13 Of The Best Adult-Only Hotels In The UK
The Scarlet, Cornwall
Set high in the hills above Mawgan Porth beach near Newquay, the Scarlet Hotel offers an eco-friendly stay like no other. Made for guests looking for a restorative and calming retreat, there are several spots made for undisturbed peace, from cliff-top hot tubs to an Ayurvedic-inspired spa. Each room has its own individual outdoor space, ranging from private garden terraces to balconies, and all have beautiful views over the gardens, cliffs and beach. For a romantic staycation, book a room or suite with a freestanding bath with a view. Guests can sunbathe on the Retreat Terrace, settle down with a book in the library, and enjoy drinks at the bar. In terms of food, expect dishes made from locally sourced seafood and ingredients, like turbot with Jersey Royals, Cornish crab with gazpacho, and pistachio and olive oil cake. Here, one of the highlights is the on-site spa, which includes a clifftop sauna, indoor pool, and a cool natural outdoor swimming pool in a living reed bed. The Scarlet’s sister property, Bedruthan, is also a top choice for families and has a great spa, too.
Rooms from £240 per night.
Visit ScarletHotel.co.uk
Number 38 Clifton, Bristol
For a romantic city break with beautiful rolling hills just a short drive away, heading to Bristol is always a good idea. For a child-free stay, book a room at this dreamy hotel located in the desirable Clifton area. Set in a beautiful Georgian house, there are 12 bedrooms to choose from, all of which have been recently renovated with a contemporary ‘home away from home’ feel. Expect luxury touches throughout like Ren toiletries, waffle dressing gowns and a generously stocked mini bar. During the evenings, head to the library or bar for a quiet drink or make the most of the great views atop the beautiful terrace. Breakfast here is a real treat – guests can tuck into a selection of juices, pastries and fruits, as well as cooked dished like eggs benedict and smoked salmon and eggs. There isn’t an on-site restaurant, but the nearby White Lion pub has stunning views of Clifton Suspension Bridge and is popular with locals.
Rooms from £135 per night.
Visit Number38Clifton.com
The Mash Inn, Buckinghamshire
This quaint gastropub with rooms is located in the hamlet of Bennett End in Buckinghamshire. The Mash Inn doesn’t allow guests under 16, so you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay undisturbed by young children. There are six charming rooms set in a beautiful 18th-century property – four directly above the pub and two new Garden Rooms – each with king-sized beds, free-standing baths or en-suite showers, and L:A Bruket toiletries. Breakfast is served in the restaurant – think croissants with homemade jams, buttermilk yoghurt, granola and porridge – and guests can enjoy local wines and ales in their room. Here, food is at the heart of the property where the restaurant specialises in simple, hearty meals made with local ingredients, like crab tarts with pickles and tarragon, truffle pizzas, and slow-cooked pork tortillas. For a lovely day trip, explore the nearby Chiltern Hills on foot or by bike – the trail from Rickmansworth to Chesham is a lovely scenic route.
Rooms from £110 per night.
Visit TheMashInn.com
The Mandrake Hotel, London
The Mandrake is home to one of the best rooftop bars in London, but it’s also a luxury, boutique hotel where those in the know escape to for a child-free stay. Located on Newman Street in Fitzrovia, each aspect of the hotel has been designed to offer an immersive experience, from the beautiful three-story flower walls in the middle of the building to an eclectic, impressive art collection that includes works from Salvador Dali and Francesco Clemente. Guests are encouraged to make the most of the hotel and the staff are on hand to cater to individual requests for special occasions. The Mandrake has 34 rooms, including three suites and a glamorous penthouse, each of which has its own style with eclectic interiors with bespoke furniture. Book a table at Yopo, headed up by chef George Scott-Toft, for tasty South American-inspired dishes, or go all out and hire one of the private dining ‘Cabanas’ which have just been refurbished. Aside from the Insta-worthy design, the real star of the show is the Jurema terrace surrounded by lush greenery, where guests can enjoy light dishes and cocktails from the Waeska bar.
Rooms from £239 per night.
Visit TheMandrake.com
The Gilpin Hotel, Lake District
Situated close to Lake Windermere, this family-run hotel is one of the most luxurious in the Lake District. The Gilpin has a strict adult-only rule so guests can make the most of excellent facilities in peace. Set in 21 acres, there are actually two properties. The larger of the two, the main house, is a traditional countryside manor, while the smaller Lake House is more modern. Rooms are all decorated in a soft colour palette, with comfy armchairs and pops of colour, while private lodges have a Scandinavian feel, with floor to ceiling windows and wooden walls. Guests have the use of the hotel’s hot tubs, saunas, indoor pool and a spa during their stay, while most of the treatments have been created with couples in mind – ideal for a special treat. Dine at the Michelin-starred HRiSHi restaurant which serves delicate plates of British classics, or book a table at the Gilpin Spice which has more of a laid-back feel with tapas-style Asian dishes.
Rooms from £255 per night.
Visit TheGilpin.co.uk
The Witchery, Edinburgh
One of the best adult-only spots in Scotland, The Witchery is a beautiful, gothic-style hotel in Castlehill, Edinburgh. Situated in a collection of historic buildings at the gates to Edinburgh Castle and oozing with atmosphere, it’s a great destination for couples who want a romantic getaway for two. The hotel has dark, opulent interiors – rooms are filled with antique furniture and rich fabrics – with nine suites, ranging from spacious boudoirs with rooftop views to rooms tucked away in a turret with their own private staircase. After exploring Edinburgh’s historic streets, guests can relax with a bottle of champagne before enjoying dinner at either the 16th-century candlelit Witchery dining room or the elegant Secret Garden room with a hand-painted ceiling and secluded terrace. Both menus celebrate the best of Scottish produce, with dishes like steak tartare with burnt onion mayo; a seafood platter of lobster, langoustine, oysters, clams, mussels, and crab; and bitter chocolate tart with blood orange sorbet.
Rooms from £365 per night.
Visit TheWitchery.com
Flore House, Northamptonshire
For an idyllic country escape, head to Flore House in Northamptonshire. Set in a beautiful Grade II-listed building dating back to the 17th century, the guesthouse has a distinctive British charm inside and out. There are only two rooms to choose from, but both have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a fully equipped kitchenette and a welcome breakfast hamper. The Bramble room has lovely views of the gardens and a spacious en-suite with a rolltop bath, while the Bayberry has a rainfall shower and a cool, eclectic mix of furniture. Guests can also hire the entire property for events and photoshoots – you might recognise the interiors from music videos featuring Skepta and Slowthai. Once you’ve made the most of the property by exploring the gardens and relaxing in the lounge, walk around the village of Flore which has several quaint country pubs – The White Hart is a fail-safe option.
Rooms from £185 per night.
Visit FloreHouse.co.uk
Boskerris Hotel, Cornwall
This small, boutique hotel overlooking Carbis Bay is a 20-minute walk from the beautiful St Ives. Set in a classic 1930s building, expect bright and airy interiors with a relaxed Mediterranean style. Guests can relax in the lounge or bar, enjoy the views on the terrace and walk along the beach. The hotel has thoughtful touches throughout, like hooks to hang up your wetsuits and beach bags you can borrow which come with maps of the local area with the best things to see and do. There are 15 rooms to choose from, each varying in size, from classic doubles to Celebration rooms with ocean views. Breakfast is a relaxed affair with a vast selection of food to choose from, while afternoon tea can be taken in the lounge or on the terrace. Be sure to book a table at the on-site restaurant which uses local produce to make tasty Mediterranean dishes, like seared beef carpaccio, dressed crab salad and bean and tomato cassoulet.
Rooms from £220 per night.
Visit BoskerrisHotel.co.uk
Cider House, Devon
Set within the historic grounds of Buckland Abbey, Cider House is a lovely four-bedroom B&B on the edge of Dartmoor. The location is ideal for those looking to explore South Devon’s beaches, countryside and historic houses. Here, guests can expect a relaxing weekend away – the area is particularly peaceful and only children over 12 can stay overnight. Each bedroom has elegant interiors with Egyptian cotton linens and spacious en-suites with roll-top baths. Breakfast is made using produce from the organic garden, including honey and eggs, where guests can enjoy homemade bread, jams, glasses of apple juice from the orchard, and creamy West Country yogurts, while the surrounding countryside is dotted with characterful pubs – The Drake Manor Inn is an SL favourite. Guests will have free entry to Buckland Abbey and can even book falconry experiences in the garden. Be sure to visit Dartmoor National Park for a range of outdoor pursuits, including wildlife spotting, hiking and cycling.
Prices available on request.
Visit i-Escape.com
Foxhill Manor, Cotswolds
Ideal for a special couple’s retreat, this eight-bedroom hotel is housed in a beautiful Grade II-listed building on an impressive 400-acre estate. Located in one of the Cotswolds’ most scenic villages, Broadway, it’s an ideal choice for a romantic weekend for two. Each of the spacious bedrooms have contemporary interiors with seriously stunning bathrooms – expect walk-in showers and freestanding roll-top bathtubs. There’s also a lounge and dining room, a media room for film nights, and an informal kitchen where guests can design their own dinner based on local, seasonal ingredients. For a special staycation, guests can choose from a range of experience packages which include things like access to the spa at the hotel’s sister property Dormy House (another beautiful hotel), a shuttle service to and from Broadway, and special treats cooked up by the chefs. During a visit, be sure to head to Broadway Tower to walk the Cotswold Way route.
Rooms from £679 per night.
Visit FoxhillManor.com
The Boathouse At Knotts End, Lake District
If you’d rather opt for self-catering, The Boathouse At Knotts End is a stunning lakeside bolthole on the western shores of Ullswater. The 19th-century stone house sleeps two – ideal for a romantic getaway – and is strictly adult-only, so guests can make the most of the beautiful surroundings and private stretch of waterfront. It might look small from the outside, but the open-plan style and bright, airy interiors make it feel spacious yet cosy. In the bedroom, French windows open out onto a balcony with views of the water, while a modern bathroom awaits inside. There’s a small oak kitchen with everything you’ll need during a short stay, but the closest supermarket is a 20-minute drive away, so be sure to stock up on provisions before you arrive. Guests can cosy up on the sofa in front of the indoor wood burner after a day on the lake. Knotts End doesn’t have any Wi-Fi, so expect to be off-grid for the duration of your stay.
From £305 per night.
Visit i-Escape.com
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