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WELCOME What is it that makes a hotel truly special? It’s often a combination of strengths: a desirable location, caring owners, a quirky or unique sense of style, friendly and efficient service, an unmistakable “home-from-home” quality. Or perhaps it’s the excellent food, top-level spa or golf facilities, selection of local ales and fine wines, a fascinating history or entrancing views from your bedroom window? Increasingly it is a combination of these ingredients that makes a truly memorable experience.

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OR MORE THAN 25 YEARS, we’ve travelled the country with these qualities in mind to select the most charming, romantic and character-filled independent hotels and guest houses. Each entry is more than just a place to rest your weary head – though a comfy bed is high on our list as well! Best Loved properties all share that elusive “it” factor – these are destinations in their own right, as well as a feast for the senses.

And what compares to the wonderful feeling, when after a long day, of slipping into a bed dressed with the finest linens, or that fluffy towel after a warm soothing bath or spa treatment? Or visually speaking, a view of verdant gardens from an English country house, or of, say, the craggy, snowtipped mountains of Snowdonia? Or the gentle sound of waves lapping on a Cornish beach? For the gratification of taste and smell, these pages offer many extraordinary dining experiences, from grand temples of gastronomy to hearty comfort foods.

With over 180 options across the length and breadth of the British Isles, each with its own allure, the most difficult task may be choosing your favourite.

We’ve made the selection perhaps even more difficult, as over the last year we have added more Best Loved International properties – so prepare to be equally enticed by amazing hotels in Japan, South Africa, the United States and Europe.

We have the legwork covered, so your only job is to be inspired and enjoy our properties and experiences.

Julian Ebbutt, Managing Director, Best Loved Hotels bestloved.com BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 3

Cover images (From left to right): St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. ©

Old beach huts at Wells-next-the-Sea, North Norfolk coast.

The Seven Sisters, South Downs in East Sussex coastline of the English Channel.

©VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Clifton Suspension Bridge, over the Clifton Gorge, and the River Avon.

©VisitBritain/Charlie Waite

Glenfinnan valley with steam train on viaduct and Loch Shiel in the background, Highlands, Scotland.

©VisitBritain/Charlie Waite

Limestone pavement above the cliffs of Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales. Pennine Way walking route.

©VisitBritain/Guy Richardson

Houses of Parliament, Westminster and Westminster Bridge, towards the East as dusk is falling.

©VisitBritain/MattCant

©VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

First published 2019 Copyright The Great British Hotel Company Ltd t/a Best Loved Hotels Julian Ebbutt has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the Author of this Work.

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published by The Great British Hotel Company Ltd t/a Best Loved Hotels, Sycamore Barn, The Village, Farnley Tyas HD4 6UD Find us at bestloved.com and on:

Creation, images and editing by:

Printed in partnership with Anglia Print Limited.

greatestbritish.org Director: James Day Designer: Phil Donnelly Sales: Jayne Lewis Regional Intros: Lara Page

A climate positive printing company.

ISBN 978-1-898889-94-6

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Certified partner of Climate Care.

Printed with non GM modified, vegetable based inks.

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Winners of The Queens Award for Enterprise – Sustainable Development 2016.

UK REGIONS MAP SCOTLAND P63

THE NORTH OF ENGLAND P9

IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND P70 THE HEART OF ENGLAND P27

THE EAST OF ENGLAND P35

WALES P19 LONDON P57 THE WEST OF ENGLAND P41

THE SOUTH & CHANNEL ISLANDS P49

BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 5

E X P E R I E N C E A G R E AT BRITISH SHORT BREAK WITH A DIFFERENCE The great British ‘staycation’ is thriving, and many holidaymakers are now seeking a little more from their short break in the UK.

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S THE IDEA OF CREATING WONDERFUL MEMORIES and learning new skills continues to inspire our choices as consumers, we’re seeing a rise in demand for more immersive breaks with something extra to offer.

Exciting activities – from immersive cookery courses and wine tours to gourmet tasting menus and food festivals – have grown in popularity, and many of the country’s hotels are teaming up with the finest producers and artisans to bring guests unforgettable new experiences.

Whether it’s touring a winery, brewery or distillery, embarking on a food safari, dining at an accredited restaurant or mastering your culinary skills on a cookery course, there’s an enticing smorgasbord of gastronomic adventures available for those who seek it.

Seeking out one of over 30 ‘ICSA’ accredited cookery schools, the not-for-profit accrediting body for all UK schools, you can perfect the art of plant-based cookery, master your meat-curing skills, brush up on your breadmaking and improve your knowledge of international cuisine, all under the expert tutelage of some of Britain’s best chefs. Browse through the members listings and locations at the rear of this guide, and visit icsacookeryschools.org for more.

If you’re more about the eating than the making, visit greatestbritish.org to browse a curated collection of some of the most memorable dining experiences on offer. And if you prefer the great outdoors, explore nationalparkexperiences.co.uk, an exciting partnership with Visit England, to find your next big thrill.

Whatever new memories you make, you’ll find the perfect base to begin them by visiting bestloved.com, which brings you an outstanding selection of the country’s finest hotels.

Happy holidays – and Bon Appetit!

Main image spread: Headland Hotel Cornwall. ©

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FROM LEFT:

The Lake Ullswater © Sam Crosby Devonshire Arms © Chewton Cookery School © Adam Lynk ‘Experiences’ By James Day

BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 7

MAKE YOUR OWN PERSONALISED BOTTLE OF GIN! Discover our NEW Master Distiller experience at The Spirit of Harrogate – home of Slingsby Gin. www.spiritofharrogate.co.uk

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THE NORTH OF ENGLAND From the picture-postcard Yorkshire Dales to the untamed beauty of the Peaks, from the still waters of the Lake District to the wild and windswept shores of Northumberland and from the chocolate-box streets of historic Harrogate to the striking modern architecture of Gateshead, the North is a land of breathtaking contrasts.

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EACHING FROM the fringes of the Scottish borders down to the Southern edges of Cheshire, this vast and diverse region is where much of England’s national parkland meets the bustling centres of commerce that have emerged from a rich heritage at the forefront of industry and innovation.

Explore its cosmopolitan restaurants, cosy country pubs and lively farmers markets, and you’ll discover a thriving food scene with hearty ingredients, fresh produce and rich, earthy flavours at its core. The region also plays host to a trove of culinary events, from the hugely popular North East Chilli Festival on Northumberland’s Blyth seafront to Berwick’s celebrated annual Food and Beer Festival.

As well as boasting five ICSA-accredited cookery schools, the North of England is home to 18 Michelin Star restaurants; Cumbria’s L’Enclume and Lancashire’s Moor Hall are among only a handful of English eateries to be awarded the covetable 2 Michelin Stars this year.

With so much on offer in this unique and infinitely explorable corner of the country, you’re sure to uncover something to truly whet your appetite.

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Swinton Cookery School ©

The 12th century cathedral at York Minster rivals Canterbury as Britain’s most iconic. yorkminster.org Take in the spectacular scenery of the Pennines with a hike along Hadrian’s Wall. Designed to keep out the barbarians, it provides an atmospheric 73mile route between Wallsend in the east and Carlisle in the west. nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall-path Reach for the stars at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, where the world’s third largest steerable radio telescope is keenly trained on the wonders of outer space. jodrellbank.net Hop across the sand at low tide to explore the enchanting tidal island of Lindisfarne, perched in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the windswept Northumberland coast nationaltrust.org.uk/ lindisfarne-castle

York Minster © VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Salts Mill, once a thriving cotton mill, now plays host to a plethora of independent shops, bookstores, restaurants, cafes and galleries. After lunch, explore Saltaire – the striking Victorian model village and World Heritage site that surrounds the mill. saltairevillage.info ‘Strictly’ fans can be put through their paces in the opulent, world-famous ballroom at Blackpool Tower, which dates from 1894. theblackpooltower.com Delve into North East’s rich past at Beamish, a sprawling open-air exhibit of life in the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. This historic County Durham venue is known as The Living Museum of the North. beamish.org.uk

Shop ‘til you drop in the luxury boutiques and stores of Leeds vibrant Victoria Quarter and discover why the city is known as the ‘London of the North’. v-q.co.uk

Sharpen up your culinary skills at the ICSA-accredited Swinton Cookery School, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, where you can learn how to rustle up everything from sensational sushi to moreish cakes and bakes. Or the recently renovated Grand Hotel in York and their state of the art cookery school.

Search: icsacookeryschools.org

Ride a gondola across Coniston Water in the Lake District.

This 19th century steam yacht, with its plush saloon, has been lovingly restored by the National Trust. nationaltrust.org.uk/ steamyacht-gondola

Get wet and wild on Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, as you learn how to kayak, paddleboard or waterski, or simply hire a boat and drift past the lake’s picturesque shoreline villages. visitcumbria.com

Coniston Water, Lake District ©VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

Join the audience of a top TV show at Manchester’s vast Media City. Dragon’s Den, Countdown, Mastermind and The Voice are among the shows filmed at the Salford studios. mediacityuk.co.uk Take the ferry across the Mersey and see if you can cross – to or from Birkenhead – without humming the Gerry & The Pacemakers hit! merseyferries.co.uk Watch the wallabies at play at Curraghs Wildlife Park on the Isle of Man. In this exotic corner of the island, you’ll also encounter meerkats, silvery gibbons, spider monkeys and lemurs. curraghswildlifepark.im Stroll along the promenade past the brightly coloured huts at Saltburn Beach, then head into nearby Whitby for succulent fresh cockles. yorkshire.com/places/ yorkshire-coast/saltburn Sample a tipple or two at Cumbria’s Lakes Distillery, which produces several varieties of whisky. Its vodka is the star of the show – voted the world’s best in 2019. lakesdistillery.com Looking for an experiential gift or to book your next stay? Visit: gourmet-experiences.co.uk or bestloved.com

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ANOTHER PLACE, THE LAKE Watermillock, Cumbria

A relaxed, convivial hotel set in 18 acres on the scenic shores of Ullswater. Excellent food, indoor pool, swimming from the private jetty and a host of outdoor activities.

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APPLEBY MANOR HOTEL & GARDEN SPA

ASSHETON ARMS

Total relaxation along with an award-winning spa in the hidden beauty of Cumbria’s Eden Valley.

5-star Lancashire village inn with award winning food & picturesque Ribble Valley views.

Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria

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Downham, Lancashire

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BARTLE HALL COUNTRY HOTEL

BLACK SWAN HOTEL

THE BLUE LION

Laid-back luxury at this elegant country house set in 16 acres of Lancashire countryside between Preston and Blackpool.

A classic North Yorkshire coaching inn turned 4-star boutique hideaway.

An 18th century coaching inn with rooms, located on the edge of Wensleydale, in a small village surrounded by fells. Freshly prepared seasonal menu, real ale bar and fine wines.

Preston, Lancashire

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THE CHESTER GROSVENOR

Helmsley, Yorkshire

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East Witton, Yorkshire

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Chester, Cheshire

THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS HOTEL & SPA

THE DEVONSHIRE FELL

A stylish, contemporary hotel with Michelin-starred dining in the heart of Chester.

Luxurious indulgence in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales offering a 4 AA Rosette-winning menu.

Luxuriously styled boutique country hotel with breath-taking Yorkshire Dales views and delectable cuisine.

Skipton, Yorkshire

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Burnsall, Yorkshire

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DOXFORD HALL HOTEL & SPA

ESHOTT HALL

THE FENWICK

Splendid Georgian country house set in glorious Northumbrian landscape with yew tree maze, 4 AA Red Stars and excellent 2 AA Rosette restaurant.

Imposing 17th century country house with an award-wining restaurant and beautiful gardens.

Stylish rooms and fabulous steak & seafood in Lancashire’s Lune Valley.

Alnwick, Northumberland

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Alnwick, Northumberland

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Claughton, Lancashire

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GALTRES LODGE HOTEL

GUYZANCE HALL

HEADLAM HALL

An independently owned hotel in the very centre of York set in two Georgian townhouses just steps from York Minster and “The Shambles”.

Exclusive use riverside Northumbrian country house & estate.

Charming 17th century country house amid the beauty of Teesdale.

York, Yorkshire

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Morpeth, Northumberland

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Teesdale, County Durham

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HALLGARTH MANOR HOUSE HOTEL

HOLBECK GHYLL

HOTEL GOTHAM

A recently renovated 16th century country house hotel set in four peaceful acres just outside Durham.

A connoisseur’s luxury hotel with sensational views of Windermere.

Magnificent architecture, timeless décor & retro opulence at this Manchester urban hideaway.

Durham, County Durham

Windermere, Cumbria

Manchester

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LEATHES HEAD HOTEL

THE OLD COACH HOUSE

ROCKLIFFE HALL

A luxury eleven bedroom Edwardian Country House Hotel, situated in the unspoilt Borrowdale Valley.

A fabulous hidden gem of a B&B near the Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire Moors.

Luxury 5-star resort on the banks of the River Tees with three restaurants, championship golf course, tennis courts and state-of-the-art spa.

Borrowdale, Cumbria

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Ripon, Yorkshire

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Darlington, Co Durham

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ROTHAY MANOR HOTEL & FINEÂ DINING

SHRIGLEY HALL HOTEL & SPA

SWINTON ESTATE

A Regency country house with a modern fine dining restaurant on the edge of beautiful Ambleside.

A grand Victorian manor house with wonderful food, spa and golf set in 262 acres at the edge of the Peak District and just 19 miles south of Manchester.

4-red star castle hotel set in a 20,000 acre privately owned Yorkshire Estate with two award-winning Restaurants, beautiful new Spa, Cookery School and a host of countryside pursuits.

Ambleside, Cumbria

Macclesfield, Cheshire

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THE TALBOT AT MALTON

THE TRADDOCK

A beautifully restored Yorkshire country hotel with cookery school in a gourmet destination.

Relax and recharge in a truly majestic Dales setting.

Malton, Yorkshire

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Settle, Yorkshire

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Sheffield, Yorkshire

Windermere, Cumbria

WINDERMERE SUITES

THE WORDSWORTH HOTEL & SPA

A graceful mansion and wooded estate in the heart of historic Yorkshire.

Luxury boutique guest house near the shores of Windermere.

Historic Grasmere riverside hotel with spa and great food.

WHITLEY HALL

Grasmere, Cumbria

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SLINGSBY GIN

www.spiritofharrogate.co.uk Make your own personalised bottle of gin.

Discover our New Master Distiller Experience at The Spirit of Harrogate – home of Slingsby Gin.

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BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 15

WAT E R W I T H THE EDGE Provenance, Style and Sustainability describe Wenlock Spring premium quality award winning spring water, which has been bottled at source since 1989 from beside the Wenlock Edge, within an AONB in Shropshire. This thriving family business has developed a reputation for making continuous investment in developing sustainable packaging.

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drapers-hall.co.uk ŠVictoria Macken

Water with the Edge

Drinks’ packaging is in the spotlight right now. Wenlock Spring has developed a reputation for making continuous investments in sustainable packaging.

Sustainability at its heart

Today, their glass bottles include more than 55% recycled glass.

In 2013, they also developed a 17% lighter glass bottle to reduce glass consumption. They helped to set the industry standard for lighter glass packaging.

Additionally, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce and remove single-use plastic. With the future of the planet in mind – Wenlock Spring’s latest venture has been the introduction of bottles made from recycled PET plastic (rPET).

Last year, they led the way by including up to 50% Britishsourced, recycled plastic into their water bottles, which are in turn also fully recyclable.

As Matthew Orme of Wenlock Spring explains; “We believe, that nothing that is used for minutes should be allowed to pollute the environment for hundreds of years, especially when plastic can be recycled again and again. Thankfully, there is a growing understanding of the term ‘circular economy’ – bottles are used, recycled and remade into new bottles. We believe everyone has a responsibility to future generations to reduce landfill and energy consumption.”

It’s estimated that UK consumers use and discard 13 million plastic bottles each year. While the ‘Deposit Return Scheme’ is still being established, Wenlock Spring are helping to educate about the importance of recycling.

Healthy hydration

We all know the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. Sugary soft drinks and the sugar-levy have been in the spotlight for some time and this has helped to encourage consumers to make healthier choices.

UK consumption of water has grown to 3.2 billion litres over the past 10 years, as consumers choose naturally-sourced water as a healthy, on-the-go option.

Matthew highlights the benefits; “Water is naturally free from preservatives and additives – and of course sugar and calories, so it’s the healthiest form of hydration. Wenlock

Spring contains a unique blend of naturally-occurring minerals including calcium, selenium and magnesium, which deliver a fresh, clean taste. Not all waters are created equal and customers recognise that provenance has a major part to play and prefer to choose a water that is naturally clean rather than artificially cleansed.”

Investing for the future

As the business celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, Wenlock Spring continue to invest in their operational infrastructure to be as environmentally friendly as possible – from producing 46% of energy used onsite themselves, using renewable energy to recycling 99% of waste materials onsite.

Unfortunately, British recycling plants don’t yet have enough supplies of used plastic bottles as only 65% of local authorities currently recycle plastic. As the nation recycles more and supply increases, Wenlock Spring ultimately aim to introduce 100% rPET plastic bottles. It’s an ambitious plan but their proven track record and their ongoing commitment to sustainable goals have already helped to set Wenlock Spring apart. wenlockspring.co.uk BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 17

Beaumaris Castle is a historic 13th and 14th century construction, in a concentric architectural style with double walls and corner towers. ©VisitBritain/ Lee Beel

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WA L E S The late, great nature writer Roger Deakin once described Wales as a place that ‘crackles with magic’, and with its deep glacial lakes, ancient hill forts, enchanting pine forests and verdant valleys, it’s easy to see why; Wales is a land of enduring legend, with a vibrant culture steeped in myth and folklore.

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TS MOST FAMOUS STORIES, documented in the colourful texts of The Mabinogion, evoke tales of fearsome water monsters, bewitching lake maidens and mischievous ‘mine spirits’, but no legend is more celebrated in Wales than that of King Arthur. The 12th century writer, Geoffrey of Monmouth, believed Caerleon in Newport to be the site of Camelot, while Dinas Emrys, near Beddgelert, is thought to be where the enchanter Merlin discovered two fighting dragons.

Stand atop any of Wales’s crowning peaks, from Snowdon in the north to Pen y Fan in the south, and you’ll be rewarded with extraordinary widescreen vistas worthy of any bard’s poem. No less than five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretch across its rugged terrain, while Wales’s scenic coastline boasts an impressive 48 Blue Flag beaches and marinas.

Inland, its crystal-clear lakes are popular spots for wild swimmers, who flock in the early morning mists to the still waters of Llyn Padarn, Cwm Pennant, Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Geirionydd for an invigorating dip. Out to sea, Pembrokeshire’s laid-back surf scene attracts swell seekers to the waves of Whitesands, Newgale, Tenby and Freshwater West.

If you prefer more hustle and bustle, the tiny, sociable hubs of Cardiff and Swansea have lots to offer. Quayside bars and restaurants line up along lively marinas, and there are lots of parks, castles and museums to explore. Odes to Swansea’s most celebrated son, Dylan Thomas, can be spotted throughout the city.

Main image spread: The slopes of Mount Snowdon

high above the Llyn Llydaw lake in a valley. ©VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

View of the estuary near the site of Festival No. 6, an annual art and music festival held at Portmeirion, Wales. ©VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

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Visit Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh sporting pride, where tours go behind the scenes of international fixtures. principalitystadium.wales/

Try one of Wales’s local delicacies, such as bara brith (fruit bread) or a bowl of cawl (lamb stew), from one of the many farmers’ markets. visitwales.com

The splendid castles of Beaumaris and Conwy, built by Edward I in the 13th century, are striking testaments to Wales’s rich history. cadw.gov.wales

Head to the seaside town of Laugharne, which poet Dylan Thomas described as a ‘blackmagical bedlam by the sea’.

Thomas’s former home – The Boathouse – is open for part of the year. dylanthomasboathouse.com

While away the afternoon in one of Hay-on-Wye’s many bookshops, where you’ll discover gems like Murder and Mayhem, dedicated to true crime and fiction. hay-on-wye.co.uk Brave the natural rapids on the River Tryweryn at Bala, home of The National White Water Centre. nationalwhitewatercentre. co.uk Hike up Mount Snowdon and survey the majestic view from the top across Snowdonia National Park. From here, you can see the pristine waters of Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn. A mountain railway runs regularly to the top for the less energetic. visitsnowdonia.info

Conwy Castle is a large medieval fortification, on the coastline of North Wales, founded in the late 13th century. It overlooks the River Conwy estuary.

Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum is one of the newgeneration museums to offer real hands-on history and a sense of cultural identity. museumwales.ac.uk

Visit Aber Falls Whisky Distillery, one of only four in Wales, and the first in North Wales since the early 1900s.

Located within a stone’s throw of Rhaeadr Fawr, the famous Aber Falls waterfall. aberfallsdistillery.com See the largest colony of puffins in Southern Britain at Skomer Island, just off the Pembrokeshire coast. Visit in Spring to catch bluebells and pink campions in full bloom. visitpembrokeshire.com Sample local ales at one of Wales’s flourishing microbreweries, like The Purple Moose Brewery in Porthmadog. purplemoose.co.uk

Don a hard hat and follow in the footsteps of generations of miners at the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon – and discover why the mine shaft has become the perfect place to mature cheese. museum.wales/bigpit Walk along the beach from pastel-fronted Aberdovey to neighbouring Twywn, where the delights of Wales’s famous honey ice cream await at Holgates. aberdovey.org.uk Catch the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, an annual August event where swimmers battle through the black waters of peat bogs in Llanwrtyd Wells. green-events.co.uk Explore the splendid house and gardens at Powis Castle near Welshpool, present seat of the 8th Earl of Powis. nationaltrust.org.uk Looking for an experiential gift or to book your next stay? Visit: gourmet-experiences.co.uk or bestloved.com

The village at Portmeirion, home to cult TV series The Prisoner and latterly, the hip Festival No. 6, brings a frisson of Italianate architecture to Wales. portmeirion-village.com

©VisitBritain/ Lee Beel

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WALES

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THE IMPERIAL HOTEL

LAKE VYRNWY HOTEL & SPA

LLANGOED HALL

Stunning seafront location, traditional with a contemporary twist.

4-star country house with undoubtedly one of the finest views in Mid Wales.

Former home of Laura Ashley and now a multiaward winning luxury country house hotel & exclusive venue, perfect for weddings, conferences and any other occasion.

Llandudno, Conwy

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Llanwddyn, Powys

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Brecon, Powys

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MILEBROOK HOUSE HOTEL

ST BRIDES SPA HOTEL

TREFEDDIAN HOTEL

Relaxation, excellent cooking and natural beauty in the Welsh Marches.

Beautiful Pembrokeshire sea views and highly acclaimed spa.

Award winning family run hotel with stunning coastal views in The Snowdonia National Park.

Knighton, Powys

Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire

Llyn y Fan Fach (Black Mountain), Brecon Beacons ©VisitBritain/Visit Wales Image Centre

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Aberdovey, Gwynedd

T H E S U S TA I N A B L E S P I R I T O F N O R T H WA L E S Just a stone’s throw away from the Snowdonia National Park, is the picturesque village of Abergwyngregyn, home to the first whisky distillery in North Wales for more than 100 years. Aber Falls Whisky Distillery is located at the foot of its namesake, the famous Aber Falls waterfall, and just across from the beautiful banks of the Menia Strait, meaning it’s never in short supply of one of the key distilling ingredients. >

All Aber Falls images © Phil Tragen

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reviously a slate works in the 19th century and a margarine factory during the world wars, its 6,000 sq ft site, which is easily accessible just off the A55, has been lovingly restored and refurbished, proving the ideal place to create quality spirits and demonstrate the passion and skill in the art of distilling.

The team of local distillers take great pride in putting Wales on the map for whisky production; they currently produce single malt and rye whiskies, made using genuine Welsh malted barley, with the first single malt whisky ready for release in 2020.

However, it’s not all about the whisky; Aber Falls also offers a premium portfolio of award-winning gins and liqueurs, using sustainably sourced local ingredients and Welsh-inspired botanicals, including the famous Anglesey Sea Salt from nearby producer Halen Môn for its Salted Toffee Liqueur. The seven-strong musttry range includes premium Small-Batch, Welsh Dry, Orange Marmalade and Rhubarb & Ginger Gins, and Salted Toffee, Violet and Coffee & Dark Chocolate Liqueurs.

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Raising The Bar

At a time when the origins of food and drink are increasingly important, sustainability and traceability is a top priority for the distilling team at Aber Falls, who not only utilise ingredients from the distillery’s beautiful countryside surroundings for their products, but have also established strong links and partnerships with other Welsh businesses. The distillery’s goal is to improve sustainability and drive the local economy and tourism trade.

“With growing appreciation for the provenance of food and drink, as well as a greater sense of responsibility to the environment, we should all be looking to achieve sustainability,” commented James Wright, Managing Director at Aber Falls Whisky Distillery.

Aber Falls is certainly doing its bit; Wright is in talks with the National Farmers’ Union Cymru to establish local sources and trialling barley crops on farms in North Wales, whilst also testing grain varieties at Bangor University’s research farm.

Wright added: “You have to take a long-term view and adopt a strategy that will help sustain the business in the future; the more grain varieties that are grown in Wales, the greater the security of supply and the more expressions of whisky we can achieve. We want to be as Welsh as possible but to do so we need to ensure we have sustainable supplies as our market expands.”

Regional Successes

Bringing this altogether has enabled Aber Falls to create outstanding spirits. Its success is proven not only by its achievements, including scooping the Daily Post’s Business Start-Up Award, the Great British Food Award’s Best New British Product, along with international accolades, but also by the fact that its gins and liqueurs have earned their spot on an array of drinks menus across the country, and can also be found on the shelves of many independent and grocery retailers across Wales, including Best Loved Hotels nearby.

If all this talk of whisky and gin has got you gasping for a glass, then it’s time to discover the spirit of North Wales for yourself; the Distillery’s Visitor Centre serves up tours and tastings between 12 and 4pm, seven days a week.

“We want to be as Welsh as possible but to do so we need to ensure we have sustainable supplies as our market expands” James Wright, Managing Director, Aber Falls Whisky Distillery

All Aber Falls images © Phil Tragen

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N :

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CHAMPIONING BRITISH

Field to Bottle Spirits

VISIT US

Distillery Tours: Tuesday - Sunday To book: + 44 (0)1432 808141 tours@chasedistillery.co.uk www.chasedistillery.co.uk

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THE HEART OF ENGLAND The Heart of England stretches broadly across much of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, from Shropshire and Herefordshire in the west to Lincolnshire in the east, and from the lower edges of Derbyshire in the north to Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire in the south.

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HIS DELIGHTFULLY diverse region is home to several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The leafy orchards of the Wye Valley, the rolling green hills that sweep through Shropshire and The Malverns, and the enchanting woodlands of Cannock Chase – a former Royal forest – are amongst England’s most picturesque gems.

Travel through the Midlands and you’ll encounter vibrant towns steeped in rich Medieval history – Stratford, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Shrewsbury are fine examples. You’ll also discover characterful villages, timbered cottages, ancient churches, meandering rivers and quaint country pubs.

Journey into the heart of the Midlands to explore cosmopolitan Birmingham, home to five of the 10 Michelin Star restaurants in the Midlands and a lively Jewellery Quarter, which boasts a thriving craft brewing scene and several specialist gin bars; it even has a flourishing small-batch distillery.

Head south and you’ll reach the honey-coloured towns and villages of the Cotswolds, a tranquil haven of village greens, quirky tea rooms and creaky inns.

The endlessly Instagrammable Lower Slaughter, with its 19th century water mill, is the jewel in its crown. Nearby, fashionable Daylesford – an award-winning organic farm, restaurant and wellness retreat with their ICSA accredited Cookery school – serves up gourmet delights from its market garden.

Main image spread: Limestone Way, Peak Distict ©VisitBritain/MattCant

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Visit Oxfordshire’s magnificent Blenheim Palace, a Baroque extravaganza originally built for the Duke of Marlborough – and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. blenheimpalace.com Watch a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Warwickshire town where the Bard was born. rsc.org.uk

Blenheim Palace, viewed from the bridge ©VisitBritain/ Pete Seaward

Take a hike in the spectacular southern hills of the peak district. Try the Limestone Way from Middleton, or, South of Warslow, Ecton Hill and Thor’s Cave. peakdistrict.gov.uk Browse the state-of-the-art visitor centre at World of Wedgwood in Barlaston, where you can tour the Staffordshire works and view exquisite pieces from the 18th century. worldofwedgwood.com

School of Artisan Food ©

Go on the trail of Herefordshire’s charming Black and White Villages, a 40-mile self-guided tour of pretty market towns with eye-catching timbered houses. blackandwhitetrail.org Chatsworth, the Derbyshire seat of the Duke of Devonshire, is one of England’s most Arcadian stately homes. chatsworth.org

Sample robust reds and crisp whites at Rodington Vineyard in Shropshire. This small, family run vineyard has won countless awards for its Blue Tractor range. rodingtonvineyard.co.uk

Shin kicking and Tug O’War are two of the hotly contested events in the ‘Olimpick Games’ near Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, held each summer. olimpickgames.co.uk

Meet Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Soay sheep and other rare breeds at the Cotswold Farm Park. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Bring your binoculars to Rutland Water Nature Reserve, a vast protected wetland area with lagoons and islands, breeding ospreys and 31 birdwatching hides. rutlandwater.org.uk

Ride the delightful Evesham Vale Light Railway – steam trains run from Twyford Station through Evesham Country Park. evlr.co.uk Blast off at the National Space Centre in Leicester and take an interactive journey through the universe, including a 3D simulated rocket launch. spacecentre.co.uk Perfect your pickles and preserves at Nottinghamshire’s School of Artisan Food. This ICSA-accredited cookery school on the beautiful Welbeck estate teaches skills in artisan food production. Or how about an organic meat courses at Daylesford Organic Farm. icsacookeryschools.org

Explore the unique collection of shops, arts, crafts and design studios at Maws Craft Centre, a striking former Victorian tile factory in Shropshire’s historic Ironbridge. mawscraftcentre.co.uk Discover literary greats at the spectacularly designed Library of Birmingham, Europe’s largest public library and cultural space. birmingham.gov.uk/libraries Looking for an experiential gift or to book your next stay? Visit: gourmet-experiences.co.uk or bestloved.com

Stand in the shade of the Major Oak of Sherwood Forest, said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Its crooked branches spread to more than 92ft. experiencenottinghamshire. com

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BAGSHAW HALL AND SLEEP LODGE

THE BAY TREE HOTEL

BILLESLEY MANOR HOTEL

Peak District gem in the centre of Bakewell with boutique suites within an historic hall.

A quaint country house in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds dating back to the 1500s, with stylish interiors and charming original features.

Beautiful 4-star Elizabethan manor house three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Bakewell, Derbyshire

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Burford, Oxfordshire

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Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

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THE BROADWAY HOTEL

THE CASTLE HOTEL SHROPSHIRE

CASTLE HOUSE

A charming 16th Century retreat overlooking the village green and perfectly positioned for exploring the Cotswolds.

Open fires, real ales and good food in the beautiful South Shropshire Hills.

Elegant boutique townhouse hotel in the heart of this ancient city with a highly-acclaimed restaurant.

Broadway, Worcestershire

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Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire

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Hereford, Herefordshire

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CAVENDISH HOTEL

THE COACH HOUSE NORBURY

COTSWOLD HOUSE HOTEL & SPA

One of the treasures of the Chatsworth Estate, located in the heart of the Peak District.

A first rate 18th century coaching inn with 2 AA Rosette-winning restaurant located in the South Shropshire Hills.

Tranquility, comfort, exceptional food & a stunning spa in the Cotswolds.

Baslow, Derbyshire

Norbury, Bishops Castle, Shropshire

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Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire

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DANNAH FARM COUNTRY HOUSE Belper, Derbyshire

A delightful 5-star luxury B&B and working farm enjoying an idyllic rural setting in the Amber Valley on the Chatsworth Estate.

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THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS AT PILSLEY

Picturesque 5-star Pub with Rooms serving 2 AA Rosette-winning food located on the Chatsworth Estate.

Traditional inn including beautiful rooms, great food and cask ales, located on the Chatsworth Estate.

Chatsworth, Derbyshire

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THE FEATHERS

FISHMORE HALL

THE HORSE & GROOM

Stylish & luxurious townhouse on the doorstep of Blenheim Palace.

Beautifully restored Georgian house with wonderful new spa and stunning views over Ludlow & the Shropshire countryside.

A picture perfect Cotswolds country inn and pub in the conservation village of Oddington.

Woodstock, Oxfordshire

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Ludlow, Shropshire

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Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

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Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire

LORDS OF THE MANOR

LOSEHILL HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA

The perfect blend of historic charm with contemporary comfort and style in Cirencester.

An effortlessly luxurious Cotswolds country manor awarded 4 AA Red Stars with a highly acclaimed fusion of Modern British and French cuisine.

4-star boutique hotel with panoramic Peak District views, fine spa & outdoor hot tub.

Hope, Derbyshire

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MANOR HOUSE HOTEL

THE MAYNARD

THE MOUNT HOTEL

Enchanting 4-star Cotswolds coaching inn with relaxed country house atmosphere in the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh.

Independently owned country hotel in the Heart of the Peak District, boasting panoramic views of the Derbyshire countryside.

Independently owned 4-star, Grade II country manor set in two acres in the beautiful village of Tettenhall on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. All the facilities of a modern hotel with period charm.

Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

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Derbyshire

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Wolverhampton, West Midlands

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NOEL ARMS HOTEL

NUMBER FOUR AT STOW HOTEL

PEN-Y-DYFFRYN COUNTRY HOTEL

A charming and historic traditional inn located in Chipping Campden – put your feet up in front of the log fire in the bar and enjoy the excellent food, including the award-winning curries.

A contemporary boutique gem in the heart of the Cotswolds less than a mile from Stow-on-the-Wold.

A spectacular setting at this idyllic country retreat between Shrewsbury and Chester.

Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire

Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire

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Oswestry, Shropshire

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VI S I T BE ST LOV E D.CO M THE RAVEN HOTEL & RESTAURANT Much Wenlock, Shropshire

Much praised in Much Wenlock – an idyllic Shropshire gourmet destination.

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REDESDALE ARMS

Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire A haven of quaint charm in the magical Cotswolds.

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SOULTON HALL

STANBROOK ABBEY

STONEHOUSE COURT HOTEL

A stately bolt-hole amidst the rolling Shropshire Hills.

Tucked amid the Malvern Hills, just five miles from both Worcester and Great Malvern, this stunning hotel is a former monastery with amazing Neo-Gothic architecture by Pugin.

A 36-bedroom, 17th century Manor House hotel set in six acres of stunning grounds overlooking the Stroud Water Canal and rolling hills of the Stroud Valley.

Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Worcester, Worcestershire

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TEWKESBURY PARK

THORNBURY CASTLE

WROXTON HOUSE HOTEL

Family-owned award winning country house with glorious views over the Severn Valley & Cotswolds offering golf, leisure club, spa treatments & private wedding facilities.

Stay in a stunning Tudor castle once owned by Henry VIII set in historic landscaped grounds. Four-poster beds, magnificent open fireplaces and exquisite cuisine.

Set in the beautiful honey-stoned thatched village of Wroxton, this charming and historic hotel is evocative of a cosy home from home.

Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

Thornbury, Gloucestershire

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Banbury, Oxfordshire

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Sunset at high tide behind the old beach huts at Wells-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk coast. ©VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

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THE EAST OF ENGLAND Home to a vast rolling countryside of patchwork fields, fertile fens, ancient woodland and striking coastline, the East of England is a region over which infinite skies appear to stretch endlessly in every direction.

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ROM THE resplendent spires of Cambridge University and the delightfully kitsch seaside resorts of Southwold and Wells, to the marshy coastal plains of the Fenlands and characterful cobbled streets of Norwich’s Elm Hill, there are countless treasures to be unearthed.

The East of England is best known for its bountiful harvest of crops, vegetables and orchard fruits. Wheat, barley, spring greens, carrots, parsnips and even saffron are grown throughout the region, while Norfolk remains the country’s biggest producer of the Maris Piper potato, along with the sought-after Cromer crab.

With these gourmet delights close at hand, it’s no surprise that Norfolk is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants – Morston Hall and The Neptune – both of which make full use of the local fisheries, butchers, farms and orchards on their doorstep.

Beyond East Anglia, Hertfordshire has a rich literary history as the setting of many of Britain’s finest works, including Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Charles Dickens’s Bleak House and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

The county also plays host to some of modern cinema’s most epic productions.

The Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises were filmed at Elstree Studios, while all eight Harry Potter films were based at Warner Bros. Studios at Leavesden, one of the largest and most state-of-the-art filmmaking facilities in the world.

Main image spread: A clinker built wooden boat, on the marshes, at high tide. Thornham Creek. ©VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

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Punting in Cambridge ©VisitBritain/JJF arquitectos

The Novelli Academy, Hertfordshire ©

THE EAST OF ENGLAND

E XP E R I E NCE T H E E AST O F E NG LA ND Tour the spectacular East Anglia coastline, from Southwold to Aldeburgh in Suffolk to Cromer and Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk. visiteastofengland.com

Take a stroll through the gorse and heather of Dunwich Heath and Beach in Suffolk, passing by the tiny village of Dunwich – once a lively city of 4,000 souls. nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore the exquisite house and gardens of Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, home to one of the most important private art collections in the world. woburnabbey.co.uk

Holkham and Sandringham, Norfolk’s grand country estate houses, have lavish interiors and vast deer parks. holkham.co.uk and sandringhamestate.co.uk

Learn from a true master chef and hone your skills in Jean-Christophe Novelli’s 14th century farmhouse kitchen at The Novelli Academy in Hertfordshire. icsacookeryschools.org/thenovelli-academy

Wander past the brightly coloured beach huts on Southwold Beach in Suffolk – best enjoyed with ice cream in hand – then try your luck at novelty amusements on the pier. southwoldpier.co.uk

At Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, a 7th century Anglo-Saxon burial site was discovered in the 1930s. nationaltrust.org.uk/ suttonhoo See Cambridge by punt and drift along the ‘backs’ for superb views across the ivory towers of its colleges. visitcambridge.org In Constable country, pick out the scenes made famous by the 18th century landscape painter on the Suffolk and Essex border. visitessex.com Spot grey seals lolling around on the water’s edge at Blakeney Point in Norfolk. beansboatrips.co.uk

Duck into the tiny dwellings at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, one of England’s greatest archaeological sites. weststow.org Find out how racehorses are retrained at the new national heritage centre for horseracing and sporting art at Palace House in Newmarket. palacehousenewmarket.co.uk Mess about in a boat on the Meare at the fantasy village of Thorpeness in Suffolk. thorpenessmeare.co.uk

Get your history fix Framlingham Castle, once a fearsome fortress where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. english-heritage.org.uk Unleash your inner wizard on a Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros. Studios in Hertfordshire. wbstudiotour.co.uk Looking for an experiential gift or to book your next stay? Visit: gourmet-experiences.co.uk or bestloved.com

BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 37

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BRANSTON HALL HOTEL

CONGHAM HALL

THE GLOBE INN

An ideal country house escape in Lincolnshire.

A fantastic Norfolk country house hotel with a fabulous spa.

Stylish inn and lovely restaurant in the delightful North Norfolk town of Wells-next-the-Sea.

Branston, Lincolnshire

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Kings Lynn, Norfolk

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Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

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THE KINGSCLIFF HOTEL

THE MILL HOTEL

PETWOOD HOTEL

A contemporary coastal hideaway near Clactonon-Sea in Essex – marvellous sea views and a place to celebrate the pleasures of the classic English seaside break.

An exquisitely converted water mill on the River Stour offering rural serenity, excellent food and picturesque views over the surrounding Suffolk countryside.

A quintessentially English historic country house with restored Peto gardens in the heart of Lincolnshire.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

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Sudbury, Suffolk

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Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire

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SECKFORD HALL HOTEL

WASHINGBOROUGH HALL HOTEL

WIVENHOE HOUSE

Stunning Suffolk Tudor 4-star luxury country house with 2 AA Rosette-winning restaurant and spa with a wide range of beauty treatments.

Beautiful Georgian manor in a village near the centre of historic Lincoln.

4-star luxurious 18th century house once painted by Constable near Colchester.

Woodbridge, Suffolk

Lincoln, Lincolnshire

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Colchester, Essex

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Inspirational Inspirational Cookery Cookery Courses Courses The Ashburton Cookery School in Devon is one of the UK’s The Ashburton Cookery School in 40 Devon is one ofcookery the UK’s top culinary schools offering over inspirational top culinary schools offering over 40 inspirational cookery courses to suit beginners through to advanced home cooks. courses to suit beginners through to advanced home cooks.

Using the best seasonal, local ingredients our experienced Using the best ingredients our experienced chef tutors will seasonal, teach youlocal to cook with imagination, passion, chef tutors will teach you to cook with imagination, passion, confidence and skill. confidence and skill.

Master a specific skill on courses such as Fish & Seafood, Master a specific skill on Fish & Seafood, Patisserie and Sauces, or courses learn to such cookas a favourite cuisine Patisserie and Sauces, or learn to cook a favourite cuisine on Italian, Mexican, Indian and Thai courses. We even have on Italian, Mexican, Indian and Thai courses.

We even have professional courses at our prestiguous Chefs Academy. professional courses at our prestiguous Chefs Academy.

Visit our website today to see how you can take your cookery Visit our website to the next level. today to see how you can take your cookery to the next level.

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THE WEST COUNTRY Jam then cream, or cream then jam? One important decision you’ll no doubt have to make in the West Country is whether to take your cream tea the Cornish way, or the Devonshire way. The origins of this scrumptious afternoon treat are still hotly contested, but both are very much worth the calories!

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HE WEST COUNTRY spans the southern coastal resorts of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, a region blessed with some of the whitest sands and bluest seas in the British Isles; on a hazy summer’s day, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in the south of France.

Further inland, the undulating landscapes of Gloucestershire, Bristol and Wiltshire lie at its eastern edges. It’s a region of immense character, from Cornwall’s friendly fishing villages to Bath’s charming Georgian townhouses and Bristol’s vibrant cultural scene.

The jagged coastline that surrounds the West Country is studded with tiny tidal islands, many of which are accessible by beach at low tide. Cornwall’s St Michaels Mount, with its popular Sail Loft restaurant, and Devonshire’s Burgh Island, home to the art deco hotel frequented by Agatha Christie make delightful day trips.

The West Country is home to seven ICSA-accredited cookery schools, many of which take advantage of the sustainably caught fish, locally reared meant, homegrown produce and artisan cheeses the area has to offer.

Fresh food, simply cooked, is an ethos which travels far and wide across the West Country and is exemplified across its remarkable 21 Michelin Star restaurants.

The Dining Room at Wiltshire’s Whatley Manor, Cornwall’s Restaurant Nathan Outlaw and Gloucestershire’s Le Champignon Sauvage are exceptional.

Main image spread: Clifton Suspension Bridge, over the Clifton Gorge, and

the River Avon. A historic bridge, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Sunset. ©VisitBritain/Charlie Waite

Aerial image of The Eden Project, a travel destination and ecological park, an educational visitor attraction in a series of dramatic biodomes. ©VisitBritain/ Jason Hawkes

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The Tate St Ives has been the catalyst for this Cornish seaside town’s revival and, with the Barbara Hepworth Museum, offers an introduction to its role as an important art colony. stives-cornwall.co.uk Marvel at the industry of ancient man at Stonehenge on the chalk downs of Wiltshire. english-heritage.org.uk Cornwall’s impressive Eden Project is the largest indoor rainforest in the world. edenproject.com Take the air at Plymouth Hoe in Devon and follow in the nimble footsteps of Sir Francis Drake. Pick out the Eddystone Lighthouse on the horizon, 13 miles offshore. visitplymouth.co.uk Head to Cornwall’s Camel Valley for a relaxed, friendly tour of this verdant vineyard, followed by a crisp glass of their award-winning brut on the sun terrace. camelvalley.com Visit one of the best-preserved remains of a Roman Bathhouse and take a dip in the open-air thermal waters at the nearby Thermae Spa in Bath. visitbath.co.uk

The interior of the famous Roman Baths, with Bath Abbey in the background.

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

At Wells in Somerset, the Cathedral in the smallest city in England houses one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass in the country. wellscathedral.org.uk

Catch a play at the spectacular Minack Theatre near Penzance in Cornwall. This performance space created on the edge of a cliff in the 1930s is still as popular today with hardy theatregoers. minack.com Take a dip in the inviting bluegreen waters along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Swimming beneath the iconic limestone arches of Durdle Door is worthy of any bucket list. jurassiccoast.org Climb the steep cobbled hillside that winds through the delightfully quirky coastal village of Clovelly in Devon. A Devonshire cream tea at the top is a fitting reward! devonguide.com/clovelly Castle Drogo may look centuries old, but in fact it was built at the turn of the 20th century.

A closer look reveals an electrically-powered portcullis, and there’s a teasmade in the bedroom. nationaltrust.org.uk Learn how to create the most mouthwatering fish dishes at Rick Stein’s Padstow Seafood Cookery School, which offers expert cookery lessons and demonstrations in this quaint fishing village. Or how about a vocational culinary course at the renowned Ashburton Cookery School in Devon? Search for all SW cookery schools icsacookeryschools.org

The Alton Barnes White Horse is the least visited of the eight chalk white horses of Wiltshire.

Ascend from Milk Hill where the whole of the south of England seems laid out below. wiltshirewhitehorses.org.uk Enter another era at Killerton, near Exeter in Devon, a graceful estate with a serene arboretum, glorious in spring and autumn, perched on an extinct volcano. nationaltrust.org.uk The Clifton Suspension Bridge is Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s signature masterpiece, cutting across the dizzying Avon Gorge at Bristol. cliftonbridge.org.uk Drive (with the windows up!) through the safari park at Longleat. Its landscaped parkland is home to roaming lions, tigers, cheetahs, rhinos and a resident elephant. longleat.co.uk Pack a picnic and wander through the hilly moorland of Exmoor National Park. Its summit, Dunkery Beacon at 519m, is the highest point in Somerset. exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk Weave your way through Cheddar Gorge, a deep limestone ravine surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs and subterranean stalactites. cheddargorge.co.uk Looking for an experiential gift or to book your next stay? Visit: gourmet-experiences.co.uk or bestloved.com

BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 43

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THE ABBEY HOTEL Bath, Somerset

A superb independently owned hotel & restaurant in the heart of Bath.

4

ALEXANDRA HOTEL & RESTAURANT

ATLANTIC HOTEL

An English classic on the Jurassic Coast.

Classic glamour & modern luxury at this 4-star hotel with sensational coastal views.

Lyme Regis, Dorset

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Newquay, Cornwall

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BOVEY CASTLE

THE CASTLE AT TAUNTON

THE COTTAGE HOTEL

A stunning country house with golf and spa in the heart of Dartmoor National Park.

Historic family run 4-star hotel and foodie favourite in the Gateway to the South West.

A delightfully traditional seaside hotel in a spectacular and secluded location.

North Bovey, Devon

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EXMOOR WHITE HORSE INN Exford, Somerset

Located on the banks of the charming River Exe in the heart of Exmoor, this 16th century inn has been family-owned and run for generations.

Taunton, Somerset

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Nr Salcombe, Devon

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FARTHINGS HOTEL AND RESTAURANT

FOX AND HOUNDS COUNTRY HOTEL

West Country hospitality in elegant Georgian surroundings.

A country hotel set on the banks of the River Taw & the scenic Tarka Trail.

Taunton, Somerset

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Chulmleigh, Devon

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THE GARRACK HOTEL St Ives, Cornwall

Newquay, Cornwall

THE HEADLAND HOTEL & SPA

THE HUNTERS INN

A secluded hotel with spectacular views across the Atlantic and St Ives Bay, just a pebble’s throw from the town with its beautiful beaches.

Enjoy beach side living at its very best, with rockpooling, surfing and magical sunsets at Cornwall’s iconic hotel and spa.

A traditional country inn full of charm and character set amid the magnificent Exmoor scenery of the Heddon Valley.

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Barnstaple, Devon

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ILSINGTON COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

Portloe, Cornwall

THE LUGGER HOTEL

MILL END HOTEL

Peace, tranquillity and unspoilt vistas within Dartmoor’s National Park.

Sublimely romantic seaside getaway in the timeless Cornish village of Portloe.

Country house heaven in the heart of Dartmoor.

Ilsington Village, Devon

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Chagford, Devon

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ORESTONE MANOR

PENTILLIE CASTLE & ESTATE

THE RAM’S HEAD INN

A magnificent family-run Georgian country house on the South Devon coast with spectacular sea views over Lyme Bay.

An award winning, family run boutique B&B in a magnificent Cornish country castle set on an enchanting 2,000 acre estate on the Devon and Cornwall border.

A welcoming home-from-home 17th century boutique coaching inn with great food located between Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Maidencombe, Devon

Saltash, Cornwall

Winkleigh, Devon

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ROSEATE VILLA Bath, Somerset

ST MELLION INTERNATIONAL RESORT

SUMMER LODGE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

A unique blend of contemporary style, traditional Cornish hospitality and 4-star facilities (including two European Tour Championship Golf Courses and Elemis spa).

A 5-star quintessential country house hotel set in the heart of Hardy Country with 3 AA Rosette-winning cuisine, relaxing spa, indoor pool and miles of beautiful countryside to explore.

St Mellion, Cornwall

A chic and stylish luxury boutique hotel located just off the tranquil Henrietta Park in the heart of the old centre of Bath. This wonderful haven combines city and countryside – the perfect place to stay when visiting this glorious city.

Evershot, Dorset

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Tower Bridge and the city, London, Greater London. ©VisitBritain/George Johnson

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THE SOUTH & CHANNEL ISLANDS Sheer white cliffs broken by golden stretches of sandy shoreline punctuate the landscape of England’s picturesque south, home to the sleepy rural idylls of Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire.

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RICH MARITIME HERITAGE is woven throughout the cultural tapestries of the south, from the harbours of Lowestoft and the docks of Southampton to the lighthouses of Plymouth Hoe and the bustling port of Felixstowe, where much of the UK’s important goods arrive from distant seas and lands.

The Isle of Wight, England’s second most populous after Portsea Island (containing Portsmouth), draws an international sailing crowd to its annual Cowes Week, while further out to sea, the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark remain firm favourites with holidaymakers.

Jersey, the largest of these islands and home to two Michelin Star restaurants, has long been a producer of some of Britain’s best loved culinary staples, from its abundance of seafood to its rich, creamy milk and beloved Jersey Royal potatoes – also used to make the island’s commercial vodkas.

Across the Channel, stargazers flock to Sark to gaze at the infinite galaxy above; The clear skies and lack of light pollution on this tiny, car-free island made Sark the first Dark Sky Island in the world.

Back on the mainland, you’ll find six ICSA-accredited cookery schools, including chef James Martin’s popular Kitchen at Chewton Glen in Hampshire, Rosemary Schrager’s Cookery School in Kent and the award-winning Artisan Bakehouse in Sussex. Of the south’s 20 Michelin Star restaurants, Heston’s alchemical Fat Duck at Bray remains the most celebrated.

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Take a walk along the Thames Valley from Hurley in Berkshire to Runnymede in Surrey, where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215. thames-path.org.uk HMS Victory the most famous ship in the Royal Navy, and Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. HMS Victory is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. ©VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Experience your own version of Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle, the series’ magnificent Hampshire setting. highclerecastle.co.uk See the Mary Rose and Nelson’s HMS Victory at Portsmouth’s historic dockyard. historicdockyard.co.uk Hampshire’s New Forest is a vast natural wonderland, from wild horse-roamed heath to wooded shores. newforestnpa.gov.uk

Windsor Castle moat view. ©VisitBritain/Pete Seaward

Marvel at the view from the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, or Beachy Head and Seven Sisters in East Sussex. sevensisters.org.uk Hop on a shuttle bus to Laverstoke Mill for a distillery tour of Britain’s beloved Bombay Sapphire gin. distillery.bombaysapphire. com Windsor Castle, on the royal trail in Berkshire, is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. royalcollection.org.uk

Take the chairlift from the cliffs to Alum Bay for a stellar view of The Needles, the Chalk Stacks and the Isle of Wight. theneedles.co.uk Visit Hattingley Valley, a family owned Hampshire vineyard specialising in premium English sparkling wines. hattingleyvalley.co.uk Gaze across the sea of sails on a boat tour from Chichester Harbour, where you can head out on a former lifeboat to spot birds and seals. chichesterharbourwatertours. co.uk Perfect your sugarcraft and cake decorating skills at the ICSAaccredited Squires International School in Surrey. Search for all six ICSA accredited cookery schools in the region icsacookeryschools.org The Henry Moore Foundation at the great sculptor’s longtime Buckinghamshire home is a world-class celebration of his work – and international sculpture in general. henry-moore.org Discover the scandalous goings on of the Bloomsbury Set on a tour of Charleston, the East Sussex country home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. charleston.org.uk

Decipher the symbolic meanings of Victor Hugo’s eccentric interior design at Hauteville House, the writer’s home in exile on Guernsey. visitguernsey.com Start the day with a bang at the Explosion Museum, an awardwinning exhibition of naval firepower in Gosport. nmrn.org.uk Explore the lives of the codebreakers at Bletchley Park, where Alan Turing built the pioneering Enigma machine during the Second World War. bletchleypark.org.uk Cycle (or walk) up one of Britain’s most iconic climbs at Box Hill in Surrey – and reward yourself with afternoon tea at the summit. nationaltrust.org.uk Rev up for a morning at Brooklands Museum, birthplace of British motorsport and aviation. brooklandsmuseum.com Sip a glass of something crisp and chilled alongside the glistening waters at Port Solent Marina – an excellent spot for boat watching. portsolent.com Looking for an experiential gift or to book your next stay? Visit: gourmet-experiences.co.uk or bestloved.com

Main image spread: The Seven Sisters, a national landmark the South

Downs in East Sussex coastline of the English Channel. Steep white chalk cliffs on the shore, dropping down into the sea.. ©VisitBritain/Charlie Waite

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ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL

BETHNAL & BEC

BISHOPSTROW HOTEL & SPA

A Victorian mansion with golf, spa & fine food in the Ashdown Forest.

Hertfordshire luxury retreat where city chic meets country comfort – you have everything you need to relax, including private hot tub, a fully stocked pantry, Netflix, peaceful seclusion and more.

Luxurious, yet informal, English country house elegance with a 2 AA Rosette-winning restaurant and superb spa set amid 27 idyllic acres in the Wylye Valley.

Forest Row, Sussex

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Cottered, Hertfordshire

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Warminster, Wiltshire

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THE CAPTAIN’S CLUB HOTEL & SPA

CAREYS MANOR HOTEL & SENSPA

THE CLUB HOTEL & SPA

Contemporary hotel with a nautical-inspired design and panoramic views of the River Stour.

Luxury 4-star retreat with a state-of-the-art spa in the heart of the New Forest.

Chic boutique luxury & renowned Michelin-starred cuisine in the heart of St. Helier.

Christchurch, Dorset

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Brockenhurst, Hampshire

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St Helier, Jersey

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COBO BAY HOTEL

CROSSWAYS HOTEL

DRIFTWOOD BEACH HOUSE

Boutique hotel overlooking one of Guernsey’s most beautiful bays.

A warm welcome and excellent food in the South Downs.

A delightful three room beachside boutique B&B near Whitstable a stone’s throw from Seasalter Beach.

Castel, Guernsey

Wilmington, Sussex

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Whitstable, Kent

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THE DUKE OF RICHMOND HOTEL

EASTBURY HOTEL

FALSTAFF HOTEL

Boutique elegance, sea views and a heated outdoor pool/terrace at this stylish hotel located just up the hill from St Peter Port.

Just a few steps from the historic Abbey town of Sherborne, this charming boutique Georgian townhouse and 2 AA Rosette-winning restaurant is set within a spectacular walled garden.

Just a few steps away from the Westgate Towers in Canterbury’s city centre, this 15th Century coaching inn has classically-styled bedrooms and a great cocktail bar, and is ideally located for everything in the City.

St Peter Port, Guernsey

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THE FARMHOUSE HOTEL St Saviours, Guernsey

Country house charm meets contemporary design in the scenic Guernsey countryside.

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Sherborne, Dorset

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FIVE ARROWS HOTEL

Canterbury, Kent

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Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire

FREDRICK’S HOTEL RESTAURANT & SPA

Victorian character, charm, fantastic food and modern comfort at the gates of Waddesdon Manor.

A 4-star Thames Valley Escape with 2 AA Rosette cuisine and an exceptional spa.

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Maidenhead, Berkshire

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THE GEORGE IN RYE

THE GRAND HOTEL

GRASMERE HOUSE HOTEL

A luxurious boutique hotel in the centre of medieval Rye, with 34 bedrooms, Grill restaurant serving local fish caught from Rye Bay and Romney Marsh lamb, and Tap bar with local ales and wines from vineyards in East Sussex and nearby Kent.

Majestic seaside Victorian palace on the Eastbourne promenade.

A riverside country house hotel with stunning views of Salisbury Cathedral.

Rye, Sussex

Eastbourne, Sussex

Salisbury, Wiltshire

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GREENHILLS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

HEVER CASTLE LUXURY B&B

HURLEY HOUSE HOTEL

A tranquil gem in the heart of rural Jersey.

Luxury B&B accommodation located on the Hever Castle estate, home to Anne Boleyn.

A boutique hotel in the Thames Valley with rustic décor and a gorgeous fine-dining restaurant and bar.

St Peter, Jersey

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Edenbridge, Kent

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Hurley, Berkshire

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LUTON HOO HOTEL, GOLF & SPA

THE MANOR AT BICKLEY

MILLER OF MANSFIELD

Grand stately home just north of London set in a 1065 acre estate.

Beautiful 19th century country house set in landscaped grounds with excellent food.

Acclaimed food and stylish rooms at this modern Thames Valley inn – winner of The Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year 2016.

Nr Luton, Bedfordshire

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Bickley, Kent

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Reading, Berkshire

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MONTAGU ARMS HOTEL

MORTONS HOUSE HOTEL

NEW PLACE HOTEL

Charming 17th century New Forest country house with sublime cuisine.

Graceful Elizabethan manor perfect for exploring the Jurassic Coast.

A grand manor house designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens set in 32 acres of picturesque landscaped gardens in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.

Beaulieu, Hampshire

Corfe Castle, Dorset

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Shirrell Heath, Hampshire

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THE OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE HOTEL & SPA

PARK HOUSE, HOTEL & SPA

THE ROSEATE READING

Delightful 5-star hotel in a prime position at the heart of St Peter Port with spectacular views over the harbour.

A charming country house hotel in the South Downs National Park with excellent food, fabulous spa and leisure facilities.

A stylish and opulent boutique townhouse with exquisite décor and AA Rosette-wining cuisine located near the centre of Reading.

St Peter Port, Guernsey

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Midhurst, Sussex

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Reading, Berkshire

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RYE LODGE

TALBOT RIPLEY

THATCHERS HOTEL

Elegance, restful charm and great attention to detail in historic Rye.

Located in the charming Surrey village of Ripley, a mere half hour from Central London, The Talbot is one of England’s most famous coaching inns.

A Tudor-style country house set amid glorious Surrey countryside near of Guildford with traditional surroundings, comfortable rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Rye, Sussex

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TYLNEY HALL HOTEL

Ripley, Surrey

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East Horsley, Surrey

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Hook, Hampshire

Dorking, Surrey

THE WHITE HORSE HOTEL

THE WHITE HOUSE

A superb Victorian stately home in 66 acres of landscaped gardens.

A stylish and historic coaching inn located in Dorking, in the Surrey Hills AONB only an hour from London – Dickens wrote parts of The Pickwick Papers here.

No cars, no crowds, no worries: luxury retreat on the magical, secluded island of Herm.

Herm Island, Guernsey

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A Delicious Day Out at Leiths “So inspirational, informative and fun!”

Located on a leafy street in West London, Leiths School of Food and Wine is a real haven for foodies.

Founded by The Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith CBE and Caroline Waldegrave OBE in 1975, the School offers the widest selection of amateur cookery classes of any culinary school in the UK.

Classes for Keen Cooks From Peruvian cuisine to authentic Italian cookery, and from cake-baking to smoking your own salmon, there are over 200 different one-day classes to choose from.

Beginners are welcome on many Leiths classes, whether you wish to learn to cook the perfect steak, or discover how to choose the right wines to compliment your supper.

There are classes for vegans, those with food allergies, and those who wish to eat more healthily too, along with exclusive sessions with celebrity cooks like Edd Kimber, Cyrus Todiwala and Judy Joo. Youngsters are well catered for, with school holiday classes in Baking, Mexican, Japanese and Italian.

Your Leiths experience will culminate in a delicious lunch – with a glass of wine for adults – and you’ll head home with plenty of leftovers.

If you would like to find out more about our courses and classes call 020 8749 6400, email info@leiths.com or visit leiths.com

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LONDON England’s vivacious capital, perched on the banks of the Thames, is considered one of the most important global cities for a reason.

This eclectic hub of commerce, culture and tourism offers a lively mix of history and novelty, from the hallowed halls of Westminster to the glittering lights of the West End.

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ONDON’S spectacular skyline – resplendent by day or night – is studded with iconic landmarks worthy of a thousand pictures; the towering Gherkin, great clock tower of Big Ben and dizzying wheel of the London Eye preside over bustling streets below, while the city’s numerous royal parks provide scenic spaces to relax and unwind. Beyond its popular tourist attractions, a trove of hidden gems await; take a detour off any of the main thoroughfares to explore characterful courtyards, secret gardens, unusual shops and quirky museums.

For gourmet lovers, no trip to London is complete without experiencing its flamboyant markets and creative street food. Weave through colourful piles of fresh produce and just-baked artisan breads at busy Borough, experience a riot of spicy flavours at trendy Brick Lane, or for something a little different, head to eclectic Pop Brixton to try global fare at vibrant food shacks, nestled amongst a jumble of shipping containers.

London’s three prestigious ICSA-accredited cookery schools have helped some of the country’s most innovative chefs hone their craft, and the city is home to a staggering 68 Michelin Star restaurants. Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Restaurant Gordon Ramsey in Chelsea and Mayfair’s legendary sushi institution, The Araki, belong to an exclusive quintet of British restaurants to be awarded a dizzying three Michelin Stars.

Main image spread: The Millennium footbridge over the River Thames

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a national landmark and visitor attraction in West London.

©VisitBritain/ Richard Allen

©VisitBritain/ Joanna Henderson

in London looking towards St Paul’s cathedral and the City of London.

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Visit Buckingham Palace in summer for an inside view of the London home of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. royal.gov.uk

Slip down the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide – the latest exciting addition to the Arcelormittal Orbit, in Stratford. arcelormittalorbit.com

Marvel at some of the world’s rarest and most exotic plants in the Temperate House at Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens. www.kew.org

Indulge in a little retail therapy on London’s famous Carnaby Street – its iconic arches are one of the most photographed sights in the city. carnaby.co.uk

Take to the River Thames on the Puppet Theatre Barge, a cosy floating theatre that departs Richmond spinning fresh takes on traditional tales and children’s classics. puppetbarge.com

Squeeze into Soho’s tiny Ain’t Nothin’ But Blues Bar. This lively little joint is something of a London institution, and features a revolving door of masterful blues musicians from around the world. aintnothinbut.co.uk

Take a tour of the palace of Westminster. A Blue Badge guide leads the way on this fascinating 90-minute journey through the House of Lords and the House of Commons. parliament.uk Brew up in a 300-year old tea room. Twinings Tea Shop on The Strand, opened in 1706, has been supplying royal households since 1837. twinings.co.uk Browse the masterful works in London’s world-beating galleries, the Tate Modern and Tate Britain. The Thames Clipper is a scenic way to hop from one to the other. visitlondon.com

The view from Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, Westminster and Westminster Bridge.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Admire the newly reopened Design Museum in Kensington.

There’s triple the space for exhibits at John Pawson’s clever remodelling of the former Commonwealth Institute building. designmuseum.org

Stand on the historic prime meridian line – quite literally the edge of time – at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. rmg.co.uk Take a peek at the souklike rug room in one of London’s most iconic stores, Liberty, where you’ll find fine handmade Oriental and Persian floorcoverings. libertylondon.com Learn how to smoke and cure all kinds of seafood, from gravadlax to ceviche, at the renowned Billingsgate Seafood School, where dishes are skillfully prepared with the freshest catch from early morning market.

Search all London cookery schools: icsacookeryschools.org Hop in a kayak and see London from a new perspective.

Kayaking London take small groups out on the Thames every day from Little Venice in Paddington. kayakinglondon.com

Visit Tower Bridge by day to walk along the dizzying glass floor that runs from one end to the other. Return at night to see the spectacular structure lit up in all its glory. towerbridge.org.uk Explore the vibrant independent shops, delis, cafes and art spaces at the colourful Mercanto Metropolitano. mercatometropolitano.co.uk Step into the Churchill War Rooms, the secret underground headquarters where Britain’s former Prime Minster lived and worked during WWII. iwm.org.uk/visits Escape the throngs and see the city from up high; the view from The Shard is simply breathtaking. the-shard.com Looking for an experiential gift or to book your next stay? Visit: gourmet-experiences.co.uk or bestloved.com

BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 59

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THE ARCH LONDON

BERMONDSEY SQUARE HOTEL

Boutique luxury home from home set in a Grade II Edwardian townhouse just steps from Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, the South Kensington Museums and Knightsbridge shopping.

An ideal 5-star urban hideaway steps from Marble Arch, Hyde Park & Oxford Street.

Youthful, unpretentious and friendly, Bermondsey Square Hotel is located at the heart of one of London’s hippest neighbourhoods, near Borough Market, The Shard & Tower Bridge.

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COLONNADE HOTEL

CRANLEY HOTEL

DRAYCOTT HOTEL

Charming boutique hotel in leafy Little Venice – this elegant Victorian mansion was the birthplace of Alan Turing and is also home to a fine Persian restaurant with outdoor terrace.

A charming luxury boutique hotel perfectly situated in a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea.

5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Chelsea steeped in elegant Edwardian splendour.

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THE GORE LONDON – STARHOTELS COLLEZIONE Elegant, welcoming and intimate, The Gore hotel is an authentic British boutique hotel with a real home-feeling in the heart of Kensington, London.

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THE MILESTONE HOTEL & RESIDENCES

THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE

TOWN HALL HOTEL

A luxurious five star Grade II mansion hotel, located directly opposite Kensington Palace and a popular destination for afternoon tea.

Luxurious, calm and regal 5-star hotel located opposite Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews offering a choice of excellent dining venues.

Stylish rooms, studios & apartments in an architecturally fascinating former town hall building in the hip and vibrant East End.

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BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 61

Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland. ©VisitBritain/Alistair Horne

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SCOTLAND Scotland’s wild and rugged landscape, studded with the crumbling castles of great monarchs and ancient battles, is widely considered the last great wildernesses in the British Isles. Deep blue lochs ripple in the wind beside enchanting forests, verdant glens and craggy peaks, while the imposing mountains of the Cainrgorms, the Grampians and the Southern Uplands roll endlessly across this windswept land.

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N THE COASTAL SOUTHWEST, Galloway Forest was Europe’s first official Dark Sky Park, and today is one of only 44 such places worldwide. On a clear night, stargazers can see the Andromeda galaxy with the naked eye, and may even catch a glimpse of the dancing green northern lights in the winter sky.

Scotland’s distinctive and evocative culture embraces music, literature, poetry and celebration, and of course it’s hard to mention Scotland without acknowledging its 120 whisky distilleries; Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Talisker and Bruichladdich are amongst some of the world’s favourite malts.

Of the country’s 790 islands, Orkney, Islay, Mull and Shetland are the largest, while the ethereal Isle of Skye is forever popular with hikers and climbers. Lewis and Harris, with their deserted white sands and startling blue seas, could almost be in the Caribbean – albeit a slightly chillier version!

In culinary terms, Scotland’s bountiful larders of game, fish, fruit, vegetables and dairy products supply the country’s two ICSA-accredited cookery schools and nine Michelin Star restaurants.

View across the water surface of Loch Ness on a very calm day, and clouds reflected in the lake. ©VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

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At Edinburgh Castle, learn about the country and its capital’s history, as well as appreciating cracking views of this ancient city. edinburghcastle.gov.uk Cruise Loch Ness in search of the infamous monster, Nessie. cruiselochness.com Head for Eilean Donan Castle, the most iconic fortress in the land, which sits on its own island amid views straight off a shortbread tin. eileandonancastle.com Enjoy a wee dram at Speyside, where whisky devotees can taste some of the finest tots at one of the nation’s most famous distilleries. visitscotland.com Take in the views from the end of the road at John O’Groats – the start or finish of many an end-to-end journey between it and Penzance in Cornwall. visitjohnogroats.com In Alloway, visit the home and museum dedicated to the great Scottish bard, Robert Burns, who wrote ‘Auld Lang Syne’. burnsmuseum.org.uk Learn how to bake the perfect loaf at Edinburgh’s New Town Cookery School, which runs popular courses in breadmaking, patisserie, fish and shellfish. Or how about a The arena at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo during a performance of the military event, parade ground and packed spectator seating.

Weber Grill Cookery Course at the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine. icsacookeryschools.org Drive the cliffside road known as the Electric Brae in South Ayrshire, an optical illusion that gives the impression of going up when going down. undiscoveredscotland.co.uk Hop on the iconic Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Oban to Skye –if it’s warm enough, take an invigorating dip in the crystal blue Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillins mountains. calmac.co.uk In winter, hit the slopes at Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park; in the summer, explore the park in all its majesty by foot or bike. visitaviemore.com Wander through the fragrant herbarium at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, a renowned scientific centre for the study of plants and conservation. rbge.org.uk The Royal Family’s Scottish home at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire runs safari tours in a Landrover Discovery through the estate’s manicured parkland and gardens. balmoralcastle.com

Marvel at the medieval Rosslyn Chapel, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Scotland, and the inspiration for The Da Vinci Code. rosslynchapel.com Visit the Isle of Arran, a compact yet diverse isle that earns its moniker of ‘Scotland in Miniature’, with many of Scotland’s best attractions in one place. visitarran.com Ride the Borders Railway, which heads from Edinburgh deep into the rolling hills beloved of writer Sir Walter Scott. scotrail.co.uk Leaf through The Scottish Play beneath the boughs of the Birnam Oak and sycamore, the sole surviving trees of the ancient wood in Perth, made famous by Shakespeare in Macbeth. visitscotland.com Ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Glenfinnan, crossing the magnificent viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films. Alight at the destination of the Hogwart’s Express’ Glenfinnan Station. westcoastrailways.co.uk Looking for an experiential gift or to book your next stay? Visit: gourmet-experiences.co.uk or bestloved.com

Main image spread: View over Glenfinnan valley with steam train on

viaduct and Loch Shiel in the background, Highlands, Scotland. ©VisitBritain/Guy Richardson

©VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 65

SCOTLAND

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BALCARY BAY HOTEL

BLACKADDIE HOUSE HOTEL

BOATH HOUSE

Magnificent sea views from this romantic hotel on the Galloway coast.

Delightful family-run hotel with refined restaurant on the River Nith.

Majestic Regency mansion & Michelin-starred restaurant in a 20 acre Highlands estate.

Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway

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Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway

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Nairn, Highlands

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CALLY PALACE HOTEL & GOLF COURSE

CARNOUSTIE GOLF HOTEL

COLONSAY

A magnificent 4-star 18th century country house hotel set in 150 acres on the outskirts of the pretty village of Gatehouse of Fleet on the Solway coast.

Luxurious hotel & spa overlooking the famously challenging & historic golf course.

A hidden treasure of the Southern Hebrides.

Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries & Galloway

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Carnoustie, Angus

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Isle of Colonsay, Argyll

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CRAIGADAM

DALHOUSIE CASTLE AND SPA

DUNALASTAIR HOTEL SUITES

A taste of Scotland in the Galloway Hills.

A magnificent 13th-century castle, award-winning restaurant and state-of-the-art spa just 8 miles from Edinburgh.

Boutique elegance amid the stunning Highland scenery of Loch Rannoch and Schiehallion Mountain.

Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway

Bonnyrigg, Lothian

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Rannoch, Perthshire

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EDNAM HOUSE HOTEL

FONAB CASTLE HOTEL & SPA

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

An exquisite country house escape with world class fishing and terrific food on the banks of the River Tweed.

The ultimate in luxury with a fresh modern twist. A truly special 5-Star Scottish experience located on the banks of Loch Faskally in the heart of Perthshire.

One of the best kept secrets in The Trossachs National Park, with one of the most breath-taking views in Scotland. Under new ownership.

Kelso, Roxburghshire

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Pitlochry, Perthshire

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St Fillans, Perthshire

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GLENMORANGIE HOUSE

KILCAMB LODGE

KNOCKINAAM LODGE

Enjoy exceptional Scottish hospitality at Glenmorangie’s Highland home and discover what we mean by “tranquillity restored.”

Breathtakingly situated on Loch Sunart, where otters and eagles are daily visitors.

Romantic boutique hotel & gourmet escape on the Galloway Coast.

Tain, Highlands

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MAR HALL GOLF & SPA RESORT Glasgow

A 5-star luxury Edwardian country house, golf and spa resort in 240 acres near Glasgow and the River Clyde.

Strontian, Highlands

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Portpatrick, Dumfries & Galloway

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MELDRUM HOUSE COUNTRY HOTEL

THE PEAT INN

Award-winning 4-star country house hotel set in 240-acres with luxurious accommodation. One of Scotland’s top destination hotels with a 2 Red Rosette Restaurant as well as casual dining in their 800-year old Cave Bar.

A celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant just a short drive from St Andrews.

Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire

St Andrews, Fife

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ROMAN CAMP COUNTRY HOUSE

RUFFLETS

A wonderful family run country house in the Trossachs with great food.

The best of country house living near the Home of Golf boasting a 2 AA rosette restaurant and 10 acres of award-winning gardens.

Callander, Perthshire

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St Andrews, Fife

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TRIGONY HOUSE HOTEL & GARDEN SPA

4-star Baronial castle hotel set in beautiful gardens in Glasgow’s leafy Southside.

A rustic treasure hidden amid the serenity of Nithsdale valley.

Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway

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Fingals Cave on Staffa Island ©VisitBritain/VisitScotland

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Just as Nature Intended

TEL: 01694 781 277 WWW.WENLOCKSPRING.CO.UK EMAIL: BOTTLES@WENLOCKSPRING.CO.UK

IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND From the extraordinary natural wonder that is The Giant’s Causeway in the North to the dramatic cliffs and mountains of the South West, the landscape of The Emerald Isle is a never-ending feast for the eyes.

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OCATED IN COUNTY ANTRIM, The Giant’s Causeway is an eerily beautiful basalt formation made from magma that oozed from the deep more than 60 million years ago. Climbing amid the 40,000 polygonal columns of layered basalt is an experience never to be forgotten. Four colour coded trails take you further along the coast for breath-taking views of the cliffs and bays.

Back in the nearby village of Bushmills, there’s an attraction of a different but equally compelling variety – a guided tour and tasting at the the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Just a bit further afield are Royal Portrush Golf Club, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and many of the Game of Thrones filming locations.

In the South West of Ireland, County Kerry is equally well known for some of the finest landscape in the country. A good start is to be found in Killarney National Park for its woods, lakes, waterfalls and mountains, including Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest range, and Carrauntoohil, the country’s highest mountain.

This is also a good start for The Ring of Kerry, an 111 mile route which display Ireland at its wildest and most mystical – Iron Age forts, ancient monasteries, crystal streams, rolling hills, sandy beaches and the crashing waters of the Atlantic.

Main image spread: Red basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway,

County Antrim, Northern Ireland. ©VisitBritain/Ben Selway

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Crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. ©VisitBritain/Ben Selway

IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND

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BUSHMILLS INN HOTEL

Bushmills, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland Historic oak-beamed luxury Inn set against the backdrop of the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Distillery.

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CARRIG COUNTRY HOUSE & RESTAURANT Killorglin, Co Kerry

Enchanting country house hotel & gourmet restaurant on the shores of Caragh Lake, Ring of Kerry.

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WO R L D -W I D E PA R T N E R S In addition to our long-standing selection of handpicked British and Irish hotels, Best Loved is delighted to present some of our favourite properties from further afield. From Mount Fuji to Cape Town’s Table Mountain, from Lake Geneva to the lakes of New England, from Napa Valley to Palm Beach, our International Collection is truly stunning.

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E ARE ALSO PROUD TO BE MEMBERS OF THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE OF PRIVATE HOTELS, which brings together nearly 1,000 independently owned Hotels in over 80 countries. This unique collaboration enables us to strengthen our position as the largest hotel alliance of privately owned hotels in the world.

For further details, and to see all of the Hotels in the collection, visit www.gaph.online.

ABOVE LEFT:

ABOVE RIGHT:

ABOVE MIDDLE:

OPPOSITE:

Hotel Chinzanso Pagoda © Tea Hakone ©

Twelve Apostles © Chesterfield Palm Hotel © Phil Conrad

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INTERNATIONAL

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INTERNATIONAL

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THE CHESTERFIELD PALM BEACH

CHURCHILL MANOR BED AND BREAKFAST Napa, California

HAKONE KOWAKIEN TEN-YU

Elegant and chic hotel in the heart of residential Palm Beach, just steps from designer boutiques and white sandy beaches.

An elegant and romantic B&B near downtown Napa, in the heart of the California wine country – this 19th century mansion is one of the architectural treasures of Napa.

An amazing traditional inn with mountain and forest views at the foot of Mount Fuji – all rooms have their own hot spring bath.

Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.

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Hakone, Japan

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HILLBROOK INN & SPA

HOTEL CHINZANSO TOKYO

HOTEL D’ANGLETERRE

This luxury country inn, spa and restaurant near historic Harpers Ferry (one hour from Washington D.C.) is full of gracious hospitality and old world charm.

Luxury hotel in the middle of Tokyo with incredible views over a vast Japanese garden and 700 year old three-storied Pagoda.

Refined Swiss style and hospitality with British charm at this 5-star hotel overlooking Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.

Charles Town, West Virginia

Tokyo

Geneva, Switzerland

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MILL FALLS AT THE LAKE Meredith, New Hampshire

A world class lakeside New Hampshire resort featuring four luxurious inns, five restaurants, spa, lake activity centre, three swimming pools, 11 shops and much more.

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STOWEFLAKE MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPA

THE TWELVE APOSTLES

YORK HARBOR INN

Stunning 5-star boutique hotel situated on Cape Town’s most scenic route near Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.

A quintessential historic inn on the coast of Maine about an hour north of Boston featuring traditional New England hospitality near unspoilt beaches and walking trails.

Cape Town, South Africa

Stowe, Vermont

Set amid 50 acres in the gloriously scenic Green Mountains of Vermont, Stoweflake offers breathtaking views, a superb spa and a Wine Spectator award-winning restaurant.

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INTERNATIONAL

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York, Maine

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Feel at home & discover others France & 70 countries

W W W. C H A R M E - C A R A C T E R E . C O M

Our home is the countryside Lean back and relax!

Naturidyll is the promise of not only a heartfelt hospitality during your stay but also to a respectful way of dealing with nature and the environement.

This is what a Naturidyll holiday in Austria is all about. All our hotels share the same values but every one is special in its own way.

Naturidyll Hotels in Austria & South Tyrol.

Fotocredit: Naturidyll Hotel Edelweiss in Wagrain

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www.naturidyll.com

INTERNATIONAL Small Danish Hotels is a chain of more than 70 beautiful inns, modern hotels and fairytale castles packed with charm, intimacy and warmth. You will find us along the coasts, in the towns and cities and out in the country. What all hotels have in common is the attention to personal service and great hospitality. We call this ‘moments of happiness’.

Explore more at: www.smalldanishhotels.com

Enjoy the true Pleasures of Home If you come to Germany, rest assured that you can expect all of the amenities you have grown to appreciate: individual hotels with a familial atmosphere, personal service and authentic local ambiance.

Enjoy the Pleasures of Home in one of our Ringhotels, from the Alps to the North Sea, all across Germany.

BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 77

SMALL HOTELS WITH GREAT KITCHENS The only thing small about a Petit Hotel is its size. Our hearts and souls are all big.

Petit Hotels includes many of Sweden’s ďŹ nest small hotels.

Most of them are located in the countryside in beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Crystal-clear lakes, rivers and forests, as well as nearby golf courses and cultural events, together create unforgettable experiences for our guests.

With their stylish, comfortable rooms and highly creative kitchens with gastronomic menus, often based on fresh local and organic produce, these hotels offer indulgence for both the body and soul.

www.petithotel.se

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ICSAcookeryschools.org

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TOP TIPS: USE AND M A I N TA I N YO U R K N I V E S WITH ROBERT WELCH When the team at Robert Welch first considered designing a knife range, it was important to them that the knives were the best that they could possibly be. The design process for the knife range started with rigorous questioning about function, manufacture, durability and ease of use.

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his meticulous process enabled the design team to decide how they would create a range of beautiful, functional and timeless products. The knife range was developed alongside professional chefs, who rigorously tried and tested a selection of knives produced using different types of steel, and with a variation of different edges, until the right combination of steel and edge was found. After three years, the Signature Knife Collection was perfected, featuring ‘World Edge Geometry’, a combination of fully forged German stainless steel with a hand-applied 15° Japanese-style edge, for superior sharpness. Signature knives are now used by both professional and amateur chefs alike.

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Paul deBretton Gordon, Head Designer at Robert Welch, was an integral part of this design process. Paul shares some of the knowledge he picked up along the way in these top tips for using and maintaining your knives:

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Consider the surface that you use the knife on. Always use knives on a pliable surface, such as a wood or acrylic chopping board.

Hard surfaces, such as glass, marble or granite can damage the blades, whereas softer materials like wood and acrylic are far less damaging.

II Ditch the dishwasher. Most

manufacturers claim that their knives are dishwasher safe, and they are. However, if knives are washed by hand, using warm soapy water, and then dried individually, they will stay sharper for longer. Washing knives by hand like this minimises the damage to the blade.

III Keep them sharp. When it comes to sharpening, it really is up to the individual. Robert Welch have developed a hand-held sharpener which is easy to use, but some people prefer a traditional steel. Whatever your preferred method, knives should be honed and sharpened regularly to keep their cutting edge. With careful sharpening, knives can be maintained indefinitely.

IV Choose the right blade. Different

types of blade have been developed over time for specific uses. A different food type can require a different blade design; it’s important to have the right knife for the task.

For example, the scallops along the blade of the Santoku knife are designed to prevent thin slices from sticking to the blade; ideal for sushi and precision cutting. However, if you were chopping herbs, the curved blade of the Cook’s knife is best as it lends itself to a rocking motion, ideal for fast and efficient cutting, which prevents the herbs from being crushed. Preparation is much easier and safer if the right tools are used for the right job.

V Store your knives correctly.

There are different ways to store knives; chefs will use a roll or case to transport their blades, but at home people tend to use a knife block, magnetic rack or drawer. If you’re keeping knives in a drawer then invest in some sheathes to cover the blades. This will protect the blade from clashing with other tools in the drawer but will also protect your hand from cuts if you reach in without looking!

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N about the Signature Knife C o l l e c t i o n a n d R o b e r t We l c h , go to:

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INDEPENDENT COOKERY SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

INDEPENDENT COOKERY SCHOOLS A S S O C I AT I O N Independent Cookery Schools Association “ICSA” is the only independent, non-for-profit, regulatory body for cookery schools in the UK.

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ELEBRATING FIVE YEARS since it was founded by industry leaders, ICSA now accredits the Greatest British cookery schools for excellence in cookery skills and training.

ICSA members focus on teaching and practicing Sustainability, Seasonality, Sourcing regionally and Supporting British Producers.

Each member school is selected based on strict criteria following application. Assessment visits are made by qualified assessors based on the teaching standards of Chef Tutors across key performance indicators. The ICSA accreditation “Kite Mark” is only awarded if consistency is achieved, highlighting that they are recognised as a Greatest British Cookery School.

Search for accredited cookery schools to select specialist courses from baking through to butchery, plant based cooking, speciality sustainable fish selection and prep through to professional Barbecuing, working on Yachts and the ultimate dinner party prep. All courses are underpinned by professional chef skills and teaching standards.

Remember to look for the ICSA accreditation ‘Kite Mark’ seal of “Excellence in Cookery Skills and Training”. Search these pages for inspiration or visit ICSAcookeryschools.org @ICSAcookschools

@ICSAcookschools

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independentcookeryschoolassociation

EDINBURGH SCHOOL OF FOOD & WINE

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THE SWINTON ESTATE

Edinburgh, Scotland

EDINBURGH NEW TOWN COOKERY SCHOOL (ENTCS)

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s oldest independent and respected cookery school, established in 1986.

In the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre in a Georgian townhouse with views across to Fife, ENTCS has won a string of accolades including Best Cookery School 2017 by the Food Awards, Scotland.

Set within the grounds of Swinton Park on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Located in the original Georgian stable wing of the castle, it provides a large teaching kitchen, dining room and shop.

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STEDY CHEFS LEARNING CENTRE

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Ripon, Yorkshire

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Liverpool

VEGETARIAN SOCIETY COOKERY SCHOOL

WILMSLOW KITCHEN COOKERY SCHOOL

Based in Liverpool, this innovative new educational facility offers an array of courses for all aspects of the hospitality industry.

Established over 30 years ago as the culinary wing of the UK Vegetarian Society. They provide courses for catering professionals and the general public.

The owners learnt their catering craft under the guidance of the Roux brothers and by working with chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Pierre Koffman.

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SCHOOL OF ARTISAN FOOD

Altrincham, Greater Manchester

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ECKINGTON MANOR

Wilmslow, Cheshire

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Welbeck, Nottinghamshire

Pershore, Worcestershire

THE FOODWORKS COOKERY SCHOOL

A world-class, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to teaching skills in artisan food production. Located on the beautiful Welbeck Estate in Sherwood Forest.

Nestled in the Avon Valley on the border of the picturesque Cotswolds. The cookery school is an essential part of the farm’s diversification.

Offering day courses and residential training in a purpose built barn conversion, within a stunning Cotswolds location.

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

BEST LOVED HOTEL & TRAVEL GUIDE 83

INDEPENDENT COOKERY SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

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THE NOVELLI ACADEMY Hertfordshire

Established in 2005, is based in Jean Christophe’s home kitchen in his 14th Century farmhouse in rural Hertfordshire, with great travel links from London and the nearby Luton airport.

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BROOKES RESTAURANT COOKERY & WINE SCHOOL

THE RAYMOND BLANC COOKERY SCHOOL

One of Oxford’s best kept secrets. Less than two miles from the centre of Oxford, Brookes Restaurant is part of the Oxford School of Hospitality.

This famous school provides hands-on opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a practical and supportive learning environment, as well as being an experience in the most luxurious surroundings.

Oxford, Oxfordshire

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Great Milton, Oxford

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THE BERTINET KITCHEN COOKERY SCHOOL

DEMUTHS

Bath, Somerset

VAUGHAN’S COOKERY SCHOOL

Opened in September 2005 in the centre of beautiful and historic Bath, The Bertinet Kitchen is owned and run by French chef and baker, Richard Bertinet.

Rachel Demuth started teaching people to cook in response to queries from customers to her awardwinning vegetarian restaurant.

Led by Peter Vaughan, the team are all well-qualified, experienced chefs and teachers who are passionate about food.

Bath, Somerset

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Devizes, Wiltshire

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LEITHS SCHOOL OF FOOD AND WINE

THE COOKERY SCHOOL AT LITTLE PORTLAND STREET

BILLINGSGATE SEAFOOD SCHOOL

Located in West London, this vibrant, much loved cookery school offers a world class professional chef ’s Diploma alongside a wide selection of amateur cooking classes.

This London school teaches how to cook good, sustainable food with lasting confidence. Their single classes include everything from meat and poultry, knife skills, dim sum to bread, sourdough and lots more.

The Seafood School at World renowned Billingsgate seafood market is an important piece of British food education.

Shepherd’s Bush, London

Marylebone, London

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Billingsgate Market, London

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THE VEGAN CHEF SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

SEASON – THE EXCLUSIVE COOKERY SCHOOL

ROSEMARY SHRAGER’S COOKERY SCHOOL

The Vegan Chef School has a radically progressive mission – to move forward veganism, sustainability and compassionate ways of being through communication, learning, research and development.

SEASON offers modern purpose-built kitchen facilities housed in a renovated 17th-century well house next to their bountiful kitchen garden.

Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager brings her cooking talents and natural exuberance to her cook school in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

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Winchester, Hampshire

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Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells

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SQUIRES KITCHEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

FOOD OF COURSE COOKERY SCHOOL

THE KITCHEN AT CHEWTON GLEN

BY JAMES MARTIN

The founders have been teaching the art of cake decorating and sugar craft since 1987 and is now the leading independent school of its kind in the UK.

Whether you are looking for life skills, intend to work in a chalet, set up a pop up restaurant, travel the world, or just cook at home Food of Course Cookery School will help and inspire you.

Led by renowned chef James Martin and his team of expert chef tutors. The modern, purpose-built teaching kitchen sets the stage for enjoying and learning about food and cooking.

Farnham, Surrey

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WHITEPEPPER CHEF ACADEMY Poole, Dorset

Voted Best Cookery School in the Food and Travel Magazine reader awards 2018. They boast a newly appointed former Michelin-starred Chef Director.

Sutton, Somerset

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Hampshire

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ASHBURTON COOKERY SCHOOL & ACADEMY

PADSTOW SEAFOOD SCHOOL

Established in 1992, the Ashburton Cookery School is one of the largest culinary schools in the South West.

Rick Stein’s cookery school offers the perfect balance of chef demonstrations and hands-on cooking.

Ashburton, Devon

Padstow, Cornwall

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THE GRAND, YORK

ARTISAN BAKEHOUSE

York, Yorkshire

Ashurst, West Sussex

Opened early 2019 this impressive state-of-the-art cookery school specialises in half- and full-day courses focusing on a selection of International cuisines and speciality classes.

Set in a rural idyll, this award winning eating experience offers the best of local, seasonal foods, and teaches artisan baking to the highest standard. The traditional wood oven adds to a great experience in a relaxed, friendly, professional setting.

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THE COOKERY SCHOOL AT DAYLESFORD Kingham, Gloucestershire

Set in 2,500 acres of organic farmland in the heart of the Cotswolds, the school uses ingredients from its farm and 20-acre market garden to teach a broad range of courses.

GREATEST BRITISH COOKERY SCHOOLS & GourmetXperiences

SPECIALISTS IN TEACHING SKILLS

‘ICSA’ accredited cookery schools ensure your learning experience offers ‘excellence in cookery skills & training’

Over 30 throughout the UK Last minute courses Books by cooks N a t i o n a l g i f t vo u c h e r s

Visit: ICSAcookeryschools.org/shop @GBCookschools 86 VISIT ICSACOOKERYSCHOOLS.ORG FOR FULL DETAILS

D E ST I N AT I O N S & E X P E R I E N C E S G U I D E

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