Amid renewed interest in the “old money” aesthetic, following the recent weddings of Emily Mariko and Sofia Richie — and the re-emergence of shows like Gossip Girl — the hashtag #oldmoneyaesthetic has garnered over 2.5 billion views on TikTok. The new trend, also known as ‘quiet luxury’, is an aesthetic that conveys an air of timeless elegance, class, and sophistication.
But which UK location has mastered the art of subtle refinement?
The most popular “old money” locations in the UK
|
Rank |
Location |
Region |
Number of millionaires in the region |
Total Instagram hashtags |
|
1. |
Windsor Castle |
Berkshire |
157,000 |
485,472 |
|
2. |
Portmeirion Village |
Gwynedd |
12,000 |
245,822 |
|
3. |
The Ritz Hotel |
London |
191,000 |
208,372 |
|
4. |
Hampton Court Palace |
Molesey |
157,000 |
189,124 |
|
5. |
Bolton Abbey |
Leeds |
28,000 |
104,194 |
|
6. |
The Royal Crescent |
Bath |
59,000 |
56,693 |
|
7. |
Balmoral Castle |
Aberdeenshire |
48,000 |
22,089 |
|
8. |
Castle Ashby |
Northampton |
57,000 |
17,410 |
|
9. |
Chatsworth Estate |
Derbyshire |
57,000 |
15,035 |
|
10. |
Osbourne House |
Isle of Wight |
157,000 |
8,148 |
Windsor Castle named the UK’s most popular “old money” location
Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, is the most popular “old money” location in the UK, boasting an impressive 484,472 hashtags on Instagram. This is almost two-thirds more (57%) than the hashtags for The Ritz Hotel in London, which has 208,372. With a rich history of being favoured by the Royal Family and the late Queen Elizabeth II, British royalty has resided at Windsor Castle since the time of William the Conqueror (1066-1087), firmly establishing it as an esteemed “old money” destination.
Although the castle itself is not open to visitors, those seeking an indulgent experience can stay in the castle’s opulent state apartments, adorned with chandeliers, exquisite furnishings, and heroic portraits from the royal art collection. Not only this, but Windsor is one of the wealthiest towns in the UK, boasting 250 multi-millionaires. Its charm, luxury, and historical significance make it an unparalleled destination for those looking to embrace quiet opulence in a setting steeped in regal heritage.
Portmeirion Village, located in Gwynedd takes the second spot with 245,822 hashtags on Instagram, surpassing the Royal Crescent in Bath by just over three-quarters (56,693). This uniquely designed village was designed by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the style of an Italian coastal village, with many of the buildings within the village listed for their architectural and historical importance by Cadw, including the Grade II* listed gardens. Beyond its architectural heritage, Portmeirion captivates visitors with two elegant hotels, self-catering cottages, a spa, various eateries, and an authentic Italian-style gelateria
The Ritz Hotel is named among the UK’s favourite “old money” spots
Ranking third is The Ritz Hotel, London with 208,372 hashtags on Instagram. Established by the famous hotelier César Ritz to become the epitome of luxury, the Ritz quickly gained favour among royals and the elite, ultimately receiving a prestigious Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In November 2002, Her Majesty The Queen hosted a party in the Ritz Restaurant for her close family and friends to celebrate the resounding success of her Jubilee year. For hotel guests, the meticulously designed rooms and suites embody true opulence, featuring lavish four-poster beds, intricately patterned wallpapers, and plush draperies. Each detail is thoughtfully curated, emphasising the establishment’s rich history of “old money” indulgence, a legacy that continues to captivate visitors.
Study carried out by Casino Hawks
