Vegetarian friendly hotels
Rothay Manor - 20% Discount Special Offer
Ambleside
The flower-bedecked balconies at this manor house hotel offer spectacular views to Wansfell Pike. Dating from 1823, it stands in wooded grounds on the edge of Ambleside.
Lindeth Fell - Winter Discount Special Offer
Bowness-on-Windermere
‘The Kennedys certainly know how to welcome their guests and to make every minute special,’ report visitors staying for lunch this year.
Woolley Grange - Winter Break Special Offer
Bradford-on-Avon
The first of Nigel Chapman’s Luxury Family Hotels (see also Fowey Hall, Fowey, and Moonfleet Manor, Fleet) occupies a ‘pretty, rambling’ Jacobean manor house in ‘lovely grounds’ with ‘views across the Wiltshire countryside’.
Hambleton Hall - Autumn and Winter Breaks in Rutland
Oakham
‘I find it difficult to make any original comments,’ writes a Guide regular after this year’s visit to Tim and Stefa Hart’s much-loved hotel (Relais & Châteaux) with celebrated grounds reaching down to Rutland Water. ‘All the superlatives have been used by other guests.’
The Goring - Three Nights for Two Special Offer
London
‘We enjoyed our very expensive one-night stay,’ writes a reader who pushed the boat out at Jeremy Goring’s grand Edwardian hotel, the last of its kind in London to be run by the founding family.
Chewton Glen - 3 Nights for the Price of 2 Special Offer
New Milton
‘My four-year-old loves Chewton as much as I do, it’s always a struggle to leave.’ ‘We stayed to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, and it exceeded expectations.’
Jeake’s House
Rye
A cinematic street of cobblestone and gently listing cross-beamed houses hosts this ‘beautiful, comfortable and relaxing' B&B, once a haunt of Malcolm Lowry and Radclyffe Hall.
Soar Mill Cove Hotel - Two Night Spa Break for Two Special Offer
Salcombe
‘We rate this very highly in almost every respect.’ Praise from a reader for Keith Makepeace’s much-loved, family-run, family-friendly, dog-friendly hotel in a ‘gorgeous’ coastal setting.
Gliffaes - Spring Break Special Offer
Crickhowell
‘An amazing mansion set in equally amazing gardens.’ Praise from Guide readers this year, for this former Victorian vicar’s house high above the River Usk.
Argyll Hotel - Early Autumn Special Offer
Isle of Iona
‘Being here makes even a committed atheist feel holy,’ wrote a reader after a visit to Iona and a stay at this hotel, occupying a row of crofters’ cottages.
Killiecrankie Hotel - 'Early Bird Bottle of Bubbly' Special Offer
Pitlochry
‘Strongly endorsed’ by trusted readers on a return visit, this ‘wonderful’ whitewashed 1840s dower house at the end of a tree-lined drive displays ‘impressive, unchanging excellence’.
La Sablonnerie - Suite Upgrade Special Offer
Little Sark
‘Wonderful as ever,’ writes a reader this year, a regular returnee to Elizabeth Perrée’s 16th-century, whitewashed stone farmhouse in a beautiful part of this car-free island.
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa - Complimentary Lunch Special Offer
Mawgan Porth
It is not that they’ve put away childish things at this contemporary hotel set into the hillside above Mawgan Porth beach. It remains very family-friendly, but there is plenty for adults.
Cliveden House - Three for Two Short Break
Taplow
Meghan Markle spent the night before her wedding at this ‘magnificent’ Italianate mansion in ‘glorious’ National Trust grounds on a bluff above the Thames.
The Elms - Summer Getaway Special Offer from £130 per room per night
Abberley
‘A place for relaxing weekends and special occasions’, a country house hotel in a 'beautifully' proportioned Queen Anne mansion.
Prince Hall - 2nd Night Free January Special Offer
Dartmoor
In ‘an amazing situation’ amid ‘bleak and beautiful Dartmoor’, Chris Daly’s 18th-century manor house-turned-hotel is ‘truly special’ with ‘lovely staff’, say Guide readers.
Cley Windmill - 3 Nights for the Price of 2 Special Offer
Cley-next-the-Sea
All hotels demand upkeep, though it is rare for owners to have to replace a fan wheel or fit new sails. But, then, there is nothing ordinary about Julian and Carolyn Goldee’s B&B.
Pen-y-Dyffryn - Up to 30% Discount & Complimentary Afternoon Tea Special Offer
Oswestry
‘Our third visit. Most of the other guests were also returners. It isn’t surprising.’ Readers are drawn back time and again to this stone rectory in ‘immaculate gardens’, overlooking the Welsh hills.
The White Horse - 3rd Night Free Special Offer
Brancaster Staithe
‘A lovely hotel with efficient, friendly staff,’ declares a trusted Guide reader this year after a third visit to the Nye family’s inn, which gazes across tidal salt marshes to Scolt Head Island and the open sea.
Widbrook Grange - £199 per room Sunday Special Offer
Bradford-on-Avon
‘The place abounds with creative uses of old, mainly farm, paraphernalia.’ Guide inspectors enjoyed Nick Dent’s diverting Georgian farmhouse turned dog-friendly hotel with most rooms in converted outbuildings.
Glenfinnan House Hotel - Three Nights for Two Special Offer
Fort William
In one of the most dramatic settings of any UK hotel, Jane MacFarlane’s 18th-century-cum-Victorian mansion stands against a backdrop of woodland and mountain, overlooking Loch Shiel.
Drakes - 'Romantic Stay and Dine Getaway in Brighton' Special Offer
Brighton
‘One of the nicest locations we’ve stayed at.’ Trusted readers enjoyed a night's stay at Andy and Gayle Shearer’s boutique hotel on the seafront.
Seaham Hall - 'Winter RetrEAT' Special Offer
Seaham
Readers ‘felt they had done their very best to look after us’, after a week-long stay at this Georgian mansion.
Beech House & Olive Branch - Midweek Break Special Offer
Clipsham
‘My favourite place to stop when travelling north. It’s the tops.’
Bank House - £99 per Room Sunday Night D,B&B Special Offer
King's Lynn
We hear glowing accounts of this Georgian bank-turned-boutique hotel.
Hotels not in the Guide that you may want to consider
Vegetarian friendly hotels
Wynnstay Hotel & Spa
Oswestry
In the town centre, a family owned hotel in a renovated and extended Georgian building, overlooking a historic Crown Bowling Green. Neat bedrooms have modern bathrooms. The old coaching house has been converted into a gym and spa with beauty treatments and a heated indoor pool. In a former grocer’s, Wilsons Bar & Restaurant has comfy booths, a courtyard garden and conservatory and Mediterranean dishes on the menu.
The Walnut Tree Inn
Northampton
Convenient for Silverstone, the hotel once served as a stopover for Victorian railway travellers: high speed trains still run along its front. The restaurant is popular for rib eye steaks and seasonal menus. Bedrooms are straightforward; breakfasts are tasty. Music and comedy events are regularly held. On the outskirts of Blisworth, 6 miles from Northampton,
Grendon
Buxton
Wonderful views, luxury extras and home-baked treats – on a quiet road within walking distance of the town centre, this B&B in an Edwardian property has an immaculate modern interior and welcoming hosts.
Buckingham’s Hotel
Chesterfield
In the city known for its crooked spire, Nick and Tina Buckingham have created an unusual hotel/restaurant. It is managed by their daughters, Vicci and Emma; son Will is the co-chef. So it is a real family enteprise.
From £70 per night
The Towers Hotel & Spa
Swansea
A large family-owned hotel built around a commanding landmark – the four-storey octagonal brick Tower built in 1886 as a camera obscura by the hotel’s first owner, brewery magnate Captain Evan Evans. In World War II, the structure was used by US military as a lookout tower. Inside, three luxury suites have panoramic vistas over the Jersey Marine area and Swansea Bay. Other accommodation, a restaurant serving Welsh dishes, and extensive leisure facilities (13-metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room, massages and beauty treatments and a gym) are in white-painted buildings in the grounds. Two bar areas and a terrace are relaxing spaces for a drink or light snack in the evening. Cabaret and tribute acts are held on some weekends.
The White Star Tavern
Southampton
More than a century old, this former seafarers’ hotel is in a quaint street in the city’s historic maritime district. It takes its name from the famous shipping line. A Fuller’s pub, the bar stocks draught ales and a large selection of gins and wines. In the panelled dining room, menus of classic fare are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cosy, contemporary bedrooms are located on ‘decks’. Upper Deck rooms are the most spacious; bathrooms have a roll-top bath.
White Lodge B&B
Lewes
In secluded gardens and woodland, a low-built contemporary house with sun terraces and spacious accommodation overlooking acres of greenery. There’s an open-plan lounge for relaxing, and communal Aga-cooked breakfasts with a choice of home-made breads are served in a light-filled dining area. Five miles N of Lewes.
Boringdon Hall
Plymouth
Six miles from Plymouth, an Elizabethan manor house with an award-winning spa in the grounds. Full of character, the original building retains its oak panelling, ornate ceilings, mullioned windows and stone archways. The fine-dining Gallery restaurant overlooks the beamed Great Hall, which features a coat of arms of King James I above an enormous stone fireplace. Accommodation ranges from the majestic, with four-poster beds, to more contemporary rooms situated in the courtyard and stable wings. Gaia spa has a pool, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, a relaxation room, gym and a salon with a wide choice of beauty treatments.
The Kensington
London
Walking distance from the attractions of South Kensington, this ‘elegant yet hip, fun’ hotel is ‘conveniently located’ for museum-hoppers and shop-till-you-droppers.
The Old Monmouth B&B
Lyme Regis
Close to the sea front, a 16th-century house with a rich past, and a French-inspired light, airy interior. During summer months the whole house can be rented for up to 12 people.
Westwood Guest House
Lyme Regis
Worth the climb. This contemporary guest house is at the top of a hill with glorious views over Lyme Bay. Breakfast is taken in the light, airy conservatory or on a sunny terrace; bedrooms include a fridge with fresh milk and a laptop safe.
Charades Guest House
Hereford
There’s nothing pretend about the welcome at this Victorian villa. In a quiet conservation area, with a lovely park close by, it lies a short walk from the centre. Bedrooms mix period features and modern comforts; some have views over the city to the cathedral.
Somerville House
Hereford
A late-Victorian villa with a cosy guest lounge, bedrooms with contemporary features and a lovely terrace overlooking the enclosed garden. 20-minutes by foot to the centre.
Ullswater House
Pooley Bridge
In the village centre, with easy access to the lake and fells, David and Angela Beattie’s modern B&B is a great spot for walkers and cyclists – packed breakfasts and lunches can be provided, and secure storage is available.
The Admiral of the Humber
Hull
Handy for the train station, a modern Wethersppon pub with 22 large, comfortable rooms and an inviting rooftop terrace for sunny days. Food and drink can be ordered via the Wetherspoon app.
Seasons Guest House
Weymouth
On the seafront, several bedrooms at this small Georgian-fronted B&B give wonderful views over Weymouth bay. Takeaway fish and chips may be eaten in the dining room; days out can be planned in the welcoming lounge.
The Grange
Weymouth
Seaside hints abound at this Victorian town house, an easy stroll from the seafront. Spic and span modern bedrooms have plenty of storage and are decorated in soft colours; two overlook the greenery of St John’s Park. Hearty breakfasts are served in a coastal-hued breakfast room and the friendly hosts share useful local tips with their B&B guests.
The Hatch Inn
Taunton
Overlooking the Blackdown Hills, a welcoming, dog-friendly country pub in an 18th century coaching Inn. It is surrounded by rolling fields and the Neroche Staple Fitzpaine Herepath (a 13.5 mile off-road trail) is close by. Bedrooms are neat and comfortable, and supplied with tea, coffee, bottled water; Chard is large enough to accommodate a family of four. In the bar, local ciders and wines accompany home-made food, such as calves liver with crispy bacon, creamy mash and gravy or Dover sole Benoit with Fowey mussels and a white wine crème fraîche sauce, and a choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all based on locally sourced ingredients.
Elmdon Lodge
Birmingham
Woughton House – Mgallery By Sofitel
Milton Keynes
In parkland, a white-painted country house hotel blending classic with contemporary twists. The cheerful lounge has yellow seating, and retains its period features. Oversized headboards add statement to individually styled bedrooms. British cuisine is served in Seasons restaurant overlooking Ouzel Valley Park, or outside on a sunny, decked terrace in summer. Children are offered special menus and board games for rainy days. On the outskirts of Milton Keynes, the hotel is a popular wedding venue.
Home Farm Bed & Breakfast
Milton Keynes
In Beachampton, a picturesque village a short drive from Milton Keynes, a beautifully restored 300-year-old farmhouse with three inviting bedrooms and a well-equipped gym. Breakfast includes freshly laid eggs and honey from the owners’ hives. Footpaths lead across the fields; the village pub is a stroll away. Bletchley Park, Woburn Abbey and Silverstone nearby.
The Broadmead Boutique B&B
Tenby
The George Inn
Windsor
Just across the bridge in Eton, this refurbished Georgian inn is on a corner of the high street. Simply furnished bedrooms have wood furniture, comfortable beds and crisp bedlinen; some rooms have a view of Windsor Castle or the river. The pub dishes and daily blackboard specials are cooked using local, seasonal produce, much of it sourced from the royal farm estate. At the rear, the inn’s owners (Windsor and Eton Brewery) have created a smart decked garden for eating and drinking outside in warmer months.
Brook Farm B&B
Taunton
Nestling in over seven acres, there are glorious views of the garden from every room of this lovingly refurbished 18th-century house. Accommodation is in three spacious rooms (one with a separate bathroom), and B&B guests may sit in front of a warm hearth in the cosy sitting room/library or drawing room. The host is helpful with local knowledge. A short walk away, a lively pub serves tasty food.
The New Inn
Reading
In a picturesque village, five miles north of Reading, a welcoming olde worlde country inn with an open fire and Brakspear real ales in the traditional bar. Comfortable, mellow-toned bedrooms are named after types of wine. Satisfying pub dishes such as chicken pie, sautéed potato, honey glazed carrots and parsnip or pan roasted cod, butter beans, mashed potato, chorizo with white wine sauce are served in a cosy restaurant. Outside there is a patio and garden with a children’s play area.
Hotels in Berkshire
Hotels near Legoland Windsor
Hotels near Windsor Castle
Hotels for Christmas in OxfordshireWorld class sommeliers and Michelin star vegetarian restaurants
Gastronomy is such an important part of the hotel experience, a joyful part of travel that has so many facets and possibilities for execution that it almost falls into the category of entertainment. It is an opportunity for socialising and cementing the experience of that hotel from the service to the presentation and ultimately the quality of the food. It is a sensory experience that informs your whole appreciation of the place, and frequently the part around which your day is built.
Where once vegetarian options were relegated to a corner of the menu, they are fast becoming some of the most popular dishes available. They are proving a new area of opportunity for hotels and chefs to prove their creativity and culinary expertise, particularly as the quality of ingredients and their local and organic credentials become ever important in an over processed world.
Thankfully there is a wide range of hotels that shine in this area, giving us the best of the best when distilling them down to a collection. Hambleton Hall is known for its sense of luxury across all areas of hospitality. Set in beautiful grounds, its Michelin starred chef rises to all culinary challenges and is highly praised for his modern dishes.
Hotel TerraVina is another culinary joy, although perhaps that should not come as a surprise under the golden ownership of a world-class sommelier and a former hotel inspector. The Whitebrook has a reputation that precedes it of course, the unassuming Monmouthshire restaurant with rooms with another Michelin star chef that uses bounty from the Wye valley including foraged pennywort, hedge bedstraw and nasturtium tubers, all of which make for an exciting menu for any guest.