UK breaks
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UK breaks with a huge variety of top-class destinations on home soil, consider a staycation, whether in a bustling city or peaceful countryside
bathing beaut y Se t i n rol l i ng c ou n t ry si de a n d fa mous f or i t s Ge orgi a n a rc h i t e c t u r e a n d nat u r a l ho t spa , L or na Dav i e s ta k e s a di p i n B at h Spa
Wa l k i ng a r ou nd the historic city of Bath, you could imagine characters from the novels of Jane Austen – who lived in the city – popping out from every corner, such is the historic nature of the pretty place. About 90 minutes by train from London, the city is wonderfully compact, so my best advice is to travel on foot, taking in the impressive Georgian architecture including the famous Royal Crescent, celebrating its 250th birthday this year, and, of course, the huge Gothic abbey. There are a whopping 15 museums to choose from, with exhibitions including Lace In Fashion at the Fashion Museum (until January 1, 2018) and regular tours at the Jane Austen museum – a must for any literature fan. Despite all this grandeur, the city retains an almost bohemian feel, with art galleries and independent shops and bistros dotted along little cobbled alleyways creating a relaxed ambience, sitting alongside the grandeur of the promenades. As expected from a spa town, it’s the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters that many come for, and after seeing the real thing at the Roman Baths, a luxurious first-hand experience can be had at Thermae Bath Spa or The Garden Spa nearby. If you like your history laced with luxury, then I suggest resting your head at Lucknam Park. A picturesque 20 minutes’ drive out of Bath, the stunning hotel and spa is
set in 500 acres of English countryside and has one of those jaw-dropping treelined driveways. Most of the traditionally decorated rooms have beautiful views, and all include firstclass facilities. The hotel has just re-launched its spa to become ESPA at Lucknam Park, one of only three ESPA-branded spas in the UK. The new menu includes a signature ESPA Inner Calm Massage and the ESPA Optimal Skin Health Facial, performed by newly-trained and highly-qualified therapists. Plus a new relaxation area has been added. Located in the stunning walled garden, the spa also has a 20m indoor swimming pool, indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, outdoor plunge pool and extensive thermal cabins including Japanese salt, amethyst room, aromatic steam, sauna and tepidarium. If you’re looking for something more active, the setting is perfect to host Lucknam’s 35 horses, available for lessons, from beginners to advanced, as well as yoga and pilates, bicycle hire, cooking lessons, croquet and there’s even a football pitch. Food is another highlight, with Michelin-starred executive chef Hywel Jones offering an unforgettable dining experience in elegant surroundings. Think organic ingredients, full flavours, herbs from the hotel’s garden, amazing presentation and friendly service. All in all, Lucknam and Bath itself are perfect partners for a relaxing weekend break.
visitbath.co.uk; lucknampark.co.uk
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foodi e he av e n i f i t ’ s r e l a x at ion, lu x u ry a n d f i n e f o od you ’ r e a f t e r , a s tay at l i m e wo od, na m e d t h e u k ’ s t h i r d be s t ho t e l , w i l l t ic k a l l you r b ox e s , s ay s r e y h a a n day
Ne s t le d i n t he he a r t of the verdant landscapes of the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood is one of the UK’s foremost boutique hotels. With unparalleled architecture, interior design and a truly memorable food and drink offering, Lime Wood is drawing aesthetes and food lovers from across the country to revel in the hotel’s understated luxury – particularly after being named the UK’s third best hotel at The Caterer awards recently. You can’t help but admire the Regency country house on arrival, with the white building glowing among the manicured lawns surrounding it. Staff exude the utmost professionalism while remaining friendly and with a sense of informality – the ideal combination when looking for a weekend of pure relaxation. The interiors of the main building, tastefully executed by David Collins, combine antique and bespoke pieces, with carefully chosen artworks adorning the walls. There are a number of external buildings, designed by Charles Morris, which house some of the hotel’s finest suites. The rooms vary in size and décor – from the cosiest rooms tucked away in the eaves of the main house, overlooking the forest and hotel grounds; to the Forest Hideaway Suites, accessible via a tranquil garden blooming with wildflowers and hanging plants, which are set over two floors – complete with log fires in both the sitting area and the bedroom; and secluded lodges, cottages and cabins ideal for families. If you want to feel as pampered as possible over the course of your stay, take some time to enjoy the spacious bathrooms packed with top-quality products. A wellstocked pantry featuring both upmarket and more
down-home snacks and drinks, as well as a Nespresso machine and superb teas, is useful if you fancy a snack between meals; while complimentary Wi-Fi, an iPod dock with iPod and a TV and DVD player (films available on request) will keep you or the kids entertained if the rain stops you from enjoying the nearby walks. Perhaps the key reason to visit Lime Wood is the food and drink offering. Expertly mixed cocktails are served before the main show, at the elegant Hartnett Holder & Co, designed by restaurant design hero Martin Brudnikzi. The menus, overseen by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, feature seasonal and locally sourced produce in dishes with a hint of both British and Italian cookery, such as the pretty mushroom salad with girolles, almonds, dandelion and apricots; ravioli with smoked ricotta, preserved lemon, peas and pickled samphire; and heartier plates including sea bass with girolles, tomato, saffron and chives; or sweet and sour quail with roasted onions. If you need to unwind a little more during your stay, head to the Herb House spa – a three-storey temple of relaxation that features 18 treatment rooms; hot pools; workout studios; thermal rooms and spaces for manicures and pedicures. A gym overlooks the myriad colours of the forest; cool down after with a refreshing dip in the pool.
limewoodhotel.co.uk
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T he c h a mp a g ne b u b ble s have barely settled in our flutes before silver-plated scandal is threatening to rock the boat. “So is it true…” begins an American photographer, taking a sip from his sun-kissed Taittinger as our vessel pulls away from the river bank. “About Profumo?” Before the skipper has a chance to answer, passengers previously admiring the idyllic scenery of the Cliveden estate, become ever more animated. Strangers’ memories are exchanged like a tennis rally; details corroborated like an urgent police report. It’s a conversational canapé par excellence; as if a rock star chef has just served up their most controversial dish for diners to dissect. Cliveden – for all its majesty, all its 376 acres of stunning National Trust gardens, all its regal history dating back to 1666 when it was built for the 2nd Duke of Buckingham – is defined by the Profumo affair. A chance encounter at Cliveden in the summer of 1961 between John Profumo, then secretary of state for war, and 19-year-old socialite Christine Keeler, led to a brief affair that would rock the establishment and result in the resignation of Harold Macmillan. It captured the imagination like an Ian Fleming page-turner and, just as Bond still thrills, Cliveden continues to hold a magnetic, mystical appeal. When the waiter serves me a “Profumo” cocktail – described as “a fruity number” – he whispers “1961” with a knowing glance. Nowhere has a sense of place, grandeur, tradition and Englishness quite like Cliveden. Just an hour outside London, in Berkshire, it seems to rotate on its own leisurely axis. The surroundings compel you to wear a crisp white shirt and drink Scotch into the night, but it strikes the perfect balance of relaxed formality. André Garrett is a chef with exceptional touch, and the restaurant menu is a perfect homage to tradition and modern technique. My roasted rabbit saddle and pea salad is followed by fillet of Longhorn beef with bone marrow; a fautless exhibition of British seasonality. The food, in truth, is reason enough to visit. But with a complete restoration of the spa – re-opened in recent weeks – the time to visit this grand dame and toast a birthday or anniversary has never seemed better. After all, nowhere does a sense of occasion quite like Cliveden. Just ask John Profumo.
ta l k of t he t ow n jonat h a n w h i l e y s tay s at t h e c ou n t ry hou se k now n a s m uc h f or i t s s c a n da l ou s l i n k s a s i t s m a j e s t ic s c e n e ry
clivedenhouse.co.uk; tel: 01628 605069 68 |
MT Aug17 66-70 Travel UK.indd 68
24/07/2017 16:10
UK breaks with a huge variety of top-class destinations on home soil, consider a staycation, whether in a bustling city or peaceful countryside
bathing beaut y Se t i n rol l i ng c ou n t ry si de a n d fa mous f or i t s Ge orgi a n a rc h i t e c t u r e a n d nat u r a l ho t spa , L or na Dav i e s ta k e s a di p i n B at h Spa
Wa l k i ng a r ou nd the historic city of Bath, you could imagine characters from the novels of Jane Austen – who lived in the city – popping out from every corner, such is the historic nature of the pretty place. About 90 minutes by train from London, the city is wonderfully compact, so my best advice is to travel on foot, taking in the impressive Georgian architecture including the famous Royal Crescent, celebrating its 250th birthday this year, and, of course, the huge Gothic abbey. There are a whopping 15 museums to choose from, with exhibitions including Lace In Fashion at the Fashion Museum (until January 1, 2018) and regular tours at the Jane Austen museum – a must for any literature fan. Despite all this grandeur, the city retains an almost bohemian feel, with art galleries and independent shops and bistros dotted along little cobbled alleyways creating a relaxed ambience, sitting alongside the grandeur of the promenades. As expected from a spa town, it’s the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters that many come for, and after seeing the real thing at the Roman Baths, a luxurious first-hand experience can be had at Thermae Bath Spa or The Garden Spa nearby. If you like your history laced with luxury, then I suggest resting your head at Lucknam Park. A picturesque 20 minutes’ drive out of Bath, the stunning hotel and spa is
set in 500 acres of English countryside and has one of those jaw-dropping treelined driveways. Most of the traditionally decorated rooms have beautiful views, and all include firstclass facilities. The hotel has just re-launched its spa to become ESPA at Lucknam Park, one of only three ESPA-branded spas in the UK. The new menu includes a signature ESPA Inner Calm Massage and the ESPA Optimal Skin Health Facial, performed by newly-trained and highly-qualified therapists. Plus a new relaxation area has been added. Located in the stunning walled garden, the spa also has a 20m indoor swimming pool, indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, outdoor plunge pool and extensive thermal cabins including Japanese salt, amethyst room, aromatic steam, sauna and tepidarium. If you’re looking for something more active, the setting is perfect to host Lucknam’s 35 horses, available for lessons, from beginners to advanced, as well as yoga and pilates, bicycle hire, cooking lessons, croquet and there’s even a football pitch. Food is another highlight, with Michelin-starred executive chef Hywel Jones offering an unforgettable dining experience in elegant surroundings. Think organic ingredients, full flavours, herbs from the hotel’s garden, amazing presentation and friendly service. All in all, Lucknam and Bath itself are perfect partners for a relaxing weekend break.
visitbath.co.uk; lucknampark.co.uk
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MT Aug17 66-70 Travel UK.indd 66
24/07/2017 16:10
foodi e he av e n i f i t ’ s r e l a x at ion, lu x u ry a n d f i n e f o od you ’ r e a f t e r , a s tay at l i m e wo od, na m e d t h e u k ’ s t h i r d be s t ho t e l , w i l l t ic k a l l you r b ox e s , s ay s r e y h a a n day
Ne s t le d i n t he he a r t of the verdant landscapes of the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood is one of the UK’s foremost boutique hotels. With unparalleled architecture, interior design and a truly memorable food and drink offering, Lime Wood is drawing aesthetes and food lovers from across the country to revel in the hotel’s understated luxury – particularly after being named the UK’s third best hotel at The Caterer awards recently. You can’t help but admire the Regency country house on arrival, with the white building glowing among the manicured lawns surrounding it. Staff exude the utmost professionalism while remaining friendly and with a sense of informality – the ideal combination when looking for a weekend of pure relaxation. The interiors of the main building, tastefully executed by David Collins, combine antique and bespoke pieces, with carefully chosen artworks adorning the walls. There are a number of external buildings, designed by Charles Morris, which house some of the hotel’s finest suites. The rooms vary in size and décor – from the cosiest rooms tucked away in the eaves of the main house, overlooking the forest and hotel grounds; to the Forest Hideaway Suites, accessible via a tranquil garden blooming with wildflowers and hanging plants, which are set over two floors – complete with log fires in both the sitting area and the bedroom; and secluded lodges, cottages and cabins ideal for families. If you want to feel as pampered as possible over the course of your stay, take some time to enjoy the spacious bathrooms packed with top-quality products. A wellstocked pantry featuring both upmarket and more
down-home snacks and drinks, as well as a Nespresso machine and superb teas, is useful if you fancy a snack between meals; while complimentary Wi-Fi, an iPod dock with iPod and a TV and DVD player (films available on request) will keep you or the kids entertained if the rain stops you from enjoying the nearby walks. Perhaps the key reason to visit Lime Wood is the food and drink offering. Expertly mixed cocktails are served before the main show, at the elegant Hartnett Holder & Co, designed by restaurant design hero Martin Brudnikzi. The menus, overseen by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, feature seasonal and locally sourced produce in dishes with a hint of both British and Italian cookery, such as the pretty mushroom salad with girolles, almonds, dandelion and apricots; ravioli with smoked ricotta, preserved lemon, peas and pickled samphire; and heartier plates including sea bass with girolles, tomato, saffron and chives; or sweet and sour quail with roasted onions. If you need to unwind a little more during your stay, head to the Herb House spa – a three-storey temple of relaxation that features 18 treatment rooms; hot pools; workout studios; thermal rooms and spaces for manicures and pedicures. A gym overlooks the myriad colours of the forest; cool down after with a refreshing dip in the pool.
limewoodhotel.co.uk
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24/07/2017 16:10
tr ave l
T he c h a mp a g ne b u b ble s have barely settled in our flutes before silver-plated scandal is threatening to rock the boat. “So is it true…” begins an American photographer, taking a sip from his sun-kissed Taittinger as our vessel pulls away from the river bank. “About Profumo?” Before the skipper has a chance to answer, passengers previously admiring the idyllic scenery of the Cliveden estate, become ever more animated. Strangers’ memories are exchanged like a tennis rally; details corroborated like an urgent police report. It’s a conversational canapé par excellence; as if a rock star chef has just served up their most controversial dish for diners to dissect. Cliveden – for all its majesty, all its 376 acres of stunning National Trust gardens, all its regal history dating back to 1666 when it was built for the 2nd Duke of Buckingham – is defined by the Profumo affair. A chance encounter at Cliveden in the summer of 1961 between John Profumo, then secretary of state for war, and 19-year-old socialite Christine Keeler, led to a brief affair that would rock the establishment and result in the resignation of Harold Macmillan. It captured the imagination like an Ian Fleming page-turner and, just as Bond still thrills, Cliveden continues to hold a magnetic, mystical appeal. When the waiter serves me a “Profumo” cocktail – described as “a fruity number” – he whispers “1961” with a knowing glance. Nowhere has a sense of place, grandeur, tradition and Englishness quite like Cliveden. Just an hour outside London, in Berkshire, it seems to rotate on its own leisurely axis. The surroundings compel you to wear a crisp white shirt and drink Scotch into the night, but it strikes the perfect balance of relaxed formality. André Garrett is a chef with exceptional touch, and the restaurant menu is a perfect homage to tradition and modern technique. My roasted rabbit saddle and pea salad is followed by fillet of Longhorn beef with bone marrow; a fautless exhibition of British seasonality. The food, in truth, is reason enough to visit. But with a complete restoration of the spa – re-opened in recent weeks – the time to visit this grand dame and toast a birthday or anniversary has never seemed better. After all, nowhere does a sense of occasion quite like Cliveden. Just ask John Profumo.
ta l k of t he t ow n jonat h a n w h i l e y s tay s at t h e c ou n t ry hou se k now n a s m uc h f or i t s s c a n da l ou s l i n k s a s i t s m a j e s t ic s c e n e ry
clivedenhouse.co.uk; tel: 01628 605069 68 |
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