Britain's 50 best boutique hotels revealed - from a romantic Cotswolds hideaway with a luxury spa to a remote Scottish Highlands hunting lodge and a lavish royal favourite

Britain is home to some extraordinary places to stay, where the setting is every bit as impressive as the rooms themselves.

Think grand country houses steeped in history, secluded estates with award-winning spas and intimate boltholes where exceptional food is part of the experience.

But which ones really stand out?

The annual Top 50 Boutique Hotels ranking has revealed its pick of the country’s finest stays, celebrating the properties that go beyond simply providing somewhere to sleep and turn a night away into an experience in its own right. 

A historic Somerset estate has claimed the coveted top spot for the second year running. 

We’ve rounded up the first 25 properties on the list – with historic mansions, country retreats and some seriously impressive places to eat and unwind all featuring. 

1. The Newt in Somerset, Somerset

The Newt in Somerset was crowned the top boutique hotel for the second year in a row

Guests have the choice from 40 rooms surrounded by woodland and gardens

For the second year in a row and the third time overall, The Newt in Somerset has been crowned the best boutique hotel.

Described as a 'truly a magnificent venue worthy of the accolade of the top hotel in the UK', the beautiful limestone property is located in the grounds of a working estate surrounded by woodland, cyder orchards and gardens. 

With a history dating back 300 years, The Newt has plenty of character and charm, and guests can stay in either the main house or one of the Farmyard or Farmhouse rooms. 

A night away for two in a Farmyard Room with Steam Pod can be booked in December for £745. 

2. Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire

In North Yorkshire, Middleton Lodge offers rooms in December from £200 a night

Middleton Lodge can be found in Richmond's rolling countryside, taking second place on Top 50 Boutique Hotels' list.

The North Yorkshire Georgian homestead was built between 1777 and 1780 and offers a range of rooms in the main house, Coach House, Walled Garden, Dairy, Orchard or the Farmhouse.

Guests can enjoy the spa too and indulge in treatments such as a Head in the Clouds and Body Glow.

Rooms in December start from £200 a night for two. 

3. Number One Bruton, Somerset

In Somerset, Number One Bruton is set within a Georgian townhouse, medieval forge and row of cottages

Guests have the choice of 12 bedrooms in the Somerset-based establishment

Another Somerset-based establishment, Number One Bruton takes third and is a 12-bedroom hotel set within a Georgian townhouse, medieval forge and row of cottages. 

The unique abode is set in the ancient town of Bruton, on the site of a large coaching inn dating back 500 years. 

The rooms are decorated according to where they are situated – the Townhouses are adorned in rich colours, the Cottages boast wooden beams while the Forge's rooms have original stone walls and crittall windows.

A night away for two in December can be booked for £200.

4. Cromlix, Dunblane

Offering 20 bedrooms and a range of dining options, Cromlix is owned by former tennis star Andy Murray and his wife Kim

Owned by two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and his wife Kim, Cromlix is described as 'an exquisite Victorian mansion'.

The hotel is set in acres of dreamy countryside and offers 20 individually designed rooms as well as a range of dining options. 

Two guests can book a night in December from £410.

5. Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire

In the Welsh countryside, The Grove of Narberth takes 5th place

The Grove of Narberth, in Pembrokeshire, is nestled away in 26 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside. 

It rounds off the top five and was in a 'derelict state' before owners Neil and Zoe Kedward bought the property in 2007 and transformed it. 

There are 13 rooms to choose from and the establishment welcomes dogs. Two guests can stay a night from £285 in December.

6. Thyme, Cotswolds

In the Cotswolds, Thyme offers 30 rooms and a night away in December starts from £480

In sixth place, Thyme is described as a 'quintessentially English destination' located in the Cotswolds. 

The family-run establishment offers 30 rooms across 17th century houses and cottages, all botanically-themed and perfect for a relaxing stay.

Prices for two guests booking a night in December start from £480.

7. The Torridon, Scotland

The Torridon offers 18 rooms and suites for a getaway in the Scottish Highlands

World famous for offering a five-star stay in the Scottish Highlands, The Torridon is a former hunting lodge that dates back to 1887.

It offers 18 rooms and suites with prices for two guests staying the night in December starting from £390.

8. Boys Hall, Kent

Boys Hall, in Kent, dates back to 1616 and is a Jacobean mansion house

Located near Ashford, Boys Hall was built in 1616 and now boasts a 70-cover restaurant as well as a hotel and pub. 

The Jacobean mansion offers nine rooms and two can book a stay in December for £230 a night.

9. Gilpin Hotel, Cumbria

Gilpin Hotel is set on 21 acres and offers 30 bedrooms in dreamy Windermere

Gilpin is made of two establishments located just one mile apart in Windermere –  Gilpin Hotel and Gilpin Lake House. 

The hotel is set on 21 acres and boasts 30 bedrooms, with prices in December for two guests starting from £395 a night. 

10. The Rectory Hotel, Wiltshire

The Rectory Hotel in Wiltshire takes 10th place, offering 18 rooms and a restaurant 

Praised by Top 50 Boutique Hotels for its 'proper cocktails', The Rectory Hotel in Wiltshire rounds off the top 10.

The establishment dates back to the 18th century and offers 18 rooms as well as a restaurant. 

Two guests can book a night away in December for £170.

11. Fowlescombe Farm, Devon

Fowlescombe Farm, in Devon, is set on 450 acres and offers ten rooms 

In Devon, Fowlescombe Farm offers ten rooms that promise a luxurious and relaxing stay.

Set on 450 acres, the farm is home to native and rare British breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats.

Guests can book a night for two for £588 in December. 

12. Lime Wood Hotel, Hampshire

In the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood Hotel boats 33 rooms from £520 a night in December

Located in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood Hotel secures 12th place.  

It has been the wedding venue of choice for multiple stars including Noel Gallagher in 2011 and Sophie Dahl in 2010. 

There are 33 rooms and prices in December start from £520 a night. 

13. Glebe House, Devon

Glebe House, in Devon, is located on 15 acres and secures 13th place

Set on 15 acres, Glebe House is located in the heart of Devon and offers seven bedrooms as well as a self-contained cabin and annex. 

Guests can book a room in December for £167 a night for two. 

14. Hampton Manor, Warwickshire

Boasting 24 rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Hampton Manor is 14th

Hampton Manor is an award-winning establishment with a Michelin starred, four AA rosette restaurant. 

It offers 24 rooms and a night away for two in December can be booked for £315.

15. Penmaenuchaf Hotel, Dolgellau

Penmaenuchaf Hotel is located in Snowdonia and boasts 14 rooms

In 21 acres of beautiful landscape in the Snowdonia (Eryri) mountains, Penmaenuchaf Hotel takes 15th place.

Guests can choose from 14 rooms and prices start at £330 for a night in December.

16. Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall

Hotel Tresanton, in Cornwall, takes 16th place and offers 30 bedrooms with sea views

Hotel Tresanton consists of a group of houses in the picturesque fishing village of St Mawes. 

It boasts 30 rooms – each one with a beautiful view of the sea – and prices start from £320 a night in December.

17. Penally Abbey, Penally

Penally Abbey is a beautiful abode in the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park

In 17th place, Penally Abbey offers a boutique stay in one of its 12 bedrooms surrounded by woodland and peaceful gardens. 

The hotel is located in the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park and offers a calming retreat.

It also has its own restaurant – Rhosyn – and guests can book a room for two in December for £230 a night.

18. Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, Cornwall

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, in Cornwall, offers 34 rooms as well as apartments and cottages

Situated along the Cornish coast, Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate in St Ives ranks 18th overall.

It boasts 34 rooms and also offers family-sized apartments and cottages for those wanting a more exclusive seaside escape.

Two guests can book a night in December for £300 in the main house.  

19. Dormy House, Worcestershire

Dormy House in Worcestershire offers 11 Scandinavian-style suites and various luxurious rooms

Another Cotswolds spot, Dormy House offers guests bright and airy rooms as well as a luxurious spa.  

There are 11 Scandinavian-style suites and various luxurious rooms to choose from. Prices in December start from £495 a night for two.

20. Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, Prestonfield House offers rooms in December from £332 a night

Prestonfield House is a five-star luxury hotel in Edinburgh, set within 20 acres of greenery.

It was built by Sir William Bruce, who was the King's architect, and offers 23 bedrooms and suites.

Prices start from £332 a night in December for two guests. 

21. The Goring, Belgravia

In London, The Goring Hotel is a Royal favourite and has been offering luxurious stays since 1910

In London, The Goring Hotel has been lovingly run by the Goring family since its inception in 1910.

It has been a firm favourite with the Royal Family for many years and is the closest hotel to Buckingham Palace. 

The luxurious establishment offers 69 bedrooms and a deluxe room can be booked for two guests in December for £1,200 a night.

22. Gravetye Manor, Sussex

Near Goodwood Racecourse, Gravetye Manor takes 22nd place

Perfect for a countryside retreat, Gravetye Manor is set in more than 1,000 acres and was built in 1598.

Guests have the choice of 17 rooms or the Robinson Suite and it's a good spot for motorsport fans, as it is located nearby Goodwood Racecourse.

In December, two guests can book an exclusive deluxe room for £760 a night. 

23. Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa secures 23rd and is located on 500 acres of parkland

Guests have 42 beautifully decorated rooms to choose from 

Set on 500 acres of dreamy parkland, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa oozes luxury and elegance.

There are 42 rooms, some of them dog-friendly, and a Michelin Star experience at Restaurant Hywel Jones. 

Guests can book a room in December for £495 a night. 

24. The Samling, Cumbria

The Samling Hotel in Cumbria offers 12 bedrooms, suites and cottages

The Samling, in Cumbria, offers panoramic views of the Lake District and places 24th overall. 

Guests can choose from 12 bedrooms, suites and cottages, each one is named after a location in the Lake District. 

During their stay, travellers can indulge in Michelin Star dining too at the hotel's restaurant.

Rooms for two start at £390 a night in December. 

25. Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire

In North Yorkshire, Grantley Hall is a beautiful spot for an indulgent night away 

Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Grantley Hall offers a luxurious wellness retreat perfect for those wanting to indulge in a relaxing night away. 

There are six on-site restaurants, including Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin, four bars, a spa and 47 rooms.