04 October 2023 , 08:33
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Imagine, if you will, a grand tour of Great Britain - eight magnificent cities covering the length and breadth of the country, each with its own distinctive flavour, world-class sightseeing and the guarantee of a premium hotel to enjoy each and every day.
With Clayton Hotels, you can make the dream a reality. There’s a warm welcome waiting for you in eight cities throughout the country, from the English and Welsh capitals to Scotland’s largest city, via Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol and Cambridge.
Each of these four-star hotels is superbly located in the heart of the action, luxuriously fitted out to meet your expectations, with spacious rooms, comfy beds, gorgeous views, great food and excellent gym facilities.
At Clayton Hotels, the focus is always on you: whatever you need from your stay, you can depend on Clayton to provide it. In fact, you might find it a wrench to step out of the hotel to explore - but when you do, you won’t be disappointed.
Ready? Let’s go…
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Day 1 - Cambridge
Punting alongside Clare College on the River Cam in Cambridge (Getty)We begin in picturesque Cambridge, a university city known for its stunning college architecture, luscious greenery and the sight of locals and tourists floating up the Cam - it isn’t called the Venice of the UK for nothing.
Clayton Hotel Cambridge is located a short stroll from the beautiful Botanic Gardens and just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre, making it the ideal base from which to explore this small city, one of the most photogenic in the UK. Make use of the hotel gym before you spend the day leisurely wandering through the immaculately kept grounds of the university’s colleges, visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum or the Cambridge Gin Laboratory, and of course punting on the Cam - either with a guide or under your own steam.
When it’s time to return to your hotel, the Tamburlaine Bar & Restaurant offers delicious, seasonal dishes featuring locally sourced fresh ingredients, all under the direction of the head chef. Don’t forget to sample the selection of fine wines, craft beer and chilled champagne, and round off your day with a perfectly mixed drink from the hotel’s elegant cocktail bar.
Day 2 - London
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Getty)To the capital next, 90 minutes by car or less than an hour on the train. Here you have the choice of three magnificent four-star hotels: Clayton Hotel City of London, Clayton Hotel London Wall or Clayton Hotel Chiswick.
Clayton Hotel Chiswick finds you in leafy west London, not far from fashionable Kensington and Chelsea, and with secure on-site parking it’s a doddle to get to. For those that love the outdoors, the London Wetland Centre and the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are less than a mile away. The latter is a horticulturalist's paradise, with tens of thousands of rare and beautiful plants and trees, an indoor rainforest, and gardens to suit every taste.
Clayton Hotel City of London and Clayton Hotel London Wall both place you in the heart of the greatest city in the world, each an ideal base to see all the sights like Buckingham Palace, The Tower Of London and London Zoo, and take in some of the best restaurants, entertainment and attractions around.
The stylish and contemporary Clayton Hotel City of London is the epitome of London at its most chic. Inspired by Victorian textile warehouses, it boasts 212 luxury bedrooms and suites, 24-hour dining, a fitness suite and Chromecast in every room, so you can wind down with your favourite shows.
Meanwhile, Clayton Hotel London Wall is situated in London’s Square Mile, home to St. Paul's Cathedral, the Museum of London, the ornate Leadenhall Market and top nightclubs like Fabric. London is your playground, with an almost unlimited choice of things to see and do, right on your doorstep. Its 24-hour fitness suite allows you to work out on your own schedule, and it even has private rooms for you to reserve for business or pleasure.
Day 3 - Bristol
Bristol's beautiful marina in summer (Getty)Moving on to Bristol, you’ll discover a young, vibrant city with a rich seafaring history and one of the UK’s most exciting cultural scenes.
Get up close and personal with the work of street artist Banksy by taking a walking tour of the city, explore the ultra-cool shops, restaurants and galleries of the harbour district, and get involved in the city’s legendary music scene - which has produced acts such as Massive Attack, Tricky and Idles - in its many bars and venues.
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The brand new, four-star Clayton Hotel Bristol City is a modern, contemporary hotel housed in the Grade ll listed Everards print works, in the Old Town district of the city centre. You’ll feel the connection to the city’s rich artistic history in this stunningly designed and comfortable hotel, while its 255 air-conditioned bedrooms assure you of a great night’s sleep.
Day 4 - Cardiff
Clayton Hotel Cardiff is ideally located in the city centreIt’s time to head to the Welsh capital, just an hour from Bristol on the train or a little more along the M4 motorway. Settle into Clayton Hotel Cardiff, which is conveniently located in the city centre. A warm Welsh Clayton welcome awaits before you go up to your room, where you can enjoy delightful views across the city as you unpack.
You might decide to linger a little longer and enjoy and enjoy a lush afternoon tea with a selection of fresh cakes, delicious warm scones, and dainty finger sandwiches before heading out to explore.
Cardiff Castle dates from the 11th century and enjoys a commanding position in the city centre - a must for history buffs. Follow in the footsteps of the heroes of Welsh rugby with a tour of the Principality Stadium, or delve deep into the history and culture of Wales at the National Museum Cardiff - each just a short stroll from Clayton Hotel Cardiff.
Day 5 - Birmingham
Relaxing at Birmingham Cathedral (Getty)From south Wales, we head north-west to Birmingham, a city experiencing a glorious renaissance in recent years as the success of Peaky Blinders and last year’s Commonwealth Games have put this youthful, diverse and energetic city firmly on the tourist map.
Clayton Hotel Birmingham was recently recognised as the best large hotel in the West Midlands, and it’s easy to see why. Brummie hospitality is legendary, while its city centre location places you right at the heart of the city’s famous shopping district, just three minutes’ walk from the iconic Bullring centre where you’ll find one of only four Selfridges department stores in the world.
Don’t miss the chance to grab a cocktail or a bite to eat in one of the Brindleyplace area’s many canalside restaurants and bars, while back at your hotel you can dine at the Grill restaurant, and enjoy a nightcap in the chic Alvar bar.
Day 6 - Manchester
Shambles Square in Manchester (Getty)Heading north to Manchester, it’s time to experience one of the jewels in the UK’s cultural crown. The north-west’s largest city has an enviable reputation in music, arts and sport, with fantastic nightlife and the lively Gay Village centred on the Canal Street area.
Set in a landmark building on bustling Portland Street in the centre of town, Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre is the perfect base from which to explore this exciting destination. Catch a show at The Palace Theatre, Opera House or the Lowry, check out the independent fashion stores, record shops, cafés, bars and restaurants in the super-cool Northern Quarter, and if you’re a football fan the National Football Museum is a must.
When you arrive back at your hotel, you can relax and unwind in the stylish No.55 Restaurant & Bar, where delicious meals are cooked with fresh, sustainably-sourced ingredients and served with excellent cocktails.
Meanwhile, Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport is the perfect choice for a flying visit: conveniently located close to the terminal buildings, it offers luxurious rooms, 24-hour room service and breakfast from as early as 5:30am. With its Park, Stay & Fly deal, you can save 10% off on the room rate per night on short & long-stay bookings, with a complimentary 24-hour shuttle bus service between the hotel and the terminals and train station.
Day 7 - Leeds
Kirkgate Market in Leeds is a shopper's dream - and easy on the eye (Tim Green)Sometimes dubbed 'the London of the North', Leeds combines northern charm with sensational shopping, world-class theatres, galleries, restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Clayton Hotel Leeds is located just south of the city centre, less than a mile from Leeds railway station with a secure underground car park. As with all Clayton Hotels, its rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there is a well-appointed gym for guests to use - not to mention the cosy Inkwell Bar and Restaurant.
Leeds Kirkgate Market is an essential stop for keen shoppers and bargain hunters - it’s the largest covered market in Europe in a gorgeous, Grade I listed building, with around 800 stalls selling everything from fresh food, drink, fashion and jewellery, and so much more.
Day 8 - Glasgow
Clayton Hotel Glasgow opened in 2022, in the old custom house buildingFinally, we cross the border into Scotland and its largest city Glasgow: journey’s end. This proud, formerly industrial port city is full of musical heritage, so a visit to the unique Barrowlands venue is a must for gig-goers.
Culture vultures will be drawn to the leafy university area, where you'll find beautiful buildings like the imposing Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, set in 85 acres of lush parkland that is replete with fantastic wildlife.
After a fulfilling day exploring everything the city has to offer, you’ll be craving a comfortable bed for the night, and you’ll find it at Clayton Hotel Glasgow City. This brand new four-star hotel, which occupies the former Custom House, overlooks the Clyde in the heart of the city, and it's a perfect blend of historical architecture and modern hotel design.
It's also minutes from great shopping on Buchanan Street, restaurants, attractions and nightlife: the perfect end to your grand tour.
Plan your own trip and save with Clayton Hotels
Clayton Hotels offer comfort and relaxation in the UK, Ireland and GermanyYou can emulate our grand tour and take in all eight cities, or you might decide to slow the pace and stay a while in one or two.
Whichever choice you make, whether for business or pleasure, enjoy a relaxing, comfortable stay with Clayton Hotels; the focus will always be on you.
Save on every room, every night when you Click On Clayton at claytonhotels.com. Customers can save an extra £10/10% on every room, every night when they book directly through the website.
There are 26 four-star Clayton Hotels in total, across the UK, Ireland and Germany. Find the full list at claytonhotels.com.