Knowledge Centre
Home / Travel Insurance / Travel-O-Guide / UK / Accommodations in the UK

Accommodations in the UK

Select Tab to go to a Heading

Introduction

Every traveller has a variety of possibilities for lodging in the UK. There are accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from opulent hotels in bustling cities to beautiful bed & breakfasts in small towns. In accommodations ranging from boutique inns to modern apartments, take in the historic charm, contemporary conveniences, and stunning scenery. The UK offers a variety of cosy and unique lodging options, whether you're touring London's famous sites or Scotland's breathtaking Highlands.

Types of Accommodations in the UK

For first-time visitors:

  • If you're looking for inexpensive accommodations that give you a taste of local life, consider staying at guesthouses or B&Bs in residential areas, such as Number 63 in York or Tigh Na Leigh in Perthshire. Budget-friendly B&Bs can range from £40 to £100 per night, depending on the location and amenities, but some start at a lower price.
  • Use travel websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and others that collect discounts and compare rates for different lodgings to find affordable choices that suit your preferences.

The UK has a wide range of accommodations to suit different traveller preferences. There are many possibilities, ranging from luxurious hotels to warm country homes.

  • Hotels: Hotels in the UK range from boutique to luxury, offering stylish interiors, first-rate service, and frequently charming history. Cities like London, Edinburgh, and Bath provide a wide variety of iconic choices.
  • Bed and Breakfast (B&B) establishments: B&Bs are charming, intimate lodgings that offer a window into local culture. Typically located in scenic villages or rural areas, they provide a filling breakfast and welcoming service.
  • Inns and Bars: Traditional British inns and pubs frequently have guest rooms available. These can provide a warm, genuine experience and can be found all throughout the countryside.

Travel tip: While socialising with locals, indulge in traditional fare and beverages. Drinks and food might cost between £10 and £30 per person.

  • Guest houses: Similar to B&Bs, guesthouses provide cosy accommodations in a more relaxed setting. They are dispersed throughout both urban and rural regions and are frequently run by people.
  • Self-catering Apartments: Self-catering apartments are great for longer visits because they are completely furnished with kitchens and living areas, making them ideal for families or people seeking more independence.

Travel tip: Consider purchasing groceries from nearby markets if you're staying in a self-catering flat. Making your own food when travelling can save money and enhance the experience. Prices range from £50 to £150 per night for a nice stay, depending on location and size.

  • Country cottages: Nestled in picturesque settings, they provide a traditional rural experience. They are ideal for finding peace and tranquillity when avoiding the city.
  • Hostels: These inexpensive options offer dormitory-style lodging perfect for backpackers and lone travellers. In certain hostels, private rooms are also an option.
  • Luxurious Retreats: For tourists looking for an opulent experience, the UK has a variety of luxurious options, including stately homes and castles. These lodgings frequently have first-rate dining and wellness services.

Travel tip: Shared rooms with bunk beds are available in dorm-style lodging in the UK, which is perfect for backpackers or travellers on a tight budget. The cost per person per night might be somewhere between £15 and £40.

  • Glamping: Glamping is a novel approach to camping that mixes luxury and outdoor experiences. Stay in opulent cabins, yurts, or tents in beautiful locations.
  • Accommodations at Universities: Some institutions rent out dorm rooms during breaks from classes, offering inexpensive alternatives in urban areas.

Whether you're exploring the vibrant metropolis, quiet countryside, or beach retreats, the UK's broad choice of lodgings guarantees an amazing stay.

Things to consider when choosing accommodations in the UK

Did you know?

  • There are several old castles in the UK where you can stay overnight. Prices for stays in mediaeval castles like West Sussex's Amberley Castle start at about £150 per night.
  • The rivers and canals in the UK have floating hotels, right? Prices at Norfolk's The Boat Hotel start at about £100 per night and provide unique floating accommodations that let you experience life on the sea.

Before selecting your lodging in the UK for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Location: Choose whether you wish to live in a bustling city, a charming village, or a peaceful rural area. Think about convenience, accessibility to attractions, and public transit.

2. Amenities: List the amenities that are most important to you, such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and air conditioning. Unique amenities offered by certain lodgings include spa services or on-site dining options.

Travel tip: Choose lodging close to important attractions for convenience. If you want to be close to the Royal Mile, stay at The Balmoral in Edinburgh, or The Lanesborough in London for quick access to Buckingham Palace. Your time for touring and exploration will be maximised.

3. Ratings and Reviews: Examine online testimonials and rankings on sites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Google to get a sense of previous visitors' opinions and the establishment's general reputation.

Travel tip: Opt for seasonal-appropriate accommodations. When the UK experiences its uncommon heatwaves, choose air-conditioned accommodations like the Superior Queen rooms at The Savoy. Choose warm accommodations with fireplaces throughout the colder months, like Edinburgh's apartments at The Witchery. Your year-round comfort is improved by this.

4. Cancellation policy: Recognise the cancellation policy in the event that your plans alter. While some accommodations provide broad alternatives, others have more restrictive rules.

5. Accessibility: To ensure a hassle-free stay if you have mobility concerns, ask about wheelchair access, lifts, and other amenities.

6. Safety and security: Investigate the safety and security measures the lodging has in place. This covers everything from fire safety to security personnel to general guest well-being.

7. Pet-Friendly: Verify whether the lodging is pet-friendly and whether there are any additional costs if you're travelling with dogs.

Travel tip: Be prepared to go to the UK with your pet beforehand. To ensure your pet's stay is relaxing and stress-free, pick pet-friendly lodgings like The Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall, make sure immunisations are current, and bring necessities like food, bowls, and a familiar blanket.

8. Booking in advance: In order to guarantee your favourite lodging during busy travel times, it is suggested to make reservations far in advance.

Tips for selecting the best accommodations in the UK

Did you know?

Did you know that some of the smallest hotels in the world are found in the UK? The UK has comparable oddball lodging alternatives, but the Eh'häusl Hotel in Germany has the Guinness World Record for the smallest hotel. Although not the smallest, The Old Railway Station in Sussex provides distinctive lodgings with train carriages and Pullman coaches turned into opulent rooms. These inventive accommodations provide an amazing experience, demonstrating that size is not the only factor in accommodations.

Here are some helpful hints to aid in your decision-making:

  • Use travel-related websites and apps to read reviews, look at pictures, and learn more about various hotels. Pay close attention to recent reviews for insightful information.
  • List the features you must have, such as Wi-Fi, parking, or a certain location. Your alternatives will be made more manageable as a result.
  • Establish and stick to your price range. Don't forget to factor in supplemental expenses like taxes and fees.
  • Pick a place that works with your travel schedule. Think about how close things are to attractions, public transit, and restaurants in the area.
  • Keep an eye out for special deals, discounts, or package deals that could make your trip more enjoyable or valuable.
  • If you have specific queries or demands, consider contacting the lodging directly to ensure they can accommodate you.

Travel tip: If you wanna explore the more serene scene of the UK, opt for the Scottish Highlands. Carry necessities like extra supplies, maps, and a charged phone when exploring distant UK locations like this. Staying in lodges or inns that provide comfort in the midst of untamed surroundings, like The Torridon or The Kylesku Hotel, will provide a risk-free and unforgettable journey.

  • Ask for recommendations from friends, relatives, or online travel networks to find hidden treasures.
  • Independent lodgings could provide a more individualised experience, even though reputable hotel brands provide constancy.
  • Some lodgings provide free extras like access to neighbourhood events, afternoon tea, or guided tours.
  • Choose between a central location's convenience and an authentic local experience.

Popular accommodation choices according to tourist destinations in the UK

Did you know?

Did you know that certain hotels in the UK are housed in storied structures with fascinating pasts? Built in 1665, the Mitre Hampton Court in London has rates starting at about £150 per night. The 1883-built Angel Hotel in Cardiff has rates starting at about £80 per night. By staying there, you can experience both modern amenities and historical immersion.

In the UK, several tourist locations provide a range of lodging options to accommodate various traveller preferences. Popular choices for important locations are as follows:

  • London: London As the nation's capital, London has a wide range of lodging alternatives, including five-star hotels with breathtaking city views like The Ritz and The Shard's Shangri-La. Consider staying at a boutique hotel like The Soho Hotel for a hint of British charm. Hostels like Generator or YHA properties are available for travellers on a budget.
  • Edinburgh: The elegant Balmoral and lovely B&Bs like 94DR may be found in the ancient city of Edinburgh. The Witchery near the Castle is a favourite for its blend of opulence and historical atmosphere. There are affordable hostels in the Grassmarket neighbourhood.

Travel tip: Investigate inexpensive lodging options in Edinburgh's Old Town. Consider booking a room at the Castle Rock Hostel, which averages about £20 per night and is conveniently located next to the famous Edinburgh Castle for easy access to the city's historic sights.

  • Cornwall: Beachfront B&Bs, such as The Scarlet Hotel, with its ocean views, are available in this coastal sanctuary. Consider renting a home in a charming area like St. Ives for a cosy getaway. The Nare Hotel is a luxurious alternative that offers traditional elegance.
  • Highlands of Scotland: Remote lodges like The Torridon or Gleneagles Hotel offer an opulent haven amidst breathtaking scenery. Small-town B&Bs like Tigh Na Leigh provide individualised service. Rustic self-catering cabins are another alternative.
  • Lake District: The Lake District, well-known for its natural beauty, offers rural inns like The Samling that combine luxury and lakefront charm. Farm stays allow you to experience country life, while B&Bs like Gilpin Hotel offer a tranquil setting.

Travel tip: Consider camping in designated locations for a more economical and immersive stay if you want to see the Lake District on a budget. Some campgrounds, like Great Langdale Campsite, let you enjoy nature's beauty without breaking the budget because they provide modest amenities, great vistas, and costs that start at roughly £10 per night.

  • The Cotswolds: Discover traditional England in quaint towns like Bourton-on-the-Water. Stay at charming cottages or historical inns like The Lygon Arms.
  • York: This historic city provides distinctive accommodations like The Grand, a premium hotel housed inside a historic structure. The Judges' Lodging is one of the eccentric possibilities.
  • Belfast: Discover Belfast's maritime past from the Titanic Hotel, or take in modern luxury at The Fitzwilliam. Hostels like Vagabonds are comfortable for travellers on a budget.

Travel tip: Discover cheap lodging options in Belfast's bustling Cathedral Quarter. Dormitory beds are available in hostels like Vagabonds for as little as £15 per night. You may stay in this hip neighbourhood and experience Belfast's nightlife and cultural scene at a reasonable price.

  • Island of Skye: Choose from cosy self-catering cottages or B&Bs like Duisdale House Hotel to take in the gorgeous scenery. The island provides a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature.
  • Oxford: Visit old colleges like Christ Church to experience the academic charm. Opulent lodgings like the Old Bank Hotel cater to conscious travellers.

Conclusion

A memorable journey in the UK depends on your choice of accommodations. Every traveller has numerous possibilities, from the crowded streets of London to the serene Scottish Highlands. You can make sure that your stay will be pleasant and pleasurable while also enhancing the wide variety of experiences the UK has to offer by taking into account variables like location, price range, amenities, and personal preferences.

FAQs

1. How can I tell if a lodging place is wheelchair accessible?

To learn more about the accommodations' accessible features and amenities, get in touch with them directly or visit their website.

2. If my plans change, can I modify my reservation?

The majority of accommodations have cancellation policies, some of which are flexible and others of which have set guidelines. Before making a reservation, make sure to comprehend the policy.

3. Are there special lodgings in the UK, such as castles or lighthouses?

Yes, the UK offers a variety of unusual accommodations, including converted barns for a novel experience, lighthouses, and castles like Cley Windmill - Norfolk, Aldourie Castle - Scottish Highlands, Château Rhianfa - Anglesey, Amberley Castle - West Sussex.

4. Can I book accommodations in the UK that allow pets?

The Dog & Partridge Country Inn in Derbyshire, The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh, and The Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall are just a few of the lodgings, including B&Bs, hotels, and cottages, that allow pets.

Ensure a worry-free trip to united kingdom with comprehensive protection

KNOW MORE
travel-insurance