With staycations steadily on the rise and freedom on the horizon, we’re looking to maximise the best of what the UK has to offer this summer travel season. With so many fabulous coaching inns, townhouse properties, and beachfront rentals on offer – we’ve curated some of our favourite new UK openings to add some newness to your summer travel plans.
Located amidst the charming villages and market towns of Wiltshire, the soon-to-be opened Bradley Hare promises to be the UK’s cosiest new country inn. The Bradley Hare is located in the Duke of Somerset’s Estate and offers 12 uniquely and welcoming bedrooms and elevated pub food. The Bradley Hare is the brainchild of ex-European Design Director for Soho House James Thurstan Waterworth and F&B Entrepreneur Andrew Kelly and offers a friendly and welcoming ‘dine anywhere’ atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Weekend rates will start from £130 per room per night including breakfast. For more information visitthebradleyhare.co.uk.
Tucked away on the southside of a beautiful 40 acre beechwood forest, Beacon Hill’s minimalist Treehouse is certainly a cabin with a difference. This beautiful property is clad in burnt Siberian larch and sits high on Corten steel columns. It also has a small balcony perfect for a morning coffee surrounded by nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise the breath-taking natural surroundings. Perfect for getting lost in the wild.
A three night stay for two guests in the treehouse is £750, fully inclusive of everything Beacon Hill has to offer. For more information visitwww.premiercottages.co.uk.
While not exactly a ‘new’ opening, the (wonderfully dog-friendly) Pheasant Inn is welcoming three new bedrooms this May and it is certainly worth shouting about. The Pheasant Inn boasts a 450 year-rich history in hospitality and today, under the helm of hotelier Jack Greenall, the Inn offers cosy, yet luxurious accommodation truncated with a flavoursome food offering too.
Rooms at the Pheasant Inn start from £105 per night. For more information visit www.thepheasant-inn.co.uk.
The Sun Street Hotel is the newest property in the Bespoke Hotels portfolio and is set to take over the City of London this August. The property spans six Georgian townhouses and five floors, designed by 19th century architect George Dance the Younger. The hotel will offer 41 bedrooms including seven suites designed by Bowler James Brindley. It will also offer a stylish new restaurant, bar and private member’s club, and is shaping up to be one of the City’s most sought-after staycation destinations.
Nightly rates at Sun Street Hotel start from £275 on a bed & breakfast basis. For reservations and information visit www.sunstreethotel.com
Hotels are no longer just a place to rest your head. They are an immersive lifestyle experience, somewhere to soak up local culture, reconnect with yourself and discover new things. Hotel brands are looking to provide their customers with a unique stay, a way to connect with them authentically and super-luxe brand Rosewood successfully does this, with their new in-residence programme.
Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is launching Rosewood PlaceMakers, an ambassador programme that brings together experts and innovators hailing from every corner of the world with deep roots in Rosewood’s locations. PlaceMakers span six pillars of expertise – Art & Entertainment, Style & Design, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellbeing, Family & Lifestyle, and Sustainability.
Rosewood London, the idyllic urban sanctuary in the heart of Holborn, welcomes wellness practitioners Boniface Verney-Carron and Catie Miller as the property’s inaugural Rosewood PlaceMakers. Boniface and Catie have developed unique activations and programming, digital journeys of discovery and an expertly curated destination guide, each of which is rooted in their niche area of expertise while simultaneously highlighting the essential elements and traits of the destination of London.
Boniface is an Osteopath, holistic coach and leading practitioner who runs the Verney-Carron Health Practice in Marylebone. In partnership with elite trainer and former dancer Catie Miller, Boniface is co-launching the Oona Series later this year – a community that thrives through pursuit of internal awareness and optimisation of self. Participants will receive support and guidance from experts as they lead in exercise, theory, workshops and dialogue. Oona will provide the tools to empower social, physical and mental wellbeing, to change the way people move through life.
As PlaceMakers at Rosewood London, Catie and Boniface will offer on-property multi-faceted programming including, but not limited to, an on-demand wellness portal in-room with meditation, tailored guides, workouts and bedtime stories; and a bespoke reset retreat incorporating a digital detox, personalised fitness sessions, a nutritional guide in collaboration with the hotel’s culinary team led by Executive Chef Simon Young and a natural wakeup call by a personal butler to name a few. Other PlaceMaker offerings in the works include wellness talks, podcasts and a limited edition Oona x Rosewood Fit Kit – with sustainable hand-weights, a foldable travel yoga mat, Epsom salt bath, calming pillow mist, CBD sleep tinctures and a charged amethyst crystal water bottle. There are also discussions about an Oona pop up boutique supplying curated sustainable gym wear and clean beauty products, a barre session with a takeaway smoothie truck on the renowned Rosewood London Courtyard and an illuminating panel talk with additional wellness experts for Global Wellness Day in June. Furthermore, Catie and Boniface created a bespoke Digital Destination Guides offering insider tips for navigating London, including famed hotspots from Farmacy to Gordon’s Wine Bar.
“Now more than ever before we are seeing an increased focus on the importance of holistic wellbeing in everyday life, with individuals at all stages of life looking to embark on an integrative health and wellness journey,” said Catie Miller, co-founder of Oona. “We’re proud to be teaming up with Rosewood London to bring a new type of wellness experience to the city that incorporates all the many layers of health and happiness from invigorating fitness classes to nourishing dining offerings to unique spa treatments,” added Boniface Verney-Carron, co-founder of Oona.
Rosewood London is one of the capital’s most sought after locations for wellness – with its Sense, A Rosewood Spa, the epitome of style and tranquillity. For more information on Rosewood’s PlaceMakers, please visit rosewoodhotels.com/placemakers.
If you love the idea of being in the great outdoors, going off the grid and reconnecting with nature then you must pay a visit to Round the Woods this summer.
Situated on a private 18-acre nature reserve in Norfolk, this luxurious glamping destination is for anyone who likes the idea of camping but does not want to compromise on home comforts. Opening on 12th April, Round the Woods invited House of Coco for an exclusive sneak preview of their new addition to the site, the stunning Willow Roundhouse.
Inspired by an interest in the environment, outdoor living and self-sufficiency, Kate Symonds and Seb Burns quit their London jobs and set up Round the Woods glamping site near Norwich as a way of combining their passion with spending more time with their sons and enjoying the land. The couple along with their family built the Willow Roundhouse over two years, using natural, sustainable and local materials resulting in an impressive, deluxe glamping retreat.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Kate and Seb who set about loading our cases on to the trolley and show us around the site. This location is truly special with vast open woodland. It includes communal spaces, a pizza oven, an outdoor fire pit, a pond, shower facilities and an open meadow ideal for exploring. I can tell this is the break I need, an opportunity to pause and reset.
Set in the far corner of the meadow is the Willow Roundhouse, flanked by daffodils and bluebells. An outdoor deck wraps around the house, a picnic bench, BBQ, outdoor chairs and a huge hammock make it the perfect spot for alfresco dining and relaxation.
Opening the door to my home for two nights, I am surprised and impressed by the gorgeous interior design. The Willow Roundhouse successfully brings nature indoors, with the use of natural materials and lots of windows to create a light and airy space. As you walk in you are immediately struck by the wooden floor that features a spectacular tree design created from log disks made from the site. The roundwood frame wraps the interior like woodland branches, all crafted from larch and sweet chestnut. The twisting branches wind up to a round ceiling surrounding a fabulous circular skylight. A sumptuous King size bed with cotton linen and goose down bedding is directly underneath guaranteeing guests a night under the stars. Kate and Seb have paid attention to all the design details, every nook and cranny is full of delightful handpicked special touches from the snug throws to the twinkly fairy lights that climb around the wooden interior frame.
There is plenty of space to take it easy. Curl up with a book on the hanging chair nestled close to the wood burner or kickback on one of the comfy designer seats that convert into beds. It’s spacious and romantic for two, but equally large enough for up to seven people. The soft curves and warm tones of the clay walls coupled with large windows, create a calming, open-plan space. There is a well-equipped handmade kitchen with an oven, hob and grill as well as a bench seat and dining table that looks out across the meadow.
We were lucky to have glorious weather so spent most of the trip on the deck playing swing ball and chilling in hammock. Round the Woods is the perfect place to disconnect. Whether you want to kick back and rest or have adventurous kids who like to explore, there is something for everyone. During our stay we discovered the den hidden in the woods, toasted marshmallows in the outdoor fire pit and spotted lots of local wildlife. After two peaceful days, tech-free, I felt recharged and rejuvenated.
A two-night break in the Willow Roundhouse from £380. For more information visit www.roundthewoods.co.uk
You know we love exploring the north of England, if it’s not our Editor in Chief talking about her love of Leeds, it’s our northern writers sharing their passion for Manchester. So, when we hear about new openings up north, we’re always a little bit keen to share. Cue the arrival of QBIC Manchester…
The new Deansgate property, which will be the latest addition to Qbic’s portfolio of hotels mixing forward-thinking design, sustainability and affordability will open to the public on 17 May 2021, in line with government guidance (earlier May opening date for key workers). The new hotel extends the brand’s unique and friendly blend of hospitality to this much-loved northern city.
Challenging traditional stereotypes, Qbic is reinventing the concept of affordable hotels by focusing on what matters to its stylish, savvy, environmentally-responsible guests. The 261 innovative, pet-friendly rooms boast comfortable king-sized beds, high-speed WiFi, water-efficient power showers, sustainable toiletries and complimentary tea and coffee. Qbic’s contemporary and quirky philosophy is reflected in its design concept focused on Manchester’s saints & sinners creating a relaxed, unconventional hangout that is destined to become a much-loved local spot.
Qbic Manchester has delved deep into the soul of the city for interior design inspiration. An eclectic mix of famous Mancunians provided creative concepts, all of whom were considered to be both saints & sinners of their time. There’s the conflicted Reverend William Cowherd who preached at the ironically named Beefsteak Chapel, putting Manchester on the map for supposedly inventing vegetarianism. William promoted a meat-free diet to his congregation and preached morality to the working classes, although ran a gentlemen’s club himself. The design also focuses on the saintly and fearless suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst plus Alan Turing, the inventor of the world’s first computer, who is viewed as a saint today but whose perception as a sinner drove him to his early death. Their fascinating local stories are seen throughout the interiors from the abstract wall coverings, fabrics, lighting and features.
Katie Edgar, Director of Interior Design – Qbic Hotels quotes:
‘Every Qbic hotel is unique but after living and working in Manchester for 15 years I now call it home and I am so excited to bring the Qbic personality to my city and celebrate Manchester’s history and personality through the decorative lens of the hotel. The ethos of the brand focuses on transformation, regeneration and creative renewal and the dynamic space that we have created is testament to this and will set a new standard for hospitality in this vibrant city.”
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE NEW HOTEL:
Caring for the planet:
Qbic’s philosophy is reflected in its sustainability policies. The brand ethos works in conjunction with the fact that Qbic transforms existing buildings rather than starting from scratch. All the lighting throughout is LED and energy-efficient, the roof solar panels are a constant source of green energy and the showers feature an innovative eco-friendly design that creates a water-efficient high-pressure shower. The Qbic Coin concept rewards those who do not need their rooms cleaned on a daily basis with free drinks from the bar.
Relaxed hangout spaces:
Located within the hotel in the beating heart of Deansgate, soon to open Motley is housed in the eco conscious Qbic Manchester and takes it’s relaxed, friendly vibe from the city it calls home. The eccentrically designed social space, inspired by the saints and sinners of Manchester, will welcome hotel guests, locals and four-legged friends to eat, drink, play, work and hang out.
Pet friendly:
Hate the thought of leaving your four walls without your four-legged friend? At Qbic Manchester, guests can bring their pets with them for a hassle-free stay – they will be treated like VIPs and given their own bed. There is an additional charge of £20 per night for a pet friendly room. To reduce waste, the hotel donates old bedding to the local Dog’s Trust who re-use to create bedding for the animals in their care.
Rates start from £63 per night for a small double.
They say that good things come to those who wait and that is certainly the case here. Thornbridge Hall, the delightfully different 12th century stately home that lies on the outskirts of Ashford-in-the-Water, in the heart of the Peak District, is getting ready to invite the public in for the first time in two years.
The gardens, shop, plant nursery and the Carriage House Café will fully reopen on Monday 12 April at 10am. They will be open seven days per week from 10am-4pm. The cost of entry to the 12-acre gardens will be £7 per adult with no charge for children.
The Carriage House Café will be serving freshly ground coffee and other drinks, alongside their famous sausage rolls (Plain, Jaipur or Stilton – using pork raised on the estate), cakes and slices made by The Bakehouse. Based at Thornbridge, this fast-growing business is run by talented baker, Eleanor Rastrick.
A lockdown silver lining has been the time it has afforded the owners of Thornbridge Hall to work on the house and gardens. The breathing space has allowed them to make a number of tweaks to the already beautiful 100-acre plus property.
This includes fully restoring the previously buried Clumber Quadrafoil fountain in the Italian Garden. An impressive sight at 20m across, the fountain is now home to hundreds of yellow bath ducks. Squeals of delight can be heard for miles around as children catch them with the provided nets and throw them back in again.
“There has been just the one meanie who made a comment on our Facebook page about them being a bit naff,” laughs Emma Harrison, who has owned Thornbridge Hall with husband, Jim Harrison, since 2002. “But I’m happy to be part of Club Naff, if that’s what they are. The smiles and laughter have brought the place to life. We are even building a beach in time for summer, I’ve already bought the buckets and spades!”
Work is also well underway on The Potting Shed, a brand-new glass fronted café that will serve delicious home cooked dishes – such as doorstop sandwiches using freshly baked bread, huge, fresh salads and flavour-packed soups – using garden sourced and estate raised ingredients. There will also be cakes from The Bakehouse and beer on tap from Thornbridge Brewery. Access will be directly from the Monsal Trail, as well as via the property’s main entrance, providing a welcome sanctum for walkers and cyclists.
The plant nursery is enjoying a makeover, and The Bakehouse is being expanded as well.
The plan is to offer an extensive range of experiences, meaning a trip to Thornbridge should appeal to anyone and everyone, whatever their interests. Guided nature walks – allowing visitors to take in the diverse, often rare local wildlife – sculpture trails and photography courses, are all in the pipelines. Wood carving, glass blowing, kiln making, forging, floristry school, pick your own flowers and pottery are also on Emma’s wish-list.
“We have honestly worked harder than ever before during lockdown,” smiles Emma. “Usually, we would be travelling a lot, working on our various businesses but the restrictions meant we had to ease up on that side of our lives. It gave us the opportunity to step back and really absorb and enjoy our family home. We realised that we had to share it with other people again. It’s too special to keep behind closed gates.”
Emma first visited Thornbridge Hall with her youth/social worker, the indominatable Donna Jones MBE when Sheffield City Council ran it as a residential conference centre. She fell in love with the gothic mansion immediately and vowed to buy it one day. Emma and Jim fulfilled that dream 20-years ago and set about restoring the property, that had fallen into some disrepair. It has been a labour of love and a project that the couple are understandably very proud of.
“Lockdown has given us the time to pull together and develop so many elements, like the new café and the improved nursery – things that we’ve been wanting to do for a while. We can’t wait to share our unique corner of the Peak District with locals as well as visitors from further afield,” says Emma.
“Thornbridge Hall has never been conventional. It has never been owned by royals or the upper classes – somehow, it has always been under the care of eccentric businesspeople, artists and dreamers. We’re thrilled to continue that tradition! Our ambition is to have fun and never be ordinary, and we have lots of ideas up our sleeves. We’re excited to bring our visitors along on the ride.”
Thornbridge Hall is surrounded by 4.8 ha (12a) of quintessentially English gardens, set in the heart of the Peak District National Park. The gardens were designed at the end of the 19th Century to create a vision of ‘1,000 shades of green,’ which the owner wanted to be able to see from his bedroom window. They are a perfect example of Victorian drive, determination and engineering to manipulate the landscape into a series of garden rooms.
The gardens first opened to the public in the 1930s and there are many distinct areas including the Italian Garden, 30m (100ft) Herbaceous Border, Water Garden and Koi Lake, as well as terraced lawns overlooking the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.
Visitors will also come across three temples, numerous statues, 46 urns and two grottos, all of which were incorporated into the garden in the 1890s. Some of the statuary came from Clumber Park and Chatsworth, while some were gifts from the Greek Government.
The current ownership has seen the development of the Kitchen Garden, Scented Terrace, Long Border, Modern Knot Garden, Orangery and Greenhouse.
Before 12 April, locals and those from a little further afield (travelling long distances is still being discouraged) are welcome to visit Thornbridge for free. It is a good opportunity to see the extensive developments that are underway – and an Easter egg trail is being set up for the long weekend with prizes for the kids.
With international travel still akin to playing a game of quarantine whack-a-mole, we’re looking to fill our summer weekends with endless UK getaways. If you, like many others during lockdown, have welcomed a new four-legged friend to your family, then we’ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly staycations in the UK so you can plan all your summer holidays, #TeamCocopup style.
April Cottage is perfect for those looking for the ideal #cottagecore break. The cosy cottage is part of the Winterton Cottages portfolio and is just a five-minute walk away from the dog-friendly Winterton Beach. The April cottage sleeps four and is full of character, stay tuned for our full review soon!
Looking for a staycation idea that’s a bit different? Then book one of the Shepherd’s Huts at the Merry Harrier’s in Surrey. Located in deep, rural England, the Merry Harriers is a de Savary property that combines rustic charm with contemporary luxury. It also offers llama treks, which are brilliant fun to do with your pooch.
Kernock Cottages is a group of five dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall that each come with a private hot tub and gazebo. We love the contemporary cottage aesthetic and also the fact that the property offers charming welcome doggy hampers too!
The Grove is a five-star luxury property set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. This ultimate luxury retreat (which was once the home of the Earls of Clarendon) offers an award-winning spa, championship golf course and a number of award-winning restaurants. Oh – and did we mention it was dog-friendly too?
There’s plenty to love at Linthwaithe House, which is located in Lake Windermere and features endless dog-walking routes and plenty of breath-taking views to take in. Dogs and doting dog parents can explore the hotel’s 14-acre grounds or stay in one of the three-luxury dog-friendly rooms at the property.
Just like you, we cannot wait to once again set out on the road and start travelling again. With international travel still on the rocks, we’re looking at all the wonderful destinations in the UK to pre-pre-pre-plan our summer staycations this year.
Here’s all of the dreamy destinations we’re booking as soon as lockdown is lifted, so that you can satiate your wanderlust just in time for a summer of travel (we hope).
A MGallery Hotel Collection property, the Francis Hotel Bath is set in the heart of Bath and is one of the city’s most impressive hotels. The luxury 98-room boutique townhouse hotel offers plenty of style and also a beautiful outdoor terrace for socially-distanced dining. Not to mention, eclectic Mediterranean restaurant Boho Marche recently opened at the hotel bringing sumptuous Moroccan flavours to Bath.
Castle Windsor is undeniably one of Windsor’s finest boutique properties. The 108-room hotel opened in 1528 and is steeped in history and is another jewel in the MGallery portfolio. The hotel is located across Windsor Castle and a short walk from the idyllic views of the Long Walk, Windsor Great Park, Savill Garden and the River Thames. Fun fact: One of the hotel’s most famous guests was the Duke of Wellington, who graced its halls after his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
Glenapp Castle is a stunning 17-bedroom castle property nestled in the picturesque Ayrshire coast in South-west Scotland. The hotel has added a list of wellness and outdoor activities including forest bathing, digital detox and yoga which join the signature ‘Hebridean Sea Safari, which gives guests the opportunity to discover the wildlife of the Scottish Isles. Not to mention, the hotel has just introduced a new Penthouse Suite called ‘The Endeavour’ which is the epitome of luxury and perfect for a splash-out staycation this summer.
If you’re looking to add some adventure to your next staycation, adventure travel company Wild Frontiers has just launched its first-ever UK Itinerary which begins in the Highlands of Inverness and invites would-be adventurers to discover the northern island groups of Orkney and Shetland. Guests can visit historic sites going back to Neolithic times up amd hike a nature reserve on the most northerly point of the United Kingdom.
The Grove is a five-star hotel in Hertfordshire, set in 300 acres of picturesque countryside. The hotel was once the home of the Earls of Clarendon and is just 18 miles north of London — perfect for a last-minute retreat away from the city. The Grove is also home to an award-winning spa and championship golf course. Oh and did we mention that it was dog-friendly too?
If you’re looking for a staycation that’s more of the self-catered variety, Latitude 50 offers a suite of luxury self-catering accommodation in the North of Cornwall that are perfect for families both big and small. Latitude 50’s cottages are spread across Rock, Daymer Bay, Polzeath and Port Isaac, combining Cornwall’s breathtaking coastal landscapes with the ultimate in self-catering luxury.
Part of the Premier Cottages portfolio, Enfield House is a 13th-century thatched luxury cottage surrounded by rolling green hills and river valleys. Exmoor National Park is nearby, and the Devon coastline is just a short drive away, giving guests plenty to explore during their stay. With contemporary décor, and an enclosed lawn garden, Enfield House is the perfect cosy retreat to book with your close pals to celebrate the end of lockdown 3.
Another Premier Cottages property, Wallops Wood Cottages is just an hour and forty minutes away from London and is a great self-catering cottage option for families. Wallops Wood comprises a selection of generously-sized cottages with stunning countryside views and plenty of amenities including underfloor heating, wood burners, indoor heated pool, hot tubs, and pet-friendly gardens too.
Overlooking Lake Windermere, The Samling is truly a special property in the Lake District. The Samling is a striking gabled Georgian house that balances the house’s timeless style with contemporary luxury amenities. The Samling is the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of the Lake District and offers plenty of space to enjoy some much-needed calm. It also offers an exceptional fine dining menu, including one of the finest wine lists in the UK.
Jersey is slowly becoming a favourite UK staycation destination and is second only to Cornwall, in terms of most searched UK holiday destinations in the UK. If you’re looking for a charming bolthole to enjoy the beautiful seaside views of Jersey, then definitely book a stay at the lovely Samarès Manor.
Samarès Manor are a group of self-catering cottages, located alongside Jersey’s famous Botanic Gardens. It is ideally situated in close proximity to all of Jersey’s main tourist attractions which include the Elizabeth Castle, Durell Wildlife Camp at Jersey Zoo, Barge Aground and Radio Tower. If you’re not feeling like checking out the sites, then Samarès Manor is certainly a treat in and of itself – and offer a great self-catering accommodation to fit the whole family too.
Give the gift of luxury and romance this Valentine’s Day by booking a post-lockdown stay at the beautiful Burleigh Court in the picturesque Cotswolds.
Burleigh Court is a 200-year old 18-room romantic country house hotel set within a Grade II listed manor in the Cotswolds. It offers guests a captivating experience of country charm with a splash of luxury served by a warm and welcoming team. Nestled in nature within three acres of lush gardens with panoramic views across Gloucestershire’s Golden Valley, guests can choose between rooms within five categories (Classic, Cosy, Superior, Noteworthy, Romantic) spread across the main manor house and adjacent coach house (which includes two pet-friendly rooms). The hotel’s design incorporates traditional materials, country colours and tasteful design, setting the scene for a great stay with a stunning views and a spectacular two AA rosette restaurant.
From the moment guests step inside, until the minute they check out, they will eat well, sleep well and feel well. The hotel restaurant specialises in romantic dining and serves a menu that uses ingredients sourced from within a 30-mile radius (both locally sourced Cotswolds goods and produce from the hotel’s own kitchen garden). The focus is on serving uncomplicated and seasonal British food that’s big on quality and flavour. Guests can choose to dine in the historic oak panelled restaurant or enjoy al fresco dining on the outdoor front terrace which has spectacular rural valley views. Afternoon Tea is priced at £20 and the hotel has just introduced ‘Burleigh at Home’, a range of ‘Finish at Home Dinners’ to enjoy while lockdown lasts. First up is for Valentine’s. For this, they are offering ‘A Night of Foodie Heaven’ from £33 per person for a luxury takeaway Foodie Box (this is just for locals who can collect). In-room massage and beauty packages are also available with a range of treatments on offer (as feasible within Covid-19 restrictions).
The Gloucestershire hotel is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty with picture postcard villages and unique market and spa towns on its doorstep. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions – all lie within easy reach of the hotel. These include Westonbirt Arboretum, Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Estate, Cheltenham Racecourse and wine tasting at Woodchester Vineyard.
For travel in May and June 2021, a B&B stay (Sunday-Thursday) in a Romantic Room (with Spa Bath) is priced from £229 per night. Price increases to from £249 per night for Friday and Saturday nights. The ‘Dinner + Bed & Breakfast’ package price for the same period is from £299 per night (Sun-Thurs) and from £319 per night (Fri/Sat). Prices based on two adults sharing. Prices available on request for other room categories and packages. For more information and to book, please visit: www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk or call 01453 883 804.
Seclusion, jeep safaris, and virtual wine tastings? Count us in.
Lockdown got you feeling a little boxed in? Would the sound of silence be music to your ears right now? Then how about booking a secluded post-lockdown staycation at the tranquil Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts?
Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts are set on a family farm near Aldington on the Romney Marsh, a sparsely populated wetland area in Kent that’s designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but often slips under the radar. The two traditional shepherds’ huts – Rumwold and Lookerer – have been designed as romantic rural retreats that incorporate a touch of luxury and offer couples an idyllic place to relax, recharge and get back to nature amidst vast open skies and miles of countryside.
The cosy huts are the perfect romantic hideaway for couples post lockdown and come fully equipped with a double bed, kitchen including hob and outdoor fire pit, a built-in toilet and shower room and toiletries from the family’s sister business – Romney Marsh Wools. On arrival, couples can also opt to have their Hut stocked with locally sourced breakfast produce.
The Huts’ owners Kristina and Paul Boulden family have lived and farmed on the Romney Marsh since 1882 and have over 130 years’ experience of the area. The Marsh has a diversity of habitats, extensive coastline and rich history. Today the family farm across just over 3,000 acres across the Romney Marsh growing crops as well as keeping a small suckler herd of cattle and keep circa 1,000 indigenous Romney ewes, also known as ‘Kentish Sheep’ who graze on our clover rich pastures. The family are delighted to be able to share the landscape they manage within this peaceful countryside which is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, and explorers of historic towns, quaint villages, ancient churches and wildlife.
For travel in April 2021, a two-night stay in the Lookerer Hut is priced from £321 for two adults sharing. For travel in May 2021, a two-night stay in the Lookerer Hut is priced from £332 for two adults sharing. To book, visit www.kentandsussexcottages.co.uk or call 01580 720 770.
Wait, there’s more:
Creative, Foodie and Active Adventures available to guests at Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts
Since the launch of the Huts in 2018, the owners have worked to build relationships with a range of local business owners and artists who offer numerous creative and active/adventure/outdoor activities which guests can enjoy during their stay. Optional add-ons include:
Marsh Jeep Safari with Channel Bike Hire from £45pp for a half-day tour including lunch at a locals’ favourite eatery – tours take place on the Romney Marsh and around Dungeness in Kent. Note, the same supplier also offers bike hire from £20pp per day (bikes can be dropped for free to guests at RMSH and then left at an arranged meeting point to save guests having to actually return the bikes) – naturally, only a beginner level of fitness needed for any bike hire
Craft and felting classes with a local textile artist and designer Rachel Murrell where guests can learn the art of needle felting using pre-dyed wool from the Romney sheep on the family farm so as to make their own gifts and Christmas decorations (for 2021) – priced at £60pp for 3hrs including refreshments, cake and biscuits or £70 to include a Ploughmans lunch. Guests will also receive a Romney Marsh Wools felting kit (worth £20) to use on the day and take home to continue their new found skill. Crafting photos included within WeTransfer link below. More information here
Photography sessions with a local photographer and artist Casey Brett who will teach guests how to capture the spectacular views of the Romney Marsh from £25pp for a 2.5 hr lesson – all from the comfort of their Hut. Alternatively, guests can spend a day learning analogue and camera lens techniques such as cyanotypes and Lumen printing at Casey’s studio in nearby Evegate. Priced at £60pp with all equipment and lunch included. More information here
Art tutor classes with RMSH’s Artist in Residence Steve Thomson who has over 40 years experience to including a role as Head of Art at the prestigious English College in Prague. Priced at £30pp per hour or a cheaper rate of £25 per hour for longer periods (e.g. an afternoon session), Steve provides guests with all materials needed including painting surfaces (canvas, paper etc). He then meets guests staying at the Huts at a pre-arranged location on Romney Marsh (eg. one of the churches, seafront etc) and they undertake a painting session together with Steve giving guidance throughout supported by demonstrations of methods and techniques plus feedback. The aim is to encourage course participants to make work that they are pleased with and which enhances their holiday break and creates a memory. Classes are fun and include some context and background on the location. They are suitable for complete beginners and those with some previous experience
Virtual wine tours with Wine Tours of Kent are also available from £75pp (for this, wine will be delivered to your Hut from participating vineyards). In-person tours are also available (post lockdown) from £93pp
After a busy day of crafting, guests staying in the Huts can opt to dine on a pre-ordered three-course Gourmet Dinner Service from Kentish Home Feasts. Made locally by experienced caterer Sinead Bailey, meals are delivered directly to the guests’ Hut all ready to be heated up and enjoyed. Priced from £30pp. BBQ packs and picnic hampers are also available on request. Then, as the sun sets, guests can settle in for a night under the stars by the fire pit, or cosy up with the log burner on the go. More information: https://romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.uk
We will undoubtedly all be desperate to escape the confines of our homes once the national lockdown lifts this week. Though there is light at the end of the tunnel for international holidays with the recent change to quarantine rules, UK staycations have enjoyed a resurgence like never before this year as we were all forced to rediscover some of the incredible locations on our doorsteps, oft overlooked in favour of cheap flights to sunny beaches.
With thoughts turning to indulgent escapes in the run up to Christmas and beyond, I can guarantee there’s no more pleasurable a weekend break than the foodie escape meticulously curated by the team at Hampton Manor. While they’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes during this latest lockdown to ensure guests can be welcomed back safely this December, if you’re in a position that you’re able to get away, this is one recommendation that really doesn’t come highly enough. Trust me.
The imposing Victorian manor house, shrouded by 45 acres of estate and forest, has been transformed into a glutton’s playground with the launch if its latest endeavour earlier this year, an indulgent weekend package which must surely be the ultimate getaway for any hedonistic foodie. Their two-night escape encompasses wood-fired feasts, hearty breakfasts, wine tastings and workshops with a Michelin Star finale.
The 15 rooms are stunningly decorated to embrace the manor’s arts and crafts history, with William Morris wallpapers, art and textiles from local British artisans and armchairs begging to be curled up in. Every tiny detail has been meticulously thought out to create a real home from home; from the Manor Journal left at the end of the bed detailing the ‘House Rules’, the weekend’s schedule and thoughtful bios of the team that make it all happen, to the heavenly scented full-size toiletries from 100 Acres, chosen for their sustainability and British credentials. Each room is given a Field Guide of walking routes around the grounds and surrounding village and field, as well as a jar of freshly baked cookies and coffee beans ready to grind in the morning. It really does feel like escaping to stay with friends for the weekend, particularly when combined with the hearty welcome provided by the team and our host for the weekend, Fraser.
We arrived fairly late on the Friday evening after a hectic week, meaning we’d missed the early evening cocktails and vinyl session in the parlour, where guests are encouraged to bring their own vinyl, but stumbled into a vibrant whisky tasting session in the main lobby. After dropping our bags in the room we were whisked down to supper at Smoke, a rustic smokehouse with fire-pits and candle-lit greenhouses. Arriving late meant we had the place to ourselves and ended up spending half our meal chatting wine with the sommelier; a recurring theme throughout the weekend, as the Hampton Manor family (it feels wrong to call them staff when they really are all so much more) are so deeply passionate and knowledgeable about their work it’s impossible not to.
The small plates restaurants is nestled on the edge of the Walle Garden, built in 1891. Dishes celebrating seasonal homegrown produce and local farms are cooked in the wood fire, with each course of our heart menu accompanied by an expertly picked wine flight. It began with beetroot with goat’s cheese, potatoes, beetroot leafing garden salad, accompanied with warm fresh-baked sourdough. and cultured butter, followed with a mouth-wateringly tender blade of beef with Dijon potatotes, mushrooms, black garlic spring onions and peppercorn sauce, accompanied with a beautiful Argentinian Malbec. A buttermilk and ginger panna cotta with caramelised chocolate and rhubarb was the perfect pudding, devoured before cosying up around the outdoor fire pit to roast our own S’mores before heading back to the house to join the fray of the aforementioned whisky tasting. We ended up staying up way past our bedtime, alternating rounds of pool in Fred’s bar with popping back next door for a whisky top up, before later settling around the bar to share stories with other guests while being kept thoughtfully topped up with some of the latest gin arrivals. What a way to kick off the weeken
Saturday morning dawned and after a hearty breakfast in the beautiful Nyetimber Courtyard we stomped off with our Field Guide in a vague attempt to try and burn off one or two calories and ensure we had room for lunch. Located in the Midlands village of Hampton-in-Arden (a short walk from the local station if you don’t drive), Hampton Manor is surrounded by fields and made for a lovely morning walk down to the local lake, scrumping blackberries en route (as if we’d not already eaten enough…).
Another lovely aspect of the weekend is the programme of guests invited in for demonstrations and workshops; during the day we were there, Smoke played host to pottery Sytch Farm Studios, with live demonstrations throughout the day and a chance to buy their handcrafted wares, found in Peel’s restaurant.
Lunch could either be enjoyed in the Nyetimber Courtyard or ordered to go, picking up a picnic basket and blanket to find a private spot in the grounds – weather dependent – to enjoy a feast of handmade sausage rolls, scones, brownies and strawberry tarts, accompanied with a crisp glass of Nyetimber. It was at this point of the weekend that I started wondering if I would ever need to eat again…and if I did whether there was any point as I’d be hard-pushed to find meals as satisfying as those consumed over this weekend.
The home-from-home thinking is what makes this place stand out from the rest. A lazy Saturday afternoon was spent playing board games and chess in the parlour, reading the papers, poring through the vast collection of books in the library and generally wishing I was there for longer than just a weekend. After a wine tasting in Smoke’s greenhouse and a rather wonderful massage in the Pamper Rooms, I admit to a little lie down in anticipation of what was to come with Saturday night’s Michelin Star feast at Peel’s.
The Manor’s dining room hosted its first feast in 1855 and now, 165 years laters, it’s serving up invention tasting menus inspired by the Victorian walled garden and paired with wines from their award-winning list. Winner of the AA Wine List of the Year for the United Kingdom in 2019, they champion small production winemakers who handcraft their product.
The food is nothing short of exquisite. Heritage tomatoes with smoked turbot rose, sourdough crumb, tomato consommé and wild flowers. The most unbelievably delicious crisp potato with XO sauce. Grouse with girolles and pearl barley. Monkfish with garden greens, crispy chicken skin and chicken bone sauce. Basil-infused raspberry granita. You get the idea, each perfectly paired with an accompanying wine. While I’m not particularly au fait with Michelin dining I have had one or two experiences, but after this meal I’d risk stating it was one of the best I’ve ever had.
Floating into the parlour for a post-prandial cocktail, we found ourselves once more whiling away the rest of the night with a battle for the record player and a particularly raucous Articulate! tournament with the other guests. It was 2am before we knew it, such was the ease with which everyone’s company was enjoyed. While it remains to be seen how these convivial shared experiences may fare with the current restrictions in place, one could undoubtedly have a whale of a time even if having to stick to not merging with others.
Rarely has a Sunday morning been met with such disappointment, yet that was the feeling upon realising our time at Hampton Manor had come to an end. We managed to force down another epic breakfast before sadly waving off our cosy room and wonderful rain shower to head home.
Hampton Manor has big plans for 2021, with work continuing through lockdown on the delayed build of a new restaurant and rooms which will once again elevate the guest experience into something even more spectacular. In case you hadn’t realised, we already think it’s pretty spectacular, so we’ll be first on the booking list when we get word its latest incarnation is open.
We completely appreciate not everyone will be comfortable booking weekends away just yet, but if not we’d urge you to get a Hampton Manor food getaway in the diary for 2021. The whole experience was nothing short of exceptional; suffice to say we were dreaming of those meals for days afterwards.
A two night foodie getaway starts from £365 per person, with bookings currently open until March 2021. For more information and to book visit www.hamptonmanor.com.
