The best boutique B&Bs in Britain

Personality-packed stays

Boutique B&Bs usually mean two things: a smaller size, but with a big personality. These stylish stays come into their own when it comes to combining the more personal, homely feel of great guest accommodation with all the luxuries you’d expect from a high-end hotel.

Here are some of our five-star favourites – all rated by the AA and/or VisitEngland – that offer comfortable beds, delicious breakfasts, and much more besides.

B&B Rafters, Abingdon

This contemporary hotel-style B&B is set amid immaculate gardens and offers both spacious accommodation and a warm welcome. Each of the individually designed rooms perfectly combine luxury with comfort – expect fluffy robes, high-end toiletries, and a welcome tray with your favourite refreshments.

Holly Lodge Boutique B&B

This relaxed 18th-century property is surrounded by open farmland. The stylish cottage bedrooms are in a converted stable block, each room individually decorated, beautifully furnished and equipped with many useful extras. The attractive public rooms have a wealth of character, with flagstone floors, oak beams and open fireplaces. Guests are welcome to use the landscaped grounds, garden conservatory and sitting room during their stay.

The Grafton Boutique B&B, Harrogate

Just a short walk from central Harrogate, this chic townhouse has 13 luxuriously decorated ensuite rooms. Personality and attention to detail is evident throughout this characterful B&B, from the sumptuous furnishings to the cosy lounge bar with a home-from-home feel.

Highcliffe House, Lynton

This adults-only bed and breakfast prides itself on its reputation for offering superb luxury hospitality – in true Devon style, guests invited to enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. Not only are rooms here luxuriously appointed; they also boast outstanding views of the Exmoor coastline.

Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse, London

In the centre of the West End, this boutique property offers plenty of warm hospitality. It's located close to two major underground stations. The high quality bedrooms and bathrooms come in a variety of sizes, but all are well-equipped and smartly presented. Breakfast is served in the adjacent branch of Gail's bakery, and there's a small basement spa offering treatments and fitness facilities.

The Bear's Paw, Warmingham, Cheshire

Set beside a small river in a rural Cheshire village, this fully modernised 19th-century, red-brick inn provides spacious boutique bedrooms, full of fascinating design touches and visual flourishes. The friendly team serves imaginative food in an attractive open-plan dining room. 

Brightham House Boutique Bed & Breakfast, Salcombe

Guests arriving at this three-story Victorian B&B are greeted by funfair-esque lights stating, “There’s no place like Brightham House.” Sure enough, style and personality are in abundance at this Devonshire delight – the eight rooms are all vibrantly furnished, and the delicious breakfast is cooked up using locally sourced produce.

Gothic House Bed & Breakfast, Norwich

This elegant Grade II listed Regency townhouse is set in a quiet courtyard in the heart of Norwich. The spacious bedrooms are individually decorated and have many thoughtful touches. 

The 25 Boutique B&B, Torquay

Cutting-edge design meets fabulous attention to detail at this award-winning B&B on the English Riviera. The five wonderfully different bedrooms – all named after local beaches –  are thoughtfully appointed to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. The top-class breakfast also offers something to suit all tastes and appetites.

The Somerville Boutique B&B, Torquay

This Torquay B&B enjoys an enviable location just 400m from the marina. Start every day with a varied breakfast spread, before refuelling with a mid-afternoon slice of home-made cake. Whichever room you opt for, you’ll find a king-size bed, a selection of hot drinks, and a mini fridge replenished daily with fresh milk.

Oakhill, Cromford

Oakhill is a beautiful Georgian-style, Grade II listed house built by the Arkwright family in the mid-19th century, at the heart of Derwent Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has charming, spacious suites with wonderful open views and elegantly designed bedrooms, including two family suites. There's a good restaurant and a bar that is open from 8am daily.