We’ve rounded up some great UK hotels to visit this summer for a weekend break – without the need to take a flight. Whether you’re after a Bridgerton-inspired break or a plush city hotel, here are our favourite summer hotels to escape to when searching for a sun-soaked holiday without travelling too far.

Great Fosters

Just 40 minutes from London, Great Fosters offers all the charm of a European summer escape, no flights required. Set in 50 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this historic Tudor Estate features alfresco dining, a heated outdoor pool, and exquisite rooms full of character. This summer, take advantage of their 3-for-2 offer on luxury rooms and above for a longer, more luxurious stay — perfect for a romantic break or a family retreat.

Where: Stroude Rd, Egham TW20 9UR
Website: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk

As a summer weekender goes, Great Fosters is one of the best locations to reach for all Londoners. It has the most gorgeous, manicured grounds, a very serviceable outdoor pool, and the team there are fantastic.

Robyn, Managing Director

No.124 by GuestHouse, Brighton

 If you’re looking for a spontaneous seaside escape, treat yourself to a sun-soaked staycation at No.124 Brighton. With the Field Trip Spa now open, there’s lots to love about this seaside getaway. Plus, the gorgeous Terrace by Pearly Cow looks like a fabulous spot for a sunny lunch. Whether you’re dreaming of walks along the beach, sun-soaked drinks on the terrace or a relaxing massage, there’s something for everyone at this lovely Brighton spot.

where: 124 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2FA
Website: guesthousehotels.co.uk

The Stafford

For a sophisticated summer escape that is hard to beat, head to The Stafford. This historic townhouse hotel is home to a secluded courtyard, which provides a peaceful oasis for alfresco relaxation throughout the day.

Guests can enjoy a slower pace, starting with morning coffees in the fresh air before moving on to long, lazy lunches. As evening falls, the space transforms into one of London’s best-kept secrets for sipping world-class cocktails from the legendary American Bar. It is a discreet, sun-filled sanctuary that perfectly captures the elegance of a high-end city staycation.

Where: 16-18 St James’s Pl, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: www.thestafford.com

The Swan at Streatley

Nestled on a wide stretch of the River Thames in the Chiltern Hills, The Swan at Streatley is a converted 17th-century inn that provides a quintessential countryside escape.

For those seeking adventure, the hotel offers on-site paddleboarding, wild swimming, and guided yoga workshops to reconnect with the outdoors. Evenings are best spent enjoying seasonal Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the vibrant Coppa Club restaurant, featuring stunning views across the water. The 47 boutique bedrooms are thoughtfully designed with rustic-luxe touches, many offering balconies that overlook the rolling Berkshire meadows.

Where: Streatley – On – Thames Nr, Reading RG8 9HR
website: www.coppaclub.co.uk

Hyll Hotel

Set within 54 acres of private meadows and woodland, Hyll is a reimagined 14th-century manor house that captures the essence of a slow-paced Cotswold summer. Recently refurbished, the property manages to balance historic heritage with a contemporary design that feels both indulgent and unpretentious.

With the sun out, the terrace becomes the heart of the hotel, serving a local, seasonal menu that celebrates the best of the British countryside.

Where: The Cotswolds, Charingworth, Chipping Campden GL55 6NS
Website: www.hyllhotel.com

The Great House at Sonning

A former Elizabethan coaching inn on a quiet stretch of the Thames, The Great House is the perfect UK summer holiday spot.

The heart of the property is the original Coppa Club, where guests can enjoy delicious dishes and cocktails in a vibrant, all-day setting. When the sun is out, the sprawling gardens and outdoor terrace offer the ultimate spot for al fresco dining with picturesque views of the water. For those looking to explore, the hotel sits directly on the Thames Path, making it an ideal base for a scenic stroll toward Henley.

Where: The Great House, Thames St, Sonning, Reading RG4 6UT
website: www.coppaclub.co.uK

The Grove, Hertfordshire

Ideally suited for families and couples alike, The Grove offers a luxurious countryside escape just a short hop from central London.

Set within 300 acres of rolling Hertfordshire greenery, the estate feels a world away from the city with its championship golf course and award-winning spa. You can also enjoy open-air Everyman Cinema screenings under the stars or explore the woodland trails by bike. After a day of activities, retreat to the historic Mansion or contemporary West Wing for stunning views of the formal gardens. With five unique dining outlets and a rotating schedule of seasonal pop-ups, it is the ultimate destination for a high-end British staycation.

where: Chandler’s Cross, Watford WD3 4TG
Website: www.thegrove.co.uk

The Grove, Hertfordshire really has mastered the art of a family getaway ; incredible breakfast buffet, endless activities for the kids, beautifully spacious rooms, a spa menu worth clearing your diary for, and genuinely lovely staff.

Tamara, Contributing Beauty Editor

Flemings Mayfair

Tucked away on a quiet street moments from Green Park, Flemings Mayfair offers a sun-drenched sanctuary in the heart of London. Converted from thirteen Georgian townhouses, this boutique hotel offers the ultimate summer city break.

The new Spring Scent Escape, created in collaboration with Miller Harris, brings the fragrance of a blooming garden indoors, ensuring a sensory getaway. Guests can enjoy slow, sun-soaked mornings with breakfast in the Drawing Room before exploring the designer boutiques of Bond Street nearby.

Where: 7-12 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BH
website: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk

The Mandrake

What could be better for summer than a hotel literally named after a plant? The Mandrake is a boutique sanctuary hidden in the heart of Fitzrovia. This artistic hotel is centred around a stunning courtyard featuring soaring Tasmanian ferns and three-story walls of hanging jasmine and passionflower.

Summer afternoons are best spent on the award-winning Jurema Terrace, where guests are invited to sip cocktails and enjoy Latin American-inspired plates. Combining avant-garde design with a vibrant alfresco social scene, it is the ultimate destination for a sun-soaked London staycation.

Where: 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG
Website: themandrake.com

Pan Pacific London

A serene urban retreat in the heart of the city, Pan Pacific London masterfully blends sleek contemporary design with the warmth of Asian hospitality.

Perfectly placed for exploring vibrant nearby neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, the hotel serves as an ideal base to soak up the capital’s seasonal energy. Guests can spend sunny days on local walking tours before retreating to the hotel’s standout infinity pool, which offers sweeping views over the London skyline. To make the most of the warmer months, visitors can take advantage of the limited-edition Spring Savings deal, offering 15% off overnight stays.

Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
website: www.panpacific.com

Sanderson

Situated in the heart of Fitzrovia, Sanderson London offers a whimsical urban escape. The hotel’s crowning jewel is the Courtyard Garden, a lush Japanese-inspired sanctuary featuring flowering trees, tranquil fountains, and a reflecting pool that serves as the ultimate sun-trap.

Guests can sip on chilled English sparkling wines and artisanal spritzers while enjoying a seasonal menu or its afternoon tea.

Where: 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG
Website: www.morgansoriginals.com

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences

Just moments from Buckingham Palace, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences offers a serene stay in the heart of the capital. The hotel is set across three Victorian townhouses surrounding an idyllic private courtyard, providing a tranquil outdoor escape from the city’s bustle.

Guests can indulge in holistic treatments at the J Wellness Circle spa or dine at the Michelin-starred Quilon before exploring nearby St James’s Park. With its blend of five-star Taj service and prime location, it is a premier destination for those seeking luxury and sunshine in London.

Where: 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
website: www.tajhotels.com

Treehouse Hotel

Up at the Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone, the city feels like your own secret playground. Enjoy rooftop cocktails (seriously, this spot offers some of the best views of London). Just a stone’s throw from Regent and Bond Street, you can take in views of the London Eye, The Shard, Canary Wharf, Regent’s Park, and more. Plus, the cosy, colourful corners that whisk you away straight to beachy summer holidays.

Where: 14-15 Langham Pl, London W1B 2QS
website: www.treehousehotels.com

Treehouse Hotel is one of my favourite hotels, mainly because of the many happy times I’ve spent on their roof terrace, Nest

Elle, Senior Venue Partnerships Manager

Sea Containers

Located directly on the South Bank, Sea Containers London perfectly captures the energy of a coastal escape in the heart of the city.

The hotel’s design-led interiors are inspired by 1920s ocean liners, creating the distinct feeling of being aboard a luxury cruise ship while overlooking the Thames. It is a premier destination for sunshine, featuring a breezy riverside terrace and the iconic 12th Knot rooftop bar for cocktails with panoramic skyline views. The vibrant outdoor dining scene and maritime charm make it the ideal spot for those seeking a holiday vibe without leaving London.

Where: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
website: www.seacontainerslondon.com

Park Hyatt London River Thames

Located along the revitalised Nine Elms riverside, Park Hyatt London River Thames brings a refreshing sense of light and escapism to the capital. The hotel is designed to maximise its sunny position, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural warmth.

As golden hour approaches, the riverside terrace becomes the ultimate spot for cocktails while watching the sun set over the London skyline.

Where: 7 Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, London SW8 5PH
website: www.hyatt.com

St. James’s Hotel and Club

Tucked away in a prestigious Mayfair cul-de-sac, St. James’s Hotel & Club offers a sophisticated getaway hidden from the city’s frantic pace.

The hotel’s best-kept secret is its collection of rooms and suites featuring private balconies and terraces, perfect for soaking up the afternoon sun. For those seeking an indulgent city escape, the “Suite Temptation” package offers up to 20% off stays of three nights or more.

Where: 7-8 Park Pl, London SW1A 1LS
Website: www.stjameshotelandclub.com

Richmond Hill Hotel

Perched atop Richmond Hill in one of London’s greenest pockets, this hotel offers a stylish countryside escape.

After exploring the nearby Richmond Park or strolling along the River Thames, you can retreat to the picturesque outdoor terrace for seasonal cocktails and alfresco dining. For those travelling with four-legged companions, the hotel’s pet-friendly perks make it an ideal base for extended summer stays. Whether you are catching a match at Twickenham or enjoying an open-air picnic, it is the ultimate destination for a sophisticated British staycation.

Where: 144-150 Richmond Hill, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6RW
Website: www.richmondhillhotel.com


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