Here at Offpeakluxury.com, we’re lucky enough to know some of the most luxurious, impressive and historic houses in the UK very well indeed. In fact, many of our hotels have hundreds of years of fascinating history from ghost stories to royal connections, not least because of how historic many of these hotels are. And that got us thinking about things like listed buildings and heritage plaques, so in this post, we’re taking a look at the listed status of some of the most historic houses in our collection of luxury hotels. If you like to stay somewhere with more than its fair share of history and architectural significance, then these hotels could be the perfect choice for your next luxury getaway.
Let’s start with a little look and what the difference is between the listed building grades and what the significance is of heritage blue plaques…
- Grade I listed buildings are buildings considered to be of exceptional interest. It is the rarest type of listed building in the UK with only 2.5% of buildings achieving this status
- Grade II* listed buildings are buildings that are considered to be particularly important and of more than special interest. Only 5.8% of buildings are II* listed
- Grade II listing buildings are those of special interest
- Heritage blue plaques are placed on buildings to celebrate their connection with notable figures of the past, either as a place of work or as a home. In London the scheme is supported by the English Heritage while Historic England supports the scheme in other locations.
So now you know the significance of each of these statuses, let’s dive into our list of grade listed hotels and buildings with blue heritage plaques, so you know which places to pick for a luxury UK break with some real history.
Grade I Listed Hotels
It’s perhaps no surprise that the two buildings in our collection with grade I listed status are both castles. After all, what other kind of buildings in the UK could command the same level of exceptional interest?
Langley Castle
Grade I Listed Building – listed in 1952
Set in a ten acre woodland estate, 4* Langley Castle is a restored medieval tower house first built in the 14th century by Sir Thomas de Lucy.
It was attacked and severely damaged in 1405 by the forces of Henry IV. It remained as a ruin until it was bought and restored by a local historian, Cadwallader Bates, in 1882.
When he died, his wife Josephine continued the restoration. She died in 1932 and the building remained empty until it was used as a barracks during WWII and then a girls’ school. In 1986, it was bought by Dr Stuart Madnick, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who converted it into a hotel.
Its 7ft thick walls provide a peaceful and tranquil refuge in which to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Step back to a bygone age, perfect for a romantic getaway or special break in stunning Northumbria.
Lumley Castle
Grade I Listed Building – listed in 1952
A magnificent monument to a bygone age of chivalry & honour. The 14th century quadrangular castle is located between historic Durham & vibrant Newcastle, perfectly situated to explore the North East of England.
The castle has had many owners over the years including being used as halls of residence for Durham University.
Individual rooms and sophisticated dining provide an ideal location for a unique, historical break or romantic retreat.
Grade II* Listed Hotels
When it comes to our grade II* listed hotels, we have everything from halls and manors, to courts and parks.
Matfen Hall Hotel
Grade II* Listed Building – listed in 1952
Set in the beautiful Northumberland countryside, Matfen Hall is the perfect place to escape away from it all and indulge in ultimate luxury. Boasting an impressive history dating back to the 17th century, it features opulent bedrooms, no less than 5 dining areas, a spa, championship golf course and over 300 acres of stunning grounds. It’s an idyllic destination that’s guaranteed to make you feel special.
Headlam Hall
Grade II* Listed Building – listed in 1952
The iconic Headland Hotel and Spa sits in the heart of the English Riviera and offers stunning sea views out over Torbay. Whether you are looking for a luxurious base from which to explore the south Devon coast, or a relaxing getaway, The Headland offers guests comfortable bedrooms, elegant dining, and an indulgent Hydro Spa. With coastal walks right from the doorstep, it’s an ideal base to enjoy the very best of the area.
Stonehouse Court
Grade II* Listed Building – listed in 1960
Nestled in six acres of beautiful countryside, Stonehouse Court is a quaint country house that overlooks the rolling hills of the Stroud Valley. Steeped in history; much of which is reflected in the beautiful architecture and interior design, Stonehouse Court offers perhaps unexpectedly contemporary bedrooms and delicious dining. It really is the perfect location for an exquisite Cotswolds escape.
Danesfield House
Grade II* Listed Building, listed in 1977
Completed in 1901 as a family home for Robert William Hudson, Danesfield House was the third property to have been built amidst the 65 acres of formal gardens. Boasting stunning views of the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills, it really is one of the best historic houses in the area.
Billesley Manor
Grade II* Listed Building – listed in 1952
Just minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon, this 16th Century Elizabethan Manor House is the perfect place from which to explore Shakespeare Country. Billesley Manor showcases some stunning original features, including beautiful stone fireplaces, mullioned windows and oak panelling throughout the hotel. A well-equipped spa, elegant dining, and comfortable bedrooms offer everything a discerning traveller could need.
Swinton Park
Grade II* Listed Building – listed in 1966
Swinton Park is an exclusive luxury castle hotel set in 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens. The castle is surrounded by the family estate with access to rivers, moorland, dales and beautiful countryside bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s also been highly reviewed by our team too!
Grade II Listed Hotels
As if there wasn’t already plenty to choose from, we also have a few grade II listed buildings in our collection.
Taplow House Hotel
Grade II Listed Building – listed in 1973
Taplow House is a stylish, privately owned, 4 star Georgian luxury hotel set in six acres of private grounds in Buckinghamshire. With a newly opened spa, this hotel offers the perfect retreat for a short luxury break away with elegant rooms, award winning dining and warm service.
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa
Grade II Listed Building – listed in 1960
Cotswold House sits in the heart of Chipping Campden, a stunning town of golden Cotswold stone, once called “The most beautiful town in England.”. Chipping Campden contains fine shops, galleries and churches. Beyond the town there are rolling hills, beautiful villages, splendid castles and historic houses all waiting to be explored. The House itself features a luxurious spa, unexpectedly beautiful gardens, and contemporary character bedrooms. It’s a real Cotswolds gem.
Bowden Hall
Grade II Listed Building – listed in 1970
Refurbishments have brought Bowden Hall back to its former glory. Boasting a breathtaking blend of traditional and contemporary designs, local artworks, crystal chandeliers and soft pastel shades, guests can look forward to a luxurious stay and enjoy English elegance at its finest. The renowned restaurant and spacious bedrooms offer the ideal location for a fabulous break.
Leeming House Hotel
Grade II Listed Building – listed in 1991
Traditional elegance meets unfussy, down to earth friendliness at this stunning lakeside hotel. Wrapped in 22 acres of beautiful gardens and peaceful woodland with far reaching views over Ullswater and the fells beyond. Guests will find generous, comfortable bedrooms and traditional fine dining in The Regency restaurant. There are two elegant sitting rooms, a quiet library (all with real fires during the winter) plus a vast conservatory offering plenty of space for relaxing.
And last but by no means least, our exclusive hotel with a Heritage Blue Plaque (and a Grade II listing)…
The Imperial Hotel Blackpool
Relive the golden era of Blackpool hospitality. Situated on Blackpool’s glorious seafront, a stay at the impressive Grade II listed Imperial Hotel Blackpool means waking up to the lovely sea views. The hotel combines original character with modern comforts. The Imperial Hotel has been taking the very best care of members of the Royal Family, statesmen and stars of the silver screen since 1867.
While there’s only one hotel on our list with a blue plaque at the time of writing, it doesn’t mean there won’t be others in the future. Did you know you can nominate a building to receive a blue plaque? Perhaps you know about a famous connection with one of the historic hotels listed on our website, if you do, make sure Historic England or the English Heritage know all about it, and we’ll make sure we add it to this list.
And if you don’t have a building to nominate for a blue plaque, why not simply indulge in the buildings already on this list and book your next history inspired staycation with Offpeakluxury.com?
