Dream Escape Magazine | Winter 2021

DREAM ESCAPE MAGAZINE

Winter 2021 | Issue 04

FUN FESTIVITIES

with magical Dream Escape stays and experiences

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THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE Celebrate with us in first-class style

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Exclusive Travel Experiences to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales

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WELCOME FIRST WORDS —

COVER PHOTO —

Skate at Somerset House is hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences.

It heralds the start of the festive period, with unrivalled skating, contemporary music, the opportunity to browse the perfect gift selection from Hotel Chocolat, and delicious food and drink. The magnificent ice rink transforms the neoclassical courtyard into the essential winter destination, complete with a glorious 40ft Christmas tree, with specially curated decorations from Moët & Chandon, providing perfect picture moments. © LUKE DYSON

linkedin.com/company/ dream-escape-int

T

HIS SEASON IS one of our most special and memorable times of the year — with festive celebrations, dazzling decorations and first-class hospitality.

Spending Christmas and New Year in the UK and Ireland is a magical and unmistakable experience. And, as our first Winter Edition of the Dream Escape magazine shows, dream trips are accelerating at an exciting rate… indeed, I’m not sure we have ever been busier at this time of year before.

Many of us could not enjoy a traditional family Christmas in 2020, and so this year has added importance. Our articles are guaranteed to fill you with wanderlust and inspire you to ensure your next holiday is made extra special. Let our design planners arrange the ultimate winter break – we would love to hear from you.

From spending Christmas at Claridge’s (page 28), to dining at Tom Kerridge’s two-Michelin-star restaurant (page 36) and joining the unmissable Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations (page 44), I hope that you enjoy the great range of featured stories and interesting news in this latest issue.

We look forward to helping you plan your dream trip in 2022. Have a very Merry Christmas!

David

@Dreamescapeltd

DAVID TOBIN OWNER AND DIRECTOR –

@DreamescapeUK

OUR VIDEOS...

@DreamEscapeLtd

Pictured above: David with his youngest son ice skating at Somerset House, London

Luxury Scotland by Dream Escape Luxury Ireland by Dream Escape

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5

E XQUISITE. ELEGA NT. unforgettable.

+ 4 4 (0) 20 793 0 8181 | W H I T E H A L L PL AC E , LO N D O N S W1A 2B D CO R I N T H I A .CO M / LO N D O N

CONTENTS WHAT’S NEW TRAVEL BULLETIN

44

12 - From a whisky-dedicated Victorian castle

and new museums and galleries, to the launch of a luxury Scottish five-star resort, there’s plenty of new exciting travel discoveries this season

SOCIAL CALENDAR WINTER 2021-2022

15 - Britain’s December 2021 to February 2022

cultural calendar is once again packed with worldclass visitor attractions hosting special exhibitions, events and shows, from famous sporting events to seasonal art, gardens, live music and more

MEET THE MAKER: VICTORIA HOUGHTON

22 - Dream Escape steps inside Hamilton &

Inches, a bastion of excellence and sophistication in the heart of Edinburgh

CHRISTMAS AT CLARIDGE'S

28 - From horse-drawn carriage rides around

London’s Mayfair to luxurious hand-stitched stockings for its guests on Christmas Eve, Claridge's brings festive magic to its luxury overnight stays

CHEF SPECIAL: INTERVIEW WITH TOM KERRIDGE

36 -

28

Owner of the first pub to win two Michelin stars, Tom Kerridge reflects on his stratospheric success and his 2021 new launch in Harrods

THE CORONATION DRESS OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II © ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST/ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WINTER 2021 | ISSUE 04 —

THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

44 - From the pomp and

pageantry of Buckingham Palace to luxury stays, Britain celebrates the first 70-year-reign of any of its 61 monarchs in inimitable London style →

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82 TEN OF THE BEST WHISKY EXPERIENCES

82 - There are many reasons

to visit Scotland, but its whisky industry is by far one of the best.

Discover our top ten favourite experiences to include as part of your exclusive whisky dream escape

MAGICAL STAYS FOR WINTER

92 - Due to our personal

ART AND LITERATURE OF THE SOUTH DOWNS

52 -

The South Downs National Park is home to rolling green landscapes, villages that time forgot, and steeped in art and literary creativity

DUBLIN

58 - Layered with history, heritage

Pictured previous page top-bottom: The Coronation Dress of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; The Royal Suite at Claridge's Pictured above and below: Bertie's Whisky Bar at The Fife Arms; National Museum of Ireland, Dublin

connections, Dream Escape can arrange special visits to some of the most well-preserved and impressive magical homes and properties across the UK and Ireland, some off which are off-limits to the general public

ROSEMARY AND SAGE

98 - Dream Escape’s Head

of Guiding, Rosie Peattie and resident fount of knowledge Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, recommend some fantastic experiences ⬥

and handsome architecture, Dublin is an old city with a modern soul. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a vibrant capital ready to seduce you with its charm and warm Irish hospitality

BALLYNATRAY ESTATE

66 - Dating back to the Bronze Age,

the beautiful Ballynatray Estate not only possesses a rich and colourful history, but is one of the most unique, and private, estates in Ireland

THE WIZARD OF THE NORTH

72 - Spellbinding ruined abbeys,

fortified watchtowers and magnificent stately homes, it is no wonder the Scottish Borders provided much of the inspiration for the novels and ballads of Sir Walter Scott, Scotland's most prolific and successful writer

8

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58

ICMI __The Collection

MAGAZINE

Meet the team...

WINTER 2021 | ISSUE 04

—

EDITOR IN CHIEF –

Owner and Director

Jessica Way jessica.way@contistamedia.co.uk

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS –

Melanie Abrams, Jillian Bolger, Chantal Borciani, Sophie Farrah, Emma Johnson, Suzanne Jones, Annabel Mackie, Karyn Noble, Samantha Rutherford

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION MANAGER –

Adrian Wilkinson adrian.wilkinson@contistamedia.co.uk

david@dreamescape.co.uk

DAVID TOBIN –

David founded Dream Escape with Holly in 2005. Based in Edinburgh, the 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. ⬥ Who inspires you? “I have found inspiration from a variety of people, ranging from Ernest Shackleton and David Attenborough to the composer John Williams.”

SUE MORRIS –

DREAM ESCAPE LUXURY TRAVEL DESIGNERS – SCOTLAND AND IRELAND

Sue brings over 20 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! ⬥

LONDON AND ENGLAND

New Year's Resolutions "For 2022, mine would be to keep healthy, be more active and explore the great outdoors of our wonderful countries more, especially the magical fells of the Lake District.”

Lesley Scott lesley@dreamescape.co.uk

Louise Murray louise@dreamescape.co.uk

WALES

HEAD OF SALES

Owner and Director

Emer Mortell emer@dreamescape.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY –

BROUGHT TO YOU BY –

Dream Escape Leading luxury travel design company and destination specialist dreamescape.co.uk

sue@dreamescape.co.uk

HOLLY MACKIE –

Michael Davies michael@dreamescape.co.uk

Contista Media Contract publishers for the UK travel and tourism industry contistamedia.co.uk

Head of Marketing

DREAM ESCAPE

holly@dreamescape.co.uk

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. ⬥ What experience has recently inspired you? “An incredible family holiday hosted at Cameron House on Loch Lomond. We didn't stop: swimming, a 4x4 adventure, spa experiences, fine dining, Segways, boat tours, and cycling. A perfect spoiling recharge!”

Find out more

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DREAM ESCAPE

PAGE

36 CONTRIBUTORS Winter 2021 —

VICTORIA HOUGHTON — About Victoria: A passionate advocate for Hamilton & Inches and its rich heritage, CEO Victoria is dedicated to delivering an unparalleled customer experience and championing Edinburgh as one of the leading shopping destinations in the world. As part of your dream escape, step inside the magnificent Hamilton & Inches, where

you will meet the expert team and enjoy a tour of the workshops where the world's first handcrafted Scottish gold jewellery collection is made.

How do you like to spend a day off, do you have any favourite places to stay and visit in Edinburgh?

“When in Edinburgh, I always stay at The Balmoral hotel. It’s like a home from home and provides a truly special experience.” ⬥ TOM KERRIDGE — About Tom: Tom Kerridge is the celebrated chef behind the first pub in the UK to win two Michelin stars, The Hand and Flowers in Marlow. He has authored nine cookbooks and is a judge on The Great British Menu.

PAGE

22

How do you like to spend a day off and do you do the cooking at home?

“I’m away from home working a lot, so what sounds like the most mundane things, I find the most exciting. Going to the park, feeding the ducks, going on a bike ride, having lunch somewhere.

Yes, I do cook at home but during the week I keep it really simple: a one-pan wonder. Or if I get home really late, a plate of cheese, grapes and celery.” ⬥

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WALES

LLYS LLYWELYN — Llys Llywelyn in Cardiff is a recreation of a Royal Court used by the Princes of Gwynedd during the 13th century, and the latest addition to St Fagans National Museum of History's collection of buildings. Once completed, it will be the most accurate rendering of a Welsh Royal Llys to date.

St Fagans has recreated two of the most thoroughly excavated buildings – a hall and adjacent chamber – and launched an exhibition to help visitors understand life in medieval Wales.

Pay a visit and experience 13th-century life as part of your Welsh dream escape. ⬥

WHAT’S

NEW TRAVEL BULLETIN SCOTLAND

ROTHES GLEN, MORAY — The ultimate Victorian castle has just opened, dedicated to the very best whisky experiences. An eye-catching Highland home, Rothes Glen is a stunning Scottish baronial castle built in 1893 by one of the wealthiest families of the time. Located in the heart of Speyside, Scotland’s whisky capital, Rothes Glen is in a picture-perfect position at the head of the glen, offering breathtaking views towards Brown Muir and the Cairngorms. Damian Riley-Smith, owner of Rothes Glen, said: “It has been my long-held dream to create a home from home for those with a passion for the Scottish Highlands, and offer the ultimate base for the whisky connoisseur.”

If you enjoy whisky you might also enjoy our top ten whisky experiences, page 82. ⬥

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ENGLAND ENGLAND THE RETREAT ELCOT PARK — Housed in a Grade II-listed 18th-century building located between Hungerford and Newbury, The Retreat will be launching in Spring 2022, with magnificent grounds, two restaurants (an all-day dining Brasserie and a pan-Asian restaurant), an impressive Health Club and Spa, and topping off the experiences will be ‘The Courtyard,’ a mixed-use retail space consisting of a bakery, coffee house, hair salon & a wine store. Set within 16 acres, The Retreat will be a destination in its own right with a walled working garden,

New to Dream Escape...

tennis courts, an outdoor infinity pool (complete with designer cabanas and Whispering Angel pool bar), croquet lawns and children’s zone. Bliss! ⬥

Dream Escape's very own Blue Badge Guide, Sally Strange, and Head of Product, Louise Murray, recently visited the garden of celebrity gardener, Sarah Raven, at Perch Hill in East Sussex, and are now arranging private garden tours for clients. To find out more email sally@dreamescape.co.uk

LONDON

SCOTLAND

CAMERON HOUSE, LOCH LOMOND — Luxury Scottish five-star resort Cameron House, ideally situated in the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, has opened following a significant refurbishment. Exquisite suites are designed with furnishings influenced by Glasgowbased Timorous Beasties as well as enhanced with luxurious touches, including cashmere throws by Scotland’s second-oldest family business, Johnstons of Elgin. With 400 acres of majestic countryside on its doorstep, Cameron House also features extraordinary 360-degree views of the Scottish landscape. Dream Escape guests can enjoy scenic bike trails, falconry experiences, boat tours, clay pigeon shooting, 4x4 off-road driving adventures, Segway safaris, as well as a series of picturesque walks and hikes with unparalleled views. ⬥

WORLD WAR II GALLERIES AT THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS — IWM London have opened a new permanent exhibition dedicated to World War II. The new galleries display over 1,500 collection items that bring to life a war that affected millions of people from around the world, from London to Russia, to New Zealand, to China and the Philippines. It is a war with which many people will have a personal connection. Spanning two floors, these vast new spaces, including The Holocaust Galleries, bring together the touching tales from diverse communities to examine the complex relationship between the Holocaust and the course and consequences of World War II. ⬥

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SCOTLAND NATIONAL FAMINE WAY NORTH COAST VISITOR CENTRE — Just a short detour from the famous North Coast 500, Scotland's answer to Route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world, the North Coast Visitor Centre has officially reopened to the public.

Showcasing Caithness history and culture (the museum was formerly known as Caithness Horizons), it houses a permanent exhibition that uses the museum’s collection of objects to tell the story of the county of Caithness from the geological period known as the Devonian (about 416 to 359 million years ago) to

Plus don't miss...

the present day. Some of the star objects that are on display include examples of the famous fossil fish of Caithness that date from the Devonian period, and two Pictish Stones – the Ulbster Stone and the Skinnet Stone. ⬥

The new interactive heritage trail that follows in the footsteps of the 1,490 people who walked the 165km route from Strokestown Park Estate to Custom House Quay in Dublin, along the National Famine Way. See our article on Dublin on page 58.

IRELAND

LONDON THE TWENTY TWO, MAYFAIR — The Twenty Two is an exciting new hotel with an all-day public restaurant and a private members’ club, opening on historic Grosvenor Square in London’s Mayfair in Spring 2022.

Set within an Edwardian manor, the building is being redesigned into a hideaway for creative cohorts, local residents and international guests in London. The property is overseen by Managing Director Darius Namdar, formerly of Corbin & King, Chiltern Firehouse and Mark’s Club: “Our vision is to instil a more playful side to Mayfair. We want everyone who passes through The Twenty Two to experience exceptional service, be greeted with a smile and, most importantly, feel welcome and accepted, while enjoying the best hospitality London has to offer.” ⬥

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BELFAST AWARDED UNESCO CITY OF MUSIC STATUS — Everyone knows Belfast rocks, but now the city has hit yet another high note by being awarded the coveted City of Music status

by UNESCO. After Liverpool and Glasgow, Belfast is only the third city in the UK to be given the honour, and there are just 59 Cities of Music worldwide that form part of the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Belfast is also the first city on the island of Ireland to receive City of Music status, which celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage and recognises its outstanding contribution to this art form. As a holder of the title, and as part of UNESCO’s City of Music programme and the wider Creative Cities Network, Belfast will deliver a series of major music events over the next few years. ⬥

SOCIAL

CALENDAR Winter 2021-2022

JANUARY

HIGHLIGHT FRANCIS BACON: MAN AND BEAST

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS, LONDON — 29 January–17 April 2022 | Start the new year with a thought-provoking exhibition of work

by Francis Bacon, one of the most important 20th-century artists. Known for his visceral, unnerving work, Bacon's paintings serve as an allegory of humankind – showing how his

fascination with animals affected his figures.

Spanning his early career in the 1930s to his last painting – Study of a Bull, on public display for the first time – highlights of the exhibition include the 1984 Triptych Inspired by Oresteia of Aeschylus, which fetched over US$84.5 million, including buyer’s premium, at Sotheby’s New York in June 2020, according to Artprice. ⬥ dreamescapemagazine.com

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FOOD AND DRINK

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

3–5 December 2021 | Whet the Christmas appetite at the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre. Set in the grand Tudor courtyard, there are over 100 stands serving artisanal fare, from chutneys to cheese sparkles; worth visiting after a difficult year.

FILM

DECEMBER

KEHINDE WILEY: THE PRELUDE

NATIONAL GALLERY LONDON

MUSIC LONDON CONCERTANTE

VIENNESE CHRISTMAS BY CANDELIGHT, DUBLIN — 12 December 2021 | Kick-start Christmas with an awe-inspiring musical experience at St Patrick's Cathedral. Soak up the 'Blue Danube Waltz', 'The Nutcracker Suite', and other classical music favourites in candlelit medieval splendour. ⬥

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— 10 December 2021–18 April 2022 American artist Kehinde Wiley has spent his career riffing off European Old Masters for his photorealistic paintings of AfricanAmericans – including Barack Obama’s presidential portrait. So it’s a tantalising prospect to see what Wiley’s new work will look like set against the National Gallery’s dramatic landscapes. The treat here is seeing Wiley’s take on this traditional genre in his new sixchannel digital film, a medium he’s explored as recently as 2017.

Discovering his cast of Black men and women on the streets around the London gallery, Wiley's film In Search of the Miraculous, takes them to Norway to contemplate nature. ⬥

ART LIFE BETWEEN ISLANDS: CARIBBEAN-BRITISH ART 1950S – NOW

TATE BRITAIN, LONDON

IMAGE © TATE IMAGES / TATE IMAGES

DECEMBER

— 1 December 2021– 3 April 2022 | To see a landmark art exhibition, head to Tate Britain.

For Life Between Islands explores CaribbeanBritish art after the Empire Windrush ship brought post-war Caribbean settlers to Britain.

It’s the first such exhibition work. Some artists have Caribbean heritage like the painter, Frank Bowling or film-maker, Steve McQueen while others are inspired by the region, including Peter Doig, whose landscapes reimagine Trinidad where he has lived since 2003 There's also Liz Johnson Arthur’s photographic installation, which explores the early Grime music scene that shot Stormzy and others to fame ⬥

FOOD AND DRINK

Plus, don't miss... The National Whisky Festival

11 December 2021 | Warm the tastebuds with Scottish whiskies at Edinburgh’s Summerhall arts venue. Keep it steady, as there’s over 200 malts as well as indie bottlers to discover. Two in-house bars will serve top notch drams, such as Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve.

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MUSIC

Celtic Connections, Glasgow

20 January–6 February 2022 | Head to Glasgow for Europe’s largest winter music festival, spanning traditional folk, jazz, world music and more.

New talent play alongside established names, and Scottish folk singers open the party at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with following gigs citywide.

JANUARY

HERITAGE

TURNER & PLACE: LANDSCAPES IN LIGHT AND DETAIL

NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN — 1–31 January 2022 | For a new take on fabled landscape artist J.M.W. Turner, head to the National Gallery of Ireland through January. As the museum contrasts his ethereal watercolours with the sharp topographical insights of 17thcentury Ireland by English artist Francis Place.

Look closely and these insights include some of Ireland’s landmarks — from Phoenix Park to the 13th-century Kilkenny Castle and City.

Drawings and prints form the collection’s backbone, which also includes furniture, metalwork and glass. While you're at the gallery take time to admire its permanent collection, comprising drawings and prints, as well as furniture, metalwork and glass. Don't miss Vélasquez’s Kitchen Maid with the supper at Emmaus – widely considered the Spanish artist’s earliest-known work. ⬥

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PERFORMANCE

Out to Lunch by the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Belfast

8–30 January 2022 | A vibrant arts festival in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter presents stand-up comedy, live readings, author talks and more, located around the city’s St Anne’s Cathedral.

The neighbourhood’s Merchant Hotel offers a stylish stay.

ROYALTY

THE TUDORS: PASSION, POWER AND POLITICS

HOLBURNE MUSEUM, BATH

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JANUARY

— 28 January – 8 May 2022 Of the British kings and queens, the Tudors are among the most popular, particularly Henry VIII working through his six wives and Elizabeth I’s feisty feminism. Now the Holburne Museum, aka Lady Danbury’s home in Bridgerton, is telling their stories through contemporaneous paintings by the likes of Hans Holbein the Younger. And it’s not just the big name royals — their equally famous courtiers are there too, such as Sir Thomas Cromwell, star of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. There's even room for a stylish, yet lacking in confidence Mary Queen of Scots. ⬥

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HECKFIELD PLACE

W E LC O M E H O M E HUGGED BY 438 ACRES OF SECLUDED HAMPSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE, HECKFIELD PLACE IS A GEORGIAN HOME THAT REDEFINES THE IDEA OF A HOTEL. FROM SKYE GYNGELL’S OPEN-FIRED HEARTH AND MARLE RESTAURANT TO OUR BIODYNAMIC MARKET GARDEN AND ORGANIC HOME FARM, WE ARE BOUND BY THE RHYTHM OF THE SEASONS. Ancient woodlands and gently wild grounds offer plenty of room to roam on winter walks, hikes and bike rides – or head indoors to take refuge.

From the intimacy of the Moon Bar to the sanctuary of the Little Bothy Spa, to film nights in the Screening Room, the 18th-Century House is the beating heart of the estate.

UNEARTH, RECONNECT AND REDISCOVER AT HECKFIELD PLACE.

GARDENS

Rodmarton Manor, Cotswolds

2–19 February 2022 | For a Spring awakening, stroll around the eight-acre garden at Rodmarton Manor, landscaped in the early 20th century. Spot the flowering snowdrops or ramble over the rockery. Revisit in May when the Arts and Crafts house is open too.

ARTS THE WORLD OF STONEHENGE

BRITISH MUSEUM, LONDON

FEBRUARY

— 17 February–17 July 2022 | There were 1.6 million visitors a year to Stonehenge in Wiltshire before the pandemic. But the prehistoric stone circle remains shrouded in mystery. Now the British Museum is revealing Stonehenge’s secrets through hundreds of objects from across Britain and Europe in the UK’s first major exhibition on the famous landmark. The exhibition will trace the monument from its construction around 3000–2500 BC, including the world’s oldest map of the stars (according to the gallery): the 3,600-year-old Nebra Sky Disc with its inlaid gold symbols thought to represent the sun, moon, stars, and the solstices. ⬥

CULTURE

In the city...

CHINESE NEW YEAR

TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON — 1 February 2022 | Party at Trafalgar Square in London for the Chinese New Year, where lion dances, martial arts performances and daredevil acrobatic displays will celebrate this Year of the Tiger. Follow the firecracker sounds to Chinatown in nearby Soho for its street food and market. ⬥ COLLECT, LONDON

SOMERSET HOUSE, LONDON — 25–27 February 2022 | Pick up a cool piece of design at Collect, the Crafts Council’s international fair for craft and design. Hosted at Somerset House, there’s a wide-ranging choice from over 30 British, Irish and international galleries, showcasing furniture to ceramics. ⬥ dreamescapemagazine.com

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Meet the Maker:

Victoria Houghton 22

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With a proud Scottish heritage and stunning pieces created by master craftspeople, to include the world's first handcrafted Scottish gold jewellery collection, Hamilton & Inches is a bastion of excellence and sophistication in the heart of Edinburgh. Dream Escape steps inside its magnificent showroom...

WORDS | EMMA JOHNSON

A

N INVITING GLOW emanates from the beautiful purple-framed windows on George Street, the displays promising hidden wonders beyond the threshold. Inside, all that glitters is surely gold. The elegant, airy space is flanked by grey marble columns and a grand fireplace, while a warm light comes from the numerous chandeliers hanging from the highly decorative ceiling.

At the centre of the room, above the newly installed diamond bar, hangs an exquisite handcrafted silver Ginkgo leaf installation. Floating silver leaves dance across the space, each leaf designed by a member of staff, and then created by the in-house craftspeople. “It has been designed to marry our past to our future, and celebrate the proud heritage of Hamilton & Inches,” explains CEO Victoria Houghton.

“Scotland is at the root of our inspiration behind designs and brand identity, it is at the core of who we are. We have always been located in the heart of Edinburgh and this feeds into the designs we create.”

DESIGN IN MIND Once a private residence dating back to 1835, the George Street showroom has been redecorated with its proud Scottish heritage at the heart of the design.

Thanks to the vision of designer Tom Bartlett of Waldo Works, there are curtains from professional Edinburgh-based workshop Sinclairs, and cushions from renowned designers Timorous Beasties, while the leather used for the service desks are provided

by Alma Leather, further enriching the space and paying homage to its local roots.

Upstairs, the on-site workshops have been in operation since they moved to George Street in 1952, and since their inception in 1866, and to this day are still home to an extraordinary team of artisans.

With a Rolex-accredited workshop, silversmith and goldsmith workshops, as well as the hand engravers and polishers all on-site, the workshops at Hamilton & Inches offer the kind of customer experience that can’t be found anywhere else in Edinburgh. And, with a personal consultation, →

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Inspired by ‘the natural

landscape of the moon, each piece is handcrafted in the workshops above the showroom

’

organised through the Dream Escape team, clients can meet the artisans behind their unique pieces and see first-hand the work that goes into making Hamilton & Inches craft.

“Craftmanship is central to our operations,” explains Victoria. “So, the refurbishment of our workshops was one of the most important aspects of the renovation, allowing us to ensure the longevity and future of craft in Scotland.”

CONTEMPORARY

HERITAGE

Hamilton & Inches might have an impressive history behind it, but the company prides itself on blending traditional methods with contemporary designs. Traditional tools and skills are honed to bring excellence to modern creativity. Collections are inspired by scenery and landmarks around Scotland, and include the beautiful Luna collection, designed by silversmith Ruth Page. Inspired by the natural landscape of the moon, each piece is handcrafted in the workshops above the showroom.

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Did you know?

Hamilton & Inches have held a Royal Warrant for over 120 years.

Pictured above: Where the magic happens inside Hamilton & Inches in the workshop above the showroom, Edinburgh Pictured right: Hamilton & Inches showroom, Edinburgh

Hamilton & Inches is also the only fine jeweller in the world with exclusive rights to 22-carat Scottish gold, garnering worldwide attention, due to it being a rarity. Featuring Single Mine Origin (SMO) status, the Hamilton & Inches Scottish gold is solely mined from the same location on the edge of Rannoch and is refined without coming into contact with any other gold. Jenna Watson, the company’s youngest goldsmith, who joined Hamilton & Inches in 2018, worked on the 22-carat Scottish gold collection. It takes inspiration from the spectacular scenery of the National Park, such as earrings that are crafted with coloured stones redolent of the waterfall at the mine’s entrance.

MADE TO LAST The company has a long history of loyal customers, often creating pieces for several generations of the same family. It also has a Royal Warrant and is committed to sustainable practices and limiting its effect on the environment. “We only work with suppliers →

Pictured clockwise from left: Luna oval drop earrings, bracelet and necklace in sterling silver; earrings made with the world's first handcrafted Scottish Gold jewellery collection; Hamilton & Inches Edinburgh showroom; Luna necklace in detail; Hamilton & Inches Edinburgh shopfront

who have the same values and ethos as us,” explains Victoria. “And we apply a sensitive approach to the sourcing of our raw materials, such as Scottish gold”.

Hamilton & Inches secured the first gold of the Cononish gold mine in 2019, and is the only fine jeweller to do so, offering a luxurious collection of 22-carat Scottish gold rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and more — the world's first hand-crafted Scottish gold jewellery collection.

Fortunately sustainability also goes hand in hand with a company that has been creating heirlooms and beloved pieces for over 155 years.

“The pieces our expert jewellers create are the very antithesis of fast fashion,” says Victoria. “Each one is lovingly crafted, made to last and to be treasured from one generation to the next.” An efficient repair-anddesign service also means pieces can be restored to their original beauty or reimagined into beautiful new creations, instead of being forgotten or disposed of. “We also foster a creative environment which allows our team to pass their incredible skill set onto the next generation, so these unique crafts are never lost,” adds Victoria.

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PERSONAL APPROACH

look forward “toWe continuing to

welcome Dream Escape clients to experience our showroom and workshops at Hamilton & Inches. Meeting our craftspeople in the workshops above our showroom is a truly special experience and is the best way to see how our expert artisans continue to preserve craft in Scotland.

– Victoria Houghton

”

Meeting with this incredible design team in a beautifully curated lifestyle space is part of the wonderful customer experience that all Dream Escape clients can expect to enjoy. Visiting Hamilton & Inches for a consultation allows customers to discover the skills and craft on offer, while also being inspired by the many beautiful, bespoke designs on display in the showroom. As an exclusive to Dream Escape clients Hamilton & Inches will even create bespoke pieces of jewellery out of very rare special Scottish gold.

“Unveiling the newly restored showroom earlier this year was a real milestone for us after such an amazing journey,” says Victoria. “And the customer experience was at the forefront of the refurbishment; we wanted to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere whilst creating a memorable luxury experience.”

Sit by the fire at one of the stylish service desks or in the intimate VIP consultation rooms with a glass of Champagne or a cup of coffee, and take the time to create a unique piece that you will treasure forever. Designers and craftspeople are available to discuss what you’re looking for, to repair beloved pieces, or consider ways to repurpose an heirloom that perhaps needs some contemporary flair.

“We pride ourselves on blending traditional methods with contemporary designs and having a wide clientele which spans generations,” says Victoria. “The modern collections available today are designed using traditional tools and crafts but take on modern inspiration in terms of design. This not only often appeals to a younger generation but simultaneously results in the creation of timeless collections.”

Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk Rosie Peattie, Head of Guiding “I adore bringing our clients to Hamilton & Inches, it's like stepping into another world; our very own Scottish Aladdin’s Cave.

Plus, they have a well-kept secret behind the silverware displayed in their wonderful showroom too. I love it.” ⬥

rosie@dreamescape.co.uk

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Christmas at Claridge's "Christmas isn't a season, it's a feeling," said American novelist Edna Ferber, and there is one particular hotel in London that is renowned for evoking just that.

From its legendary tree taking centre stage in the lobby to hand-stitched stockings for its guests on Christmas Eve, every thoughtful touch and luxurious detail at Claridge’s captures the magic of the season WORDS | SOPHIE FARRAH

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CONSIDERED ONE OF the very best five-star hotels in the world, Claridge’s embodies grand English style, timeless glamour and impeccable, intuitive service. It began life in 1856 and its reputation grew quickly; in 1860, the hotel was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and immediately became a favourite with heads of state and royalty throughout Europe. In the vibrant 1920s, it was the place to party to the sounds of Gershwin and do the steps of the Charleston, and

in the 1950s it was something of a Hollywood home from home, with the likes of Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and Bing Crosby all coming to stay. Today, crossing the hotel’s historic threshold is like stepping into a bygone era of art deco glamour and elegance.

When it’s adorned with opulent festive decorations it is more enchanting than ever, and Louise Murray, Dream Escape's Head of Travel and Design, organises truly unforgettable stays at this most magical time of the year. Among the most spacious in London, each of the hotel’s elegant rooms and suites has →

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Earlier this year, the hotel unveiled its two brand new ‘Mayfair suites and launched ArtSpace, a permanent art gallery with an inaugural exhibition...’ been beautifully designed and luxuriously furnished. The same sophisticated style is applied throughout the hotel and even includes its famous Christmas tree, which each year is brought to life by a different world-renowned designer. Christian Louboutin once transformed the entire lobby into a frosted forest, complete with a traditional tree dressed with fairy lights and gingerbread stilettos. Dolce & Gabbana’s tree was adorned with more than 450 hand-blown Italian glass baubles, while Christopher Bailey for Burberry’s creation featured over 100 gold and silver umbrellas and thousands of motion-sensor 30

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lights, programmed to sparkle as guests walked by. In 2020 it was the turn of McQueens Flowers, who created a frozen dreamscape inspired by the roaring twenties, with a white frosted tree covered with shimmering swathes of over 10,000 crystal garlands and pendants.

This year, the seasonal London landmark has been transformed by Kim Jones of Dior, mixing holographic projections with ethereal white toile and baubles that seem to magically float in orbit around the tree.

Despite its enduring popularity, Claridge’s never rests on its laurels. Earlier this year, the

hotel unveiled its two brand new Mayfair suites and launched ArtSpace, a permanent art gallery with an inaugural exhibition featuring works by Damien Hirst (on until 31 December 2021). The Painter’s Room is the hotel’s chic new bar; inspired by the artistic haunts of Provence and Italy, its blush pink tones and soft lighting make it an ideal spot for a cosy cocktail à deux, but Dream Escape’s travel designers also arrange private hire of this beautiful new space.

For larger festivities, the hotel’s magnificent ballroom has also been immaculately restored. This EnglishHeritage-listed space has hosted high society for more than 100 years, from high-profile weddings and state → Pictured from left to right: Claridge's at Christmas; Claridge's Kim Jones of Dior Christmas Tree, 2021; Bar in the Painter's Room; The Painter's Room

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banquets to opulent balls. It was the venue of choice for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s ruby wedding anniversary, and where Audrey Hepburn celebrated at the wrap party of Roman Holiday in 1953. Today, it can accommodate up to 500 guests for a Champagne reception and up to 240 for a sit-down dinner dance.

Pictured clockwise from top left to right: Claridge's Ballroom; The Ballroom entrance; L’Epicerie; The Mayfair Suite lounge; The Mayfair Suite bedroom

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L'Epicerie (offers)...a rare opportunity to glimpse the hard ‘work and attention to detail that goes on behind the scenes’ Another exciting addition is the hotel’s newest culinary space, which offers a unique and exclusive dining experience, and a more intimate space in which to entertain.

Set within Claridge’s hallowed kitchens, L’Epicerie is designed to seat just 14 and offers front-row seats to the theatre of the kitchen, as dishes are prepared and presented on a marble pass directly in front of guests, providing a rare opportunity to glimpse the hard work and attention to detail that goes on behind the scenes.

The chef ’s table is its striking centrepiece crafted from American black walnut alongside buttery soft red leather chairs. Here, Dream Escape’s travel designers arrange a choice of private dining experiences, bespoke wine

dinners and interactive feasts, all led by executive chef Martyn Nail. Private masterclasses are also organised, providing new skills and knowledge to take home to your own kitchen and dining room. Designed and hosted by the hotel’s expert team of sommeliers, chefs and patissiers, these cover a wide range of mouth-watering subjects, from delicate afternoon-tea cakes to the secrets of the hotel’s signature Lobster Wellington.

Indulgent food and lavish feasts are a much-loved part of Christmas, and the hotel is brimming with seasonal delights. Served in The Foyer, traditional afternoon tea has a festive twist and is accompanied by carols sung by a live choir. Elsewhere, dishes such as the hotel’s seafood cocktail with lobster, langoustine, → dreamescapemagazine.com

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Guests arriving on Christmas Eve are invited to toast the ‘ beginning of their stay with a bottle of Champagne on arrival...’ crab and Marie Rose sauce appear alongside the likes of beef tournedos with chestnut and foie gras pithivier, truffle purée, spinach and parsnip gratin. There are also tempting traditional highlights: roasted Cambridge Bronze turkey is served with chipolatas wrapped in bacon, parsnips, carrots and bread sauce, and a taste of Claridge’s famous Christmas pudding is a must — served with lashings of brandy sauce; this sweet treat has been stirred to perfection by the entire pastry team in an annual ritual that dates back over 100 years.

Set in the heart of London's Mayfair, the hotel is perfectly positioned to enjoy the many festive 34

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delights that the capital has to offer. The city’s Christmas lights are a sight to behold; glorious golden angels soar high over Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square’s towering spruce twinkles nearby, while Mayfair itself also undergoes a stylish seasonal makeover. If the magic of a Christmas show or traditional pantomime appeals, then London’s theatreland is only moments away. Dream Escape’s travel designers also take the stress out of Christmas shopping by arranging private visits to some of London’s finest establishments, all of which are within easy reach; follow in the footsteps of royalty and head to Berry Bros. & Rudd for fine wine,

Pictured from left to right: Claridge's at Christmas; Claridge's Christmas decorations; Claridge's Christmas turkey

Paxton & Whitfield for world-famous cheese, Floris for finely crafted fragrances and soaps, and Fortnum & Mason, known as the ‘Queen’s grocer’, for rare teas and whimsical gifts.

Once all the shopping and sightseeing is done, it’s time to relax and enjoy the precious period of Christmas itself. Despite being in the heart of the hustle and bustle, Claridge’s is an oasis of calm, and luxury touches await. Guests arriving on Christmas Eve are invited to toast the beginning of their stay with a bottle of Champagne on arrival, enjoyed perhaps by the beautifully decorated tree found in every suite.

Later, there is storytelling for children by the staircase, courtesy of Claridge’s very own elf and, as night falls, mince pies and carrots are provided to leave out for Father Christmas and his reindeers. Each guest, whether they’ve been naughty or nice, will receive a hand-stitched stocking to place at the foot of their luxurious bed.

On Christmas morning, the sound of carol singing fills the lobby, and guests are invited on an enchanting horse-drawn carriage ride through Mayfair, with hot chocolate and marshmallows served along the way.

Back at the hotel, a lavish lunch awaits, and rumour has it that Father Christmas himself might even make an appearance. This is Christmas at Claridge’s, after all...

Find out more

Holly Mackie, Owner and Director “There is nothing more magical than walking into the timeless elegance of Claridge's after a busy day shopping or sightseeing. It is one of my favourite locations in London, and each year they engage with one of the biggest fashion names to design their Christmas tree. This is certainly a festive highlight and not to be missed!” ⬥

holly@dreamescape.co.uk dreamescapemagazine.com

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Chef Special:

Tom Kerridge

Owner of the first pub to win two Michelin stars, Tom Kerridge talks to Dream Escape, reflecting on his stratospheric success and his 2021 new launch WORDS | CHANTAL BORCIANI

T

HE RESTAURANT TRADE is not for the faint-hearted – any business owner emerging from the last couple of years will attest to this – but Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has never been averse to seizing an opportunity and rolling the dice. In 2005, Kerridge and his artist wife Beth bought a rundown pub in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and invested every penny they had in the business.

The gamble paid off, and then some – within 10 months The Hand & Flowers won its first Michelin star and it’s been one of Britain’s finest gastronomic flag bearers ever since. “It was a real case of just grabbing an opportunity and running with it. Working with your other half is amazing. Sometimes it’s very hard to know the boundaries between your work life and home life – it all becomes a bit of a melting pot

– but you’re both driven to create something fantastic and exciting, and it’s amazing because you achieve things together as a team.”

In 2012, The Hand & Flowers won its second Michelin star, making it the first gastropub to receive two stars in Michelin history. “I think the second star was even bigger because we had constantly reinvested in the business, the company and the people.

We got rooms on board (Kerridge has cottages and luxurious bedrooms dotted around the charming town of Marlow for rental) and we just tried to get better every day. We didn’t expect to win two stars. It’s such a monumental achievement for anyone to win two, but for us to do it in a pub and being the first pub to do it, was just mind-blowing.

Every year when it maintains that level, it’s like winning it all over again.” →

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PUB GRUB Tom says his cooking is honest, with menu inspirations often taking one dish – even if intrinsically very simple – “and doing it the very best it can be done”. It’s a recipe that has worked wonders, with the Michelin guide inclusion for The Hand & Flowers reading: ‘Food is based around pub classics, but those classics are elevated to new heights and are among the best in the UK. The sourcing of ingredients is given due reverence and execution is skilful and confident, while the dishes themselves are characterised by rich, powerful flavours – and the presentation is first-rate. Desserts are a real highlight and you’ll always find a soufflé on the list.’

Of his ethos, Kerridge says: “A lot of people sometimes are intimidated by Michelin stars or Michelin-star experience, but we want people to enjoy it and love it. Of course, feel that there’s something very

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special there, but without them feeling that they’re on edge. For us it’s all about encompassing and embracing everybody.”

The success of The Hand & Flowers has led to some delectable offshoots. Tom now has two further pubs in Marlow where he lives with his family: The Coach which opened in 2014 and won a Michelin star in 2017, and The Butcher’s Tap – Kerridge’s traditional butchers’ shop that serves the highest quality meat prepared by expert butchers, which also opened in 2017. “Marlow is home. It’s a beautiful place and so easy for heading in and out of London,” the chef says.

When it comes to new ventures, Kerridge has zoned in on venues of historical note. He opened his first London restaurant Kerridge’s Bar & Grill at the Corinthia Hotel in 2018 and then went on to open his Manchester restaurant The Bull & Bear in 2019 at the new Stock Exchange Hotel.

with your other half “is Working amazing... you’re both driven to create something fantastic and exciting, and it’s amazing because you achieve things together as a team.

”

COOL BRITANNIA Born and raised in Gloucestershire, it was a combination of luck and necessity that led him into the hospitality trade, aged 18. “I needed some money, so I went to wash up in a kitchen when I was 18, and I just fell in love with the industry. I fell for the energy – the excitement, the late nights, and the early mornings.

After all the routine of school, there was something so

Pictured left and right: Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, London

exciting about it all. The nine to five, Monday to Friday was never going to have been for me.”

Kerridge went to culinary school in Cheltenham and worked in country houses and hotels across Gloucestershire as a junior chef before moving to London in his early twenties to work with the likes of Philip Britton, Gary Rhodes and Steven Bull.

“You can get influenced more by people who sometimes you don’t work with – like big names in the industry, great French chefs and fantastic people like Marco Pierre White; his White Heat cookery book has been amazing for many chefs my age. But I suppose one person in my career who stands out is Gary Rhodes.

Having spent time working with Gary, the godfather of British cuisine, is special.”

Kerridge's food continues to be honest, true to its roots and, more often than not, a celebration of Britain, →

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which makes his latest opening – Kerridge’s Fish & Chips in Harrods, in the historic Grade-IIlisted Dining Hall – an even better fit.

Launched in summer 2021, the sociable, laidback food hall has booths and a bar, with a menu that includes freshly caught turbot, lobster, Rock oysters, Cornish squid, and Dublin Bay prawns, along with joyously British sides of pease pudding, and snacks of chip shop pickled onions, cockle ‘popcorn’ with malted beer vinegar, Morecambe Bay shrimps and treacle bread.

Kerridge adds: “It’s a massive celebration of British food in such a magical shop. The dishes include incredible lobster, oysters and freshly caught fish from some of the best suppliers in Britain and beyond. They are all cooked to perfection and served with sensational sides, such as the triple-

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Pictured clockwise from far left: Kerridge’s grilled lobster and chips; Kerridge's prawns and chips; Tom Kerridge cooking

cooked chips topped with an option of Matson curry sauce, Lobster Thermidor, Morecambe Bay Shrimps or Caviar – it’s an unbeatable combination.

“Everyone remembers trips to Harrods as a kid. I remember going with my grandparents and walking around with my mouth wide open thinking how magical it was – and how special to now be able to serve our food there.

We see it as a great place to represent Great Britain and the food that we do.”

I fell for the energy – the “ excitement, the late nights, and the

early mornings... the nine to five, Monday to Friday was never going to have been for me.

”

OFF MENU The king of elevating British classics, Kerridge notes his fish-and-chip dishes as some of his favourites from across his menus: “Fish and chips appears on all of the restaurants at some point, in some style, so that’s something that represents us really well, I think. There’s a smoked haddock omelette that’s on the starters at The Hand & Flowers that has been there pretty much from the beginning, which is another dish we are really proud of.”

Despite the challenging last 18 months, it’s buoying to see a chef still as enamoured with his kitchens and his craft. “It’s not a job, it’s a way of life and it’s what I fell in love with all those years ago. The energy, the chaotic hours, the enthusiasm.”

When he does take a break, he retreats to Cornwall, where best friend and top chef Paul Ainsworth has his famous restaurant No6, alongside Caffè Rojano, The Mariners Public House, Mahé Cookery School and Chef ’s Table, with rooms at Ainsworth’s Padstow Townhouse. “He’s down in Padstow in Cornwall and Paul’s got rooms at the Padstow Townhouse and his restaurant No6 is just fantastic so we love going down there.”

Humble, down to earth and authentic – true of

both the dishes and the chef – Kerridge has no plans for further named expansions and so continues to lead from the front and keep food at the core of all that he does.

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DREAM ESCAPE EXPERIENCES Here are a few of our favourite private and exclusive offerings to include as part of your Tom Kerridgeinspired dream escape.

MARLOW AND SURROUNDING AREA

For glorious gardens overlooking the Thames, National Trust’s Cliveden makes for an enticing day out. If you are visiting during the festive season, the awardwinning Christmas extravaganza at Waddesdon, the Rothschild House & Gardens is an absolute must, and you might also enjoy the Tudor country house and garden of Greys Court. Henley-on-Thames, said to be the inspiration behind the much-loved children's book The Wind in the Willows, is a gorgeous place to visit, home to the annual Royal Regatta and Henley Festival, known as the UK’s most glamourous festival. On a Dream Escape visit to Daws Hill Vineyard, visitors enjoy a private tour around the winery, hearing about the winemaking process along with a special tasting of its

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English sparkling wine. Other local attractions include visiting the world’s oldest original model village, and clay pigeon shooting in a location set amid 40 acres of woodland on a stunning countryside estate. Complete the day with private dining at The Shed, an intimate dining space available to Dream Escape guests, with the opportunity to meet Tom Kerridge and his team of chefs in person, as they carefully compose a selection of dishes to complement the experience of dining in this elegant space.

Where to stay…The Hand & Flower Cottages and Cliveden House Hotel.

WINDSOR AND THE THAMES

The town of Windsor is a haven for shopping. Encased within the Victorian railway station are a plethora of high-end outlets. It’s a pleasant stroll from here across the river to Eton High Street. Noted for its art and antique shops, this charming thoroughfare also leads to Eton College, the country’s most famous school.

Another highlight is Windsor Castle, the oldest and

Pictured left to right: Interior of Robinswood, The Hand & Flower Cottages; The Hand and Flowers Bar

largest occupied castle in the world, and Windsor Great Park where you will discover a royal history spanning over 1,000 years. Dream Escape also arrange for guests to enjoy a private boat cruise on the idyllic and picturesque waters of the famous River Thames with the option of a gourmet Champagne picnic, ensuring the full quintessentially English experience.

Where to stay…Coworth Park and Fairmont at Windsor Park

LONDON

For one of the finest and certainly the latest Tom Kerridge experiences, begin your London day out with a visit to Harrods, where you can not only indulge in shopping galore, but visit the historic Grade-II-listed Dining Hall for a taste of Kerridge’s Fish & Chips. Spend the afternoon in in the heart of Mayfair at the beautiful and famous covered shopping street of Burlington Arcade and enjoy a private tour with one of the famous Burlington Beadles, who still enforce rules today to include no humming, hurrying, riding bicycles or ‘behaving boisterously’ in the arcade. The Burlington Arcade is one of Britain’s earliest shopping arcades and was built by Lord George Cavendish, later Earl of Burlington, home to fine watch and jewellery boutiques, luxury perfumers and luxury fashion houses. Follow in the footsteps of royalty with our Dream Escape private shopping experiences, which include a visit to Berry Bros. & Rudd for wine, Paxton & Whitfield for cheese, Floris for perfume and soaps, Fortnum & Mason for teas and more, and Hatchards for signed copies of latest publications. Complete the perfect day with a visit to the theatre, and a luxury overnight stay and dinner at Corinthia Hotel, London, dining at Tom Kerridge’s first London restaurant, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, staying in a penthouse suite with your own personal butler and walk-in wine cellar.

If there is time the next morning, take a visit to the London home of Charles Dickens, where readings of A Christmas Carol can be made by special arrangement.

If visiting by evening, enjoy a private tour after dark. To really get into the festive spirit head to St Martin in the Fields to enjoy a host of events and exhibitions, such as 'Blessing of the Crib' in Trafalgar Square, Carols by Candlelight, and the best view of the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree – given as a very special gift from Norway to repay Britain after World War II. Where to stay…Corinthia London Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk Sue Morris, Head of Marketing "To experience Tom Kerridge in one of my favourite corners of the country is always going to be a special treat. Marlow offers you everything on a silver plate: idyllic River Thames walks, independent boutique shops, a fantastic array of cafes and restaurants, plus you are a stone's throw away from some of the best stately homes and gardens in England." ⬥

sue@dreamescape.co.uk

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The QUEEN’S Platinum Jubilee From Buckingham Palace to Ben Nevis, from pomp and pageantry to peeks behind the scenes, from luxury stays to celebrating in the streets, Britain celebrates the first 70-year-reign of any of its 61 monarchs in inimitable style IMAGES © ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST / © HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2021

WORDS | MELANIE ABRAMS

I

T’S WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 1952. Twenty-five-year-old Princess Elizabeth is at the Royal Hunting Lodge in Kenya. She has just become Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth countries. Winston Churchill is Prime Minister, and three-year-old Prince Charles has become heir apparent.

Fast forward 70 years and Britain is celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. This is the first such celebration for the country as Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

London will be abuzz with things to do and places to see. Buckingham Palace is re-opening its State Rooms in July, while the Royal Mews, with its coaches, carriages and stables, will unlock its doors in May. Highlights include the Gold State Coach used by the Queen for her coronation in 1953.

The festivities and fanfare will come to a head on one weekend: 2–5 June 2022, with pomp and pageantry and a Thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral. Dream Escape can arrange for you to stay in a penthouse suite at the Royal-Warranted Ritz Hotel for a bird’s eye →

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view across Green Park, next to Buckingham Palace where the action will happen. Or experience one of Claridge’s regal suites (see page 28).

Trooping the Colour, also known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade, at Horse Guards Parade along Whitehall will get the weekend started. Introduced in 1805, the name of the ceremony comes from preparations for battle – when a regiment carried a flag with the colours and insignia of their unit so soldiers could recognise a rallying point during a battle.

From a coveted seat on the parade ground, see the Queen take the royal salute and inspect her troops from the Foot Guards, Household Cavalry to the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Otherwise, line The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square to see the royal family heading to and from the parade ground.

Birthday Parade... will get the weekend started

’

Head to Buckingham Palace for 1pm, when the Queen and her family watch the RAF fly past from the palace balcony. It has been the scene for many informal family moments.

Case in point: four-year-old Prince George being shushed by his cousin, Princess Anne’s granddaughter, Savannah Phillips, and stealing the 2018 show.

Soak up the electric atmosphere as “there’s a fantastic camaraderie... Everybody just wants that moment to being able to see the Queen and the royal family,” says Sally Strange, who has been a Dream Escape London Blue Badge Tour Guide since 2011 and has stood outside Buckingham Palace

Pictured previous page: Dorothy Wilding's portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, 1952 Pictured left to right: Buckingham Palace; Horseguards Parade

IMAGES © VISITLONDON.COM/JON REID

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Trooping the Colour, ‘also known as the Queen’s

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for the Queen’s Silver and Diamond Jubilees.

Later that night, there’s the lighting of the beacons across the UK and the Commonwealth at 9.15pm. Places to see the beacons include the Tower of London; as well as Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey), Hadrian’s Wall, and Scotland’s Ben Nevis mountain. A bugle call will fanfare the lighting.

Complement the activities with top notch royal refreshment. There’s the Goring Hotel in Belgravia, for example, which was “a favourite place for the young Princesses (Elizabeth and Margaret) to have afternoon tea with their parents,” says Sally. And it still serves the

late Queen Mother’s choice dish, Eggs Drumkilbo with poached lobster, in its Dining Room.

St Paul’s Cathedral near the City is the place to be on Friday 3 June – where the Queen and her family will attend a Service of Thanksgiving.

See the procession along The Mall or Whitehall.

For those who prefer to party: don an Emilia Wickstead midi dress with fascinator or Brioni blazer for the Derby festival at Epson Downs.

There’s Ladies’ Day on the Friday followed by Derby Day on Saturday. See and be seen at the Derby Suite with its easy access to the Queen’s Stand and views of →

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IMAGE © ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST / © HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2018 PHOTOGRAPHER: PETER PACKER

the winning post; as well as the Michelinstarred Chez Roux at the Blue Riband restaurant for a five-course pre-race meal.

End the weekend partying at Buckingham Palace among some of the biggest names in music, join in the mega pageant expected to feature over 5000 people, or go for the more local street party.

Yet London isn’t the only focus for the Platinum Jubilee. Windsor Castle grounds will host an equestrian treat from 12–15 May 2022 with the royal family in attendance.

Called 'A Gallop Through History', the pageant featuring 500 horses and over 1,000 performers will tell the story of events from the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II. “There is a really good bookending there between two of our great female monarchs,” says Simon Brooks-Ward, who is producing and directing the event, which aims to raise

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£1.2 million for the NHS and key worker charities.

Furthermore, Windsor Castle is also displaying the Queen’s dress and Robe of Estate worn at her Coronation in 1953 from 7 July–22 October 2022.

The embroidered white duchesse satin dress was made by Norman Hartnell in his atelier along Mayfair’s Bruton Street, in a period spanning eight months, according to Matthew Storey, collections curator at the Historic Royal Palaces, “Clothing rationing had ended by this time, so, unlike for her wedding dress, it wasn’t a concern for The Queen’s coronation dress, which was kept under wraps until the coronation day," he says.

“It was the busiest time in the history of the Hartnell company, with hundreds of people working across many workrooms.

Not only did he (Norman Hartnell) have to provide The Queen and her maids of

honours’ dresses, he also had to create bespoke dresses for other members of the royal family, including The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, as well as many peeresses," says Matthew, who also curated the Royal Style in the Making show at Kensington Palace (running until 2 January 2022), which includes Princess Diana’s wedding dress.

The 18-foot-long purple Robe of Estate trimmed with ermine was made by Ede & Ravenscroft, whose shops are still along Chancery Lane and Burlington Gardens, near Savile Row in London. The wheat ear and olive branch decoration with the crowned EIIR cypher was embroidered by the Royal School of Network, using centuries’ old goldwork.

Transferring the design onto the velvet robe was more difficult than it looks, according to Dr Susan Kay-Williams, chief executive of the Royal School of Needlework, where a team of 12 stitched the robe with 18 different metal threads. As “the pile (on the velvet) can go in different directions,” she says.

The EIIR cypher was “stitched directly on (the robe) before they did the outside,” says Susan. Meanwhile, the crown was made separately and applied at the end, as its central position meant that “anyone working on that would have got in the way of everybody else trying to work on the outside,” she says.

A sampler of the goldwork for the Robe of Estate will be displayed at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum from 1 April 2022–4 September 2022 in its exhibition, 150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework: Crown to Catwalk.

In Scotland, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s outfits from her other Jubilees will be on show from July, and in its Queen’s Gallery, more than 30 Old Master paintings from the Buckingham →

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Palace State Rooms will be displayed from 25 March to 25 September 2022.

Alongside these official events, discover a more intimate side of London with Dream Escape's personalised tours. Visit shops and other landmarks that hold a Royal Warrant, showing “the royal seal of approval for a minimum of five years' outstanding service,” explains Sally. “There are only now two people who can actually give a Royal Warrant and that is Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Charles,” she adds.

“You’ll know if a shop has a Royal Warrant because they are allowed to display it (the Queen’s or Prince Charles' cypher) with great pride on the outside of their building and they are allowed to have it on their bags… and indeed on their stationery,” she says.

St James’s is a good starting point.

Discover Berry Bros. & Rudd’s fine wine collection along Pall Mall. Wander along St James’s Street to find the royal hatters, Lock & Co, Hatters, and the bootmakers John

are only now two people who “canThere actually give a Royal Warrant and that is Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Charles

”

Lobb. The nearby Jermyn Street also has a smorgasbord of choice – and archives to delve into from the 18th century.

Then there's Turnbull & Asser, shirtmakers to Prince Charles (and James Bond); Floris perfumers; or Paxton & Whitfield, London cheesemakers since 1797. Don't miss Fortnum & Mason department store, which has been selling fine food and gifts since 1707.

The Regency-period Burlington Arcade offers a shortcut to Savile Row, where Henry Poole & Co, founded 1806, and other royal tailors remain. Then relax at The Ritz for an end-of-the-day aperitif – as “the hotel does hold a Royal Warrant given by HRH Prince of Wales back in 2005 for banqueting and catering,” says Sally.

Pictured previous page left to right: Windsor Castle; Cecil Beaton's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation Day, 1953 Pictured left to right: The Royal Suite at The Goring; The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, where historic carriages still used for royal occasions are on display, will open to the public for the first time since autumn 2020; Tower Bridge of London

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IMAGE © VISITLONDON.COM/ANTOINE BUCHET

Take in a few coronation landmarks at leisure. Start with a bracing Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, then onto the Royal Mews, before heading into Westminster Abbey where the Queen was crowned in 1953.

Check out the Coronation Chair in St George’s Chapel in the nave of the abbey, on which the Queen sat for her anointing and crowning.

“It is the unique and only item of furniture in the history of the world, as far as we know, that is still being used to this day for what it was designed for 700 years ago….and commissioned for five pounds,” says Sally.

For a more informal look at the coronation (and Jubilee) players, wander over to Hyde Park Barracks, also known as Knightsbridge Barracks.

Nearby is the Victoria & Albert Museum, where formal and informal photographs of the Queen at Buckingham Palace on the day of her coronation are kept. Make an appointment to study them in the Prints and Drawings Study Room on level three, as they are not on public display.

Explore St Paul’s Cathedral along with the Tower of London and its Crown Jewels – as both are within the City of London. At the Cathedral, opt for a private tour that offers views across the nave and into rooms with Sir Christopher Wren’s original wooden model and other little-seen artefacts. While at the Tower, seek out the regalia used during the coronation.

There you'll find the orb, sceptres, armills, and other symbols of sovereignty presented to the Queen after she was anointed, as well as the St Edward's Crown. Made for Charles II’s coronation in 1661, the St Edward’s Crown is only used for the coronation’s crowning ceremony.

Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk Sally Strange, Blue Badge Guide “Some of my earliest memories are being taken to see Buckingham Palace by my parents and I truly believe that this appreciation of the royal family and the years of tradition that they represent sowed the seed for my love of history.

As a guide, one of the greatest joys is to share the daily pomp and pageantry in the form of The Changing of the Guard or Cavalry Guard. This outward symbol of service and loyalty to a monarch is what makes a visit to London so truly unique. A ‘royal’ tour can take so many forms if you know where to look. The celebrations marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are going to be remembered for years to come, and after a year of lockdowns there will be no better place to come and celebrate.” ⬥

sally@dreamescape.co.uk

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Art and Literature

of the

South Downs Tucked between the verdant folds of the South Downs is a little-known cultural enclave. Rich in literary and artistic history, dotted with quaint villages and brimming with spectacular scenery, it’s the perfect destination for lovers of cultural encounters WORDS | SUZANNE JONES

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HE COUNTY TOWN of Lewes in East Sussex is set within the South Downs National Park. The town is a two-hour drive from London and home to a Norman castle, crooked timber-framed Tudor houses and some sensational bonfire celebrations. John Paine, the Britishborn American political activist lived in Lewes for a time. His writings triggered the American Revolution and ultimately led to the USA’s independence from Great Britain.Venture a short way out of Lewes and you’ll discover the Sussex landscapes that have inspired writers, artists and musicians. Envelope yourself in the scenic South Downs, see the spectacular Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and follow the gently meandering curves of the Cuckmere River. ''Too much for one pair of eyes,'' Virginia Woolf wrote about the landscape, ''enough to float a whole population in happiness, if only they would look.'' Let’s explore… →

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IMAGES © GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/BRITAINONVIEW / TOURISM SOUTH EAST

CHARLESTON FARMHOUSE

Artist couple Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant made Charleston their home in 1916. The farmhouse became a Sussex bolthole for the intellectuals, writers and artists who made up the forward-thinking Bloomsbury Group. These included Vanessa’s sister, Virginia Woolf and husband Leonard, E.M. Forster and other contemporaries.

As soon as the couple moved in they took up their brushes and began to paint. As well as their own canvases, they embellished the farmhouse itself. Walls, ceilings, tables and chairs are painted, stencilled and tiled, turning the house into a living work of art.

Dream Escape can take guests on a morning visit to the beautifully preserved farmhouse. Enjoy a tour led by the in-house curator to see the house and art collection and learn to throw your own pot at a pottery workshop.

A wander through the tranquil walled garden before coffee and cake at the newly restored café is also highly recommended.

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ST MICHAEL’S AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH, BERWICK

Vanessa and Duncan didn’t stop at Charleston when it came to brandishing their brushes. They also embellished the walls of nearby Berwick church. The couple, together with her son, Quentin Bell, painted beautiful murals inspired by the frescoes of Renaissance Italy.

ALFRISTON

The village of Alfriston, set on the South Downs Way, is utterly charming. Wander the lanes lined with flint cottages, tea rooms and independent shops. Be sure not to pass by Much Ado Books, then seek out a treasure in the curiosity shop Objet Trouvé, and visit St Andrew’s Church on Alfriston Tye. The River Cuckmere passes nearby; walk alongside the winding river right down to the sea at Cuckmere Haven, where you’ll get stunning views of the Seven Sisters white cliffs. You’ll need to set aside a full day to walk there and back.

Pictured previous page: Clifftop along the dramatic coastline at Beachy Head Pictured clockwise from left: Alfriston village; South Downs National Park Seven Sisters; Long Man of Wilmington; Firle Place; Lunch at Rathfinny Wine Estate

A shorter 45-minute countryside walk takes you to the Long Man of Wilmington, a giant chalk figure carved into Windover Hill.

LUNCH AT RATHFINNY

The chalk soil and South Downs microclimate make this part of Sussex the perfect location for producing English sparkling wine. Rathfinny Wine Estate has put down roots just outside Alfriston and is set to become England’s largest single-site wine estate and producer, with a number of awards already under its belt.

The Tasting Room, with panoramic views over the vineyard, is the setting for a fabulous lunch of locally sourced, seasonal produce accompanied by a glass or two of Rathfinny’s Sussex Sparkling.

FIRLE PLACE

Sheltering in the lee of Firle Beacon lies beautiful Firle Place. The Tudor mansion with a Georgian façade was built by Sir John Gage in 1473, and his descendants still live there today.

The house and grounds, which cover nearly 300 acres, were used to shoot the 2020 film adaptation →

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IMAGE © NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

of Jane Austen’s Emma. Enjoy a private visit to the house and its remarkable collection of paintings, porcelain and furniture.

Before you leave Firle Place, take a moment to explore the village and its timeless pre-World War II feel. The narrow lanes are lined with flint stone cottages, the post office has barely changed in a century, and The Ram Inn has been at the heart of the hamlet for over 500 years. The central village courtyard was once home to the workshops of rural tradespeople; carpenters, blacksmiths, and bootmakers.

Louise Murray, Dream Escape's Head of Travel and Design can arrange a visit to the 150-year-old forge, which is run by blacksmith Lorraine Philpott, for demonstrations on creating unique garden sculptures.

MONK’S HOUSE

The 16th-century Monk's House in Rodmell was home to Leonard and Virginia Woolf. The unassuming property was the second of two rural retreats for the Bloomsbury Group.

Monk’s House has been well-preserved and looks as it would have done when the couple lived there, with a vague feeling they may well return at any moment.

The living room contains an eclectic mix of furniture and favourite personal belongings, including Virginia’s portrait painted by her artist sister, Vanessa Bell.

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Climb the outside steps to Woolf ’s bedroom to see her collection of Shakespeare’s plays, which she handbound and painted herself. The beautiful garden, which first attracted the couple to the property, was tamed by Leonard and is where Virginia’s writing lodge looks out onto Mount Caburn and the South Downs.

The Sussex landscape was vital to her writing, which she endeavoured to capture in her novels including The Years, To the Lighthouse, and Mrs Dalloway.’

Virginia suffered from depression and in 1941 she drowned herself in the nearby river Ouse. Leonard died in 1969 aged 88. Both their ashes are scattered in the garden at Monk's House.

HARVEY’S BREWERY

Visit the oldest independent brewery in Sussex in an out-of-hours tour, talking all things ale with master brewers. Harvey’s Brewery was founded in 1790 by John Harvey and still has eighth-generation family members working in the business.

For Harvey’s Best Bitter the brewery uses a blend of four local hops and their own 60-year-old strain of yeast. The final ingredient is South Downs water, drawn from an artesian well under the brewery. The rainwater, which has filtered through chalk for over 30 years, helps give the beer its unique taste. Five other beers make up the range, which are sold at the brewery’s shop.

The ancient exterior with its ‘low-slung Tudor beams and

overhanging windows belies the light decor and comfortable furnishings within.

’

Pictured left to right: Monk's House; Virginia Woolfs bedroom in Monk's House; The Star, Alfriston; Gravetye Manor

GRAVETYE MANOR

WHERE TO STAY THE STAR, ALFRISTON

The Star is a beautiful 15th-century inn located in the centre of Alfriston village. Once used as a rest stop by pilgrims journeying from Battle Abbey to Chichester, the inn was recently refurbished in a joint project by Olga Polizzi, and daughter Alex.

The Star reopened in June 2021 and is the third hotel in their collection.

The ancient exterior with its low-slung Tudor beams and overhanging windows belies the light decor and comfortable furnishings within. Behind the heavy oak door is a large restaurant serving locally sourced, seasonal dishes from head chef Tim Kensett, previously of The River Cottage.

A library with open fire and the central courtyard offer relaxing nooks, and the cosy beamed bar is the perfect place for a nightcap.

The Star has 30 bedrooms that have all been remodelled and newly decorated with light spring colours.

This impressive Elizabethan manor house is surrounded by the beautifully landscaped gardens of William Robinson who once lived here. The Relais & Châteaux property offers a classic English country house experience. Think wood-panelled sitting rooms, antiques, open fireplaces with roaring fires, and four-poster beds in some of the 17 bedrooms.

The glass-fronted dining room of the Michelinstarred restaurant takes full advantage of the garden views, where diners enjoy homegrown produce from the kitchen gardens.

Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk Louise Murray, Head of Product “Brimming with character, stunning scenery and fascinating connections, East Sussex makes for the most beautiful day trip out of London. I think it works as a fabulous option for travellers who have previously visited the Cotswolds and want to experience a new area. With our connections we can create a wonderful bespoke day to suit your interests”. ⬥

louise@dreamescape.co.uk

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Dublin Ireland:

Layered with history, heritage and handsome architecture, Dublin is an old city with a modern soul. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a vibrant capital ready to seduce you with its charm and warm Irish hospitality WORDS | JILLIAN BOLGER

IMAGE © GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

I

T’S A QUIRK of language that Dublin isn’t known as Black Pool. Founded

by Danish Vikings in 841 AD, the Irish capital takes its name from the union of two rivers – the Poddle and the Liffey – which mingled underground to create a deep tidal pool. This dark pool, or dubh linn in Irish, lent the new settlement its Nordic name of Dyflin, which over time became Dublin.

A stroll to Dublin Castle, a proud fortress erected in the 13th-century on the site of the Viking settlement, is the closest landmark to the original pool, and much like the waters beneath it, this historic building is deeply woven into the very tapestry of Dublin’s DNA. Guests of Dream Escape can take a special tour of the State Apartments, subterranean remains of some of Viking Dublin’s original

defences, and a stroll in the Castle’s Dubh Linn Garden, which lies near the site of the original black pool. Given that 2022 marks the centenary of The Irish Free State, which would go on to become Ireland in 1937, this is a special time to walk these historic cobblestones.

And it’s not just Dublin Castle that impresses. Close by and definitely worth a visit is this is the amazing Marsh’s Library, dating back to 1707 and housing a rare collection of books and documents that shed light on Dublin’s Enlightenment. Delight in a private tour of the atmopsheric building and see where eminent readers, such as Oscar Wilde, would come to borrow books and be locked into reading cages to ensure nothing was stolen or defaced.

All around, guests can expect to be delighted by layers of architectural riches →

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spreading out in all directions. From the gates of Trinity College, founded in 1592, to the Georgian squares lined with handsome townhouses and ornate doorways; past the impressive cathedrals of Christchurch and St Patrick's; onto the rows of red brick workers’ cottages around The Liberties and down to Guinness brewery; the city’s story is laid bare.

With Dream Escape you can enjoy a selection of very special private Christchurch experiences at this magnificent deconsecrated Anglican cathedral in the city centre. Private pre-opening tours allow you to savour the silence of this once sacred space. Rise high above the city to enjoy bell ringing in this landmark spire or go subterranean for a private tour of the fascinating restored 12th-century crypt and its many treasures. Unforgettable private dining can be arranged in the crypt or, for those that want to embrace the incredible acoustics, a private choral recital in this historic Dublin landmark.

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Pictured previous page: Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin, Ireland at sunrise This page pictured clockwise from left: Guinness Storehouse; Ha'penny Bridge, River Liffey; Dublin Castle Pictured opposite page from left to right: Georgian Door Dublin; Pearse Lyons Distillery Pot stills: Might Molly and Little Lizzy

Guinness may be a story that runs deep in Dublin’s lore, but there’s more to the capital’s inventory than the iconic Black Stuff. Around the corner from the enjoyable Guinness Storehouse, visitors will find Pearse Lyons Distillery in the remarkable setting of the former Church of St James. Come to enjoy a private tour and tastings, and to learn about the art and craft of Irish whiskey distilling.

Not a whiskey drinker? Then why not head back to the classroom with an enjoyable day at The Gin School, on the grounds of Dublin’s only family-owned distillery in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties.

Architecture only tells part of the city’s story, and behind the facades lies a collection of world-class museums, galleries and attractions that reveal the heart and soul of Dublin. Trinity College houses one of the oldest books in the world, the Book of Kells, a beautiful illuminated manuscript decorated by monks in the 9th

And it’s not just Dublin Castle that impresses. Visitors can expect to be ‘delighted by layers of architectural riches spreading out in all directions century. This prized artefact sits in the Long Room, a dazzling double-storey chamber 65-metre-long room and a dramatic arched roof. You don’t need to be a book lover to be wowed by its beauty, and with Dream Escape we will arrange a pre-opening private visit to view this wonderful piece of Irish history.

But not all treasures in this city are old. The Irish Museum of Modern Art may be housed in a breathtaking 17thcentury building, but IMMA houses a world-class collection of contemporary classics, from Lucien Freud to Jack

Butler Yeats. Arrange an out-of-hours experience here with Dream Escape and absorb the history and culture of this exquisite art museum alone.

The Abbey Theatre played a key role in Ireland’s cultural identity, founded in 1904 as a national theatre by W.B. Yeats, the brother of artist Jack, and Lady Gregory. Charismatic revolutionaries who dreamed that the Abbey Theatre would “bring upon the stage the deeper emotions of Ireland," (Yeats' and Lady Gregory's manifesto), can have an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with rare access to the theatre’s important

’

archives. Tread the boards at this famous theatre and enjoy a masterclass with one of the Abbey Theatre’s directors.

Located in a historic Georgian building minutes from Grafton Street, MoLi, or the Museum of Literature, is Ireland's newest museum and a Dream Escape favourite. It's a striking building that hosts modern exhibitions showcasing Ireland's rich literary heritage, and visitors will find celebrations of James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde among top contemporary writers, interactive →

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Pictured left: Kayaking on the River Liffey Pictured opposite page clockwise from left: The Merrion; The Westbury; The Fitzwilliam; The Merrion; Glover’s Alley; Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen; Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

displays. You can also enjoy the historic house tour on Sunday mornings, should you be seduced by the building’s colourful past.

After exploring the culture, be sure to move on to the magnificent gardens at the back. The Commons Café in the basement serves creative Irish food, with the courtyard tables in high demand on fine days, but you can also grab a coffee and sit on a bench in the peaceful Readers’ Garden with a good book. Best of all, the gardens at MoLI connect to Iveagh Gardens, a magical park known as Dublin's Secret Garden. When you pass through the wrought iron gate, you’ll understand why this place has won the hearts of Dublin’s citizens.

Music lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of four of Dublin’s most famous citizens; Bono, Adam, The Edge and Larry, aka U2. Your Dublin trip can include a VIP trip to Windmill Lane Recording Studio, where the world-famous rock band recorded many of their

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albums. The Rolling Stones, Kate Bush, New Order and Ed Sheeran are among the global stars who have recorded at Windmill Lane, and as a Dream Escape client you will also enjoy a backstage and artist pass.

Taking inspiration from all this creativity, why not try your hand at making your very own Irish holiday souvenir?

Perhaps you’ll enjoy a hands-on experience doing letter printing at the captivating National Print Museum or maybe a private pottery class at Arran Street East Pottery under the watchful eye of talented artisans.

And should you wish to celebrate the city’s Viking founders, and honour the origins of the capital’s name, let us take you kayaking through the heart of the city. Paddling along the River Liffey with a private guide will give you a unique perspective, and while we can’t promise you’ll find the source of the eponymous Black Pool, we can promise you an unforgettable experience in the silvery waters of Dubh Linn.

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IMAGE © ROB DURSTON/FÁILTE IRELAND

Paddling along the River Liffey with a private guide will give you a unique ‘perspective... an unforgettable experience in the silvery waters of Dubh Linn

celebrating 40 years serving some of the most exquisite food in the country. The Merrion’s Garden Room is wonderful for al fresco lunches, and there’s a lovely pool and spa. Spoil yourselves by staying in the Main House with its huge bedrooms and original period features, including a fireplace, ornate ceilings and beautiful sash windows.

WHERE TO STAY

The Merrion Set in four elegant Georgian townhouses, just off Merrion Square, The Merrion Hotel is the choice of presidents and pop stars. With dazzling Georgian interiors, impeccable service, lavish bedrooms and a sensational Irish art collection, it’s a wonderful bolthole after a day’s sightseeing. Sink into a deep sofa, enjoy fireside drinks and slink next door for dinner in Guilbaud's. With two Michelin stars, this chic restaurant is

The Shelbourne A landmark hotel for almost 200 years, The Shelbourne Hotel stands proud on St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Georgian Dublin. Considered the Grand Dame of Irish hotels, it enjoys one of the loveliest locations in the city.

This fashionable five-star establishment has always found itself at the centre of Dublin’s social scene, with great bars and a famous afternoon tea. The impressive Park View rooms offer bird’s eye views over leafy St Stephen’s Green, giving you one of the best views in the city.

With the chic Sidecar cocktail bar, dazzling Wilde dining room and buzzy Balfe’s for lunch, you could happily stay indoors for your whole visit. Afternoon tea is always popular, and don’t miss The Westbury’s eggs Benedict for breakfast – they really are the best in the city.

The Fitzwilliam Overlooking St Stephen’s Green, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is currently undergoing a stylish refurbishment, floor by floor. The new bedrooms are a dream, offering a nuanced evocation of deco-liner luxe.

Enjoy luxurious window-seat sofas, desks with a view, and beautiful details like reeded glass, brass, walnut and marble. Offering a luxe 1930s vibe that reaches all the way to Glover's Alley (the hotel's glamorous fine-dining restaurant), this tranquil five-star venue feels intimate, elegant and very stylish. →

The Westbury With views towards Grafton Street, The Westbury Hotel puts you at the very heart of Dublin’s buzz. Stay in one of their newly upgraded bedrooms, and surrender to the decadent decor that’s a heady mix of art deco glamour and modern comforts.

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Exclusive self-catering accommodation for Winter Half Term and Easter break along with Wedding Season events available Ballynatray, Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland www.ballynatray.com

You’ll find a collection of ‘beautiful work by Irish designers and artists...’

Pictured left to right: The Dylan; The Wilder

The Dylan A former Victorian nurses' home, the Dylan is a historic townhouse that’s been cleverly converted into a chic five-star boutique hotel.

Tucked away on a leafy residential road in Dublin’s south city centre, the hotel is fresh from a recent refurbishment. You’ll find a collection of beautiful work by Irish designers and artists, with new bedrooms, a newly designed Dylan Bar (a glamorous cocktail bar), and the cool Eddison restaurant with its lovely outdoor terraces.

The Wilder Those craving something more contemporary will love the style of The Wilder Townhouse, named after playwright and celebrated wit Oscar Wilde.

A cool contemporary hideaway wrapped up in a handsome Victorian exterior, it offers a boutique luxury experience. Indoors, guests will find a vibrant jewel-coloured interior with polished flooring, distinctive fireplaces, cosy bedrooms and thoughtful little touches.

You might also enjoy...

Our Dream Escape Travel Designer can organise personally guided foodie walking tours of the city. Your personal guide will entertain with snippets of history on Irish food and the city, pointing out interesting and quirky architecture as you pass. They will take you to a range of independently owned shops and eateries, where you will meet the local purveyors and makers. At each stop, a specially prepared treat will be waiting for you to try. Though the portions are all sample and starter sized, it is best to skip lunch in order to enjoy the experience to the full.

Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk Emer Mortell, Head of Sales "I adore experiencing an early morning private pre-opening visit of the Book of Kells at Trinity College before it opens to the general public. It's also fun bell-ringing at Christchurch Cathedral and visiting my Uncle Michael Mortell’s antique store on Francis Street; a must for all visitors coming to Dublin." ⬥

emer@dreamescape.co.uk

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A Private Paradise:

Ballynatray Estate Dating back to the Bronze Age, the beautiful Ballynatray Estate not only possesses a rich and colourful history, but is one of the most unique and private estates in Ireland.

Granted exclusive access, Dream Escape discovers what is at the heart of this magical place...

WORDS | EMMA JOHNSON

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W

ALKING ACROSS THE sweeping lawns of the Ballynatray Estate, guests are instantly struck by the place’s quiet, natural beauty.

Sitting on the lush River Blackwater, the house’s impressive castellated turrets are flanked by tall trees, reed beds and evergreen vegetation, while the rest of the expansive parkland extends into the landscape beyond, encompassing ancient ruins and the beautiful Glendine River.

The sheltered, balmy microclimate of the Blackwater valley, with its riverbank woodland, make it a natural attraction for

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guests and wildlife year-round.

Timeless in its beauty, Ballynatray is an undisturbed paradise, with an unparalleled connection to nature. As it's home to pheasants, deer, foxes, birds of prey, otters, grey seals and many woodland animals, being granted access to this incredible place is a true privilege, not afforded to many. Ballynatray recently became the home of a pair of nesting sea eagles, which are known for their largest wingspan in the world.

Now a private home, Ballynatray's access is only granted to guests staying in some of the exclusive rental accommodations dotted around

the landscape. Driving in to the gated estate, you are immediately struck by a sense of privacy and protectiveness.

“You go over a bridge and through two gates, so you feel like you’re entering this private realm,” explains David Brodersen, one of the managers who lives and works on the estate. “At the second gate, you can see your first view of house, just up the river. And that’s very special.”

The house itself was built in the early half of the seventeenth century by Sir Richard Smyth and continually renovated by successive generations until it

was reborn as a striking Georgian mansion during 1795 to 1797; and then finally meticulously and sensitively restored again in the late 1990s. Today it remains one of the finest architectural examples of a country castle house in Ireland.

With a warm, umber hue, the impressive mansion is situated beneath a natural amphitheatre of steeply rising ground, and looks out across the river, with a walled garden to the east and its former parkland stretching down to the water.

From here, you can see over to the ruins of the 6thcentury Molana Abbey, one of the most stunning →

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historical artefacts in Ireland, which offers private access to guests of the estate. Further down the river you’ll find the location of a Desmond Castle at Temple Michael, owned at one time by Walter Raleigh and home to his advisor Thomas Hariot. Ballynatray is honoured to be the recent recipient of an historical grant to ensure that Molana Abbey will remain standing for generations to come.

The best place to enjoy both of these incredible historical sites, is from the Boathouse accommodation, a unique spot situated right on the water, with views down the river to Temple Michael and Molana Abbey. A serene and tranquil space, it is the perfect spot for couples to soak up the surrounding landscape or use the estate’s

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kayaks for both beautiful views and exercise.

Just behind the Boathouse, with views from its private terrace, River Cottage is a charming and romantic space, complete with an open fire and a triple-aspect bedroom.

The cottage is painted in warm, traditional colours with a hint of modernity, and furnished with exquisite antiques.

Both the River Cottage and the Boathouse are situated adjacent to the estate’s private tennis court and on the River Walk, which David Broderson tells us is one of his absolute favourite walks.

Taking you past forests of rhododendrons and ancient river oak trees, the walk travels up the River Blackwater, encompassing all the main sights of the stunning estate and allowing for visitors to explore a virtually

Pictured previous page left to right: Ballynatray House Redroom; Ballynatray House Hallway Pictured left to right: Ballynatray House Bedroom; Ballynatray House Bedroom views

undisturbed part of Ireland. “It’s a meditative walk,” reflects David. “Just so peaceful.”

If you want to explore further afield while remaining on the private estate, then David recommends the beauty of the Glendine River Walk, which takes you all the way to the quaint Glendine Church next to the natural 200-foot waterfall of the Glendine River: a stunning sight. “Glendine is incredible.

It’s otherworldly,” says David. “The river cascades down, and it's just a beautiful, beautiful walk. Totally undisturbed.”

Off the estate, and less than a half hour by car are more quaint towns to enjoy: Ardmore with the worldfamous Cliff House restaurant, upriver to Lismore with the historic castle home of the Duke of Devonshire and the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, or across Youghal Bay to Shanagarry and the renowned gourmet food purveyor Ballymaloe House.

With over 850 acres of parkland to explore, as well as a host of country pursuits and the beauty of the ancient ruins and riverside location, it’s clear this exclusive estate is a rare find. From the intimacy and seclusion of the River Cottage and Boathouse, to the family feel of the Coach House and the cosy pleasures

of Garden House, Ballynatray offers a truly unique place to discover the unspoiled Irish countryside. For anyone looking for the kind of privacy, exclusivity and quiet you can rarely find while travelling, Ballynatray seems to take you into another world of simple, luxurious beauty in an unparalleled setting. Being here is to truly understand a connection to another time and another world.

Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk Lesley Scott, Head of Travel Design "We pride ourselves on the unique quality and character that our hand-picked accommodation collection offers, and Ballynatray is no exception. We just love everything about this estate and know that our clients will love it too." ⬥

lesley@dreamescape.co.uk

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Wizard of Scotland:

the North

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The Scottish Borders provided Sir Walter Scott, Scotland’s most prolific and successful writer, with plenty of inspiration for his ballads and bestselling romantic historical novels. Spellbinding ruined abbeys, fortified watchtowers and magnificent stately homes dot the countryside, while visitors will discover charming market towns that were built on the fortunes on the textile industry that still flourishes today…

WORDS | ANNABEL MACKIE

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Pictured previous page: St Abb's Head Lighthouse Pictured clockwise from top left: Painting of Sir Walter Scott; The Writer's Museum, Edinburgh; Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott

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A

LTHOUGH SOME PEOPLE may think Outlander author Diane Gabaldon was the first writer responsible for putting Scotland on the international tourism map with her bestselling books, in fact, the accolade should go to Sir Walter Scott, who is regarded as the inventor of the Scottish romantic historical novel and who had an adoring global fan base during the 19th century.

It was thought that Scott gained the nickname ‘The Wizard of the North’ because he first published his Waverley series anonymously, creating an aura of mystique as well as conjuring up magical images of Scotland. The bestselling series, featuring the Heart of Midlothian, Rob Roy and Ivanhoe, dominated the world of fiction during the 19th century. Putting an overly romantic spin on religious and political conflicts, he did much to awaken national pride among the Scottish people and shape the country’s identity as we know it today.

Although Scott is best known as Scotland’s

Moreover, his image still appears on Bank of Scotland banknotes after he was credited with saving the Scottish banknote from extinction. Edinburgh’s Waverley station is also the only station in the world to be named after a novel.

LANDSCAPES AND LOCATIONS

Although some of Scott’s novels are based on the Scottish Highlands, including his influential romantic narrative poem The Lady of the Lake that talks about the fighting between Highland and Lowland clans, it was the history and scenery of The Borders, a region that lies south of Edinburgh and shares a border with Northumberland in northern England, that provides much inspiration for his writing. Visitors to this picturesque region will discover a patchwork of rolling hills, heatherclad moorlands, fertile pastures and sheep-dotted pastures woven together by the meandering salmonrich waters of the River Tweed. It is also home to two of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas – The

Although Scott is best known as Scotland’s foremost ‘ storyteller, he was also a historian, politician and lawyer and, in today’s terminology, a travel and fashion influencer ’ foremost storyteller, he was also a historian, politician and lawyer and, in today’s terminology, a travel and fashion influencer. And, this year, you can learn more about his work and legacy as Scotland celebrates the 250th anniversary of his birth with a series of highprofile events.

Sir Walter Scott’s legacy is all-encompassing.

There are indelible landmarks recognising his many achievements, including the dramatic Walter Scott monument, in Edinburgh, the second-largest monument dedicated to a writer in the world.

Eildon and Leaderfoot, and the Upper Tweeddale – both of which are a haven for walkers and nature lovers. Aside from the unspoiled countryside, the region enjoys a stunning stretch of rugged North Berwickshire coastline punctuated by sandy beaches and charming fishing villages, such as Eyemouth and St Abbs. It is worth a detour to St Abb's Headland National Nature Reserve, Scotland’s first marine reserve, where you’ll find dramatic cliffs, gullies and offshore stacks famed for their seabird colonies that include guillemots, kittiwakes, and razorbills. →

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IMAGE © VISITSCOTLAND / KENNY LAM

LITERARY INSPIRATION

Scott's imagination. In his collection of Border Ballads, The Borders was a place that Sir Walter Scott held close he writes about local landmarks such as Melrose Abbey, to his heart as, although he was born in Edinburgh, he describing how it appeared in moonlight, “the buttress escaped the cramped conditions of his family home in the and buttress alternately, seem framed of ebon and ivory.” city’s Old Town after contracting polio as a young child.

Visitors can learn more about the region’s bloody He was sent to convalesce at his grandparents' farm, which struggles by visiting the many historic sites and sat snugly in the shadow of Smailholm, a 15th-century museums, including the Mary Queen of Scots' Visitors hilltop tower house perched high on a rocky crag, offering Centre in Jedburgh. Other must-see attractions include panoramic views across to the three peaks of the Eildon the haunting ruins of the four Borders abbeys and a Hills. handful of magnificent stately homes, including Floors The fortified tower acted as a defensive lookout for this Castle, Scotland’s largest inhabited castle situated just area that was once rife with cross-border warfare, feuding outside Kelso; and Marchmont House, an imposing and ferocious outlaws, and cattle raiders known as the Grade A-listed Palladian mansion famed for its lavish Border Reivers. Look out for the huge statue of a Border interiors and ornate sculptures, west of Berwick-uponReiver on horseback that stands proudly in the town of Tweed. Today Marchmont also provides creative Galashiels. Today Smailholm contains a small museum of residences, workshops and studios for local artists, such costume figures and tapestries relating to Scott’s ballads. as Charlie Poulson. Literary lovers should pop into The It is from this time when bedtime stories recounted Mainstreet Trading Company in St Boswells, a delightful by his Aunt Jenny – of ancient Scottish folklore and independent bookshop and café, and plan their visit to tie romantic tales of Border chivalry crammed with sweeping in with the annual Borders Book Festival held in Melrose landscapes, political intrigue and violence –fired young every June. →

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farm sat snugly in the shadow of Smailholm, ‘a...(the) 15th century hilltop tower house perched high on a rocky crag offering panoramic views across to the three peaks of the Eildon Hills.

’

Pictured left to right: Floors Castle, River Tweed; Smailholm Tower in the Scottish Borders

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Pictured clockwise from left: David Tobin and Holly Mackie, founders of Dream Escape, with their youngest son, outside Farren's Bar, Malin Head, where they

”

ABBOTSFORD HOUSE

Visitors to the Borders can tick off many Walter-Scottrelated attractions, such as Selkirk Courthouse where he sat as Deputy Sheriff, and the medieval ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, his final resting place.

Scott fans should put Abbotsford House, his beloved home set in 1,400 acres of lush woodland overlooking the River Tweed, at the top of their must-see list. Another celebrated Scottish writer Allan Massie, said in his newly published novel The Ragged Lion about Scott’s life that: “No one, I believe, can understand Scott who does not also know Abbotsford.” Originally bought as a modest farmhouse on the outskirts of Melrose, Abbotsford House was completely redesigned by Scott in the fashionable Scots Baronial style. Scott described the house as 'this whimsical place which I have christened Conundrum Castle”. Queen Victoria was so impressed with the design

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after she stayed there that she remodelled Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire in the same style. Visitors can tour the house and view Scott's study where his quill and ink sit on his writing desk, and admire his extraordinary collection of art, armour and artefacts, including a breastplate pierced by bullets that he brought back from the battlefields at Waterloo, and the main door of the former Tolbooth gaol in Edinburgh. You can also learn more about his life and legacy at a permanent exhibition at the visitor centre.

TARTANS, TEXTILES AND TWEED

Scott’s blockbuster novels fuelled an insatiable appetite around the world for all things Scottish, including fashion.

After rediscovering the Scottish Crown Jewels hidden away in a chest in Edinburgh Castle, he was given a baronetcy and asked to orchestrate King George IV’s visit to Edinburgh in 1822. This was the first British monarch

Pictured left to right: The Chinese Drawing Room at Abbotsford House; Borders Textile Museum; Great Tapestry of Scotland

places to purchase luxury garments, with Johnstons of Elgin, Hawico, Lovat Mill in Hawick, and Lochcarron in Selkirk just a few good examples. to visit Scotland for over 200 years and Scott encouraged the King to wear a specially designed Royal Stuart tartan in the ‘Gathering of the Gael’ triumphal procession.

Previously tartan had been banned by the 1746 Dress Act, as it had been seen by the English as symbol of Jacobite loyalty. However, when images of the King circulated in his full Scottish regalia, kilt-wearing and tartan cloth became hugely fashionable – not just with Scots but all round the world, as it continues to do so today. Woollen mills were established along riverbanks

in The Borders to supply this demand.

The region soon gained an international reputation for producing quality textiles, with Galashiels becoming renowned as a quality producer of Shepherd's Check (Plaid). Discover the story of the region's textile industry at tthe Borders Textile Towerhouse, a restored 16th-century tower house that is the oldest building in Hawick.

Fascinating displays of fashion, photography and film clips bring to life over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the region’s woollen industries. Today there are plenty of

THE TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND

With its striking contemporary design, the purpose-built Great Tapestry of Scotland Museum opened in 2021 in Galashiels. One of the world’s largest arts community projects, the tapestry features 160 panels using 300 miles of wool and was created by 1,000 stitchers from all over Scotland. It tells the story of Scotland’s history, heritage, and culture from 8500 BC right up to the present day. It incorporates 10 panels depicting scenes from The Borders, including one on Sir Walter Scott, →

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This was to be a people’s “story of Scotland ” – Alexander McCall Smith WHERE TO STAY

the River Tweed and The Border Reivers. It was the brainchild of another bestselling British author, Alexander McCall Smith, who told Dream Escape how it came about: “The idea came to me after seeing an earlier tapestry done by local artist Andrew Crummy – it was the ideal platform for storytelling, and it moved me. It really did. I spoke to Andrew at the event, and he agreed that embroidered tapestry could indeed be used to tell the history of Scotland.

We needed a historian, and the great Scottish author Alistair Moffat was the ideal candidate.

This was to be a people’s story of Scotland.” He added that the Borders was the most suitable place for its permanent home, “because of its association of that part of Scotland with textiles.”

Talking about his fondness of the region, McCall Smith remarked: “The friendliness of The Borders is very striking. This is a part of the world where people know who their neighbours are. Local associations are strong. This is a place where memories are deep, not shallow. This is a place where people take pride in belonging”.

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Pictured clockwise from left: Great Tapestry of Scotland; Thirlestane Castle

Marchmont House, Greenlaw Situated 40 miles from Edinburgh and 19 miles west of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Marchmont House is an imposing Grade A-listed Palladian mansion built in 1750 by Hugh HumeCampbell, third Earl of Marchmont. Featuring elaborate and lavish interiors, including richly ornate George II decorative plasterwork, the stately home was designed by one of Scotland’s eminent architects William Adam, with later changes made by another leading Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer. Guests can stay in one of the eight en-suite double rooms (or they can be booked exclusively as a group) in the self-contained Lorimer Apartment on either a self-catered or catered basis. Access to the rooms is via lift from a private entrance.

If the house is rented as a whole, two further state bedrooms are included, accommodating 20 people in total. Dream Escape guests will also enjoy exclusive tours of the house and the garden sculptures.

Abbotsford House, Melrose The magnificent home of Sir Walter Scott was both his beloved family home as well as where he wrote his bestselling poems and novels. You can visit the beautiful house that is set in 1,400 acres of wooded parkland overlooking the River Tweed as well as the chapel, the exquisite walled garden and the visitors centre, which has a permanent exhibition on Scott’s life and work as well as a restaurant. You can also stay in one of the seven luxury double rooms, plus an adjoining eighth bedroom, in the Hope

Video left: Only in Scotland The Scottish Borders by VisitScotland

Scott Wing on a self-catering basis or exclusively as a group on a fully catered basis. Private groups can also hire the castle with use of the state rooms, including the drawing room, billiards room, reading room and formal dining room.

Thirlestaine Castle, Lauder Located just outside the village of Lauder and approximately 35 miles south of Edinburgh, Thirlestaine Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Scotland, dating back to the 16th century, and is owned by the Maitland family. Within the castle, there are five luxury self-catering suites located in the South Wing, decorated with furniture and portraits from the castle collections. There is a mixture of one-, two- and threebedroom suites. The en-suite rooms are available individually or can be booked exclusively by a group of up to 16 people.

Exclusive use of the castle, including private catering in the state rooms, is also available as are a range of onsite experiences, such as whisky tasting, archery, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting.

Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk Rosie Peattie, Head of Guiding “For such a small county of 30,981 square miles, Scotland has a remarkable variety of scenery.

One of my favourite areas, that I am lucky enough to call home, is the Scottish Borders, south of Edinburgh. I love hiking through the forests and over the rolling hills scattered with sheep, and walking along the banks of the beautiful River Tweed, one of Scotland’s top five salmon-fishing rivers. An area steeped in history with spectacular castles and stately homes, it is a truly fascinating place to live and it is always a pleasure to share it with our clients”. ⬥

rosie@dreamescape.co.uk

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Ten of the best

Whisky Experiences

There are many reasons to visit Scotland, but its whisky industry is by far one of the best. Here are some of our favourite offerings to include as part of your exclusive whisky dream escape

W

WORDS | SAMANTHA RUTHERFORD

HISKY IS SCOTLAND’S most successful export, a drink so famous around the world that it's also known internationally simply as Scotch. Scotland is the only country in the world permitted to spell it as 'whisky' – for the rest of the world it is 'whiskey'.

Distillery visits, tastings and private experiences are extremely popular with our Dream Escape guests, not to mention the opportunity to cask your very own whisky. Most Scottish distilleries are located in the countryside, with whisky-makers drawing their water from the purest springs and streams. Often you’ll find the famous drink being distilled inside idiosyncratic old buildings that have evolved over time, many of them with distinctive pagoda-like

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wooden rooves. These pagoda rooves were always above the malting floor. The majority of distilleries no longer malt their own barley or grain but the pagoda rooves remain as part of the distilleries' history.

Step inside and you’ll invariably be met with a cocktail of highly distinctive smells: old wood, grain, yeast and spirit. You’re also likely to be met by an enthusiastic team who love sharing their commitment to Scotland’s uisge beatha – meaning water of life. There is an almost magical simplicity about the way such a powerful and pleasing drink is created. The right water and the right malted barley, plus a measure of yeast, placed in the hands of the right distiller creates a warming, satisfying single malt. Feeling thirsty yet? We hope you enjoy our top ten finest experiences. Slàinte Mhath!

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THE FIFE ARMS

A mere ten miles west of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery stands one of Scotland’s most charming and idiosyncratic hotels. Built in the 19th-century, The Fife Arms, a preferred partner of Dream Escape, was designed

by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie who also designed the revolutionary Waldorf Hotel in London after studying American building techniques in New York.

The Fife Arms is the perfect base for anyone visiting Royal Lochnagar. This Highland distillery took its royal nomenclature after a warrant was bestowed by Prince Albert in 1848, following a visit he made with Queen Victoria from her nearby residence at Balmoral.

Today the hotel offers a number of Royal Suites, richly furnished with antiques as well as Victoriana Suites that recall the hotel’s 19th-century origins as a coaching inn. There are also Scottish Culture bedrooms that celebrate leading Scottish figures in literature, astronomy, engineering and exploration. The hotel’s latest reveal is

Bertie’s Whisky Bar, a sumptuously elegant and glamorous whisky bar, named in honour of Queen Victoria’s eldest, hedonistic son, King Edward VII, also known as ‘Bertie’.

It stocks 365 whiskies – one for each day of the year – and, unusually, they are arranged by flavour profile (fragrant, fruity, rich and smoky), rather than region.

Special tastings can be arranged, whether at local boutique whisky distilleries or with the hotel's sommelier in their cellar.

The local whisky distillery is Royal Lochnagar at Crathie by Balmoral Castle, where whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods. After the distillery tour there’s a brilliant Dram at the Dam experience, where guests are taken to the top dam that supplies water to the distillery.

Here you can enjoy the 12-year-old whisky as well as the Distillery Only Bottling (48% ABV) that’s available in European casks made of oak. Back at the hotel, Dream Escape guests often enjoy private whisky tastings and lunches. → dreamescapemagazine.com

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LINDORES ABBEY DISTILLERY

Lindores Abbey is the spiritual home of Scotch whisky. Revived after 523 years, this ancient site is now hosting a very modern whisky-making approach. The distillery makes the most of its ruined abbey location and Legacy Bar, which hosts whisky and chocolate tastings. Lindores’ whisky is distinctly soft and creamy in the Lowland style, with very little peat. As our Dream Escape guest you can look forward to a private tour with the owner of Lindores Abbey followed by dinner in the Apothecary blending room or in the main production area surrounded by the washbacks and copper stills overlooking the ruins of medieval Lindores Abbey. There’s also the brilliant Apothecary Experience, where you learn how to blend a range

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Pictured previous page: Bertie’s Whisky Bar at The Fife Arms; Pictured left to right: Lindores Abbey Distillery; Johnnie Walker Princes Street

of curious tinctures to create your very own, unique Aqua Vitae. Rosie Peattie, Dream Escape’s Head of Guiding describes the experience as “brilliant – it’s like being in Dumbledore’s (the Professor from the Harry Potter series) lab!” Another highlight is taking a walk to the bank to discover Lindores Abbey, or the ‘Church by the Water’, founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the estuary of the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I. It was built with local red sandstone and covered a very large area, the extent of which is still discernible today, although many of the buildings to the south have been destroyed. The position for the Abbey would have been chosen because of its plentiful supply of timber and stone, and for the swift running waters of the Pow of Lindores running over the land down to the River Tay.

you know that Johnnie Walker is blended from four single malts known ‘asDid “The Four Corners”, each with their own distillery and visitor experience?’

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JOHNNIE WALKER PRINCES STREET

Diageo’s eagerly anticipated Johnnie Walker Princes Street opened in Edinburgh in the summer of 2021. An absolute must-visit, this eight-floor visitor experience celebrates the world's best-selling Scotch. Johnnie Walker is a blended whisky dating from 1820. Scottish blends have been slightly overlooked since the meteoric rise of single malts at the end of the 20th century. But not any more.

The centre also tells the story of the real Johnnie Walker, who in the 1820s began selling whisky in Kilmarnock. His son Alexander was one of the first merchants to bottle and export blended whisky in the 1860s. Clever marketing – including a distinctive square bottle and angled label – has resulted in Johnnie Walker being the most widely-distributed blended Scotch in the world. Johnnie Walker Princes Street is crowned by two superb rooftop bars – the Explorers' Bothy (for private whisky-tasting experiences) and the 1820 Cocktail Bar (for food pairings and private dining in the Blue Room).

As our Dream Escape guest you might also enjoy a private visit to the Makers’ Cellar, a bonded warehouse in the basement where there are tastings directly from the casks. Did you know that Johnnie Walker is blended from four single malts known as “The Four Corners”, each with their own distillery and visitor experience?

These are Clynelish (Highland), Glenkinchie (Lowland), Cardhu (Speyside) and Caol Ila (Islay). All four distilleries are open to visitors. →

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4

GLENGOYNE DISTLLERY

Glengoyne is located 13 miles north of Glasgow below a picturesque waterfall. Founded in 1833, the distillery occupies a unique position on the Highland Line that divides Scotland’s Lowlands from its Highlands. So while Glengoyne produces Highland single malt on one side of the A81 road, its whisky matures on the other side of the road in the Scottish Lowlands.

Every distiller will tell you that they do not rush their whiskies but Glengoyne takes particular pride in the fact that their copper stills are the slowest in the world. Prolonged contact with

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the metal brings out sweet and fruity notes in a whisky that then matures in casks that have been six years in preparation. Dream Escape clients can enjoy a 90-minute Collection Tour to experience their single malts paired to the ‘Best Chocolate Truffle in the World’ from Iain Burnett, The Highland Chocolatier. Then it gets extra special – you create your own single malt in the Sample Room – something you cannot do anywhere else in Scotland. You then bottle and label it to take away with you. Another Dream Escape favourite is whisky tasting beside the waterfall; originally used for the water in the distillery production, today it is a reminder of their humble past, and a beautiful tranquil spot.

IMAGE © VISITSCOTLAND / NORTH EAST 250 / DAMIAN SHIELDS

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THE MACALLAN DISTILLERY

Speyside is home to the densest concentration of distilleries in Scotland and also to two of the country’s bestselling single malts, the sweet Glenfiddich of Dufftown and The Macallan at Craigellachie. In 2001 Macallan was selected by the Speaker of the House of Commons as Mr Speaker’s official Scotch. The Macallan is an easy whisky to love. It’s neither too smoky nor too sweet and its 10- and 12-year-old single malts have been many people’s gateway to drinking Scotch. The Macallan distillery was reopened a few years ago following a major investment, and was immediately shortlisted for the Stirling Prize for excellence in British architecture. Inside is the circular Macallan Bar where you can sample some of the company’s best single malts. The discovery experience takes guests on a journey

of Macallan’s heritage, from acorn to glass, and of course includes some sampling. Guests are welcomed with The Macallan roast coffee and home-baked scones, before exploring The Macallan Whisky Wall. Dream Escape guests often enjoy a guided tour of their legendary Cave Priveé for a tutored tasting of some carefully selected Macallan whiskies, before visiting The Macallan Bar for a final whisky experience. Macallan is also the official partner for the Balmoral Hotel’s Scotch Bar in Edinburgh, which stocks over 500 whiskies; another Dream Escape favourite.

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ROTHES GLEN

Following significant refurbishment, this new exclusive-use castle in Moray is set to open, just three miles from the Glen Spey Distillery. The splendid baronial hunting lodge is a must for whisky connoisseurs and all those who love Scotland. Dream Escape arranges →

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Pictured previous page: Glengoyne Distllery; The Macallan Distillery Pictured left to right: Glenmorangie House; Jura Distllery

private whisky tastings at Rothes Glen, and being situated at the head of the glen, guests are within easy reach of all the splendours of Speyside. It's owned by Damian Riley-Smith, the founder of Whisky magazine, who likes to describe it as his "whisky heaven". The whole of Rothes Glen is whisky orientated. Each bedroom contains a set of Glencairn glasses and a decanter that guests can fill with their favourite single malt from the hotel’s selection. There is even a 24-hour whisky-safe on the ground floor where, should you be travelling with a particularly valuable bottle, you can keep safely between openings. Given that there are nearly 60 distilleries within a one-hour drive of the house, it's an ideal place to base yourself while exploring Speyside and beyond.

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GLENMORANGIE HOUSE

Glenmorangie’s Highland distillery on tranquil Dornoch Firth should not be missed for a tour of the old, damp cellars and a view of its new Lighthouse.

Inside this modern glass building Dr Bill Lumsden, one of the most innovative minds in Scotch whisky, works on the next generation of single malts; whiskies that we will not be drinking until the 2040s and 2050s.

On very special occasions Dream Escape is able to arrange exclusive guest visits to Bill Lumsden’s Lighthouse with Bill himself, and there is always a very warm welcome waiting at Glenmorangie House, a colourful boutique hotel owned by the same company ten miles away. The ground floor of this 18th-century stone manor house has

dazzlingly painted public rooms, each of which celebrates an element that goes into whisky production, while each bedroom celebrates the many flavours to be found in single malt. Nearby on the beach stands the 9th-century Hilton of Cadboll Stone; its circular design has been adopted as the logo for Glenmorangie.

Dream Escape experiences often start at their springs, where guests can enjoy the start of the Glenmorangie Journey in the tranquil woodlands behind the distillery, as well as private lunches and dinners.

We also recommend and arrange exclusive warehouse tastings with members of the whisky creation team. Enjoy some great stories here, including one of our Head of Guiding, Rosie Peattie’s favourites, ‘The Sixteen Men of Tain', who created a whisky legend.

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JURA AND ARDFIN

IMAGE © VISITSCOTLAND / JOHN DUNCAN

For an unforgettable experience with yet more untamed Scottish scenery, Jura is an absolute must, an ancient landscape of wild mountains, peaceful lochs and stormy seas. Home to the most glamorous

accommodation in the whisky-producing Scottish islands, Ardfins' Jura House stands proudly in its spectacular clifftop location.

If you enjoy the sound of our Laphroaig entry (page 91), then you might choose to island-hop from Jura to Islay, or fly in style by private helicopter.

Whichever method of transport you decide to reach Jura, there are many different reasons to visit – even aside from the whisky – such as private boat tours, spectacular beaches and a legendary golf course, to name but a few.

With just one road and one pub, it comes as no surprise that the world-famous Jura distillery is the only whisky distillery on this island. Nor that it's run by a proud and close-knit bunch who love to share a good story and a dram. For some time it was thought Ardfin would remain the private golf course of its retired hedge fund multimillionaire owner, but golfers worldwide rejoiced when it was announced that the course would be opened to the public. Next came the opening of Jura House, available on an exclusive-use basis, and the Quads, a luxury hotel and originally one of Ardfin's agricultural buildings. →

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Pictured left to right: Highland Park Distillery; Laphroaig Distillery

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HIGHLAND PARK DISTILLERY

Beautifully remote, gloriously windswept and abundantly rich in heritage, the Orkney Islands have been inhabited for over 5,500 years. They are particularly known for traces of Viking legacies, remarkable Neolithic sites, haunting wartime remains, stunning listed buildings, and some of the most breathtaking scenery, where the word 'unspoilt' takes on a whole new meaning. One of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney was inscribed by UNESCO in 1999 for the outstanding testimony the monuments bear to the cultural achievements of the Neolithic people of northern Europe.

The whisky magic happens here on an estate dating back to 1798: the Highland Park whisky distillery which was

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founded by Magnus 'Mansie' Eunson. Eunson was a virtuous lay preacher by day and a whisky smuggler by night. The current staff of the distillery are equally eccentric and include a Latin-speaking violinist as manager who is assisted by a part-time boat builder and a boxing champion.

Winter winds in excess of 100mph mean that there are no trees on Orkney. As a result, these whiskies are smoked with a heather-flavoured moorland peat, giving Highland Park its distinctive taste. Dream Escape can arrange private tastings of the complete Highland Park core editions, all the way up to the 30- and 40-year-olds and sometimes even the 60-year-olds. This is an unforgettable experience in a private room with some great stories of vikings and smugglers. The experience also includes whisky books, a framed certificate, a 70cl bottle and an exclusive nosing glass.

IMAGE © VISITSCOTLAND / PAUL TOMKINS

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LAPHROAIG DISTILLERY

We could not possibly feature our top ten whisky experiences without at least one mention of Islay, the southernmost island of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides – one of the premiere whisky-producing areas in the world. At 239 square miles it is slightly smaller than the island of Singapore (260 sqm), yet this mossy, windswept rock is home to nine of Scotland’s greatest distilleries. A single two-mile stretch of road on Islay’s south coast contains Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg, each offering a special and unique experience.

Here at Dream Escape we are especially fond

of Laphroaig, so much so that our Head of Guiding, Rosie Peattie owns one square foot of the land. Owning this heather-covered patch of peat bog earns Rosie a place as an official Friend of Laphroaig, as well as a deed to her very own piece of Scotland. You too can claim your own plot, impressing your friends and family with the tale of you owning land in Scotland. Many will plant the flag of their home country in the peat for the perfect photo before celebrating with a wee dram back at the distillery. The Laphroaig Single Malt is by appointment to Prince Charles, who has been photographed shovelling in the peat himself.

Would you like to be part of an exclusive and international society?

Dream Escape will arrange a private tour of Blair Castle, where Keeper of the Quaich hold their special dinners – and where en passant they see their large quaich. Known by real whisky aficionados the world over, with many aspiring to be members, Keepers of the Quaich is by invitation only. dreamescapemagazine.com

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Magical STAYS FOR WINTER

Due to our personal connections, Dream Escape can arrange special visits to some of our most well-preserved and impressive magical homes and properties across the UK and Ireland, some of which are off limits to the general public

ENGLAND

Temple Guiting Manor, Cotswolds —

A Dream Escape favourite, Temple Guiting Manor is a true Cotswold gem offering both authenticity and luxury. The elegant stone building has been lovingly restored by owner Steven Collins to create a home from home but with all the available services of a boutique hotel. Temple Guiting Manor also run a Cotswolds pantry located within the village’s old post office. The two-floor restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, drinks and cakes.

The manor and restaurant are sister properties to Henry's Townhouse in London, the former home of Jane Austen’s favourite brother Henry. ⬥

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SCOTLAND

GLENAPP CASTLE — Easily one of the most beautiful hotels in Britain, Glenapp Castle Hotel is a grand castle – surrounded by 12,000 acres of Lord Inchcape’s Glenapp Estate.

It's situated on the South West Coastal 300 route, the perfect base for winter rambles exploring the Galloway Tourist Route (from National Trust). There is an exciting and unique variety of hotel experiences, such as mountain biking, archery, private falconry displays, stargazing, golf, whisky tastings, and even ‘forest bathing’. Dream Escape guests also enjoy private sea safaris aboard the Glenapp Castle exploring the stunning clear waters, remote beaches, and amazing birdlife they are blessed with on their doorstep.

The castle itself, built in 1870, is a strikingly beautiful example of the Scottish baronial style of architecture.

Designed by the celebrated Scottish architect David Bryce for Mr James Hunter, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayreshire, the castle’s mellow sandstone battlements are topped by soaring turrets and towers, earning Glenapp a rightful place as one of the most romantic castles in Scotland. Take a stroll from the wonderful Italian garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll to the historic Victorian glasshouse then relax in the penthouse apartment, which rivals some of the finest private suites in the world. ⬥

ENGLAND NORTHERN IRELAND

LUCKNAM PARK — Only six miles from the tourist magnet of Bath, and similarly spectacular in appearance, sits a heritage gem in the form of the 500-acre Wiltshire estate of Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa. Its historic significance and visual perfection has been recognised and protected for future generations by its ‘listed’ status. The relatively understated, original house was built in 1720 with the local honey-coloured stone for a family of prominent Bristol wool-merchants.

It has since passed through the hands of many wealthy owners, each of which has contributed additions and improvements to the park and its buildings. Dream Escape recommends horse riding in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside here as a must. Other experiences include wildlife spotting, clay pigeon shooting, or even duck herding.

Rejuvenate in the spa, enjoy rare and exotic trees of the Millennium Arboretum, as well as a fabulous selection of the world’s finest whiskies and brandies. ⬥

The Culloden — This magnificent hotel and spa is just six miles from Belfast and features stunning views over Belfast Lough and across County Antrim. The Culloden Estate stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland and offers fine festive dining in Vespers, one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland. Expect cakes and carols, roaring log fires, Christmas lights and live music performances. ⬥

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WALES

Bodysgallen Hall

WALES

ENGLAND

GLIFFAES — Discover Gliffaes off the beaten track, tucked away in the Brecon Beacons National Park, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Black Mountains. Set in 33 acres of stunning grounds and mature woodlands, Gliffaes has its own stretch of the River Usk and a 19th-century arboretum. Stay and experience fly-fishing with a private guide as you try and catch a wild Usk ‘brownie’ (trout). ⬥

BOVEY CASTLE — Bovey Castle is set within 275 acres of beautiful countryside and rolling valleys within Dartmoor National Park. It was originally built by the WH Smith dynasty in 1907 in striking neo-Elizabethan architecture. Keen golfers will delight in the 18-hole championship golf course, designed

by J F Abercromby, as well as cider and sloe gin making, clay pigeon shooting, archery, fly fishing and off-road driving. ⬥

— Picture a winding drive climbing through 200 acres of wooded parkland. Tall chimneys appear through the trees, hinting at the charm and splendour of this ancient country house. Inside, the rambling stonebuilt building is straight out of a novel, with oak staircases and alcoves hinting at the mysteries and conversations of its long history. The panelled Hall and Drawing Room with large fireplaces are evidence

ENGLAND CLIVEDEN HOUSE HOTEL — There have been houses at Cliveden since 1666, when the Duke of Buckingham, a favourite of Charles II, had a love-nest created for his mistress, the Countess of Shrewsbury.

Subsequently, the property passed through the hands of various royal and noble families, including Frederick, Prince of Wales and father of George III, the Earl of Orkney, the Duke of Sutherland and the Duke of Westminster. Destroyed twice by fire in the 19th century, the house was finally rebuilt in 1852 and expanded before William Waldorf Astor bought Cliveden in 1893. The Astor family were the final private residents, leaving in 1968, not long after the famous political scandal, the ‘Profumo Affair’, brought Cliveden into national prominence. Overlooking the upper reaches of the Thames, Cliveden is breathtaking, from the ‘Fountain of Love’, a 19th-century love-token for his wife by the first Lord Astor, to the 40-metre-tall Italianate clock tower and the magnificent expression of hospitality, in all its forms. You just know when you arrive that this hotel is very special. ⬥

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of the opulent legacy of a distinguished past. Twisting stairs lead to bedrooms with spectacular views of Conwy Castle, and the sea with the mountains of Snowdonia beyond. With feet on terra firma, meander through the large gardens and enjoy the 17th-century parterre, lily pond, rose garden, follies and the ladies walk, all the very essence of romance. ⬥

ENGLAND

IRELAND

SCOTLAND

DROMOLAND CASTLE — Located close to the Cliffs of Moher and on the Wild Atlantic Way, Dromoland Castle is the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. From the imposing baronial façade to the startling interiors, the castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. With lavish decor, indulgent dining, fabulous views and magnificent bedrooms, behind the warm Irish welcome every guest is treated like royalty. Stroll the 450-acre estate, tee off on the world-class golf course, take afternoon tea by a roaring fire and relax in the intimate spa. ⬥

ALDOURIE CASTLE — This exclusive-use enchanting castle and 500-acre Scottish Highlands Estate is the only habitable castle on Loch Ness. Dating back to 1626, Aldourie sleeps 28 guests in 15 characterful bedrooms, including tower rooms atop stone spiral staircases.

Dream Escape can organise anything from exploring the beautiful formal gardens to salmon and trout fishing on the loch, golf at nearby courses to boat trips from the private marina on the estate. Enjoy dolphin spotting at Chanonry Point, private whiskytasting tours at the local distilleries, archery, segways, falconry displays, wildlife spotting within the expansive woodland, and clay pigeon shooting. ⬥

HECKFIELD PLACE — Set in 400 acres of bucolic Hampshire countryside, Heckfield Place was home to the Lefevre family for most of the 19th century, one of the most notable residents being Charles Shaw-Lefevre, Viscount Eversley, speaker of the House of Commons. Under Eversley’s head gardener, William Wildsmith, the estate gained an arboretum and ornamental lake, and became renowned for its exotic hothouse fruits.

Today, undisclosed millions have been spent on the enovations, and the refined and elegant result is still just as tightly interwoven with the landscape as ever. Mature woodland cocoons the estate, walled gardens are fragrant with roses and lavender, and a market garden and biodynamic farm supplies the hotel’s exquisite restaurants. ⬥

WALES

The Grove of Narbeth — Nestling in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, surrounded by manicured lawns, flower borders, meadows and mature trees, The Grove offers a luxury escape. Gaze out of the windows for scenic

views of the Preseli mountains, or explore the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park, its sandy beaches, little harbours and unrivalled coastal walks. The Grove is the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the best of Welsh cuisine, and a truly memorable stay in one of the most stunning parts of Wales. ⬥

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IRELAND

GLIN CASTLE — Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, this authentic exclusive-use Irish castle is still a family home, having been lived in by the FitzGerald family, hereditary Knights of Glin, for over 800 years. Glin Castle stands proudly in the middle of its 400-acre wooded demesne on the banks of the Shannon. The toy-fortress-like quality is echoed by three sets of battlemented Gothic folly lodges. There are many activities Dream Escape can arrange, such as rough shooting and fishing on the Feale river at Listowel, playing a round of golf at Ballybunion, cycle trips to the Kerry coast and Irish whiskey tasting. ⬥

NORTHERN IRELAND

CROM CASTLE — Crom Castle is a 19th-century fairy-tale castle built circa 1840 and designed by the famous architect Edward Blore who was responsible for parts of Buckingham Palace.

It sits in 1900 acres of beautiful protected parkland in an extremely romantic setting overlooking Lough Erne. Steeped in history and playing host to aristocrats, diplomats,

SCOTLAND dignitaries and members of the royal family, Crom Castle is a stunning and welcoming building, with its imposing towers and battlements making their mark on this historic pile of stone. Enjoy a hosted Gala Dinner with Lord Erne, a private tour of Crichton Tower on Gad Island and Castle Coole, fishing for brown trout with an expert ghillie, and much more. ⬥

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INVERARAY CASTLE — The fairy-tale home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll enjoys a glorious setting, situated on the shores of Loch Fyne. This magnificent castle was the chosen location for the Downton Abbey Christmas 2012 episode, and located on the estate are four gorgeous private houses available to Dream Escape guests. Enjoy beautiful gardens in 50,000 acres of estate grounds, with some of the finest hill and woodland stalking available in Scotland. In 1562, Mary Queen of Scots visited the estate as a guest of Archibald, 5th Earl of Argyll and shot deer in Glen Shira. ⬥

COMING UP IN OUR NEXT ISSUE:

Glorious Gardens Dream Escape also offer private guided tours of glorious gardens around the UK and Ireland. In our Spring issue we will feature a selection of our favourites.

Pictured right: Highclere Castle, England

CAN'T STAY? THEN VISIT FOR THE DAY

— Here are a few more of our favourite magical properties to visit and enjoy as part of your enchanting dream escape this winter.

Highclere Castle, England Set amid 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland is Highclere Castle. It has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679, however more recently it has risen in recognition due to the awardwinning drama series Downton Abbey. ⬥

Find out more

dreamescape.co.uk All the accommodation we use is hand-picked carefully to match the needs of our clients. We have very strong personal relationships with each and every property, all of which are visited by our team regularly.

You can therefore chat to anyone in the team for their personal recommendations with confidence or email: ⬥

enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk

Hever Castle, England Hever Castle is the medieval moated home of the Guthries, a Yorkshire family, and was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of King Henry VIII’s less-fortunate wives. It has been beautifully restored without losing its 13th-century charm. As a Dream Escape visitor, enjoy a private tour of the castle with entry through some of the doors not usually open to the public, including those to Lord Astor’s bathroom (which is accessed via a secret panel) and Lady Irene Astor’s pink bathroom, as well as exclusive 'out-of-hours' access to the gardens. ⬥ Waddesdon Manor, England The award-winning Christmas extravaganza at Waddesdon, the Rothschild House & Gardens in Buckinghamshire, is back this winter (13 November 2021–3 January 2022) with a brand-new route that will light up the formal parterre for the very first time. ⬥ dreamescapemagazine.com

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The last word from

ROSEMARY AND SAGE —

A quarterly round up of what’s trending: Dream Escape’s Head of Guiding, Rosie Peattie and resident fount of knowledge, Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, have been out and about, and here are some of their highlights...

HIKING IN GLENCLOE — The best way to experience Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands is to be outside hiking in the elements, no matter the weather.

Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, Glencoe has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country as well as its fair share of fascinating geology, history and ‘setjetting’. Think: extinct volcanoes, glaciers, wildlife, mountains, Highlander, Mary Queen of Scots, Rob Roy – a heady mix Did you know? A significant part of James Bond film Skyfall takes place in Glencoe; it’s the location for Skyfall Lodge, the Bond family home. ⬥

TAKING THE ‘JOURNEY OF FLAVOUR’ TOUR AT EDINBURGH’S NEW JOHNNIE WALKER PRINCES STREET — The ‘Journey of Flavour’ at the newly opened eight-storey Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh is a fabulous immersive and multisensory experience. Visiting on opening day in early September was an excellent day out, and it’s a fantastic, fun, and interesting addition to the Edinburgh scene.

We discovered the story of Johnnie Walker and learnt about the search for flavours in the process of making whisky. What I really loved was the live storytelling element, which was ingeniously done. The 1820 Rooftop Bar and dining area has extraordinary views of Edinburgh’s skyline and, in particular, Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town.

Did you know? The venue is designed by BRC Imagination Arts, also responsible for the NASA Kennedy Space Center, which could explain why the special effects are so impressive. ⬥ Rosie Peattie, Head of Guiding and Blue Badge Guide rosie@dreamescape.co.uk

Sally SEEING A LIVE SHOW IN ONE OF LONDON’S REVITALISED WEST END THEATRES — One of the greatest joys of the past few months has been watching London’s West End slowly coming to life again. As the festive season approaches, all the family favourites are back, as well as some longawaited newcomers. When temperatures begin to fall, Frozen seems quite appropriate, set in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s magnificently restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane. At The London Palladium, Mary Poppins will sprinkle a little bit of magic, and traditionalists will love a visit to The Royal Opera House to see its classic production of The Nutcracker. I can’t wait to see The Old Vic Theatre’s Tony award-winning production of A Christmas Carol.

Did you know? Not even during two World Wars did London’s vibrant theatre scene go completely dark; at the start of the Blitz in 1940, there were 24 plays and musicals underway, but only a handful of theatres remained open a week later. ⬥ Sally Strange, Blue Badge Guide sally@dreamescape.co.uk

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Find out more Like the sound of these cultural experiences? Get in touch with Rosie or Sally for expert advice on your next adventure. You can also learn more about Edinburgh's new Johnnie Walker experience page 84. ⬥

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