13 luxe hotels near London for a quick and stylish getaway
For something elegant and laidback that affords the most glorious Hampton Court location overlooking the River Thames, the Mitre makes for a relaxing weekend trip from London while sitting just 40 minutes from Waterloo. The riverside boutique hotel has just a handful of rooms but they're packed with character: think four-poster beds, botanical-print wallpaper and riviera-style drinking spaces.
There are two things we love most about the impressive hotel: its top-notch hosting (the staff will make you feel like you're family) and how it welcomes all types of guests, from city dwellers to families and history-lovers to four-legged guests.
The Mitre is packed with character and quirks, too. You must stop for a whisky from the honesty bar in the beautiful library and you'll find cookies and a massage oil placed in your room.
When the weather is warm, cocktails and nibbles on the terrace is required, while rainy days are saved by the roll-top baths in the rooms, where you can easily while away an afternoon with your favourite read.
Distance from London by train: 40 minutes from London Waterloo to Hampton Court Station.
(Mitre Hotel)
Indulge in a bucket list-worthy break at this ultra-luxury hotel outside London where foodies will find themselves in gastronomic heaven. Raymond Blanc's Oxfordshire manor is the stuff of fairytales, with exquisite dining served within a honey-hued house arrived at via a lavender-lined path. Go on, treat yourself.
Distance from London by train: 45 minutes from London Marylebone to Haddenham & Thame Parkway station.
(Belmond le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons)
Looking for a little affordable luxury without the travel time? Wivenhoe House is a hotel near London serving up a mix of modern and traditional interiors with lip-smacking afternoon teas.
An ideal getaway for couples, the 18th century country house boasts grand features like oversized fireplaces, chandeliers and wall panelling with more modern-style bedrooms in the new wing. There's country walks aplenty and the seaside is just 5 minutes away for a refreshing beach stroll and authentic fish and chip dinners. And Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town, is just a 10 minute drive for a culture fix.
Distance from London by train: Between 47 minutes and an hour from London Liverpool Street.
Red readers can enjoy two nights in luxury, with a five-course dinner for two with a cocktail one evening, late check-out and breakfast each morning.
(Wivenhoe House)
Enjoy the city life with a dash of salty sea air, ocean views and a cool local crowd at this stylish boutique hotel outside London.
Modern rustic meets industrial interiors (think wood feature walls, pendant lights, exposed brick), and contemporary art adds further life to the space. The beach is just a few steps away, while there's artisanal shops and cobbled street charm at the fashionable Lanes area just 10 minutes down the road. A trendy escape to dust off the cobwebs!
Distance from London by train: London Victoria and London Bridge to Brighton takes around 1 hour.
(Artist Residence)
Live like royalty for the weekend at this grand castle getaway, set in 125 acres of landscaped gardens, with a boating lake at your disposal. Enjoy the romance of having out-of-hours access to this historical monument, and soak in the luxurious but traditional decor from your squishy, fire-warmed sofa at the regal hotel near London.
Distance from London by train: A direct train from London Bridge to Hever station takes 50 minutes, and the hotel is a five-minute cab ride away.
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(Hever Castle)
A super-stylish pub with rooms, this hotel near London was said to be Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's favourite haunt when they visited Kent. A cosy pub with an open fire, beamed ceilings mix with moody grey interiors and industrial pendant lights to create that perfect blend of old and new.
There's great grub on offer, too. The hotel outside London is perfect for a foodie escape in the countryside in a charming village, with cultural Canterbury just 20 minutes away.
Distance from London by train: London St Pancras to Canterbury West takes 1 hour. Then a 20-minute cab to the hotel.
(The Duke William)
What have you got when you pair a contemporary spa with a sophisticated traditional country house? The perfect blend for a spoiling getaway at a hotel just outside London. The majestic, ivy-clad Elizabethan house has all the grand gestures you need from a country escape (large cosy sofas, open roaring fires, afternoon tea), while the modern spa is a pampering oasis with views over Cuckfield Park.
Distance from London by train: London Victoria to Haywards Heath takes around 45 minutes. A taxi to the hotel takes around 10 minutes.
(Ockenden Manor)
Head off to the arty town of Ditchling for a super-stylish country break with beach in reach. This charming boutique country bolthole was build in 1560 and is bursting with character (blackened beams, wonky ceilings, cosy fireplaces), yet boats a design-led interior.
Nestled in the South Downs National Park, you're spoilt for choice in the country walks department, while bustling Brighton is just 20 minutes away. But we doubt you'll even want to leave your room...
Distance from London by train: The closest train station is Hassocks, a 5-minute taxi ride away, and direct trains from London take just under an hour.
Brushed oak beams meet modern country decor at this charming country house hotel near London. City slickers looking for a rural idyll will love this secluded Sussex retreat surrounded by the South Downs National Park. Charming Alfriston is one of the oldest villages in Sussex, while vibrant Eastbourne is just half an hour away. There's a modern restaurant with antler-bedecked walls, and bathrooms are gorgeously glossy.
Distance from London by train: London Victoria to Lewes station takes around 1 hour. From there you should take a connecting train to Berwick, which takes 10 minutes, and the hotel is five minutes away.
(Booking.com)
Looking for a super-sleek hotel outside London where you can make a quick getaway for refreshing sea air and a seriously good food-fest? Rocksalt Rooms has you covered. With seasonal menus, seaside views, expansive windows and contemporary coastal chic, it's a corker of an easy break from the city.
Distance from London by train: The high-speed train between London St Pancras and Folkestone Central takes 55 minutes, and then a five-minute cab ride to the hotel.
(Rocksalt Rooms)
You don't need to jump on a plane to experience the decadence of a Four Seasons hotel. In fact, there's one sitting majestically in the Hampshire countryside just outside London. This elegant Georgian manor house has everything you need for a fun weekend right there on site.
There's a horse riding stables, clay pigeon shooting, two floodlit tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art spa and pool. All finished in an upscale country decor. So what are you waiting for? Pack a bag and jump in the car...
Distance from London by car: Around an hour's drive from Central London.
(Four Seasons Hampshire)
With stunning honey-hued stone on the outside and a clean and contemporary feel on the inside, this historic riverside hotel is a country escape with modern style. The vast ceilings and wood beams in the lounge add drama, but expect gleaming bathrooms and minimalist rooms.
Some parts of the building date back to the 15th century, and there's a spa, pool and gym to jump into. You can wake up to the sound of ducks instead of sirens, yet Oxford is just 15 minutes away should you want to soak up the sights of the heritage city.
Distance from London by train: London Paddington and London Marylebone to Oxford central station takes around one hour.
(Voco Oxford Thames)
This unique Victorian mansion is inspired by the Neo-Gothic splendour of the Palace of Westminster. Dating back to 1872, beautiful original features pepper the hotel, with stone carvings, fine artwork, grand marble fireplaces and an organ restored by the Shepherd Brothers of London.
The hotel has 60 bedrooms including 15 feature bedrooms and, for that little extra indulgence, The Byron Suite located in the tower is spread over three floors. A grand country house getaway with minimum travel time this is one of the finest hotels outside London.
Distance from London by train: 30 minutes.
(Nutfield Priory Hotel)The top hotels outside London for a quick and stylish getaway. From Sussex to Surrey, the best hotels near London are one hour or less away.