The north west hotels near Greater Manchester named the UK's best places to stay
A Lakeside spa hideaway, a Michelin-starred country retreat and a city-centre hotel beloved by celebrities are among the north-west properties named by The Times in its annual list of the best places to stay in the UK.
Cumbria's The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Moor Hall in Lancashire and Manchester's own The Stock Exchange Hotel have all been included in the round up which is a 'celebration of excellence from stalwarts that have upped their game to newbies making waves'.
The list is compiled by The Times' team of experienced reviewers, who look at 'excellence in design, facilities and value for money' regardless of room rate.
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This year the publication also paid particular attention to dining and service, with many foodie-focused venues included on the list.
Reviewers praised restaurant kitchens that have 'risen to the challenge of food-price hikes to produce ever more creative and delicious dishes', adding that this year's stays produced 'more memorable meals than ever before'.
The list features rural retreats alongside metropolitan stays. Only one hotel in Manchester made the cut, The Stock Exchange, co-owned by former footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.
Offering a 'dash of old-school opulence' to the city, the luxurious grade-II listed hotel counts Sir Paul McCartney and Madonna among its visitors, while Chanel booked out the entire place in 2023 for guests of its Metiers D'Art fashion show, when the likes of Kristen Stewart and Hugh Grant spend the night in its stunning rooms.
Elsewhere in the north west, School Lane Hotel in the heart of Liverpool's city centre made the list, a converted Victorian building right by the Liverpool One entertainment complex, which offers guests an "edited version of luxury'.
But it was country hotels which dominated the north west entries on the list. No fewer than five properties in Cumbria feature in the top 100, including the Michelin-starred The Cottage In The Wood in Keswick and Langdale Chase, which boasts 'sweeping views of Lake Windermere.'
Over in Lancashire, two hotels made the list: Moor Hall in Augton and Northcote in the Ribble Valley, both awarded Michelin stars. The former is very much a stay for foodies, with chef-patron Mark Birchall 'serving up a Vegas-worthy show' while Northcote was praised for its 'signature mix of exquisite Michelin-starred fine dining and warmly welcoming service.'
Outside the north west, several hotels within easy reach also received a mention, including Derbyshire's Bike & Boot in the Hope Valley, and Penmaenuchaf in Gwynedd, North Wales.
Farlam Hall, Cumbria
Langdale Chase, Cumbria
The Brackenrigg Inn, Cumbria
Lindeth Fell Country House, Cumbria,
The Cottage In The Wood Cumbria
The Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester
Moor Hall, Lancashire
Northcote, Lancashire
School Lane Hotel, Liverpool
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