20 unforgettable places to stay in Great Britain

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.

1. Into the Woods, Isle of Wight

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.

Find out more about Into the Woods on the Isle of Wight

2. The Zetter Hotel & Townhouse, London

This glamorous warehouse conversion in London has a laidback edge, with gorgeous, colourful rooms with 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.

Find out more The Zetter Hotel and Townhouse in London

3. Rough Luxe, London

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.

Find out more about Rough Luxe in London

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.

4. Pelirocco, Brighton

“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.

Find out more about Pelirocco in Brighton

5. Belle Tout, Near Eastbourne

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.

Find out more about Belle Tout near Eastbourne

6. Fishermen’s Huts, Whitstable

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.

Find out more about Fisherman's Huts in Whitstable

7. Amberley Castle, Near Arundel

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.

Find out more about Amberley Castle near Arundel

8. Malmaison, Oxford

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.

9. Tresanton Hotel, Cornwall

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.

Find out more about Tresanton Hotel in Cornwall

10. Staying Cool, Birmingham

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

11. Cley Mill B&B, Norfolk

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.

Find out more about Cley Mill B&B in Norfolk

12. Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Cumbria

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.

13. Low Wray Campsite, Cumbria

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.

Find out more about Low Wray Campsite in Cumbria

14. Carraw B&B, Northumberland

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.

Find out more about Carrow B&B in Northumberland

15. Gwydir Castle, Snowdonia

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.

Find out more about Gwydir Castle in Snowdonia

16. Hotel Portmeirion, Portmeirion

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.

Find out more about Hotel Portmeirion in Portmeirion, Wales

17. The Grove, Pembrokeshire

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.

Find out more about The Grove in Pembrokeshire, Wales

18. The Witchery, Edinburgh

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.

Find out more about The Witchery in Edinburgh

Rough Guides tip: When planning your trip to Edinburgh, don’t miss the chance to select the perfect place to stay in the city.

19. Rua Reidh Lighthouse, Scottish Highlands

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.

Find out more about Rua Reidh Lighthouse in the Scottish Highlands

20. Kinloch Castle Hostel, Scotland

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.

Find out more about Kinloch Castle Hostel in Scotland

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