Autumn/Winter 2024 | Issue 14
London's hamlets
Delve into our exclusive experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, unique workshops, and luxury adventures across the capital
dreamescape.co.uk
crafters
From fashion to culinary delights, an intimate look at the craftsmanship of the Scottish Highlands and islands
Dream Event specializes in crafting and executing exceptional events tailored to your unique needs. We work side by side with our clients to understand their requirements. Whether it’s incentives, conferences, dinners, product launches or unique events, our experienced team excels in handling all aspects of event creation, planning, and delivery.
With strong industry connections, we provide a seamless and professional experience that is marked by creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and high service levels. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every event we undertake surpasses expectations. Contact Karen Murray for more information. karen@dream-event.co.uk dream-event.co.uk
Discover the best autumn/winter festivals and events across the UK and Ireland – a guide to the top cultural celebrations of the season.
Indulge in sumptuous Kensington style, with exquisite dining, and unparalleled service while immersing yourself in the rich history and modern comforts of this splendid destination.
Get the latest updates on the most exquisite travel destinations, from new whisky tasting experiences hosted by Strathisla Distillery in their Royal Salute Vault to the Rosslyn Chapel's 21st anniversary, and a new culinary offering at Corinthia London.
The mastermind behind the handbag label Launer, which has been Royal Warrant accredited for over fifty years, shares his remarkable story of reviving the heritage brand and preserving traditional British craftsmanship.
Explore the history, charm, and artistic treasures of Cawdor Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Lady Cawdor shares her personal insights and the castle's ties to Shakespeare, contemporary art, and a unique maze.
Discover the fascinating story of the 8th-generation family member of Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain's oldest wine and spirits merchant. Geordie tells Dream Escape about his unique journey and insights into wine and food pairing.
From bespoke fashion to small-batch chocolates, traditional glassmaking, ornate engravings, and Hebridean baking, explore the unique craftsmanship and culinary delights of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
Meet the trailblazing chef Adejoké Bakare and her Michelinstarred West African restaurant Chishuru. From cooking with her grandmother to winning international acclaim, Adejoké shares her journey and her mission to serve flavourful and enjoyable cuisine.
Unwind in the picturesque New Forest with Dream Escape for an experience-led getaway, with everything from enchanting woodland and ancient heathland to luxury country piles and exceptional experiences.
Uncover London's diverse neighbourhoods and exclusive experiences. From regal Belgravia to vibrant Bankside, delve into behind-the-scenes tours, unique workshops, and luxury adventures across the city.
Discover the most iconic filming locations and luxurious residences to visit and stay across England and Ireland, from Georgian manor houses featured in Jane Austen adaptations to fairytale estates and Palladium mansions with celebrity ties.
Embark on an extraordinary journey to the enchanting offshore islands of Ireland, each offering a fusion of natural beauty and ancient history. From the rugged Aran Islands to the stunning Garinish Island, experience the wonders of Hibernian happiness.
Dream Escape's Rosie and Sally share their summer highlights, from exclusive encounters with Their Royal Highnesses, King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Edinburgh Castle to private tours of historic sites, including Scone Palace and Inveraray Castle.
Your ultimate guide to luxury travel and bespoke experiences: dreamescapemagazine.com
It's never too early to start planning a ‘dream escape’ for you or your clients. With 2025 just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about plans and we are here to help. This issue is packed full of inspirational travel ideas to discover every corner of the UK and Ireland. We will take you to the islands of Ireland, uncover the magic of the New Forest, explore the charm of London’s diverse and eclectic ‘villages’, and visit the magnificent historic Cawdor Castle.
Delving into our little black book of contacts, we have interviews with Berry Bros. & Rudd's Geordie Willis and Gerald Bodmer of Launer Handbags who share their passion for their crafts, and with the holiday season not far away maybe they will also inspire the perfect Christmas gift!
As always, our dedicated Travel Design team are ready to assist you every step of the way with integrity and expertise. Whether you're seeking a relaxing retreat in Ireland or an exclusive artisan experience in Scotland, we are committed to weaving together creativity, innovation, and excellence to curate the perfect travel adventure for you or your clients.
Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy holiday season ahead and here’s to an exciting 2025! Happy reading.
Capturing London's winter beauty, one coffee at a time © Shutterstock
DAVID TOBIN OWNER AND CEO
In this edition, we reveal London's hidden gems as we shine a spotlight on the top ten neighbourhoods and villages to visit, featuring the finest accommodation and must-see attractions (page 70).
10a Great King Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QL, Scotland enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk www.dreamescape.co.uk
EDITOR IN CHIEF –
Jessica Way jessica.way@contistamedia.co.uk
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS –
Melanie Abrams, Amy Bonifas, Jane Freeman, Emma Henderson, Karyn Noble, Francesca Weeks, Natalie Millar-Partridge
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION MANAGER –
Adrian Wilkinson adrian.wilkinson@contistamedia.co.uk
HEAD OF TRAVEL DESIGN –
Kirsty Hoskins kirsty@dreamescape.co.uk
HEAD OF PRODUCT –Louise Murray louise@dreamescape.co.uk
DREAM ESCAPE LUXURY TRAVEL DESIGNERS –
Annika Busam annika@dreamescape.co.uk
Michael Davies michael@dreamescape.co.uk
Amy Humphreys amy@dreamescape.co.uk
Susie Little susie@dreamescape.co.uk
Alexandra Nikas alexandra@dreamescape.co.uk
Nicki Thomson nicki@dreamescape.co.uk
PUBLISHED BY –
Contista Media Ltd
A content creation agency and contract publisher specialising in UK-based travel contistamedia.co.uk
If you want us to create a unique itinerary or simply want to talk through some ideas, please get in touch. We reply to any telephone messages or emails within 24 hours during the week, or 48 hours across a weekend. We are always happy to help you plan your dream escape. For Dream Escape magazine enquiries, please email: editor@dreamescapemagazine.com
DAVID TOBIN OWNER AND CEO
–
David founded Dream Escape with Holly in 2005. Based in Edinburgh, their vision was to create once-in-a-lifetime trips and events for a select group of well-travelled and discerning clients. David's previous marketing career included roles at ITV, Saatchi & Saatchi and Carat, where he worked across a wide range of clients. Prior to starting Dream Escape he was a Board Director at MediaCom London and Scotland, responsible for Audi UK and The Scottish Executive. David is a keen cyclist, and across the last few years has cycled around the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland and the North Coast 500 in Scotland, raising money for various charities supporting people living with cancer.
david@dreamescape.co.uk
HOLLY MACKIE OWNER AND DIRECTOR
Holly started her career at Carlson Marketing in Singapore after completing her Business & Psychology MA in Edinburgh. After a few years in London working at various advertising agencies, including TBWA, she moved to Edinburgh. Holly is passionate about travel and has a wealth of knowledge, having travelled extensively, including overlanding from India and Nepal back to England. As well as enjoying as much time as she can with her family, Holly would love to complete more charity challenges and get to some of the far-flung places on the map that have always been on her list to visit.
holly@dreamescape.co.uk
SUE MORRIS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF MARKETING
Sue brings over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and event management in the UK and Ireland travel industry. Sue started her career working for a leading luxury tour operator in London before enjoying 15 years at Tourism Ireland, where she was responsible for various marketing and communications campaigns for the consumer, travel trade, golf, and business tourism sectors. Having moved to the British Virgin Islands in 2011 with her family, she is no stranger to high-end travel experiences, the great outdoors and an odd hurricane or two!
sue@dreamescape.co.uk
Autumn/Winter 2024
There’s always a party spirit with Christmas in sight. And this season is no different, with new and old festivals, big retrospectives and an exciting reboot of Oliver! We’ll definitely want some more…
Words | Melanie Abrams
To 31 October
Best known for defeating Napoleon at Waterloo, Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852) has a beloved place in British history. Now his story is being told through his possessions at his family home – still at Apsley House at London’s Hyde Park Corner. For an unusual art mashup, compare David Hockney’s take on The Baptism of Christ by Piero della Francesca to the original Renaissance masterpiece at the National Gallery. And before the F1 exhibition speeds away from ExCeL London, see the cars, clothes and more.
31 October 2024
Celebrate winter in ancientCelt style at the Samhuinn (pronounced Sow-in) Fire Festival in Edinburgh. Head to Holyrood Park, near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, to watch the hooded men and women light their torches for the procession with drummers, fire dancers, acrobats and more performing alongside them. They head to a showdown between the summer and winter kings before the Celtic Goddess, the Cailleach, declares the winner as winter. Round off the evening with a hot meal at The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage on Calton Hill, overlooking the city.
24 October 2024 –3 November 2024
Discover top Irish music and comedy talent at Sligo Live. Veterans and newer names perform in this historic town on Ireland’s northern Atlantic coast. There'll be singersongwriter Paul Brady, who has been playing everything from traditional Irish music to pop since the 1960s. Then there’s husky-voiced folk songstress Susan O’Neill, also known as SON, who counts U2’s Bono as a fan. She’ll be playing tunes from her new album, Now in a Minute. Another treat is the cool indie band Villagers.
18–27 October 2024
As a backdrop for many films and television series, Bath (unsurprisingly) has a film festival too. Called FilmBath, the festival has as its patron the internationally renowned British film director Ken Loach. Silent movies are a focus this year, with live scores adding a contemporary twist. And for a filmic Bath experience, Dream Escape will arrange for you to stay at No15 by GuestHouse on Great Pulteney Street. The townhouse hotel is near many recognisable locations, including Lady Danbury’s home in Netflix’s Bridgerton, also known as The Holburne Museum.
25 October 2024
–21 April 2025
As the eagerly awaited Beetlejuice sequel smashes box-office records, director Tim Burton’s fantastical Gothic films are having a heyday. Now, from 25 October, London’s Design Museum takes Burton's fans behind the scenes of his films, which also include Batman and Edward Scissorhands, revealing his sketches, storyboards, photos he has taken, as well as the elaborate costumes –remember Alice in Wonderland?
It’s an intimate view, as many pieces come from the director’s archive, including such early inspo as the zany cartoons by Dr Seuss author, Theodore Geiss.
To 10 December 2024
For an eye-popping art experience, head to the Royal Academy of Arts, as its galleries and cobbled courtyard display the unmissable work of Michael Craig-Martin, the seminal academician who taught Damien Hirst and other YBAs. Revel in Dublin-born Craig-Martin’s diverse oeuvre, from his breakthrough work in 1973 of An Oak Tree (in the form of a glass of water on a shelf) to floor-to-ceiling digital projections. His colourdrenched paintings of laptops, pencil sharpeners and the like elevate these everyday objects to art.
25–28 October 2024
Be in Dublin for the last weekend in October, as the city marks the life of Dracula author, Bram Stoker, who was born in Clontarf, a suburb, in 1847. Follow in Stoker’s footsteps and find new landmarks, such as the 18th-century Marsh’s Library where the author did his horror research. Get into the Gothic spirit for the magic and other shows at the Victorian fun park in St Patrick’s Park. Stay for the Monday evening parade through the city centre.
Now’s the chance to sit front row at a Chanel or Dior fashion show, as a new immersive exhibition charts the history of runways at the Lightroom in Coal Drops Yard in London. Hear from designers such as Victoria Beckham about how their shows present their vision. Peek behind the scenes to experience the preshow tense excitement, as models get their hair and makeup done; and have lastminute fittings, sometimes as they step onto the catwalk.
8–16 November 2024
Ever since 1919, Britain has held a Remembrance Day on 11 November, laying wreaths at the Cenotaph to honour its soldiers who fell in World War I and then World War II. Now there’s an additional way to remember these soldiers, as the Tower of London displays a new soundand-light show against the walls of its historic buildings. It features photos from the two wars, historic audio and maps, as well as images of poppies.
To 19 January 2025
See Francis Bacon’s life through his distorted lens at the National Portrait Gallery, which is displaying the works in its space for the first time. Paintings will include anonymous heads, friends, lovers and Bacon himself, spanning the 1940s to the unfinished work found in his studio after his death in 1992. Iconic works include his moving Portrait of the Man Walking Down the Stairs. It depicts Bacon's then-recently-deceased lover, George Dyer, as a man holding a blackened window while blood drips beneath him.
8–9 November 2024
For a new mouthwatering experience, discover a debut craft-beer festival near Canterbury’s medieval Cathedral this month. Called Rising Tide, the festival brings together small independent breweries from around England. Consider the Wild Beer Company from nearby Ashford with its stouts blended with rum, sherry and red wine or Ipswich’s Burnt Mill Brewery and its fermented beers that include lychee, hibiscus and sea salt. Dream Escape will arrange for you to stay local – and medieval – at the former coaching inn turned hotel, The Falstaff.
1–3 November 2024
Welsh whiskies are in the spotlight this month as the country hosts its first whisky festival. Taking place in Llandudno, North Wales, five Welsh distilleries will be showcasing their top tipples. Try the organic whiskies by Dà Mhìle (pronounced da-vee-lay) from the Llandysul family farm in southwest Wales where they make £7,500 20-year singlecask whiskies, limited to 87 bottles. There are also drams from further afield, like hardto-find Armorik single malts from France. Taste whisky from its oak cask at Aber Falls’ warehouse down the coast.
9 November 2024
–5 May 2025
India has been symbolised by the Taj Mahal ever since the temple was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan for his wife between 1632 and 1648. Now, from 9 November, the V&A in London will showcase the rich art and architecture of his reign and that of his father and grandfather from around 1560 to 1660 (known as the Golden Age of the Mughal Court). Over 200 objects will include bejewelled vessels and colourful carpets.
15–24 November 2024
London vibrates to the best jazz sounds from 15 November. Headliner Pat Metheny is an American guitarist who has won 20 Grammys. For experimental sounds, book K-music sessions that mix Korean and Western instruments. Discover the city’s more intimate clubs, such as the Jazz Cafe in Camden. And for a visceral jazz and London experience, listen to a performance in a landmark: political pianist Samora Pinderhughes plays at St Martin-in-the-Fields church by Trafalgar Square.
14 December 2024 –6 April 2025
Consider yourself in luck, as a new version of the musical, Oliver! opens on 14 December at the Gielgud Theatre along Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End. Oom-Pah-Pah and the other toe-tappers are set to new choreography by Matthew Bourne, creator of the male Swan Lake. He is also making his directorial debut. Dream Escape will arrange for you to stay nearby in the penthouse suite at the homely Broadwick Hotel in Soho. It has a smart terrace and smarter cocktail bar.
To 9 March 2025
Renaissance drawings make their mark in two gallery exhibitions. For an overview, head to The King’s Gallery, where 'Drawing the Italian Renaissance' features works from the Royal Collection, including Leonardo da Vinci’s exquisite Head of Leda. Meanwhile, the Royal Academy of Arts' new exhibition (to 16 February 2025) focuses on the rivalry between masters. Called 'Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence c1504', it displays works that include the charcoal-and-chalk sketch for da Vinci’s Virgin and Child with Saint Anne known as the 'Burlington House Cartoon'.
15 November 2024–23
December 2024
The year 2024 is the time to enjoy Winterval in Waterford, as the southeastern seaport is this year’s European City of Christmas. Nab a spot by Waterfords Eye on the Quay to see the opening ceremony and lively parade, which is full of colourful characters – from elves to Vikings, as the city began as a Viking settlement. New activities include a pulsating laser show in the Cathedral Square. Hop on the mini express train at the Cathedral for the easiest way to see the city sights, including the medieval Reginald’s Tower.
To 23 February 2025
There are over 300 objects to look at in the British Museum’s new exhibition on the ancient Silk Roads. They show how people, their ideas and artefacts travelled from East to West, shaping culture and histories. Highlights include the transport of the day: a ceramic camel from China from 728, laden with goods. Among other highlights, there's a decorated gold bowl (from about 750 to 800) of a griffin mauling a goat from Romania, which shows how the nomadic Avars adapted motifs from Byzantine and Islamic silks.
12 December 2024
Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford is the awe-inspiring backdrop to this classical music concert performed by the London Concertante ensemble. As the story is set on Christmas Eve, the Nutcracker Suite by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky is on the populist programme. And so is the Viennese-inspired Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss II. Make the most of the city’s smart eateries and go beforehand for an aperitif and langoustines at posh No 1 Ship Street. The new Store hotel is the place to stay.
26–27 December 2024
Mingle with the best horses, jockeys and trainers at Kempton Park Racecourse’s Christmas festival. Located near Hampton Court Palace, it's where the £250,000 King George VI Steeplechase is held on Boxing Day. It's one of racing’s prestigious prizes, with past winners including legendary horse Desert Orchid. Be smart and arrive at the Premier Enclosure early to view the horses in the pre-parade ring. Celebrate in style, watching the horse of choice romp home over the finishing line from the Panoramic bar and restaurant.
To 9 March 2025
Head to London’s Tate Modern for the UK’s first retrospective of Mike Kelley (1954–2012), the influential conceptual artist. His game-changing experiments are now norms. This exhibition spans his career, from drawings to multimedia installations. Highlights include his chaotic assemblage of handmade dolls and blankets that he found in thrift stores, known as More Love Hours That Can Ever Be Repaid; as well as his 15 black-and-white photographs of newspapers’ front pages, Timeless/Authorless
VANESSA BELL: FORM AND COLOUR
To 23 February 2025
Revel in the vibrant colours, fine brushstrokes and geometric shapes of British artist Vanessa Bell (1879–1961), as the MK Gallery in Milton Keynes opens the UK’s largest retrospective of her work. See the sheer variety of her pieces: paintings to pottery decorations, portraits to still life. There are also her abstract views of her modernist West Sussex home, Charleston, which hosted the famed early20th-century Bloomsbury Group, including her sister Virginia Woolf. JANUARY
11 January 2025
Grab a piece of good luck from the burning clavie (staff) at this throwback fire festival in Burghead, a village along the northeast coast of Scotland. Dating back to a calendar change in the 1750s, Burning the Clavie is held every 11 January to celebrate the new year for a second time. Follow the 6pm clavie procession from Granary Street to the ancient fort at Doorie Hill and pick up the lucky burning embers as they roll down the hill.
26 January 2025–
3 February 2025
Immerse in Irish traditions at the music, dance and poetry festival, Féile na Tána. Set in Carlingford medieval village, on the east coast of Ireland, the festival nestles by the Cooley mountains, which appear in mythic tales. This year’s commissions include a fourharp piece by Riverdance’s Bill Whelan alongside the usual gigs of fiddlers, tin-whistlers and other musicians performing solo and together. But this festival is about participation. Consider learning some sean-nós footwork or singing at Lily Finnegans’ pub near Whitestown beach.
29 January 2025
Colourful processions, performances and flavoursome food mark the Chinese New Year celebrations throughout Britain and Ireland. Best places to enjoy the Year of the Snake are at Trafalgar Square in London, with its flying lion dances, martial arts displays and other live performances.
In Manchester, head to Piccadilly to see the the 175foot dragon snake through the city to Chinatown. And in Belfast, alongside its parade, see the Titanic quarter light up red, while savouring a fortune cookie.
16–19 January 2024
Experience Cardiff through Welsh music history, as local rock band, The Alarm, celebrates 40 years at this month’s The Gathering. Even the venues are legendary, such as the Old Arcade along buzzy Church Street, which is the city’s oldest pub. Stay in style on the Cardiff Bay waterfront at voco St David’s hotel. The super-king Tiger Bay suite has the best views over the harbour, and its restaurant’s hearty menu has top-notch local produce, like roast lamb rump from the Brecons.
To 5 May 2025
It’s the 80s. Culture Club was top of the pops with 'Karma Chameleon'. King Charles, then Prince of Wales, married Lady Diana Spencer. The miners were on strike. And AIDS spread. Now photographs at Tate Britain reveal a fresh side to this decade, documenting underrepresented communities, social and political activism, as well as artistic experiment. Consider Roy Mehta’s intimate scene at the Afro-Caribbean barbershop in Willesden, London or Chris Killip’s raw view of the empty sea-coal camp in Northumberland.
25 January 2025
Drink a dram of Scotland’s best whiskies at Glasgow’s SWG3 Galvanizers, a former yard near the River Clyde where workers coated steel and iron with zinc. Alongside classics from distilleries like Ardbeg, now LVMH owned, discover some of the newer independent labels, such as Wemyss Malts in Fife, founded in 2005, with its unusual flavours like peat and peppermint. Stay in an ÖÖD mirror house on Arbikie’s family farm in Lunan, near Dundee, to see how their single grain Highland Ryes are made and explore the Scottish east coast.
A memorable destination for discerning travellers, The Milestone Hotel & Residences in London's Kensington offers sumptuous accommodation, Forbes five-star service, generous hospitality, and a wealth of first-class dining options
Positioned directly opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, The Milestone is perfectly placed for guests to enjoy the world-class culture that this exclusive part of London has to offer, including the V&A and Natural History Museums and the Royal Albert Hall.
General Manager Andrew Pike has proudly led the team at The Milestone Hotel for over 25 years, and one of the reasons guests choose to return to The Milestone is for the longstanding team who take great pride in remembering each guest to exceed their expectations every time.
The Milestone offers a variety of dining options, courtesy of the hotel’s talented executive chef, Daniel Putz. These include exquisite English cuisine at Cheneston’s (the former spelling of Kensington) restaurant, decadent British afternoon tea in the elegant Park Lounge, and intimate private soirees in The Oratory – the hotel’s very own bijou storied chapel. Guests can also indulge in lovingly prepared picnics in the park opposite the hotel during the summer months.
New for 2024 is the newly imagined Stables Bar, named as an homage to the original use of the building in which it resides. The Stables Bar provides a truly refined and exceptionally comfortable setting in which to enjoy handcrafted cocktails by mixologist Angelo Lo Greco and his equally creative team.
There are 43 exquisite deluxe rooms and 13 individually designed suites, including the recently redesigned Hermès Suite inspired by a vintage collection of Hermès scarves, and the Noel Coward Suite boasting views over Kensington Gardens. There are six private
residences, perfect for long stays or family groups, each with either two or three bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, and a full kitchen and living space.
For relaxation, The Milestone also offers a gym, a personal trainer, a resistance pool and relaxing spa treatments courtesy of their resident therapist.
Steeped in history, The Milestone Hotel & Residences is splendidly luxurious, wonderfully cosy, and endlessly welcoming. The hotel offers a perfect blend of tradition and modern comfort, complemented by Red Carnation's unrivalled, renowned guest service.
Visitors and guests of the Corinthia London can enjoy an extraordinary culinary experience by newly appointed head chef Tom Childs, personally chosen by Tom Kerridge. Savour exquisite flavours and indulge in the new menu crafted from this brilliant collaboration. Plus, set to be unveiled soon, don't miss the opportunity to be one of the first to stay in Corinthia London's beautiful new bedroom suites
It is now possible to indulge in unparalleled whisky opulence at Strathisla Distillery. Created by the Chivas Brothers, this exceptional space can be enjoyed by Dream Escape guests who would like to immerse themselves in the secret world of whisky and sample coveted casks along with some of the oldest and rarest spirits from all over Speyside. Have some of Scotland’s rarest and most exclusive casks of whisky laid out at your fingertips –experts carefully select these exceptional casks from all over the country for you to discover, taste and take home.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa in Cambridge has completed a £1m refurbishment and has an ambitious spa, featuring a new subterranean 20m pool, a hammam (steam bath), a sauna, and a 30-person Jacuzzi coming soon. Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, this boutique hotel is a favourite of Dream Escape due to its riverside location, rooftop terrace, stunning views of the river, and delicious homemade
puddings and well-crafted cocktail list. It is also the closest hotel in Cambridge to St John’s, Trinity, Jesus, and Magdalene College. King’s, Christ’s, Queens’, Gonville and Caius, Clare, Corpus Christi, and the remaining colleges, are only a leisurely walk away and can be viewed from the hotel. The location is ideal for punting along the serene river, shopping at charming local boutiques, and exploring the historic streets of Cambridge.
Uncover the mysteries of The Da Vinci Code by visiting Rosslyn Chapel in the village of Roslin in Midlothian, the iconic destination that gained worldwide fame through Dan Brown's intriguing novel. This year marks a special milestone for the Chapel, making it an ideal time to visit and explore the captivating story behind the novel's influence while immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere. With captivating images to complement the experience, Rosslyn Chapel welcomes Dream Escape visitors year-round, offering the opportunity for private evening visits too.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for luxury travel. Belmond is offering brand-new journeys aboard the Royal Scotsman, where guests can discover the ancient grandeur of towering mountains, wander through flourishing gardens, and encounter Scotland’s captivating wildlife. If you like the sound of indulging in luxury wilderness adventures in the remote Scottish Highlands and savouring exquisite dining hosted by Chef Tom Kitchin for yourself or your clients, our dedicated Travel Design team is ready to arrange every aspect of your dream trip.
Taking the helm of the luxurious handbag brand in the 1980s, Gerald Bodmer took Launer to new heights – rising above fast fashion and retaining its royal-standard quality. Here, he shares his journey and why expert artisanship never goes out of style
Words | Amy Bonifas
In a recent interview with Vogue, Launer CEO Gerald Bodmer admitted that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had once told him she didn’t feel dressed without a bag. “She carried a Launer bag at every occasion for the best part of 60 years,” he says.
And yet, despite being coveted by royalty and high society, the heritage brand fell into difficult times during the 1980s. Depending on its survival from existing customers and with rising competition from other brands, Launer needed a revival.
With a background in leather goods, businessman Gerald took the helm with a new vision but one that stayed true to the brand’s timeless roots. A rainbow of new colours and a plethora of updated designs later, Launer is now celebrating a legacy of over 80 years and has a host of new royal and famous fashion lovers.
We sit down with Gerald to discover what goes into crafting one of these exquisite handbags and what the future holds for the timeless brand…
Gerald, when did you first become interested in leather goods and artisanship?
“My first love and passion to this day was music, and I trained as a classical musician. But I needed to look after my family, so I went to work for my father’s cousin in Islington. He had an international leather company that made bags and goods and was famous across the globe.
“During my time there, I learned every aspect of the business. It taught me so much about design and craft – I
couldn’t believe how skilled the artisans who created these bags were.
“It grew from there, and in 1981, when Launer had fallen on hard times, it made sense to me to buy it as I had dealt with them as a company many times over the years.
What prompted you to take that ‘leap of faith’ – what was your vision for Launer then?
“I’d always admired Launer – its reputation for impeccably crafted leather bags and the way the designs remained understated and feminine despite the fads and trends of the decades.
“I felt it was a real shame that a brand with such
“I’d always admired Launer – its reputation for impeccably crafted leather bags and the way the designs remained understated and feminine despite the fads and trends of the decades.”
fine history should fall by the wayside. It had the best ambassador with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and a royal warrant granted in 1968. I thought there could still be a market for handmade bags and leather goods celebrating traditional leather craft skills, all made in Britain.
“Perhaps on reflection, it wasn’t the best time to resurrect a company when other design houses were making their goods abroad and going down the fast-fashion route. But, customers and store buyers alike warmed to Launer and, thankfully, The Queen remained loyal.
“This enabled us to move production to a listed threestorey Edwardian building in the heart of Walsall in 1986, an area known for its leather manufacturing. To this day, all Launer bags and small leather goods are created from that same building. I was up there just this week looking at products, as quality is paramount to me.”
Why is it important to you that Launer retains its distinctive handwriting and traditionally British methods?
“Craftsmanship is everything at Launer. It takes months and even years to train one of our skilled team in the art of
“It takes many hours and even days to craft a handbag at Launer... where one person makes the bag from start to finish.”
crafting a Launer item. Everyone who knows me will tell you that quality is my passion. Every bag and leather item is inspected by hand to ensure they meet our criteria.
“When a customer buys a Launer bag, it is a significant investment and designed to last. Our craft is part of our legacy, embracing traditional methods like turned-edge leatherwork. The leather we use is the finest and exclusive to Launer – it has a distinctive lustre.
“We believe there’s nothing quite like Launer. We don’t make endless collections that get discounted or go on sale. Our products are made to order, enabling customers to choose their own colour.
“People love Launer for its timeless quality – a style bought in the 1980s is still as relevant today.”
How long does it take an artisan to make a Launer bag?
“It takes many hours and even days to craft a handbag at Launer. We are one of the few companies where one person makes the bag from start to finish. We find it produces the best results. It’s a long process, and the skills involved take many months to learn.”
What has been your proudest moment with the brand to date?
“I have a few proud moments! It would have to be the visit to our factory on separate occasions by Queen Camilla and Queen Elizabeth II. They were both genuinely interested in British goods and the staff who made them.
“It makes a world of difference when royalty pays you a visit, as they appreciate what goes into making each Launer bag.
“The other occasion was during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Drone illuminations were displayed above Buckingham Palace, including our Madelaine handbag, complete with our signature rope emblem. It was an unforgettable event and was seen by millions around the world.
Which of the Legacy Collection designs is closest to your heart and why?
“The entire Legacy Collection is special for me as it features our most iconic bags – archive styles designed more than 30 years ago that have retained their appeal. I didn’t think, three decades on, we’d still be discussing The
Traviata or The Bellini, but they have stood the test of time, and I’m very proud of that.
“The Traviata is our signature bag. It is instantly recognisable as Launer and the one most closely associated with Queen Elizabeth II. This collection of handbags sums up Launer well – timeless, understated and traditional.”
Does Launer have any modern muses or figures who love the brand now?
“Launer appeals to all ages, including many celebrities and prominent society ladies – and of course, I’m proud that Queen Camilla continues to be seen at events, state openings and ceremonies with a Launer bag.
“Earlier this year, a Barbie doll was created for her, which included our Tosca clutch bag in miniature form!”
What does the future hold for Launer? Are there any new collections on the horizon?
“We’re most excited about a new range that’s about to launch for autumn called The Hatherton Collection. It’s for both men and women and includes travel-inspired luggage in a new leather scotch grain that’s both refined and enduring – there are 15 pieces in total.
“We called it Hatherton as a homage to our legacy. The Hatherton Works was the original name for the factory in Walsall, where we’ve operated for nearly 40 years. The new handbag range has the Launer signature hallmarks, but it’s fresh and develops our men’s offering beyond wallets and small leather goods.
“It’s been two years in the making, so it will be great to see the response from our customers once we launch.”
SALLY STRANGE CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER AND BLUE BADGE GUIDE
Ask anyone what they most associate with the late Queen, and after her corgis and racehorses, it would undoubtedly be her Launer handbag. Dream Escape clients adore their private visits to the exclusive inner sanctum of Launer. Who could resist designing their very own handbag from a palette of colours, accompanied by a glass of English sparkling wine? And now, the greatest mystery of all: what did Her Majesty actually have in her Launer handbag? It is rumoured that she always carried a packet of mints, a compact gifted by her late sister Princess Margaret complete with lipstick, and the all-important table hook to ensure her treasured Launer handbag never touched the floor! sally@dreamescape.co.uk
Built as a private fortress and connected to
Shakespeare’s
great Scottish play, Cawdor Castle has been the Cawdor family home for over 600 years. Dream Escape meets Lady Cawdor, who –together with her late husband and team – has lovingly conserved the building and gardens, set in the stunning Scottish Highlands
Words | Amy Bonifas
With its great medieval tower, turrets and drawbridge, this fairy-tale castle in Nairnshire was built in 1370 as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. While most Scottish castles are now unoccupied or run by trusts, Cawdor has hosted over 23 generations of the Cawdor family, and today, despite all its imposing grandeur, Lady Cawdor calls this beautiful corner of the Scottish Highlands home.
Inside is a collection of fine art, historic tapestries and antique furniture, and the castle is set in acres of grounds – with three beautiful and diverse gardens, surrounded by one of the finest ancient woodlands in the UK. Lady Cawdor’s late
husband, Hugh Campbell (the 6th Earl of Cawdor), opened the castle to visitors in 1976, and today there are countless reasons to visit and explore.
“I consider myself this generation’s guardian of this historic building,” says Lady Cawdor. “The castle has a harmonious atmosphere and visitors tend to feel this too. Old buildings have a very specific atmosphere, and what I appreciate about Cawdor is that we have a very good relationship. When I live in it, I feel protected, and when it opens up to the public, I move to a little house not very far away.”
Living in a castle might feel overwhelming, but Lady Cawdor assures me that she never feels alone. “There’s a warmth about the castle,” she says. “We get lots of comments about how homely the castle is. It tends to be quite cool and soothing in the
“I consider myself this generation’s guardian of this historic building... The castle has a harmonious atmosphere and visitors tend to feel this too.”
summer, and in the winter, when I’m sitting by my fireplace, I’m very snug and warm.”
She also has a strong belief in the positive energy of past residents. “I don’t feel that we have any ghosts. I believe a ghost is someone who doesn’t know they’re dead or hasn’t accepted they’re dead. Whereas what we have at Cawdor are presences. Like an old-fashioned photograph or a negative, presences are just strong emotional imprints of people who’ve lived here.”
One of the most unique things about Cawdor is its genuine live-in feel. The building has been permanently inhabited for hundreds of years, and this unique character draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. “My husband, Hugh, opened the castle to visitors in 1976. We married in 1979, and while I wasn’t part of the opening, I understood how strongly he felt about sharing this place’s important role in local history.
“Last year, we had 120,000 visitors, and this
“Shakespeare is our best PR... I’m very grateful for the link, and many people come to see us because they’ve studied the Scottish play at school or simply love Shakespeare.”
year, we’ll have had quite a lot more than that. The number one thing that comes up in the visitor book is that the castle feels alive and full of energy, rather than a museum.”
The castle’s literary leanings are also responsible for drawing visitors from across the globe. Famed for its connection to Shakespeare’s
Macbeth, the actual 11th-century events of the play took place many years before the castle was built. Even so, the castle remains tied to the playwright’s most infamous work.
“Shakespeare is our best PR,” says Lady Cawdor. “I’m very grateful for the link, and many people come to see us because they’ve studied the
Scottish play at school or simply love Shakespeare.”
“But, I’m rather sorry for the great King Macbeth. His reign in Scotland was a golden period during the Middle Ages. He ruled successfully for 14 years – when the average was around five years. He also lived in Rome for three years, and when he returned, he still had a throne. Given Scotland’s history – especially Highland history – that is extraordinary. So, I admire the great king, and I’m sorry that Shakespeare has completely ruined his reputation!”
Lady Cawdor is responsible for many contemporary updates to the castle – namely, her
growing collection of commissioned and gathered artworks. Visitors can admire everything from original sculptures to paintings and ceramics, and the collection ranges from British sculpture legends such as Henry Moore, Lynn Chadwick and Kenneth Armitage to 18th-century portrait masters and founding members of the Royal Academy (Sir Joshua Reynolds and Francis Cotes) to emerging local artists.
“There’s quite a lot of contemporary art in the castle. People have this idea that to have modern art, you have to live in modern surroundings. But, I think new pieces fit perfectly well with the
16th-century tapestries and oil paintings.
“I think that there’s always harmony in marrying things together because you love them, as opposed to only collecting things because they’re valuable. I care more about how things feel – it’s about love and not about money.”
The castle’s maze is both a work of art and labour of love, created by Hugh in 1981. “The maze is taken from the Minotaur's Labyrinth at Knossos outline, which Hugh discovered in a Roman villa in Northern Portugal. He fell in love with the design and said, ‘This is my maze!’
“He planted it in holly as an homage to the holly
tree in the castle's centre.” According to legend, the castle was built around the tree (which dates as far back as 1372), and perhaps the site was chosen for religious reasons in symbolic connection with Christ’s thorny crown.
Lady Cawdor also brought her passion for organic gardening and wildlife conservation to the castle. “When I accepted to marry Hugh, there were two things that I asked him to do,” she explains. “One was to stop smoking, and the second was that our gardens become organic. The earth is a living organism, and so it makes perfect sense to look after it – the idea of throwing all those horrible
“We have bird tables all around the castle, including on several windows. Visitors are fascinated to see red squirrels eating their peanuts at the dining room window – a good 40-50ft up from the ground!”
poisons on top of it has never made sense to me.
“I grew up with this sense of reverence for the Earth. The element of conservation is also important. We don’t own the Earth – the Earth owns us. We’re just stewards.”
Her vision and the hard work of the castle’s team have meant the castle is a haven for wildlife.
There are plenty of different types of garden birds and even red squirrels. “We have bird tables all around the castle, including on several windows.
Visitors are fascinated to see red squirrels eating their peanuts at the dining room window – a good 40-50ft up from the ground!”
Looking to the future, the team plans to
continue its conservation work and Lady Cawdor intends to keep growing her collection of eclectic artworks. “We have a busy period ahead of us with plenty of work to do on the castle.” But winter also means she can return to her castle quarters and her cosy spot by the fire…
What makes Cawdor Castle so unique?
“No two days are ever the same – I’ll be looking after visitors and guiding a group tour one day, and the next, I’ll be trying to figure out a way to fix a flag on top of a 30m tower with no access to modern machinery! Maintaining a building like this is so unique – it’s been standing for over 600 years.”
What can visitors expect from a private tour of the castle? “We’ll always cover the general history of the
building, the family and the collections, but the best tours are when guests interact, and the tour turns into a conversation rather than a lecture. That’s when the more interesting stories or unusual points of interest can come up – like how one of the Thanes of Cawdor in the 18th century graffitied one of the windows with a diamond-tipped pen on his birthday!”
What are three of your highlights to see at Cawdor Castle?
1. The artworks
“The collections at Cawdor are full of beautiful objects. There’s an interesting mix, from fine art and sculpture to furniture and ceramics. It’s not so much a carefully curated collection but more a juxtaposition of antiques and artefacts. The current Dowager Countess Cawdor’s modern and contemporary collections work together, too. At some point, these pieces were loved by someone, and they ended up at Cawdor.”
“No two days are ever the same – I’ll be looking after visitors and guiding a group tour one day, and the next, I’ll be trying to figure out a way to fix a flag on top of a 30m tower!”
2. The Cawdor Big Wood
“I’m lucky enough to live just a few miles away from the castle, and my commute to work is a walk through the Cawdor Big Wood. It has been a natural oak woodland since the last Ice Age and has over 10 miles of nature trails, so I never have to take the same route twice. It also has the largest lichen collection in the UK because our air is incredibly clean. Look out for the special non-native species, including giant redwoods, monkey puzzle trees and rare Himalayan pine and spruce. It’s all accessible for guests to enjoy.”
3. The Cawdor Castle Guidebook
“This isn’t a sales pitch! The late 6th Earl of Cawdor wrote the guidebook and room notes, and they are unlike any other informative guide you’ve read before. Lord Cawdor had an incredible ability to write with such wit and humour, and it still makes me laugh out loud!”
TOURS AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET LADY CAWDOR
Thanks to Dream Escape’s close relationship with Cawdor Castle, we can arrange private tours and, by special arrangement, a meeting with Lady Cawdor for you to learn more about the fascinating history.
HOLLY MACKIE OWNER AND DIRECTOR
–
Cawdor Castle is a treasure trove of history and legend, making it a mustvisit destination for Dream Escape guests. I especially love the enchantingly whimsical founding myth of the 3rd Thane of Cawdor who loaded a donkey with gold and let it roam freely, with the intent of building a castle wherever it chose to rest. Eventually it lay down under a holly tree, the very same which stands tall in the castle’s dungeon today! Beyond the castle stands its gardens; a horticultural delight, with vibrant blooms and serene landscapes that are a favourite when visiting the Scottish Highlands.
holly@dreamescape.co.uk
Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant. Its familyowned and run, with ledgers going back to the 18th century, and its customers have included everyone from royalty to Lord Byron. Dream Escape meets Geordie Willis, Creative Director and 8thgeneration family member
Words | Francesca Weeks
At Berry Bros. & Rudd you can experience something truly tailored to your tastes, whether you’re into English sparkling wines or Highland whiskies. Dream Escape guests can visit the historic headquarters on St James’s Street for private tastings, tours of the 300-year-old cellars and intimate dinners perfectly paired with wines. You might even meet one of the family while you’re there. Dream Escape caught up with Geordie Willis to find out more.
Geordie, you’re part of a fascinating family business, what can you tell us about your journey to joining it?
While I was always aware of the family business, I don't think I ever felt there was an obligation for me to join. There was probably a little soft influence from my grandparents, but it wasn't my intention growing up. I went into the magazine world originally, working with titles like Harper's Bazaar. I started working for the family business on weekends, just to make a bit of extra pocket money. So, it was sort of through the back door that I came into it.
When I first started, I spent three years working in the cellars. We have quite a strict rule when it comes to family members: you have to work your way up. We actually say that you have to do three years outside the business, ideally outside the industry, before you can come into the business. Spending those years in the cellars meant I experienced things, quite literally, from the bottom up.
What have you brought from your wider career experience to your current role?
Working in the magazine world taught me a lot about understanding the customer. Also being part of Harper’s Bazaar was a very good introduction to the luxury industry and understanding the power of heritage, history and brands.
Whilst the wine-merchant industry is different, you still need to understand that relationship between customer and product. And that all stems from the magazine world.
In a business with such rich history, there must be some interesting stories. What would surprise people to know?
Something I think people don't necessarily realise is that we're bigger than we look from the outside. What looks like a relatively small Dickensian shopfront is actually the doorway into a business that is 12 buildings above ground and the size of two football pitches below ground; it spans all the way from the Tudor period to the modern day.
Also, whilst we're wine and spirit merchants now, the sign outside the shop is for a coffee mill. We started as a tea and coffee merchant; the area around St James’s Street was the absolute epicentre of that world.
Another story is that we lost 69 cases of wines and spirits onboard the Titanic We have the letter confirming this hanging in reception.
Berry Bros. & Rudd offers guests a range of bespoke, unforgettable experiences – is there
“... we lost 69 cases of wines and spirits onboard the Titanic. We have the letter confirming this hanging in reception.”
anything that stands out as a favourite to see people enjoy?
I find that whenever we offer guests an experience with someone who’s a master of their craft, whether that’s a wine producer or a chef, that is always something special. Having that access to the people who are intrinsically involved in production, goes back to the concept of luxury; it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
I love seeing people with shared passions coming together. In the modern world, where so much is digital, there's something wonderful about breaking bread and opening a bottle of wine. People coming together is becoming a bit of a luxury.
What do you enjoy about meeting guests who visit?
I meet many guests personally, which is nice, because you have the opportunity to pick up on their
interests. It’s a conversation rather than a lecture, and the building is more of a theatre than it is a museum, so you get constant feedback from guests.
The most enjoyable thing for me is learning from the guests, rather than the other way around. I had a group in recently who I sat down with for about an hour; some of their questions were so insightful, they really got me thinking.
It’s very much a two-way interaction, the questions that are sparked are often the most interesting parts of the conversation.
What’s the secret to successful wine and food pairing?
The main thing is not to take it too seriously, because we all have very different palates. It can be quite useful to understand the basics, and that could
“I love seeing people with shared passions coming together. In the modern world, where so much is digital, there's something wonderful about breaking bread and opening a bottle of wine.”
be as simple as saying if you're in an Italian restaurant, then the likelihood is that the Italian food will go quite well with Italian wine. But also, don’t be afraid to push against some of the basics. The classic one is white wine with fish. However, there are some wonderful red wines that you'd have with fish as well.
Be experimental, be open-minded and trust the sommelier when in a restaurant. The sommelier’s sole job is to give you advice. Yet, we all slightly avoid it and maybe feel slightly embarrassed or we’re afraid we’ll get it wrong. But when I go to a restaurant, what I would normally do is say ‘this is what we're eating, and I want to spend roughly this amount, maybe you can make some suggestions?’.
It shouldn’t be any different to asking a waiter what they recommend from the menu. Be vulnerable enough to ask for advice.
You’ve recently opened a spirit shop on the corner of St James's, can you tell us more?
Whilst we've been wine and spirits merchants forever, we've never had a dedicated spirit shop, so it’s been a great opportunity to highlight our expertise.
Our selection continues to grow and evolve. As you might expect, there are plenty of lovely Scottish whiskies, but there are also spirits from around the world and some less obvious spirits like tequila and mezcal, and an extraordinary range of rum.
The joy of spirits compared with wine, is that you tend to have more being sampled; there are more opportunities to try different things. It goes back to the idea of luxury, and the experiential. People can come and learn through tasting and doing, rather than just looking.
“The joy of spirits compared with wine, is that you tend to have more being sampled... People can come and learn through tasting and doing, rather than just looking.”
Do you have a favourite spirit or cocktail?
I’m very fickle! We introduced a gin called ‘No 3. London Dry Gin’ a few years ago and that was invented as a martini gin. So, a martini, or a negroni is probably my go-to – but I can't have too many of them because they're very strong. We're very fortunate to be in close proximity to the best martini in the world, made at Dukes Hotel across the road from us.
Berry Bros. & Rudd has a vast collection of fine, rare whiskies too – how do you like to enjoy a dram?
I'm a big believer that you should drink things however you want to drink them. However, for me, if I was having whisky, I'd normally have just a drop or two of water just to open up the aromas. But it really is completely the prerogative of the person drinking it.
Whisky is an area that I'm constantly learning about. You never stop learning when it comes to spirits, because there's always something that you haven't heard of or haven’t tried.
What are you most excited about right now at Berry Bros. & Rudd? The spirit shop is certainly one of our most exciting recent ventures. But what I also find exciting is that there is always something new to experience here. There will be some familiar favourite experiences on offer, but you won't necessarily find the same things every time you come. We're always pushing the team to come up with interesting themes and to highlight exciting wineries that may not have been showing their wines in the market before. Whether it’s our events, or our wine and spirits selection, it's a constantly evolving curation.
DAVID TOBIN, OWNER AND CEO –
Berry Bros. & Rudd is not only one of the best whisky and wine merchants in London, it is also one of the nation’s ten oldest family-run businesses, boasting three Masters of Wine as well as two royal warrants, a mark of recognition for tradespeople that provide goods or services to the British royal family. In addition to being one of the oldest shops in the UK, it also offers intimate private dining and entertaining experiences in the cellars beneath its St James’s Street headquarters, all of them capturing the rich heritage of this traditional firm. Excellence is at the heart of what they offer and I can’t think of many places I would rather indulge in a tasting and dining experience.
david@dreamescape.co.uk
From luxurious cashmere makers to botanical seaweed-inspired gin distillers and world-famous bakers, Dream Escape finds the best ateliers, workshops, showrooms and private experiences, so you can take home a little unique piece of Alba with you
Words | Emma Henderson
Sandra Murray, Inverness
After growing up on the most northerly part of the Outer Hebrides with a boatbuilder father and an oiled-wool knitting mother, Sandra Murray had artisanship in her bones. So, it was unsurprising she found a love for designing bespoke fashion using traditional Scottish materials and marrying them with a Vivienne Westwood–esque rebellious edge. She was awarded an MBE in 2009 for services to fashion and textiles, and was entrusted to design and make an outfit for Queen Elizabeth II, who wore the lilac coat and pale green dress (inspired by the Scottish Thistle and the Isle of Skye Tartan) when opening Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament in 1999. Sandra has even created a Highland bridal line, which she describes as unique tartan kilt dresses, heirloom bodices, tulle skirts and crinolines. Dream Escape can arrange an appointment to visit her viewing room.
Charlotte Flower Chocolates, Perthshire
Using natural ingredients, founder Charlotte Flower hand-makes divine small-batch chocolates. They're filled with fresh cream ganache that's flavoured using ingredients foraged from her surroundings that change seasonally. In spring these might be elderflower, wild mint and Scots pine, then cherries and raspberries in summer, plums, honey, sloes and damsons in autumn and ginger or orange peel in winter.
The filled chocolates are made using a variety of high-quality 70 % cocoa chocolate, while the thins, bars and shards are made from single-origin chocolate. Charlotte prides herself on having a short and well-regulated supply chain for these. Indulge your sweet tooth with a chocolate-making experience and see how products are made at the workshop, and of course taste it (the fun bit!).
Elin Isaksson Glass, Dunblane
Glassmaker Elin Isaksson takes inspiration from her homeland of Sweden, including her favourite pastimes such as ice fishing, and was taught at Sweden's Orrefors glass school in the famous 'Kingdom of Crystal' region. Her designs are either traditionally more functional, like the water-drop-shaped vases; or contemporary, such as the shaped whisky glasses and candleholders, which also have a sense of movement in water. Or they're in a more sculptural format, such as rocklike vases that look like a chunk of ice extracted from an iceberg. Her work is also inspired by the colours of India, after her time spent living there, as well as the more muted Scottish tones. Whether you would like to browse Elin's designs and explore her workshop or try your hand at glassblowing, Dream Escape can tailor a program to suit your preferences.
‘DreamEscape guests visiting Scotland will soon have the chance to meet three-times best-selling cookbook author Coinneach MacLeod himself, as their private host during a special baking experience.’
Malcolm Appleby, Perthshire
An ornate engraver, jewellery maker and silversmith, Malcolm Appleby has spent five decades perfecting his craft. He moved to Scotland in 1969 and made a name for himself as a talented metalworker, which in 1999 earned him the commission to make a set of ornamental table pieces for Bute House, the official residence of the Scottish First Minister.
Inspired by his natural surroundings, myths and legends, Malcom's creations have a Gothic element, with moody-coloured stones. His jewellery collection includes everything from rings, pendants and bangles to brooches, while he also engraves bowls, tumblers and other small items. Pay a visit to Malcolm at his atelier in Grandtully, located in the heart of Perthshire, for a unique commission and an unforgettable memory of your trip to Scotland.
Hebridean Baker, Isle of Lewis
Rising to fame via TikTok, baker Coinneach MacLeod is opening an events space at Gannochy just south
of Oban in 2025 for supper clubs, tours, and cooking demos. From the Isle of Lewis, Coinneach has brought the food of this pocket of Scotland to the masses. He spends half the year in Glasgow and the other living off-grid in Lewis with his partner Peter and Seoras, their West Highland Terrier.
His videos and books give a real insight into remote island life and his cooking style that's inspired by his 90-something Aunt Bellag. His latest book, The Hebridean Baker at Home, is full of recipes like Ecclefechan tarts, leek bread-and-butter pudding and salmon Wellington.
Dream Escape guests visiting Scotland will soon have the chance to meet three-times best-selling cookbook author Coinneach MacLeod himself, as their private host during a special baking experience.
Isle of Harris Gin Distillery, Isle of Harris
With its unique ocean-waves-inspired glass bottle, Harris Gin is made in the purpose-built distillery that was created as a social project to make jobs for islanders, making it the Isle of Harris' first legal distillery.
Distiller, local Norman Ian, makes Harris Gin in small batches where the key botanical is sugar-kelp seaweed, which is harvested by hand from nearby sea lochs. It gives the gin its recognisable saline quality that's combined with pine needles, coriander seeds, angelica root and bitter orange peel, to name a few botanicals. The distillery is also making a whisky. Tours run by locals take place every day and can be incorporated into a Dream Escape itinerary, giving behind-the-scenes access to distilling and, of course, your visit ends with a wee dram.
Rosie Sugden Cashmere, Edinburgh
Cashmere is in Rosie Sugden's blood, as she now follows in the footsteps of her father, James Sugden, a champion of Scottish textiles who spent 25 years at Scotland's most famous cashmere makers, Johnstons of Elgin.
‘Cashmere is in Rosie Sugden's blood, as she now follows in the footsteps of her father... who spent 25 years at Scotland's most famous cashmere makers, Johnstons of Elgin.’
Everything in her brand is made from 100 % cashmere, coming from yarn suppliers in Yorkshire and the Highlands that is knitted at a family run mill in the Borders. Her collection of cashmere accessories includes cosy gloves, scarves, socks, hotwater bottles and even eye masks, plus the sweetest little baby bonnets, boots, blankets and cardigans in pastel colours, which can also be personalised.
Pointing to the quality, Rosie's brand is stocked in the likes of Liberty, Fortnum & Mason and Fenwick, though Rosie is available on special request to meet Dream Escape clients at her workshop or shops.
Araminta Campbell, West Lothian
It's unlikely Araminta Campbell imagined a decade after finishing her degree that she'd be commissioned by King Charles III with the task of creating a new Balmoral tartan.
Araminta has also made a special tartan especially for Dream Escape: an autumnal creation with varying greys, mossy green, navy and burgundy. Dream Escape guests can have the chance to visit the atelier
on the outskirts of Edinburgh for a personal design consultation or private shopping appointment and learn about the inspiration behind the brand.
21st Century Kilts, Edinburgh
Founder Howie Nicholsby's career has been dedicated to bringing the humble kilt up-to-date, in what he calls the 'kilt evolution'. He's made the kilt a practical piece that's not just confined to the realm of formalwear, by creating black denim or real leather kilts, alongside modern tweeds and tartans. They also have large detachable front pockets that makes them more functional for everyday wear, and you can also have a part in creating your own via appointment at his Edinburgh shop to bring your vision to life.
He became a kilt marker at just 18 years old, making him the fourth generation to do so and he has an impressive list of people he's kilted, from royals to famous musicians, TV presenters, actors and Olympians, including Sir Richard Branson, Vin Diesel and Billy Connolly.
One of the city's most famed jewellers, which first opened on Princes Street in the 19th century, is Hamilton & Inches. It's easily recognisable for its burgundy branding, and its name has become synonymous with its well-curated collection of elegant and timeless watches, jewellery and hand-crafted silver. It separates itself from other jewellers, as it's one of two fine jewellery houses in the world licensed to use singlemine origin Scottish Gold. As well as that, its incredibly grand building, with marble columns, chandeliers, and double-height ceiling with intricate cornicing, forms the perfect setting for a relaxed personalised consultation to help you find what you're looking for. Above the showroom is a number of traditional workshops too. After 2021's multimillion-pound refurb in 2021 of the Grade A Listed building, it took over these rooms, which were once home to BBC Scotland while in its infancy in the 1920s.
Founded by Kitty Mackenzie, the Scottish Textiles Showcase is all about celebrating the huge wealth of skill, materials and traditional Scottish artisanship. The entire team have an arts background, with most of them also creating items for the shop, from silk scarves to knitwear. The shop only sells products made from natural fibres, such as Harris Tweed coats, Shetland knitwear, cashmere blankets and alpaca knitwear, which are all chosen for their sustainability credentials as well as their durability. The makers are at the heart of everything at the Scottish Textiles Showcase, where you can learn about their work and inspiration with a private shopping experience.
ALEXANDRA NIKAS TRAVEL DESIGN EXECUTIVE –
Scottish artisans play a crucial role in preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage. They keep traditional crafts alive, passing down skills through generations. Artists have the ability to transform the rugged Scottish landscape into textiles, tasty treats, terracottas, and more. The techniques and skills of artisans go beyond mere craft, delving into a sustainable future of handmade little luxuries, often with locally sourced materials, making their products the best mementos of the mystifying beauty of Scotland. Introducing Dream Escape clients to these incredibly talented artisans is always an incredible privilege. alexandra@dreamescape.co.uk
Culinary history was made in February 2024 when Chishuru – a restaurant serving West African cuisine in London’s West End – was awarded a Michelin star. Nigerian-born Adejoké ‘Joké’ Bakare became the first black female chef in the UK to be recognised by the Michelin Guide. Dream Escape managed to find a slot in Joké’s extremely busy schedule to learn more
Words | Karyn Noble
Adejoké ‘Joké’ Bakare’s journey from cooking with her grandmother in Nigeria to studying microbiology in the UK to becoming the chef of a Michelinstarred venue is an inspiration to many. Her restaurant Chishuru in West London’s Fitzrovia originally began life as a supper club and then as a three-month pop-up in Brixton Village in September 2020, after she won a local competition. UK food critic Jay Rayner extolled its virtues in a national broadsheet and it then became a permanent Brixton fixture until October 2022.
Now, located just moments away from Oxford Circus, the two-storey Chishuru is a cosy restaurant producing a modern twist on West African food in a popular part of London. In this exclusive Dream Escape interview with Joké, we learn more about how she is dealing with the Michelin-star acclaim, as well as what you can expect from her food.
Joké, congratulations on your Michelin star at Chishuru. How busy are you? How much has life changed as a result of the award?
Thank you! I have been insanely busy and recruiting like mad, and happily am now just a week or two away from having a fully staffed restaurant that’s able to cope with all our fantastic new demand. I’m not sure I’ve got a perspective on how life has changed yet, but what I can tell you for sure is I’m being invited to a LOT more things!
Let’s backtrack to the days before you were a historymaking chef. When did you first become interested in cooking?
My love of food started when I cooked with my grandmother. I was the eldest of my siblings and, as such, was expected to cook for my dad, but I learned from her. I experimented on my dad too – I can still remember the dreadful pancakes I made him, the poor man.
“My love of food started when I cooked with my grandmother... I was the eldest of my siblings and, as such, was expected to cook for my dad... I can still remember the dreadful pancakes I made him, the poor man.”
You initially moved from Nigeria to the UK to study microbiology. Have these studies influenced what you do with food?
Honestly, I struggle to see the connection but perhaps you could say my studies set me up for research. I own hundreds of cookbooks now from all sorts of different world cuisines. The food of my heritage isn’t documented in the same way as, say, French or Italian cooking and so I have to draw inspiration from other cuisines as much as possible.
Tell us about Chishuru. It started in Brixton, but how did you come to choose the space in Great Titchfield St where you are now?
We knew we needed a bigger space, and a space that that I could put my stamp on, design-wise. And we had already happily attracted some international interest in the restaurant, particularly from the US, so we knew we needed to be in a central location that would be convenient for visitors. And we wanted to be somewhere near where businesses are based so we’d have a good lunchtime trade – I love eating out in Hackney but it’s impossible to get five days of lunchtime trade there, which in turn dictates the kind of hours you are asking staff to work. Recruitment in hospitality is harder than it’s ever been.
What is the most common misconception about West African food. What do you recommend that everyone try at Chishuru if they’re not used to challenging their palates?
Generally, I don’t find that customers have misconceptions – many of them don’t have any conceptions at all! It’s very lovely to introduce people to spices and flavours and combinations that they’ve never tried before. We’re not here to challenge or educate, we’re here to serve food that is enjoyable first and foremost.
“Years ago, Michelin recognised you could get great food in restaurants that don’t have linen tablecloths or someone to pour your water for you...”
Can you describe a typical day at work for you?
I’m in at 8 or 8.30am and will make a start on our sauce bases. Moruf, our head kitchen porter, and I will unpack the morning’s deliveries and then, as the chefs come in, we’ll look at our prep list and decided on priorities for lunchtime service. I will start thinking about staff breakfast – today it was croissants with bacon and spicy frittata – and then, not long after that, that start thinking about staff dinner.
It’s important to me that we eat well – many kitchens just serve awful leftovers or pasta pesto five times a week. I will have to crack the whip a bit for everyone to get ready for service: as we’re so busy, there never seems to be enough time in the day and we have to encourage the chefs to get set up (or ‘en place’ as we say). Lunchtime service is a team effort but at dinner I might be running the pass: watching every dish come out, correcting if necessary, and sending off waiters with the right plates to the right tables. We have multiple customers per day with different allergies, so there’s often specific changes on every tray. At the end of dinner service we clean down and I’m out the door, reflecting on tomorrow’s day.
The Michelin Guide describes Chishuru as not just having ‘high-quality cooking’ but ‘a real neighbourhood feel’. This is something quite unusual for London’s West End. How do you do it?
My intention for Chishuru was always that it should feel homely, to have that kind of informal welcome. We actually added a line to our website to say ‘Chishuru is not a fine dining restaurant’ because since the Michelin star we’ve had a certain number of customers coming in with some funny ideas about what a Michelin-starred restaurant should look and feel like. Years ago, Michelin recognised you could get great food in restaurants that don’t have linen tablecloths or someone to pour your water for you or a besuited man with a golden grapes badge who tries to upsell you on the wine.
Can you relax? Do you have any time off coming up? If so, what do you like to do (and eat)?
Yes, it’s hard to relax and no I don’t have time off coming up. I love to eat out, of course; just this weekend I went to the lovely new pop-up TÓU London (from the TĀ TĀ Eatery team) with my business partner Matt – we ate Iberico pork katsu sandwiches and croquettes and chips –and then we went to drink a bottle of Italian orange wine at Elliot’s in Borough Market.
You can have any famous people from history (alive or dead) dining at a table at Chishuru. Who do you choose and why? It would be a table of four, including me. Firstly, I’d invite Bridget, my maternal grandmother. She fled from Lagos to the countryside during the civil war and ran her own trading business; she was the toughest of the tough, but was killed in a bomb attack. I’d love to talk to her about strength and resilience. Secondly, I’d invite Bell Hooks, the pioneering American author who wrote one of my favourite books, All About Love. Finally, for some muchneeded humour, I’d go back to one of the classic BBC sitcoms we grew up with in Nigeria, and invite John Inman from Are You Being Served?
Finally, what are your hopes for Chishuru for the future?
Another Michelin star? Expansion? Another restaurant? A better work-life balance?
Restaurant management is about trying to be 1% better than you were yesterday, every single day. Right now, that’s the focus. Matt and I have talked about another restaurant but right now our focus is 100% on Chishuru.
LOUISE MURRAY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF PRODUCT –
How wonderfully refreshing it is to finally see a West African restaurant in the Michelin Guide, and of course for Joké to be the first black female chef to be awarded a Michelin star. This recognition not only highlights her culinary excellence but also the rich cultural stories behind the dishes that she creates. In the West African language of Hausa, Chishuru refers to 'the silence that descends on the table when the food arrives,' which beautifully captures the essence of this dining experience. From cooking at a Brixton pop-up to a Michelin-star restaurant in Fitzrovia, Joké is most definitely an inspiration and we look forward to following her exciting journey in the culinary world.
louise@dreamescape.co.uk
Welcome to an exceptional destination featuring spectacular countryside and coastline for an unforgettable experience-led getaway. Head to the New Forest with Dream Escape in 2025 to discover the National Park’s enchanted woodland, native ponies, country piles and riverside retreats
Words | Natalie Millar-Partridge
Step away from the humdrum of everyday and discover the romance of the New Forest. This glorious National Park provides the perfect spot to take time out and unwind to a backdrop of some of the most picturesque countryside. With its varied landscape, from rural parklands and ancient heathland (home to native free-roaming ponies) to miles of woodland and sweeping coast (teeming with birdlife and endless stunning walking routes), it’s a superb location with an expanse of spectacular countryside for an active or rejuvenating break.
Prepare for an adventure with 145-square miles of moorland, magical forest, enchanting woodland and some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline. England’s smallest national park is
crisscrossed with walking and cycling trails, and peppered with pretty villages, making it a superb location for an experience-led stay; there’s the promise of chocolate-box hamlets and pretty pastoral villages with traditional pubs, serving local produce and English wines, and the allure of an afternoon tea at a country manor house, followed by a long romp in the countryside. With its endless woodland routes and miles of open space to explore, it’s no surprise that walking is one of the most popular activities – there is, quite literally, so much ground to cover – from vast areas of enchanting forest trails with rare wildlife to picturesque banks of the River Beaulieu.
This handsome part of the country is home to some of the most celebrated properties in the UK - from riverside dwellings and cosy gastro-pubs-
with rooms to luxury country piles, lavish manors and slick spas. DreamEscape will take care of every detail when planning your trip, ensuring a truly memorable stay.
Experience-led stays at Chewton Glen Chewton Glen is a traditional country house hotel and spa, set within extensive grounds at the edge of the New Forest. The property has access to far-reaching views and myriad walking routes from its doorstep – a 20-minute stroll through the hotel’s gardens passes through a pretty stream and ancient woodland, marking the border between Hampshire and Dorset; this takes you to Naish Beach with views across to the Isle of Wight. It's also a luxurious spot to enjoy an awardwinning spa, featuring Europe’s largest
hydrotherapy pool, aromatherapy saunas, crystal steam rooms and an extensive treatment menu. You will also find indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, a fitness suite, archery and a croquet lawn, alongside an elegant dining room, offering seasonally-focussed fine dining.
There’s also The Kitchen, with its garden-toplate ethos, serving wood-fired pizzas, grills and sharing plates. Interiors are elegant with a touch of old-school grandeur, and bedrooms feature cuttingedge luxuries – including Bang & Olufsen sound systems, flat screens and tablets. Choose from a Garden to a Master Suite or immerse yourself in nature, and stay in one of the 14 contemporary treehouse suites, which are built atop stilts, high in the tree canopy with floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks.
‘The property has access to far-reaching views and myriad walking routes from its doorstep – a 20-minute stroll through the hotel’s gardens... takes you to Naish Beach with views across to the Isle of Wight.’
Try something new in one of the most beautiful locations in the south of England; with miles of diverse countryside to explore, the New Forest offers some of the most sought-after experiences and activities, making the most of its glorious landscape. From powerboat charter, sailing and paddleboarding to forest exploration, guided walks, foraging and jam making to mountain biking and horse riding – the unique experiences ensure there is something suited to every taste. Dream Escape will take care of every element of your stay, including organising tailored activities and bespoke events.
Luxury powerboat to the Isle of Wight
Enjoy an exhilarating adventure across the Solentaboard the Technohull Attitude 35 - to the beautiful Isle of Wight, with its sandy beaches and famous Needles, Hurst Castle, Alum Bay and the Newtown Creek Seals. Head to the Hut for lunch – an iconic
beach restaurant with a buzzy vibe, positioned at the centre of Colwell Bay, serving simple and delicious local seafood to a backdrop of stunning views.
Forest walk
Prepare to be spellbound and discover the beauty of the New Forest with a gentle walk through the endless nature trails, where you will learn about the history of these ancient woodlands, home to rare birdlife and free-roaming native ponies. Your private guide will brief you about forest folklore and identify plant and wildlife, offering extensive knowledge and anecdotes about the flora and fauna en route.
Horse riding in the forest
Explore the forest on horseback with a private riding lesson, or a groupriding hack, taking in the spectacular landscape, from wooded paths to heathland and open forest. It’s the perfect peaceful activity to enjoy the countryside at a leisurely pace,
‘Enjoy an exhilarating adventure across the Solent... to the beautiful Isle of Wight, with its sandy beaches, famous Needles and Hurst Castle.’
‘From powerboat charter, sailing and paddleboarding to forest exploration, guided walks, foraging and jam making to mountain biking and horse riding... there is something suited to every taste.’
whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced rider.
Elevate your experience further with a Pony Picnic Hack: riders will enjoy a two-hour scenic hack to their picnic spot for a chance to relax and tuck into a delicious alfresco spread while admiring the backdrop of sublime forest landscape.
Mountain-bike tour
For lovers of the great outdoors looking for an adventure, there’s no better way to explore the stunning landscape than on a mountain bike – a chance to cover miles of forest trails with a little added excitement along the way. The New Forest is home to over 140 miles of gravel tracks running through this ancient woodland and parkland, promising a thrilling day in the fresh air.
Beaulieu and Buckler's Hard guided day
Take a guided tour of the sublime Beaulieu and Buckler's Hard, a unique area within the New Forest drenched in history, dating back to 1204, with historical maritime importance. Follow up with a trip to the Beaulieu Motor Museum and Palace House. For history lovers, and anyone keen to learn more about the heritage of the area, it’s a superb spot to explore, with many scenic spots to picnic or enjoy lunch in the local tavern. Dream Escape can also arrange a river cruise.
Walk with a Verderer
Seize the opportunity to spend time in the National Park with a Forest Verderer, where you will learn about their primary role – the protection and regulation of the New Forest's unique agricultural common practices – alongside how the Verderers help to conserve the traditional landscape, wildlife, and aesthetic character, including its flora and fauna, peacefulness, natural beauty and cultural heritage. View the roaming wildlife and appreciate their role in keeping the National Park an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Days on the Water
Chewton Glen is set minutes from the New Forest National Park and the waters of The Solent. Dream Escape can arrange a charter in The Solent - the stretch of water between the mainland and the Isle Of Wight, home to the famous Needles, Hurst Castle, Alum Bay and the Newtown Creek Seals. There’s even opportunity to arrive by seaplane.
Sustainability events
Enjoy events that have little to no effect on the environment within the hotel’s beautiful grounds and gardens. Take a foraging tour around the estate, and create cocktails using the local foraged ingredients from their house-made liquors. The hotel also offers jam-making workshops with a renowned artisan jam maker, where you can have fun creating your very own seasonal jam with estategrown fruits and products following sustainable practices.
Cookery School
Whether you’re a master chef in your own kitchen or not, The Kitchen Cookery School offers an insightful experience – a place to develop a new skill and try something new under the watchful eye of chef tutor, Gerard Molloy. There’s a large range of classes to take
part in – including half and full days - from Persian Grill, Street Food and Beginner’s Breadmaking to Mediterranean Tapas, Thai Aromatics and Incredible Italian; all of which are sure to take your cookery skills to new heights. Much celebrated chef James Martin also hosts a selection of exclusive classes throughout the year.
Learn a new skill
Watercolour art classes in the hotel’s walled garden provide a relaxing way to spend time within a picturesque environment. Take part in private tuition that will teach you the fundamental techniques of working with watercolours – an experience that will leave you inspired and confident in creating your masterpieces.
‘A truly elegant retreat, this wisteria-clad mansion is eclectically styled, with every corner a visual feast...
From traditional country piles with award-winning cuisine to sprawling estates with extensive grounds or a peaceful retreat set in nature – Dream Escape will tailor your stay to your preferences for a relaxing break.
Stanwell House
A considered space, Stanwell House is an elegant Georgian townhouse in the heart of Lymington – a charming market town, brilliantly positioned just a short walk from the harbour, set at the edge of the New Forest with Lymington Sea Water Baths a short drive away. The boutique property has been thoughtfully restored, with contemporary comfort and beautifully designed rooms that feature country-inspired interiors. The overall sense is of a warm, inviting atmosphere or a home away from home: think pretty floral wallpaper, outsized mirrors and original flagstone floors leading through to a buzzy, low-lit bar, The Orangery and a pretty courtyard space. It’s a place to sink into a little sophistication, with personalised service and Michelin-standard dishes that use local and seasonal produce from the land and the sea.
A truly elegant retreat, this wisteria-clad mansion is eclectically styled, with every corner a visual feast – think Palladian features set against vibrant floral wallpapers, contemporary artworks and polished wooden furnishings. Each room has a distinctive style and there’s a luxury lake cabin set apart, for total privacy. Guests can enjoy an impressive skylight bar at the centre of the hotel, Italianinspired seasonal small plates. Don't miss the stunning walled garden and Herb House Spa, dedicated to natural wellbeing and inspired by its forest surroundings, with a sauna, a mud house, an outdoor hot pool and holistic treatments by skincare guru Sarah Chapman.
The Montagu Arms sits at the hub of the pretty village of Beaulieu, a peaceful base for exploring the New Forest, just a short drive away from Calshot Beach and Castle, hiking trails and historical sites. A characterful Grade-II-listed building, it’s full of historic charm, with a panelled sitting room, open fires, exposed brickwork and wooden beams. Light-filled rooms are individually styled with a fresh, contemporary design. Enjoy the paddleboarding, kayaking and cycling packages that offered along the picturesque River Beaulieu, and dining that’s centred around local produce and seasonal plates. Choose from The Terrace for fine dining and tasting menus; or Monty’s Inn, a country pub serving traditional fare.
AMY HUMPHREYS TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER
Nothing beats breathing in the fresh New Forest air and setting out on foot (or bike or even horse) to discover its wide-ranging landscapes, from the woodlands briming with rare species to the stunning coastal paths and perfect chocolate-box villages – I find it is a freedom of the best kind: Buckler's Hard is a personal favourite. And after all that fresh air, you are not short of a cossetting pub or two to refresh, and a stay at Chewton Glen is a must.
amy@dreamescape.co.uk
London will always be a captivating city with an enduring allure. The secret of its appeal lies in the variety it offers, with each of its diverse neighbourhoods having their own distinct character. Whether you seek the elegance of Belgravia or the energy of Soho, there is always something new to enjoy. Dream Escape’s Travel Designers can take you beyond the tourist traps and behind the scenes to uncover the authentic heart and soul of this multifaceted city.
Words | Francesca Weeks
Discover London’s regal heart across Belgravia. Famously home to Buckingham Palace, it’s an area steeped in history. Immerse yourself in the pomp and pageantry of British tradition with a private tour of the Knightsbridge Barracks. Witness the meticulous preparation of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiments the guardians of Buckingham Palace, and gain exclusive access to the stables and farrier, a truly behind-the-scenes glimpse into a 300-year-old tradition.
Stop by the Bvlgari Hotel for an afternoon tea, and experience the hotel facade's transformation into a work of art by the emerging sculptural artist Hannah Lim (available until March 2025, to coincide with the renowned London Design Festival). Treat your senses to a unique experience at the Jo Loves Fragrance Brasserie Bar on Elizabeth Street. Fashion lovers can avail themselves of an exclusive consultation with celebrated designer Louise Kennedy. Design enthusiasts have the shop interiors of Pimlico Road to explore, browsing Rachel Vosper's exquisite collections and David Linley's renowned artisanship.
The East End of London has an eclectic array of independent designers, markets, and amazing food to discover. Explore the colourful murals of Shoreditch as well as works by Banksy, and a whole host of up-and-coming talent with an expertly guided, private street-art tour. Capture the day with the help of a professional photographer to accompany you, ensuring you take plenty of stunning photos on your phone.
The East End is also home to Columbia Road Flower Markets where you can breathe in the scent of fresh flowers and herbs as you browse a huge selection of plants.
Sports fans will enjoy walking in the footsteps of famous football players with an immersive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tour.
3SOHO
Soho is a melting pot of creativity and culture, and one of the best ways to experience it is through a multisensory tour. Take in amazing street art, get a taste of modern street food and savour the aroma of some of London's finest coffee and chocolate sellers.
At Soho’s Cartoon Museum, you can delve into the world of British cartoon art by taking a private tour of the extensive collection and participating in a handson workshop.
The area is a music aficionado’s paradise, with Ronnie Scott’s jazz club and plenty of rock-and-roll history. You can experience it all on a bespoke tour retracing the footsteps of musical legends.
Elsewhere in the city, your Dream Escape Travel Designer can even arrange for aspiring musicians to fulfil a dream by recording their own track at the famous Abbey Road Studios, working alongside professional sound engineers and vocal coaches.
Bankside is a vibrant enclave where history meets modernity. Bring your appetite to Borough Market, where food is truly celebrated. With a history that stretches back 1,000 years, this flavourful market is a must-visit for foodies.
Discover a little Shakespearean magic with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Globe Theatre, complete with Elizabethan costume demonstrations and a spectacular 17th-century printing press experience.
Art lovers can revel in the Tate Modern's contemporary masterpieces, with an expert guide to ensure you make the most of your visit.
For a truly luxurious way to see the sights, step aboard a private water limousine and savour a gourmet hamper as you cruise the Thames in style.
Covent Garden offers a blend of history, arts, and culture. Begin your discovery with a private preopening of Sir John Soane's Museum. Explore this architect's fascinating home, filled with antiques, sculptures, and curiosities. Dream Escape guests can have exclusive access to the private apartments, normally hidden from view, offering a glimpse into Soane's personal life.
Close by is the Hunterian Museum, where you can trace the history of surgery from ancient times to the latest robot-assisted operations.
Pick up the pace and unleash your inner star at Pineapple Dance Studios. Participate in a private workshop, choosing from a variety of styles, or even learn the choreography from your favourite West End show with a cast member. Conclude your day with a backstage theatre tour and learn how London's bestloved productions are brought to life.
A range of luxury experiences await you in Mayfair. Your Dream Escape Travel Designer can curate an itinerary that ensures you experience the very best it has to offer.
Create your own signature fragrance at Floris under the guidance of an expert perfumer. Discover centuries of fragrance heritage, select notes that resonate, and you’ll come away with a bespoke scent that’s unique to you. Visit Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, for a private tasting or tour of their 300-year-old cellars (read more in our interview with Geordie Willis, Creative Director and 8thgeneration family member, p42). Nearby is Spencer House, a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture waiting to be explored.
Indulge in the world of couture millinery with renowned designers, such as Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Philip Treacy. Your own personal shopping expert will guide you through a tailored tour of hidden boutiques and the best department stores, with no queuing or rummaging through unwanted sizes.
Chelsea is made for exploring. Take a private guided tour of Chelsea Physic Garden to discover one of the oldest botanic gardens in London and learn all about the historical importance of its medicinal plants. For an extra special experience, visit the area during the worldfamous Chelsea Flower Show, a spectacle of colour and innovation.
History buffs can tour the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a magnificent home for retired veterans of the British Army.
Art enthusiasts can find solace at the Saatchi Gallery, known for its contemporary artworks and thoughtprovoking exhibitions.
The intellectually curious will love the Marylebone and Bloomsbury area, with its independent bookshops and literary heritage. Get to know one of the Victorian era’s greatest writers, Charles Dickens, with a private tour of his home, where he penned his famous novels.
Admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Gainsborough, all on display in a grand 18th-century building at The Wallace Collection, and visit the official home of Sherlock Holmes as well as The British Museum. There’s more history to uncover at UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, home to a vast collection of animal specimens, from delicate butterflies to impressive dinosaur skeletons. The nearby Petrie Museum houses an unparalleled collection of artefacts that bring ancient Egyptian civilisation to life.
No cultural exploration of the capital is complete without visiting Kensington. You can delight the whole family with a personalised family-friendly treasure hunt, which will see you solving codes and deciphering clues together.
Surround yourself with art and design with a private tour of the V&A Museum. Step into history with an exclusive preopening tour of Kensington Palace, exploring its opulent State Apartments before the crowds arrive. Don't miss the 'Untold Lives: A Palace at Work' exhibition (until end October) that highlights the servants and courtiers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain, protect and promote the monarch and the palaces.
Garden enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to visit the pleasure gardens at Kensington Palace and spend time with award-winning landscape designer Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, the name behind some of the greatest public and private landscape gardens in the country.
Notting Hill is another of London’s must-see neighbourhoods, full of quirky charm and culinary delights. Give yourself plenty of time to explore Portobello Road Market, it’s teeming with vintage finds. Make the most of the area’s antique shops with a specialist guide to help you discover one-of-akind treasures.
Get to know this cosmopolitan neighbourhood’s culinary hot-spots with a curated food tour, savouring ingredients and wine while meeting passionate producers. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Biscuiteers, the home of exquisitely crafted biscuits, where you can learn the art of icing like a pro, or simply unwind with a luxurious afternoon tea.
Film fans will have fun reliving moments from classic movies shot in the area, including Notting Hill and Love Actually
KIRSTY HOSKINS - HEAD OF TRAVEL DESIGN –
The diversity in different areas of London creates a feeling of time travel. While St James’s, Kensington, and Chelsea exude charm and elegance, lesser-known Marylebone, Bloomsbury, and the East End have a special allure. Marylebone is a treasure trove of high-end boutique shops, fantastic restaurants, and bars. Bloomsbury is synonymous with literary history and academic excellence, offering leafy Russell Square and Bloomsbury Square as peaceful retreats. The East End, with its gritty and fascinating history, has transitioned into an upmarket and vibrant area, while still retaining its unique character. These aspects draw me back to London and create experiences we love to share with our clients time and time again.
kirsty@dreamescape.co.uk
From stately Georgian homes to royal residences and sprawling fairy-tale country estates, Dream Escape finds the best hotels, cottages and gatehouses to transport any film-lover to the set of a Jane Austen adaptation or a scene of Bridgerton
Words | Emma Henderson
The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath
The grand honey-coloured Georgian architecture of Bath's Royal Crescent, once 30 glorious 18th-century townhouses, has become a go-to for period filming.
At the centre of the semicircle is The Royal Crescent Hotel, a Grade l Listed building that honours its classic design, while
adding its own playful take, as historic art sits alongside bold modern wallpaper and bright pops of colour.
The exterior is used in all three series of Netflix-hit Bridgerton as a backdrop for promenading couples, carriages whisking guests to balls, and even Viscount Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma galloping on horseback, so you'll no doubt feel like an extra in the show just stepping outside.
Cliveden House, Berkshire
After finding itself at the heart of the 1960s affair between Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, and the much younger Christine Keeler, Cliveden House became infamous.
Aside from its notorious past, this incredibly striking 17thcentury Grade I listed hotel on the western fringes of London is so grand that it replicated the lavish 17th-century Palace at Versailles in the 2015 film A Little Chaos. Starring Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman, the film portrays an unlikely romance when
King Louis XIV's chief landscape architect hires a woman to create a magnificent outdoor ballroom garden.
The outdoor ballroom may not exist, but there's 400 acres of grounds, including the famous outside swimming pool, plus private boats to blissfully row along the River Thames. Though, for a real insight into its history and what it's like to have lived here, Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive tour and tea with Lady Emily Astor, who grew up at Cliveden. Click here to read our exclusive interview with Lady Emily Astor.
Bowood House, Wiltshire
Bowood Estate is an elegant Georgian manor house with Capability Brown parkland, making it a Jane Austen–worthy setting. It featured in the 2019 Sanditon TV series, based on an unfinished manuscript from the author. So popular is it, that a cottage on the estate was also used in the Downton Abbey film of the same year and some of it was featured in the TV adaptation
of Winston Graham's Poldark a few years earlier.
Guests bed down at the Bowood Hotel, which has a spa and a golf course, all just a 20-minute walk from Bowood House. Owner Lady Lansdowne has designed sophisticated and contemporary rooms with heritage colours reflecting the estate.
ROYAL ROOMS, JANE AUSTEN-INSPIRED HOMES AND WAR POET RESIDENCES IN THE MIDLANDS AND NORTH OF ENGLAND
Cavendish Hotel at Baslow, on Chatsworth Estate, Peak District
The 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's much-loved romance novel, Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightly, used one of the UK's best country estates, the majestic Chatsworth House.
It's the home of heartthrob Mr Darcy, which seemed the only choice considering Austen is thought to have based Pemberley on Chatsworth, after spending time in Bakewell.
After visiting the house, including the hundreds of acres of garden and natural parkland, check into The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow, which is part of the estate. It's recently been redesigned by renowned interior designer Nicola Harding, who has created a contemporary rural escape with four-poster beds, pastel palettes and sophisticated use of patterns.
This historic castle and impressive stately home is utterly resplendent. With turrets and castellations, the vast honeyhued fortress oozes classic elegance, with near-impossibly-high ceilings, voluminous draped curtains, and ornate gilded mirrors, making it easy to see why Belvoir Castle stands in for royal residences on the silver screen.
Specifically, the aptly named Elizabeth Saloon was featured in the 2019 film Young Victoria (with the character of Queen Victoria played by Emily Blunt), where it was used as Victoria's drawing room.
It's not its only on-screen appearance, though, as the castle was also used for TV series The Crown, where the interiors stood in for parts of Windsor Castle.
The film Benediction depicts the story of prominent World War One poet Siegfried Sassoon and his time after the war looking for solace and salvation. Weston Park, an impressive 17thcentury red-brick Palladian hotel (and its incredible 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland) is used in many scenes in the film. The library and its 3,000 books recreates The Reform Club in London (known as the home of progressive thinking and social change), where Sassoon and other poets gather in the film. The hotel's phenomenal orangery (guests can enjoy afternoon tea in here), with huge arched windows, was also used for a party scene, and other parts of the house were used as Sassoon's mother's house too.
Powerscourt, County Wicklow
Since Laurence Olivier first realised Powerscourt's filming potential, using it for Henry V in 1944, it's gone on to form the backdrop for a further 25 films and TV series. And no wonder, as nearby Wicklow is one of Ireland's most soughtafter filming locations too, thanks to its rolling countryside, luscious valleys with waterfalls and unspoilt views over the Irish Sea. In 2007, it was the turn of The Tudors TV series, using Powerscourt's grandeur to bring Henry VIII's court and Renaissance dynasty to life.
The hotel is centred around the Palladian-style main house, which sprawls out into two wings and is surrounded by manicured gardens and a private lake. Rooms are generously spacious with marble bathrooms and regal striped wallpaper. The best rooms, the King Suites, have views from the balcony over Sugar Loaf mountain.
Lismore Castle, Ireland
The 12th-century Lismore Castle is possibly the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland, once home to Sir Walter Raleigh and has even hosted the likes of Lucian Freud and John F Kennedy. Sitting on the banks of the Blackwater River, the fairy-tale setting forms the perfect location for Jane Austen's coming-of-age Gothic novel Northanger Abbey. The romantic
castle has to impress, as it's only verbally referenced in the first half of the film, so when it is finally visible, it has to be dramatic and impressive; as Lismore Castle is. The Dream Escape team can exclusively book the entire castle for guests, and staying there will transport you straight to the 18th century, with double -height rooms adorned with dark-wood panelling and stained glass windows, and countless grand staircases.
Carton House, County Kildare
Surrounded by beautiful County Kildare countryside, this magnificent 18th-century Georgian showstopper plays the family home of the four Lennox sisters in the 1999 TV series Aristocrats.
Carton House is one of the country's grandest estates, which even hosted Queen Victoria; in the Chinese Boudoir, and it now honours her visit with a bust of the Queen herself. You'll easily feel like royalty staying here too, as the hotel is full of baroque opulence, including The Morrison Room restaurant with its curved ceiling and Corinthian columns; and The Gold room, covered in ornate gold plastering.
Inveraray Castle, West Coast
Sitting right at the very top of Loch Fyne on Scotland's wild west coast, Inveraray Castle is the real-life setting for 2021's A Very British Scandal, based on the true lives of the current owner's grandfather. The drama miniseries relays the story of the 11th Duke of Argyll, Ian Campbell, and his third wife, Margaret Whigham, and their highly publicised divorce in 1963.
Though the castle is still a family home, Dream Escape can arrange private tours with the current Lady Argyll, who can divulge the Downton Abbey filming secrets, as it was used in the first film. In a previous interview with Dream Escape, Lady Argyll said they were sworn to secrecy when filming started, but revealed that when "Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery [were] walking around our pretty small town, the cat was soon out of the bag".
Kinross House, Kinross Imbued with romance and epic drama, the hugely successful TV series Outlander brought together two unlikely historic periods when former Second World War military nurse Claire Randall is transported back to 1743 and falls in love with a Highland warrior.
Much of the story is filmed at 17th-century Kinross House, using the elegant reception hall, the garden room, the gentlemen's drawing room and the double-height baronial dining hall. Dream Escape can help arrange the hire of the estate's main house, which has 14 rooms, as well as the additonal coach house, which has another 10 rooms that feature four-poster beds, period furniture and huge bathrooms with roll-top baths.
Ardverikie, The Highlands
This baronial Highland sporting estate on the banks of Loch Laggan was used as Balmoral in the 1997 film Mrs Brown. It starred Judi Dench and Billy Connolly, depicting the story of a recently widowed Queen Victoria and her relationship with one of her late husband's servants, John Brown. While the tryst has never quite been proven, it's true that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert did actually spend three weeks at Ardverikie in the summer of 1847. Ardverikie also stood in as Balmoral in many episodes of The Crown, and was the home of the 2000 TV series Monarch of the Glen, starring Richard Briers. Stay at the estate's Gatelodge, a turreted scaled-down version of the main house with a spiral staircase.
NICKI THOMSON TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER
Dream Escape are experts in the exciting trend of set-jetting, catering to fans of period dramas by offering the opportunity to visit and stay in stunning filming locations throughout the British Isles. In reality, these stately homes, historic buildings, and breathtaking backdrops are even more impressive than their on-screen appearances. It's an enjoyable experience to test your knowledge of these locations and retrace the steps of beloved characters. Dream Escape goes the extra mile by providing the chance for you or your clients to take on the starring role and bring the magic of the big screen to life.
nicki@dreamescape.co.uk
Embark on an extraordinary journey to uncover the enchanting archipelagos of Ireland. Each Tír na nÓg, 'land of the young', is a remarkable fusion of natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural heritage. From the rugged Aran Islands to the captivating Skellig Islands, these wonderful destinations hold the promise of hibernian happiness.
Words | Jane Freeman
The Aran Islands
Arguably the most well-known of Ireland’s islands, Inishmore, Inisheer, and Inishmaan offer wild seascapes, cultural heritage, and ancient history just 30 miles west of Galway Bay. Inishmore is home to World Heritage Site Dún Aonghasa, the clifftop Iron Age fort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with Inishmaan and Inisheer the quieter of the three islands.
Recommended Highlights: Firstly, the journey getting there! Dream Escape guests travel by small plane from Connemara; ferry from Doolin, Co. Clare; or helicopter from Ashford Castle. You can also explore the island by horse and carriage, look for grey seals during low tide, and visit the Worm Hole, a unique natural pool at the bottom of cliffs.
For more Bronze Age and Iron Age sites, visit Dún Dúchathair, also known as the black stone ringfort, and the well-preserved monastic settlement Na Seacht dTeampaíll. In Kilronan, the island capital, you can explore the Aran Heritage Centre dedicated to preserving the disappearing way of life.
Ireland’s most extensive offshore island, with 80 miles of coastline, Achill is famous for its surfing at Keel Beach, hikes on the 671m Slievemore and the dramatic cliff of the 668m Croaghaun. The island has a selection of cycling trails, and links via a bridge to the mainland. It is home to the Great Western Greenway, a 26-mile trail along a former railway.
‘Arguably the most well-known of Ireland’s islands, Inishmore, Inisheer, and Inishmaan offer wild seascapes, cultural heritage, and ancient history just 30 miles west of Galway Bay.’
Recommended Highlights: You might enjoy visiting the Deserted Village at Slievemore. This atmospheric site consists of around 80 ruined stone cottages, giving visitors a glimpse into the island's past and the lives of its former inhabitants. It's a fascinating and evocative place to explore, offering a real sense of history and a beautiful backdrop of the surrounding landscape.
Known for its ancient monastic ruins dating back to the 5th century AD, including St Patrick’s Church and the Grave of the Saint, Inchagoill Island attracts visitors interested in early Christian relics. Just 1km long and 300m wide, it has views over James Joyce country and the mountains of Connemara.
‘Stay at the magnificent Ashford Castle, standing sentinel on the shores of Lough Corrib for over 800 years, and enjoy a Chief’s Island picnic adventure... at one of the more unique islands on the lake.’
Recommended Highlights: Experience the stunning Lough Corrib – Ireland’s second-largest lough – on a private boat charter, offering unspoiled views of the surrounding mountains. Dream Escape can arrange a wonderful private guided tour featuring historical insights, 5th- and 12thcentury ruins, nature trails, and secluded beaches. Stay at the magnificent Ashford Castle, standing sentinel on the shores of Lough Corrib for over 800 years, and enjoy a Chief’s Island picnic adventure with third-generation professional ghillie and marine and countryside guide. Frank Costello will escort you on an exploration of the lough, with a picnic pit-stop at one of the more unique islands on the lake. Explore the island's 100 acres of state-owned forest park and visit St Patrick's 5th-century Monastic site and the Church of The Saints, built by the Augustinian monks of Cong in 1180 AD.
Renowned for their rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage, the Blasket Islands on the western point of the Dingle Peninsula were inhabited until 1953. Today they attract visitors with their dramatic landscapes and connection to traditional Irish language and literature. The islands are home to diverse marine life, including seals, whales, dolphins, puffins and more – it is a wildlife seeker’s paradise.
Recommended Highlights: One of our favourite Dream Escape experiences is an exclusive boat excursion around the islands to catch glimpses of seals, dolphins and a variety of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. The waters around the islands are also known for their clarity and make for excellent snorkelling or diving experiences, allowing you to observe the diverse marine ecosystem up close.
Garinish Island, Glengarrif, Bantry Bay, Co. Kerry
Famed for its stunning Italian gardens designed by Harold Peto, Garinish Island’s mild microclimate supports a variety of exotic plants, making it a horticultural treasure and a popular tourist destination. Garden buildings include the Grecian temple, the clock tower, the casita, and an original Martello tower. Recommended Highlights: You won't want to miss the exceptional private boat charter experience from Glengarriff, where you can spot seals basking on rocks. The garden offers stunning views and diverse plantings, including an Italian garden. Accessible only through a rock tunnel, this hidden gem is off the beaten path. Dream Escape will also arrange a private visit to Irish-American actress Maureen O'Hara's former Irish home across the hill. On the return journey, enjoy breathtaking views along the Brendan Pass and savour rustic seafood at Helen's in Lauragh.
‘Accessible only by boat, the Skellig Islands... were featured in the Star Wars films as the home of Luke Skywalker.’
Skellig Islands, Co. Kerry and Valentia Island
Accessible only by boat, the Skellig Islands, particularly Skellig Michael, are famous for their well-preserved early Christian monastic settlement and dramatic cliffs. Located off the coast of County Kerry with a bridge linking you to Valentia Island, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and were featured in the Star Wars films as the home of Luke Skywalker.
Recommended Highlights: Visit the beehive huts, known as clocháns, featured in Star Wars, and learn about the monks of St Fionan who once lived there. Cross the bridge to Valentia Island and hike the Loop Head Peninsula, enjoying the beautiful scenery and nature. Dream Escape guests also enjoy tailored private boat expeditions with special access to the beehive huts – and a cruise around the islands.
Scattery Island in the Shannon Estuary is known for its early Christian heritage, featuring monastic ruins, a round tower, Napoleonic War artillery battery, a lighthouse, and several churches. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, a 20-minute boat journey through the Shannon Estuary from Kilrush, County Clare, Scattery offers a tranquil escape with a rich history dating back to the 6th century.
Recommended Highlight: Dream Escape offers a meticulously planned luxury cruise from Kilrush to Scattery Island, complete with a private guided walking tour and a delicious lunch featuring artisanal and locally sourced cuisine. Children can also participate in engaging activities like painting stones and learning about the rich history and heritage of the island.
Lough Derg, one of Ireland’s largest lakes, spans counties Clare , Galway and Tipperary and is the southern gateway to Irelands Hidden Heartlands. Enjoy walking and cycling trails, watersports or enjoy the tranquility as you take to the waters. Nestling on a small island on Lough Derg, close to the County Clare shoreline in the townland of Carroweena is the ruin of a sixteenth century towerhouse, known by a number of names - including Castlebawn, Bally Kelly, Belkelly, and Simon’s Castle.
Recommended Highlights: Experience a medieval adventure at Castlebawn, sitting on its own tiny island only accessible by boat and appointment. Castlebawn enjoys spectactular views and is one of Ireland's hidden treasures. Restored from ruins, this
16th-century castle enjoys a colourful history and romantic backstory. Enjoy dancers, musicians, finger food, and a range of artisan 16th-century delicacies, including honey glazed ham and Irish mead. This unique experience is perfect for families, offering a full tour of the castle and the chance to sample authentic medieval Irish cuisine.
Carrick-a-Rede Island, accessible via the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, offers stunning views of the North Antrim coast. The island is unique due to its dramatic location and the thrilling experience of crossing the bridge. Its home to just one building, a fisherman’s cottage, and a variety of seabird life. The rope bridge suspends 100ft above sea level, erected over 250 years ago by salmon fishers.
Recommended Highlight: Dream Escape's exclusive private tour experience, with unique access to the charming cottage on the island, where you'll be immersed in the fascinating stories of the local fishers and their industry, is a firm favourite. Indulge in the delightful flavours of a picnic hamper filled with local Causeway produce and perhaps a tipple of Irish whiskey, adding a touch of refinement to this extraordinary experience.
The islands of Strangford Lough, Co. Down
Strangford Lough, located in County Down, is a large sea inlet known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. It is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to many marine and bird species, attracting nature enthusiasts and bird-watchers. Drive the 33km Ards Peninsula to observe the lough, the road that offered inspiration to Irish poet Seamus Heaney. Take to the water by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or boat to enjoy the calm waves and views of Scrabo Tower.
Recommended Highlight: Embark on a fishing expedition on Strangford Lough admiring the breathtaking natural beauty and serene marine nature reserve with Joe and the skipper.
This unforgettable experience includes sailing around the numerous islands in the Lough, catching your own meal and returning to the Cookery School to cook and indulge in a feast celebrating the local food and culture.
ROSIE PEATTIE CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Ireland is surrounded by stunning smaller islands, each with a unique story to tell. Centuries ago, these islands were the first landfall for early settlers who navigated the seas and rivers. Many of these islands are located in the Gaeltacht regions, where the Irish language, Gaelic, is still predominant, and traditional cultural practices thrive. Initially self-sufficient, the islanders relied on the sea for sustenance. During dark winter months, they would entertain themselves with storytelling, music and dance, contributing to Ireland's rich cultural heritage today. Each island I've visited exudes a sense of peacefulness and tranquility that transports you back in highly recommended for your next visit to Ireland.
rosie@dreamescape.co.uk
The last word
Dream
Escape’
s Client Relationship Managers and founts of knowledge, Rosie Peattie and Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, reflect on the highlights of their summer season while looking ahead to autumn/winter...
In 2024, I had the privilege of partaking in a series of remarkable encounters that elevated my vacation experiences to new heights. One such unforgettable moment was meeting Their Royal Highnesses, King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the illustrious Edinburgh Castle for the launch of Edinburgh 900. During this extraordinary event, I engaged in a captivating conversation with the esteemed author Sir Alexander McCall Smith, who graciously shared his insights with me. Additionally, a private tour of Scone Palace, hosted by the charismatic Viscount Stormont, proved to be both enlightening and entertaining.
My exploration of Scotland's rich heritage extended to a visit to the country's first vertical distillery, offering a fresh perspective on the world of whisky. Furthermore, a private sojourn to Inveraray Castle allowed me to immerse myself in the historical archives of the Clan Campbell, unearthing a trove of ancestral treasures.
Venturing to the west coast of Ireland, I revelled in exhilarating adventures, including invigorating hikes in Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula, as well as a thrilling RIB excursion to the Atlantic's edge. Additionally, a scenic flight aboard a chartered plane from Connemara to the tranquil Aran Island of Inisheer provided a captivating glimpse into the island's serene lifestyle and rich cultural heritage.
Pictured above left–right: Sally Strange; Rosie Peattie
Anticipating the adventures that await in 2025, I am eager to embrace new experiences that will undoubtedly surpass the splendour of my past travels and that can be shared with Dream Escape clients.
rosie@dreamescape.co.uk
As one year comes to an end and a new one begins, it is a time to reflect and anticipate. Looking back, I'm reminded of the privilege of sharing British culture with others, especially during grand events attended by the King, despite health challenges. The sense of national pride during these monumental occasions is truly joyous to share with guests - I was lucky enough to experience Trooping the Colour, a State visit and a State Opening of Parliament with clients. Turning from pomp and pageantry to our green and pleasant land, the opportunity to visit gardens, both grand and small –despite heavy rainfall – was truly delightful. As we look forward to the new year, the anticipation of discovering new and unique experiences for our clients is truly exciting. In 2025, our efforts in 2024 will come to fruition as we incorporate these offerings into our programs. A quote by American author Harvey Mackay resonates with us: "Time is free, but it is priceless. You don't own it, but you can use it." At Dream Escape, our goal is to create priceless memories for every trip, as we strive to offer bespoke experiences. Sharing these experiences is what makes my job the best job in the world!
sally@dreamescape.co.uk
Indulge in Scotland’s ultimate whisky experience at The Singleton and discover the incredible craft behind our whisky.
