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In this review, we pick the top 10 best historic luxury spa hotels near London. It is very easy to pick a hotel in the English countryside that is part of a major chain like Four Seasons, Marriott, or InterContinental, because you know what you are getting. But in all honesty, some of the best boutique and country hotels require taking a risk, a step into the unknown, and picking a hidden gem, a hotel that is not part of a chain at all (at least not a major chain).
These small luxury hotels offer hundreds of years of history, fine dining, and beautiful spas. They are set within utterly pretty English countryside, with views across rolling hills and often in a stately home setting. If you’re looking for a historic spa hotel outside of, but near to, London and that is easy to get to by driving or by rail… read on!
My top pick is the Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa, one of England’s oldest Coaching Inns. Dating back to 1430, the place oozes history and character. We visited last week for the second time and loved it once again. Thirty-nine heritage bedrooms offer a perfect night’s sleep. Our favorite room here is the White Room Suite, which is set in the eaves of the building. The Queens Suite is the most historic and dates back to 1430. It was apparently graced by Queen Elizabeth I, and staying in this room is like stepping back in time. Uneven floors, exposed beams, and thick walls make it easy to imagine the history that this higgledy-piggledy building has experienced.
The communal areas are chock full of grandfather clocks, suits of armour, and huge hearths warming each room with roaring fires. A modern spa with a glorious pool and a sunbathing area offers as much pampering as you need. The location, in the pretty Sussex market town of Midhurst in the heart of the South Downs National Park, means that there are country walks aplenty to keep you occupied and to wear off the delicious food. Midhurst is also close to Haslemere station, and it costs around £25 GBP to take a taxi from the station to the hotel.
Another member of the same mini hotel chain, Historic Sussex Hotels, is Bailiffscourt, with an equally stunning setting and which can be reached by train via the Main Line Station of Littlehampton just 2 miles away.
My third best historic luxury spa hotel is the Four Seasons Hampshire (yes I included one luxury “chain”!). This beautiful property has been heavily renovated and arguably offers one of the most luxurious hotel options outside London. I would argue that this hotel has been Four Season-ed, which means that, whilst it is lovely, it lacks the character of the properties in our top two choices.
What it does offer is incredible facilities and activities, particularly for children. An amazing adventure playground, a large and pretty pool area without any restrictions on times that children can use the pool, generous and spacious rooms with the signature large Four Seasons bathroom, and, most recently, a new kids’ pool all make this a great destination. The hotel itself recommends taking the train to Fleet (from Waterloo) and then a ten-minute taxi ride to reach its winding driveway.
In at number four is, in my opinion, one of the best hotels in England outside of London, and it would come higher on this list except for the fact that the hotel is not strictly in the English countryside and is instead in the town of Bath. The Royal Crescent in Bath is the epitome of style and grace and is situated on the iconic Royal Crescent in Bath, a short taxi from the main Bath Spa station. This historic building boasts high ceilings and bags of original features, as well as an ESPA spa and a gorgeous back garden. If the sun shines, breakfast is served outside amongst the flowers and buzzing bees. It is one of my favorite places to eat breakfast in the world.
At number five of my best spa hotels is the Greenway, which is hidden up the side of a hill in the Cotswolds. it is an absolute favorite of ours, with a lovely pool spa and gardens that open up onto meadows. The lawns here are the perfect place to play a ball game or sip a beer in the sunshine.
My sixth best luxury hotel is the Gainsborough in the center of Bath, a hotel that is part of Leading Hotels of the World and which is built around a historic Spa in Bath. The spa is one of the best in the UK, and the hotel is ultra luxurious with a delicious breakfast and fine dining restaurant. Rooms are luxurious but lack the depth of character of the Royal Crescent (hence its position), although the spa is superior. The hotel does not have its own gardens, but its central location in the heart of Bath counteracts the lack of gardens. We love this hotel.
At number seven, Lucknam Park Hotel has a beautiful spa, grounds, and restaurant. It typifies a sophisticated English Country Manor House Hotel and is a short drive from Bath station, so is easy to get to and nice and near London.
My eighth choice is Dormy House in the Cotswolds. This hotel has won lots of awards and has plenty of warming hearths along with a stunning swimming pool and spa area.
Sitting at number nine is Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa which oozes character and style with gardens that seem to be straight out of a picture book. The staff are wonderful, and the tasting menu at its 1-Michelin Star restaurant is fantastic.
And finally, my tenth choice is Tewkesbury Park, a gorgeous hotel on top of a hill in the middle of the English countryside. Dramatic views, great food, golf, and a lovely spa will keep you returning to this hotel.
Book any of these hotels via our luxury travel concierge for special offers, deals, and extra free benefits when you book a room.
I have reviewed each of these hotels in more detail below. We think they are all great, which makes it so hard to pick the best. Have a read and see what you think.
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