University Church of St Mary the Virgin, from Old Bank Hotel, Oxford

Britain’s Best City Hotels Outside The Capital

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From Edinburgh's Georgian streets to Oxford's university quarters, these 13 hotels capture the soul of Britain's regional cities

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Britain's Best City Hotels Outside The Capital

University Church of St Mary the Virgin, from Old Bank Hotel, Oxford

Beyond London’s buzzing streets, Britain’s regional cities are home to some of the country’s finest hotels. From the Scottish elegance of Edinburgh to Oxford’s university charm, the best urban hotels outside the capital celebrate their distinctive neighbourhoods with sophisticated character. Below, find 13 of our favourite scattered across Britain and Ireland, from intimate literary hideaways and riverside sanctuaries to period townhouses converted with meticulous taste.

No.131, Cheltenham

Set across a trio of Georgian townhouses on Cheltenham’s Promenade, No.131 offers a stay that brings a contemporary edge to the Cotswolds. Inside, 36 individually designed bedrooms blend period architecture with bold fabrics, creating spaces that are both considered and relaxed. For something exceptional, the Kings House Suite – sleeping four – offers a more social feel, complete with its own living space designed for celebratory group getaways. Outside the bedrooms, No.131 is made for gathering. The Terrace restaurant moves effortlessly from breakfast through to late dinners, whilst Gin & Juice serves expertly crafted cocktails across a sun-dappled garden bar and atmospheric indoor space. Upstairs, YOKU brings refined, Japanese-inspired dining, with Bar Tokyo offering small plates and cocktails in a late-night setting. No.131’s signature sense of energy and attention to detail carries through to weddings and private events, where spaces can be tailored for everything from intimate dinners to full house takeovers. From relaxed stays to milestone moments, No.131 delivers an experience that feels as memorable as it does effortless.

Doubles from £150; +44 (0)1242 822939

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The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Dublin’s finest hotel is effortlessly gracious. Everything feels right, from the location opposite government buildings to the twinkly doormen, polished service and classically elegant bedrooms. Four Georgian townhouses – one the birthplace of the first Duke of Wellington – have been opened up to create a series of welcoming reception rooms with stucco ceilings, peat fires, antique furniture and the owner’s outstanding collection of 19th and 20th-century Irish art, which you can uncover in a discreet audio tour. Just as impressive is the formal garden, graced by Rowan Gillespie’s wonderful statue of James Joyce. The fine dining restaurant is the two Michelin-starred province of Patrick Guilbaud, with The Garden Room available for more casual cuisine. There’s also gastro pub fare in The Cellar Bar (which is set in original 18th-century wine vaults) and No. 23, an intimate cocktail bar. For relaxation, the spa has a pillared infinity pool, treatment rooms and hair salon. No surprise that the charming general manager, Peter MacCann, has been in place since The Merrion opened – but it’s quite a surprise to find that was over 25 years ago. It feels timeless.

Doubles from €375; +353 (0)16 030 600

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The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

Set on Bath’s historic Royal Crescent, this hotel and spa is a sanctuary of elegance and refinement. The five-star retreat offers impeccable service, warm hospitality and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a memorable and personalised stay. Most of the 45 rooms and suites boast captivating views, whether overlooking the hotel’s herbaceous gardens or the Royal Crescent’s grand lawn. For groups of up to eight, there’s also the Garden Villa, with its own outside space. Montagu’s Mews offers carefully curated menus by head chef Martin Blake, from afternoon tea to an indulgent six-course tasting dinner and an à la carte selection to suit every mood and taste. The glamorous bar tempts with expertly crafted cocktails, whilst the heated outdoor terrace – set against the backdrop of a secluded acre of glorious gardens – provides a charming spot to unwind. For ultimate relaxation, the spa offers a haven of tranquillity, featuring a relaxation pool, sauna and steam room. There’s also an organic range of Ground Wellbeing rituals, complemented by Medik8 treatments designed to refine skin tone, texture and the appearance of fine lines.

Doubles from £410; +44 (0)1225 823333

View of lobby at Royal Crescent Hotel Bath with tree wallpaper

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The PIG – In The Wall, Southampton

If The PIG in the New Forest is the country house, then this is its coastal town cousin, close by in Southampton and the smallest in the litter. Charmingly embraced by the city’s medieval defensive walls, it is gorgeous, affordable and makes a great choice for a short, hassle-free urban break, easily reached by train from London in just 90 minutes. Hole up in one of its faultlessly chic bedrooms, where retro radios, telephones and alarm clocks sit alongside superb beds, rain showers, roll-top baths, well-stocked fridge larders, bare floorboards, painted wood ceilings, and pretty fabrics. In the morning, linger over flaky pastries, cold meats and eggs (which you can boil to your own liking), and peruse the morning papers in the Edwardian country-style kitchen-cum-parlour. For lunch, graze from the inviting deli counter. Later, you can do some serious damage in the city’s Westquay shopping centre (if you dare) and then, at cocktail hour, head back to the hotel for a delicious dinner of freshly prepared salads, hearty plates (including a pie of the day) and sweet treats on the outdoor terrace, where you’ll be as happy as a pig in manure.

Doubles from £145; +44 (0)23 8063 6900

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100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

Housed in the former headquarters of the Royal Over-Seas League, Red Carnation Hotels’ 100 Princes Street blends a discreet, club-like atmosphere with a strong sense of Scottish identity. Overlooking Edinburgh Castle and steps from the National Gallery, the location is exceptional – yet it’s the detail that will stop you in your tracks. Interiors tell a story, from the handpainted mural celebrating Scottish botanists to tartans by local Scottish designer Araminta Campbell. Nautical references are woven through the building in honour of its illustrious history. Bedrooms are elegant and comfortable, whilst Ghillie’s Pantry offers private dining with rare whiskies and bespoke menus. At the heart of the hotel, The Wallace provides a relaxed space for dining, drinks and conversation, with dishes centred around seasonal Scottish produce. Just as good is the service – genuinely warm, knowledgeable and quietly attentive. Great for couples and culturally curious travellers, 100 Princes Street offers a refined yet welcoming base, with a strong sense of place and understated charm.

Doubles from £415; +44 (0)131 287 3100

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Hayfield Manor, Cork

Sitting on the cusp of Cork’s city centre, Hayfield Manor is the city’s only five-star hotel. The 87 rooms are some of the finest in Ireland, each blending timeless style with modern comfort. Some have stunning views of the two-acre gardens, others of the urban skyline. All have carefully thought out touches – there’s even in-room golf putters to work on your technique. Orchids restaurant offers contemporary Irish cuisine created with the freshest local ingredients, whilst the relaxed Perrotts Garden Bistro in the conservatory is a local favourite for Mediterranean fare and Sunday lunch. Bloom – a glasshouse with retractable walls – is the latest addition, with an impressive champagne selection and small plates menu. The suntrap terrace is ideal for drinks after visiting local attractions such as a distillery or St Finbarr’s cathedral. The award-winning Beautique Spa – the first Elemis spa in Ireland – is one of the best in Cork, with an indoor pool, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi and Elemis and GROUND Wellbeing therapies. But perhaps best of all is the impeccable service – genuine Irish hospitality at its highest.

Doubles from €435; +353 (0)21 484 5900

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University Arms, Cambridge

Cambridge’s oldest hotel, University Arms, is a renowned address defined by the intellectual history of the city. Positioned on Parker’s Piece – where the first game of football with rules was played – and originally built in 1834, the architecture pays homage to the neo-classical period in elements such as the porte-cochère entrance on Regent Street. The hotel’s 189 rooms feature book collections curated by Mayfair’s Heywood Hill and a palette of Cambridge blue, whilst each of the Terrace suites is named after a local playwright. Parker’s Tavern, a relaxed, brasserie-style restaurant, serves a menu of reimagined classics that celebrate the best local produce. The space is an evocation of a college dining hall, with interiors by Martin Brudnizki (who is also behind the rooms) designed around the original architecture, such as stained-glass windows with crests of the original colleges, plus artworks curated by Adam Ellis Studio. The bar serves a selection of signature cocktails and works with local producers from Saffron Grange Vineyard to Cambridge Distillery. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed in Parker’s Tavern or in the library by a roaring fire.

Doubles from £229; +44 (0)1223 606066

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The Grand Hotel Birmingham, Birmingham

Birmingham’s original grande dame has awakened. After a near 20 year closure, The Grand Hotel reopened in 2021, and, thanks to a £50m makeover, in its former glory. The Grade II-listed Victorian building has hosted rock stars and royalty, and blends original features (mosaic-tiled floors, soaring ceilings, a grand staircase) with modern luxury. The 185 rooms and suites are elegant, especially the duplex penthouse which features a superking four-poster bed, a marble bathroom with a roll top tub, a private bar, and an open-plan living-dining area. Its bars and restaurants are just as iconic. Madeleine, a glamorous Parisian-chic space with double-height windows and chandeliers, is one of the city’s most recognisable bars, serving cocktails, champagne, and afternoon tea. Meanwhile, Isaac’s is a brasserie-style restaurant known for elevated British comfort food (think roast lamb rumps and warm duck salads). You’re covered for late-night entertainment, thanks to its speakeasy-style live music bar, Downstairs at The Grand; here you can enjoy a three-course dinner and cabaret. A smart new chapter for a city-centre landmark.

Doubles from £159; +44 (0)121 827 9600

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Old Bank Hotel, Oxford

The Old Bank Hotel, with its 43 stunning bedrooms, is the jewel in the crown of The Oxford Collection, whose portfolio includes the Old Parsonage Hotel and 36 St Giles. Brilliantly located on the High Street, this sleekly designed hotel is surrounded by Oxford’s most beautiful colleges (Merton, All Souls, Christ Church) and sits opposite the world-renowned Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Libraries. All rooms feature handmade EPOC beds, striking artwork and Carrara marble-clad bathrooms – and make full use of the setting. For something super special, book Room 1, ‘The Room With The View’, a stunning rooftop bedroom with a private terrace. Quod Restaurant, with a stylish Italian terrace and show-stopping onyx bar, is Oxford’s most revered and buzziest place to eat. Formerly a banking hall, the interiors are spectacular (with modern art by top British artists such as Damien Hirst, Sandra Blow and Craigie Aitchison) and the food is excellent. To top it off, make use of the exclusive residents’ library, private workout space, and partnerships with local cultural gems, The Ashmolean and Blenheim Palace.

Doubles from £250; +44 (0)1865 799599

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Killarney Royal Townhouse, Killarney

With a UNESCO national park on its doorstep, the town of Killarney is a brilliant base for exploring this southwestern part of Ireland – and Killarney Royal Townhouse, owned by the Scally family for three generations, is the place to stay. The 32 rooms are fresh from a redesign: all have a calming palette of warm neutrals and earthy tones and showcase Irish craftsmanship through blankets by Mucros Weavers and pictures by local photographer Declan Mulvany. In the new casual dining space, Fig, brass lamps sit on marble-topped tables and there’s a bar where you can gather for stiff gin and tonics before tucking into elevated classics – beer-battered fish and chips, confit duck leg – from the all-day menu, which focuses on showcasing local produce. Sit by a crackling fire in the lobby lounge to relax after boating on the Lakes of Killarney or climbing Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. For those wanting to take it easy, there is complimentary access to the health club at sister property Great Southern Killarney (less than five minutes’ walk away), which has a heated pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

Doubles from €285; +353 (0)64 663 1853

Upper Townhouse Suite at Killarney Royal

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Old Parsonage Hotel, Oxford

Sitting at the head of the St Giles’ boulevard, the Old Parsonage is a local institution. The hotel has stood on its present site since 1660. Today, history still laces every room, but the property has been brought bang up to date beautifully – as proven by the Michelin Guide, which just awarded the hotel the first Michelin Key in Oxford. Chic modern interiors, eclectic country house charm and striking 20th-century portraits run throughout. The 35 individually designed rooms and suites feature handmade EPOC beds, rich natural fabrics and Carrara marble-clad bathrooms. The food is a serious highlight, with Parsonage Grill the beating heart of the hotel. Known for its intimate, clubby atmosphere, it’s about classic British dishes with a modern touch. Tuck into the likes of rabbit and tarragon pie and Hereford fillet steak with chips – plus the afternoon tea is renowned, particularly when taken within the Moroccan-style courtyard. There’s a light-filled library to relax in afterwards, but the hotel’s central location calls for a wander. The Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers museums, the Oxford Playhouse and the University Parks are just a short walk away.

Doubles from £250; +44 (0)1865 310210

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Hart’s Hotel, Nottingham

Purpose-built on the old ramparts of Nottingham Castle in 2003, Hart’s Hotel has striking lines, curved buttresses and a dashing yet welcoming lobby. The 32 rooms are impeccably designed, with high ceilings and ample natural light. Six have private terraces with direct access to the secluded garden (these are dog-friendly), and most inward-facing rooms offer views across the city and countryside beyond. In the foreground lies The Park Estate, a collection of Victorian residences by the duke of Newcastle, now a conservation area. Hart’s Kitchen is an intimate restaurant with two AA rosettes, where the menus – created by head chef Lewis Ward and executive chef Aaron Patterson of Michelin-starred sister hotel Hambleton Hall – feature classic British dishes made with the best seasonal ingredients. Owner Tim Hart has a passion for wine and personally selects every bottle on the list. A traditional afternoon tea is also served daily, featuring homemade cakes from Hambleton Bakery served with either loose-leaf Jing tea or Hart’s own blend of roasted coffee from 200 Degrees in the city.

Doubles from £175; +44 (0)115 988 1900

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Hard Days Night Hotel, Liverpool

The world’s only Beatles-inspired hotel – and fully worthy of The Fab Four. Set in Liverpool’s bustling ‘Beatles Quarter’, the Hard Days Night Hotel sits adjacent to the world-famous Cavern Club where the band rose to fame and is also a stone’s throw from the city’s array of famous Beatles landmarks. Housed in the magnificent Grade II-listed Central Buildings, dating back to 1884, the restored hotel is steeped in history. The Lennon Suite is a fan favourite, with a white baby grand piano and private balcony. Recently refurbished North Sixty4 serves traditional British fare with a contemporary twist, including Penny Lane Fish & Chips and Liverpool Tart with whipped cream and raspberry coulis for dessert. Meanwhile Bar Four has Beatles-inspired cocktails on the drinks menu, accompanied by live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Plentiful artworks decorate this playful hotel, by artist Shannon MacDonald – but that’s not all. Serious memorabilia of The Fab Four can be found here, with artefacts, pictures, books and poems from the likes of Yoko Ono, Pete Best, Stuart Sutcliffe, Linda McCartney and, of course, John, Paul, George and Ringo themselves.

Doubles from £88; +44 (0)151 236 1964

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