WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND
Celtic soul, dramatic landscapes, and stories carved into stone. Wales and Northern Ireland offer a striking blend of wild coastlines, sweeping mountains, and towns where history is stitched into daily life. From Anglesey’s windswept shores to the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s buzzing food scene, these regions invite both adventure and indulgence—whether you’re hiking Snowdonia’s rugged trails, settling into a countryside manor, or savoring seafood straight from the source.
Where We Eat
Dining here is deeply tied to land and sea. Expect ingredients pulled from the coast, mountains, and market stalls—served with Celtic warmth and a strong sense of place.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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Set outside City Hall each winter, this lively market draws food vendors from across Europe. Think bratwurst from Germany, paella from Spain, and artisan cheeses from Northern Ireland.
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A rotating, festival-style street food market that transforms warehouses, fields, and city spaces into themed food playgrounds. Expect independent vendors, from bao buns to wood-fired pizza.
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In the heart of Belfast’s cultural district, you’ll find a tight mix of food trucks, casual cafés, and pop-ups—ideal for a quick, flavourful bite between sightseeing.
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Operating since 1914, this no-frills chippy is a Belfast icon. Think golden, crispy cod, hand-cut chips, and a nostalgic, old-school dining room.
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A cult classic café chain in Belfast known for hearty fry-ups, massive milkshakes, and comfort food served from breakfast till late.
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A proper family-run chippy beloved by locals, serving flaky cod, scampi, and mushy peas without any fuss.
2a Chapel St, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4NH, United Kingdom
Street Food
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A brightly painted harborside favorite serving modern Welsh dishes with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce. Expect laid-back charm and a dining room with views over the water.
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Casual yet refined, this local gem celebrates Pembrokeshire ingredients with seasonal menus—think lamb from nearby farms and fish fresh off the boat.
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A Belfast institution for unfussy but exceptional seafood, sourced daily from the nearby coasts and served in a relaxed, friendly setting.
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Modern bistro by celebrated Welsh chef Bryn Williams, offering approachable yet elegant dishes with panoramic sea views.
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A lively Italian-inspired spot in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter with small plates, fresh pastas, and a buzzing atmosphere.
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Rustic seaside dining at its best—lobster, crab, and fish caught that morning, paired with simple, seasonal sides.
Go All Out
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An intimate, Michelin-starred gem in Anglesey serving an ever-changing tasting menu crafted from the best of North Wales’ larder. Seats are limited, and the kitchen is just steps away from your table.
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A bold, two-Michelin-starred destination where chef Gareth Ward serves a 30-course tasting experience blending Welsh produce with Japanese techniques. Remote, unconventional, and unforgettable.
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Tucked down a discreet alley, this Michelin-starred Belfast restaurant delivers seasonal, artful plates in a moody, design-forward space.
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Guests arrive via a discreet doorbell and enter a refined, intimate space where chef‑owner James Sommerin and his daughter prepare a fixed tasting menu in tandem—no choices, just beautifully orchestrated flavour and service. The atmosphere feels personal, thoughtful, and unhurried.
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One of Wales’ most enduring Michelin-starred destination restaurants, nestled in Monmouthshire’s rolling hills. Helmed by chef Shaun Hill, this inn blends the spirit of a countryside classic with culinary confidence.
Best Desserts
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A bean-to-bar chocolate shop and café crafting small-batch truffles, hot chocolates, and rich flourless chocolate cake with obsessive attention to detail.
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Part deli, part café, with a changing line-up of indulgent cakes made from seasonal Welsh produce — think courgette loaf, berry sponge, and decadent chocolate tortes.
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A family-owned Welsh institution since 1927, Cadwaladers is famed for its house-made ice cream, sundaes, and super-chilled hot chocolate—an indulgent visit steeped in regional nostalgia.
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A modern dessert shop offering more than 50 rotating flavors of in-house gelato, plus waffles, crepes, and sundaes—ideal for a stylish, satisfying sweet treat.
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Belfast’s only true classic French patisserie, known for impeccably-made pastries—think eclairs, macarons, tarts, and viennoiseries hand-crafted on-site.
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A charming artisan pastry stall inside St George’s Market, serving elegant, artful pastries inspired by family traditions—that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Where We Wake Up
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A bright, contemporary café opposite Queen’s University known for its inventive brunch plates and speciality coffee. Dishes lean seasonal and modern—think house-made kimchi on avocado toast or slow-cooked pork with poached eggs.
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A chic seaside café that’s part artisan coffee shop, part all-day brunch spot. Minimal interiors keep the focus on the view and the menu, with locally sourced produce and simple, flavour-forward plates.
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Urban cool meets wholesome in this Cardiff favourite. Known for its strong flat whites, soft scrambled eggs, and rotating specials, it’s a laid-back but stylish stop before a day of exploring.
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A cosy café-deli hybrid championing local Welsh produce. The menu changes with the seasons, but expect hearty granola bowls, cheese-heavy breakfast plates, and excellent locally roasted coffee.
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Historic pub turned welcoming breakfast hub, serving hearty morning plates alongside fresh pastries. Grab a seat by the window for sea views with your coffee.
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One of the most respected coffee spots in the country, with a minimal, airy space and a serious focus on brewing precision. The brunch menu is simple but elevated—perfectly poached eggs, sourdough, and seasonal sides.
The Evening Pint
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A Belfast icon, this pub is known for its fairy-lit alleyway, walls plastered with vintage advertising, and an old-world charm that makes every pint feel earned. Expect live music on weekends and a loyal local crowd.
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One of the most ornate pubs in the UK, The Crown is a Victorian masterpiece with stained glass, carved wood, and private snugs perfect for intimate conversations. It’s National Trust-owned, so the heritage is well preserved.
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Dating back to the 16th century, this historic inn-pub hybrid is a maze of tiny rooms, oak beams, and roaring fires. The Welsh ales on tap are reason enough to stay the night.
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One of Wales’ oldest pubs (open since the 14th century), The Blue Anchor is famed for its thatched roof, low doorways, and a hearty pint of its own brew, The Reverend James.
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A beloved seafront pub that’s been serving since 1872, The Harbour Bar blends maritime history with a laid-back coastal vibe. Known for its Guinness, live music, and views over the North Atlantic, it’s a Portrush staple.
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Quirky, charming, and unapologetically local, this corrugated-iron pub sits in the Preseli Hills and is filled with sawdust floors, rural memorabilia, and conversations in Welsh.
Where We Sleep
Harrison
A creatively restored Victorian townhouse turned boutique hotel, fusing history with eclectic interiors.
It’s bold, playful, and refreshingly different from your standard Belfast stay. The owner’s vision has turned the property into a living gallery, with vintage furnishings, rich textures, and witty nods to local legends. You feel immersed in Belfast’s creative scene from the moment you step in.
Image courtesy of The Harrison
From ~£160/night
16 individually styled rooms.
Set in Belfast’s leafy Queen’s Quarter.
Locally sourced breakfast served in-room or in the parlour.
Close to the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens.
Curated minibar with Irish artisan snacks and drinks.
In-room record players with vintage vinyl.
Parking available on request.
Owner Melanie Harrison personally curates the décor, sourcing antiques and artwork from across Ireland to give each room its distinct story.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Roch Castle
A 12th-century Norman fortress reborn as a luxury boutique stay, in a rocky outcrop with panoramic views.
Why We Like It
It’s rare to stay in a real castle that doesn’t feel like a museum. Roch combines ancient stone walls, original arrow slits, and dramatic turrets with sleek furnishings and spa-style bathrooms. The setting is pure Pembrokeshire magic—close to wild coastal walks, sandy beaches, and charming market towns.
Image courtesy of The Roch Castle
From ~£280/night
Six individually styled luxury bedrooms.
Located near St Davids and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Complimentary breakfast featuring local produce.
On-site treatments available with advance booking.
Adults-only property for a peaceful stay.
Lounge with open fireplace and sweeping views.
Free on-site parking.
The castle’s rooftop viewing platform offers one of the most dramatic sunset panoramas in all of Wales.
Details To Know
Details To Know
Fitzwilliam
A contemporary property in Belfast, The Fitzwilliam delivers polished luxury with a Northern Irish warmth.
Why We Like It
It’s urban sophistication without pretension. Service is crisp but friendly, the location puts you minutes from Belfast’s best restaurants and cultural sites, and the in-house bar is a stylish spot for a nightcap. Rooms feel indulgent with plush beds, deep tubs, and chic modern design. Interiors are sleek yet comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city skyline.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~£240/night
146 rooms and suites
Centrally located next to the Grand Opera House.
Signature cocktails at the hotel bar.
On-site fine dining restaurant with a focus on Irish ingredients.
24-hour room service.
Concierge for private tours and experiences.
The Fitzwilliam’s “secret” whisky menu at the bar offers rare Irish pours you won’t find elsewhere in the city.
Grove
A restored house surrounded by meadows and woodlands, blending elegance with design.
Why We Like It
This is the kind of country retreat that feels genuinely personal—owner-run, highly detailed, and effortlessly refined. The interiors mix period features with bold, contemporary art, while the restaurant celebrates Welsh produce at Michelin-star level. Quiet, intimate, and deeply connected to its setting, it’s the sort of place where you could easily extend your stay.
Image courtesy of The Grove
From ~£220/night
26 individually designed rooms and suites.
Two acclaimed restaurants, including one with a Michelin star.
Set in 26 acres of gardens and meadows.
Full Welsh breakfast included.
Spa treatments available in-room.
Close to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Curated wine list with focus on small producers.
The glass-walled dining room offers a front-row seat to the changing colours of the Preseli Hills at sunset.
Details To Know
Details To Know
The Newt
A reimagined Georgian estate where orchards, gardens, and architecture converge in a quietly spectacular way.
Why We Like It
The Newt is the kind of place you can happily lose a weekend — wandering through formal gardens, sipping cider from the estate press, lingering over multi-course dinners that feel like a love letter to Somerset. The interiors balance understated luxury with agricultural heritage: honey-hued stone, hand-thrown ceramics, and wool throws from local mills. It’s immersive without being overdone, offering a taste of English country life that feels both elevated and deeply rooted.
Image courtesy of The Kinloch Lodge
From ~£350/night
40 rooms split between the main house, stable yard, and farm buildings
Extensive formal gardens and wildflower meadows
On-site cider press and bakery
Two restaurants with estate-grown produce
Indoor/outdoor spa and pool overlooking the countryside
Complimentary garden tours and seasonal workshops
Working farm with rare-breed animals
About 20 minutes from Bruton and Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Hotel guests receive unlimited access to the estate gardens, even before public opening hours.
The Scarlet
An eco-retreat on the Cornish clifftops, designed for slow mornings, sea views, and restorative wellness.
Why We Like It
The Scarlet feels like the coastal escape you’d dream up on a rainy London day — all soft palettes, floor-to-ceiling glass, and an infinity pool that seems to spill into the Atlantic. It’s intimate but not fussy, with terraces for lingering over wine, Ayurvedic-inspired spa treatments, and direct access to the wild, wind-swept beach below. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every detail, without compromising on comfort or design.
Image courtesy of The Scarlet Hotel
From ~£290/night
37 rooms and suites, all with sea views
Cliff-top hot tubs and natural reed-filtered outdoor pool
Spa with tented treatment rooms overlooking the ocean
Adults-only, creating a peaceful, grown-up atmosphere
Restaurant focused on seasonal Cornish produce and seafood
Floor-to-ceiling glass in public spaces for panoramic views
Direct access to Mawgan Porth Beach
The best sunset spot is the clifftop barrel-shaped hot tub — book it in advance for champagne at golden hour.
The Collective
Details To Know
Details To Know
A boutique hospitality project woven into a tiny Devon village, where elegant design meets regenerative farming.
Why We Like It
The Collective feels like an insider’s escape—elegant yet rooted, with interiors that whisper luxury rather than shout it. The rooms and cottages, each with its own personality, are subtly lavish: retro ‘40s touches, leather‑spindle staircases, underfloor heating, and art‑deco flourishes. Add to that a Michelin‑approved pub (The Farmers Arms), its menu supplied by its own Wilt farm, a chippy with a modern twist, and a village shop, and you have the most sophisticated version of alternate‑reality Devon village life.
This isn’t a place you stay just to stay. It’s a destination where you peel back layers of local life, design, and sustainability—and leave feeling quietly revitalized.
From ~£270/night
Four boutique-sized bedrooms and suites, plus three chic standalone cottages
Farm‑to‑table dining at The Farmers Arms, menu driven by produce from Birch Farm
Breakfast available in-room via picnic hamper for £15 extra
The model is an “albergo diffuso”—accommodation integrated into village buildings
Guests can tour the 150‑acre Birch Farm and learn about regenerative practices
Stylish modern interiors with vintage touches—like underfloor heating, Sonos systems, and a glass‑topped well feature
Located in the Hartland Peninsula, surrounded by dramatic coastal walking trails
Image courtesy of Tablet
Thyme
A restored English country estate turned rural sanctuary, where every detail feels hand-picked.
Why We Like It
Thyme isn’t a hotel so much as a living, breathing village, curated with the eye of a design editor and the soul of a countryside retreat. Rooms are spread across converted barns, old cottages, and a historic rectory, each styled with heritage fabrics, Cotswold stone, and a muted, organic palette. Beyond the rooms, there’s a cookery school, Meadow Spa, kitchen gardens, and The Swan—its chic village pub. It’s luxurious without pretense, a place that moves at the rhythm of its landscape and rewards guests who want depth over flash.
Image courtesy of Thyme
Details To Know
From ~£430/night
31 individually designed rooms, cottages, and houses
Meadow Spa with botanical-inspired treatments using Bertioli products
Cookery school offering seasonal classes with in-house chefs
Located in Southrop, 90 minutes from London, perfect for a weekend escape
Seasonal menus at The Swan, plus garden-to-glass cocktails at the Baa Bar
150 acres of farmland and wildflower meadows to explore
Heated outdoor pool open year-round for lane swims or leisure dips
Guests can join morning garden walks and botanical foraging tours
Every design choice—from the choice of linens to the shape of the light fittings—has been made with the same level of care you’d expect from a heritage home, not a hotel.
Endsleigh
An 1814 shooting lodge turned country-house hotel, set in 100 acres of gardens designed by Humphry Repton.
Why We Like It
Hotel Endsleigh feels like it’s been lifted from a period drama, then softened by an artist’s touch. The interiors are layered and lived-in rather than overly polished, giving the sense of staying in a stylish friend’s ancestral home. Outside, the Repton-designed gardens and woodland walks make it one of the most romantic properties in the South West. Dinner is served in a glass-walled room overlooking the grounds, and the surrounding Dartmoor scenery feels endlessly cinematic.
Image courtesy of Hotel Endsleigh
Details To Know
From ~£420/night
19 individually designed rooms with antiques and heritage textiles
Grade I listed gardens by famed landscape designer Humphry Repton
On-site restaurant serving seasonal Devon produce
Drawing rooms with roaring fires for afternoon tea or cocktails
Afternoon teas here are among the most famous in Devon
Clay pigeon shooting, fishing, and horse riding available nearby
Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park
Part of the Olga Polizzi portfolio, alongside Tresanton and Star Castle
The hotel has the rare ability to feel both grand and welcoming—like staying at the country estate you secretly wish was in your family.
Tresanton
A former yacht club turned boutique hotel, perfectly pitched between nautical elegance and Cornish charm.
Why We Like It
Overlooking the glittering Fal Estuary in the postcard-perfect fishing village of St Mawes, Tresanton embodies coastal escapism without kitsch. Olga Polizzi’s design blends crisp, maritime whites with handpicked antiques and weathered timber. The restaurant is a destination in itself, with seafood pulled straight from local waters, while the terraces offer some of the most enviable sea views in Cornwall. Add in a private sailing boat for guest charters, and it becomes a rare mix of chic and genuinely rooted in place.
Image courtesy of Hotel Tresanton
From ~£450/night
30 individually decorated rooms and suites, many with balconies or terraces
Mediterranean-inspired restaurant focusing on Cornish seafood
Private hotel yacht available for half- and full-day charters
Suntrap terraces with uninterrupted views over the bay
Steps from the harbour and coastal walking trails
Interiors by Olga Polizzi, blending maritime and heritage elements
Located in St Mawes, accessible by ferry from Falmouth
The white-and-blue interiors here are done with restraint—more Riviera sophistication than beachy cliché.
Details To Know
Details To Know
Beaverbook
A grand English country house reimagined with Japanese elegance and Art Deco glamour.
Why We Like It
Once home to press baron Lord Beaverbrook, this Surrey Hills estate delivers all the heritage drama of a country mansion with a cosmopolitan twist. The interiors—by Susie Atkinson—mix English country textures with bold colours, lacquered surfaces, and whimsical details. Dining options range from the theatrical Japanese Grill to a garden-to-plate Anglo menu, and the spa is one of the best outside London. It’s less than an hour from the city yet feels worlds away, making it ideal for a luxe countryside escape without a long journey.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~£650/night
35 rooms split between the Mansion House and Garden House
Three restaurants, including a Japanese Grill and Anglo garden kitchen
Indoor and outdoor pools, plus a holistic spa and hammam
Set in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Private cinema and curated library for guests
Tennis courts and country pursuits available on-site
Interiors by Susie Atkinson with bold, eclectic character
The sunken Japanese garden by the spa feels like an unexpected slice of Kyoto in the Surrey Hills.
Heckfield
Place
An elegant Georgian manor reborn as one of the UK’s most design-conscious country escapes.
Why We Like It
Heckfield Place manages to blend heritage architecture with a quietly modern aesthetic—think soft natural palettes, artisanal textures, and an emphasis on craftsmanship. The estate’s biodynamic farm supplies much of the produce for its two restaurants, Marle and Hearth, and there’s a cultural programme that makes it feel more like a private members’ retreat than a hotel. The grounds, with ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows, are as integral to the experience as the rooms themselves.
Image courtesy of Tablet
Details To Know
From ~£720/night
45 individually designed rooms and suites with handcrafted details
Estate-grown produce featured in Marle and Hearth restaurants
Extensive cultural programme with talks, film screenings, and exhibitions
Lakes, woodlands, and gardens to explore on-site
Wellness space with treatments, yoga, and a serene indoor pool
Located just over an hour from London
Interiors by Ben Thompson, celebrating British craftsmanship
The Little Bothy Spa is an architectural haven in itself—low-lit, cedar-lined, and perfumed with garden botanicals.
Details To Know
Cliveden
House
Historic grandeur with a playful, decadent twist and legendary gardens.
Why We Like It
This 17th-century mansion is pure drama—think sweeping staircases, ornate ceilings, and a history of hosting royals and film stars. Despite its grandeur, there’s an air of playfulness here, with modern comforts woven into the stately setting. The spa is among the most celebrated in England, and the manicured gardens, part of the National Trust, are spectacular in every season. A stay here feels like stepping into a period drama—only with far better cocktails.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~£750/night
47 individually styled rooms and suites
André Garrett restaurant with fine British menus
Award-winning spa with indoor and outdoor pools
Set on 376 acres of parkland and gardens
River Thames boating available directly from the property
Afternoon tea served in the Great Hall or on the terrace
40 minutes from London by train or car
The outdoor pool—infamous from the Profumo Affair—is still one of the most glamorous in Britain.
What We Do
Rolling hills, honey-stone villages, and a patchwork of hedgerows set the stage for everything from manor-house gardens to windswept coastal walks. In this corner of England, days can mean tracing the footpaths between picture-perfect pubs, learning time-honoured crafts, or sinking into a spa set in a 15th-century abbey. Whether it’s farm-to-table feasts, riverbank picnics, or gallery-hopping in market towns, every experience feels rooted in place.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Blenheim Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England’s most magnificent country houses, Blenheim is as much about the sprawling Capability Brown parkland as its baroque grandeur. Wander gilded state rooms, lose yourself in the formal gardens, and time your visit with seasonal events from art exhibitions to Christmas markets.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Price: From £35 per adult
Vibe: Stately, historic, romantic
Need to Know: Birthplace of Winston Churchill; best visited midweek to avoid peak crowds; allow at least half a day for both the palace and grounds; bring walking shoes for the gardens.
The Newt in Somerset
Part working estate, part design dream, The Newt blends Georgian architecture with cutting-edge landscaping. Wander the gardens, sample cyder from the on-site press, and explore the interactive museum dedicated to Somerset’s apple heritage.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Castle Cary, Somerset
Price: £48 annual membership (includes unlimited visits)
Vibe: Contemporary English country
Need to Know: Membership is required for entry; the glasshouse restaurant is a highlight; seasonal programming includes horticultural workshops and evening events.
Burford Antiques Centre
A treasure trove in the “gateway to the Cotswolds,” Burford Antiques Centre offers everything from 18th-century oak furniture to delicate Georgian glassware. Serious collectors and casual browsers alike will find something to covet.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Burford, Oxfordshire
Price: Free entry
Vibe: Traditional, curated, heritage-rich
Need to Know: Inventory changes frequently; dealers are happy to share the history behind their pieces
Broadway Tower
This 18th-century folly offers panoramic views across 16 counties on a clear day. Steeped in history—from William Morris to wartime nuclear monitoring—it’s an easy, scenic stop with a surprisingly rich story.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Broadway, Worcestershire
Price: From £14 per adult
Vibe: Romantic, rural, historic
Need to Know: Best at sunset; the surrounding park is great for a countryside picnic; accessible by foot from the village.
Daylesford Organic
More than just a farm shop, Daylesford is the beating heart of modern Cotswold country life. Browse impeccably curated produce, flowers, and homewares before settling in for a seasonal meal at the café. The on-site cookery school and wellness space make it an easy full-day experience.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Kingham, Gloucestershire
Price: Free entry; workshops from £45
Vibe: Chic, wholesome, design-forward
Need to Know: Arrive early for the best bakery selection; book workshops in advance; the surrounding walks are idyllic in spring and summer.
Tate St Ives
Perched above Porthmeor Beach, this outpost of the Tate celebrates the area’s role in British modernism. Light-filled galleries showcase works from the St Ives School alongside cutting-edge contemporary art.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: St Ives, Cornwall
Price: From £12.50 per adult
Vibe: Coastal, cultural, modernist
Need to Know: Combine with a visit to the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden; booking ahead is essential in summer.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Hot Air Ballooning
Drifting over honey-stone villages and patchwork fields at sunrise is pure English romance. From above, the Cotswolds’ rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and winding rivers feel like a living painting.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Departures from Cheltenham, Cirencester, and Bath
Price: From £150 per person
Vibe: Peaceful, panoramic, magical
Need to Know: Early morning flights offer the best weather conditions; most rides last about an hour; dress warmly in layers even in summer.
Jurassic Coast Walk
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast offers dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and 185 million years of geological history. Choose a section that suits your stamina—from the iconic Durdle Door to the fossil-rich shores of Lyme Regis.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Dorset & Devon
Price: Free
Vibe: Rugged, scenic, geological
Need to Know: Wear sturdy walking shoes; tides can affect access to certain beaches; local guides are available for fossil hunts.
Cycling the Camel Trail
This 18-mile traffic-free trail follows a former railway line through some of Cornwall’s most beautiful landscapes. Pedal from Bodmin to Padstow, stopping for seafood and cream teas along the way.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Cornwall
Price: Free (bike hire from £15 per day)
Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, active
Need to Know: Suitable for all ages; the Padstow end is particularly lively in summer; bike hire available at several points along the route.
Camel Valley Vineyard
Cycle or drive through serene Cornish countryside before tasting award-winning sparkling wines at Camel Valley. The vineyard’s hillside setting is particularly beautiful in late summer.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bodmin, Cornwall
Price: From £18 per person (tours); £5 per tasting flight
Vibe: Relaxed, pastoral, indulgent
Need to Know: Book tours in advance, especially during harvest season; the vineyard shop is ideal for picking up a bottle to take home.
Coasteering in Cornwall
Scramble, swim, and leap your way along Cornwall’s wild Atlantic coastline. Coasteering is the ultimate adrenaline rush, blending rock climbing, cave exploration, and open-water swimming.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Polzeath, Cornwall
Price: From £45 per person
Vibe: Energetic, adventurous, coastal
Need to Know: Suitable for all abilities with wetsuits and safety gear provided; best from late spring to early autumn; expect to get wet—very wet.
Bude Sea Pool
Built in the 1930s, this tidal pool offers a safe but exhilarating way to swim in the Atlantic. Sheltered from strong currents but open to the elements, it’s a refreshing dip with sweeping sea views.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bude, Cornwall
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Vibe: Bracing, nostalgic, communal
Need to Know: Best at high tide when the pool is full; water temperatures can be chilly even in summer; bring a towel and warm clothes.
Classes & Workshops
Classes & Workshops
Shoreditch Scent Studio
This is no cookie-cutter fragrance workshop. Led by expert perfumers, you’ll explore rare botanicals, essential oils, and scent layering techniques before blending your own bespoke perfume to take home.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bath, Somerset
Price: From £95 per person
Vibe: Creative, sensory, refined
Need to Know: Sessions last around two hours; all materials are provided; ideal as a solo treat or intimate group activity.
Dry Stone Walling Workshop
A centuries-old craft still shaping the region’s iconic landscapes, dry stone walling is as meditative as it is physical. Guided by master craftspeople, you’ll learn traditional techniques while contributing to the preservation of local heritage.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Cotswolds (various sites)
Price: From £199 per person (two days)
Vibe: Heritage, hands-on, outdoors
Need to Know: All tools provided; wear sturdy boots and outdoor clothing; small-group format ensures personalised instruction.
Cookery School at Daylesford Organic
In the heart of one of the UK’s most beautiful organic farms, learn to prepare seasonal dishes using just-picked produce. Classes range from artisan bread-making to plant-based feasts, all grounded in farm-to-table philosophy.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Kingham, Gloucestershire
Price: From £210 per person
Vibe: Wholesome, seasonal, hands-on
Need to Know: Classes run year-round; lunch and refreshments included; combine with a visit to the Daylesford farm shop and spa.
Nightlife
Nightlife
The Ox
Hidden in the basement of a grand townhouse, The Ox pairs moody lighting and exposed brick with a menu of impeccably made cocktails and late-night bites. The crowd is stylish but unpretentious, and the vibe is always lively.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Price: £££
Vibe: Speakeasy-meets-bistro
Need to Know: Book ahead for weekend nights; steak is a house specialty if you’re hungry after a few rounds.
The Botanist
A lively, foliage-filled space that shifts seamlessly from afternoon aperitifs to full-blown evening buzz. Think botanical cocktails, live music nights, and a crowd that’s here to have a good time.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bath, Somerset
Price: ££
Vibe: Playful, social, garden-party energy
Need to Know: Arrive early for a table on weekends; live music most Fridays and Saturdays.
The Raven
Known for its historic setting and legendary pies, The Raven also pours an impressive range of real ales in a cosy, wood-beamed space. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bath, Somerset
Price: £
Vibe: Traditional pub, laid-back
Need to Know: Two snug bars spread over two floors; perfect for a pre- or post-dinner pint.
The Dunvegan
A gin-lover’s paradise with an extensive list running from classic London Dry to small-batch infusions. Modern, lively, and ideal for a late-night coastal outing.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Price: ££
Vibe: Modern, buzzy, gin-focused
Need to Know: Over 300 gins to try; bookable tasting flights available.
The Milk Thistle
An old-world townhouse turned cocktail lounge, The Milk Thistle is part hidden bar, part Victorian parlour, with taxidermy and velvet drapes to match. The drinks list leans inventive without losing sight of the classics.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bristol
Price: £££
Vibe: Eclectic, intimate, atmospheric
Need to Know: No sign outside—look for the unmarked door; table service only; perfect for small groups.
The Royal Oak
A beautifully restored 18th-century inn that’s equal parts pub and community hub. Come for the craft ales and Cotswold ciders, stay for the live folk sessions and fireside seating.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Price: ££
Vibe: Rustic, cosy, heritage-rich
Need to Know: No frills, all charm; check the blackboard for live music nights.
Fitness & Wellness
Fitness & Wellness
Thermae Bath Spa
The UK’s only natural thermal spa, drawing mineral-rich waters from deep beneath the city. Soak in the open-air rooftop pool for sweeping views of Bath’s honey-hued skyline.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bath, Somerset
Price: ££
Vibe: Historic, rejuvenating, one-of-a-kind
Need to Know: Twilight packages let you bathe under the stars; weekends can be busy, so weekday visits are calmer.
Y2 Yoga
A city‑chic yoga studio brought to the countryside, where heated power flows pump at high intensity to booming music—offering an unapologetically modern twist on practice.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Cotswold Shopping Centre, Gloucestershire
Price: ££ (~£25–£30 per drop-in class)
Vibe: Energetic, modern, design-driven
Need to Know: Expect heated studios (two heated, one non-heated) with commercial humidifiers and immersive sound systems.
Soul Circus Festival
A weekend wellness festival combining sunrise yoga, sound baths, spa tents, and live music under the stars. This is a once-a-year gathering for those who like their self-care with a side of community energy.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Elmore, Gloucestershire
Price: ££ (weekend tickets)
Vibe: Bohemian, social, energizing
Need to Know: Runs in August; camping and glamping options available on-site.
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 96 Hours
PART ONE: Arrival & Settle In
Check into the chic The Bird in Bath, a playful, design-driven townhouse hotel just steps from the city’s honey-stone crescents. Start your morning wandering the Roman Baths, then stroll to Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House for the city’s most famous bun.
After lunch, browse the indie boutiques along Milsom Street. Stop for a pint at a local pub and wander the cozy streets,
PART TWO: Afternoon To Evening
Head west into the rolling countryside for a golden-hour walk through Castle Combe, one of England’s most photogenic villages.
Dinner is at The Pony Chew Valley, where seasonal menus showcase the West Country’s best produce. End the day fireside at The Bell at Lacock, a centuries-old coaching inn pouring local ales.
PART THREE: Morning Market & Coastal Air
Rise early for a countryside drive to Daylesford Organic Farm for a farm-to-fork breakfast and a browse through their polished farm shop.
Continue to Port Isaac on the north Cornwall coast for bracing sea air, pastel cottages, and coffee from The Krab Pot. Lunch is fish-fresh at Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, where every table comes with a view of the harbour.
PART FOUR: A Rustic Farewell
Spend the afternoon walking the South West Coast Path toward Tintagel Castle, the legendary seat of King Arthur.
Return inland for a final dinner at The Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach, a stylish coaching inn that marries rustic beams with a sleek dining room. End with a nightcap under the fairy-lit garden canopy at No. 131 in Cheltenham before heading home.
