If you didn’t know that the “Great” in Great Britain was strictly a geographical term (it refers to the largest island – containing England, Scotland and Wales – of the British Isles), you’d be tempted to give Britain the accolade anyway. From dynamic London to misty Scottish mountains, there’s enough to see and do here to swallow up months of travel.
There's just as much choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay, from chic boutique hotels to crumbling castles and converted mansions. And whatever takes your fancy, our indefatigable authors are always on the lookout for the best. From the Rough Guide to Great Britain, here are 20 of their favourites.
On a farm in a secluded wood, three miles south of East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, you'll find a lovely, luxury treehouse (sleeps 4) and shepherds’ huts (sleep 6) to rent . Both are beautifully finished and eco-friendly complete with wood-burning stoves, en-suite showers, and even wi-fi. The location is peaceful, with chickens and geese, rope swings to play on and woods to run around in – the perfect combination of nature and home comforts.
This glamorous warehouse conversion in London has a laidback edge, with gorgeous, colourful rooms and lots of eco touches; the on-site Bruno Loubet brasserie is a popular spot. The Georgian Townhouse, across the square, is more whimsical, with thirteen boudoirish rooms and a cosy cocktail bar, a perfect example of how creative and character-packed accommodation in England can be.
© The Zetter Hotel
This funky six-room guesthouse offers comfort and shabby chic style. Each room is different, with the aesthetic varying from peeling plaster to original artworks.
Planning a trip to London? Don't miss our experts' pick of the best luxury hotels in the city. Or choose the right place to stay with our guide to the best areas to stay in London.
“England’s most rock’n’roll hotel” in Brighton is a real one-off, featuring extravagantly themed rooms inspired by pop culture and pin-ups. There’s a fifties-style boudoir, a pop art “modrophenia” room featuring bedside tables made from scooters, and even a twin room styled as Lord Vader’s Quarters, complete with light sabre, Darth Vader costume and Star wars DVDs.
© Pelirocco Hotel
Staying in this fabulous lighthouse near Eastbourne, perched high up on the dramatic cliffs just west of Beachy Head, is unforgettable. The cosy rooms boast stupendous views, there’s a snug residents’ lounge and – best of all – there’s unrestricted access to the lamproom at the top of the lighthouse, where you can sit and watch the sun go down.
These thirteen two-storey weatherboard cockle-farmers’ huts (sleeping two to six) in Whitstable, Kent, offer cute, characterful accommodation near the harbour in Whitstable. Most have sea views, and some have basic self-catering facilities.
For a real splurge, indulge in an overnight stay at this 600-year-old castle near Arundel. It comes complete with portcullis, 60ft curtain walls, gardens, lakes, croquet lawn and nineteen luxurious bedrooms, many with four-poster beds.
© Andrew Brownsword Hotels
This classy designer hotel in Oxford is set in what was a Victorian prison, part of the Oxford Castle complex. Rooms – which take up three cells, knocked through – are nothing short of glamorous, featuring contemporary bathrooms and hi-tech gadgets. Head through to C wing for bigger mezzanine suites.
Cornwall doesn’t get much ritzier than this, a slice of Mediterranean-style luxury with bright, sunny colours and a yacht and speedboat available to guests in summer. There’s even a fabulous restaurant, too.
© Tresanton Hotel
The top three floors of the rotunda, right at the heart of Birmingham, have been converted into fully furnished, serviced apartments. All are modern and spotless, and those on the top floor – floor 20 – come with a balcony from where there are panoramic views over the city. The apartments can even be rented for one night – no problem.
Find out more about Staying Cool in Birmingham
This outstanding B&B in Norfolk occupies a converted windmill that offers wonderful views over the surrounding marshes. The guest rooms, both in the windmill and the adjoining outhouses, are decorated in attractive period style and the best have splendid beamed ceilings; self-catering arrangements are possible as well.
© Cley Mill
The Lakes’ most famous inn, in Cumbria, is decidedly old-school – with its cosy rooms, stone-flagged floors, floral decor, vintage furniture and open fires – but walkers can’t resist its unrivalled location. It has England’s most famous mountains on the doorstep. All the action is in the stone-flagged Hikers’ Bar, which has real ales and hearty meals.
This beautiful National Trust site on the shore of a lake is a glampers’ haven. As well as tent pitches (prices vary according to location – some sites are bang on the water’s edge), there are wooden camping pods for couples and families, tipis and bell tents. Bike and kayak hire make it great for families too.
It’s not often you can say “I’ve slept on Hadrian’s Wall”, but here you can – this beautiful B&B in Northumberland, run by a friendly couple, is built right next to Hadrian’s masterpiece and boasts stunning views. Lovely homely touches, like home-made shortbread and cake on arrival, hot-water bottles and luxurious toiletries make this place really special. Also try the delicious breakfasts – the nutty granola is a winner.
A rare opportunity to stay in an authentic Tudor manor that still maintains the air of a family home. In this Snowdonia castle, you'll find two splendid bedrooms here have been fitted out in baronial style with four-poster beds, deep baths and eclectic decor.
The spirit of Clough Williams-Ellis, the eccentric architect behind the bizarre village of Portmeirion in Wales, remains here in styling that’s equal parts grand and eccentric. Though lacking public areas, rooms are excellent and all different, many with beautiful views.
Former Hotel Portmeirion guests include H.G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw and Noël Coward, and you won't be surprised to find Portmeirion itself on our top 30 best seaside towns UK list.
© EddieCloud/Shutterstock
To enjoy glorious luxury in a meadow-surrounded, 18th-century country house, The Grove ticks all the boxes. Each and every room features fabulous fireplaces and modern art, with in-room massages available for that extra touch of lux.
Located near artsy Narberth, The Grove boasts two restaurants that serve dishes made from the freshest local, in-season ingredients — think Welsh artisan cheese, Welsh lamb and beef, and locally-landed fish. With the world-renowned Pembrokeshire National Park right on the doorstep, this is the ideal choice for foodies who fancy exploring Pembrokeshire's exhilerating outdoors.
© Owen Howells Photography/The Grove
Nine riotously indulgent suites grouped around the famously spooky restaurant just downhill from the castle in Edinburgh; expect antique furniture, big leather armchairs, tapestry-draped beds, oak panelling and huge roll-top baths, as well as ultramodern sound systems and complimentary champagne.
Rough Guides tip: When planning your trip to Edinburgh, don’t miss the chance to select the perfect place to stay in the city.
© The Witchery by the Castle
Marooned three miles beyond Big Sand at Rubha Reidh (pronounced “roo-a-ray”) in the Scottish Highlands, this working lighthouse has mesmerising sea views, plus recently refreshed doubles and family rooms.
Stay at this frankly bonkers Edwardian pile on Rùm in the Inner Hebrides to discover the decadence of the landed gentry of the day. A squat, red-sandstone edifice, fronted by colonnades and topped by crenellations and turrets, it's packed with Edwardian knick-knacks and technical gizmos – from tiger rugs and stags’ heads to giant Japanese incense-burners – and now boasts dorms in the old servants’ quarters.
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written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 11.04.2025
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