Make this your year to discover somewhere new. Enjoy the fresh-faced feeling of a day in the countryside or explore one of the UK's beautiful cities.
Visit West Yorkshire for its stunning countryside and coastline, historic cities and industrial heritage, the metropolitan county of northern England is quite the picture postcard, famed for its wild moorland, rugged coastline, spa towns and Brontë attractions. Wood Hall Hotel & Spa is situated in Wetherby and provides the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.
From the Pennine trails and cycle ways to the three national parks, it is also worth trying the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, National Trust site Hardcastle Crags and certified RSPB area Fairburn Ings for a memorable day out.
Or perhaps you are more drawn toward the North, from the magnificent beaches of the Heritage Coast to the dramatic rolling hills of the moors, a weekend break at Crathorne Hall Hotel will allow you to explore all of North Yorkshire’s gems.
Did you know, almost the whole of the North York Moors is protected by one of the country’s finest National Parks? The expanse of heather moorland, cut by deep, secret valleys, offer views that stretch for miles interrupted only by cultivated forests.
Experience the historic city of York – with its stunning Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, it is hardly surprising it is England's most-visited city outside London.
Located in North West England, Cheshire’s Peak District encompasses almost 100 square miles of inspiring scenery and includes the Gritstone Trail, a 35-mile walking route taking in wild moorland, dramatic rocky outcrops and impressive peaks. Nestled within acres of charming Cheshire countryside Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa is the ideal location from which to explore all of the county’s charms and delights.
If walking is not your cup of tea, why not bike along the canal towpaths or hire a boat and stop off at one of the many quirky museums such as the Silk Museum and Anson Engine Museum, or marvel at the Georgian architectural splendour of Lyme.
The city is also famous for the Eastgate Clock (built to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897) – one of the most photographed in the world, its 1000-year-old cathedral, and Roodee, once the site of a massive Roman harbour but now laying claim to being the oldest racecourse still in use.
If you are looking for the traditional English weekend retreat, Stratford-upon-Avon, which is just six miles from Ettington Park Hotel, is hard to beat, and there’s so much to see and do.
Start off in the nearby village of Shottery and take a tour of Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the twelve-roomed farmhouse where the wife of William Shakespeare lived as a child. From there head to the heart of Stratford and visit Bard’s birthplace where you can hear tales of his family life, enjoy live theatre and look at rare artefacts.
Located just five minutes from Edinburgh Airport and twenty minutes from the city centre, Norton House Hotel & Spa provides all that you need to explore Scotland’s capital.
From the Old Town, a bustling area of medieval buildings and a labyrinth of narrow alleyways to the grid-like Georgian architecture of New Town, it is easy to see why Edinburgh is hailed as one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world.
The New Town is dominated by the shops on George Street, and the chic cafés down the side streets, but other notable sights include the Scottish National Gallery and Calton Hill, which offers an excellent vantage point to admire Edinburgh’s many landmarks including Arthurs Seat – the remain of a volcano.
Nestled in the southern western corner of Hampshire surrounded by the open heath, woodlands and river valleys of the New Forest and less than an hour’s drive from the county’s coast, Rhinefield House Hotel is the perfect base for exploring this stunning part of England.
Once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, the 566 square kilometre New Forest National Park is waiting to be discovered. If you prefer coast to country, why not head for the cliff tops at Barton-on-Sea, take a ferry from Hurst Castle at Milford-on-Sea to Keyhaven harbour or visit the charming market town of Lymington.
After a fulfilling day of discovery you can retire to the comfort of a Hand Picked Hotel and enjoy an evening of indulgence, whether you choose to treat yourself with a relaxing spa treatment or relish in a menu filled with modern British delights in one of our award-winning restaurants. Or both.
