The Very Best Places to Stay in the UK
Here's where to stay for the quintessential UK experience.
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When you visit the famously green and pleasant land of the UK, you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of where to stay. The four countries that make up this destination may be relatively small in comparison to the US and the rest of Europe, but there’s a lot packed into these islands. Luckily for you, property experts Plum Guide have a fabulous selection of intriguingly luxurious and well-placed homes that will make your stay even more special than you could have hoped. Read on for our guide on places to stay in the UK.
The Lake District
If you’ve been dreaming of an England of rolling hills, breathtakingly scenic views and picturesque woodlands, it’s the Lake District you’ve been thinking of. One of the gems of Britain, it’s an unmissable place to stay in the UK.
A still lake amongst tall trees and hills on a sunny day, Lake District, Keswick, Cumbria, UK
Inclement weather aside (to fit in in Britain, you’ll need to learn that needing to bring an extra sweater everywhere you go is an unavoidable consequence of existing in weather that at any minute could turn against you), the Lake District is one of the best places in the country to experience the glory of nature. You can choose from valleys, lakes, fells and woods for bike rides, day-long hikes or just a quick stroll before you head to the pub. This area also has impressive cultural connections, having inspired poets William Wordsworth and Alfred Lord Tennyson and author Beatrix Potter, among many others.
Mellow Sage, Plum Guide home in Cumbria, England
For a Tudor-era cottage so fantastically pastoral it will have you dreaming of afternoon tea and sunset strolls around the orchard for years to come, this green and white cottage delivers. If you’re more into a lakeside view from a private terrace, this cosy apartment is the one for you.
Lakewatch Sanctuary, Plum Guide home in the Lake District
Bath
For an urban feel without the frenetic pace of big city life, the city of Bath is the west country is a gorgeous option for when it comes to places to stay in the UK. And what a great choice it is –with its honey-coloured stone houses, impressive terraces and green surroundings, Bath takes first place for beauty.
Bath street view, Somerset, UK
The history of this city is also impressive and fascinating for visitors. There are plenty of historical things to do in Bath, ranging from the Roman Baths (a tour of which will immediately render your home bathroom highly inadequate in your eyes) to the achievements of former resident Jane Austen (a visit to the Austen Museum will have you donning a bonnet with enthusiasm). The shopping is a draw also, and at Christmas the city centre becomes pleasantly packed with a market covered in twinkly lights and emitting delicious smells of mulled wine.
Sulis, Plum Guide home in Bath, Somerset
For a city centre stay with a view over the rooftops that might just inspire you to write your very own romantic novel, this pad is the way to go. If you’re travelling with your family, you simply can’t find more classically Bath accommodation than this Georgian townhouse that comes equipped with a circular bathtub, private roof terrace and grandfather clock.
The Wax Seal, Plum Guide home in Bath, Somerset
The Cotswolds
If it’s beauty you're after, the Cotwolds will deliver – it’s the biggest of the 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. Comprised of around 800 square miles across five British counties, the spirit of the area is that of small villages built from golden stone, endless fields of green hills (known as ‘wolds’, hence the name – there’s a fact for your next dinner party) and pubs with very inviting armchairs in front of roaring fires. Or you can sit in front of your own roaring fire at this thatched roof cottage so cute you’ll want to scoop it up on a scone and eat it for breakfast.
Mrs Daffodil, Plum Guide home in Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds is popular with many of the British great-and-good, so you’ll never know who you might end up rubbing elbows with in one of the many galleries, museums and festivals you can find here. Each season brings something new. Winter is for long walks in the snow and evenings spent in front of a fire, spring brings greenery, daffodils and newborn lambs, summer is for days that stretch right until up 10pm and autumn some of the best leaf colours you’ve ever seen.
Sweeping Serenade, Plum Guide home in Gloucestershire
If you’re after a mansion for you and 17 of your closest friends and family, this huge Georgian house with sweeping grounds, a heated pool and many original features is just begging for a party.
East London
When you need buzz, vibrancy and the newest of the new, head to east London. The most happening spot of England’s capital, the East End is stuffed to bursting with new restaurants, art galleries, underground bars and pop up shops.
Strolling the street near your city crash pad, you’ll see an endless array of bright young things busy starting businesses and looking cool while doing it - and of course, by staying here, you’ll be joining them. There’s nowhere else in London with a bagel shop serving hungry customers 24 hours a day, after all (we're referring to Brick Lane's Beigel Bake – we recommend the salt beef with mustard, but don’t embarrass yourself by sneezing when the condiment gets up your nose).
Brick Lane Street Art, East London
East London is one of the best places to stay in the UK if you want street cred, because once your co-workers find out how cool your holiday was you’ll go up in their estimation.
Chamber Choir, Plum Guide home in London
This chic apartment decorated in green and greys is just begging for you to stay there and people watch from the large windows. It’s right in the heart of the action, so you won’t have far to stumble at night when you want to head home.
