Some of the Best Accommodation in the UK

I’ve written 2 previous posts on best accommodation — one on Ireland and one on Italy.

In this week’s post I’m going to offer up some of the best accommodation in the UK — aka Lynne’s favorite accommodation in the UK.

Admittedly my time in the UK has been a bit limited — a few weeks in Scotland, a few weeks in England (some of which I was meeting up with friends so staying with them) and a little over a week in Wales — again staying with a friend.

Plus just a few days in Northern Ireland.

But I will say that I had some lovely accommodation when I was not staying with friends.

So I want to offer up a few of my favorite places to stay in the UK — most of which are in Scotland with a couple of England sprinkled in and one in Northern Ireland.

Once again, I’ll hone in on the places I’ve stayed that I really like and would definitely recommend.

I’ll tell you where each guesthouse or B&B or farm stay is located and then why I recommend it — why I love it.

I’ll offer up honorable mentions to hotels and guesthouses that I haven’t stayed in, but where clients have and have given their approval.

I know we aren’t traveling to Europe now, but it’s a good time to begin planning a bit — do a little daydreaming and some research.

That way when we can fully travel again, we are ready to go.

So are you excited to learn about some of my favorite places to stay in the UK?

Let’s do this!

One note: Due to COVID-19, some of these wonderful guesthouses and B&B’s could close in the coming months — although I hope not!

At the time of this writing they were all still in business (yay!)

We all know the situation is constantly changing so do check with each accommodation.

No 21 York

Location: 21 St Mary’s, York, England, just a short walk into the heart of the city 

Why I love it:

There are loads of reasons No 21 York is on my best accommodation in the UK list.

First of all, it’s a fairly short (½ mile), easy and straightforward walk from the train station.

Secondly it sits on a quiet, more residential-like street, yet it’s only about ⅓ to ½ mile to the heart of town and the beautiful York Minster. 

Third, the rooms are comfy with all you need.

There are just 7 rooms in this 1840 Victorian Terrace house.

I had a small-ish double that was good for a single traveler. 

It might have been a bit small for some couples, but it was perfect for me.

Fourth — see I told you there are lots of reasons — is the incredible breakfast AND the fact that they will cater to special diets.

Much of the food is locally sourced and it is made to order so while it may take a wee bit of time, it is so worth it. 

Seriously the food is delicious!

Lastly, and not least, are your hosts, husband and wife team – Simon Boyle & Andrea Schipper.

I actually left with a loaf of gluten free bread for my onward journey to London where I would be staying with my friend’s mom courtesy of Simon and Andrea. 

They are so kind and thoughtful!

Simon and Andrea will help with information on York and offer tips on where to go and when.

No 21 York is definitely a fabulous place to stay for your time in York.

Bonus: most rooms have a small refrigerator.

Manor Farm Guesthouse

Location: Weston-sub-Edge, Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, England, about 2 ½ to 3 miles from the heart of Chipping Campden

Why I love it:

Manor Farm Guesthouse is indeed a farm stay.

So you are actually staying on a working farm in the countryside.

But it’s a gorgeous house!

Now you will find it’s a bit of settlement so there are some other homes around and an inn with a pub within walking distance which is nice.

However, it’s not in town.

Manor Farm is really in a lovely location where you can easily pick up trails — including the Cotswold Way. 

I actually stayed a full week here in The Bakehouse which is a self catering accommodation that is separate from the house. 

So I had my own wee kitchen to make dinners and have breakfast.

You have all you need though as Lucy will have a welcome basket filled with tea, coffee, milk, sugar, orange juice, breakfast cereals, bread, butter and jam.

The Bakehouse is great for those who want their own space.

Manor Farm is a very peaceful place.

And Lucy is a wonderful hostess who will offer up tips on where to go and what to do.

I didn’t have a car as I wanted to do a lot of walking but she would always invite me to go to the different towns in the Cotswolds when she was going out and I usually took her up on the offer. 

She’s a fabulous tour guide!

I really relished morning runs in the countryside and lots of walks through the fields. 

After 5 days in London, the peace and quiet of Manor Farm was just what I craved.

There are 3 rooms in the main house which are all simply beautiful with decor to match the 17th century house but with very modern bathrooms. 

The best of both worlds!

Manor Farm is truly one of the best accommodation in the UK.

Solas B&B

Location: 1 Big Sand, Gairloch, Scotland in the far Northwest just off the North Coast 500

Why I love it:

Away from it all, this piece of Scotland is stunning!

And Solas B&B is the perfect spot to experience a quiet place yet still have access to some of the best things the Northwest has to offer.

While on the website they say that there are 2 rooms, there is a third room — a twin room — upstairs with a bathroom down the hall. 

Isabell and Graeme, the owners, use this as an overflow room simply because the bathroom is not en suite.

I actually stayed in this upstairs room for a few nights before moving to a downstairs room with an en suite bathroom for the last night.

The room upstairs with the detached bathroom is really nice as it’s large (although the ceiling is sloped) and it has wonderful views.

And even though the bathroom is down the hall, you’re not sharing that bathroom, so it’s no big deal.

The rooms really are wonderful with comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and fabulous views.

To me there are a few key features that make Solas B&B one of the best accommodation in the UK.

First of all is the spectacular location in this peaceful area along the water. 

The views are amazing!

Secondly are the made to order breakfasts that take place around one table. 

So like Cathedral View you get to know other travelers.

Third is the price which is very affordable for all you get. 

Current prices on listed on the site, you’ll have to email them, but I think I paid something close to £40-50/night. 

It was well worth it given the room, the breakfast, the views and the hospitality.

Which takes me to my last point…

Isabell and Graeme are some of the best hosts I’ve had along my travels.

We had many conversations about travel, politics, social issues … I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them as they are wonderful people with kind and open hearts.

Do travel to this part of Scotland and do stay at Solas B&B.

It’s a true hidden gem.

Carters Rest Guesthouse

Location: Upper Milovaig, Glendale, Isle Of Skye, Scotland on the Duirinish Peninsula 

Why I love it:

While I’ll take the Northwest of Scotland over Skye, this piece of the Isle of Skye is far quieter, peaceful and tranquil

Skye is very, very popular.

Very!

Carters Rest is not for those who want to be in the heart of the maddening crowds of Skye.

You’ll have to drive about 9 miles down a wee road (from the main road just south of Dunvegan).

But the location on the cliffs overlooking the inlet, Loch Pooltiel, is stunning.

There are no pubs or restaurants nearby — just a lot of sheep.

And a few cows.

The 3 rooms are warm, inviting with comfy beds and good-sized bathrooms.

Breakfast is plentiful with a buffet and anything you want made to order.

Simone and Jonathan will cater to dietary needs.

The breakfast room/lounge is a wonderful spot to hang out, chat with the owners or other travelers. 

Tea and coffee are always available.

And the views are amazeballs!

Carters Rest is definitely a notch above in many ways with higher end bedding and toiletry items.

For those who may be looking for a self-catering option, Sea Gull’s Nest is the apartment on the ground floor with a kitchen.

One thing I want to say is that Jonathan went out of his way to help me find a tide table for my trip to Talisker Distillery and Talisker Bay. 

And he set up my tour of Talisker Distillery.

He was so helpful!

Lastly, this location is simply gorgeous. 

It is so peaceful and serene.

This is a wonderful spot for those who want tranquility on Skye and really want to be away from it all.

Carters Rest is definitely one of the best accommodation in the UK.

Period.

Whitepark House

Location: 150 Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Why I love it:

Yes Whitepark House is in Northern Ireland. 

But, for now at least, Northern Ireland is still part of the UK.

Now, I’ll admit I was hesitant to include this as Bob, the owner, does have his amazing house closed due to COVID.

And I don’t know if it will re-open.

It’s a bit unclear on the website.

However, I want to include this country house in the hopes it will be open again.

So, why do I love it?

Well, it is a splurge as it is more than some of the above but comes in closer in price to Carters Rest. 

But it’s worth it.

First of all, if you like old homes then Whitepark House is perfect. 

The original house is about 250 years old.

There are just 3 rooms but all are decorated from Bob and Siobhan’s travels. 

So the decor is eclectic and quite beautiful.

The rooms and bathrooms are large.

I really relished in this splurge enjoying my room 100%.

The location of Whitepark House is perfect right along the Causeway Coast.

You can easily get to Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Bushmills Distillery and, just across the street, is the gorgeous Whitepark Bay and Beach.

Tea is served every afternoon between 4pm and 6pm in the lovely sitting room where you can warm up by the fire.

Breakfast is one of the most delicious I’ve had and is served in a recent (2006) addition, the conservatory.

This room is fabulous as you have views to the back garden filled with flowers and birds. 

Whitepark House is definitely one of the best accommodation in the UK — certainly in Northern Ireland for sure.

It’s my hope that it will open again.

COVID-19 has certainly hit so many of us in the travel industry — hard.

Let’s hope Bob and Siobhan are able to re-open so that we can all enjoy their incredible house.

Here is a short list of honorable mentions for best accommodation in the UK:

Millennium Baileys Hotel

Location: London

Why: Great location, beautifully restored old building, attentive staff, good breakfast

Atholl Villa

Location: Pitlochry, Scotland

Why: good location, nice rooms, delicious breakfast

Gil Dun Guesthouse

Location: Edinburgh

Why: nice rooms, delicious breakfast, great hosts, good value (I actually stayed here)

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places have opened. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. 

I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home (or close to home) and stay safe!

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