Hotels in the East Midlands
The Barnsdale
Oakham
A former hunting lodge for the Earls of Gainsborough, the latest in the upmarket Signet Collection was a work in progress when our inspector called, with ‘a spa, hairdresser’s, café and farm shop still to open’.
Hambleton Hall - Spring, Summer And Onwards Special Offer
Oakham
‘Could a summer day get any better than sitting in a beautiful garden, gazing down over manicured hedges and a fountain, to Rutland Water gleaming in the sunshine?’
The Peacock at Rowsley - 'Dine And Stay Package' Special Offer
Rowsley
‘Really excellent’ food is at the very heart of this lovely Peak District hotel in a 17-century manor house, surrounded by good walking country, and known for its fly-fishing.
The George of Stamford
Stamford
‘Over five decades the dear old George has never missed a beat, and our stay was as perfect as ever in this beautiful, old but supremely comfortable hotel in a lovely town.’
From £195.00 per night
The Cavendish - Three Nights for the Price of Two Special Offer
Baslow
‘A wonderful place for a stay in the Peak District’, the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s Derbyshire hotel offers a taste of country house living a stroll from their magnificent Elizabethan pile.
The Brownlow Arms
Grantham
With its wing armchairs, antique settles, warm lighting, and Farrow and Ball palette, the bar of this 19th-century ironstone and limestone village pub-with-rooms is reassuringly cosy and welcoming.
The Leagate Inn
Boston
A 16th-century inn whose signal torch once guided travellers across the fens is today a beacon of hospitality, and has been in the care of the Dennison family for the past 40 years.
Rafters at Riverside House Hotel
Bakewell
A Peak District former shooting lodge ‘in a pretty walled garden’ on the Derbyshire Wye, this hotel has been completely refurbished by new owners, restaurateurs Alistair Myers and Tom Lawson.
Buxton Crescent Hotel
Buxton
In a Grade I listed Georgian crescent to rival Bath’s, this spa hotel was launched in 2020 after a 17-year transformation.
Healing Manor Hotel
Grimsby
In landscaped grounds on the edge of the Wolds, this 18th-century-cum-Victorian manor house mixes antiques with modern comforts, fine and casual dining in restaurant and dog-friendly Pig & Whistle.
The Falcon
Castle Ashby
Well-being is at the heart of this ‘rather lovely boutique hotel’, a reinvented 16th-century coaching inn, where guests enjoy nature walks, yoga and the run of Castle Ashby's pleasure grounds.
The Peacock at Barlow
Chesterfield
With onsite brewery, boutique-style bedrooms in the main building and a converted barn, and a menu of popular classics and more exotic dishes, this modernised 300-year-old village pub retains plenty of character.
The Cow
DALBURY LEES
A former village pub in the Derbyshire Dales might not bring sea fish to mind, while rustic-chic decor and ‘painted mug shots of benign-looking cows' speak more of farm-to-fork dining.
Bridleway Bed & Breakfast
Lincoln
Tucked away down a farm track just three miles from the city centre, this rustic-chic B&B wins praise for its 'beautiful accommodation in a quiet, restful setting'.
Breedon Hall
Breedon on the Hill
Behind high walls, at the end of a crunchy drive, this handsomely proportioned Georgian manor house in the shade of ancient yew trees is both gracious and welcoming.
The Roseleigh
Buxton
Readers on their annual visit to the Buxton Festival assure us that all is as good as ever at Maggi and Gerard Heelan’s excellent Victorian B&B.
Lower Farm
Oundle
On the edge of a tranquil village, yet only 10 minutes from historic Oundle, the Marriott family offers comfortable B&B rooms in converted buildings on their traditional arable farm.
Lake Isle
Uppingham
There is no isle here, no lake, no bee-loud glade, but the name of Richard and Janine Burton's lauded restaurant-with-rooms draws inspiration from W.B. Yeats’s Innisfree, a place of serenity and escape.
Hart’s Hotel
Nottingham
A sleek, modern hotel on the ramparts of what remains of medieval Nottingham Castle, Hart’s is where your home is when you want to escape the bustling city.
Hodgkinson’s Hotel
Matlock
Filled with historic interest, Zoe and Chris Hipwell’s small townhouse hotel overlooks a bend of the River Derwent.
Langar Hall
Langar
Everything is peachy at this apricot-hued Georgian country house in the Vale of Belvoir, at the end of a long avenue of lime trees, transformed from a family home into a delightful, idiosyncratic and much-loved hotel.
Underleigh House
Hope
With walks from the doorstep, views of Peak District hills, a peaceful garden, breakfast feasts and restful bedrooms, it’s no surprise that Underleigh wins so much praise.
The Beech House and Olive Branch
Clipsham
‘This buzzy pub is very much ye olde village inn, with rustic furniture and roaring fires under the beams,’ writes a Guide insider, though the food is ‘so much better than your standard pub fare’.
Wildhive Callow Hall
ASHBOURNE
‘A stylish stay in the Peak District, Wildhive’s ethos is to get back to nature without foregoing creature comforts,’ our inspector writes.
From £75 per night
Biggin Hall
Buxton
'Surrounded by lovely, rolling, stone-wall country', this much-loved Peak District country-house hotel in a Grade II* listed 17th-century building ‘may not have all the luxuries of a modern boutique hotel, but the setting and grounds are stunning’.
Fischer’s at Baslow Hall
Baslow
An Edwardian homage to 17th-century style, this beautiful manor house with rich Jacobean-inspired interiors is run as a luxury hotel with fine-dining restaurant.
East Midlands:
From the spectacular beauty of the Peak District to the tangible history of Derbyshire. The varied country and city landscapes of the East Midlands pulsate with the energy of the Industrial Revolution and the Golden Age of Steam on the one hand, and its glorious natural wonders. Amongst the mesmerising scenery you will find some of the most hospitable hotels, inns and B&Bs, ranging from The Cavendish at Baslow, which lies in the grounds of the magnificent Chatsworth Estate, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, to The George of Stamford – a traditional, town-centre hotel and former coaching inn. Wherever you stay, you can be sure to receive a warm welcome and plenty of superb food and drink.
Hotels not in the Guide that you may want to consider
Hotels in the East Midlands
St Martins Lodge
LEICESTER
In the historic quarter, adjacent to the King Richard 111 Visitor Centre. a beautifully renovated Grade II listed Georgian building, decorated in greys, monochrome patterns and pastel pink. Many bedrooms offer unrestricted views of Leicester Cathedral. Reception is in a separate building (St Martins House). Breakfast is not provided, but the area offers a wide choice of coffee shops, tea houses, bars and restaurants.
The Crown Inn
Ashbourne
In a hamlet close to Ashbourne, this welcoming country pub is an ideal base for expeditions to the Peak District National Park or the thrilling rides of Alton Towers. After the day’s excitement, unwind over a drink and comforting food in the brick and wood bar, warmed by a log burner in winter, spreading out onto a terrace on warmer days. Modern rustic bedrooms, named after local families, have gentle floral fabrics and sturdy pine furniture.
The Rutland Arms Hotel
Bakewell
Well located in the town, a comfortable hotel in a handsome building dating back to 1809. It makes a good base for hikers and visitors to Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall nearby. Bedrooms (some recently refurbished in the main house; some with a 4-poster bed) are also in a courtyard building across the road. Dining is in the elegant Square Restaurant or in the lively Juniper Pizza and Gin bar.
The H Boutique Hotel
Bakewell
Hardwick, Hartington, Hassop, Hathersage? Beginning with ‘H’ each of the ten modern bedrooms in this centrally located hotel is named after a Peak District village and tells a story with local artwork and photographs on the walls. Staying guests join locals in the Lounge Bar which is open until 9 pm, for a Continental breakfast (cooked extra), snacks, afternoon tea and bar meals. Or head to the Bakewell Pudding Parlour for the town’s famous tart.
The Old Palace Lodge
Lincoln
In converted ecclesiastical buildings, with foundations dating back to medieval times, an atmospheric B&B. Comfortable bedrooms have opulent fabrics, old church doors, large leaded windows. A continental breakfast is delivered to your room.
Stephensons Tea and Coffee House
Chesterfield
In the town centre, above an airy tea and coffee shop, hot drinks and cakes might be delivered to your spacious room depending on the time of day, and breakfast brought up in the morning, if desired. Or nip down for lunch or afternoon tea for a tempting array of home-made quiche, delicious cakes, desserts, salads and sharing platters.
Ecton House
NORTHAMPTON
Painstakingly restored, a Grade II listed former rectory in peaceful grounds opposite Ecton village church and within walking distance of a local pub and restaurant. A continental breakfast is served in the elegant oak-beamed dining room, which has an original inglenook fireplace. Five miles from Northampton town centre.
The Hopping Hare
NORTHAMPTON
Standing grandly over more recent housing development, this brick-built former manor house is two miles outside the town. The family-owned hotel includes a destination restaurant, a stylish bar, fireside sofas and intimate spaces for drinking and dining. Bright jewel colours run through to pleasing bedrooms.
Castle Farmhouse
LEICESTER
Next to the 15th-century castle, a hospitable owner and friendly pets provide the warmest of welcomes at this small B&B in a village seven miles W of Leicester. There are two homely bedrooms, a guest lounge, an outdoor pool and a gym.
The Belmont
LEICESTER
On leafy New Walk, this welcoming family-owned town hotel is formed from a row of Victorian residences. It is within easy reach of the city and station, the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the University.
Mackworth House Farm
DERBY
A rural B&B in a large, quaintly furnished farmhouse with oak staircase, beams and parquet floors, on a working dairy farm. Overlooking fields and pasture, Derby is just a ten-minute drive away. Seasonal produce, and free-range eggs for breakfast.
The Rest Hotel Lincoln
LINCOLN
On a quaint, steep, cobbled street, an old parish hall has been imaginatively converted into a chic B&B with an on-site coffee shop. The Castle and Cathedral are a five-minute walk away,
The Bull and Swan at Burghley
Stamford
In the late 17th century, the Honourable Order of Little Bedlam (an aristocratic drinking club) rampaged through this coaching inn – today an altogether more upstanding crowd come for the modern pub grub, cinema nights and the garden’s ‘pizza potting shed’ (open on warm-weather weekends). Characterful bedrooms mix vintage furnishings and modern conveniences. Some have exposed stones or feature wallpaper, perhaps an original fireplace, mullioned window.
The Devonshire Arms at Beeley
Matlock
‘A delightful pub in a quiet village’, this 17th-century coaching inn is on the Chatsworth estate. The original bar, which serves local ales, has oak beams, flagged floor, log fires; the brasserie extension has a colourful, contemporary decor. Four rooms are in the inn; others (some dog-friendly) are in three neighbouring cottages.
From £129 per night
The Castle Hotel
Lincoln
On the site of the Roman Forum, this Bailgate area hotel is well located between cathedral and castle. Comfortable, compact bedrooms in the main building, decorated in earthy hues, overlook the castle walls or have views of the medieval cathedral. Courtyard rooms are in the peaceful 250-year-old coach house, all conveniently on the ground floor, with parking just outside. Contemporary dishes are served for lunch and dinner in Reform restaurant (Wednesday to Saturday), and at lunchtime on Sundays.
Grendon
BUXTON
Wonderful views, luxury extras and home-baked treats – on a quiet road within walking distance of the town centre, this B&B in an Edwardian property has an immaculate modern interior and welcoming hosts.
Lace Market Hotel
NOTTINGHAM
A good base for exploring the city, four listed buildings (two Georgian and two Victorian) form this hotel on the cobbled High Pavement. It has a striking Art Deco-influenced interior, and a choice of places to eat and drink. Afternoon tea is served Thursday to Saturday.
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