England is so much more than London, and deciding where to stay in England is the first step to getting the most out of it. Within a few hours by train, you can get from the capital to the Roman Baths in Bath, the old colleges of Oxford, the medieval streets of York and the lakes of the Lake District. Out in the far west, Cornwall awaits with sandy beaches, cliffs and little fishing towns.
Precisely because the distances look short, many people are tempted to try to see it all. I wouldn’t. Choose two to four bases instead, and stay at least two nights in each. Here are my suggestions for eleven places to stay in England, with three good hotels in different price ranges for each one.
Contents
Where to Stay in England: The Best Areas
- London - best city for first-time visitors, museums and big-city life
- Brighton - best town for the beach, the pier and an easy trip from London
- Oxford - best city for university atmosphere and historic colleges
- Cotswolds - best area for villages of honey-coloured stone
- Bath - best city for Roman baths and Georgian architecture
- Cornwall - best area for beaches, cliffs and fishing towns
- Peak District - best area for walking and stately homes
- Manchester - best city for football, music and nightlife
- Liverpool - best city for The Beatles and the waterfront
- Lake District - best area for lakes, fells and boat trips
- York - best city for medieval history, city walls and the Minster
The order runs from south to north: first London and the classic destinations in southern England, then Cornwall in the far west, and finally the North of England with the Peak District, Manchester, Liverpool, the Lake District and York. For each place you get a map, the nearest airport and three hotels: the luxury hotel first, then a mid-range option and finally a cheaper alternative. Prices are in pounds sterling. Journey times are estimates unless I mention the source, so always check the timetable before you book.
The first choice is whether you want a single base or to travel around. For a long weekend, London is enough, and the city can easily fill a whole week. If you have more time, combine places that lie in the same direction. Oxford, the Cotswolds and Bath are all west of London, and from Manchester it’s a short hop to Liverpool, the Peak District and the Lake District. I wouldn’t try to fit all eleven places into one trip. Cornwall and York are at opposite ends of the country, and just the journey from London to St Ives takes most of a day.
The train is the easiest way to travel between cities. The main lines each run from their own station in London: Paddington for Oxford, Bath and Cornwall, Euston for Manchester, Liverpool and the Lake District, King’s Cross for York and Victoria for Brighton. Tickets are usually cheapest when you buy them well in advance for a specific departure.
A car makes most sense in the Cotswolds, Cornwall, the Peak District and the Lake District, where many villages and footpaths are a long way from the railway. You can hire a car in England here. Country roads are often narrow, with stone walls or tall hedges on both sides. In the big cities I wouldn’t have a car, as parking is expensive and in central London you have to pay the Congestion Charge.
Many visitors from abroad, including EU and US citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, known as an ETA, before travelling to the UK. You apply for it on the UK government’s ETA page, and every traveller needs their own, including children. Watch out for websites that imitate the official one and charge a higher fee.
There are more British destinations on the site than there’s room for here. Bristol hasn’t got its own section, but the city is a short train ride from Bath, and I’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in Bristol. This guide covers England only. If you’re heading on to Scotland, I’ve written separate guides on where to stay in the Scottish Highlands and where to stay in Edinburgh.
1. London - best city for first-time visitors, museums and big-city life 💂
- 📍 Distance to the centre: London has many centres. The map shows King’s Cross St Pancras, and the three hotels are no more than 500 metres from the station. By Tube, you’ll be in Covent Garden in about 15 minutes. This is an estimate.
- 🚇 Transport: The Tube, buses and trains. You can pay with a contactless card or your phone directly at the ticket barriers, so you don’t need to buy a ticket for every journey.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: From Gatwick and Luton, Thameslink runs direct to St Pancras, and from Heathrow the Piccadilly line runs direct to King’s Cross St Pancras. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £122 to £380 per night for the three hotels below, when I searched for a weekday in May. London is among the most expensive places in this guide.
- 👮 Safety: London is generally safe. Watch out for pickpockets on the Tube and at the major sights, and keep a firm grip on your phone when you’re using it in the street.
For most people, London is the gateway to England, and the city can easily fill an entire holiday. This is where you’ll find the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum, all with free entry to the permanent collections, and there are musicals in the West End every evening. On a first trip, I’d give the city three to four nights before moving on. You’ll find what to see in my guide to things to do in London.
I’ve chosen three hotels around King’s Cross and St Pancras, because it’s the practical choice if you’re working out where to stay in England on a tour of the country. Trains to York leave from King’s Cross, the Eurostar to Paris and Brussels leaves from St Pancras, and Euston, where trains to Manchester and Liverpool depart, is less than a kilometre away. If you’d rather stay in Covent Garden, on the South Bank or in Notting Hill, I’ve written a full guide to where to stay in London, with eight areas to choose from.
London has several airports, and your choice makes a big difference to how long it takes to get into the city. I’ve written guides to getting into town from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. From Gatwick and Luton, Thameslink runs direct to St Pancras, so those two airports work well with a hotel in this area.
Expect small rooms in London, especially in the cheaper categories. Many hotels in the area are in old terraced houses without a lift, so if you have heavy luggage, check for a lift before you book.
Hotels in London
Kaya Great Northern Hotel - five-star hotel inside King’s Cross Station itself
Kaya Great Northern Hotel is in the station building at King’s Cross, so you can walk from the platform to reception in a couple of minutes. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a lift, and the rooms range from small Couchette rooms of 14 square metres to the largest at 22.
This is my pick if you want to stay somewhere stylish with the trains to York and Edinburgh right outside the door. The price is high for the size of the rooms, and guests mention that the rooms are compact and that the service can be inconsistent.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful and truly exceptional hotel in a fantastic location.”
See photos and book Kaya Great Northern Hotel here.
The House of Toby - four-star hotel with a bar on a side street east of the stations
The House of Toby is on Swinton Street, just under 500 metres from King’s Cross St Pancras. There’s a bar and a 24-hour reception, but no restaurant and no lift. The rooms range from small double rooms of 12 square metres to triple rooms of 26.
It suits you if you want to stay close to the stations without paying five-star prices. Breakfast costs extra, and guests mention that the rooms are small and that you can hear the neighbours.
One guest on Booking.com sums it up nicely: “Lovely, friendly hotel in a good location.”
See photos and book The House of Toby here.
Keystone House - simple hotel with small rooms right by the stations
Keystone House is on Caledonian Road, less than 300 metres from King’s Cross St Pancras, and it’s the cheapest of my three suggestions. There’s a bar, but no restaurant, no breakfast and no lift.
The rooms are very small, and some have no window, so read the room description carefully. Guests also mention noise. The hotel suits you if you’re out all day and just need somewhere to sleep close to the train.
One guest highlights the price on Booking.com: “Very budget-friendly hotel in an excellent location if you need King’s Cross or St Pancras.”
See photos and book Keystone House here.
2. Brighton - best for the beach, the pier and an easy trip from London 🎡
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The seafront, The Lanes and Brighton Palace Pier are all close together. The hotels are on the seafront, between around 600 metres and 1.2 km from the pier.
- 🚶 Transport: You can get around the town on foot. From Brighton Station it’s about a quarter of an hour’s walk down to the beach. That’s an estimate.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: According to the airport, the train from Gatwick to Brighton takes around 30 minutes.
- 💰 Price level: Around £110 to £252 per night for the three hotels below, when I searched for a weekday in May.
- 👮 Safety: Generally a safe town. At weekends the centre can be noisy at night, so ask for a room away from the street if you’re a light sleeper.
Brighton is England’s best-known seaside town and a good contrast to the big city. There’s a long pebble beach, Brighton Palace Pier with its rides and amusement arcades, and the oriental-inspired Royal Pavilion right in the middle of town. The narrow lanes of The Lanes and North Laine are packed with small shops, cafés and pubs.
Brighton works both for a few days by the sea after London and as a weekend break in its own right. According to the town’s tourist office, the train takes 52 minutes from London Victoria and 58 minutes from London Bridge, so you can also come down on a day trip. Still, I’d stay at least one night, as the atmosphere on the seafront is at its best in the evening.
I’ve picked hotels on the seafront in the central part of town, so you can walk to both the beach and the lanes. If you’d rather stay in Kemptown, in North Laine or in neighbouring Hove, take a look at my guide to where to stay in Brighton, where I go through five areas.
The water is cold for most of the year, and the beach is made of pebbles rather than sand, so bring water shoes if you want to go in. From Brighton you can also take a trip to the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters east of town.
Hotels in Brighton
Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Brighton - boutique hotel with a bistro on the edge of The Lanes
Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Brighton is on Ship Street, around 100 metres from the beach and just over 500 metres from the pier. The hotel has a bistro, a bar and a lift, and the rooms range from 16 to 29 square metres.
This is my pick if you want a central base with a touch of luxury and everything within walking distance. Breakfast costs extra, and there’s no parking at the hotel, only public car parks nearby. One guest mentions limescale and mould in the grouting in the bathroom.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel’s location was perfect for our visit to Brighton.”
See photos and book Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Brighton here.
Hotel Pelirocco - themed hotel with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe on Regency Square
Hotel Pelirocco is on Regency Square, just under 200 metres from the beach and around 1.2 km from the pier. Every room has its own theme, and there’s a bar and a lift. Breakfast is included in the price, but there’s no restaurant.
Choose this one if you want a hotel with personality. The smallest double rooms are 11 square metres, so go for one of the 20-square-metre rooms if there are two of you with suitcases. There’s no parking at the hotel, and guests mention that some rooms are worn.
One enthusiastic guest writes on Booking.com: “The best hotel in Brighton! We really enjoyed our stay, and all the staff are so friendly and helpful.”
See photos and book Hotel Pelirocco here.
West Beach Hotel Brighton - simple hotel on the seafront with sea-view rooms
West Beach Hotel is on Kings Road along the seafront, just under 150 metres from the beach and around 1.2 km from the pier. There’s a lift and a snack bar, but no restaurant, and breakfast costs extra. The standard rooms are 20 square metres, and there are also dormitories.
It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and a good choice if you want to stay by the sea for less. Book a Superior room if you want a sea view. Guests say the façade looks tired and that parking nearby is expensive.
On the staff and the price, one guest writes on Booking.com: “Super friendly staff, a good bed and a lovely location must make it the best-value hotel in Brighton.”
See photos and book West Beach Hotel Brighton here.
3. Oxford - best city for university atmosphere and historic colleges 🎓
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows the Radcliffe Camera in the heart of the university quarter. The hotels are between roughly 400 and 900 metres away.
- 🚶 Transport: You can get around the centre on foot. From Oxford Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Radcliffe Camera. That’s an estimate.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Oxford has no major airport. A direct coach runs from Heathrow to Oxford, and the journey takes around an hour and a half. That’s an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Roughly £199 to £643 per night for the three hotels below, when I searched for a weekday in May. Oxford is expensive, and there are few cheap hotels in the centre.
- 👮 Safety: A safe city. Watch out for the cyclists, who are everywhere in the narrow streets.
Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and its old colleges in honey-coloured stone sit side by side in the centre. The round library building of the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College are the famous sights, and several of these places have served as backdrops in the Harry Potter films.
Oxford is close to London. According to the train company GWR, the train from Paddington takes around an hour, and the fastest services get there in 52 minutes. That’s why many people visit Oxford as a day trip, but I would stay here for a night or two. In the evening, once the day-trippers have gone home, you have the streets more to yourself, and the city makes a good base for the Cotswolds.
Cambridge is Oxford’s old rival and just as beautiful. It hasn’t got its own section in this guide because it lies in the opposite direction, north of London. The train from King’s Cross takes about an hour, which is an estimate, so Cambridge works well as a day trip while you’re staying in London. If you only have time for one of the two university cities, I would choose Oxford on a tour heading west, and Cambridge if you’re staying in London.
You don’t need a car in Oxford. The centre is difficult to drive in, and parking is expensive. If you’re arriving in a hire car from the Cotswolds, leave it at one of the park and ride sites outside the city and take the bus in.
Hotels in Oxford
The Randolph Hotel Oxford - five-star classic opposite the Ashmolean Museum
The Randolph Hotel is on Beaumont Street opposite the Ashmolean Museum, about 400 metres from the Radcliffe Camera. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, spa and lift, and rooms range from 21 square metres to suites of 36.
It’s Oxford’s best-known hotel and my pick if price isn’t your main concern, because it’s high. Parking is valet only and costs £48 per night, and guests mention that the cleaning of the rooms can be inconsistent.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The central location is perfect for a visit to Oxford. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped.”
See photos and book The Randolph Hotel Oxford here.
Malmaison Oxford - hotel in a former prison by Oxford Castle
Malmaison Oxford is set in the old prison by Oxford Castle, about 600 metres from both the Radcliffe Camera and the station. The standard rooms are in the former cells and measure 20 square metres, and there’s a brasserie, two bars and a lift.
It’s the most unusual of my three suggestions and a good choice if you want an experience beyond just a place to sleep. Parking is limited, must be booked in advance and costs £34 per night. Guests also mention that some rooms are noisy.
One guest highlights the terrace on Booking.com: “Great location and lovely staff. Breakfast was good, and the cocktails on the terrace were really good.”
See photos and book Malmaison Oxford here.
Royal Oxford Hotel - simple hotel a few minutes’ walk from the station
Royal Oxford Hotel is on Park End Street, about 200 metres from Oxford Station and just under a kilometre from the Radcliffe Camera. All rooms are 14 square metres, and there’s a café but no restaurant or bar.
It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and the practical choice if you’re arriving and leaving by train. There’s no lift, so you’ll have to carry your luggage up the stairs. Breakfast costs extra, and the nearest public car park costs about £10 a day.
One guest writes about their stay on Booking.com: “The location is close to the centre and the station. It’s an old, traditional building that has been nicely modernised.”
See photos and book Royal Oxford Hotel here.
4. The Cotswolds - best area for honey-coloured stone villages 🏡
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The Cotswolds is a large rural area with no single centre. The map shows Bourton-on-the-Water, where two of the hotels are. The third is in Stow-on-the-Wold, just over five kilometres to the north.
- 🚗 Transport: A car is by far the easiest option. Buses between the villages are infrequent, and the railway only reaches the edge of the area, including Moreton-in-Marsh.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: From Heathrow it’s just under two hours by car to Bourton-on-the-Water. That’s an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £150 to £240 per night for the three places below when I searched for a weekday in May.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. The roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully, especially after dark.
The Cotswolds is the England many people picture: villages of honey-coloured limestone, low stone bridges over little rivers and green hills dotted with sheep. The area is protected as the Cotswolds National Landscape and covers almost 800 square miles, or just over 2,000 square kilometres, from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north to Wiltshire and Bath in the south.
Bourton-on-the-Water is the best-known village and a practical base. The River Windrush flows through the village beneath low stone bridges, and there are plenty of places to eat. The downside is the day-trippers, who fill the streets in the middle of the day during the summer season, but if you stay here, you get the quiet mornings and evenings. Stow-on-the-Wold sits on a hilltop a little to the north and makes a good base, with pubs and inns around the market square.
See hotels in the Cotswolds here.
Two nights is the minimum, and three is better. That gives you time to drive between the villages of Lower Slaughter, Broadway, Chipping Campden and Burford and to walk some of the paths linking them. I’ve covered seven towns in my guide to where to stay in the Cotswolds if you’d like to choose a different base.
The Cotswolds lies between Oxford and Bath, so it fits neatly into a road trip heading west. If you’re arriving by train, you can pick up a hire car in Oxford and drive on through the villages to Bath.
Hotels in the Cotswolds
The Old Stocks Inn - inn with a restaurant and garden on the market square in Stow-on-the-Wold
The Old Stocks Inn is on the market square in the middle of Stow-on-the-Wold and is an inn in an old stone building with a restaurant, bar and garden. Breakfast is included, and there are a few parking spaces at the inn on a first-come, first-served basis.
This is my luxury pick in the Cotswolds if you’d rather have a cosy inn than a big hotel. The rooms are small, and guests mention that it can be hard to get a parking space. On the other hand, you have the restaurant and the town’s pubs right on your doorstep.
One guest describes the atmosphere on Booking.com: “The room was so cosy, and the atmosphere at the place was incredibly welcoming. It felt like a home away from home!”
See photos and book The Old Stocks Inn here.
The Dial House - boutique hotel with a garden and bar in the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water
The Dial House is on the High Street in the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water. It has a restaurant, bar, garden and free parking, and the rooms range from 20 to 32 square metres.
Choose it if you want to stay in the heart of the village and have plenty of space. Breakfast isn’t always included when you book through anyone other than the hotel itself, so check your booking. One guest found the room basic.
One guest highlights both the breakfast and the garden on Booking.com: “Breakfast was lovely, the surroundings peaceful, the room had quirky décor, there was a lovely outdoor bar, and it’s right in the middle of the village, so the location is perfect.”
See photos and book The Dial House here.
The Mousetrap Inn - inn with draught beer and free parking in Bourton-on-the-Water
The Mousetrap Inn is an inn in Bourton-on-the-Water, a few minutes’ walk from the centre. Breakfast is included, there’s a restaurant and bar, and you can park for free as long as there’s space. Rooms range from 10-square-metre economy rooms to 18-square-metre King rooms.
It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and a good choice if you want to eat and drink well without having to drive for it. Parking spaces are limited, and one guest felt some of the rooms lacked charm.
One guest writes about the inn on Booking.com: “It’s a very cosy inn, the staff are very friendly and really good at what they do! They have good draught beer, and the food is top notch.”
See photos and book The Mousetrap Inn here.
5. Bath - best city for Roman baths and Georgian architecture ♨️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The Roman Baths are right in the middle of the city, and the three hotels are no more than about 200 metres away.
- 🚶 Transport: You can get around the centre on foot. From Bath Spa Station it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the hotels.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The nearest airport is Bristol (BRS). Allow about an hour by bus or car. That’s an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £125 to £364 per night for the three hotels below when I searched for a weekday in May.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe city. Bath is built on hills, so expect some climbing if you walk up to the Royal Crescent.
Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in England. The whole city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its Roman baths and its Georgian architecture in pale limestone, with terraces such as the Royal Crescent and The Circus. In the middle of the city are the Roman Baths, where the hot spring water still bubbles up.
You can also bathe in the warm water yourself. Thermae Bath Spa has a rooftop pool with views over the city, and one of the hotels below has its own spa using water from the springs.
According to the rail operator GWR, the train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so Bath is easy to combine with London. I’d give the city two nights. Bath is also a good base for the southern Cotswolds, where the village of Castle Combe is just under half an hour’s drive away. Bristol is a short train ride to the west.
I’ve picked three hotels close to the Roman Baths, so you can walk everywhere. If you’d rather stay by the Royal Crescent, by the river or a little outside the centre with parking, read my guide to where to stay in Bath, where I go through six areas. If you’re coming by car, expect expensive parking in the centre, and use one of the city’s park and ride sites instead.
Hotels in Bath
The Gainsborough Bath Spa - five-star spa hotel with water from the city’s hot springs
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is on Beau Street, just over 100 metres from the Roman Baths. What makes it special is the spa, where guests bathe in the city’s naturally hot spring water, and a one-hour bathing session is included in your stay. Rooms range from 25 to 35 square metres.
This is my pick if you want to treat yourself. Breakfast costs extra, £25 for continental and £40 for full English, and parking in a public car park costs about £14 a day. Guests mention worn details in some rooms and noise from outside.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel is perfectly located right next to the Roman Baths. The room was very spacious and very clean and offered a high level of comfort.”
See photos and book The Gainsborough Bath Spa here.
Abbey Hotel Bath - four-star hotel with a restaurant on North Parade
Abbey Hotel Bath is on North Parade, less than 150 metres from the Roman Baths and just under 400 metres from the station. There’s a restaurant, a bar and a lift, and rooms range from 15 square metres up to family rooms of 34.
It’s a good choice for couples and families who want to stay centrally without paying spa prices. Breakfast is included in some rates, so check when you book. There’s no parking at the hotel, and guests mention that the smallest rooms are small.
A happy guest writes on Booking.com: “We had a wonderful stay at The Abbey Hotel! The location is perfect, in the middle of Bath and just a short walk from all the main sights.”
See photos and book Abbey Hotel Bath here.
The Z Hotel Bath - modern hotel with very small rooms in the middle of the city
The Z Hotel Bath is on Saw Close, about 200 metres from the Roman Baths, and is the cheapest of my three suggestions. There’s a bar, a café and a lift, but no restaurant, and breakfast costs extra.
Rooms are 9-13 square metres, and several have no window, so read the description before you book. Guests mention that there’s very little space for luggage. It suits you if you want to stay cheaply in the middle of the city and will be out all day.
One guest puts it simply on Booking.com: “The hotel has a great location in the middle of the city close to the Roman Baths, shops and bars.”
See photos and book The Z Hotel Bath here.
6. Cornwall - best area for beaches, cliffs and fishing villages 🏄
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows the harbour in St Ives. The hotels are between roughly 600 metres and two kilometres away, the furthest by the beach at Carbis Bay.
- 🚆 Transport: The St Ives Bay Line branch line runs from St Erth on the main line to St Ives. A car is handy for the rest of Cornwall, but parking in St Ives is difficult.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) is the closest. Allow just under an hour by car to St Ives. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £136 to £500 per night for the three hotels below, when I searched for a weekday in May.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. Ideally swim at lifeguarded beaches and stay between the red and yellow flags.
Cornwall is England’s south-western corner, with cliffs, sandy beaches and small fishing villages. St Ives is the town I would choose if you only want one base. It has several sandy beaches right by the centre and a well-known art scene with Tate St Ives, and the narrow streets around the harbour are full of cafés and galleries. At low tide the harbour itself turns into a beach, with the fishing boats resting on the sand.
Cornwall is a long way from London. According to GWR, the fastest trains from Paddington to Penzance take just over five hours, and for St Ives you change at St Erth onto the St Ives Bay Line branch line, which runs along the beaches at Hayle and Carbis Bay. Allow five to six hours in total. This is an estimate. So give Cornwall at least three nights to make the journey worthwhile.
The South West Coast Path runs along the coast, and the old mining areas of Cornwall and West Devon are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you would rather stay somewhere else in Cornwall, I have covered six towns in my guide to where to stay in Cornwall.
Devon hasn’t got its own section. The county lies between Cornwall and the rest of England, so if you are driving, you can add a night on the coast or in Dartmoor National Park on the way.
Hotels in Cornwall
Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel - resort with its own beach, spa and pool in Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel sits right on the beach at Carbis Bay, about a 20-minute walk from the harbour in St Ives. There is an outdoor pool, a spa with a sauna, a restaurant and free parking, and guests can use the beach by the hotel.
This is my luxury pick in Cornwall, especially for a beach and spa holiday. The price is among the highest in the area, and breakfast is not included. One guest was confused about where the room was and about the booking details.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “I can highly recommend this hotel and spa. We used the beach that belongs to the hotel.”
See photos and book Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel here.
Harbour Hotel & Spa St Ives - four-star spa hotel with an indoor pool above Porthminster Beach
Harbour Hotel & Spa St Ives is on The Terrace above Porthminster Beach, about 200 metres from the station and a five-minute walk from the harbour. There is an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna and treatments, and the continental breakfast is included.
It’s a good choice if you want to be within walking distance of the harbour and have a pool for when the weather lets you down. The standard rooms are small, about 11 square metres, so go for a sea-view room at 16. Parking costs £10 a day, and guests mention that some rooms near the spa are warm and noisy.
About the staff, one guest writes on Booking.com: “What a fantastic hotel. It’s well equipped and comfortable, but it’s the staff who make it so special.”
See photos and book Harbour Hotel & Spa St Ives here.
Tregenna Castle Resort - castle hotel with two pools and a golf course above the town
Tregenna Castle Resort stands in large grounds on the hill above St Ives, just over 700 metres from the station and about a kilometre from the harbour. There is an indoor pool, an outdoor pool in summer, a tennis court, a nine-hole golf course and free parking.
It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and a good choice for families who want space and things to do. The rooms without a sea view are small, about 13 square metres, so choose a Superior room with a sea view. Breakfast costs extra, and guests mention that it’s a steep walk up the hill from town.
One guest writes after their stay on Booking.com: “We had an excellent stay and will definitely come back. Great for a romantic trip.”
See photos and book Tregenna Castle Resort here.
7. Peak District - best area for hiking and stately homes 🥾
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Bakewell in the middle of the national park. One hotel is right in the town and another is a little to the north by the Monsal Trail, while the most expensive one is in Baslow by Chatsworth, about five kilometres away.
- 🚗 Transport: A car is the easiest option. The Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield stops at Edale, Hope and Hathersage in the northern part of the park, but there is no station in Bakewell.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: From Manchester Airport it’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car to Bakewell. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £143 to £297 per night for the three places below when I searched for a weekday in May.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. The weather changes quickly on the high ground, so bring waterproofs and proper footwear for your walks.
In 1951 the Peak District became Britain’s first national park, and it lies between Manchester and Sheffield. To the north is the Dark Peak with heather, moorland bogs and dark gritstone edges, and to the south is the White Peak with limestone dales, rivers and small villages.
Bakewell is the most practical base if you only want one address. The town sits in the middle of the park, and from here it’s a short trip to the stately home Chatsworth House, the green dales and the Monsal Trail, a walking and cycling path along an old railway line with tunnels and viaducts. The town is also known for its Bakewell pudding.
The Peak District is easy to combine with Manchester. If you have a car, you can explore the park on day trips from the city, but I would stay here for at least two nights so you can go walking in the morning before the day-trippers arrive. If you would rather stay in Castleton, Buxton, Matlock Bath or Ashbourne, I’ve covered six towns in my guide to where to stay in the Peak District.
At weekends and during school holidays Bakewell gets busy, and the car parks in the centre fill up quickly. Arrive early if you’re driving into town to shop or eat.
Hotels in the Peak District
The Cavendish Hotel at Chatsworth - country house with an award-winning restaurant by Chatsworth
The Cavendish Hotel at Chatsworth is in Baslow on the edge of the Chatsworth estate, about five kilometres north-east of Bakewell. The restaurant has two AA Rosettes, and there’s a bar, a garden and free parking.
This is my luxury pick in the Peak District if you want to stay close to Chatsworth House and eat well. The rooms aren’t big, at 14-19 square metres, and breakfast costs extra, which one guest felt wasn’t clear when booking. Another guest found it hard to control the heating in their room.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel is beautiful and comfortable. The staff are very friendly and helpful.”
See photos and book The Cavendish Hotel at Chatsworth here.
The Rutland Arms Hotel - historic coaching inn on the square in the centre of Bakewell
The Rutland Arms Hotel is on the square in the centre of Bakewell, and breakfast is included in the price. There’s a restaurant, a bar and free parking, and the rooms range from 16 to 22 square metres.
Choose this one if you want to be able to walk to the shops, pubs and river in the evening. There are only a few parking spaces at the hotel, and one guest mentions a weak shower.
One guest highlights the location on Booking.com: “Everything about the hotel was excellent. The location is perfect for exploring Bakewell and the surrounding area.”
See photos and book The Rutland Arms Hotel here.
Hassop Station rooms on the Monsal Trail - rooms at the old station on the Monsal Trail
Hassop Station rooms on the Monsal Trail are at the former station right by the trail, just north of Bakewell. There’s a café and restaurant, free parking and double rooms of 19-20 square metres. Some of the rooms have a private bathroom outside the room itself.
This is the cheapest of my three suggestions and an obvious choice if you want to walk or cycle the Monsal Trail. Breakfast isn’t included in the price. Guests mention that contact with the property feels impersonal and that there’s a little traffic noise in some rooms.
One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “Fantastic place. I can definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the Peak District.”
See photos and book Hassop Station rooms on the Monsal Trail here.
8. Manchester - best city for football, music and nightlife ⚽
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows the town hall on Albert Square. All three hotels are less than 700 metres from there.
- 🚋 Transport: The Metrolink tram and buses. The centre is so compact that you can walk to most places.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The train from Manchester Airport to Piccadilly Station takes around 15-20 minutes. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £105 to £344 per night for the three hotels below, when I searched for a weekday in May.
- 👮 Safety: The centre is safe. Keep an eye on your bag in the crowds around the stations and in the nightlife at weekends.
Manchester is the big city of the North of England and the place for football, music and nightlife. It’s home to Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium, and the city has produced bands such as Oasis, The Smiths and Joy Division. The Northern Quarter is full of bars, record shops and street art, while the canals and warehouses of Castlefield tell the story of the city’s industrial past.
Manchester is also a good base for exploring the North of England. The train from London Euston takes about two hours, and from here it’s under an hour by train to Liverpool and about an hour and a half to York. The Peak District is right on the city’s doorstep, and there are direct trains to Windermere in the Lake District.
See hotels in Manchester here.
I’ve chosen hotels in the central part of the city, so you can walk to the Northern Quarter, Deansgate and the stations. If you’d like to choose between more neighbourhoods, read my guide to where to stay in Manchester, and in my guide to things to do in Manchester you’ll find everything you shouldn’t miss. I’ve covered getting in from the airport in my guide from Manchester Airport to the city centre.
Book well ahead if you’re going to a match or a concert. On match days and during big concerts, hotel prices rise across the whole city.
Hotels in Manchester
The Lowry Hotel Manchester - five-star hotel with a spa on the River Irwell
The Lowry Hotel sits on the River Irwell on the Salford side, less than a kilometre from both the town hall and Victoria Station. There’s a restaurant, bar, spa and gym, and the rooms are large, from 35 square metres upwards.
This is my luxury pick in Manchester and a good choice for couples who want space. Breakfast costs extra, and parking is £32 per night. Some guests feel the price is high for the facilities and that the furnishings feel cheap.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “A lovely stay on a Sunday deal, which was really good value for money. Large, comfortable room and just a few minutes’ walk into the centre.”
See photos and book The Lowry Hotel Manchester here.
Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange - design hotel with a bar in the heart of the shopping district
Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange is on Cross Street in the middle of the shopping district, around 350 metres from the town hall. There’s a bar and a lift, and all rooms are 16 square metres.
It’s a good choice if you want to stay centrally in a modern, simple hotel. Breakfast costs extra, and parking is around £25 a day. Guests mention that the rooms are smaller than expected and have little space for luggage.
One guest praises the breakfast on Booking.com: “The hotel was centrally located with easy access to Manchester city centre. Breakfast was very good with fresh, high-quality food.”
See photos and book Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange here.
Abel Heywood Boutique Hotel - boutique hotel with a restaurant and bar in the Northern Quarter
Abel Heywood Boutique Hotel is on Turner Street in the Northern Quarter, less than 600 metres from Victoria Station and around 800 metres from Piccadilly. There’s a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, and rooms range from 12 square metres up to a 40-square-metre suite.
It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and an obvious choice if you want to stay right in the middle of the nightlife. Breakfast costs extra. Guests mention noise from neighbouring rooms and pillows that aren’t up to scratch.
One guest writes about their stay on Booking.com: “We really enjoyed our stay at the hotel! The location was perfect: close to the sights and surrounded by lots of cool bars and restaurants.”
See photos and book Abel Heywood Boutique Hotel here.
9. Liverpool - best city for The Beatles and the waterfront 🎸
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Royal Albert Dock on the waterfront. Two of the hotels are about a kilometre from there, while Titanic Hotel is at Stanley Dock, about 2.5 km to the north.
- 🚶 Transport: You can get around the centre and the waterfront on foot. Lime Street Station is in the eastern part of the centre.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Buses run from Liverpool John Lennon Airport into the centre, and the journey takes about half an hour. That’s an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £74 to £157 per night for the three hotels below when I searched for a weekday in May. Liverpool is the cheapest place in this guide.
- 👮 Safety: The centre is safe. Keep an eye on your bag in crowds and at night in the nightlife area around Concert Square and Seel Street.
Liverpool is the city for you if you love music, football or port cities. The Beatles started out here, and The Cavern Club is in the Cavern Quarter, while The Beatles Story museum is at Royal Albert Dock. The waterfront, with the Royal Liver Building, the museums and the old warehouses at Albert Dock, is the most striking part of the city.
The city is easy to reach. According to Avanti West Coast, the fastest trains between London Euston and Liverpool Lime Street take 2 hours and 11 minutes, and from Manchester it’s under an hour by train. Mersey Ferries sail across the River Mersey from Pier Head.
Two nights is enough for the Beatles museums, the waterfront and a trip to Anfield. You’ll find what to see in my guide to things to do in Liverpool, and if you want to choose between several neighbourhoods, read my guide to where to stay in Liverpool.
If you’re staying in Manchester, you can easily do Liverpool as a day trip, but I’d stay here for at least one night. The hotels are cheaper than in many other English cities, and the evenings by the docks and in the Ropewalks area are a big part of the experience.
Hotels in Liverpool
Titanic Hotel Liverpool - hotel with a spa in an old warehouse at Stanley Dock
Titanic Hotel Liverpool is in a converted warehouse at Stanley Dock, about 2.5 km north of the centre. The rooms are very large, from 56 square metres, and there’s a restaurant, a rum bar, a spa and parking for £8 a day.
This is my luxury pick in Liverpool, and the price is fair for what you get. On the other hand, you’ll need a taxi or a fair walk to get into the centre, and guests mention that there are few places to eat nearby. Breakfast costs extra.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “What’s not to like? The rooms are amazing and the spa is so relaxing.”
See photos and book Titanic Hotel Liverpool here.
Hard Days Night Hotel Liverpool - Beatles hotel right by The Cavern Club
Hard Days Night Hotel is on North John Street, just around the corner from The Cavern Club and about 800 metres from Albert Dock. The hotel has a Beatles theme, and there’s a restaurant, two bars and a lift. Rooms range from 24 to 42 square metres.
It’s the obvious choice for Beatles fans. Breakfast costs £13 per person, and parking in a nearby car park costs around £13 a day. Guests mention noise, as the hotel is right in the middle of the nightlife, and that there are few plug sockets in the rooms.
An enthusiastic guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic hotel in the heart of Liverpool! Super friendly staff and beautiful rooms!”
See photos and book Hard Days Night Hotel Liverpool here.
The Resident Liverpool - modern hotel with kitchenettes in the rooms in Ropewalks
The Resident Liverpool is on Seel Street in the Ropewalks area, about a kilometre from Albert Dock and less than a kilometre from Lime Street. All rooms have a kitchenette and range from 16 to 40 square metres.
It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and a good choice if you want to stay in the middle of the city and do a bit of your own cooking. There’s no restaurant or bar, and breakfast isn’t included in the price. Guests mention that some rooms are small.
One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “A comfortable, friendly and beautiful hotel right in the heart of Liverpool.”
See photos and book The Resident Liverpool here.
10. Lake District - best area for lakes, fells and boat trips ⛵
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows Ambleside at the northern end of Windermere. The hotels are in the middle of town or up to about a kilometre away at Waterhead, where the boats dock.
- 🚌 Transport: Buses and boats on Windermere. Trains run to Windermere Station, and from there you take the bus or a taxi on to Ambleside.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: From Manchester Airport it’s roughly two hours by car to Ambleside. That’s an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £145 to £365 per night for the three hotels below, when I searched for a weekday in May.
- 👮 Safety: A very safe area. The weather on the fells changes quickly, so check the forecast before you head up high.
The Lake District is England’s largest national park and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. It’s home to Windermere, which at 17 kilometres is England’s longest lake, and Scafell Pike, which at 978 metres is the country’s highest mountain. The area is famous from Beatrix Potter’s books and the poet William Wordsworth, and there are walks for every level.
I recommend Ambleside as your base, because the town sits right in the middle of the area at the northern end of Windermere. From here it’s a short trip to Grasmere, the Langdale valley and the boats on the lake, and the town has plenty of pubs, restaurants and outdoor gear shops. Windermere and Bowness further south are bigger and more touristy.
If you’re coming by train on the main line between London and Glasgow, you change at Oxenholme for the branch line to Windermere, and Northern also runs direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Windermere. From the station it’s about eight kilometres to Ambleside. Driving yourself is a good option, but expect narrow roads and full car parks during the summer holidays. If you’d rather stay in Bowness, Keswick, Grasmere or Coniston, I’ve covered five places in my guide to where to stay in the Lake District.
Stay at least three nights. That gives you a day on the lake, a day on the fells and a spare day in case it rains, which it often does in the Lake District.
Hotels in the Lake District
Rothay Manor Hotel - country house with garden and restaurant between the town and the lake
Rothay Manor Hotel sits in its own garden on the southern edge of Ambleside, a five-minute walk from the centre and about 400 metres from Waterhead. Breakfast is included, and there’s a restaurant, a bar and free parking. Rooms range from 24 square metres up to a 33-square-metre suite with its own hot tub.
This is my luxury pick in the Lake District and a good choice for a romantic break. There’s no lift, and guests mention that the hotel faces a busy road.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “A fantastic hotel in beautiful surroundings, close to both the town and Windermere, with absolutely wonderful staff who take care of every need.”
See photos and book Rothay Manor Hotel here.
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa - four-star hotel with an indoor pool in the middle of town
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa is right in the centre of Ambleside. There’s an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, restaurant and bar, breakfast is included and parking is free. Rooms range from 18 to 38 square metres.
This is my suggestion for families and for rainy days, when the pool makes a big difference. Guests mention traffic noise and a slightly tired-looking exterior.
One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “An excellent place to stay. Great location with easy access to Windermere.”
See photos and book Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa here.
The Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn - lakeside hotel in Waterhead
The Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn is on the lakeshore at Waterhead, a two-minute walk from the boats and about a kilometre from the centre of Ambleside. Breakfast is included, there’s a restaurant, a bar and free parking, and most rooms are 25-30 square metres.
It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and the obvious choice if you want to stay by the water. Guests mention problems at check-in, and that some rooms get warm because there’s no fan.
One guest writes about their room on Booking.com: “Fantastic location on the shore of the lake. Really spacious, clean and modern room with a great shower.”
See photos and book The Windermere Rooms at The Wateredge Inn here.
11. York - best city for medieval history, city walls and the Minster 🏰
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The map shows York Minster in the middle of the city. The hotels are between around 600 metres and a kilometre from there.
- 🚶 Transport: You can get around the centre on foot, and York Station is just outside the city walls.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford. The city’s tourist office recommends the 757 bus to Leeds Station and then a train to York. Allow around an hour and a half. That’s an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: Around £155 to £289 per night for the three hotels below, when I searched for a weekday in May.
- 👮 Safety: A safe city. The streets in the centre are packed at weekends, so keep a firm hold of your bag.
York is the city in England where the Middle Ages feel most alive. You can walk along the city walls for much of the way round the centre, The Shambles is a narrow street of crooked timber-framed houses, and towering over it all is the Gothic cathedral, York Minster. The city was founded by the Romans and later became the Viking town of Jorvik.
According to the city’s tourist office, the train from King’s Cross in London takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes, and from Manchester it takes about an hour and a half. That makes York a good way to finish a tour of the north or a stop on the way to Scotland, as trains from London carry on from here to Edinburgh.
Give York two nights. That way you’ll have time for the Minster, the city walls, the Jorvik Viking Centre and an evening in one of the old pubs. I’ve chosen hotels near the station and inside the city walls, but if you’d rather stay in a quieter neighbourhood or a guesthouse with parking, you can read my guide to where to stay in York, where I go through six areas.
Hotel prices in York often rise at weekends, so compare them with weekdays if you can shift your trip.
Hotels in York
The Grand, York - five-star hotel with a spa and pool by the station
The Grand, York is housed in the former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, around 300 metres from the station and just over 600 metres from York Minster. It has a spa, an indoor pool, a restaurant and a bar, and the rooms are large, from 33 square metres.
This is my luxury pick in York. Breakfast is only included in some rates, and the pool costs extra. Parking in a nearby public car park costs around £40 a day. Guests mention a small breakfast room and old-fashioned bath and shower combinations.
A regular guest writes on Booking.com: “The Grand is always our first choice when we stay in York.”
See photos and book The Grand, York here.
Hotel Indigo York - four-star hotel on Walmgate inside the city walls
Hotel Indigo York is on Walmgate in the eastern part of the centre, just under a kilometre from York Minster and around 1.7 km from the station. All rooms are 20 square metres, and there’s a restaurant, a bar and a lift.
It’s a good choice if you want to stay inside the city walls and walk everywhere. Parking costs £14 per night on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests mention that it can be hard to get a space and that the rooms are small.
One guest praises the staff on Booking.com: “The staff were very helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The location was excellent and central in York.”
See photos and book Hotel Indigo York here.
The Bar Convent Guest House - guesthouse in an old convent just outside the city walls
The Bar Convent is on Blossom Street, around 300 metres from the station and a kilometre from York Minster. It’s a guesthouse in a convent, and breakfast in the café is included in the price. The double rooms are 14-19 square metres.
It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and an unusually good choice if you’re travelling alone, as it has proper single rooms. There’s a lift, but some rooms can only be reached via a narrow staircase, and one guest found their room got too warm.
A guest writes on Booking.com: “It’s one of the few hotels with a proper single room. It’s close to the railway station, has a good breakfast and very friendly staff.”
See photos and book The Bar Convent Guest House here.
Where not to stay in England?
I wouldn’t stay in London for the whole trip and do everything else as day trips. Oxford, Brighton and Cambridge are easily done in a day, and Bath and York can work as a long day, but Cornwall and the Lake District are so far away that you’ll spend most of your time on the train. Nor would I book a cheap hotel far out in London’s suburbs to save money, because you’ll pay the difference back in time and tickets every day.
In the countryside, I wouldn’t stay far from a town without a car. Buses in the Cotswolds, the Peak District and the Lake District are infrequent, especially in the evening and in winter. And I wouldn’t take a car into central London, where parking is expensive and you have to pay the Congestion Charge.
If you have a week, I’d do four nights in London and three in Bath or York. With ten days, you can do a tour west taking in London, Oxford, the Cotswolds and Bath. With two weeks, you can start in London and Bath and then take the train north to Manchester, the Lake District and York.
If you’re travelling with children, Brighton, Cornwall and the Lake District are the obvious choices, and if you’re mainly after big cities, London, Manchester and Liverpool are easy to combine by train. The countryside is at its best from May to September, when the days are long. Book early if you’re travelling during the English school summer holidays, as Cornwall, the Cotswolds and the Lake District will be full of holidaymakers.
If your trip continues north after York or the Lake District, Scotland is just across the border. You can also read my guide to where to stay in Glasgow.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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