10 of the UK & Ireland's: Finest Experiences

Whether you’re a motor enthusiast, avid royalist, or epicurean, Dream Escape can arrange an experience you will never forget. We hope you enjoy our selection, from outdoor art to driving a classic car on one of Britain’s most scenic touring routes.

BEST FOR BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

1. Photography in Dartmoor

Photography in Dartmoor

As one of a brand-new collection of curated experiences launching this summer across England’s iconic National Parks Gems of Dartmoor is not to be missed! Vivid colours and atmospheric sunlight go hand-in-hand so that the moor is ablaze with an astonishing vibrancy, perfect for creating dramatic photographs. The experience will take you to off-grid destinations where you will learn how to frame and capture stunning images under the expert guidance of a local photographer. Learn how to use your camera (or phone) to make the most of a location and the light to create stunning photography. Explore the history and mysteries of the subjects of your photography while learning more about the conservation of the area too.

BEST FOR QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH

2. Afternoon Tea in Palm Court

Afternoon Tea in Palm Court

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is the ultimate symbol of English elegance. The beautiful gilded Palm Court has become the ultimate venue for this dining experience. Work your way up the three-tiered silver stand starting with an assortment of freshly prepared sandwiches, then moving on to freshly baked scones then finishing with delicate pastries. Then take a stroll on a private guided tour to explore the foodie highlights of London’s fashionable Marylebone Village. In celebration of the tradition, Afternoon Tea Week, takes place from 9-15 August across England. However, this delightful epicurean experience is enjoyed as one of the nation's favourites at any time of the year. Just remember to enjoy your traditionally Cornish jam and clotted cream scone just as Her Majesty the Queen does - always spreading the jam first!

BEST FOR GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL

3. Lundy Island

Lundy Island

IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK

Only 12 miles off the north coast of Devon, Lundy Island is a small windswept destination owned by the National Trust. A peaceful retreat, Lundy is free from traffic – making it the perfect destination for someone who’s looking to get away from the stress of the dreaded rush hour. There’s a single shop, a single pub, and a plethora of wildlife to spot – a variety of seabirds, grey seals, dolphins and even a basking shark or two can be viewed on or from the island if you’re lucky. The bird life is particularly prolific in the early summer, when you may even get the chance to see puffins and their chicks. Accommodation is in a large house overlooking a wooded valley, with views out to sea. Snorkel at Gannet’s Bay and you may be lucky enough to swim with seals.

BEST FOR ALTERNATIVE OUTDOOR PURSUITS

4. Catching a wave in Ireland

Catching a wave in Ireland

IMAGE © GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

Achill Island in County Mayo, one of the most spectacular spots in Ireland, and 'the' place to be for the ultimate surfing, bodyboarding and diving adventures. Known by its Gaelic name Oilean Acaill, Achill Island is the largest of Ireland's offshore islands, and has attracted people to its shores for generations. Home to five picture-postcard Blue Flag beaches, some of Europe's highest cliffs and large tracts of blanket bog sweeping over the island's two peaks and down to the shore, there are plenty of opportunities to fish, surf, dive and kayak here.

There are also a number of well renowned craft shops and art galleries to explore as well as numerous festivals to attend. There is also a 15th century fortified tower house, Kildamhnait Castle, the 19th century Acaill Mission and the poignant deserted villages at Slievemore and Ailt.

BEST FOR SOCIALLY DISTANCING

5. Outdoor Art

Jupiter Artland

A stellar art exhibition can make for a fabulous day out, but in these times of socially distancing ourselves, it can be just as thrilling to see in the great outdoors. Thanks to the fantastic selection of world-class art in sculpture parks, beaches and gardens, art in the open air can make for a scintillating day out. One of Dream Escape's favourite outdoor art venues is Jupiter Artland near Edinburgh. Set within the picturesque 80-acre estate of Bonnington House you can admire commissioned artworks from some of the world's most renowned artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Marc Quin. In England there's almost too many venues to mention, the largest of them being Liverpool Biennial, this year themes as The Stomach and the Port, running until 6 June. Elsewhere, you could visit Borde Hill Garden in West Sussex, Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset, Burghley House in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield, or Grizedale Forest, Cumbria. Planning a trip to Ireland? Visit or stay at the Culloden Estate, Belfast between the 25 June- 14 July and enjoy the Art in the Garden exhibition showcasing the very best of Irish and international sculpture taking place throughout the full 12-acre estate.

BEST FOR FAMILIES

6. An Irish Journey

An Irish Journey

Experience the myths, charm and culture of the Emerald Isle on a specially designed Dream Escape family adventure. The country is brimming with stories and folklore to enchant both young and old alike, and the locals will no doubt delight in telling them! For the adventurous, it is the perfect setting: go surfing, try your hand at falconry and enjoy long hikes. The Irish coastline is teeming with movie connections, Star Wars stories and exciting experiences to bring a family programme alive. Embrace the elements and encounter the friendliest people with a trip to the newest ‘cool’ destination of Donegal. Explore filming locations for Star Wars: The Last Jedi with our highly connected expert guide, hear behind the scenes anecdotes and gain an insight into the local area and it will become clear just why this dramatic area was chosen for filming. Visit the Inishowen Peninsula, enjoy a unique lighthouse stay and explore the beautiful expanses of beach with pony rides and nature walks.

BEST FOR THE ROYALIST

7. A Royal Tour

A Royal Tour

IMAGES © VISITLONDON.COM/JON REID

Embark on a trip fit for a king or queen as you explore the most opulent and impressive pieces of Royal Britain. From one of the oldest working palaces in the world, to the homes of monarchs from centuries gone by, discover the history of the British royal family as well as how they live now. On this tailor-made Dream Escape programme enjoy royal retail therapy by entering those few, exclusive shops lucky enough to be granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment.

Highlights include a private boat ride down the River Thames; watching the spectacular tradition of the Changing of the Guard; stepping through the nineteen State Rooms at the heart of Buckingham Palace; seeing Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel, which played host to not one, but two royal weddings in recent years. Plus, discover the history of Hampton Court, gaze upon the glittering British Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, visit Westminster Abbey and so much more, staying overnight in quintessentially English accommodation much loved by royalty.

BEST FOR MOTOR ENTHUSIASTS

8. Driving routes in a classic car

Britain's driving routes in classic car

IMAGE © VISITBRITAIN/TOMO BREJC

Escape Britain's motorways and discover mountain passes and scenic coastal drives. Britain has plenty of stunning driving routes, best experienced in a classic car arranged by Dream Escape.

For the ultimate road trip in Scotland the North Coast 500 is a new scenic route showcasing fairy-tale castles, white sand beaches and historical ruins.

Also in Scotland, the A82 from Loch Lomond to Loch Ness is widely regarded as one of the most iconic touring routes in Britain - film buffs will recognise the area from the James Bond film, Skyfall. For an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the B3135 twists its way through cliffs and a gorge in central Somerset, passing through the Mendip Hills. Adventurous drivers might enjoy navigating the tight, winding bends through the spectacular Cheddar Gorge, before sweeping turns lead to the quiet village of Ashwick.

In North Wales, named after Evo magazine which often uses this route to test or review new cars, the Evo Triangle combines three roads with sweeping vistas and panoramic views. Or head to the Peak District, Snake Pass across the Pennines.

BEST FOR THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

9. Cycle the Wild Atlantic Way

Cycle the Wild Atlantic Way

As readers of our last issue of Dream Escape Magazine (Spring 2021) will know, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches along the west coast of Ireland.

It begins on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal and goes through the counties Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry, finishing in Kinsale, County Cork. For a challenge and Irish sightseeing experience like no other, Dream Escape can arrange for you to cycle your way along the beautiful 2195 km route. As Dream Escape Owner, David Tobin knows only too well from his own experience, following the Wild Atlantic Way on two wheels is not for the faint hearted, it takes you along steep coastal roads, twisting mountain climbs and welcoming towns and villages - not forgetting extreme gales and storms. So if you would prefer not to cycle, then why not let Dream Escape arrange for you to see The Wild Atlantic Way by chauffeur instead?

BEST FOR THE EPICUREAN

10. Jack & Scott’s Private Dining service

Jack & Scott’s Private Dining service

For the ultimate epicurean experience, stay at Bray Cottages Lavender House, and enjoy Heston Blumenthal’s son, Jack Blumenthal and Scott Perkins as your own private chefs. You might even wish to stay for a few extra nights, as there are seven Michelin starred restaurants within walking distance of the cottage, to include, Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn, Alain Roux’s The Waterside Inn and Roux at Skindles, plus The Crown at Bray and Caldesi in Campagna.

Find out more

Lesley Scott, Head of Planning - Scotland & Ireland Get in touch with Lesley for expert advice on your adventure.

⬩ lesley@dreamescape.co.uk → dreamescape.co.uk