Northern England Adds a New Fairmont Luxury Hotel

Announced in May 2026, Fairmont Hotels will debut a new property in northern England named Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. This marks a new direction for luxury hospitality, as TheStreet notes, with major hotel brands setting their sights on regions beyond the typical London-centric tourism.

While the UK's capital remains a global draw, TheStreet observes a notable increase in travelers venturing further afield. Northern England, in particular, has seen a surge in visitor numbers. National rail passenger figures indicate a nearly 10% rise in train travel to the north since early 2026. Key northern cities like Manchester and Liverpool reported respective 19% increases in train journeys, while Newcastle led with a 27% rise. This increased interest, TheStreet reports, is driven by both domestic tourism and a return of international visitors seeking to explore more of the country.

The Fairmont Cheshire will occupy the redeveloped 17th-century Mere Old Hall. This particular expansion follows a broader trend; TheStreet points to another luxury brand, Nobu, developing the Nobu Woolcox in the East Midlands county of Rutland on a 185-acre estate.