In case you need reminding: a weekend away is always a good idea. We all need a quick getaway to relax and recharge after working so hard, and nowhere does downtime better than a luxury hotel; somewhere cool, calm and collected; somewhere forget-me-not, whether it’s a swish city break or a countryside escape.
And the best bit: you’re never going to exhaust your options in the UK.
From over-the-top eccentricity and dreamy designs to coastal retreats with Californian vibes, we’ve found the coolest hotels to suit every kind of wanderlust, and they’ll take just a handful of hours to reach. And in that spirit, it's time to grab your weekend bag and start packing like a pro, because an epic getaway is a lot closer than you thought:
The Gilpin, Lake District
Relaxed and unhurried with all the luxury you could want and none of the pretentiousness, the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House has done something rare: combined the relaxation of a country house getaway with the exciting perks of a contemporary stay. Spa rooms on a lakeside jetty, cocktails in the Georgian drawing room, bubbles at the cocktail bar, saunas, swimming pools and evenings spent under the stars from the secluded comfort of your very own hot tub. There’s a reason why their tagline is love & laughter.
Palé Hall, Wales
From Queen Victoria to Winston Churchill, this Welsh retreat is steeped in history, and it was restored to its former Victorian glory by the Harpers. Tucked into a corner of the Snowdonia National Park, Palé Hall is surrounded by almost 18 acres of stunning gardens with an interior design to match, full of antique furnishings, period features and quirky details to give it the wealthy feel of an old-fashioned stately home. Palé Hall is not just a statement of luxury in the Welsh country, it’s the perfect place to kickback and relax after a day exploring the wilderness on your doorstep.
Artist Residence, Brighton
From the moment you step into the lobby, your eyes start flickering left, right, up and down as they try to take it all in; all of the creative details and quirky little idiosyncrasies. In that sense, the Artist Residence is the spirit of Brighton packaged into one building. Kooky, cool, bohemian and the best kind of eccentric. It’s a perfectly curated blend of pop-art culture, local character, exposed brick walls and plush velvet furniture, but with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the seafront and Brighton’s iconic West Pier.
Beaverbrook, Surrey
If you’re planning on a two-night escape to Beaverbrook, you might want to pack for three because this luxury spa retreat is not easy to leave. Nestled in the Surrey Hills, this Grade II-listed country estate is in a league of its own when it comes to stylish, relaxing, civilised staycations. This is upscale country living at it’s very best. From the 470-acres of rolling hillsides around you to the Japanese-inspired fine dining on offer to the luxuriously ornate Parrot Bar at the centre of it all, there’s something for everyone no matter what time of day it is.
Tigerlily, Edinburgh
When you stay at Tigerlily, you’re not just stepping off the streets and into a hotel, you’re discovering the most talked-about bolthole in Edinburgh -- and you can see why. With its fancy cocktails, geometric prints and lavish decor of sheer indulgence, Tigerlily has embraced a Gatsbian vibe everywhere you wander. From the eye-popping pop art to the fern-filled walls, this is not a home-away-from-home; this is a whole different world entirely. Just maybe pack your adventure bag for this one because, beyond the city centre fun, there’s Linlithgow Palace, the East Lothian beaches and breweries a plenty.
The Swan, Southwold
Everything about the Swan is charming; a homely bolthole perfect for seaside picnics and long harbour walks. But it’s also a lively cocktail of Georgian architecture, modernised maritime-style and award-winning booze that knows just how to please the palate. But what do you expect from a quirky hotel that’s anchored to the Adnams brewery. Aside from the fine food and deliciously local tipples, though, it’s the decor that we can’t get enough of; the traditional nautical theme that’s made to pop with bold furnishings, bright colours and statement lighting.
The Nare, Cornwall
Standing proud on the most unrivalled stretch of the Roseland Peninsula, the Nare goes so far beyond old-school cool that you feel like you’re stepping into a Wes Anderson film; a romantically retro throwback to an era of charm and chintz, glitz and glamour, and the kind of attention to detail that never goes out of fashion. The Nare is quintessentially Cornish, in the coolest way possible, from the trims and tassels to the endless display of rich mahogany. But what makes it a seaside gem is the ocean views from its cliff edge seat.
The Curtain, London
When it comes to voguish boltholes, London’s diversity is unmatched, but nowhere does standout-suave like The Curtain in Shoreditch. Found in an old converted warehouse that compliments the rough with the smooth, this fancy getaway brings a glimpse of New York glamour to the UKs capital. And yet it’s not just the mishmash of exposed brick and velvet drapes that makes this place cool. It’s the basement restaurant that serves recipes inspired by the deep south, the gin cocktails thought up by master mixologists and served in the plant-obsessed Green Room and the chance to take a late-night dip in the rooftop pool.
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