Stay at the United Kingdom’s Best Hotels, Inns
From the wind-swept moors to the Scottish highlands, the United Kingdom is a diverse land – both in culture and geography. You’ll discover quaint villages, castles, museums, galleries and much more.
If you are planning a trip to England, Scotland and Wales, it is best to create a list of what you would like to do and see. Fitting in everything can be difficult, and it’s usually best to focus on your favorites and spend quality time exploring those areas rather than rush around from spot to spot. You might start in London and then explore nearby Kent and Sussex, enjoying all the attractions of the city, as well as castles and quaint villages. Another option is to spend your time exploring Wales, a country often passed by, yet full of promising possibilities. Or perhaps you want to explore Scotland with time to enjoy Edinburgh, “The Whisky Trail,” and hope for a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness.
On her popular website, prolific travel writer Karen Brown has listed several itineraries for visitors to England, Scotland and Wales. Her detailed itineraries offer plenty of interesting and unique places to visit, sightseeing, as well as offering driving instructions and maps of each area. Karen Brown readers also have voted and chosen the following as the best hotels, inns and B&Bs in England, Scotland and Wales:
These three countries are a romantic land — a land of inspiration for a myriad of famous poets and writers. If it is romance you want, try the Gilpin Lodge, which was chosen by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s “Most Romantic” lodging choice. Located in England’s Lake District National Park, the inn rests on 20 acres of gardens, woods and moors. The rooms are elegant, and each has been decorated individually. Every room offers a charming view of the gardens or moors. Spa treatments, such as massage with aromatherapy oils, can be arranged in the privacy of your room. Guests also enjoy privileges at a local “leisure club,” which has a pool, sauna, steam room and fully equipped gym. Four rooms comprise the award-winning restaurant’s dining areas. There is also a bar and afternoon tea is served in the lounge.
Bolhays, a lovely Victorian bed and breakfast in the appealing English town of Salisbury, is the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for England, Wales and Scotland’s for “Warmest Welcome.” The two guest rooms are picture perfect English country retreats, and the marvelous homemade breakfasts are the perfect start to a day that might include a trip to Stonehenge or the famed Salisbury Cathedral. Your innkeepers, a warm and helpful sister-duo, are full of helpful information for travelers.
Meadowland, a Bath bed and breakfast, was chosen by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s “Greatest Value.” The three guest rooms are decorated in an English country style that is both comfortable and elegant. The home is distanced by about a 15-minute’s walk into the heart of Bath, but public transportation is just two minutes away. Explore the famous Roman Baths, linger in the Pump Rooms, and spend a day exploring the area around Pulteney Bridge with its museums, shops and galleries or head out of town for a visit to Blaise Castle or Salisbury Cathedral.
Pamper yourself at the spot named by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s best “Splendid Splurge.” Chewton Glen, located on 130 acres in the heart of Hampshire, is an idyllic English country estate offering a mix of traditional and contemporary guest rooms and suites, all elegant and romantic in style. The hotel offers a long list of amenities and services, including a full-service spa, tennis courts, a swimming pool and nine-hole golf course. The hotel has a full-service, gourmet restaurant and afternoon tea is served on the terrace or in one of the finely appointed lounges. The surrounding area offers many fun attractions, such as historic home tours, garden tours, Stonehenge, and the National Motor Museum, which displays more than 250 different motor vehicles.