The Newt in Somerset named top boutique hotel for third time

A bedroom at The Newt Somerset
A bedroom at The Newt Somerset (©The Newt Somerset)

South-west countryside estate The Newt in Somerset has retained the number one spot in the Top 50 Boutique Hotels list, marking the third time it has taken the top slot.

Launched in 2019, The Newt is billed as a rural retreat in which ‘guests will be soothed by the stunning surrounding woodland and abundant gardens’ that ‘showcases the best of the best of the sector through its bedrooms, which have been sensitively designed to highlight its history.

Last year’s number two Lime Wood Hotel in Lyndhurst, Hampshire also kept its spot while Heckfield Place in Hook, Hampshire rose from four to three.

Cornwall’s Padstow Townhouse, owned by chef Paul Ainsworth, also saw a rise up the list of one place, coming in at number four.

In fifth was Grantley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, which soared from number eight this year.

A ‘haven of calm in the leafy Cumbrian countryside’ and up from 45 to 36 this year, Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant was named the winner of the Food & Drink Award.

Its blend of history, nature and luxury continues into the stunning venue’s food and drink offer where you can indulge in fine dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant, enjoy flavoursome and classic dishes at the bistro or celebrate special occasions with its private dining offer.

A new entry to the 2024 list, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa took the title of this year’s Service Award.

Known as ‘hospitality artists’, each member of the team has extensive knowledge in their own area of specialism, meaning guests are in more than capable hands.

This year saw 12 new entries with hotels from a plethora of regions entering the much-anticipated list, which spans the full length and breadth of the UK.

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises Top 50 Boutique Hotels, said: “These hotels represent the very height of luxury and splendour, and anyone looking for an indulgent and truly wonderful experience need look no further than any of the operations named on our list.

“It’s a real honour to be able to recognise these businesses for doing such amazing jobs and providing the kind of hospitality experience that is second to none.”

The Top 50 Boutique Hotel list follows the success of Top 50 Cocktail Bars and Top 50 Gastropubs.

The top 10 boutique hotels

The Newt in Somerset
Lime Wood Hotel, Lyndhurst
Heckfield Place, Hook
Padstow Townhouse, Padstow
Grantley Hall, Ripon
The Fife Arms, Braemar
Hampton Manor, Hampton in Arden
Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Aughton
Dormy House Hotel & Spa, Broadway
Middleton Lodge, Richmond

See the full list and award winners here.