Last Updated on 10 July 2026 by Vanessa
This guide features some of the top hotels in the UK. And they are all home to at least one resident cat.
From grand country estates to cozy city boutiques in London and elsewhere, these feline hosts have become part of the charm that keeps guests coming back.
After all, there’s nothing like a good hotel cat to really make a trip memorable.
So, if you’re planning a visit to the UK, take the chance to enjoy some of these top-class stays (and cats).
Top hotels in the UK with resident cats
Hotels in London
The Lanesborough in Belgravia, London
- Type: 5-star luxury hotel
- Address: The Lanesborough, Park Corner, Hyde, London SW1X 7TA, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
The luxury hotels of the Oetker collection have been famous for their resident cats.
Following in the footsteps of Le Bristol in Paris and Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, The Lanesborough in London has now also welcomed a resident feline: a Siberian Forest Cat named Lilibet. She arrived at the hotel in June 2019.
Standard rooms start near £800-£1,200 per night. Suites go well above £2,000 and sometimes much higher.
If staying at The Lanesborough is not an option for you, you can also stop by for afternoon tea or dinner. Chances are you will meet Lilibet in the lobby, the bar, or the garden.
The Colonnade Hotel in Little Venice, London
- Type: 4-star hotel
- Address: The Colonnade Hotel, 2 Warrington Cres, London W9 1ER, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
If you’re looking for a quiet spot in London, The Colonnade Hotel in Little Venice (near Maida Vale) is a real gem.
It’s tucked away by the canals, on Warrington Crescent, so it’s a perfect blend of residential calm and city-access convenience, with the Bakerloo Line just a short walk away.
The place itself is a Victorian townhouse, and all the 43 rooms have their own personality. Some have four-poster beds, others have cozy mezzanine layouts. Everything feels warm and lived-in.
The staff are friendly and make you feel really welcome.
This hotel in London also has a resident cat named Minnie.
She’s usually wandering the lobby or napping in a sunny corner.
The Rookery in Clerkenwell, London
- Type: Boutique luxury hotel
- Address: The Rookery, 12 Peter’s Lane, Cowcross Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 6DS, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
The Rookery is a boutique hotel in Clerkenwell that makes the most of its 18th-century origins. Spread across a group of old houses, the hotel is filled with antique furniture, wood panelling, fireplaces, and period details that give it the atmosphere of a private London townhouse rather than a conventional hotel.
Each room has its own character, with four-poster beds, traditional furnishings, and historic features combined with modern comforts.
Rates sit in the upper boutique-hotel range.
Bagheera, named after the panther in The Jungle Book, is the resident black feline.
He often wanders around the hotel’s lounges and corridors and fits perfectly into the surroundings. An elegant black cat roaming an old London building full of antiques sounds almost too appropriate.
He’s also a familiar presence on the hotel’s social media.
Hotels in South East England
The Beach House in Milford on Sea, Lymington
- Type: A pub with rooms
- Address: The Beach House, Park Ln, Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0PT, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
Fall asleep to the sound of the sea after a relaxing walk across the pebble beach.
The Beach House in Milford on Sea offers stunning views across the sea, the Isle of Wight, and The Needles. It’s a great place to stay if you’re exploring the New Forest and Hampshire.
It used to be known as Westover Hall back in the late 1800s, but it was renamed to The Beach House in 2012 to reflect how the original owners, the Siemens family, had used it back in the day.
At The Beach House, you’ll find a ginger cat named Lancelot. If you can’t find him snoozing away in the hotel, he’s probably hanging out at the pub (run by the same people).
Update: Unfortunately, Lancelot passed away on March 23, 2024.
Minster Mill & Old Swan in Minster Lovell, Witney
- Type: A country house hotel and inn
- Address: Minster Mill & Old Swan, Minster Lovell, Witney OX29 0RN, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
Parker is the tabby cat that reigns as the master feline at both Old Swan and Minster Mill, two charming accommodations in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Minster Mill, the epitome of sophistication, boasts sleek rooms, a recently inaugurated restaurant and bar, a spa, and picturesque gardens along the banks of the River Windrush.
In contrast, Old Swan exudes the charm of a quintessential country inn, offering 15 guest rooms, a warm and inviting pub, and a restaurant.
Surrounded by 65 acres of land, Minster Mill & Old Swan create an idyllic setting for a tranquil getaway, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cotswolds.
And if fortune smiles upon you, Parker, might graciously join you by the fireside in the evenings.
Old Thorns Hotel & Resort in Liphook, Hampshire
- Type: Resort-style hotel + self-catering apartments
- Address: Old Thorns Hotel & Resort, Longmoor Road, Liphook GU30 7PE, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
Old Thorns Hotel & Resort is set in 400 acres of picturesque Hampshire countryside and provides a choice of comfortable bedrooms and self-catering apartments.
The expansive grounds are adorned with an 18-hole golf course, meeting and events spaces, six restaurants, and a health club and spa.
Adding a touch of charm to the property is Rufus, the resident cat, who freely roams the hotel grounds and readily becomes a willing subject for those seeking to capture his photogenic moments.
Old Thorns Hotel & Resort is also a popular venue for numerous weddings. Do you think Rufus is their “best man”?
Thornley House in Hexham, Northumberland
- Type: Bed & breakfast
- Address: Thornley House, Thornley Gate, Hexham NE47 9NH, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
Thornley House in Hexham is home to three resident Maine Coons, a red Burmese, a ginger female, and a semi-stray who comes and goes as he pleases.
Other cats also frequent the premises as Thornley House welcomes various animals, encompassing cats, dogs, birds of prey, and guinea pigs.
This inclusive policy establishes Thornley House as one of the most accommodating and pet-friendly hotels in the UK.
The expansive garden surrounding the house, recognized under the National Garden Scheme, encompasses the adjacent field and wood, which also features a cat cemetery.
Read more: Thornley House B&B, Hexham: where cats sleep in your room at night
Hotels in South West England
St. George’s Hotel in Perranporth, Cornwall
- Type: Standard hotel in an old, charming building
- Address: St. George’s Hotel, St George’s Hill, Perranporth TR6 0ED, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
If you follow St. George’s Hotel on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll notice that their black cat, Billie, is gracing almost every photo. She’s a female rescue from the Cats Protection Society and has been living at the hotel for ten years now.
“Billie is a mouser, and she loves to pester guests for cuddles,” Ulrica from St. George’s Hotel told Traveling Cats.
With this charming feline freely exploring the hotel grounds, it’s hard to resist booking a stay at this beach town retreat in Perranporth, Cornwall, which was originally a mine captain’s home.
However, there’s much more to appreciate at this hotel beyond its feline resident, including countryside views, well-lit ooms, and a full English breakfast crafted with local produce and freshly laid free-range eggs.
Only steps away from the hotel are the three-mile beach with its dramatic coast line and the South West Coast hiking path.
Hotels in Yorkshire and the Humber
The Barn House in Walkington, East Yorkshire
- Type: Boutique guest house
- Address: The Barn House, 18 E End, Walkington, Beverley HU17 8RY, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Permanently closed!
In 2010, I stayed in the idyllic The Barn House in Walkington, just outside of Beverley.
Everything about this five-star guest house exhaled romance and nature: aquarel paintings on the walls, antique furniture, lots of wood, a beautiful garden with a hot tub, and… a charming cat named Billy.
Clementine’s Guest House in York
- Type: Boutique guest house
- Address: Clementine’s Guest House, 4-5 St Peter’s Grove, Clifton, York YO30 6AQ, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
Clementine’s Guest House is a small, family-run place.
It’s located right in the heart of the city of York, so you’re just steps from the historic streets, shops, and all the main attractions.
However, the luxury boutique guesthouse itself feels like a cozy retreat, with high-end fittings and comfort and a décor that blends “Parisian chic” with Victorian-Yorkshire heritage.
One of the best bits, though, is the resident cat, Teddy.
Sweet HeART House in Pateley Bridge, Harrogate
- Type: Guest house
- Address: Sweet HeART House, 35-37 High St, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5JZ, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
Pateley Bridge sits in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, an area known for its rolling hills, cute villages, and walking and cycling trails. It’s the perfect spot if you love exploring the countryside.
The building itself is from the 17th century, so it’s full of character, with thick stone walls and exposed beams. Upstairs, there’s a cozy tea room and a little art gallery.
The rooms are simple but comfortable. You’ll find tea-making facilities, fresh milk, and even homemade treats waiting for you.
And then there’s Wizzle, the resident cat. This little furball loves making friends with guests.
He might just curl up on your bed or join you in the morning.
Hotels in East Midlands
The William Cecil in Stamford, Lincolnshire
- Type: Luxury boutique hotel
- Address: The William Cecil, St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LJ, United Kingdom.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
The William Cecil is a historic hotel dating back to the 16th century.
It offers a mix of modern amenities and historic charm and hosts numerous events and weddings.
It is affiliated with the Stamford Stone Company, which contributes to the preservation of Stamford’s historic buildings.
At The William Cecil, you can expect a comfortable stay in a town celebrated for its well-preserved limestone structures and picturesque surroundings.
The hotel is home to Cecil, a black resident cat taking pride in overseeing the hotel terrace and ensuring guests have a memorable experience.
Unlike many other cats, Cecil thinks dogs are cool. In a spirit of inclusivity, he has even influenced the hotel to become dog-friendly.
Update: The hotel rehomed Cecil in 2019. Madie from The William Cecil told Traveling Cats that she can “confirm that he is doing amazingly. He’s living his best life with his new owners.”
Hotels in Scotland
Richmond Arms Hotel in Tomintoul, Ballindalloch
- Type: Two-star budget to mid-range hotel
- Address: Richmond Arms Hotel , The Square, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch AB37 9ET, Scotland.
- Compare rates: Booking.com | Agoda
A friendly black cat named Sly will welcome you to the château-like Richmond Arms Hotel in Tomintoul, Scotland.
Situated in the highest village in the Highlands and within Cairngorm National Park, Tomintoul is known for its diverse outdoor activities such as wildlife observation, fishing, bird-watching, climbing, and various trails for walking and biking.
The region is also celebrated for its picturesque lochs, historic castles, and distilleries, including the well-known Glenlivet (a key stop on the “Malt Whisky Trail“).
Conclusion
Have you stayed in any of these UK hotels with cats? Do you know of any other top hotels with resident cats? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Check out these other hotels with cats
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Check out these other cat-centric places in the UK
- The ultimate cat lover’s guide to London: 25+ cat-themed activities for a purr-fect trip
- Your ultimate guide to all the cat cafés of the UK
- Halloween bucket list: 20 spooky UK getaways where cats are welcome
- Meet Louis the Wells Cathedral cat
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