3 U.K. Hotels For Slow Travelers
4 min read
Check out these three hotels that put some of the UK’s ‘second cities’ and pretty, rural villages ‘on the map’. Perfect for exploring lesser-known spots, they offer laid-back luxury and give an insider’s view of their destinations.
The Queens Hotel, Leeds
Having first opened in 1937, The Queens Hotel in Leeds is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. The heritage hotel is not exactly new, but a recent £16m refurbishment has brought its heyday back to life, with all 232 bedrooms revamped with a minimalist, urban aesthetic while still giving plenty of nods to its 30s heritage and design aesthetic.
Previously a landmark railway hotel—for the former London, Midland and Scottish Railway—the property is found next to Leeds Rail Station, meaning guests are within walking distance of all the city’s attractions. The revamp has captured the glamour of the building’s Art Deco roots, with many original features still intact, coupled with a modern design sensibility (think: leather headboards, graphic-print rugs and velvet and linen seating).
Revamped bedrooms are light and contemporary.
(Credit: Queens Hotel Leeds)
The ground floor has been transformed into a dynamic social hub, with plenty of convivial communal areas, while the Grand Pacific Restaurant has also been revamped, with the latter leaning into a Jazz Age vibe with banquette seating, parquet flooring and opulent chandeliers. This homage to the golden age of high society also gives a nod to far-flung travel experiences, with Asian-inspired cocktails in the bar and a menu that features British classics alongside Chinese and Japanese dishes.
No. 124 by GuestHouse, Brighton
Due to open next month is No. 124 by GuestHouse, Brighton—the fourth property from GuestHouse Hotels known for its laid-back luxury vibe found within characterful places to stay. The coastal bolthole is the group’s biggest project to date, and has been designed to be the new flagship property of the brand.
Bedrooms offer sea views and a cool seaside vibe.
(Credit: GuestHouse)
Inspired by the cultural hub that is Brighton, No. 124 will offer three suites and 32 bedrooms with sweeping sea views looking out across the English Channel. Carved out of a Regency-style building, the façade straddles three Victorian and Georgian townhouses, which have been restored to embrace the city’s colourful personality and vibrant history. Playful quirks in each room (and across all GuestHouse properties) include in-room record players and ‘help-yourself’ pantries.
You can enjoy a quintessential British seaside escape.
(Credit: GuestHouse)
No. 124 also offers thoughtful perks, such as complimentary luggage collection from the station if travelling by train. The hotel will also feature its signature Pearly Cow restaurant, a bar, terrace, lounge, games room and courtyard, to be followed by a FieldTrip Spa and spacious Hideout suite.
The Alfriston, South Downs
One to put on the calendar for spring next year, is The Signet Collection’s fourth hotel, The Alfriston, set to open its doors by March 2025. Located in the picturesque village of Alfriston, within the South Downs, the latest addition to the collection of award-winning hotels, which includes The Mitre The Mitre Hampton Court and The Retreat at Elcot Park near Newbury, promises a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and breath-taking scenery; all in keeping, says the brand, with its ethos of breathing a new chapter to a time-honoured places.
The Alfriston ‘opens the door’ on to the South Downs.
(Credit: The Alfriston)
Set in some of the UK’s most picturesque countryside, The Alfriston will offer 38 bedrooms and suites, each individually styled, with warm, playful colours, upcycled antiques and glamorous bathrooms. For dining, the 1554 Brasserie (which takes its name from the date of the building) will offer dishes that use ingredients sourced from local, independent suppliers and produce grown in the hotel’s own herb and vegetable plots. The hotel’s bar will offer casual dining, while in the light-filled Orangery guests can enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea.
Due to open next Spring, The Aflriston is the latest property from The Signet Collection.
(Credit: The Alfriston)
In a second phase of opening, the hotel will launch its signature Signet Spa, with GAIA treatments, and an outdoor swimming pool. Situated in the scenic village of Alfriston, the hotel is surrounded by a bustling community famed for throwing fetes and fayres on the ‘Tye’ (the village green), the sweeping South Downs National Park and chocolate-box-pretty pubs. Hidden gems along The Sussex Heritage Coast are just moments away, too.
