Top 20 Dark Academia Hotels In The UK
From four-poster beds, historic decor, castles, libraries, and more, these are some of the most unique, luxurious and elegant hotels in the UK. Every single one of them fits the Dark Academia aesthetic with their gothic architecture, antique furnishings, and scholarly atmosphere accommodations. They truly embody the dark academia house and dark academia interior style with their moody lighting decor and old-world charm.
You never know, one of these intellectual ambiance resorts or Ivy League-style accommodations might inspire your next trip or holiday. Even one night in these vintage library hotels or Victorian-era inspired hotels with their classic literature-inspired rooms can make for the perfect getaway, just for the experience of staying in these stunning academic-themed lodging options.
So, with no further ado let’s get into some of the most glorious places to stay in the entire country that capture the dark academia colors and vibe.
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1. Hazlitt’s, London
This boutique hotel townhouse is renowned for its unique design. It’s full to the brim with antique furnishings, including old paintings, oak wardrobes, chandeliers, four poster beds, and Victorian baths. Each well-equipped room even has it’s own antique work desk, perfect for a dark academia office setup. Ornate, historic building with elegant decor, and classy, this might be the ultimate Dark Academia Hotel in London.
The convenient location near the British Museum and West End theaters is an added bonus. Guests rave about the divinely comfortable beds, excellent service, cozy atmosphere in the comfortable common rooms, and complimentary minibar with free soft drinks.
The Victorian-style staircase and charming neighborhood add to the Bloomsbury aesthetic. This small luxury hotel offers great value, sparkling clean rooms, a continental breakfast buffet, and easy access to top London attractions.
2. Biggin Hall, Derbyshire
This Grade 2 listed property is situated in the heart of the Peak District, making it perfect for those who want to take long countryside strolls in the stunning and inspiration surroundings. This historic manor house contains rooms with four poster beds, and a beautiful old fashioned lounge area, completely with a roaring fire.
3. Hartwell house, Buckinghamshire
This stunning 17th-century former stately home feels like stepping straight into a Jane Austen novel. With luxurious amenities in the lounges including armchairs, chaise-longues, and grand historical portraits, Georgian-style decor, and a private spa, this hotel allows you to enjoy all the luxury and aestheticism associated with Dark Academia.
4. Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon
This hotel feels like a cross between a castle, a cathedral, and an old manor house with its gothic architecture. With glorious stained glass windows and luxurious interiors, the Ettington Park Hotel also boasts 40 acres of parkland, complete with a river running through it. The location makes it extra appealing to Dark Academia fans, with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Birthplace just up the road.
5. The Witchery By The Castle, Edinburgh
This indulgent and gothic-style hotel might be the most Dark Academia hotel imaginable. Next to the stunning Edinburgh Castle, this hotel is decorated with dark oak, burgundy decor, four poster beds, and gold accents – the quintessential dark academia colors. Seemingly the setting for an 18th-century mystery novel, this hotel is perfect for any Dark Academia fan.
6. Gladstone’s Library, Flintshire
Could there be anything more Dark Academia than staying in an actual vintage library hotel? The world’s first residential library. Here, you can spend your days trawling the bookshelves that lie right outside your bedroom door. Not only that, but the hotel’s decor is in classic historic library style, with large painted portraits and ornate fireplaces.
7. Stanbrook Abbey, Worcester
Stanbrook Abbey combines history with class and simplicity. With great arched doorways, its own chapel, and even suits of armor lining the hallways, this is a wonderfully stylish Dark Academia hotel. Known as the place where King Charles II troops rested during the English Civil War, this is a place to get a real taste of history.
9. Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire
There is little more Dark Academia than an old tutor castle with crumbling walls and ancient wooden doorways, so a chance to stay in one is something any fan of the aesthetic would jump at. Complete with roaring fires, crawling ivy, walled gardens, and the chance to play croquet, this Ivy League-style accommodation is a real dream come true.
10. The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast
This beautifully designed hotel maintains a spacious and airy feel whilst paying tribute to classical and Renaissance art throughout its decor. With full-wall Michelangelo prints, gilded gold mirror frames, and antique furnishings, this stylish take on traditional decor allows the guest to bask in the glory of art history.
11. The Scotsman, Edinburgh
This iconic hotel is located in perhaps the most Dark Academia city in the whole UK. With a grand historic appearance, this hotel combines trendy and minimalist hotel rooms with grand historically designed gues areas. There are also rumours of hauntings and ghosts throughout this ancient hotel, adding to the scholarly atmosphere and vibe of being one of the best Dark Academia hotels in the UK.
12. The Jamaica Inn, Bolventor
For a cozier, rural option, The Jamaica Inn is the perfect choice. Located on the mythic Bodmin Moor, this is supposed to be one of the most haunted locations in the UK. With rooms combining simple decor with period features, including exposed beams, the pub area itself is where the Dark Academia vibes lie. A historic atmosphere with cozy armchairs and roaring fires makes for the ideal Dark Academia getaway.
13. Traquair House, Peeblesshire
Considered to be the oldest residential property in Scotland, this house was previously a place to stay for Scottish kings and has now been opened up to the general public. With classy rooms full of nods to history and grounds to take pensive midday strolls, this is one of the Dark Academia hotels full of old-world charm.
14. Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
This 500-acre Georgian countryside estate makes for the perfect Dark Academia getaway. With stunning woodland grounds, historic portraits, sweeping curtains and four poster beds, this amazing hotel is one of a kind in terms of stunning dark academia interior aesthetic. You can even enjoy horse rising at the equestrian centre and croquet on the lawn.
15. Hever Castle, Kent
Hever Castle truly is the definition of a classic English castle, complete with formal gardens and a double moat. Known for having played host to Tudor queen Anne Boleyn. Complete with 16th-century decor, including portraits and tapestries, this is a grand hotel and a perfect addition to the Dark Academia hotels list.
16. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London
If you like something a little less overzealous, this city center hotel is a space of simple, elegant luxury. With many details, including arched windows, grand staircases, and twinkling chandeliers, this contemporary hotel is a unique and royal-esque addition to the Dark Academia hotels list.
17. Crazy Bear Hotel, Beaconsfield
This amazing Dark Academia hotel is a truly ornate location. Just 15 minutes from historic Oxford, this country house has exposed beams in the rooms and gilded bedframes. The entire hotel is filled with ornate, luxurious decor, from the wallpaper to the light fixtures. Go all out with this stunning hotel.
18. LLanthony Priory Hotel, Monmouthshire
Furnished in a tower next to a ruined 12th-century priory, this is a unique place to stay. With all the mystery and romanticism of the priory ruins, the rooms are reached by a historic spiral staircase. With rustic and humbly decorated rooms, this is a fantastic option for those looking to stay in one of the Dark Academia hotels.
19. Lewtrenchard manor, devon
This Jacobean manor is perfect for those who want to feel like royalty because this place is practically a palace. With stunning decor in the rooms, including sweeping curtains and grand four-poster beds, this hotel also posts stunning grounds and historic restaurant space. For grandeur and class, this is the perfect hotel to stay in.
20. Jeake’s house, Sussex
Humble exteriors with ornate interior decor, this was once a house attached to a gentleman’s club. It has a long history of literary associations when purchased by Conrad Aiken and visited by T.S. Elliot and E.F. Benson. This 16th-century house combines the history, luxury, and academic prestige all associated with Dark Academia.
Book Your Dream Stay At A Dark Academia Hotel
Staying in a Dark Academia hotel is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the aesthetic. All of these hotels are full to the brim with history, luxury and beautiful decor that all aligns with the aesthetic.
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoy staying at one of these glorious hotels.
Ta-ta for now! x
