Claridge's Hotel is not only synonymous with refined luxury and impeccable service, but it's also known for setting trends. Its iconic Art Deco design, particularly in the lobby, heavily influenced interior design trends of the 1930s and continues to inspire today.
Dive into our world of unparalleled access, where every moment feels extraordinary
From Capital to Countryside, experience the best Scotland has to offer with Gleneagles.
FOREWORD
It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating twenty remarkable years of curating exceptional travel experiences across the UK and Ireland. Our dedication to crafting exquisite travel adventures continues to be guided by sophistication, discretion and a passion for the extraordinary. From the offset, our mission has been to help our clients discover the perfect getaway, blending luxury, charm and an exclusive touch of class.
We’ve explored stunning country estates, uncovered hidden gems and introduced a wide variety of immersive behind-the-scenes experiences, all chosen for their authenticity and the common goal to create lasting memories.
This special edition of Dream Escape magazine highlights our joy of travel and is packed full of inspirational travel ideas to discover every corner of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. As we toast to twenty fabulous years, let’s celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to many more exciting journeys ahead. Happy reading!
David & Holly
DAVID TOBIN & HOLLY MACKIE Dream Escape Founders
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS start your journey here
Chapter One
ARTS & CULTURE
A summer of unparalleled British experiences awaits, including Cartier jewels at the V&A, Jane Austen's 250th anniversary year, royal exhibits, Hockney's art and the Orkney Island Games. This is your guide to a vibrant season of unmissable events.
Chapter Two
FASHIONABLE DESTINATIONS
Discover a Highland haven, a stately Cornish home and London's top chef. Curated travel at its finest begins here – let Dream Escape guide you to unparalleled experiences, where every detail is meticulously arranged.
Chapter Three TIME-OF-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
Discover experiences tailored to the spring and summer seasons: embrace sustainable living, explore Northern Ireland's stunning coast and indulge in Peak District elegance. Dream Escape will curate your perfect seasonal journey.
Front Cover Image:
Sunrise, Buachaille Etive Mor. Scottish Highlands by Marc Pickering instagram.com/lochgmarcp marcpickeringphotography.uk
Pictured below: The Balmoral is a Dream Escape favourite. The J.K. Rowling Suite is an elegant space that blends contemporary design with unique features to magical effect – from the marble bust of Hermes that J.K. Rowling signed when she finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in the suite, to the breathtaking views of Calton Hill.
Did you know? The Balmoral clock has been purposely set three minutes fast since 1902 to ensure guests didn’t miss their scheduled trains. “Sir Rocco Forte’s sister Olga Polizzi also designed the interiors for Balmoral and took inspiration from the different colours in the landscape," says Holly Mackie, Dream Escape Owner and Director.
Read more in our interview with Dream Escape Founders, David Tobin and Holly Mackie on page 34.
p. 34
Chapter One
ARTS & CULTURE
p.11
People & Places: Unveil the stories behind Britain's most captivating experiences with these unique hotels, travel experiences, and iconic events.
p.18
Join our Social Season
Elevate your spring/summer with our discerning guide to Britain's cultural highlights.
p.28
Meet the Jewellery Maker
We chat to Nigel O'Reilly on his art, inspiration and jewellery journey.
p.34
A Celebration of Curiosity and Adventure
On Dream Escape's 20th anniversary, founders David Tobin and Holly Mackie share their journey, secrets and favourite hotels, reflecting on two decades of luxury travel planning.
Chapter Two
FASHIONABLE DESTINATIONS
p.42
Destination Scotland: Head for The Highlands. Discover The Torridon: A luxurious Highland escape with loch views and adventure.
p.52
Meet the Chef: Interview with Jason Atherton. Atherton shares his culinary vision with a peek inside this growing London restaurant empire.
p.60
A Stately Home in the Cornish Countryside: Boconnoc Estate: A blend of history, luxury and natural beauty.
p.70
The Dingle Peninsula
A magical Irish escape. Explore stunning landscapes, hidden coves, rich history and savour authentic cuisine on a curated journey.
p. 34
p.76
Chapter Three
TIME-OF-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
p.76
Harvesting the Good Life: Embrace slow food, nature and a mindful lifestyle, at Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall's River Cottage, p.88
The Allure of Portrush: Explore the Northern Irish town's golf courses, castles and Atlantic beauty. p.92
Timeless Elegance in the Peak District: Chatsworth Estate's gem, The Cavendish Hotel, is the perfect redesigned escape.
MEET OUR TALENTED TEAM OF travel specialists
LEADERSHIP
David Tobin
OWNER & CEO david@dreamescape.co.uk
Holly Mackie
OWNER & PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR holly@dreamescape.co.uk
MARKETING
Sue Morris
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & HEAD OF MARKETING sue@dreamescape.co.uk
Sarah Butler MARKETING MANAGER sarah@dreamescape.co.uk
PRODUCT
Louise Murray
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & HEAD OF PRODUCT louise@dreamescape.co.uk
DREAM EVENT
Karen Murray HEAD OF EVENTS karen@dream-event.co.uk
TRAVEL DESIGN
Kirsty Hoskins HEAD OF TRAVEL DESIGN kirsty@dreamescape.co.uk
@DreamEscapeLtd DREAM ESCAPE, 10A GREAT KING STREET, EDINBURGH, EH1 6QL dreamescape.co.uk
Set within 43 acres of forested woodland against a backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains is the multi awardwinning Lough Eske Castle, which has unveiled its luxurious new Donegal Suites.
GENEROUS HOSPITALITY, UNMATCHED SERVICE
Driven by a desire to preserve the art of hospitality, Red Carnation is a unique collection of family-owned hotels around the world, united by a passion to deliver warm first-class service to every guest, embodying exceptional care and attention to detail.
The Belmond Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, represents a new era of sophisticated travel.
Debuting in July 2025, this pioneering train seamlessly blends the romance of rail travel with contemporary British elegance. Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan curates the fine dining experiences, showcasing his acclaimed farm-to-fork philosophy and featuring local, seasonal ingredients. An
onboard wellness suite offers restorative therapies. As part of a wider Dream Escape programme, you travel across Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. This exclusive journey can be crafted to perfection by our travel design team ensuring every detail reflects the utmost luxury – including off-train excursions. At night, you can unwind in the botanically inspired bar. The train’s 18 cabins, including three Grand Suites, have elegant British charm and colours inspired by the natural landscape.
Celebrate King Charles III and Queen Camilla's 20th anniversary in 2025 by exploring royal Britain. Dream Escape's VIP royal itinerary is fit for a King and Queen, to include visits to Highgrove Gardens and Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy a Thames boat ride and explore Windsor Castle, including St. George’s Chapel. Discover Hampton Court’s history and royal retail therapy with exclusive
viewings at the shops lucky enough to be granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment and dine at Fortnum & Mason. Attend events like Royal Ascot and Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025, featuring a grand display of soldiers, horses, and a Royal Air Force fly-past. Experience Scotland's Highland Games for traditional competitions and a chance to spot royalty, immersing in rich heritage and vibrant festivities. In Edinburgh, see the Royal Portraits exhibition, find out more on page 20.
An eclectic collection of unique properties, with personalities as distinctly individual as our guests.
Dream Escape ’s Head of Guest
Experience Rebecca Morrison recently visited Scottish luxury retreat Brioch House, situated in the heart of Scotland. Broich House graces a sprawling 450-acre private estate. This is not merely accommodation; it is an immersion into the Scottish landscape.
Guests are afforded an experience defined by refined comfort and a curated
array of activities, from exploring the extensive grounds to embarking on bespoke adventures. An exclusive feature, The Bothy, crowns a nearby hilltop. This secluded haven offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Scottish countryside and is a unique and private sanctuary.
The Bothy complements the grandeur of Broich House – it is where sophisticated luxury harmonises with natural splendour, and where lasting memories are cultivated .
Dunluce Lodge, set against the stunning backdrop of the Causeway Coast in Portrush, epitomises luxury and elegance as the region's only five-star hotel. The newly-opened and meticulously designed suites are surrounded by a serene courtyard in the Stookan annex, which includes a dedicated dining area for gatherings and celebrations. The hotel boasts a peaceful spa, a scenic nine-hole putting green overlooking the North Atlantic,
and the prestigious Portrush golf course. For exploration, guests can use BMW i Series vehicles, Dream Escape can arrange transfers to nearby Portrush and Portstewart, or the a helicopter pad offers unique aerial views. Food enthusiasts can savour local flavours in the main restaurant’s private dining spaces or the wine vault used for tastings. Activities range from scallop fishing at Carrick-a-Rede to wellness pursuits like yoga and Pilates. See our Portrush article, page 88.
SOCIAL calendar
Celebrate each gathering with style and spirit
Words:
Melanie Abrams
CARTIER, VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
London, South Kensington
12 April 2025 - 16 November 2025
Step into spring with some sparkle as London’s Victoria and Albert Museum showcases Cartier’s glittering jewels and watches since the early 20th century. There are over 350 objects to drool over including diamond tiaras, elaborate platinum brooches with amethysts, sapphires and other vibrant stones and a rock crystal clock, accented with gold, enamel and diamonds. All the icons are there, including the prowling panther. Case in
point is a pavé diamond bracelet flecked with onyx, whilst the distorted Crash watch demonstrates how radical the house’s design approach could be with the bending, elongating or compressing of familiar geometric forms. Highlights include Grace Kelly’s eye-catching diamond engagement ring from 1956 that she also wore as Tracy Lord, the rich Rhode Island socialite in High Society. There's also the multi-layered diamond necklace with its bold yellow diamond at the centre. Commissioned by Maharajah Bhupinder Singh of Patiala in 1928, the necklace has around 2,930 diamonds, weighing almost 1,000 carats.
HORSEPLAY
National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket
4 April 2025 - 12 January 2026
It’s fun and games at the National Horseracing Museum, where a new exhibition displays over 50 antique board games with a horseracing theme from a private collection .
GRAYSON PERRY: DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR Wallace Collection, London
To 26 October 2025
With British artist Grayson Perry’s larger-than-life personality and that of his alter-ego, Claire, expect this exhibition to be equally exuberant. See new ceramics, tapestries and more by this popular artist .
CROÍLÁR
Athlone, Ireland
4 April 2025 - 6 April 2025
Discover emerging Irish talent and a lesser-known Irish town at this debut music and arts festival in Athlone. Artists like Pippa Molony, with her experimental electronic sounds, will perform in the medieval town’s churches and pubs..
APRIL
ROYAL STYLE IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
ROYAL EXHIBITIONS
ROYAL PORTRAITS: A CENTURY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Edinburgh
Until 7 September 2025
THE EDWARDIANS: AGE OF ELEGANCE
The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London
11 April 2025 - 23 November 2025
DRESS CODES
Kensington Palace, London
13 March 2025 - 30 November 2025
Left to right: Snowdon, Princess Margaret, 1967; Nadav Kander, King Charles III, when the Prince of Wales, 2013. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Yousuf Karsh, Princess Elizabeth, 1951; Princess Margaret Thea Porter evening ensemble; Princess Margaret dress by Jose Pitoy Moreno; Queen Victoria bodice; Cecil Beaton, Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy, 1963; Marcus Adams, The Duke and Duchess of York, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret of York; Julian Calder, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Scots, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle and Chief of the Chiefs, 2010
Royal style this season is stretching from London to Edinburgh. See the formal and informal sides of the royal family at The King’s Gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh where photos are on display spanning from the 1920s to King Charles III’s coronation in 2023. Many iconic images are on show as well as some intimate moments – mainly taken by Lord Snowdon of his wife, Princess Margaret. There are glamorous treasures collected by the early 20th century monarchs, Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, as well as George V and Queen Mary, at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Consider Edward VII’s blue enamel cigarette case by Fabergé. Whilst across the park, 34 court outfits from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection are unveiled at Kensington Palace, including pieces worn by Princess Diana.
GALLERY (RE)OPENINGS
National Gallery and V&A
East Storehouse, London
After a two-year closure, the National Gallery’s Sainsbury’s Wing reopens on 15 May, remodelled and rehung. The Victoria and Albert Museum gives access to its considerable archive at the V&A East Storehouse from 31 May.
HEIRESS: SARGENT’S AMERICAN PORTRAITS
Kenwood House, London
16 May 2025 - 5 October 2025
For many rich American heiresses who came to London to marry titles in the late 19th century, their social status was cemented by having a portrait painted by John Singer Sargent. Now, 18 of these portraits – and the stories behind them – are displayed at Kenwood House.
GARDEN
FUTURES: DESIGNING WITH NATURE
V&A Dundee, Riverside
Esplanade
17 May 2025 - 22 February 2026
As the Chelsea Flower Show kickstarts the garden season, a new exhibition charts the history of modern garden design at the V&A Dundee. Iconic gardens include filmmaker Derek Jarman’s cottage garden in Kent with flotsam found nearby.
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE: HOCKNEY IN LONDON, 1960-1963
Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert, London
21 May 2025 - 18 July 2025
Rare early works by David Hockney form a bijou exhibition at Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert, specialists in modern and contemporary British art. The gallery brings together 15 of his paintings, prints and works on paper created from 1960 to 1963, while he was studying at London’s Royal College of Art and immediately afterwards as he was developing his visual
language. Highlights include the seldom exhibited Two Friends (in a Cul de Sac) from 1963, which explores his homosexuality when it was still illegal in Britain, and Composition (Thrust) captures his experiment with abstraction and narrative. Discover his milieu at the time with works like Life Painting for Myself depicting his lover Mo McDermott, and the cartoonish Salesman offering his affectionate take on his first and long-term dealer John Kasmin, now 90, who also appeared in Hockney’s 1974 iconic painting, A Bigger Splash . Other artists represented by the gallery include Bridget Riley.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JANE AUSTEN
JANE AUSTEN 250 Hampshire, Berkshire, Cheshire
4 June 2025 - 31 December 2025
Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen this summer as Britain celebrates 250 years since the author was born in 1775. Visit her Hampshire home in Chawton and her schoolroom in Reading’s Abbey Quarter, which is open for the first time – so too is the house and garden at 8 College Street in Winchester, where she spent her final days and where a first edition of Northanger Abbey and other books are displayed. For Pride & Prejudice lovers,
Dream Escape will help you find some of the film and television locations. They include Basildon Park near the Reading School, which doubled as Bingley’s Netherfield in the 2005 film of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley, to Lyme Park in Cheshire where Colin Firth as Mr Darcy appeared in a wet shirt at Pemberley in the 1995 BBC TV series. For a more intimate connection, our Travel Design Planners will arrange a stay in the super king-sized Cassandra bedroom, named after her elder sister with whom she was close, in the six-bedroom Henry’s Townhouse in London’s Marylebone, where her brother, Henry, once lived too.
LEIGH BOWERY!
Tate Modern, London
To 31 August 2025
The Tate galleries are having a fashion moment as its Bankside gallery hosts a thumping retrospective of 80s fashion designer and club promoter, Leigh Bowery before model turned photographer, Lee Miller has hers at Tate Britain from October.
EDWARD MUNCH PORTRAITS
National Portrait Gallery, London
To 15 June 2025
Like Edward Munch’s best-known work
The Scream, his portraits of friends, family and patrons at the National Portrait Gallery are equally visceral and vibrant. Many of these 40-odd works have not been shown in Britain before.
350 YEARS OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY
Greenwich Park, London
22 June 2025
When Charles II ordered a small observatory to be built on the highest ground at Greenwich Park on this day in 1675, little did he realise that the metal line fixed into the courtyard would dictate the world’s hemispheres and its time zones in 2025 and beyond.
ORKNEY ISLAND GAMES
Orkney
12-18 July 2025
The liveliest place to be this month is Orkney as this ancient archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland hosts the 20th international island games. Cheer on 2,000 international athletes competing in 12 games, from athletics to golf.
ONE TO WATCH
MUSEUM OF SHAKESPEARE
London, Shoreditch
Opening date yet to be confirmed Set in the remains of the Elizabethan Curtain Playhouse, a new interactive and immersive Museum of Shakespeare transports visitors back to a day in the playwright’s life in 1598.
TURNER’S KINGDOM: BEAUTY, BIRDS AND BEASTS
Turner’s House Museum
To 26 October 2025
Where better to mark the 250th birthday of British painter, JMW Turner, than his cosy home in Twickenham? Best known for his fiery landscapes, this intimate setting reveals his rarely seen yet lively bird and animal studies.
SUMMER OPENING OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE
The Mall, London
10 July 2025 - 28 September 2025
Climb the grand staircase, just as many honoured individuals have done before receiving accolades and prestigious honours. See where the royal family stand before they step onto the famous balcony, waving to the crowds below, or find the hidden door that leads to the royal family’s private quarters in the White Drawing Room, the magnificent backdrop for early
evening receptions. These are just some of the behind-thescenes experiences at Buckingham Palace that are revealed during its summer opening. Wander through these rooms and others to see what the royals have collected since the 17th century – the art, furniture, porcelain and more, each piece with its own story. But don’t sit on the thrones! Make the most of the royal visit and go for afternoon tea at The Ritz, as the glamorous hotel was granted a Royal Warrant by the King last year. Alongside the sandwiches, scones and pastries, savour the house English Royal tea.
MEET
the JEWELLERY MAKER
Master goldsmith and high jewellery designer Nigel O’Reilly sits down with Emma Henderson to chat about about his luxury cosmic-inspired work, why a stone’s beauty is so important and being inspired by Japanese painting techniques
Nigel O’Reilly doesn’t think of his work in terms of carats or the size, weight or cost of gemstones. Instead, he says, “I just look for beauty in stones.”
To him, it’s about the aesthetic of the piece, the connection to the stones and the overall enjoyment of the finished piece that he’s spent months working on – not about the perceived value of the gems. “I absolutely love emeralds. They’re very expensive stones, but I don’t like them because they’re expensive. I love them for the deep green and the mesmerising way you can look at them. When you get that top quality emerald, it’s an almost spiritual experience to look at it,” he says. It’s his approach to his cosmic-inspired work that’s full of colour, intricate metal work and fluidity that he’s become world-renowned for. Yet a career in jewellery wasn’t what Nigel ever saw himself working in. His severe dyslexia meant school was just about making it to the end, and he didn’t want to go into further education. Instead, he worked as a precision engineer making injection molds
for vascular surgical products in Galway, which unexpectedly became integral to Nigel’s goldsmith work and even added to his distinctive style. “It has been an absolute blessing to have that career beforehand. I didn’t think it at the time though, as I would have loved to have left school and gone straight into a more arty, creative scene… though it really taught me discipline.” In his workshop, he blends his technical experience with tradition and uses medical grade microscopes alongside ancient goldsmith tools passed between masters that are more than 200 years old.
It wasn’t until he met his wife Tracy, an artist, that he realised his own creativity after he began making her rings using the molds at his engineering job. She encouraged him to see that becoming a jewellery maker was a career for him, giving him the creative outlet he so desperately wanted. After realising “I had a flair for it, I wanted to train and become the best,” says Nigel. And he’s never stopped. He’s now both a master goldsmith and high-designer making his own jewellery. “I love designing it
knowing that I’m going to make it. I love having the gold dust on my hand,” he says.
When it comes to his inspiration, it seems to be never ending and all-encompassing around him. “What I want to do with my work is to see how far you can push the idea of nature to a different level,” he says. “I love David Bowie. I love Nine Inch Nails. I love Alexander McQueen. I love all these different things, so I’m trying to incorporate living in the West Coast with an almost alien-like feeling that you get from listening to those people or watching those fashion shows and mixing in traditional techniques,” he says.
Nigel says this is evident in his piece 'Suminagashi', a vivid blue brooch made with
that’s not a real thing, but it was going to be organic on a different planet, like Bowie and The Man Who Fell to Earth,” he says.
After living and working around Europe, from Antwerp to Stockholm, Nigel’s now based in County Mayo – but he was told by many in the industry that moving his business there would be “an absolute death sentence” for his career where “everybody’s attitude is that you have to be in the major city to make fine jewellery.” Yet, he had faith it would work, as the mantra of the highly acclaimed master goldsmith he trained under, Erwin Springbrunn, was “if you concentrate on your art, people will make the pilgrimage and come to you.”
‘It’s a huge source of pride for me that I’m bringing a little bit of business to this small town. It’s really amazing that they make this journey, this pilgrimage, to me.’
titanium (printed by a medical company from his engineering days) that’s floating on a sea of different sized diamonds, with a pear-shaped emerald (the most beautiful he’s ever seen), which he says the rest of the piece flows from, and is topped with a two-carat diamond. It’s inspired by Dutch couture designer Iris Van Herpen’s work, who used suminagashi, a Japanese painting technique. It translates to ‘ink on water’, and it was that look of ink sprawling across water that Nigel wanted to create with this piece.
The client wanted the piece to be organic. “Out of nowhere, this thing popped into my head, which was ‘futuristic organic’. I know
That’s exactly what happened, and now his business is thriving. Nigel’s clients travel to him from all over the world, including the Cayman Islands, Canada and Texas, which are just a few recent customers he lists off. “It’s a huge source of pride for me that I’m bringing a little bit of business to this small town.
“It’s really amazing that they make this journey, this pilgrimage, to me,” he says. And in return, he hand-delivers his finished work to each client. His work is also sold at Sotheby’s New York auction house, making him the first Irish jeweller to do so, and has been worn by celebrities like Golden Globe-winning Irish actor, Saoirse Ronan.
Many of his clients making the pilgrimage to Nigel stay at the nearby five-star country estate hotel, Ashford Castle – where Nigel is also the resident jeweller and has some work in the hotel's boutique – or the grand Adare Manor that's slightly nearer Limerick. The Dream Escape team can arrange stays at both hotels and from either, guests can take a day trip to Nigel's atelier (also arranged by Dream Escape), which he has based on how luxury fashion and jewellery houses used to be when everything was made in one building and clients could see the workshop and items being made.
Nigel actively encourages clients to try on jewellery: “I think everyone should see how it fits as our neck bones are all different and every pendant will sit slightly differently, every ring and earring will be different. People try on almost every single piece when they’re here – it’s a full experience.”
For those looking to commission a piece, it’s a great way for Nigel to get to know them.
“I love that connection, because then I really get to know the person, and I can design with them in mind.”
For him, his work is all about creating something that’s different, as he’s tired of seeing the high street’s jewellery shops practically merge into one. “Now everything is the same – where’s the fun in that?” he says. Instead, he wants to create pieces of art. “I’ve deliberately kept my company small, and deliberately only show in New York or LA, and only once a year,” he explains.
It’s an experience that Nigel thinks is becoming a bygone part of creativity. He wants the buying experience to be a homage to all the passion that’s gone into the making of the piece, believing “it’s not just an object” that you’re buying either. It should have a memory attached to it that you can look back on fondly and can be transported back to wherever it is that you bought it. For his customers, with the help of Dream Escape, that’s now the wild coast of County Mayo
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills and lush landscapes, the stunning Ashford Castle (right) showcases its rich history and opulent rooms, while the grand Adare Manor (below) invites guests to indulge in world-class luxury amidst its beautifully manicured gardens – where every moment feels like a fairytale
GENEROUS HOSPITALITY, UNMATCHED SERVICE
Driven by a desire to preserve the art of hospitality, Red Carnation is a unique collection of family-owned hotels around the world, united by a passion to deliver warm first-class service to every guest, embodying exceptional care and attention to detail.
20 YEARS OF TRAVEL
A celebration OF CURIOSITY AND adventure
As Dream Escape reaches its 20th
anniversary year, founders
Holly Mackie and David Tobin celebrate by sharing their start-up secrets and the fascinating stories and memories they’ve collected along the way
Interview: Amy Bonifas
Our starting point was a partners’ desk, a website and no idea,” reminisces Holly about first launching Dream Escape together with David in 2005. Now, two leading voices in the luxury travel community, the pair have accrued 20 years of experience. They’ve brought together a team of over 20 experienced creative planners and travel professionals – all waiting to plan incredible trips for clients across the world.
The 20th milestone also coincides with David and Holly’s 20th wedding anniversary, and has prompted them to reflect on their personal and professional journey across the last two decades.
Throughout this year, Dream Escape will be sharing more of David and Holly’s stories by launching a celebratory book, delving deeper into the people, places and philosophy that make the brand so unwaveringly unique –available in summer 2025.
Where it all began... “The anniversary creates an opportunity for us to pause and thank so many people in the travel industry who believed in and supported us from the early days,” says Holly. “It’s the perfect time to recognise where we’ve got to and where we can go!”
The brand started with the couple effectively turning their lives upside down, driven by passion and a clear vision. “Back in 2005, I was a board director in London and the idea of quitting your job and doing something different was obscene – certainly to my mother, who was horrified,” explains David.
“We left our jobs and got married on 21 May 2005. We took a six-week honeymoon and then came back to our new home in Scotland. I remember us sitting at this big desk opposite each other with two computers, a URL (dreamescape.co.uk, of course) and no idea what we were going to do,” he says, laughing.
“Creating Dream Escape was no easy feat. The brand has stood strong through bumps in the road, including the financial meltdown in 2008 and more recently the pandemic. It’s a triumph of stamina, if I’m honest.”
“Our move to Scotland opened our eyes to what an incredible country it is and the opportunities that were within,” says Holly. “We were also fuelled by a desire to be our own bosses and create something we 110% believed in.
“David wrote a business plan in about 20 minutes. I’d reached out to Scottish Enterprise for support and a lovely contact had told me that I needed to hurry and submit an application – this was for a tiny grant for anyone under 30 looking to start a business. We had no experience in travel, other than travelling ourselves,” she says.
While launching the brand in the early days, David and Holly also undertook an ambitious house renovation, had children and later moved to the British Virgin Islands. “It’s not the most traditional route for starting a business,” says David. “You wouldn’t find it in a Harvard Business Review!”
The rest is history, so to speak, but one thing is certain – creating Dream Escape was no easy feat. The brand has stood strong through bumps in the road, including the financial meltdown in 2008 and more recently the pandemic. “It’s a triumph of stamina, if I’m honest,” says David.
“We knew that 90% of business startups fail and so we needed to channel a lot of drive and perseverance,” agrees Holly. “It was helpful to surround ourselves with experienced people, but it was a steep learning curve and we made mistakes along the way. Now we know you have to make them to progress.
“We’re established now and we can come in with confidence and say we have a business that’s 20 years old – we’re also proud to remain privately owned. We’ve taken everyone on the journey with us, and now we want to pass on that experience and knowledge to other people,” she says.
In addition, both founders have channelled their passion into supporting local and national charities along the way – from donations and volunteering to David’s recent sponsored bike ride along the North Coast 500 for Cancer Research.
Fuelled by curiosity
Another reason for Dream Escape’s roaring success is its dedication to unearthing new, awe-inspiring experiences. “We never settle for ‘ok’ or ‘good,’” explains Holly. “Together with our team and partners, we’re always going to go the extra mile to try and find new and better ways of creating experiences for clients.”
When I ask Holly and David what makes their brand different from others on the market, the phrase ‘curious control freaks’ comes up. “This isn’t us necessarily,” clarifies David. “But more the philosophy of the brand and the business culture. We deliver creativity but with control.
“So many travellers are looking for the newest, most interesting and amazing experiences. Curiosity is what drives so many of us to discover things we never knew.
“But when people with high standards go
on holiday, they want the ‘i’s’ dotted and the ‘t’s’ crossed in such a diligent way, that there’s a big element of control around every trip, too.
“Everything has to be completely on point, especially if you’re operating at the top of the market where we are,” he explains.
It’s this fiesty combination of curiosity and dedication that has propelled them to success.
It’s also why the couple have forged some impressive connections, with their little black book of contacts now including famous
figures and royalty. “A highlight for us was meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla at the opening of a Dream Escape client favourite, The Fife Arms in the Highlands of Scotland,” says Holly.
While there are many hotels, properties and partnerships that make a Dream Escape holiday so utterly special, here, Holly and David share their fondest memories of three of their favourite places to stay and the people who supported them from the beginning…
Above: David Tobin, CEO of Dream Escape, hitting the saddle to raise money for Cancer Research by cycling around Scotland following the North Coast 500 route. Right: The Balmoral, Edinburgh.
“We’ll never forget being invited by the General Manager at the time, Franck Arnold, to a dinner party at his private apartment at the top of the hotel and to watch the Edinburgh Festival fireworks from amongst the grand turrets.”
The timeless Balmoral Hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland
Considered one of the city's most revered hotels, this place has been a constant in David and Holly’s lives even before they started the business.
“I’ve known the hotel since I was young,” says Holly. “My grandparents lived in Scotland and I went to university in Edinburgh. The Balmoral Hotel has always had this presence and is known as the most iconic and luxurious place to stay in the city. I remember attending black tie balls there when I was at university!”
“We also stayed before we started Dream
Escape, and it’s now the place that we book so many people into,” says David. “It’s great for families and groups of people and is right at the top end of luxury.”
But what elevates the hotel even further is the fantastic team of people waiting behind its grand doors. “We’ll never forget being invited by the General Manager at the time, Franck Arnold, to a dinner party at his private apartment at the top of the hotel,” says Holly.
“He brought in people who had supported the Balmoral that year to watch the Edinburgh Festival fireworks from amongst the grand turrets,” says David.
Left: Eli Serafty from Direct Travel, walking the dogs at Ashford Castle during a Dream Escape FAM Trip. Below: David Tobin, Dream Escape CEO and Rosie Peattie, Client Relationship Manager at Dream Escape
“It was an intimate gathering of people and he put in all the effort himself – cooking dinner rather than just ordering room service. That was a cultural thing that aligned very well with how we like to do things,” he says.
There are so many other caring, hardworking characters working behind the scenes, with a few particular names on Holly and David’s lips. “David Musk, their Head Concierge, has been invaluable. He’s been with the hotel for most of our journey and has been such a lovely supporter,” says Holly.
“He’s always been very human,” says David. “He deeply cares about our relationship with him and always helps us out. Equally, he bends over backwards for our clients. He’s not an ego; he just makes things happen and works hard.
“When we were flying back from Madrid to Edinburgh on a Sunday and Holly was desperately ill, he’s the person we called to find a private doctor,” says David. “Whenever I walk into the Balmoral, he’s the first person I’m looking out for,” says Holly.
Sir Rocco Forte, celebrated hotelier and the Chairperson of Rocco Forte Hotels, has
Left: David and Holly meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the opening of a Dream Escape client favourite, The Fife Arms in the Scottish Highlands. Below: David Tobin, Dream Escape CEO putting stickers on windscreens for the Classic Car Treasure Hunt at Ashford Castle
been another important partner, particularly during more challenging times.
“The pandemic was difficult for everyone,” says Holly. “But it was particularly brutal for the travel industry when so many of us couldn’t operate as businesses. We were constantly dealing with existing bookings and trying to move them forward.” So, in the quiet, they focused on the invaluable relationships they already had.
“During lockdown, I started a podcast and invited Sir Rocco Forte to feature as a guest,” she explains. (You can listen to the podcast on dreamescape.co.uk/inspiration/podcasts/.) “I wanted to do something creative that was long-term, to ask honest questions and dig deeper. We bonded over the tough times and realised we were all in the same boat, although his daily losses were staggering.
“He is so driven and commercially minded while still being a prominent and important family figure – it’s inspirational. To be able to collaborate with his family in business and to stride forward through the highs and lows is very special to me,” says Holly.
The historic Ashford Castle on the shores of County Mayo, Ireland Ashford Castle dates back to the 13th century and has evolved from a medieval fortress to the Guinness family home, and then to the grand retreat it is today. Over the years, the castle has hosted royalty, nobility and famous figures, becoming one of Irelands’s most celebrated landmarks.
“The property is incredible, and the General Manager Niall Rochford runs it very well and so calmly,” says David. “When we started sending them lots of business and filling their suites, the relationship just got better and better. There’s also Paula Carroll, their former Sales Director,” says Holly. “We knew of her before we met her; she is an incredible force. “As we started building traction, we needed to go beyond just popping in and seeing properties. We needed to stay and experience it properly, and the team [at Ashford Castle] were so great, asking us when we were coming over.
Did you know? Visitors to Ashford Castle have included everyone from kings to presidents, including King George V, writer Oscar Wilde, The Beatles‘ members John Lennon and George Harrison, and US President Ronald Reagan.
“The first time we went, we visited with my parents and Paula encouraged us to bring the children, too,” says Holly. “We have fond memories of driving over the bridge and experiencing such a warm welcome from the team. The children loved the dogs and we all tried the tree-top climbing experience – it was very high! We also had a fun private cinema viewing.” These are all experiences that are available as part of a Dream Escape trip.
There have been many happy clients who have visited since. “We booked an insurance company from Switzerland into Ashford Castle,” says David. “We’d previously arranged a crazy castle takeover in Scotland with helicopter flights and supercars. We knew Ashford had to be the place when they requested a similar trip.
“We arranged a classic car tour around Connemara, falconry, whiskey tasting and traditional Irish music. We’d already experienced it, so we could wholeheartedly recommend it all!”
Above: Niall Rochford, General Manager of Ashford Castle. Right: Alfresco picnic at Ashford Castle.
The legendary Claridge’s in the centre of Mayfair, London
There’s nothing more iconic than the signature Art Deco flourishes and magical luxury of Claridge’s. However, for Holly and David at the start of their journey, the Maybourne Group (who also own The Berkeley, The Connaught and plenty of other hotels across the globe) was a tougher nut to crack. “It took some time to build our relationship with the Group,” says Holly.
“We were small fry in their minds, primarily operating in Scotland at the start. We surprised the Group by starting to book out their top-end suites.”
Now one of their most cherished and beloved locations, the relationship is stronger than ever. But what makes Claridge’s so timeless and relevant?
“I think the way it stands for tradition but has this ability to reinvent itself makes it such an icon. I also think its impeccable location in Mayfair makes it a firm favourite with our clients,” says Holly.
Did you know? Claridge’s stunning spa is a 7,000-squarefoot space designed by interior architect André Fu. Inspired by his visits to traditional Japanese temples and Zen gardens in Kyoto, the three floors are home to a huge heated swimming pool, hair salon, steam room and sauna.
The hotel has also been on its own journey, including creating a new spa as part of a groundbreaking project. Works began in 2015 and the spa was unveiled in 2022 after experts excavated underground into the Mayfair clay beneath. “We took Holly’s parents to stay,” says David. “Holly’s father is Irish and worked as an engineer – he was obsessed with the Claridge’s television show at the time that showed them digging down three floors to create the new space.
“Originally, they couldn’t find anyone who would do it. Funnily enough, the only person who would take it on was an Irish engineer. He and his team dug everything out by hand – they couldn’t use machines because it would interrupt the hotel and it needed to stay open.
“The team kindly took us down and showed us the inner workings of the whole place, which was incredible. Holly’s father was fascinated!”
There are also many special and timeless traditions that Claridge’s continues to uphold: “There’s the incredible Christmas tree, designed by a different fashion designer each year,” says Holly. “It’s always such a joyous surprise.”
“I especially love the grand hallway,” explains David. “The huge stairway swoops up to the first floor, and both the stairs and hallways were designed to be wide enough so that people in extravagant dresses could easily walk past each other without touching. There’s a true elegance about that – it was built during an era people are still so fond of.”
To delve into Holly and David's captivating 20-year tapestry of travel stories and cherished memories, their anniversary book is launching later this year; for further information please email enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk
HEAD for THE HIGHLANDS
Combining world-class luxury, a plethora of exhilarating activities and one of the most spectacular settings in Scotland, Sophie Farrah checks into The Torridon - the UK’s most northerly five-star hotel
DESTINATION: SCOTLAND
Draw back your bedroom curtains at The Torridon and you may well think that you’re still dreaming. Just beyond an immaculate lawn, several fluffy highland cows graze lazily, a magnificent sea loch twinkles in the soft morning light, and a thick band of cloud encircles the towering Torridon Hills beyond. It is a truly pictureperfect Scottish scene.
Family-owned for over 30 years, this fairytale-esque turreted house has been
lovingly restored to its Victorian splendour by Dan and Rohaise Rose-Bristow, and today it is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Highlands.
Spread across 58 acres of peaceful parkland, The Torridon is home to the UK’s most northerly five-star hotel, a working farm, productive kitchen garden, two restaurants, a whisky bar, a plethora of thrilling activities and more, making it the ultimate destination for a truly unforgettable Highland break.
Crossing the hotel’s beautifully mosaicked threshold, there is an immediate sense of history and a captivating blend of old and new. Sumptuous fabrics, pops of colour and modern patterns seamlessly combine with dark wood panelling, traditional furniture and elegant antiques. A large open fire flickers, illuminating the ornate ceilings; those in the newly refurbished drawing room have an unusual zodiac design – a tribute to Queen Victoria, who was fascinated by astrology and famously fond of the Highlands. Eyecatching paintings adorn the walls, including a portrait of the pioneering mathematician, Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron and wife of William King-Noel, the first Earl of
and arranged in the bedrooms each day, along with other lovely touches such as handmade chocolates, luxurious Bamford toiletries and plush bathrobes. Several thoughtful wellness essentials are also supplied, such as a yoga mat, herbal tea and a link to a guided meditation, should one wish to truly unwind.
Elsewhere on the estate, a further 12 inviting bedrooms can be found in the Stables, whilst The Boathouse – a luxurious two-bedroom waterside retreat just a short walk from the hotel – offers seclusion and solitude immersed in nature.
Once unpacked, The Torridon offers much to explore. Dream Escape recommends
‘It’s incredibly easy to pass the time here simply enjoying the magnificent views. Keep an eye out for dolphins, otters and seals, all of which are regular visitors to the sea loch that The Torridon overlooks’
Lovelace, who originally built The Torridon as a shooting lodge in 1887.
The 18 individually-designed bedrooms in the handsome main house offer a similar sense of Victorian-style opulence combined with luxurious contemporary design. Dream Escape is particularly fond of the 1887 Suite, which has its own private hallway. A staircase then leads up to a spacious bedroom and separate sitting room, both with stunning views, and a generous bathroom with an extra-large freestanding bath at its centre. Open the windows and you can hear the waters of the Allt Coire Roill river rushing by on its way to meet Loch Torridon. Beautiful fresh flowers are cut from the walled garden
starting with a stroll around the hotel’s picturesque kitchen garden. This pretty and productive Beatrix Potter-esque two-acre plot ensures a year-round supply of fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables for the hotel’s two restaurants. There’s also an elegantly designed gin garden, which supplies herbs and botanicals for The Torridon’s very own gin, Arcturus.
It’s incredibly easy to pass the time here simply enjoying the magnificent views from a comfortable chair in the drawing room or out on the terrace, keeping an eye out for dolphins, otters and seals, all of which are regular visitors to the sea loch that The Torridon overlooks. But if you’re feeling
THE TORRIDON
more energetic, then some of Scotland’s very best walking trails pass through the hotel grounds, offering stunning seascapes combined with rugged mountain views, completely immersed in the unspoilt Scottish countryside.
The resort also provides the most spectacular setting for a range of thrilling outdoor pursuits. Thanks to the onsite outdoors centre – expertly led by Veshengo – Dream Escape guests can embark on guided walks and hikes, e-biking, mountain biking, gorge scrambling and more. Archery and clay
pigeon shooting sessions take place at the end of lawn, with stunning views of the loch and mountains beyond. In the summer months, Dream Escape guests can go snorkelling, sea kayaking and wild swimming in the loch, or head out on the hotel’s lovely 19ft Irish Lough boat for a guided fly fishing expedition, complete with a delectable lunch hamper.
As night falls, enchanting stargazing experiences can be organised on the terrace. Guided by an astronomer, Dream Escape guests can learn all about the night sky and how to stargaze. Thanks to its
remote location, The Torridon is amongst the darkest locations on earth, making awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way and thousands of stars possible.
If you can tear yourself away from the deep comfort of the hotel, the beauty of the West Highlands awaits. There are historic castles, glorious gardens, unspoilt nature reserves and more, all waiting to be discovered. The Torridon also sits on Scotland’s famously cinematic driving route, The North Coast 500. If you’d prefer to let someone else take the wheel, Dream Escape ’s Travel Designers organise private, bespoke tours with life-long Highlander, Donald MacDonald, whose extensive knowledge and fascinating stories of the local area are both entertaining and inspiring. From the comfort
of a luxurious minibus, Donald’s off-thebeaten-track itineraries include local villages, awe-inspiring viewpoints, mysterious caves, wild waterfalls and more. These compelling tours also offer a good chance of spotting local wildlife such as otters, eagles and wild deer.
After all that adventure, it may well be time for a ‘wee dram’. In true Scottish style, The Torridon has an elegant and atmospheric wood panelled bar with over 120 gins and 365 whiskies on offer, including the hotel’s very own delicious blend, Taurus. Dream Escape guests can enjoy guided whisky or gin tastings with a member of the hotel’s knowledgeable bar team, whilst charismatic bartender, Luis, is on hand to mix and muddle a variety of tempting cocktails.
The Torridon’s impeccable level of luxury is reflected in both the service throughout the resort and in its varied food offering. A bountiful breakfast is served overlooking the mesmerising loch and soaring mountains, whilst the hotel’s traditional afternoon tea is also not to be missed. Featuring tiered towers of fresh finger sandwiches, delicate cakes, warm scones with jam and Scottish clotted cream and an endless supply of loose-leaf tea, it is a truly indulgent affair.
In what was once the estate’s former dairy just 100 metres from the main house, the Beinn Bar showcases some terrific local tipples in a relaxed and cosy, pub-like
menu carefully crafted by talented head chef, Danny Young. Creative dishes are beautifully presented and exude flavours that tell the tale of the local land and lochs. The experience starts with a selection of exquisite ‘snacks’, followed by imaginative dishes such as a theatrical mushroom ‘tea’ made with charcoal oil and rosemary; barbecued langoustine with black garlic, yuzu gel and a rich, silky hollandaise; and a hefty hand dived scallop with buerre blanc and dill oil. The finishing touch is a mouth-watering selection of the finest Scottish cheeses.
For a dining experience like no other, Dream Escape ’s Travel Designers can arrange for The Torridon’s library – an atmospheric
‘Named after the year the hotel was built, 1887 is a romantic, intimate restaurant. Creative dishes are beautifully presented and exude flavours that tell the tale of the local land and lochs’
environment, whilst the stylish, peachcoloured Bo & Muc Brasserie next door offers a casual dining experience inspired by seasonality. Guided by a field-to-fork ethos and using meat and fresh produce from Torridon’s very own farm, the menu offers simple light lunches and more sophisticated dishes at dinner, featuring the likes of local seatrout, Highland Wagyu beef, local venison and fresh vegetables from the garden.
No stay at The Torridon would be complete without an evening spent in its 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, 1887. Named after the year the hotel was built, this romantic, intimate space offers a tasting
space filled with antiques, old books and flickering candlelight – to be transformed into an exclusive private dining room. It can seat up to twelve, but is particularly romantic for two.
After a delicious meal, there’s nothing quite like cosying up by the roaring fire in the beautiful drawing room and enjoying a night cap before retiring. Soon, after a peaceful night’s sleep in The Torridon’s famously comfortable beds, it will be time to draw back the curtains and reveal that magical Scottish scene once more, before another unforgettable day spent enjoying the Highlands and all that this very special hotel has to offer .
THE Balmoral, A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL
Unparalleled opulence, illustrious heritage and exquisite Scottish charm await at Edinburgh’s prestigious The Balmoral
The Balmoral, the iconic Edinburgh hotel, can be found at the city's most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street. Since its grand opening in 1902, the hotel has been one of the city’s most majestic landmarks, with its impressive clock tower playing a vital part in Edinburgh’s skyline. Located in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, the hotel has fascinating history and stunning attractions
just a stone's throw away as it looks over Edinburgh Castle.
The renowned hotel is a love letter to Scotland, with its bespoke tartan, proudly displayed classic Scottish art and beautiful suites that take design inspiration from Scotland’s stunning lochs, rolling hills and rich green landscape. Boasting 167 luxurious bedrooms and 20 breathtaking suites, as well as its Irene Forte Spa and two restaurants; the acclaimed fine dining restaurant, Number
One, as well as Brasserie Prince and its bar, Bar Prince. Additionally, Palm Court is famous for its beautiful afternoon tea experience and the esteemed whisky destination, SCOTCH.
Named after Scotland’s most beautiful castle and the childhood home of The Queen Mother, the Glamis Suite evokes the majesty of its namesake in every carefully chosen design detail – it’s easy to see why it’s one of the hotel’s signature Forte Suites. It's an exceptional space spanning over several different areas from a sophisticated dining room, grand living room and regal style kingsized bedroom.
Created with tones of heather and verdant green, the Bowes-Lyon Suite gives a real sense of calm and with its own dining area, which is the perfect place for a romantic, leisurely breakfast or delicate pre-dinner canapés and
cocktails. Forte Suite guests at The Balmoral can enjoy in-suite check-in, a personalised concierge service, complimentary in-room bar and the opportunity to enjoy a very special capital experience during their stay.
Choose from a whisky tasting journey in SCOTCH, the Balmoral's cosy whisky bar, where the oak-panelled cabinets hold over 500 different Scotch whiskies, fast-track tickets to Edinburgh Castle to learn about the history of this iconic Scottish landmark, or a private tour of the silversmith workshop at Royal Warrant holders Hamilton & Inches, a jewellers on George Street. Here, you will learn about some of the famous rugby trophies they have created over the years, marvel at the luxurious pieces created by skilled artisans, and see why they are one of only two jewellers in the world who work with Scottish gold.
MEET the CHEF
On a bright cold morning earlier this year, Melanie Abrams meets Jason Atherton, one of Britain’s most prolific chefs in his new flagship restaurant in London, Row on 5
Jason Atherton is busy. The multiMichelin-starred chef has opened five new eateries in London last year, bringing his tally of international restaurants to 14.
His latest one is Row on 5, which opened in November along Savile Row, famous for its gentleman’s tailoring shops like neighbouring Gieves & Hawkes. Here, he says, he shows off his prolific culinary skills, serving sophisticated tasting dishes like rich, buttery Cornish bluefin tuna served on a bespoke glass dish coated with Cornish sand.
Each restaurant has a distinctive cuisine, reflecting his penchant for innovative flavour combinations. Three Darlings' international dishes including succulent skate wing schnitzel served with aromatic Japanese katsu curry and lime.
Set near Sloane Square, the smart bistro, named after his three daughters, has a spin off space at Harrod’s serving gourmet hot dogs like the lamb Souk dog with smoky harissa, sour red onion, creamy tahini yoghurt and a sprinkle of coriander.
Then there’s some hearty British fare like shepherd’s pie at Sael in Saint James’s Market near Piccadilly Circus, or juicy steaks and lamb chops from the wood fired grill at Mary’s. A stone’s throw from Liberty, the
iconic department store near Regent Street, this relaxed restaurant was once his Michelin starred Pollen Street Social, where his empire kicked off in 2011.
As the economy crunches and other restaurants shutter their doors for the final time, including Michel Roux Jr’s fabled Le Gavroche, we ask Atherton, one of Britain’s best-known chefs, what lies behind his ambitious strategy.
His aim is “to make sure that our restaurants don’t become irrelevant,” he says, sitting at one of the dining tables on the upper floor of Row on 5, which has 4,200 wines “so a monster of a wine list,” he says. The restaurant’s executive sommelier, Roxane Dupuy, recommended the Henri Giraud’s Perpetual Réserve 90-19 vintage champagne for the caviar and potato dish to bring out the flavours, as we met by the wine cellar on the lower ground floor.
According to Atherton, Row on 5 works now because the Michelin-starred restaurant “is more bespoke, more niche,” he says, and designed to resemble a private members club – take the hard-to-find entrance, where a simple dark plaque marks the stairs leading downstairs to the monumental front door.
“I can concentrate on 15 dishes with the best ingredients and showcase balance,
originality, flow, textures and tastes, whereas with a la carte, I’ve got to do ten starters, ten main courses and six desserts and cheese, and the textures of each dish might not be the same," Atherton says.
Whilst the menu looks minimalistic – oyster and pearls (caviar) to start, for example – it took a year to devise, says Atherton, as with small tasters he had to decide “if you eat that, is it enough protein? Is it enough food? Do you feel full?” he says.
Furthermore, he is creating a more theatrical, immersive experience within this restaurant as customers move to a different table between courses as this “makes the night a bit more fun,” he says, because “you are in the restaurant for four hours so it’s a long time. Customers go upstairs after the cheese and onion third course and back downstairs after the ninth course – Colston Basset’s handmade stilton.
There’s benefit to the business too, he says, as customers order wine at their first table downstairs, then “come upstairs [and] order more wine”.
Born in Skegness, a seaside town in Lincolnshire, in 1971, Atherton had focused ambition. After leaving school at 16, he studied cooking at a local college but left after six months because he “was obsessed by being in London. I wanted to cook in the top restaurants. I wasn’t interested in being taught how to make a bechamel sauce,” he says.
After starting as a kitchen porter at a Kensington restaurant, he left to train as a chef at the three Michelin-starred restaurant, La Tante Claire (the Aunt Clare), in Chelsea and later at the award-strewn Chez Nico along Park Lane, where he said he learned how to run a family business. His wife, Irha Atherton, is a co-founder of the Social Company, which runs his restaurants.
“Your whole family has to be invested,” he says, proudly citing recent advice from his eldest daughter, who works a night shift at Three Darlings whilst studying at university. “There are too many staff down there for the amount of covers,” he recalls her saying.
‘I remember being scared stiff of not knowing if I could fill a restaurant on my own or be a Michelin star chef in my own right’
In the 1990s, Atherton became a junior chef “or dogsbody,” he says, under Marco Pierre White at his celebrity-filled restaurant Harvey’s. He then became an executive chef at London’s Maze restaurant, owned by Gordon Ramsay, in 2001 where, he says, he learned the business of running a restaurant like “how to spot opportunities [and that] margins are everything,” he says.
After nine years with Ramsay, Atherton opened his first restaurant Table No. 1 in Shanghai and, in 2011, London’s Pollen Street Social. “At the time, I remember being scared stiff of not knowing if I could fill a restaurant on my own or be a Michelin star chef in my own right,” he recalls. But at 39 years old then, it was a now or never decision.
It's certainly a more challenging time to build a restaurant empire these days, he acknowledges, given the current economic climate. "However while it might feel a bit tricky navigating things, there are definitely still opportunities out there. Take Three Darlings, for instance. The Cadogan Estate actually approached us about opening a restaurant in a vacant space. I suppose having an established name can make those conversations a bit smoother."
Indeed, location is more important today than ever as London’s food scene has spread away from the West End, which “is not the coolest part of the city anymore,” he says.
“In the 1980s, there was no such thing as a cool food scene in Brixton,” he says, also naming Shoreditch and Borough Market. “Now, they are the hippest places in London to eat.”
Whilst it’s tough to keep restaurants afloat, Atherton “decided it was our time to have a little growth spurt and we backed it,” he says.
Increasing profit margins is key, he says. “If we operate as a business on 15 per cent profit, we’re doing good.
Connect with Dream Escape to discuss our thoughtfully-crafted travel itineraries
Did you know? The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a hallmark of Scottish pageantry, commemorates its 75th anniversary in 2025. This iconic event showcases the finest military bands from around the globe, set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. For those seeking a truly elevated experience, Dream Escape offers curated VIP experiences, including exclusive access, prime viewing locations and exquisite handpicked Edinburgh hotels.
With over 20 years of experience in the UK luxury hospitality and destination management sectors, Kirsty is truly a powerhouse in the travel industry and Dream Escape is very proud to have her leading our very talented Travel Design team. Her remarkable journey has seen her orchestrate exquisite fine dining events in London’s most iconic venues. She's welcomed dignitaries like the younger Prince William and Catherine Middleton to her family-owned hotel in Somerset.
SPOTLIGHT ON KIRSTY HOSKINS
As a driving force behind the Dream Escape Travel Design team since 2023, Kirsty brings her unparalleled expertise and a visionary approach to travel design. Her commitment to curating unique itineraries is matched only by her fervent belief that every traveller deserves a journey tailored to their aspirations. She excels at connecting clients with the rich culture, stunning landscapes and hidden gems of the UK and Ireland, transforming each trip into a personal narrative that resonates long after the journey ends.
Kirsty’s innovative spirit and keen eye for detail enable her to elevate luxury travel, ensuring that every experience is both extraordinary and meaningful. She inspires her team with her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, instilling a shared vision of excellence that drives the company forward. She also brings a sense of fun to the workplace with her characteristic dry British sense of humour.
kirsty@dreamescape.co.uk
CONNECT WITH KIRSTY
Every journey is a story waiting to be told. With Kirsty steering the way, together with her equally fabulous team, those stories become unforgettable adventures for every Dream Escape client.
A STATELY home from home IN THE CORNISH COUNTRYSIDE
Boconnoc Estate has a story that begins thousands of years ago. Set within the flourishing Cornish countryside, it’s a space to enjoy nature and revel in the magic of a centuries-old Georgian house, alive with history
Words: Natalie Millar-Partridge
DESTINATION: ENGLAND
After twelve years of dedicated refurbishment, Boconnoc offers Dream Escape guests a ‘private estate experience’ with the opportunity to stay at an enchanted stately home, set amongst nature with lashings of Cornish luxury at its heart.
Tucked at the end of two miles of private drive, the opulent country pile provides a haven of tranquility against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery – all with a centuries-old Georgian house front and centre. Surrounded by ancient trees and bourgeoning gardens, it’s a truly special place for a countryside escape, with the properties cleverly weaving a historical thread into modern design.
There’s a bounty of parkland to explore and a rich history to discover within acres of lush gardens, ancient woodlands, a peaceful lake, myriad of walking trails and a hidden tennis court. Above all, it’s a place to reconnect with nature and the wildlife that inhabits it.
Boconnoc is located just a 15-minute drive from the quaint market town of Lostwithiel – famous for its antiques – and a 40-minute drive to the coastal town of Fowey, home to Daphne Du Maurier, horseshoe bays, picturesque estuary views and an array of independent cafes, boutiques and galleries.
The first record of Boconnoc is from the Domesday Book in 1086. The estate has since attracted a host of interesting characters including royals and famous personalities from King Charles I to Thomas ‘Diamond’ Pitt, the former Governor of Madras.
Now, Boconnoc belongs to the Fortescue
family. When Elizabeth’s late husband Anthony first brought her to Boconnoc, they sat looking at the most exquisite but derelict house.
“He promised me that one day the lights would be back on and 25 years later, after a 12-year restoration, the house is complete. It’s the ultimate retreat from the outside world,” says Elizabeth.
An extensive renovation project has transformed the house and cottages to their former glory, offering a luxurious retreat where eye-grabbing interior decor and modern furnishings are fused with period features, all amidst striking Georgian architecture. The collection of properties forming Boconnoc have been masterfully revived by interiors guru Sarah Fortescue, daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth Fortescue. To date, Sarah has completed the interior of Boconnoc’s main house, The Stewardry – a Georgian manor – alongside three of the estate’s cottages.
Sarah grew up living and breathing her father’s restoration of the Grade II-listed family home. Her bold redesign is an eclectic fusion of texture and colour; vibrant and evocative prints inspired from her childhood in Cornwall and Africa with neon colour pops, tropical palms and greens reminiscent of the surrounding countryside. Every nook is carefully considered.
“It was my father’s dream to see the lights on again after falling into a state of disrepair, and over a 12-year period, I watched him lovingly restore Boconnoc with the help of local master craftsmen,” says Sarah.
Boconnoc offers a completely immersive experience on a staggeringly beautiful estate, inviting guests to relax and explore hidden corners, steeped with history. The 18th century Bath House makes for a unique dinner setting and just steps away from the house is Boconnoc’s own historic church. Both the house and grounds provide ample flexibility for use – think candlelit dinners, cosy movie nights in the library, cream teas on the lawn or a spot of cricket on the estate’s own pitch.
STAY AT BOCONNOC AND ENJOY A PRIVATE ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Boconnoc House itself sleeps 19 in total, with comfortable beds made up with crisp cotton bed linen and bright spacious bathrooms kitted out with large rain showers, stand-
and boasts seven bedrooms and a Georgianfront, alongside a rich history. Set in a peaceful valley surrounded by acres of parkland and ancient woodland, it is a blissful spot to take time out.
The property has been thoughtfully redesigned in homage to its unique history and distinct character, showcasing Sarah’s love of pattern, colour and fabric. It creates a fluidity from room-to-room; Sarah’s own wallpaper design features in the Drawing Room, inspired by the garden’s flourishing magnolia grandiflora. Georgian proportions are flooded with natural light, opening up rooms with panelled doors built by Charlestown Joinery, creating magnificent spatial flow.
Downstairs, rooms have open fireplaces
‘Recently redesigned by Sarah Fortescue, The Stewardry is a wildly romantic, 18th century manor house hidden at the end of a two-mile private drive’
alone baths and luxe toiletries. Rooms within the main house are opulent, each with their own unique features; think decadent fabrics, statement mirrors and high-end furnishings with a modern edge and neutral palettes that give way to bright colour-pops and intricate patterns. The Stable Yard is home to three cottages – The Dairy House, The Grooms Cottage and Head Grooms Cottage, sleeping eight, six and four respectively.
Recently redesigned by Sarah, The Stewardry is a wildly romantic, 18th century manor house hidden at the end of a private drive. A wonderful base, the ivy-clad property was once the house for the estate’s land agent
and within the Breakfast Room, a large modern wood burner sits centrally between two vast gilt antique-mirrors. Most of the furniture was sourced throughout the UK and from family at Boconnoc. Pink and red hues are balanced with blues and greens, the former juxtaposed with earthy tones and splashes of yellow within interiors, art and a painted staircase to the back of the house.
Sarah’s late father, had his own furniture business creating handmade British goods in Chippendale style. The ‘Ante Room’ pays homage to him with brown leather Anthony Fortescue chairs, offsetting coral-pink walls. The house is a legacy to both Anthony and
THE BOCONNOC ESTATE
Elizabeth Fortescue.
To showcase the Ante Room, large oak panelled doors were custom-made, opening out into the drawing room and creating two glorious spaces that flow as one. Handpolished wooden floors were brought back to life alongside an existing Wedgewood fire-surround and a beautiful ornate glass door leading onto the lawn, overlooking the stream and across the valley.
Staying in The Stewardry is special – it’s a real treat to walk into the thriving kitchengarden. Pick raspberries for breakfast, stroll the greenhouse for tomatoes, red chillies, cucumbers and courgettes, or gather fresh
mint for tea by the fire – all whilst listening to the gentle flow of the river and uplifting orchestra of birdsong.
With its fascinating history and distinct décor, the Dairy House is the ultimate fusion of old-meets-new. A space to unwind, whilst drinking in some of Cornwall’s most beautiful scenery, it's recently been transformed with playful décor – delightfully bright and textured interiors now set the tone of this gorgeous 18th century stone cottage. It's been in the family for over 100 years and has a fascinating history at the heart. Boasting high ceilings, cosy and inviting rooms and quirky elements throughout, furnishings that have been
THE BOCONNOC ESTATE
sourced from around the globe sit alongside distinctly local touches, hidden within the uncompromising scheme. Classic Boconnoc toile and hand-carved oak furnishings were sourced directly from the estate and set against Sarah’s signature floral wallpaper and clever colour pops.
It’s a peaceful space to enjoy the beauty of Boconnoc, and the transformation project provided an opportunity for Sarah to enhance the use of colour. This is achieved through an eclectic mix of textures and fabrics, inspired by the vibrancy of nature’s palette in spring –particular the hues in the garden from March through to June like peony, salmon-pink, berry
fizz, lime sherbet and sunshine yellow.
Upstairs there are three pretty bedrooms, with the master bedroom boasting Pierre Frey fabric on the blinds. It's reminiscent of the Fortescue family's ancestors, who were great travellers – the fabric is adorned with camels, cows and Asian elephants. Governor Pitt, who bought Boconnoc with the biggest diamond in the world at the time, along with other estates in the UK, was Governor of Madras in India.
The Dairy House sits above the main house of Boconnoc, surrounded by ancient woodland. It's beside the Georgian Bathhouse and dovecote and has exquisite views across to the 14th century church and surrounding
parkland. With its unrivalled position, it’s a treat to sit at the table beside the stoep, looking down across the lake that's abundant with Canada geese and swans.
It’s an incredibly restorative house – the perfect spot for a Cornish adventure. Think peaceful coastlines, deep valleys and cider farms – all with the exquisite energy of the estate. It was important to the Fortescues that the history of the estate remained at the heart of this fascinating transformation, with the Dairy House a reminder of the historic threads woven through the property. With its fabulous fusion of design blending eras and styles to create a completely unique aesthetic, it provides a special place for guests to stay that is both vibrant and alluring.
ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
Boconnoc provides a spectacular base, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in the surrounding landscape and enjoy some of the onsite activities. Dream Escape will take
care of every element of your stay, including organising tailored activities, bespoke events and private catering experiences.
A fabulous foodie experience with local Cornwall chef, Fiona Were With over 30 years of experience, Fiona Were is an award-winning international chef with a wealth of knowledge from her travels. Fiona brings her passion to the kitchen to create something exciting and truly memorable for every occasion. From intimate suppers to exquisite tasting menus and celebratory dinner parties, a private dining event at Boconnoc is an unforgettable experience.
Kitchen Garden
The beautiful kitchen garden allows guests to pick fresh, seasonal produce during their stay. Located just a short walk from The Stewardry, it’s a wholesome spot to spend time before heading back to your cottage to create delicious dishes with zero food miles.
THE BOCONNOC ESTATE
Private catering on the estate: Boconnoc offers a varied list of local caterers and private chefs to cater to your requirements, as well as endless unique dinner settings. If you’re looking to elevate your stay with a private dining experience, Dream Escape will take care of all your catering needs, bringing you a completely unique, bespoke and delicious dining experience. The outdoor kitchen is a superb space to gather everyone together, light the camp fire and enjoy al fresco dining under the wide skies. Set next to the waterpowered sawmill, surrounded by nature, it’s a truly magical setting.
Walking and running trails: Boconnoc boasts endless countryside walks, with plenty of routes on the doorstep. Enjoy exploring the expanse of this ancient land, discovering hidden areas that are steeped in history; Boconnoc is a
peaceful space to soak up the very best of the seasons - stroll the grounds from the waterfall, along the Stewardry, walk to the tennis court, take the path up to the Dorothy Gardens, picnic at the lake, hike up to the deer park or fish for trout in the nearby River Fowey. Outside of the estate, discover the South West Coast Path to the picture-perfect Lantic Bay – a large shingly beach, great for picnicking.
Mountain Biking: Explore the endless tracks, private roads and trails, within the confines of the estate by mountain bike, available to guests as a brilliant way to discover the estate, ensuring no path is left uncovered.
Yoga session: Take your relaxation up a notch with a private yoga session. Surrounded by nature, the estate boasts a super restorative setting to embrace your inner zen.
Tennis: Perfect your forehand to the glorious backdrop of Cornish countryside; the stunning tennis court is tucked away between the Shrubbery and Stewardry, providing the perfect setting for this quintessentially British game.
Foraging: Dream Escape can arrange private foraging walks around the estate with a local foraging expert. Breathe in the fresh Cornish air whilst foraging at the many bountiful spots around the estate – think wild garlic, tart blackberries and an abundance of leafy greens - the perfect accompaniment to your evening barbecue dining experience.
Games and creative crafts space: Let the landscape of Boconnoc inspire you, and allow your imagination to run wild in the gorgeous Stable yard, a brilliant spot with plenty of resources to embrace your creativity. There’s a fully equipped games room, perfect for the younger generation – complete with table football, pool table, ping pong. and also plenty of outdoor games available from football goals and croquet to giant jenga, and ring toss.
Treatments: Boconnoc is a prime space to rest and recharge with an inhouse treatment from a private therapist, allowing you to maximise your relaxing stay.
Private live-in chef: Alongside the delicious breakfast hampers, including a selection of rustic breads, pastries, Hugo’s Cornish granola, fresh berries, Greek yogurt, local jam, and freshly ground coffee, (guests of the Stewardry and Boconnoc House) Dream Escape can arrange for guests to have a private live-in chef for the duration of your stay.
Dining experiences in the local area: From the creative, in-house dishes at The King of Prussia in Fowey to the succulent Cornish steaks and seafood served at The Longstore overlooking the harbour, the local dining scene is a real treat. North Street Kitchen entices foodies with its rustic, open-plan space, offering inventive seafood plates alongside stunning views of Fowey’s estuary, while Crocadon Farm prides itself on organic ingredients, crafting menus based on produce grown right on its soilcentric land.
In the charming village of Lanlivery, The Crown Inn is one of Cornwall’s oldest pubs, serving hearty seasonal dishes complemented by local ales. Not far away, The Fish Market in Looe specialises in tapas-style dining with the freshest fish and shellfish, all enjoyed with picturesque river views. With such a delightful array of restaurants nearby, there’s no shortage of delectable experiences waiting to be savoured
THE KINGDOM'S EDGE
The Dingle Peninsula, with its weather-beaten landscape, is a wonderland for wildlife lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and those with a hearty appetite for good food and drink
Words: Melanie May
DESTINATION: IRELAND'S WILD ATLANTIC WAY
Located along the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry, southwest Ireland, Dingle stuns with its cinematic landscape and excites with coves and caves, beaches and bays waiting to be explored. For thrill-seekers, hiking, biking, boating and surfing await; for those looking to chill, history, heritage and heart-stirring scenery beckon.
Irish people call Kerry ‘The Kingdom’ and though it isn’t mythical, it is magical. The way the light shimmers over the mountains, how the ocean restlessly changes colour and character – it’s spellbinding. Life on the peninsula moves at its own rhythm. This isn’t a place to rush through ticking-off sights; it’s a place to linger, to let moments unfold. Losing track of time, getting lost in the ever-shifting seascapes, and allowing the landscape to guide your journey is the best way to embrace the
experience, and Dream Escape will take care of every detail to make it truly effortless.
To whet your appetite, here are some of Dream Escape’s favourite ways to discover the wonders of the region and the warmth of the people on a uniquely curated Ireland journey.
DISCOVERING DINGLE
Start by exploring on two wheels, cycling along winding coastal roads and stopping to soak in the views at your own pace. Prefer paddling over pedalling? A guided kayak tour lets you glide along the coastline to hidden coves and inlets. Or simply sit back and soak it all in on a private charter around Dingle Bay, with front-row seats to Ireland’s most captivating coastal scenery and the chance to spot whales and dolphins drawn in by the Gulf Stream that warms the waters around these parts. For an adrenaline rush, take to the waves on a
high-speed RIB from Tralee Bay. As you zip towards the Maharees, where Brandon Bay meets the Atlantic, you’ll hear tales of monks, castles, U-boats and smugglers, bringing the region’s rich history to life.
For a more relaxed journey, Dream Escape will create a bespoke, chauffeur-driven tour around Slea Head. Along the way, you’ll pass Dunquin Harbour, home to the iconic Sheep’s Highway, a steep, winding path once used to herd sheep onto boats bound for the Blasket Islands. As part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way, this route also winds through colourful towns and dramatic mountain roads, including the breathtaking Conor Pass, one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes.
SET-JETTING
With scenery this cinematic, it’s no surprise that Dingle has long been a favourite of filmmakers. On a bespoke Dingle Film Walk, a local expert shares behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood productions shot in the area,
including Ryan’s Daughter, Far and Away and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Star Wars fans are in for a treat, as some of the most iconic scenes in The Last Jedi were also filmed here.
THE DINGLE WAY
As mentioned, the Dingle Peninsula is best explored at a slower pace, taking time to appreciate its treasures. A walk along the Dingle Way blows away the cobwebs and rewards you with painterly views of patchwork green hills rolling into jewel-toned waters. The trail winds past historical sites, including an 1845 stone tower and a charming red-and-white lighthouse and keeper’s cottage. It’s a postcard-worthy scene.
If you like feeling the sand beneath your feet, Dingle’s beaches are among the most picturesque in Ireland. Maharees, Coumeenoole Beach, Ventry Beach and Inch Strand are particularly popular for swimming, surfing and horse riding. You can also join the locals on Minard Beach at low tide when
Pictured previous page left to right: Staircase leading to the Dunquin Pier; ancient beehive huts; Rossbeigh Beach.
Pictured left to right: coastal road in Slea Head; Thyme Out Cafe & Delicatessen in Dingle town.
‘You’ll find warm hospitality, live music and a whiskey selection to impress any connoisseur. Whether you’re sharing stories with the locals or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s no better place to sample this true taste of Irish culture’
the waters are calm and inviting for a quiet dip. Whilst on the beach, why not linger a little longer with a luxury picnic arranged by Dream Escape ? Enjoy cosy blankets, baskets of homemade delicacies, chilled champagne and the company of those who appreciate the finer things in life, all set against the romantic backdrop of the westernmost edge of Europe.
HISTORY, HERITAGE & HIDDEN ISLANDS
Dingle’s storied past and deep connection to the sea is woven into the very fabric of the peninsula. On a private tour of the Blasket Centre, you’ll discover the history of the nowuninhabited islands off the west coast and
the rich heritage of their former community brought to life through engaging exhibitions, artefacts and artworks. Dream Escape can arrange a private boat trip to the islands, where you can wander through crumbling stone cottages and ancient beehive huts. If you follow the old sheep trail, you’ll find yourself on the edge of the island, where the next stop is America.
Those beehive huts are also found on the Skellig Islands, where they once served as monastic shelters and later as Jedi hideaways in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. A private charter will take you to these otherworldly outcrops, where you’ll also find an early Christian monastery and thriving seabird colonies, including puffins and gannets.
HANDCRAFTED MEMENTOS
For guests who appreciate fine craftsmanship, Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive visit to Louis Mulcahy Pottery, one of Ireland’s most renowned ceramic studios. For over 50 years, Louis has created handcrafted pottery using traditional techniques that celebrate the region’s raw beauty. With his collection now available only at his studio or online, a visit here is a rare opportunity to purchase an exquisite piece of Irish art, which can be safely shipped home.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
All that sea air will no doubt whip up your appetite, and the Dingle Peninsula is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eyes. From seafood fresh off the boat to time-honoured regional specialities and handcrafted ice cream infused with local ingredients, the culinary scene is as authentic as it is delicious.
Equally inviting are its traditional pubs, which are as much about the craic as they are about the pints. Step inside and you’ll find warm hospitality, live music and a
whiskey selection to impress any connoisseur. Whether you’re sharing stories with the locals or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s no better place to sample this true taste of Irish culture.
WHERE TO STAY
Kerry has plenty of five-star places to stay, but its elegant country houses have a character all their own. Grand yet inviting, they blend luxury with old-world charm, offering a genuine experience of Ireland’s renowned hospitality. At Park Hotel Kenmare, guests can slow down, take in the timeless surroundings and savour seasonal dishes in the restaurants. At Sheen Falls Lodge, you can enjoy romantic walks around the estate’s cascading waterfalls, followed by a fireside nightcap. Nature lovers will adore the Killarney Park Hotel, which is located right beside the National Park and has interiors inspired by Kerry’s landscapes. Wherever you lay your head, you’ll feel the warmth of Ireland’s céad míle fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes.
Pictured clockwise from left: John Sheehy, glazer at Louis Mulcahy Pottery; jug and mug set at Louis Mulcahy Pottery; Sheen Falls Lodge, one of the world's first Two Michelin key Hotels
A quintessentially English Country House estate in the Surrey Hills. Our 56 bedroom hotel and spa is only a short journey from Central London, Heathrow or Gatwick airport, nestled within 470 acres of grounds.
DESTINATION: ENGLAND
2025 celebrates 25 years of River Cottage, where food to inspire change sits at the heart
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is the charismatic force behind River Cottage, a culinary haven celebrated for its ethos of sustainability and local sourcing. Nestled in the picturesque countryside on the Devon and Dorset border, River Cottage operates as a farm, cookery school and restaurant all in one, embodying Hugh’s passion for seasonal produce and ethical cooking.
HARVESTING the good LIFE
Natalie Millar-Partridge interviews Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall and uncovers the inspiring stories and sustainable practices behind River Cottage
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall shot to fame with his sustainable venture at River Cottage in 1999 with a TV series of six half-hour episodes called Escape to River Cottage that he thought at the time would remain just that. Fast forward 25 years, and River Cottage celebrates a quarter of a century of sustainable practices, an ode to the hard graft of a team who evidently care about what they do. When Hugh began renting the original River Cottage – a tiny lockkeeper’s cottage near Netherby in Dorset – it was meant to be a temporary bolthole from London, but the idyllic countryside got under his skin and before long, he felt inspired to leave the city behind to seek out a more self-sufficient and sustainable way of life in the West Country.
The River Cottage story grew thereon to become a fully organic farm certified by the Soil Association, and is home to pigs, sheep and laying hens, alongside frequent local breed of cattle, Devon Ruby Reds. The site is also the
home of the River Cottage Cookery School which has since grown, becoming the base for a year-round calendar of courses, events and dining experiences.
Following Hugh’s holistic ethos of respecting the environment, much of the produce comes from the 100-acre site, with the same ideals guiding him since his journey in the countryside began.
Hugh and his team are pioneers of the sustainably-driven developments across the county, with River Cottage sitting at the heart of sustainability. Hugh is a trailblazer of the field-to-fork scene, which has since become a growing trend across the UK.
The farm itself sits in the middle of approximately 100 acres of a hidden valley within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Devon and Dorset border, with the Jurassic Coast and the fishing towns of Lyme Regis, Beer, Branscombe and Charmouth on the doorstep.
From the doorstep, there’s chance to explore the organic farmland or walk the coast
path to the highest point on the south coast –The Golden Cap – for a truly stunning setting. River Cottage sits just three miles from Lyme Regis, a brilliant spot for fishing and trailing the famous beaches for fossils that range from 70 to 200 million years old.
Having previously been used as the set for Hugh’s River Cottage series, the entire farmhouse was renovated to provide guest accommodation. Split into two parts, the original section of the Dorset Long House boasts three bedrooms, and the Gardener’s cottage is a self-contained section that has two further bedrooms.
Dating back to the 17th century, it’s a delightful spot to immerse yourself in nature. A traditional West Country longhouse, it has been sympathetically refurbished, respecting the interiors with crafted fixtures and fittings from British manufacturers. True to the River Cottage ethos, it is rooted in sustainability and influenced by the rural surrounds. Over 400 years old, the historic fabric of the farmhouse remains with interiors revamped into a simple, stylish living space using VOC-free paints and services. Guests can enjoy local, custom-made products and upholstered furnishings fused with original features including elm floor
Guests can stay in beautifully restored farm buildings, designed to blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Pictured below: MasterChef Finalist Chiara Tomasoni. Pictured right: Gardeners Cottage; formerly the accommodation for the head gardener.
boards, Blue Lias stone floors, exposed beams, stable doors and large fireplaces set against a contemporary palette of greys and neutrals. There's painted wood-cladding, timber and flagstone floors and sheepskin throws – think modern-functionality to a centuries-old space with a minimal, pre-loved aesthetic.
Also on site is the new Planted Cabin, a beautifully designed off-grid space that works to bring the outside-in, embodying Hugh’s ethos. Sustainably designed with a cold water shower and surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect little off grid space to sleep under the stars and immerse yourself in a River Cottage experience the following day.
Whether it’s completely off-grid or just
When the farm was purchased in 2005, the number one priority was to find a hidden valley. The team looked at over 20 farms and settled on Park Farm for the one single reason – its location, ensconced, a kilometre down a farm track.
“We effectively don’t have any neighbours and that’s what we have lived on ever since,” enthuses Stewart Dodd, Chief Executive at River Cottage HQ.
The River Cottage ethos begins with food, adopting the SLOW principles of eating – seasonal, local, organic and wild – where all of the food is either produced on the farm, supplied by neighbouring growers, caught by local fisherman or foraged around the farm.
‘The new Planted Cabin is a beautifully designed off-grid space that works to bring the outside-in, embodying Hugh’s ethos. It's sustainably designed with a cold water shower and is surrounded by nature’
a chance to slow down, listen to the stillness and take some learning back into daily life.
The Gardener’s Cottage, The Farmhouse and Planted Cabin provide tranquil settings for a restorative escape.
On arrival, one of the friendly and knowledgeable team will transport you down the winding-track to the farmhouse – a treat in itself with staggering views across the valley opening up in front of you.
On site, there’s the opportunity to wander-freely, discover the walled-vegetable and herb-garden, polytunnels, free-range chickens, sheep, cows and pigs – all of which are raised to the highest standards.
“These principles are then adopted by the entire team to ensure guests have a totally immersive experience in nature; whatever the weather, we have everyone picking produce in the gardens, foraging in the fields or engaging with the animals that will at one point end up on the plate,” says Stewart.
It’s a wholly immersive experience where you are at one with the food you eat, paired with a glass of natural wine or a River Cottage beer or cider within a beautiful and cosseting countryside setting. For the urbanite, it’s a time to change gear and embrace a slower pace of life. Perfect for foodies and nature lovers, Dream Escape can arrange a completely
tailored experience. The farm hosts a series of chef’s tables and feast nights in a wholesome setting – simply walk across the courtyard for your culinary event or workshop held at the Cookery School.
Guests at River Cottage can wander the entire site, visit the animals – and if timed right, meet the new piglets – take in the apiaries, of which there are three with various different types of beehives, and orchards with over 100 apples, soft fruit and nut trees. There are also growing tunnels with ample varieties of tomato and herbs and a propagation tunnel where the team create their own seedlings, before planting them either in the growing tunnels or the various gardens.
CELEBRATING THE SEASONS OVER 25 YEARS
Rewind 25 years to when Hugh made the first ever TV series of Escape to River Cottage and he had absolutely no notion that it would be anything other than six half-hour shows about downsizing to the country. Dream Escape chats to him about his original vision for River Cottage and how it has evolved.
“It might have only ever been those six shows, but somehow we got a second series, and then a third, followed by a book, and then I had the idea that River Cottage could also be a place for people to visit, feast and learn how to grow food and forage, make artisan foods, and do all the fun stuff that I’d been doing in the shows,”
‘It’s a wholly immersive experience where you’re at one with the food you eat within a beautiful and cosseting countryside setting. For the urbanite, it’s a time to change gear and embrace a slower pace of life’
Plans are in place for a series of new accommodation offerings, including a small and beautifully designed building in the courtyard that will offer a further 11 rooms for guests to stay, alongside a series of around nine off-grid cabins spread across the 100 acres – some with hot tubs, saunas and access to wild swimming.
Visiting the HQ, surrounded by the abundant Devon countryside, simply being in this incredibly wholesome environment where nature thrives will be sure to inspire locals and visitors alike to create and enjoy healthier dishes using more diverse, locally grown ingredients.
Hugh says.
Once Hugh and the team had created River Cottage HQ, he realised they had a big responsibility to look after the land, guests and wider team who made everything possible.
“I believe we have a fantastic team who work together to give our guests something very special that they won’t find anywhere else,” enthuses Hugh.
River Cottage has grown and diversified over the years, with the latest development being to create the restaurant, River Cottage Kitchen & Store in what was once the team’s office building. “We’ve grown slowly and organically, and I think that’s been very
healthy for us. We went about the changes to Kitchen & Store, after the pandemic and haven’t looked back – the new location offers the most amazing views over the countryside. It’s very special that we now have a place that’s open every day, where anyone can drop in and get a taste of what we do.”
With an ethos of ‘food to inspire change’, Hugh and his team aim to help their guests have a more intimate and fulfilling connection with the food they eat.
“We aim to bring pleasure and goodness to our guests lives every day, which means different things to different people. Some want to learn how to grow veg, others to make amazing charcuterie and cheese or bake beautiful sourdough bread. And right now, lots of people want to understand and explore the pleasures and benefits of fermented foods. Luckily, we have our brilliant fermentation guru Rachel de Thample to teach this fascinating and rewarding skill. Personally, I love teaching the veg day on our four-day cookery course, helping people realise just what amazing tastes and fantastic dishes can be put together from plants.”
When Hugh and the team purchased Park Farm in 2006 and began to create River Cottage HQ, they realised that they had found an incredible place, though didn’t quite foresee it being the celebrated venture it is today.
“It’s taken almost 20 years of gentle, organic development to make it what it is today, and I’m pleased to say there are more exciting plans to come. We’d like to offer more accommodation on site, while keeping true to the spirit of sustainable development, so we can showcase the most environmentally friendly approach to hospitality in all that we do.”
Hugh’s latest book, How to Eat 30 Plants a Week, has been a huge success, and for anyone who feels they may struggle with this concept, he has plenty of tips for getting those 30 plants into your diet.
“Start by reminding yourself of all the delicious plant foods you already know and enjoy, even if they have fallen off your radar. It’s not just about fresh seasonal veg and fruit, brilliant though these ingredients are – healthy store cupboard ingredients like pulses, nuts, seeds and spices all have a great role to play and we need to start reaching for them more often.”
A chat with Hugh wouldn’t be complete without learning what his desert island vegetables would be, if he could choose just three. “Just three ingredients can really make a dish sing – for example, onions, tomatoes and green beans balance out really well; the intense sweet savoury allium kick of onions, the amazing aromatic, sweet, fresh juiciness of tomatoes, and the wholesome crunch of the green beans. And I could let some of the beans grow on and harvest them for podding, so I’d have my cannellini beans too. Plus they’d all go really well with the fish I hope I’d be catching!”
FEAST NIGHTS AT RIVER COTTAGE
Three different feast-style offerings are available, ranging from a hearty weekend lunch affair to the Long Table Feast consisting of a six-course menu. For the real gourmands, there’s an all-inclusive Chef's Table for an intimate number of guests where River Cottage chefs cook with the guests through the whole evening – perfect for anyone looking for a fully immersive event. During feast nights, guests not only have the chance to enjoy food that is organically grown on site, but there's also the opportunity to learn about
The farmhouse at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage embodies sustainable living, featuring an organic kitchen garden that reflects a commitment to farm-to-table cooking and a close connection to nature
the origins and flavours, with the kitchen open to diners questions whilst watching the chefs at work. Dining experiences are held in the barn, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients and incorporating latest recipes, as well as River Cottage favourites.
For an unforgettable experience at River Cottage, Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive four-course feast with Hugh, celebrating the very best of seasonal produce.
The wholesome feast allows guests to enjoy quality time with one of the UK’s most influential chefs and broadcasters, including
welcome drinks and canapés in the garden. Take the opportunity to get books signed and have photographs taken with the River Cottage founder. Back in the barn, Hugh will share his philosophy of food, thoughts about the season and the latest news at River Cottage, followed by the chance to ask questions.
One of the best celebrity chef dining experiences in the UK, it’s a truly special evening, where guests can delight in a little one-on-one time with Hugh over an unforgettable meal created by him and the team.
A TASTE OF RIVER COTTAGE WITH HUGH
If you prefer to get stuck in, and learn new techniques and cooking practices from a foodie guru, there’s also the unique opportunity to book onto a classic cookery course, ‘A Taste of River Cottage with Hugh’. Hugh curated this exciting one-day course, including supper, to give just ten guests a memorable River Cottage experience. Spend time both cooking and chatting with Hugh in the Kitchen Garden and the Cookery School. It's a brilliantly insightful day of cooking alongside one of the nations most celebrated chefs to create a delicious feast to enjoy at the end of the day. Enjoy chatting to Hugh throughout the day and learn about the River
SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE SITE
The sustainability journey started when building the structure of the HQ, using local materials and sustainable building techniques to create the farm. In designing the courtyard of buildings, the team embarked on their journey, ensuring their fuel sources were as ecological as possible and becoming early adopters of renewable technologies – biomass heats the water, a wind turbine provides some of the electricity and minimal gas is used for cooking. This is LPG rather than natural gas, with water and waste systems that are completely off-grid. Much of the food waste is composted and any electricity bought is provided by Octopus Energy and comes from 100% renewable sources.
‘Enjoy chatting to Hugh throughout the day. There’s also a chance to walk with Hugh in the garden and surrounding farm, foraging for some homegrown and wild ingredients to use in your veg-based cooking session’
Cottage philosophy and the 25-year journey that has led him to where he is today. There’s also a chance to walk with Hugh in the garden and surrounding farm, foraging for some homegrown and wild ingredients to use in your veg-based cooking session. This is a wonderful opportunity to take some learning back into daily life and enjoy a fabulous feast based around the dishes you have made. Delight in Hugh’s knowledge over drinks, take pictures and tuck into a unique and personal menu created together. Cooking with Hugh offers guests an unbeatable experience, with a deep dive into the River Cottage ethos surrounding cooking and eating, which is all about food to inspire change.
Dream Event specialises in crafting and executing exceptional events tailored to your unique needs. We work side by side with our clients to understand their requirements.
Whether it’s incentives, conferences, dinners, product launches or unique events, our experienced team excels in handling all aspects of event creation, planning, and delivery.
With strong industry connections, we provide a seamless and professional experience that is marked by creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and high service levels. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every event we undertake surpasses expectations.
Contact Karen Murray for more information. karen@dream-event.co.uk
Experience a first-class level of corporate engagement and event management: dream-event.co.uk
DESTINATION:
NORTHERN IRELAND
THE allure of PORTRUSH
With wild landscapes and a stunning coastline, Portrush is a gateway to Northern Ireland’s rich heritage. From weather-beaten beaches to historic castles, there is plenty to discover beyond the fairways.
Words: Melanie May
Located in County Antrim on Northern Ireland’s dramatic North Coast, Portrush is a town where land and sea collide in spectacular fashion. It’s a place of rolling dunes, crashing waves and storied landscapes where ancient castles stand guard over rugged cliffs. Just over an hour from Belfast, the drive to Portrush winds along one of the most scenic coastlines in Ireland with cinematic Atlantic views.
As the home of Royal Portrush Golf Club, one of the world’s finest links courses, the town has long been a premier golfing destination. The club hosted The Open Championship in 2019 and will welcome it again in July 2025. In anticipation, Dunluce Lodge, a luxurious five-star retreat, has recently opened beside the fourth fairway, offering Dream Escape guests unparalleled views over the course and coastline.
Nearby, Castlerock, Ballycastle and Portstewart are just a few of the many links courses spoiling golfers with spectacular scenery and challenging play. The Royal County Down is also worth visiting.
Though golf is a big draw, there’s much more to discover beyond the fairways, including immersive experiences and rich local culture. Dream Escape handles every detail, from securing tee times to curating bespoke activities for the non-golfers.
Portrush is the epitome of natural beauty, perching on a peninsula sculpted by the wild Atlantic and glorious beaches on both sides. One of the loveliest on this North Antrim Coast is East Strand, where shimmering dunes create a scenic setting for sunbathing, surfing, barefoot strolls and horseback rides. Following this stretch of golden sand along the coastline, you’ll come to Whiterocks, where weathered limestone cliffs and sculpted sea caves create a remarkable sight.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on way to explore the North Coast, a luxury horseback riding tour is truly special. Your day begins at an 18th century family farmhouse, where you’ll be welcomed with high tea, warm Irish hospitality and a tour of the Patterson family’s working farm. Then, it’s time to saddle up for a ride through rolling countryside or across coastal trails. It’s an
exhilarating way to appreciate the timeless beauty of this part of the world.
To truly embrace Portrush’s deep ties to the sea, rise early for a fishing trip—just as locals have for generations. As dawn breaks, Dream Escape will arrange a private boat with an expert skipper, and you’ll head into the Atlantic, casting your line as the first light dances on the waves. With the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle as your backdrop, you’ll reel in the freshest seafood before a private chef transforms it into a gourmet meal served with uninterrupted sea views.
Dream Escape ’s Travel Designers will also arrange behind-the-ropes experiences for guests seeking a deeper connection to
Northern Ireland’s history and heritage. You’ll travel through the region in a chauffeur-driven Range Rover with our trusted travel partner and knowledgeable guide, Mark, (pictured right) who brings the region’s history, nature and folklore to life by highlighting what makes this place unique.
As Mark puts it, “from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant local culture, each moment here invites you to explore the past and appreciate the beauty of the present.”
One of the best ways to explore Northern Ireland’s past is with a visit to Glenarm Castle, where Lord Antrim has granted Dream Escape clients exclusive access. Enter the ancestral home of the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim, and wander through the grand drawing room, dining room and the elegant ‘Blue Room’ where the family butler and house staff share stories, offering a rare glimpse into centuries of noble heritage. End your visit with a ramble through the charming 17th century Walled Garden, savouring the privilege of experiencing one of Northern Ireland’s most historic estates in a way few will.
Another highlight of any visit to County Antrim is Dunluce Castle. Once the home of the Earl of Antrim, this medieval fortress stands dramatically on a cliff’s edge, creating a striking spectacle. Step back in time and
Pictured previous page clockwise from top left: Dunluce Castle; coast and cliffs, Wishing Arch on the Causeway Coast; a unique equestrian experience; Royal Portrush Golf Course; Carrick a Rede Bridge. This page left to right: Dunluce Castle looking out from the banqueting hall; Carrick a Rede Bridge; Dream Escape’s trusted travel partner and knowledgeable guide, Mark; The famous Giant's Causeway
discover life ‘above and below stairs’ as the castle’s butler and gardener share fascinating accounts and detailed historical insights, painting a rich picture of its remarkable past.
Fans of Game of Thrones may recognise Dunluce Castle as the inspiration for House Greyjoy’s stronghold, but it’s just one of many filming sites in the area. The Dark Hedges (the Kingsroad), Ballintoy Harbour (the Iron Islands), and Murlough Bay (Slaver’s Bay) all played starring roles in the series, and Dream Escape can arrange a guided tour, where behind-the-scenes insights bring the world of Westeros to life.
Beyond its cinematic connections, this coastline is the perfect setting for adventure, and few places rival the thrill of crossing the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Fishermen once braved the swaying path between the mainland and the island - are you daring enough to follow?
Feel the rush as you traverse this natural limestone arch, suspended high above the crashing waves. On the other side, private access to the historic fisherman’s cottage offers a glimpse into its seafaring past with captivating tales that reveal the myths and legends of the Causeway Coast.
If you need to steady your nerves after braving the rope bridge, a smooth dram of whiskey might be just the thing. A short drive away, the village of Bushmills is home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive behindthe-scenes tour of Bushmills Distillery and a private tasting of rare and aged expressions. This intimate experience is the perfect way to warm up before continuing your journey along the Causeway Coast.
Speaking of which, no trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, one of the world’s most iconic geological wonders. Marvel at the formation of approximately 40,000 basalt columns as you are guided by an expert storyteller who shares his family’s deeprooted connection to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Nature Reserve. With the sunsetting and the wild Atlantic crashing against the rocks, this is the perfect place to reflect on the legends, landscapes, and moments that define this land
TIMELESS ELEGANCE in THE PEAK DISTRICT
Inspired by the Devonshire family's collections and the surrounding landscape, a redesign in homage to its unique history and sense of place breathes new life into the Chatsworth Estate
Words: Natalie Millar-Partridge
DESTINATION: THE PEAK DISTRICT
For an unforgettable escape at the heart of the Peak District National Park, head to the Chatsworth Estate, home to the Devonshire family. It comprises of a Grade I listed house, stables and thriving garden where you will have unrivalled access to everything this beautiful part of the country has to offer. Expert-led tours of the house and garden take you through Chatsworth’s public rooms, including the 2025 exhibition The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth, providing a detailed commentary on artwork and interiors from the Devonshire Collections.
It's a unique collection of hotels, cottages and distinct heritage properties, all of which have been inspired by Chatsworth’s art and people. The estate offers the chance to sink into a little luxury with furnishings and interiors chosen from Chatsworth and local makers, with books and art from the Devonshire family’s personal collection housing one of Europe’s most significant private art collections, much of which is on public display.
Dream Escape will arrange an immersive stay with every element taken care of, ensuring a completely tailored experience; whether you’re looking for scenic hikes and adventure-based outdoor activities, creative pursuits for a little escapism or a restorative break in nature, Chatsworth is sure to enamour you with its magic.
Chatworth’s connection with the community goes back 500 years, working
closely with locals to preserve and protect the land. It's reminiscent of the array of properties that share an intricate sense of place, with a historic thread that runs throughout the collection. From shepherd’s huts immersed in nature to elegant hotels and those that tell a story, all of the accommodation offerings are on and around the estate alongside two pubs, The Beeley Inn and The Pilsley Inn, with the house, garden and farm shop a short distance away.
This exquisite estate is certainly a place to embrace the great outdoors and reconnect with nature, with over a 1,000 acres of parkland thriving with wildlife and biodiversity. There's roaming deer herds, ancient woodlands and miles of riverside walks alongside its own garden, farmyard and woodland playground, offering a chance to press pause and immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape.
THE CAVENDISH HOTEL
The Cavendish Hotel sits at the heart of the Chatsworth Estate with stunning views
DESTINATION: THE PEAK DISTRICT
of the surrounding landscape and natural beauty of the Peak District. The striking property boasts 28 characterful bedrooms with uncompromising countryside views, a large outdoor terrace and a three AA Rosette restaurant, The Gallery, serving innovative, locally sourced dishes in relaxed surrounds, curated by Executive Chef, Adam Harper. For a one-of-a-kind experience, Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive dinner at the restaurant’s kitchen table, where guests can watch the team preparing a bespoke menu. For more relaxed dining, there's also The Garden Room, inspired by the glasshouses at Chatsworth, perfect for taking in the environment.
Stay at The Cavendish Hotel for a memorable experience, immersed in nature with doorstep access to Chatworth’s historic house, garden and parkland with its spectacular biodynamic landscape. It's home to an abundance of wildlife with heritage sites, the pretty villages of Derbyshire and
the Peak District. It’s the perfect base to take time out and enjoy an authentic rural escape, offering an extensive range of bespoke activities from expertly-planned walking routes and gardening tours to a curio of arts and crafts workshops and wellness days.
The hotel has been carefully restored and recently unveiled a fresh new aesthetic after the completion of an extensive redesign, bringing together the very best British designers and local makers, fusing expert craftsmanship and timeless elegance to breathe new life into the space. The impressive country pile has been sustainably redesigned by renowned interior designer Nicola Harding, working in close partnership with Laura Burlington, taking inspiration from the Chatsworth’s art and interiors collection and celebrating exquisite local craftsmanship and furniture design with some standout pieces chosen from the Devonshire Collections.
The beautiful design draws on elements from Chatsworth and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside, reconnecting the building with its history and reigniting a sense of place with a personal thread that is woven throughout. Artwork has been sourced from the family’s private collection, showcasing watercolours of the house and grounds alongside more contemporary works, with black and white family photographs adding historical intrigue to the bar. Antique furniture, stone fireplaces and heritage features are set against bright colour pops, adding a
The Devonshire Group brings together the charities, businesses and estates in the care of the Devonshire family. The family is committed to preserving, restoring and enhancing the heritage assets in its care for future generations, and to being a significant contributor to the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of its communities.
playfulness to the scheme with upholstery and fabrics woven in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. Featured works adorn the walls by acclaimed artists Elisabeth Frink, Phyllida Barlow, Lisa Brice, Elizabeth Peyton and Jeremy Deller.
Nicola’s delightful interior scheme grew out of the personal story of the Devonshire family and their connection to the Chatsworth Estate with a strong emphasis on partnership, sourcing locally and providing employment and training in the local community. The number one priority was sourcing standout pieces locally from upholsters, craftspeople and makers, with every detail developed in close conversation with Laura Burlington.
There’s also the unique opportunity to view exhibitions created by leading artists, designer makers and contemporary artisans, or to fish against the backdrop of a Grade I listed house.
Exclusive Chatsworth House tours offer private art viewings, behind-thescenes access to the library and tower, glasshouse drinks and cascade activation.
Explore the estate with guided walks and garden tours, (plant ID, kitchen garden), and learn about its history, art, and conservation work. Connect with Nature Wellness Days – yoga and riverside Tai Chi run throughout the
‘Connect with Nature Wellness Days – yoga and riverside Tai Chi run throughout the seasons, offering the chance to slow down and invite a little mindfulness within Chatsworth’s peaceful surroundings’
“Nicola has created a space that manages to be wonderfully comfortable and full of insights to Chatsworth and it’s collections. I hope it’s an environment that our guests find inspiring and can enjoy the bounties of Derbyshire food, craft and landscapes,” enthuses Laura.
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
Chatsworth hosts an exciting programme of events for both adults and children yearround – from trying your hand at chicken husbandry and drystone walling to arts and crafts pursuits – these include drawing in the sculpture gallery, a willow weaving masterclass, paper wreath workshop and printmaking club.
seasons, offering the chance to slow down and invite a little mindfulness within Chatsworth’s peaceful surroundings.
The team at Dream Escape will arrange tailored experiences to suit your personal tastes and preferences, alongside the exclusivity of going behind-the-scenes of small batch gin distilleries, breweries and ice cream makers or discovering local artists, jewellery and homeware designers.
EXPLORE THE PEAK DISTRICT
The hotel’s location in the breathtaking landscape of the Peak District is arguably the real draw. Dream Escape can organise carefully-curated British countryside experiences, allowing you to discover all
DESTINATION: THE PEAK DISTRICT
the area has to offer; embark on expertlyplanned walking and cycling routes, spot bird and wildlife and for adventure seekers, rock climbing and abseiling can be arranged with experienced guides.
Further afield, there’s opportunity to explore the pretty village of Baslow, home to independent boutiques, superb pubs and access to the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail – a 55-mile stretch through the outstanding heritage-rich landscapes of the Peak District. Or perhaps pick up the Monsal Trail – an 8.5-
mile traffic-free route for horse riding, cycling and walking – the perfect amble, amidst some of the area’s dramatic limestone dales.
A registered charity, The Chatsworth House Trust is dedicated to looking after the house, collections, garden and parkland for everyone. The estate plays an important role in the community as a thriving cultural and educational destination with its historic landscape and a working estate that operates with a mindful approach to the environment and sustainable practices .
FREQUENTLY asked QUESTIONS
Why should I use a Destination Management Company (DMC)?
When you appoint a DMC like Dream Escape, you are taking on a team of professionals with a deep and intimate knowledge of the destination you are visiting. Using a DMC saves you time, makes things simple and helps ensure that nothing is left to chance. A DMC uses its relationships and purchasing power to negotiate the best deals and gain exclusive access to properties that are not normally available to the public.
Why should I use Dream Escape?
With over 175 years of combined expertise, our team is one of the strongest and most experienced in the luxury travel industry. We understand the value of time, particularly in crafting unforgettable travel experiences. Our commitment is to provide you with peace of mind through meticulous planning, tailored accommodation selection, and the curation of inspiring travel adventures.
Drawing on our extensive local expertise and partnerships with reliable suppliers, we assure you a seamless journey from start to finish. Your travel aspirations are our priority, and we take pride in orchestrating every detail of your trip with care and precision. With extensive experience in curating luxury travel experiences, our team specialises in meeting the sophisticated needs of our discerning clients. We only collaborate with toptier suppliers, building personal relationships with each one and thoroughly vetting all destinations and accommodations. Regular team visits ensure we are up-to-date with the latest offerings and industry developments.
What makes Dream Escape different from a travel agent? We do not arrange international flights as a travel agent would. We create our own bespoke itineraries for each and every client – no trip is ever the same. They are made up of ingredients that we put together having found and discovered them ourselves whilst travelling around all our destinations. We have built up special relationships with all the owners of the properties we use along with all our other suppliers. We use guides that can transform your trip from merely a good one into a truly extraordinary one with their enthusiasm, knowledge and general passion for the country being visited.
Can we book accommodation directly?
While there may be rare exceptions within Central London when we can be a little more flexible, we prefer our clients not to book their accommodation directly themselves. We have learnt through experience that it is important when planning a luxury bespoke trip to make sure that we are in control of all the arrangements. Above all, we aim to obtain favourable rates due to our personal relationships with the properties. It also ensures that we leave nothing to chance and that everything organised fits seamlessly together to provide the experience you and your clients are expecting.
Do you work with travel agencies?
Yes, we are very happy to work with travel agencies. Travel advisors understand their clients needs and expectations, and Dream Escape understand the chosen destinations and match these expectations seamlessly. As such, the perfect holiday can be consistently delivered.
Do you book international flights?
No. Dream Escape does not directly book or issue international flights to or from your chosen destination. However, we do arrange private charter flights, boat and helicopter transfers as part of the overall trip. We will take over the travel arrangements once you or your client arrive in the country being visited.
What travel documents do I need to visit the UK?
Travellers (non-visa nationals; those who don't need a visa for short stays and those without other UK immigration status, including US/Canada/EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business or transit. An eTA is electronically linked to a passport and valid for up to two years for multiple entries. If travellers receive a new passport, they must apply for a new eTA. The application of eTAs is fully the individual traveller’s responsibility.
If you want us to create a unique itinerary or simply want to talk through some ideas, please get in touch by emailing enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk
Your Great Escape
So secluded that you leave the world behind, so different that you forget the daily routine, so inspiring that you can spend your free time being truly free.
This is true escape: a five-star boutique resort where you can dine, sleep and dream by majestic mountains and awaken to a world of possibility.
20
YEARS of TRAVEL
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