury and comfort.
The Spa Lodges are particularly special. Having your own private hot tub—and in some cases a sauna or steam room—creates a level of privacy and indulgence that’s hard to match. It’s the kind of stay where you can completely switch off without ever needing to leave your room.
Dining is a huge part of the experience here. Gilpin is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, which delivers refined, beautifully executed dishes without ever feeling overly complicated. There’s also Gilpin Spice, which offers a completely different experience—bold, vibrant pan-Asian flavours that bring a more relaxed but equally memorable dining option.
But what really elevates Gilpin is the consistency. Every visit feels seamless. The service is warm, the details are always right, and the whole experience feels quietly confident.
It’s one of those places that reminds you exactly why great hospitality matters—and one I’d return to without hesitation.
2. Coworth Park, Berkshire
Coworth Park is, quite simply, on another level.
From the moment your car rolls into the grounds, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. There’s a sense of calm, of space, of quiet confidence that immediately sets it apart. The welcome is seamless and discreet, with a private check-in that feels more like arriving at a private residence than a hotel.
It’s no surprise the royals are fans.
Set within acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside, Coworth Park manages to feel both grand and deeply personal at the same time. The estate is stunning, but never showy. Everything is understated, refined and impeccably done.
The rooms reflect that same balance—luxurious without being overwhelming, elegant without feeling untouchable.
Service here is where the hotel really shines. It’s intuitive, polished and completely effortless—the kind that anticipates what you need before you’ve even realised it yourself.
Dining is exceptional. The Michelin-starred Woven by Adam Smith is a standout, offering beautifully crafted dishes that elevate the entire stay. For something more relaxed, The Barn provides a more informal setting without compromising on quality.
But what makes Coworth Park unforgettable is the feeling it leaves you with. It’s not just luxury—it’s effortless luxury. The kind that doesn’t need to prove anything.
3. The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds
This was a very recent visit, but I already know it’s one that will stay with me for years to come.
The Fish is an exceptionally beautiful hotel in an exceptionally beautiful location—set high above Broadway in the Cotswolds, surrounded by woodland, rolling hills and complete calm.
We stayed in one of the Hideaway Huts, and it was exactly what you want from an escape like this. A complete suite tucked away in the forest, with birdsong as your soundtrack and no distractions.
And then there’s the hot tub.
Sitting outside, surrounded by trees, it’s the kind of experience that makes you properly switch off. It feels private, peaceful and just a little bit indulgent in the best possible way.
What I love about The Fish is that it doesn’t try too hard. It’s luxury, but relaxed. Stylish, but never formal.
When it comes to dining, Hook is the hotel’s main restaurant, offering fresh, ingredient-led dishes in a setting that feels as easygoing as the rest of the hotel. It fits perfectly with the overall experience—high quality without any unnecessary fuss.
It’s one of those places where you arrive thinking you’ll explore the area… and then realise you don’t actually want to leave.
4. Yorebridge House, Yorkshire Dales
This is one I haven’t been back to in far too long—and writing this has reminded me just how overdue a return visit is.
Yorebridge House sits quietly in the heart of Wensleydale and feels like a true hidden gem. It’s a five-star boutique hotel, but it’s intimate rather than grand, with a charm that’s hard to replicate.
I stayed in the Nishiki suite, and it was exquisite. Like all the rooms here, it’s individually designed, which gives the hotel a unique character you don’t often find elsewhere.
But what really stays with me is the experience.
Sinking into a private hot tub with a glass of champagne, looking up at a clear night sky—it’s one of those moments that just sticks with you.
And then there’s the food.
The restaurant here is exceptional. Holding three AA Rosettes, it delivers off-the-scale dining that feels refined, thoughtful and beautifully executed. It was also the first place I ever tried Marmite butter—one of those small but memorable details that somehow becomes part of the whole experience.
The hotel itself is small, which only adds to its appeal. Service feels personal, the setting is peaceful, and everything feels carefully considered.
An incredibly good hotel—and one that’s absolutely worth a visit.
5. The Balmoral, Edinburgh
Some hotels don’t really need an introduction—and The Balmoral is one of them.
Sitting proudly at the end of Princes Street in Edinburgh, it’s one of the most iconic hotels in the UK. Recently featured on The World’s Greatest Hotels, it absolutely deserves its place.
From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense of occasion. It’s glamorous, grand, and unmistakably luxurious.
The interiors are everything you’d expect—elegant, refined and full of character, without ever feeling dated.
Dining here is a highlight. We ate at Brasserie Prince, the hotel’s French restaurant, and it was exceptional. I had what was easily the best haggis I’ve ever tasted—rich, perfectly balanced, and given a subtle French twist that elevated it completely.
And then there’s the piano bar.
It’s one of those spaces that just draws you in. Soft lighting, live music, and that feeling that you should stay for one more drink. It’s elegant without being stiff and captures the atmosphere of the hotel perfectly.
The Balmoral leans fully into its grandeur—and it does it brilliantly.
If you’re looking for a truly upscale hotel experience in the UK, this is it.
A must.
A Final Thought
Luxury hotels are everywhere—but truly memorable ones are rare.
These are the places that go beyond beautiful rooms and good food. They create experiences, moments and memories that stay with you long after you’ve left.
And for me, that’s what makes them worth it – if you end up booking any of the above – tell them I sent you.
I MAY ADD TO THIS LIST AS TIME GOES ON 🙂
Joanne Brook-Smith is a writer and editor with two decades of publishing experience. She launched Crave Magazine during the Covid period to create a fresh, inspiring space for food, travel and lifestyle content.