Nestled high on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate above Broadway – Dormy House Hotel forms part of a trio of distinctive properties, alongside The Fish Hotel and Foxhill Manor, each offering a different expression of the estate’s countryside hospitality. Luxury and history blend seamlessly to create the perfect luxury getaway at the charming Dormy House Hotel and Spa – a rather special haven that offers the ultimate in opulence. The 17th-Century farmhouse, which underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment in 2013, now has a modern stylish feel, while still retaining the Nordic […]

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While visiting family in Hampshire, I decided to make a weekend of it and accept an invitation to make our base the newly rebranded voco® Winchester Hotel & Spa. Previously part of the Holiday Inn group of hotels, we were lucky enough to be among the first to have the voco® experience as the wraps came off a £2m refurbishment. The contemporary hotel, which was first built in 2010, is located on the edge of the beautiful South Downs National Park and within 5 minutes from Winchester City Centre. The […]

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On the approach to Thornbury Castle its already apparent that we’re in for a memorable experience in this little corner near the Cotswolds and Welsh borders. Believed to be the UK’s only Tudor Castle where you can stay the night, this Relais & Chateaux Hotel is one of the finest examples of the way Tudor housing trends transformed from fortress to palace. Once owned by Henry VIII – acquired in the bloodiest of fashions from the Edward Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham – this is a fascinating Grade I building […]

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It’s been more than 30 years since I last cheered on my football team at their home ground. After growing up as a regular visitor to Old Trafford in Salford, life then just got in the way and I now support them from afar (as many a Manchester United fan is besmirched for doing!) Unless you’re in possession of a season ticket – or a very large bank account(!) – having the opportunity to see them once again play on the hallowed turf of the Theatre of Dreams – is […]

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After a busy few hours of retail therapy and sightseeing in the beautiful and bustling city of Bath, it is important to have somewhere comfortable to rest up and reflect on the joys of the day. Set in a handsome honey-coloured Georgian Terrace, Hotel Indigo Bath is the perfect base from which to explore the city. The Grade 1 listed boutique hotel soaks up the history, romance and literature, which can all be enjoyed just a few steps away. The hotel’s communal spaces and each of its 154 rooms have […]

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As a guest of The Bush Hotel in Farnham you enjoy the best of all worlds. Steeped in history but embracing contemporary design and offering a personal touch in the way that only an independent family-run hotel can. Surrounded by the Surrey hills and nestled in its own private gardens in the heart of this attractive historic town, the hotel still feels like it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, with its quiet and relaxed ambience. After parking in the secure – and free – car […]

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The lights and allure of Las Vegas has long held curiosity for me. It’s a dazzling playground for all. From mind-blowing entertainment, dancing fountains, world-class cuisine and 24-hour casinos – and all on one street! There’s no denying that Las Vegas is a relentless assault on the senses and earns its high-octane reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the World. But is there actually more to Sin City than sensory overload? I was determined to find out on my recent trip and here I offer some of my personal highlights […]

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A few weeks ago I was invited to test ‘drive’ a new luggage set which was sold to me as being a ‘game-changer’ for families and frequent fliers! I wasn’t in any real need for new suitcases – and had very little space for any more bulky items in my home. I would be lying as well if I said I wasn’t a tad sceptical by the use of their description – was this to be a case of overpromising and under delivering? But by the time I returned from […]

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We’ve all seen it on TV and now it’s our chance to take on The CUBE! I was excited to learn how the award-winning show had left the studio and landed at its first venue in Manchester. I was even more excited to be invited, along with my family, to be put through our paces. For the uninitiated, this high-octane gameshow invites contestants to step into the confines of a Perspex box to take on a series of mental and physical tasks. At The Cube Live teams of one or […]

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Moxy Hotels, as a brand of Marriott, are designed to stand out from the crowd and Moxy Chester is no different. Just a five-minute walk from the city centre and train station, first impressions upon arriving at the hotel are positive. Themed throughout with stylish nods to its locality near the racecourse, a stunning steel horse installation and series of murals themed on racing set the vibe for our stay.  A unique artist’s interpretation of the infamous Shot Tower landmark has also been specially created inside. One might say Moxys […]

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In the ‘chocolate box’ town of Chipping Campden, The Cotswold House Hotel and Spa is certainly no strawberry cream! Grand, yet beautiful, it cannot fail to be to everyone’s taste, whether you’re after a romantic weekend away with your partner, gastronomic adventure or rejuvenating spa experience with your besties. It’s easy to appreciate why this Grade II listed regency townhouse hotel is so popular – and boasts awards to its name. While it enjoys an envious High Street presence in one the most beautiful areas of the country, Cotswold House […]

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Four years ago William Seymour’s life took on a completely new direction. The Earl of Yarmouth married the love of his life and then, together, they established The Secret Aristocrat Company, producing a unique drink inspired by their own wedding day. Today, William and Kelsey’s St Maur elderflower liqueur has several international awards to its name and their business continues to grow. Lord Yarmouth answers our questions. . . Q1. How and where is St Maur made? The provenance of our product is really important to us and an essential […]

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Husband and wife Jo Carroll and Steve Taylor run Winchcombe Farm, a unique collection of six luxury holiday lodges in Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire. For more information, visit www.winchcombefarm.co.uk or call 01295 680190. Q. How did this business come about? We built our first holiday lodge, Will’s Treehouse, on the site of our former private nursery business, in 2017. We decided to go in a complete change of direction due to the financial pressures imposed by The Childcare Act 2016 which committed to giving families with working parents an entitlement to […]

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Forty-eight hours in Brighton is just enough to scratch below the surface of this brilliant and bohemian city which is a great place to enjoy with both friends and family. Returning with my family for the first time in more than 20 years, I found it be just as welcoming and diverse as ever, a city rightly proud of its passion for culture, creativity and sustainability as well as its history. Whether it’s art, entertainment, live music, independent shopping, fine food or seafront fun, this buzzing city in the heart […]

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HISTORY is integral to the story of the tiny village of Edgehill in Warwickshire, the scene of the bloodiest battle in The English Civil War. Today, the din of muskets and cannons are, thankfully, confined to those history books and the battlefields instead offer idyllic views from one of the most impressive vantage points in the country, The Castle pub. Perched on the summit overlooking the infamous battlefields, The Castle at Edgehill is also renowned for its exceptional hospitality. With award-winning food, four-star accommodation and now, a brand new gin […]

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