Top Destinations

South East England – Historic Charm, Coastal Scenery, and Royal Estates

South East England is a region of profound historical significance, elegance, and picturesque landscapes. It encompasses the counties of Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire. This area is renowned for its wealth of historic university cities (like Oxford), majestic cathedrals, iconic castles, and the charm of the southern coastline, offering a perfect blend of rural luxury and sophisticated culture. The selection of historic hotels, country house estates, and boutique hotels is among the finest in the UK.

History and Immortal Icons (Real Experience)

The must-see experience is a visit to the historic Leeds Castle (Kent), often called 'the loveliest castle in the world,' surrounded by a moat and stunning gardens . We also suggest visiting the majestic Canterbury Cathedral (Kent), a UNESCO site, and the famous Stonehenge (Wiltshire, often included in South East tours). For a luxury experience, we recommend visiting Windsor Castle (Berkshire) in the morning and completing the day with afternoon tea at one of the nearby historic estates.

The Hills and Charming Countryside

The Chiltern Hills (Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire) and the South Downs National Park area (Sussex/Hampshire) offer idyllic landscapes for walks and luxury retreats. The countryside is dotted with charming villages and traditional pubs. Don't miss a boat trip on the River Thames in Oxford, combined with a tour of the historic university colleges.

The South East Coastline

The coastline offers picturesque seaside towns. The area around Brighton (East Sussex) is known for its pier and vibrant cultural scene, but for a more refined experience, we recommend Rye (East Sussex), with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, or the white cliffs of Seven Sisters (East Sussex), ideal for scenic hikes.

Top 5 Luxury, Historic, and Boutique Hotels

Cliveden House – Taplow (Berkshire): an opulent country estate, famous for its history and luxury.
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Great Milton (Oxfordshire): a luxury hotel with two Michelin stars (Raymond Blanc), offering an exceptional culinary experience.
Lime Wood – Lyndhurst (Hampshire): elegant country hotel in the New Forest, focused on wellness and fine dining.
The Old Parsonage Hotel – Oxford (Oxfordshire): luxury boutique hotel in a historic building in the heart of the university city.
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club – Forest Row (East Sussex): luxurious Neo-Gothic castle converted into a hotel.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Fine Dining

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Great Milton: Two Michelin Stars (Raymond Blanc).
The Hand and Flowers – Marlow (Buckinghamshire): Two Michelin Stars (Tom Kerridge), the world's first two-Michelin-starred pub.
Matt Worswick at The Latymer – Bagshot (Surrey): One Michelin Star within Pennyhill Park Hotel.

Useful Information

The region is excellently served by London airports (Heathrow and Gatwick, although technically in the London Region, they are the main access points). The rail network is efficient for reaching major cities, but a car is recommended for exploring the countryside and historic estates. Official sources:

Visit South East England – Official Tourist Portal
Visit Britain

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24 Charming and Luxury Hotels in South East England

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The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton Hotel

Historical building,
Oxford
-
Location Map

8.2
Score from 2966 review/s
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Gift vouchers accepted

Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 151 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

The Grand Hotel

Historical building,
Eastbourne
-
Location Map

8.3
Score from 1813 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 129 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

South Lodge

Historical building,
Horsham
-
Location Map

8.8
Score from 107 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Michelin Star Restaurant, Pets Friendly, 97 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

The Grove

Country house,
Chandler's Cross
-
Location Map

8.4
Score from 399 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 195 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Coworth Park - Dorchester Collection

Historical building,
Ascot
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 275 review/s
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Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Indoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 69 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

Resort,
Winchfield
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 397 review/s
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Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 15 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Hever Castle Luxury Bed and Breakfast

Castle,
Edenbridge
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 2046 review/s
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Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, 34 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Chewton Glen Hotel - an Iconic Luxury Hotel

Country house,
Newbury
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 240 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 70 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

Manor,
Turners Hill
-
Location Map

7.8
Score from 572 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Indoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 52 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Halfway Bridge

Country house,
Midhurst
-
Location Map

9.1
Score from 587 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Restaurant, 9 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Cliveden House - an Iconic Luxury Hotel

Country house,
Maidenhead
-
Location Map

9
Score from 245 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 47 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Lainston House

Country house,
Winchester
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 250 review/s
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Gift vouchers accepted

Restaurant, Pets Friendly, 54 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club

Country house,
Castle Combe
-
Location Map

9.1
Score from 286 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Michelin Star Restaurant, Pets Friendly, 55 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa

Country house,
Bagshot
-
Location Map

8.7
Score from 197 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Swimming pool, Spa beauty center, 123 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Donnington Hotel, Spa & Golf

Resort,
Newbury
-
Location Map

7.7
Score from 501 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Indoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 72 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Amberley Castle- A Relais & Chateaux Hotel

Castle,
Amberley
-
Location Map

8.6
Score from 277 review/s
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Restaurant, 19 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa

Country house,
Brockenhurst
-
Location Map

7.6
Score from 394 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Indoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, 99 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Aloft Liverpool

Historical building,
Liverpool
-
Location Map

8.2
Score from 3958 review/s
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Gift vouchers accepted

116 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

New Park Manor Hotel

Country house,
Brockenhurst
-
Location Map

9
Score from 148 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Pets Friendly, 24 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Macdonald Bear Hotel

Historical building,
Woodstock
-
Location Map

7.9
Score from 1619 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Restaurant, 54 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Claverton Hotel

Country house,
Battle
-
Location Map

8.4
Score from 372 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Restaurant, 8 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Old Swan

Manor,
Minster Lovell
-
Location Map

7.4
Score from 297 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

Restaurant, 16 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Lime Wood

Country house,
Lyndhurst
-
Location Map

8
Score from 1 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

Restaurant, 29 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire

Country house,
Oxford
-
Location Map

9.7
Score from 123 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Restaurant, Pets Friendly, 32 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

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