Getting itchy feet? We've found five gorgeous hotels around the UK that are perfect for an autumn break...
Here's a little secret. At this hip Soho bolthole there s one room the aptly named Broom Cupboard you can bag for just £90, if you book well ahead. Opened in 2009, this small, friendly hotel is part of the Soho House group and exemplifies its trademark style of marrying cool and comfortable. All 39 rooms come with a rainforest shower, kingsize bed and big bottles of Cowshed spa products. Some rooms are tiny, with a ship s cabin feel, while others are made for rock-star abandon with a four-poster bed and antique-style bath. Not that you ll be staying in much this is the perfect base for a night on the town with the West End s theatres and restaurants close by. Kick off with a cocktail at the hotel s clubby Dining Room next door, which bangs home the eternal message of Soho: only go there if you want to enjoy yourself thoroughly.
Dean Street Townhouse, London
From £90, deanstreettownhouse.com. Log on to visitlondon.com to see what s on
Dean Street Townhouse, London
From £90, deanstreettownhouse.com. Log on to visitlondon.com to see what s on
The Queensberry, Bath
With its handsome Georgian terraces and well-heeled atmosphere, Bath is ideal for an indulgent break particularly if you know there s a fantastic little hotel in the heart of the action. Created by joining up four townhouses, The Queensberry has 29 rooms that range from snug attics offering views over the rooftops to grand drawing rooms with fireplaces. The atmosphere is homely and stylish there s a handy little bar and a small, sun-trap garden at the back, and a substantial breakfast awaits in the smart Olive Tree restaurant. If the weather s good, get strolling and shopping or, for a longer walk, take a cab up to the National Trust-run Prior Park, which was landscaped in the 18th century and has beautiful views towards the city. If it s raining, head for the Thermae Bath Spa and its aroma-filled steam rooms, waterfall showers and stunning rooftop pool that s fun to visit in the evening. With typical thoughtfulness, the staff at The Queensberry will even lend you a robe and towel to save the cost of hiring them.
From £125; thequeensberry.co.uk. For more details, see visitbath.co.uk
Feversham Arms, North Yorkshire
Picture the scene: you're lying back in a bubbling outdoor hot tub, surrounded by candles and sipping a flute of chilled champagne. In an hour, you and your partner will enjoy a romantic, candlelit meal in a fine-dining restaurant. Later, you ll be curled up together on a plump settee, enjoying a roaring fire and a glass of port. At the Feversham Arms, relaxing doesn t get much better. Last year s AA Hotel of the Year: England lies tucked away in the market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire, and is a country-chic hideaway with 33 unique bedrooms (22 of which are suites), all with Egyptian cotton sheets. There are also irresistibly cosy lounges, a library and an outdoor heated pool (31 degrees!). Then there s the Verbena Spa the perfect place to shelter if the weather s a let-down. Spoil yourself with a signature therapy, such as the Anne Semonin Royal Miracle Ice Facial, or get romantic with an exclusive couples treatment. If you feel like some exercise, take a walk to the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, or explore the town s charming tearooms and gastro-pubs.
From £155 with breakfast; fevershamarmshotel.com. For more ideas, see northyorks.com
Lime Wood, New Forest
Lime Wood Hotel is so beautifully designed, you immediately want to rush home and start redecorating. Suddenly you re asking the concierge about paint colours and wondering where you can get those lovely lampshades in the restaurant. Thankfully, this Regency country house, which has 29 rooms and sits inside the New Forest National Park, also feels warm and friendly, and attracts parties of friends with something to celebrate such as Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum, who got married here in January. For a weekend of pure luxury, it s hard to beat checking in on a Friday night, just in time for a Martini in the bar and a casual supper in The Scullery. Later, you can retire to the luxury of your room with its Bamford Organic toiletries and blissfully comfortable beds. The staff are full of ideas on what to do it s only a short drive to the south coast and attractions such as Beaulieu Palace House but it s equally appealing to borrow some Hunter wellies and go for a long walk in the woods. You can also jump on a mountain bike and, in late October, a new spa, The Herb House, opens in partnership with Daylesford Organic.
From £225; limewoodhotel.co.uk. For activities, see thenewforest.co.uk
Blythswood Square, Glasgow
Filling one side of a grand city-centre square, Blythswood is a smart new 100-room hotel with a zestful style that feels Scottish, but is commendably free of tartan. Dating from 1823, the building was the headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club for many years, and its period elegance is matched with contemporary twists such as a luxurious spa and furniture stylishly upholstered with Harris tweed. Bedrooms are calm and cosseting, which is just as well for a five-star hotel made for a party. At weekends its first-floor bar buzzes with a lively crowd enjoying top-class, vintage-inspired cocktails from just £4.50. The full Scottish breakfast, served the morning after in the serene, high-ceilinged restaurant (once the ballroom), is excellent. Duly fortified, it s time to explore a city of true character. Most museums in Glasgow are free for an introduction, take a walk via the River Clyde to the People s Palace, which tells the story of the city through the lives of its residents.
Rooms from £140 including breakfast; blythswoodsquare.com. For more details about the city, visit seeglasgow.com