As our resident glutton and travel editor, my most cherished view of England is cast through an F&B lens. Martinis in Soho, seafood in Brighton, wines in Sussex, curries in Birmingham (that will inevitably stain your favourite shirt). If there’s one reason to travel further afield than the best hotels in London, it’s that every city has something culinarily excellent on offer.

Of course, other people travel to, and around, England for other things. Culture and heritage, perhaps – and they’re right to. The museums, galleries and increasingly photo-ready ‘attractions’ are a core draw everywhere from Margate to Manchester, and a simply walk in the countryside between remains one of the most popular outdoor activities of all.

Wherever you’re headed, if you’re looking for a helping hand on where to stay, start below. These are the best hotels in England for smart city weekends, coastal escapes and countryside fantasies galore. And should that get your wanderlust flowing, tap the main UK & Ireland hotels guide for the full spread.

What’s in British GQ’s guide to the best hotels in England??

All of our UK and Ireland travel guides have been contributed to by various members of the British GQ team, including Robert Leedham, Adam Cheung, Lela London, Daisy Jones, Rebecca Dolan, Owen Gough, Sam Parker, Mike Cathro, Mike Christensen, Jessie Atkinson and Murray Clark.

The best hotels in England, GQ Recommended…

North England

Dakota Hotel Newcastle

  • Price: From £93 per night
  • Address: 112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX

Someone needed to set the bar for hospitality in Newcastle, and so the Dakota Hotel has stepped in a major way. Nestled along the River Tyne’s quayside, this thoroughly modern establishment builds on the clean-cut decadence of the group’s other northern and Scottish properties across Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow with 118 well-priced rooms to its name – all within 20 minutes walk of Fenwick department store and the rest of the city centre.

The Dakota isn’t a showy kind of hotel with gaudy artwork draped around the walls and a cocktail menu that’s stacked with luminous monstrosities. Instead, there’s a quiet luxury to the place that’s evident from the moment you lay eyes on the many Bentleys and Porsches that are parked around its entrance. From its champagne room to the cigar terrace, you’re never too far away from your home comfort of choice and a gloriously deep chair to sink into. The Bar and Grill’s furniture may be a little more practically minded, but the food is just as indulgent thanks to a menu that majors in prime cuts of British Chateaubriand, as well as wagyu from both Japan and Australia, and all the sides you can possibly stomach. Mac and cheese, creamed spinach and chunky chips with truffle and parmesan? It’s rude not to, really.