Exploring the English Countryside

A highlight for many of my client’s is a visit to England’s timeless countryside and the pretty villages of the Cotswold Hills.

A wonderful base while touring the Cotswolds is in the spectacular town of Broadway where there are several options that we love for our clients including the Lygon Arms, the Dormy House and Foxhill Manor.

My favorite is the Lygon Arms located right in town, walking distance to shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Even in the winter, it is as cozy as can be with dozens of nooks and crannies to crawl up in with a book and a drink fire side.

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The barman is delighted to produce an expertly crafted cocktail –

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Rooms and suites can be more traditional in the main inn….

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Or more contemporary in the newer wing off the courtyard –

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Exploring Broadway –

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This trip included towns and villages brimming with traditional thatched cottages and delightful shops. Stops at Chipping Campden, Upper and Lower Slaughter, Broadway, Cheltenham and Bath are all musts while touring the Cotswolds – each with its own markets, special pubs and lovely English gardens.

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A wonderful pub lunch while traveling from London into the Cotswolds –

 

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Love the local dogs in the pubs, and they also come for the treats!AvO+gCyKSx+tXlV8NypFfw

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An evening gin tasting with the marvelous Cotswolds gin and accompaniments – each tonic water is carefully selected to compliment the gin and the flavor medley –

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The dining room has a wonderful vibe and delicious hearty meals – I enjoy the Chateaubriand!

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Getting up early to watch the local hound dogs march down Kennel Lane for their daily walk is very much worth the early morning wake up call!

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And there is a fire side cappuccino waiting to warm me on my return to the fabulous Lygon Arms!

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Wellies at the ready for your walks about in all weather –

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The Cotswolds boast some of the most remarkable Abbeys and Monasteries, this visit to Tinterm Abbey was astonishingly beautiful!
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The Foxhill Manor located just outside of the town of Broadway is ideal for those that would like to stay in a private estate home, each of the 8 or so rooms are sold individually or the manor can be taken over for a family or group. Hiking on the property and into two towns is possible from both Foxhill Manor and the lovely Dormy House hotel and spa.

Rooms are very spacious and well appointed –

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Your stay is all inclusive and includes walking into the kitchen to see what the chef has in stock and together crafting your personalized menu to be served anywhere in the house you fancy!

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Our group traveled up to Wales which is incredibly scenic and historic – Below we can barely contain our excitement while visiting this castle on the river – literally one of dozens and dozens of castles you will find in Wales.

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Many travelers to England request a visit to Stonehenge but did you know that Avebury is also fascinating with a fraction of number of visitors!!

Avebury is part of an extraordinary set of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites that seemingly formed a vast sacred landscape. Together with Stonehenge, Avebury and its surroundings are a World Heritage Site.

Both sites can be combined in one long but fantastic day!

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Stonehenge –

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The landscapes are breathtaking –

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And who knew that Hampshire and Sussex are making formidable English sparkling wines?

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Lunch at the RedLion Free House is an absolute must – one of the most memorable meals of the trip and a wonderful combination with Stonehenge!

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Chewton Glen is the perfect resort in the South. An ideal pre or post for those cruising from South Hampton or just the perfect end to a touring trip of England where families and couples can enjoy all of the activities and relaxation of a resort!

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The public areas are terrifically welcoming with nooks to enjoy a tea, something stronger, or a great book!

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I adored my suite in the main house –

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My beautiful balcony overlooking the pool and croquet lawn –

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Other accommodations include duplex suites –

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– or the perfect place for families are in the Tree Houses which are safari tent-inspired 1 bedroom units with upstairs loft for the kids

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This clever ladder to the kids loft also services as a book shelf –

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– or the two bedroom unit is perfect for two families sharing a holiday!

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Croquet lawn, full service spa, outdoor pool, kids club and a nature walk down to the beach are offered year round!

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The Kitchen is the more casual bistro style restaurant with a fantastic cooking school –

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The dining room at Chewton Glen is worth the trip itself –

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Being on the South Coast of England, I stuck to seafood throughout and was rewarded with humongous oysters –

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Sensational Scallops –

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and spicy lobster curry –

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An early morning walk down to the beach was invigorating on this February morning –

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The Thames Valley is a quintessentially English area and we stopped in the marvelous town of Henley upon Thames with its pubs, independent shops, market, and rowing houses is worth a visit.

Henley Royal Regatta is what the town is best known for. A five day sporting spectacle that combines the best features of an English garden party with world class sport on the banks of the Thames. We can absolutely arrange for a VIP package for you to enjoy in this historic spectacle.

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Our final stop is at the incomparable and elegant Cliveden House. This property is historic and special and a wonderful addition to any English itinerary. Many of my clients find it the best secret for a layover just 20 minutes from Heathrow. Cliveden is wonderful for your last nights in England or as a wonderful way to break up a trip to Asia or Africa.

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Pre booking the spa prior to your stay is highly recommended –

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The suites are all unique and one more grand the next – The Parterre Mansion Suites are highly recommended for the ultimate wow and comfort

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with private terrace overlooking the Parterre –

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The ground and gardens are stunning for walking and relaxing –

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or make your way down to the river –

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(Note the Spring Cottage can sleep up to 6 persons and is wonderful for families!)

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The historic bells each corresponding to a different room in the house have their own identifying bell which alerted servants to where they were needed in older days.

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And again, as a Relais & Chateau property, the restaurant is undeniably a feast for the senses!

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What a wonderful way to experience the English country side from the Cotswolds, to Hampshire, to South Hampton and all while experience the most ICONIC properties of England!! I can’t wait to craft your tour of England!

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