Everyone is looking for that escape, now we’ve had that first taste of nice weather. Yorkshire is home to some stunning hotels that feel as good as going abroad. They are set in stunning areas, from the sweeping countryside, busy seaside spots and trendy cosmopolitan city life. The Times have put together its annual list of the top 100 best places to stay in the UK for 2025, with a few Yorkshire and the Peak District spots featuring in the list. Some we’ve visited and can agree that they are splendid. A hotel can be more than just a place to have your bags whilst you explore, and the ones selected by the popular newspaper have these qualities.
Aspects such as design, facilities and value for money, dining and service are just some of the criteria that are taken into consideration when picking the cream of the crop. The Times says that many of the hotels are pet and family friendly, which has become increasingly more important to individuals who want the whole gang to come on holiday.
Two big nods are The Angel at Hetton, which received North and northeast England hotel of the year for 2025, and Saltmoore on the Yorkshire Coast, which was named Beach Hotel of the Year. The Cavendish Hotel in the Peak District was also named Hotel of the year and Central England hotel of the year.
So, what Yorkshire and the Peak District spots have featured in this year’s The Times Top 100 list?
The Angel at Hetton, Yorkshire Dales
Named the North and northeast England hotel of the year, The Angel at Hetton is located in the Yorkshire Dales, a short drive from Skipton, is a 15th-century inn which has a mix of the old and the new with its contemporary calm surrounded by cosy cottages. Its restaurants have held a Michelin star since chef-patron, Michael Wignall, and his wife Johanna took over in 2018.
The Times writes: : “it’s hard to imagine a more winning combination of that holy trinity of hospitality: spectacular setting, sumptuous accommodation and special-occasion dining than this place. Add in Wignall and his wife Johanna who remain laser-focused on finding the little touches that make a big difference and it becomes an absolute gem.”
Saltmoore, North Yorkshire
Best beach hotel ex-contestant on Love Island in 2017 Montana Brown becoming a hotelier in Sandsend with her fiancé, Mark O’Connor, creating a luxury experience hotel and spa. The place is a stone’s throw from the beach and the moors hence the name. It sits in a lovely valley so you get a real feel of seclusion which is perfect for the spa experience which has been done out to a high spec with hot tub, steam room and sauna.
The Times comments that “Saltmoore House has 43 chic bedrooms inspired by the striking coastal surrounds… (and) a spa expansion in her sights.” Tommy Banks an icon of the area who helms Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead oversees the dining – so you know its exceptional.
Simonestone Hall
Helmed by local lad Jake Dinsdale, the handsome manor house in the Wensleydale region of the Yorkshire Dales is stunning decorated and sits looking out over stunning views in the Yorkshire Dales. We had the pleasure of staying last year and can say the rooms are done out spectacularly. We experienced a four-poster bed with a raised free-standing tub looking out over the dales, which we could have stayed in all day.
The Times writes: “Bedrooms come decked in baronial bling with gold bathtubs, chandelier lighting and theatrical drapes framing grandstand views of the fells. And if the service falls just short of top polish, the kicked-back vibe is a winner.”
The Hare, North Yorkshire
Located in Scawton in the North York Moors The Times highlights “The seasonal tasting menu is the star of the show here — artfully presented dishes might include soft centred artichoke and homemade bread with roast chicken butter — but the four stylish rooms are also delightful.”
A more homely experience according the newspaper, where you’ll be on first name terms with the owners by the end of the experience with rooms only available Fridays and Saturdays.
The Lime Tree Inn, North Yorkshire
In Great Ouseburn, a developer whilst building houses decided to construct the local pub. Opening in 2020, the pub has all those hallmarks of a much older build with flagstone floors, reclaimed pub furniture and a vast dining table made from an old toll bridge.
The Times writes: “The chef and landlord Rob Mitchell, whose kitchen CV includes Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury yachts, serves up a nightly tasting menu alongside à la carte and Sunday lunch menus, and seven modern, thoughtfully designed bedrooms upstairs mean nobody needs to drive home.”
The Milner York, North Yorkshire
Overlooking York Station, The MIlner relaunched in October 2024 with air conditioning in all 155 of the comfortable, reasonably priced rooms, and a revamped for restaurant and bar. The Times compliments its stunning 1878 mirror lined iron staircase and the high-ceilinged Garden Room where you can enjoy a chocolate-themed afternoon tea with views of the York Minster
Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire
This stunning spot has been on our radar for a while. In no small part due to its stunning “Small but decadent forest spa with a heated outdoor pool.” Features The Times enjoyed include its walks within its ancient 200 woodland acres, dining, either in the brasserie-style coach house or restaurant where ingredients are from the estate’s kitchen garden.
Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill, Sheffield
Jöro, meaning earth in Old Norse, serves up “Asian-Nordic cooking served from an open kitchen in a 19th-century former paper mill.” They’ve moved from Sheffield city centre out into the sticks and you can enjoy hikes in the Peaks just over the hill before turning to the :”ugged Don Valley outskirts” to one of the “seven Scandi-sleek bedrooms” to relax.
The Queens, Leeds
Located next to Leeds station, The Queens was built back in 1937 and has “art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors”. After a huge renovation the place has been transformed back to its former glory. The Times highlights its “Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of “old-world glamour. With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant”
The Cavendish Hotel, Peak District
Owned by the Chatsworth Estate, the 28 bedroom hotel has been named the Hotel of the Year and Central England Hotel of the Year. In part due to its stunning furnishings, and design touches of Nicola Harding whose 18th Century interiors “impressive sparkle”. The Times writes: “There’s a cosy bar for post-walk snifters and an elegant dining room where your three courses are admirably food-mile friendly. Nature adds another touch of class, with epic views of the Peak District available through almost every window.”
Bike & Boot, Peak District
Derbyshire? Of course. This spot is an absolute gem and probably one of the most dog friendly hotels we’ve stayed. Opening in 2023, it is a 60-room new build that blends in well with its surroundings and has the look of a cosy inn with all the mod cons of a new contemporary hotel.
The Times writes: “the OS map wallpaper in the lobby tells you hikers and bikers are the target audience — as are dogs, which are welcome everywhere, get a free toy on arrival, and spar under the tables at breakfast.”
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