Dream Escape Magazine | Summer 2024

DREAM ESCAPE MAGAZINE

dreamescape.co.uk

CULTURAL TREASURES

Explore England's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the breathtaking Lake District and Jurassic Coast to the historic cities of Canterbury and Bath

ESCAPES

Raise a glass to the UK's finest vineyards, explore the vines, sample delicious wines, and spend a night or two...

Contemporary design within a grand, historic house, Dun Aluinn is an exclusive use estate, sleeping up to 26 guests, (main house 9 bedrooms, Lodge 4 Bedrooms). Situated on the edge of the vibrant market town of Aberfeldy in Perthshire. your home from home in the highlands

Check out our very special “Whisky Experience” here

Web: www.dunaluinn.com Email: enquiries@dunaluinn.com Tel: +44 7850 857550

Regular Features

10 SOCIAL CALENDAR

Discover the best summer festivals and events across the UK and Ireland – a guide to the top cultural celebrations of the season.

22 TRAVEL NEWS

Get the latest updates on the most exquisite travel destinations, from the newly opened At Sloane hotel in London's Chelsea to the Wild Atlantic Way's 10-year milestone, and brand new private tours.

34

SPOTLIGHT ON: ABERTURRET ESTATE HOUSE

Escape to the Scottish Highlands and discover the history and beauty of this newly renovated stunning property, nestled in the heart of Perthshire.

98 THE LAST WORD: ROSEMARY & SAGE

Dream Escape's Rosie and Sally share their spring highlights and summer plans, including private sheepherding experiences and the prestigious Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships, Royal Ascot, and Glyndebourne.

Craftsmanship

26 MEET THE PERFUMERY DIRECTOR: EDWARD BODENHAM

Discover the captivating history of J Floris Ltd, the oldest fragrance retailer in England, and its famous clientele. Perfumery Director Edward Bodenham shares his family's legacy and the secrets behind their bespoke perfume service.

62 MEET THE MAKER: RACHEL TREVOR-MORGAN

Discover the world of a leading milliner who has designed hats for the Queen, and enjoy top styling tips for Royal Ascot in this exclusive interview.

Hotels & Destinations

42 THE COLLECTIVE AT WOOLSERY

Discover the story of a tech millionaire who transformed a small village in Devon into a gastronomical haven with a renovated pub, a hotel, an organic farm, and a village shop. All owned by one man.

56 INSIDE GREGANS CASTLE HOTEL WITH SIMON HADEN

Experience luxurious hospitality and sustainable living at Gregans Castle Hotel, a refined retreat nestled in the breathtaking landscape of The Burren on Ireland's west coast.

68

100 GLORIOUS YEARS: GLENEAGLES

Join us in celebrating the centenary of iconic Scottish hotel Gleneagles. Discover all the luxurious offerings of this 'glorious playground', from world-renowned golf to opulent accommodation, and explore the newest addition: Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh.

42

Food & Culture

50 MEET THE CHEF: STUART SHAW AT THE REEF KNOT

Chef Stuart Shaw of Reef Knot at The Idle Rocks hotel in St Mawes shares his passion for sustainable cooking and local ingredients, while enjoying the freshest seafood caught daily by local fishers.

74 SIPPING INTO LUXURY: VINEYARD HOTELS

Indulge in the ultimate wine-and-dine experience at England's most celebrated luxury vineyard hotels. From Devon's Lympstone Manor to Three Choirs Vineyard in the Cotswolds, Dream Escape showcases the best of the country's awardwinning wines and sumptuous accommodation.

80 THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK SHOPS IN THE UK & IRELAND

Discover the best bookshops and literary festivals across the UK and Ireland with Dream Escape, from historic spaces to unique reading experiences for your next literary trip.

86 THE LOVELIEST GARDENS IN WALES

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Your ultimate guide to luxury travel and bespoke experiences: dreamescapemagazine.com

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Wales by exploring its stunning gardens, from the exotic flora of the National Botanic Garden of Wales and the peaceful oasis of Bodnant Garden to the romantic charm of Aberglasney Gardens.

92 UNVEILING ENGLAND'S UNESCO SECRETS

Discover the fascinating cultural heritage of England's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the stunning landscapes of the Lake District and Jurassic Coast to the historic cities of Bath and Canterbury, and the legendary Stonehenge.

WELCOME

FIRST WORDS

Welcome to the summer edition of Dream Escape magazine. It is in these glorious few months where the UK and Ireland comes into its own, with fabulous festivals, show-stopping events and the excitement of the summer season. We have interviews with royal milliner Rachel Trevor-Morgan; and owner of Floris, Edward Bodenham, to get you prepared for months of fun and elegance. You can also 'sip into luxury’ exploring the idyllic offerings of some of England’s stunning vineyards.

We continue to highlight amazing new openings, such as Raffles at The OWO; and Glenturret’s new exclusive-use property Aberturret Estate House. We're also celebrating longstanding relationships with classic properties, such as Gregans Castle; and Gleneagles, which is celebrating its centenary.

The breadth and scope of places, experiences and opportunities offered by Dream Escape is ever expanding. There are exciting times ahead and the Dream Escape team is here to navigate the best in luxury and exclusivity for you and your clients.

DAVID TOBIN OWNER & CEO –

In this edition, we explore the world of vineyard hotels. Discover the perfect blend of luxury accommodation, fine dining, and winetasting experiences (page 74).

Vineyards at the Nyetimber Estate, Sussex © James Ratchford

DREAM ESCAPE

10a Great King Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QL, Scotland enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk www.dreamescape.co.uk

SUMMER 2024 ISSUE 13

EDITOR IN CHIEF –

Jessica Way jessica.way@contistamedia.co.uk

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS –

Amy Bonifas, Sophie Farrah, Jane Knight, Natalie Millar-Partridge, Karyn Noble, Luke Waterson, Francesca Weeks, Sian Williams

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION MANAGER –

Adrian Wilkinson adrian.wilkinson@contistamedia.co.uk

HEAD OF TRAVEL DESIGN –

Kirsty Hoskins kirsty@dreamescape.co.uk

HEAD OF PRODUCT –

Louise Murray louise@dreamescape.co.uk

DREAM ESCAPE LUXURY TRAVEL DESIGNERS –

Annika Busam

annika@dreamescape.co.uk

Michael Davies michael@dreamescape.co.uk

Amy Humphreys amy@dreamescape.co.uk

Susie Little susie@dreamescape.co.uk

Alexandra Nikas alexandra@dreamescape.co.uk

Nicki Thomson nicki@dreamescape.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY –

Contista Media Ltd

A content creation agency and contract publisher specialising in UK-based travel contistamedia.co.uk

WITH THE TEAM

If you want us to create a unique itinerary or simply want to talk through some ideas, please get in touch. We reply to any telephone messages or emails within 24 hours during the week, or 48 hours across a weekend. We are always happy to help you plan your dream escape. For Dream Escape magazine enquiries, please email: editor@dreamescapemagazine.com

DAVID TOBIN OWNER & CEO

–

David founded Dream Escape with Holly in 2005. Based in Edinburgh, their vision was to create once-in-a-lifetime trips and events for a select group of well-travelled and discerning clients. David's previous marketing career included roles at ITV, Saatchi & Saatchi and Carat, where he worked across a wide range of clients. Prior to starting Dream Escape he was a Board Director at MediaCom London and Scotland, responsible for Audi UK and The Scottish Executive. David is a keen cyclist, and across the last few years has cycled around the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland and the North Coast 500 in Scotland, raising money for various charities supporting people living with cancer.

david@dreamescape.co.uk

HOLLY MACKIE OWNER & DIRECTOR

Holly started her career at Carlson Marketing in Singapore after completing her Business & Psychology MA in Edinburgh. After a few years in London working at various advertising agencies, including TBWA, she moved to Edinburgh. Holly is passionate about travel and has a wealth of knowledge, having travelled extensively, including overlanding from India and Nepal back to England. As well as enjoying as much time as she can with her family, Holly would love to complete more charity challenges and get to some of the far-flung places on the map that have always been on her list to visit.

holly@dreamescape.co.uk

SUE MORRIS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & HEAD OF MARKETING

Sue brings over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and event management in the UK and Ireland travel industry. Sue started her career working for a leading luxury tour operator in London before enjoying 15 years at Tourism Ireland, where she was responsible for various marketing and communications campaigns for the consumer, travel trade, golf, and business tourism sectors. Having moved to the British Virgin Islands in 2011 with her family, she is no stranger to high-end travel experiences, the great outdoors and an odd hurricane or two!

sue@dreamescape.co.uk

Dream Escape's highlights...

SOCIAL CALENDAR

Summer 2024

From Cornwall’s southern tip to the Shetland Islands and across Ireland to Inishbofin, explore spring’s most exciting events. Discover the debuts – like Perth’s museum, Manchester’s garden show and Somerset’s foodie fest

Words | Melanie Abrams

JUNE

GRANGE PARK OPERA

6 June–14 July 2024

Welsh bass baritone Sir Bryn Terfel headlines this year’s Grange Park Opera, the six-week annual festival in the manicured grounds of West Horsley Place, 14thcentury manor and estate in Surrey. Grab a glass of fizz in the Rose Garden before Terfel’s double bill in the 650-seat theatre. He performs the jealous lover in Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Aleko, and the trickster in Giacomo Puccini’s comic Gianni Schicchi Other performances include a fresh take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Gaetano Donizetti’s whimsical Daughter of the Regiment. For extra glam, get there and back in style – in a bookable 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II or other vintage car.

DUXFORD SUMMER AIR SHOW: D-DAY 80

1–2

June 2024

For a thrilling way to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, head to the Imperial War Museum’s Duxford airfield, near Cambridge. Spitfires, Dakotas and other aircraft involved in the Allied Forces’ WWII invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944 will perform daring aerobatics to evoke the troops’ fighting spirit. Exploits include a Hurricane and Spitfire tailchase, wingwalkers, a mass parachute jump, as well as an RAF aerobatic team flypast. Get close to the aircraft too –at permanent displays around the ground – and discover the stories of the US army pilots who flew to Normandy in 1944 from their base (this airfield) at the American Air Museum.

NAOMI

22 June 2024–6 April 2025

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is used to being the centre of attention. After all, she has been sashaying down catwalks, gracing magazine front covers and more for 40 years. Now she’s in a new spotlight – at the V&A in London, where her life and her wardrobe are on display from this month. The wide-ranging exhibition looks at her clothes, friendships, collaborations and even her community service in the US. Highlights include the sky-high blue platform shoes Campbell fell from on the Vivienne Westwood runway in 1993; and the more recent metallic corseted dress she wore as the last look of Sarah Burton’s final show for Alexander McQueen last September.

ROYAL PORTRAITS: A CENTURY OF PHOTOGRAPHY

To 6 October 2024

The majestic gallery tucked behind Buckingham Palace has a new name: the King’s Gallery. It also has a new show: of the royal family’s photos from the 1920s to King Charles III’s coronation. The royals are one of the most photographed families in the world, so expect to recognise many iconic images, from Annie Leibovitz’s showbiz lens on Queen Elizabeth II to Cecil Beaton’s ethereal take of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in the palace gardens. Discover how these photographs came to be – as the royal family’s correspondence, photographers’ notes and more are on display for the first time.

PEMBROKESHIRE STREET FOOD FESTIVAL

7–9 June 2024

Sea, sounds and street food by the South Beach in Tenby – along Wales’s southeastern coast – is where the Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival sets its stalls in June. Taste a different cuisine at each stand. Tuck into an Afghan wrap oozing with barbecued chicken from Two Lads Kitchen or one of its gluten-free rice boxes, topped with minced lamb or other options. Sample a Korean steamed bun (known as a bao) from Barbican Bao, with mouthwatering fillings ranging from teriyaki mushrooms to slowcooked pork. Stay around to the evening when the party starts – as live bands and DJs play indie to hip-hop sounds as well as covers.

DONEGAL INTERNATIONAL RALLY

21–23 June 2024

Experience one of Ireland’s top motorsport events. Nab a good spot along the town’s Port Road, near the motor club to see world rally cars rev up for its start (and speed past to finish). Previous winning cars include a Volkswagen Polo R5 and the Ford Fiesta RS WRC based on the road version. Discover new parts of Donegal by following the various stages, including the picturesque Atlantic Drive coastline and Fanad Head with its working lighthouse. For contrast afterwards, stay in a suite at the Coach House at 17thcentury Rockhill House near the finish line, where relaxing options include a hydrotherapy pool, sauna or outdoor whirlpool.

LONDON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THEATRE

5 June–27 July 2024

Among the usual mix of theatre, dance, poetry and film, this year there is also an interactive night market celebrating bats. Based in the Science Gallery near The Shard along London Bridge, the futuristic evening brings together performance, design, science and even food. Considered a delicacy in some cultures, bat stew or bat soup are on offer for the adventurous. Some performances are in London landmarks, such as the Grand Hall of the Old Bailey (the central criminal court of England and Wales), which will host Chiara Bersani’s 'L’Animale', a modern visceral take on Michel Fokine’s early 20th century 'Dying Swan'.

JULY

SUMMER OPENING AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

11 July–29 September 2024

Buckingham Palace’s Central Room, where the Royal Family gathers to step onto the famous balcony, will open for the first time on 11 July – alongside other rooms in the palace’s East Wing, the facade of which faces the Mall. It's a chance to see a more intimate side to the palace than the Throne Room and other State Rooms traditionally on show, as the East Wing was first occupied by Queen Victoria and her family. There’s even more treasures to discover, such as the Yellow Drawing Room, with its 19thcentury hexagonal nine-tiered Chinese porcelain pagoda. A word of caution: stepping onto the balcony is a no-no.

SIX LIVES: THE STORIES OF HENRY VIII’S QUEENS

20 June–8 September

The National Portrait Gallery is delving into the lives and legacies of the six wives of Henry VIII, bringing them out of his huge shadow and highlighting each one: Katherine of Aragon; Anne Boleyn, who birthed Elizabeth I; Jane Seymour; Anne of Cleves; Katherine Howard and Katherine Parr. Paintings, letters and even Anne of Cleves’ accounts’ book tell the different stories of how they came to court, their relationship with the king and how they used their portraits for political intrigue, status and more. Modern objects – like photos, film clips, and even Katherine of Aragon’s character costume from Six the Musical – explore how they are interpreted today.

GALWAY FILM FLEADH

9 July–14 July 2024

Established in 1989, Galway Film Fleadh shows feature films, world premieres, directorial debuts, documentaries and shorts. The festival has attracted a roll call of big screen visitors, including Andrew Scott, Michael Fassbender and Isabelle Huppert. Between the screenings in the Town Hall’s theatre and other city centre venues, fine dine at Michelinstarred restaurant Aniar (on the right bank of the River Corrib), with its 24-plate tasting menu that includes venison and elderberry. For an old-school Galway experience in the energetic Latin Quarter, stay at the 7 Cross Street Boutique Hotel, with features dating back to the 15th century.

12–14 July 2024

Party in Cardiff’s Bute Park in July, as Tafwyl celebrates Welsh arts and culture in its native tongue. Head to any of the three stages to hear a pick of the country’s top sounds. Headliners include folk singer and songwriter Al Lewis, indie-rock band Fleur de Lys, and pop band Eden, all from North Wales. Take some downtime to rummage through the craft stalls to find some gems like handmade fragranced candles or handcrafted memory boxes designed by local artists. Savour some Welsh produce – like locally sourced beef – in burgers. See more of the city from the 5th floor Tower Suite at Parkgate Hotel in the original building’s bell tower.

TAFWYL

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

14–21 July 2024

This year, the world’s oldest golf tournament, The Open, is heading to Troon on the west coast of Ayrshire in Scotland –at the Royal Troon Golf Club for the 10th time. Expect a tough fight for the $16,500,000 prize on the club’s tricky Old Course, with its obstacles, deep bunkers and wind whipping in from the sea. Contenders include last year’s winner, left-handed Brian Harman, and newer stars like 27-year-old Sam Burns, who has bagged five PGA Tour titles since turning professional in 2017. Be equally sharp and bag a sea-view suite at the Marine Troon with its panoramic views over the golf club too.

RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE GARDEN FESTIVAL

2–7 July 2024

For a lively RHS garden festival, head to Hampton Court Palace, where alongside the immaculate show gardens there are plants to buy, top tips to glean, live music to enjoy, and Fortnum & Mason picnics to devour. This year’s inventive show gardens include British designer Juliet Sargeant, who mimics the bright colours of Disney’s The Lion King stage show for her red soil, plants and grasses. Essex-based landscape designer, Oliver Bond reminds visitors that the Wimbledon tennis tournament is also on – as his garden features a tennis court and the championship’s dark green, purple and white colours for his plants.

PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: PETERSFIELD TO PALAZZO

To 5 October 2024

For a fresh insight into the life of fabled art collector Peggy Guggenheim (1898–1979), this Hampshire museum has a new exhibition on her life in the locale at Yew Tree Cottage between 1934 and 1939. Here she entertained friends like novelist Samuel Beckett and artist Marcel Duchamp – years before she opened her eponymous 20th-century art collection, overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal, in 1951. Iconic works include the relief-like painting Zoomorphic Couple with spray-painted rope by surrealist artist Max Ernst, her later husband. For the full Guggenheim experience, stay at her former cosy cottage.

AUGUST

ARUNDEL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

17–26 August 2024

Discover Arundel, the historic market town in West Sussex, through its arts festival this month. Find the former jailhouse near the 11th-century Arundel Castle, which hosts DJ nights, comedy and more. Explore the local art scene on a trail that includes galleries such as Arundel Contemporary, which fosters artists with a distinctive style. Consider the simple, casual yet sharp portraits of Georgian painter Maka Batiashvili and Scottish ceramicist Craig Underhill, whose complex ceramics form a canvas for his paintings and drawings. Make time to eat at the cosy Parson’s Table along the Castle Mews, which features tasty dishes like breast of plump Barbary duck with rhubarb.

BEAULIEU SUPERCAR WEEKEND

3–4 August 2024

Wander among the McLarens, Porsches and other turbocharged supercars in Beaulieu on the edge of the New Forest, Hampshire, as the picturesque village’s Palace House and Gardens throws open its lawns and avenues for its annual supercar shindig. Alongside the familiar favourites, discover an American Shelby Daytona Cobra; built in the 1960s, these high-performing roadsters vied with Ferrari GTs. Or drool over the last – and 100th – bright blue Pagani Huayra Roadster. Dubbed a masterpiece of automotive engineering, this powerful machine can go up to 230 miles per hour, has a removable carbon-fibre roof, hitech interior and more.

LOWRY AND THE SEA

To 13 October 2024

Instead of LS. Lowry’s matchstick men, women and dogs scurrying to and fro factories, mills or football clubs, the Granary Gallery in Berwick by the River Tweed is showing the iconic British artist’s seascapes. These paintings don't depict Lancashire, which he so often documented, but the nearby North Sea along the Northumberland coast (including Berwick), which he visited from 1935 until he passed away in 1976. Highlights include a typical crowd scene on a beach, where his recognisable figures dig, stroll, sunbathe and row out to sea. Also on display is the enigmatic Seascape from 1965, which juxtaposes the calm sea with its unpredictable terror. The restored 18th-century-granaryturned-gallery is worth a visit too.

26–27 August 2024

Join the throng in Ballycastle, as the seaside town on the northeastern tip of Ireland celebrates one of Ireland’s oldest fairs, dating back to the 17th century. Associated with the Lammas harvest festival, the word Lammas means 'loaf mass'; when loaves of bread baked from the first harvest grains were placed on the church altar. Nowadays singers and folk dancers take to Ballycastle streets, which are also lined with over 400 stalls. Sample traditional foods like Yellowman, a yellow, toffeetextured honeycomb; and dulse, an edible reddish seaweed; and more. See across the town and coast from the Big Wheel circling near the seafront.

OULD LAMMAS FAIR

NEW FOREST FOOD FESTIVAL

17–18 August 2024

A gourmet food festival makes its debut on 17 August inside the Hinton Admiral Estate at the New Forest’s outskirts. While the format may be familiar, with pop-up eateries, markets and cookery demos, the fare spans everything from paella to bubbletea stands. Go to the artisan market to find some elephant garlic scapes battered in tempura from the Isle of Wight’s Garlic Farm. Even the cheese stall will offer unconventional tastes, including a chocolate cherry and brandy Wensleydale from the Great British Cheese Company. Camp at the fair’s site nearby or opt for a luxe bed and even a roof terrace at the 18th-century Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa.

WOMEN IMPRESSIONISTS

To 6 October 2024

Dublin’s National Gallery of Ireland is marking 150 years since the first Impressionist exhibition, with a show on – and called – Women Impressionists. It’s about time. Berthe Morisot (1841–95) and Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) lead the pack, with Morisot mostly depicting women in private spaces; and Cassatt offering more public views. Last November, Cassatt’s Portrait de Jeune Femme au Chapeau Blanc nailed a £824,401 hammer price at Ader auction house in Paris, according to Artprice. Then there’s the sensitive portraits from Eva Gonzalès (1849–83) like the Children on the Sand Dunes (pictured) and Marie Bracquemond’s (1840–1914), more realistic and colourful oils.

EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL

2–26 August 2024

Edinburgh is the place to be in August for its fabled arts and culture extravaganza. This year’s wide-ranging choices cover cabarets, gigs, spoken word and theatre, from new writing to Agatha Christie’s The Rats, where an adulterous couple are framed for murder. Top tips include international comedians going head-to-head at the War of the Flags as well as 100 Years of Musical Theatre at the Prince Philip Building in the Surgeons Quarter. See Afrique en Cirque’s jaw-dropping aerobatics to afro jazz beats at the Assembly Hall near the castle. And for more lighthearted fare, go for a mind read by Tomas McCabe at the Fleming Theatre.

SEPTEMBER

VAN GOGH: POETS AND LOVERS

14 September 2024–19 January 2025

If there is one eagerly awaited exhibition in London this autumn, it’s this one on Van Gogh at the National Gallery from 14 September. After all, the postimpressionist painter who lived from 1853 to 1890 has umpteen films, plays and books retelling his poignant story. Namely, while living in Arles and suffering from depression, he cut off part of his left ear with a razor before shooting himself a year later in a Saint-Rémy hospital. This show focuses on his time in Arles and Saint- Rémy, where he was at his most prolific. Iconic highlights include Starry Night, the Bedroom (pictured below) as well as Sunflowers and his Chair from its own collection. (Indeed the show marks 100 years since the Gallery acquired these latter two paintings, which have become two of its most famous pictures).

DAVID HOCKNEY: BIGGER & CLOSER (NOT SMALLER & FURTHER AWAY)

To 13 October 2024

Drench yourself in David Hockney’s 60-year work at the Lightroom, a four-storey immersive digital space in Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross. His vibrant colours and use of light make his work an obvious choice for this flashy big-screen treatment, which he narrates, and American composer Nico Muhly sets to music. Among the recognisable images – like his swimming pools or Normandy iPad landscapes, there are a few digital tricks too; such as the room going pitch black but 'sunlit' by his stained-glass Queens Window for Westminster Abbey. Little wonder this is a return visit.

WRITE BY THE SEA

27–29 September 2024

Kilmore Quays, a fishing village in County Wexford, on the southeastcoast of Ireland is the backdrop for this bijou literary festival that celebrates Irish and international authors. Wexfordborn novelist and short-story writer, John Banville was a keynote speaker last year. His novel The Sea won the Booker Prize in 2011. Expect to mingle with the writers as this festival has an easy informality, with lively Q&A sessions after readings too. Discover new books that launch here, such as the novelist and poet Mary O’Donnell’s small book of poems, Outsiders, Always. For budding writers, there’s workshops for top tips like how to develop stories for television and film.

AYR GOLD CUP

21 September 2024

Experience Scotland’s most popular flat race at Ayr Racecourse, on the country’s west coast on 21 September. First run in 1804, the Ayr Gold Cup sees jockeys on three year and older thoroughbred horses, galloping across the six-furlong course to win £200,000, the biggest prize in Scottish horse-racing. The best way to see the prerace action is in a private box in the Rothesay Stand, sandwiched between the parade ring and track. But for those who prefer to nail bite as the horses thunder past the finishing line, opt for the Princess Royal stand with its posh nosh, private boxes and more.

TOTALLY THAMES FESTIVAL

1–30 September 2024

London’s River Thames arts, heritage and environmental initiatives span the river from Hampton Court Bridge to the Dartford Crossing. Events have included a tour of the Royal Docks in East London and kayaking by Kew Bridge. There’s also plenty to do at the landmarks dotted along the river as, for example, actress Gillian Anderson discusses her new book, Want, at the Royal Festival Hall on 1 September. An impressionistic take of the river at the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, will be displayed from 27 September 2024 to 19 January 2025 in 'Monet and London: Views of the Thames' (pictured).

CRAFT FESTIVAL WALES

6–8 September 2024

A debut craft festival in Cardigan Castle celebrates the country’s artisanship, with over 90 artisans selling their glass, furniture, jewellery and other work. Learn how to make some of these crafts too – from experts including Michelle Mateo. Based in Usk, Monmouthshire, Mateo makes baskets from local ash – like foraging baskets with a steamed ash handle and a backpack with leather handles and brass. See more work around the town, with Cardiff-based Hannah Walters' sculpted pottery at the Awen Teifi bookshop along the high street; and Carmarthen-based Rosa Harradine’s handmade brooms and brushes at a nearby chocolate brownie shop.

LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL

5–16 September 2024

Classical music resonates across East Lothian on the east coast of Scotland at the festival that takes its name from the local hills of the same name (Lammermuir – from the Old English 'lambra mōr', meaning 'moorland of the lambs'). Operas, concertos, choral music and more make up this year’s programme, as well as performances by Jeremy Denk, one of America’s foremost pianists. He will be playing the Violin Sonatas by Charles Ives alongside Polish violinist and Leader of the Royal North Sinfonia, Maria Włoszczowska. Set mainly in the county’s churches, highlights include the haunting a cappella chorus of Path of Miracles by Jody Talbot, sung by London’s Tenebrae choir.

What's new in the UK and Ireland this summer

The Dreaming TRAVEL News

DISCOVER WELLNESS WITH WELSH SINGER AND SONGWRITER CHARLOTTE CHURCH

The Dreaming is a unique Welsh healing retreat nestled at the bottom of the Elan Valley, near the small town of Rhayader in the heart of rural Wales. The large Arts & Crafts house (aka Rydoldog) was once the home of Laura Ashley and her family and is encircled with glorious woodland and hills. It’s easy to see why Welsh singer, songwriter, actress, and television presenter Charlotte Church fell for it. Charlotte has transformed the house into a bohemian fantasy of earthy colours, flowing drapes and glowing lights. It couldn’t feel less ‘Laura Ashley’ – although there is a nod to the famous designer in the house. The small Print Room, now a lounge for those wanting a quiet space, was once Laura’s office and studio, where she dreamed up her designs. It’s fitting then that Charlotte commissioned a wallpaper, using a Laura Ashley dress as inspiration, for the walls in this room. There’s a cabinet in here, too, with black and white photos of the house in years gone by and a pair of Laura’s boots, well worn in from long walks across the estate.

Balmoral Castle

PRIVATE TOUR

For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855 guests are allowed inside its impressive historic walls. Dream Escape Travel Designers will arrange for our in-house guide Rosie (pictured) to take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle. You will learn about the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the royal family. Travel through time, from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used by their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family. You will see why Balmoral is such a special place - the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the royal family.

New exclusive-use properties..

MAPPERTON HOUSE

Mapperton House, Dorset is known as ‘the Nation’s Finest Manor’ and is an iconic symbol of English heritage and elegance.

DABTON HOUSE

Dabton House is an enchanting retreat for Dream Escape guests located in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.

IRELAND

Wild Atlantic Way

EXPERIENCE THE RUGGED BEAUTY OF THE IRISH COASTLINE WHILE CELEBRATING THE TEN-YEAR MILESTONE OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT DRIVING ROUTES

The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic driving route that stretches along the western coast of Ireland. It covers over 2,500 km and passes through nine counties, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the Atlantic coastline. The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way. Of course the heritage and scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way span millennia, but it’s certainly nice to take a moment to celebrate this renowned route, which came together into one 10 years ago. The route offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and fishing, as well as occasions to explore charming coastal towns and villages.

LONDON

A NEW, ONE-OF-A-KIND HOTEL IN LONDON’S CHELSEA

Combining discreet British charm with timeless luxury and Parisian flair, the brand new At Sloane hotel offers Dream Escape clients guaranteed upgrades and one of London’s ‘best-kept secret’ addresses. With a top-floor restaurant, a lobby lounge and a downstairs speakeasy bar, the experience is akin to staying in an art collector’s chic private home. Expect to see hand-painted ceilings, marble frontons, plush banquettes and Greek vases depicting cheeky scenes. The charm continues inside the bedrooms, where there are hidden doorways in the timber-panelled walls that open to uncover walk-in wardrobes, maxi mini-bars, and elegant bathrooms.

IRELAND

THE MONTENOTTE'S WOODLAND SUITE EXPERIENCE

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Blend adventure with purpose, and connect remarkable design with the beauty of the Irish landscape at Cork’s finest urban resort – the first of its kind in Ireland. Launching in August 2024, these exclusive suites and private clubhouse are set to be Ireland’s most luxurious outdoor suites, connecting extraordinary design with the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Each stunning suite is nestled within the natural beauty of the Irish landscape and elegantly perched on the hilltop, with incredible views overlooking the River Lee, Cork Harbour, and Cork City.

100 PRINCES Street

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection unveils its crown jewel in Edinburgh: the elegant and historically rich 100 Princes Street

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection has opened its first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street. The boutique hotel is located in a prime location, just a stone’s throw away from Scotland's National Gallery and directly facing Edinburgh Castle. The hotel features 30 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms and suites, each individually designed with exceptional attention to detail, making it a unique destination for discerning travellers and culture-seekers.

The inspiration behind 100 Princes Street comes from the building's history as the former headquarters of the Royal Overseas League, which was frequented by Scottish explorers. The hotel aims to provide an exclusive, intimate and authentic Scottish experience,

taking guests on a journey into Scotland’s rich cultural, historic and nautical legacy.

The hotel exudes the feeling of a private residents’ club, with an 'anything, anytime' ethos. The Wallace is a plush dining room, bar, lounge and tasting room, where guests feast on delicious, hearty fare, prepared using the best and most freshly available local produce. The hotel's talented South African chef, Willhelm Maree, helms the kitchen. The menu pays tribute to the richness of Scotland's ingredients, and hotel guests are invited to indulge in rare Scottish whisky tastings and refined afternoon teas.

Adjoining The Wallace is Ghillie's Pantry, an elegant private dining room seating up to 12 guests. Intimate and stylish, the room's walls are lined with more than one

The Wallace for dining and drinks with stunning views up to Edinburgh Castle

“Exclusively for guests, 100 Princes Street presents a collection of experiences designed to showcase the beauty of Edinburgh...”

hundred whiskies, including a number of rare bottles like the Laphroaig 20 Year Old Director’s Special and The Glenlivet 25 Years Single Malt.

Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately invited on an artistic voyage, marked by a hand-selected array of artworks, including bespoke pieces by the notable decorative arts specialists Croxford and Saunders. A breathtaking, hand-painted mural celebrates the daring spirit and ingenuity of Scottish explorers. This masterpiece stretches the length of the majestic five-storey staircase and tells the tale of the journeys of Scottish botanists. The mural is reminiscent of vintage posters and postcards from the late Victorian to late Edwardian periods, giving it the feel of a historic book illustration from that era.

In the rooms, skilled local artisans were commissioned to create custom-made furnishings, fabrics and artworks that are unique to the hotel, including five tartans by revered Scottish designer Araminta Campbell. Handpicked antiques and nautical design elements have been cleverly woven

throughout the property, and come together to narrate the building's illustrious history.

The hotel's two signature suites, named The Archibald and The Isobel after renowned Scottish explorers Archibald Menzies and Isobel Wylie Hutchison, offer guests spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, making them the city’s most coveted accommodation.

Exclusively for guests, 100 Princes Street presents a collection of experiences designed to showcase the beauty of Edinburgh and the idyllic Scottish countryside. These tailored adventures range from creating a personalised Scottish gin to serene fishing excursions on the River Tweed, ensuring an unforgettable stay for every refined traveller.

Nightly rates at 100 Princes Street start at £450 (approx USD $565) for an entry-level en-suite double room, including a sumptuous Scottish breakfast for two. The hotel's opening marks the start of a new era at its storied Edinburgh address, and Red Carnation Hotels is proud to present its latest masterpiece to the world.

The Archibald Suite with direct views up to Edinburgh Castle

MEET THE PERFUMERY DIRECTOR: Edward Bodenham

The fascinating history of J Floris Ltd, the oldest retailer of fragrance in England, is as compelling as its high-quality scents. Dream Escape speaks exclusively to perfumery director Edward Bodenham, 9th-generation Floris family member, about everyone from Marilyn Monroe to David Bowie walking through the shop door

Words | Karyn Noble

Did you know Sir Winston Churchill and Eva Perón both wore the same Floris fragrance? This and many more scintillating anecdotes are guaranteed to whet your appetite for an exclusively curated visit to the historical landmark of Floris London, which has been the custodian of many celebrity aromatic secrets in the heart of St James's for almost 300 years.

Here, amid sublime surrounds, Dream Escape guests can create signature scents with the assistance from the only perfumer to hold a Royal Warrant. We were fortunate to chat to Floris’ perfumery director Edward Bodenham about what is in store when you step below the oldest coat of

arms in the world and into the magic of a perfumery where James Bond’s cologne was created and Oscar Wilde was a frequent customer.

Edward, you have a fascinating job. Tell us a little about how you became interested in perfume –was it a given, since it’s the family business? When my father used to arrive home from working at 89 Jermyn Street, I distinctly remember the smell of his briefcase, which was a wonderful mixture of all the Floris fragrances that were always in the air in the shop and perfumery in the 1970s, as all the fragrance compounding was carried out in the subbasement; or ‘the mine’ as my grandfather used to jokingly refer to it, as there is a trapdoor leading to

it and it contains no windows. Visits to the shop and perfumery to see my father and grandfather were always one of the most exciting and joyful experiences as a child and the smell of those fragrances that I have grown up with have stayed with me and are incredibly nostalgic and moving. They’re almost like old friends or relatives, so fragrance has always interested and fascinated me.

Floris has quite a history, established in 1730 and with some royal connections that go way back, not to mention celebrity customers. What impressive anecdotes can you tell us?

Yes, our first Royal Warrant was granted in 1800 by the Prince of Wales, and then the first Royal Warrant from a reigning monarch was granted in 1820 by King George IV. It is his royal coat of arms that is displayed above our shop at 89 Jermyn

Street and, according to a historian from the Victoria & Albert Museum who came to visit us, it is the oldest coat of arms on display anywhere in the world, which we were not previously aware of.

We have had quite a few well-known customers over the years, like Marilyn Monroe who bought a few bottles of our Rose Geranium perfume, Sir Winston Churchill and Eva Perón who both actually wore our Special No. 127 fragrance. Oscar Wilde used to visit the shop regularly to purchase his Malmaison fragrance and chat to the family and staff whilst wearing a green carnation in his lapel. Admiral Lord Nelson used to lodge in one of our rooms in the building with Lady Emma Hamilton who used to wear our White Rose fragrance. It is even rumoured that Beau Brummel used to often play cards in the back room with Joseph Floris.

More recently, my uncle, Patrick Bodenham, once helped

“We have had quite a few well-known customers over the years, like Marilyn Monroe who bought a few bottles of our Rose Geranium perfume, Sir Winston Churchill and Eva Perón who both actually wore our Special No. 127 fragrance.”

David Bowie in our shop with his chosen fragrance from the collection, which was Elite. Also, I once had the pleasure of serving Liv Tyler who was very charming and unassuming.

Some other well-known regular customers are Michael Caine, Bill Nighy, the Queen of Denmark, Hugh Laurie, Donatella Versace, Stephen Fry and Kit Connor, to name just a few.

Talk us through a visitor’s first-time experience at Floris. In particular, the ‘heritage room’ and what occurs there. The shop itself was furnished with its Spanish Mahogany showcases in 1851, as they were acquired from the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, organised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, so it hasn’t changed very much at all since then, apart from some improved lighting and a central fragrance island, which allows customers to try all of our collection, all in one place.

“The perfumery is where... one of our perfumers helps them to create their own custom-made eau de parfum.”

Through the back of the shop, sits our perfumery, which also serves as a small family museum, as it has a curated collection of assorted perfume bottles, photographs, formula books, customer ledgers and other interesting artifacts spanning the decades and centuries from the 1700s up until today.

The perfumery is a lovely, tranquil room, where ‘the magic happens’, as we like to say. We work on all of our new fragrances in there, I can’t help feeling inspired being in the very room that so many of my ancestors have spent time

composing their fragrances and where the comings and goings of so many people have taken place.

The perfumery is where customers visit us for the Bespoke Perfumery Service, where one of our perfumers helps them to create their own custom-made eau de parfum. Once the fragrance is created then the customer names their fragrance and we keep their formula privately in our formula books for whenever they require us to make up another bottle for them.

Do you have a favourite bespoke scent?

I have my tried and tested fragrances and tend to wear our Jermyn Street fragrance in the summer, or our No. 007 eau de parfum, which we were proud to create at the request of AON Productions and the Broccoli family in celebration of 60 years of James Bond films since Dr No launched in October 1962.

Are there any secrets to wearing perfume correctly? Where to apply/how regularly to apply, etc?

How to wear a fragrance really does come down to personal preference, and I am fortunate enough to have spoken to many fragrance enthusiasts in many parts of the world and to hear how they prefer to wear their perfumes and how much they like to apply, which varies greatly.

One widely accepted view is that to truly appreciate all the subtle notes of a scent, you should avoid rubbing your wrists together as that will mute the volatile, light top notes of the fragrance and will take you quickly to the heart notes and will speed up the olfactory journey of the perfume.

Some people like to create a cloud of fragrance and then walk through it, which is quite effective as it will scent the hair which is very porous and carries the perfume for a long time, as

“I... tend to wear our Jermyn Street fragrance in the summer, or our No. 007 eau de parfum, which we were proud to create... in celebration of 60 years of James Bond films.”

will the clothes. A good way to wear a fragrance and help it to project is to wear it on the pulse points; so typically, on the wrists, either side of the neck and often the backs of the knees.

If you like to be aware of your fragrance throughout the day, then a good place to apply it is to your chest as it radiates warmth, which allows the scent to gently rise towards your nostrils.

What inspires the invention of a new range for Floris? Can you tell us about the latest scent and how it evolved from conception to creation?

We are inspired by so many different things, such as people, places or experiences which have had a special lasting meaning and have stirred our emotions.

Our latest scent, Wilde, was inspired by the life and work of one of our previous customers Oscar Wilde, and hints at some of the notes contained in our original Malmaison Carnation perfume that he used to wear.

If we could capture the scent of summer in London, how would you describe it and which Floris fragrance would encapsulate it?

We have a very clear and clean citrus fragrance in our collection called Limes, which dates back to the 1700s and was originally created for London in the summertime when people’s hygiene was not what it is now and there were some fairly unpleasant odours around, so Limes was created to uplift the spirits and to allow you to feel clean, refined, and stylish on the hottest of days.

Our Jermyn Street eau de parfum was also composed with London and specifically Jermyn Street and St James’s in mind and is a nod to many of our longstanding neighbours in the area like Berry Brothers & Rudd, reflecting some of the notes of the botanicals contained in their house gin, No.3.

Mulberry Fig is inspired by the beautiful St James’s Park in full bloom, which apparently contains the largest fig tree in the UK.

“We have a very clear and clean citrus fragrance in our collection called Limes... created to uplift the spirits and to allow you to feel clean, refined, and stylish on the hottest of days.”

A FLORIS-INSPIRED AFTERNOON TEA AT GREAT SCOTLAND YARD HOTEL

The perfect place to unwind after your Floris-fragrance experience

We suspect you will be abuzz after creating your exquisite signature Floris fragrance and looking for the most idyllic location to not only relax and refresh but to put your newly minted scent-detection skills to the test. We have just the place: the 19th-century, luxurious Great Scotland Yard Hotel in Westminster hosts special Floris-inspired afternoon teas. In the gloriously whimsical Parlour tea lounge, you can enjoy the skilled creations from head pastry chef Verónica Garrido Martínez that incorporate the essences of Floris’ esteemed perfumes, such as honey, white tea, pistachio, roses ylang-ylang and almond.

Indulge in tiers of both sweet and savoury delicacies, such as finger sandwiches with smoked salmon, caviar and horseradish cream on malted bread; or pastries (ylang-ylang and honey petit gateaux); as well as the classic British treats of scones and tea cakes. Bottomless Veuve Clicquot is also available, if you are feeling particularly triumphant.

The perfumery is where a perfumer helps you to create your very own custom-made eau de parfum...

NICKI THOMSON TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of London to experience the delights of Floris, tucked away on Jermyn Street. Floris is fascinating before you even enter the door. Look up and marvel at the coat of arms granted by King George sitting in pride of place. Once inside, you get a true feel for the history behind this family run business, as you discover the vast array of scents all with their own backstory. The opportunity to go ‘back of house’ to learn how fragrances are made and create your own scent is something really unique and special, and taking your very own personalised bottle away will remind you of your trip long after you have travelled home.

nicki@dreamescape.co.uk

Spotlight on... ABERTURRET ESTATE HOUSE

Glenturret Estate introduces a new exclusive-use historic Scottish dower house on the Glenturret Estate with a Michelin-starred gastronomic experience…

Words | Sian Williams

The Glenturret, Scotland’s oldest working distillery, has just launched Aberturret Estate House on The Glenturret’s Crieff property. Formerly the dower house of the Murray Clan, the owners and founders of the Glenturret Distillery more than 260 years ago, the house has undergone sensitive and extensive refurbishment and can now be hired to Dream Escape guests for exclusive use.

Aberturret Estate House is a beautiful private hideaway within walking distance to two-Michelin-starred The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant in the heart of the Glenturret Distillery. With six bedrooms, accommodating up to 12 guests, nestled in the picturesque heart of rural Perthshire, Aberturret Estate House seamlessly blends the allure of country living with the refinement of a luxurious retreat. It features open fires, fabrics of the finest Scottish quality, the warmth of an Aga, and a formal dining room with a cocktail bar, so guests can lean back and enjoy the very best of Scottish hospitality.

For guests staying at Aberturret Estate House, Dream Escape Travel Designers will arrange preferential access at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, an exquisite dining experience situated within The Glenturret Distillery, the first of its kind worldwide.

Or, for those who seek a more intimate dining experience within the comfort of home, private catering can be arranged inside the house.

John Laurie, Managing Director at The Glenturret, tells Dream Escape “Aberturret Estate House is a beautiful and traditional Scottish estate property. It is where we want our guests to relax, gather with friends and family and experience the very best that Scotland has to offer. We have been inspired by the historic estate and The Glenturret Distillery, the breathtaking scenery and gardens. In the restoration of the house, we have unlocked forgotten history and connected with our Clan Murray roots. It has now been rejuvenated to provide our guests with a comfortable private home and an extraordinary gastronomic experience that respects the seasons and the local terroir.”

‘Outside of gastronomy, Dream Escape guests can also partake in exclusive activities... a BBQ in the 3-acre garden, private distillery tour... archery, fishing or golf– the surroundings of Aberturret Estate House offer a genuine treasure trove of activities’

Four king-size and two double en-suite bedrooms have been thoughtfully designed, featuring a mix of bespoke furniture as well as antique pieces, creating a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation. With luxury Egyptian cotton bed linen and Lovat Mill throws, each room offers scenic country views.

It is a cocooning space that is both welcoming and refined. Artwork has been provided by The Fine Arts Society Edinburgh, dating back to the 1800s, with artists such as Joseph Farquharson, Edward Arthur Walton, George Harvey and Sir Edwardo Paolozzi. All art on display is available to purchase.

Outside of gastronomy, Dream Escape guests can also partake in exclusive activities arranged by the Aberturret Estate House team. Whether it is a BBQ in the 3-acre garden, private distillery tour, exploring the gateway to the Highlands either on foot or (off road) driving, archery, fishing or golf –the surroundings of Aberturret Estate House offer a genuine treasure trove of activities.

The Glenturret was acquired by the Lalique Group, in association with Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Hansjörg Wyss, in 2019. Ever since, and thanks to the new owners at its side, the brand has gained international renown for its single malt whiskies; opened the first Michelin-starred

restaurant located inside a distillery – and has also added a gin to their offering.

The opening of Aberturret Estate House proudly joins Lalique’s and Mr Wyss’ high-end hospitality offering, including Silvio Denz’s classified red wines from Saint-Émilion and white wines from Sauternes and Bordeaux, grown organically with the best environmental and biodynamic practices. Mr Wyss’ Halter Ranch is an organic nature estate dedicated to land, art, and legendary terroir-driven wine made with the finest organic grapes in Paso Robles (USA). Not unlike The Glenturret, Halter Range offers guests exclusive lodging options, including an

“I am proud we can breathe new life into this classic Scottish estate house entwined with all the history of the Murray clan.”

historic farmhouse and luxury cottages, as well as a restaurant focussing on regional ingredients and organic produce.

Silvio Denz, Chairman of the Lalique Group says, “I am proud we can breathe new life into this classic Scottish estate house entwined with all the history of the Murray clan.

Aberturret Estate House is perfectly situated a short walk to The Glenturret, its two-Michelin-star restaurant and worldclass shopping at the Lalique boutique nestled in the heart of this ancient distillery. It provides our guests with a unique experience – one that is unmatched in Scotland and joins Mr Wyss and my other establishments: Halter Ranch in Paso Robles (USA), Villa René Lalique, Château Hochberg (Alsace) and Château LafauriePeyraguey (Bordeaux) in providing the very finest in hospitality and gastronomy.”

The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant

THE FIRST MICHELIN-STARRED FINE-DINING EXPERIENCE IN A DISTILLERY WORLDWIDE

Enjoy a multicourse gastronomic experience in a beautiful six-table dining room overlooking the tumbling waters of the River Turret, surrounded by green pastures and hilly peaks. Passion, produce, provenance and a splash of playfulness are the key ingredients that run through the innovative and imaginative tasting menu served by Chef Mark Donald at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant.

Mark has impeccable culinary credentials, having held positions at some of the world’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including Noma, Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Hibiscus London and, most recently, Number One at the Balmoral in Edinburgh.

“When I first heard about the job, I immediately thought I’d be making shortbread and haggis bon bons! I knew, however, I needed to smash people’s expectations and mine too. So, the team and I spent time learning about the processes involved and tasting the whiskies. We then played around with the sugary barley water and realised it could taste like treacle so that’s what we put on the Malted Barley Loaf we serve. We’ve also made a barley soya sauce in aged peat-smoked whisky barrels, a barley miso to marinate meats and fish, and whisky is used in some of the puddings.”

The Glenturret distillery tour

VISIT SCOTLAND’S OLDEST WORKING DISTILLERY

The Glenturret have preserved the traditional methods of whisky-making for generations to come. They craft their whiskies by hand and heart using time-honoured methods. Tour experiences offer Dream Escape guests the chance to get up close to the production areas at every stage of the whisky-making process.

For everyone who arrives at Scotland’s oldest working distillery there is an experience to enjoy...

ANNIKA BUSAM TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER

–Whisky is the lifeblood of Scotland, and with Glenturret being one of the oldest working singlemalt distilleries, the opening of Aberturret House is incredibly exciting. With the distillery being in the beautiful Perthshire countryside, it is my personal favourite for a visit at any time of the year and a memorable distillery to visit for our clients. From the fabulous whisky itself to the fantastic dining option of The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant and outstanding sights to visit, this promises to be an fabulous home away from home.

annika@dreamescape.co.uk

RAFFLES LONDON at The OWO

Raffles London at The OWO offers the perfect blend of history and luxury, from the hotel's amazing suites with a focus on notable women and female spies to the stunning views of the city

Located in the heart of London on Whitehall, the seat of British power, Raffles London at The OWO offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. The grand new hotel, landmark Grade II* listed former Old War Office, is a stone's throw away from St James's Park, where you can take a stroll or go for a jog, and is only moments away from Trafalgar Square, the West End Theatres, Soho, and Covent Garden. The hotel's prime location also offers easy access to the River Thames, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a boat ride.

Raffles London at The OWO features some of the most amazing suites in London, with views overlooking the historic Whitehall and the Household Cavalry with their daily Changing of the Guard.

The hotel's Corner Suites, in particular, are named after notable women and female spies, making them an ode to the strength and courage of women. They recall the great English Art Deco traditions of Eltham Palace, with carpets inspired by Marion Dorn and lush custommade furniture that could have been found on the Queen Mary ocean liner. From the Hall Suite, named after the WWII spy Virginia Hall Goillot, to the Sansom Suite, named after the Special Operations Executive agent Odette Sansom, each suite is unique and tells a story of its own. The suites are equipped with modern amenities and offer the ultimate comfort and luxury to guests, with spacious living areas, walk-in closets, and luxurious marble bathrooms.

The hotel also offers a range of dining and drinking

options, including three restaurants with award-winning chef Mauro Colagreco at the helm – Colagreco holds three Michelin stars and is also the first chef to be appointed as the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity. His signature restaurant (Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO) – is an ode to travel and discovery told through food.

The restaurant is renowned for its signature British dishes that are prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's elegant interiors and impeccable service make it a perfect destination for a romantic dinner or special occasion meal. Guests can indulge in the classic British cuisine while enjoying the opulent ambiance of the restaurant.

Mauro’s Table plays host to immersive private-dining experiences for up to 20 guests, with an open-show kitchen. Saison, by Mauro Colagreco offers relaxed Mediterranean all-day dining inspired by the Riviera.

The Guards Bar and Lounge, just a few paces from Horse Guards in the heart of Whitehall, is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring the city or to catch up with friends over a cocktail or two.

The Spy Bar is strictly classified information. Yours to uncover! At the helm is Sotirios Konomi and, concealed within the historic confines of the former Old War Office,

the bar is inspired by the covert world of espionage. Located in a space previously used by spies and known as room ‘007’, the discreet nature of this space endures today, operating on a reservation-only basis.

The Spy Bar beckons for a martini-hour meeting, after-dinner drinks or a late-night rendezvous. To reach the bar, visitors venture through underground corridors featuring structural reinforcement beams added during WWII and past the rooms that were once used for debriefing and interrogating spies.

For nutritious food and drink to eat in or take away, head to Pillar Kitchen, curated by Pillar Wellbeing's active wellness experts.

If you're looking to indulge in some self-care, the hotel's Guerlain spa and Pillar Wellbeing offer a range of treatments to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. From relaxing massages to invigorating facials, the spa provides a range of treatments to suit your needs. Pillar Wellbeing offers personalised wellness programs that focus on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Raffles London at The OWO offers sublime suites, gourmet food, elegant bars, wellness, and an unrivalled location. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable stay in the UK's buzzing capital city, Raffles London at The OWO is the place to be.

The collective at

WOOLSERY

Discover the story of a tech giant who transformed the village of Woolsery into a gastronomical haven, with a renovated pub, an organic farm, a hotel, and a village, all owned by one man

Words | Jane Knight

When you arrive in the little village of Woolsery, population 1,100, you wonder if you’ve reached the right place. Just three miles from the stunning Clovelly, which cascades down the rugged North Devon coastline, you'll discover Woolsery along with its charming medieval church. Despite being a cherished secret among locals, this picturesque village has, until recently, garnered little attention as a destination to visit.

Yet this out-of-the way place, which also goes by the virtually unpronounceable Anglo-Saxon name of Woolfardisworthy, is getting quite a reputation for itself as a foodie escape. Gourmands are beating a trail down the M5 to eat at the revamped Farmers Arms; since last summer, they have been able to stay in The Collective at Woolsery’s beautifully designed rooms and cottages in the village too.

It doesn’t stop there: The Collective also comprises a village shop with a post office, a gourmet fish ‘n’ chip takeaway, a 150-acre organic farm, and Wulfheard Manor, which is being converted into a

hotel. And it’s all owned by one man.

He is British tech millionaire Michael Birch, who made his fortune in 2008 by selling his social networking site Bebo for $850 million, and who now lives in San Francisco with fellow tech entrepreneur and wife, Xochi. Yet he hasn’t forgotten his family roots and Devonshire heritage.

“My great grandfather built the village store and my grandmother was born in one of the rooms above it,” Birch, 53, tells me on the phone from his holiday home in the British Virgin Islands. “I loved Woolsery as a child. For me, it was always the place that represented family.”

It was when his sister called him in America to tell him that the Farmers Arms might be turned into flats by developers after the collapse of its thatched roof that he decided to buy it. “The pub is the heart of the village,” he says simply.

Four long years of renovation followed his 2014 purchase, during which time the owners of the adjacent takeaway and the modern convenience store with post office across the road approached him to see if he was interested in

‘They’ve really hit the bull's-eye. In the buzzy pub with open fire and beams, my friend and I sit in a wooden booth with sheepskin rugs thrown over the backs of the seats...’

buying them too. The project grew, masterminded in the UK by Emily Harmon, who had previously set up Birch’s private members club in San Francisco, as well as developing his Sonoma ranch and winery, and his BVI home.

Recognising, though, that Woolsery wasn’t “on a drivethrough route, or on anyone’s radar”, Harmon decided that The Collective could only survive as a business if it aimed for people’s stomachs.

They’ve really hit the bull's-eye. In the buzzy pub with open fire and beams, my friend and I sit in a wooden booth with sheepskin rugs thrown over the backs of the seats and wall-mounted cows’ heads looking down on us. If we find them

a little offputting to start with, we’re soon distracted by the unusual menu.

Dishes such as goat's cheese salad and Birch Farm hogget are accompanied by pickled farm veg and fermented cabbage, alongside a smattering of nettles, ramson, lavender and juniper. It’s farm-to-fork at its finest, along with foraged, pickled and preserved ingredients, which give everything a real depth of flavour.

And it all tastes so good. My friend proclaims her fishcake the best she’s ever had, with whole chunks of monkfish and scallops rather than the usual mash of fish, while I love the mushroom parfait with chanterelle and dulse. It’s a battle of

the spoons to see who gets most of the sea buckthorn tart – a new flavour to us both, and beautifully accompanied by hibiscus, pink peppercorn and sweet cicely. There are homemade cordials and cocktails to go with it all, from spiced orange and pumpkin cordial to crab apple bramble, with apple gin, rosehip and mint.

The man behind the taste is Ian Webber, a former chef at Gidleigh Park who prides himself on taking a simple dish and making a superior version of it, layering flavour upon flavour in the process. “We pickle, preserve and ferment using all those techniques that have largely been lost,” he says.

His secret weapon is Birch Farm on the village outskirts, which supplies the majority of his ingredients. Meat comes courtesy of the rare heritage animals cared for by livestock manager Chris Jenn, who is one of Birch’s distant relations (others work in the shop). And fresh produce comes from the organic market garden, where Josh Sparkes runs the show.

Based on Japanese and Dutch ideas of sustainable farming, the market garden is a fascinating place to look around. Traditional weeds such as dandelions and nettles are left as cover crops and later used in restaurant

‘He is British tech millionaire Michael Birch, who made his fortune in 2008 by selling his social networking site Bebo for $850 million, and who now lives in San Francisco with fellow tech entrepreneur and wife, Xochi. Yet he hasn’t forgotten his family roots and Devonshire heritage.’

‘Dishes such as goat's cheese salad and Birch Farm hogget are accompanied by pickled farm veg and fermented cabbage, alongside a smattering of nettles, ramson, lavender and juniper.’

dishes, an ‘edible forest’ is growing with seven layers of vegetation for managed foraging, and alternative crops such as lemon geranium replace a reliance on imported citrus fruit.

The storeroom is particularly interesting, with row after row of jars holding unusual ingredients such as pineapple weed vinegar or mugwort syrup. It feels like we’re eyeing items for a Hogwarts herbology lesson rather than supplies for a restaurant kitchen.

Sparkes, who is passionate about using alternative products, works closely with Webber to supply produce for an interesting menu. Right now, he’s particularly pleased that he has convinced the chef to use a natural replacement for sugar in some of his desserts. “I’ve been badgering him for two years

to use pheasant berry and it’s now in his apple pie,” he says. “He knows how to cook it to get rid of the burnt caramel aftertaste.”

Farm produce is also sold in the village shop, named J Andrew after Birch’s great grandfather, and now a very polished version of ye olde village store. Even the fish ‘n’ chip shop benefits from Sparkes’s labour; beetroot leaves are used in the veggie burger sold there. My friend and I order one of these along with some fish on our second night, and devour them along with a bottle of wine from the shop back at our cottage, one of three owned by The Collective. Like the four rooms above the shop, they have been beautifully designed under Harmon’s careful instruction. “I’m obsessed with interior design,” she tells me. “I love texture and colour.”

It shows. Bold vintage wallpapers are complemented by heritage fabrics you can’t help running your hands over, bedrooms might feature a fabric headboard or a delicate petal lamp, and some bathrooms have a modern interpretation of a rolltop bath. The look is “fun period country vibe done very elegantly,” says Birch.

One of the cottages, with its beams and statement breakfast bar in the kitchen diner, has a woodburning stove in its bedroom, ideal for romantic couples. Ours is the four-bedroom Hillside Cottage, where the beamed master bedroom comes with an enormous fabric bed, peacocks on the wallpaper, and a roof terrace outside.

Downstairs, the open kitchen/sitting room has all the goodies, including a Sage coffee-maker and Miele dishwasher; there’s also a laundry room with a washer and a dryer. It makes for an elevated kind of self-catering, with bathrobes, hairdryers, an iron and a steamer, as well as daily housekeeping and an evening turndown service.

In the morning, breakfast arrives in a wicker hamper. Don’t expect your usual fry up here. Options include nettle and ramson fritter with a side serving of spiced fermented vegetables, and potato cake with thyme butter and smoked dulse. Together with honey porridge, yogurt and fruit, they make a surprisingly delicious feast.

‘His secret weapon is Birch Farm on the village outskirts, which supplies the majority of his ingredients.’

It sets us up beautifully for a walk along North Devon’s wild coast, once frequented by smugglers. We start at Bucks Mills, where a sign tells us the old harbour was built in 1598 by a certain Richard Cole of Woolfardisworthy. He was possibly the Old King Cole of the nursery rhyme (whether it’s true or not, his tomb and effigy are in Woolsery’s All Hallows Church, where many of Birch’s relatives are buried). From Bucks Mills, it’s a three-hour round trip along the coast to the beach at Peppercombe. We’re tantalisingly close to Lundy Island with its puffin colony too, but we don’t have time to make the twohour crossing from Bideford.

Luckily, there’s an excuse to return to Woolsery and to make the excursion then – Wulfheard Manor is being converted into an 18-room hotel as the final part of The Collective. Although work is taking longer than originally planned, it should be completed in another two years.

At that stage, The Collective should finally become “cashflow positive”, says Birch, who declines to say how much money he’s pumped into the project to date.

“It has always been a passion project,” he says. “I care a lot about Woolsery – what it is and what it becomes.” He adds that he and Xochi aim to visit for longer periods once their youngest son, currently 15, leaves home. His name tells you everything you need to know about how much Birch loves this little corner of the world. It’s Devon.

Woolsery's Post Office has been given a new lease of life to capture the charm of the village in times gone by.

SUE MORRIS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & HEAD OF MARKETING

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael and Xochi in the BVI back in 2010 and we have been good friends ever since. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to visit their extraordinary properties in California, Moskito Island, and their latest venture in Devon. The Woolsery Collective is no exception to their impressive portfolio. The interiors are tastefully designed to a superhigh standard, combining contemporary art with city cool and traditional Devon warmth, as well as offering a mouthwatering farm-to-table dining experience. It is a perfect addition to this beautiful corner of the country, with even more exciting things to come. Definitely worth a visit on your next trip to the southwest of England. sue@dreamescape.co.uk

MEET THE CHEF: Stuart Shaw at the Reef Knot

Calling all seafood lovers. The Idle Rocks hotel has opened a dreamy harbourside restaurant with chef Stuart Shaw at the helm – where the fish is caught daily and peaceful estuary views abound

Words | Amy Bonifas

Chef Stuart Shaw has learnt from the best – he’s worked with everyone from Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons to Lisa GoodwinAllen at Northcote Manor. The Queen Mother was so impressed by his work as an apprentice chef at the private members’ club Boodle's, that she requested to meet him and personally thank the kitchen brigade.

After spending the last seven years heading up the Manor House at Castle Combe, you can find Stuart leading the charge as Executive Head Chef of Reef Knot at The Idle Rocks hotel in St Mawes. Having opened in the spring, he’s been busy championing more sustainable ways of cooking and hyperlocal ingredients – like the fresh fish that’s caught by local fishers and delivered right to the kitchen door every day.

Ideally perched on the edge of St Mawes Harbour, The Idle Rocks hotel has been a part of the local community since 1913. In the 1930s it established itself as a luxury coastal hotel. Over 100 years later, new owners David and Karen Richards have restored the spot to its former glory – updating the 19 beautiful bedrooms and sweeping harbourside terrace, and opening a restaurant that’s fast becoming one of the most exciting

places to eat in Cornwall. “As well as the amazing location, the importance that The Idle Rocks puts on working with local suppliers to ethically source the best ingredients is very important to me and my cooking,” explains Stuart.

“My passion for local produce and elevating seasonal ingredients grew when working at Le Manoir.” Considered one of the original garden-to-table greats, this hotel restaurant has a vast mosaic of vegetable and herb gardens. “During my time there, we solely focused on producing menus and dishes based on the seasons and when produce is at its freshest.

“As a chef, I feel it’s crucial to move with the seasons, but also to do our bit – like reducing food wastage and working with local suppliers to strengthen and support the community around us.”

At the Reef Knot, this means protecting the livelihoods of St Mawes’ fishers and other local Cornish food producers.

“We pride ourselves on showcasing the freshest seafood from our local fisherman community. And we work with local partners who provide us with the finest ingredients that Cornwall has to offer across each season – like our Creedy Carver duck eggs,” – which he slow-cooks and serves with

truffled celeriac and bacon crumb, no less. The newly launched menus include a decadent six-course tasting option and offer something for every food lover. Signature dishes include the delicately flame-grilled St Mawes mackerel with a sharp and sweet citrus-soy glaze, and hunks of juicy wild halibut coloured with artichoke and green apple.

The menu changes depending on the bounty of the day, and it’s served alongside an award-winning wine list. There’s

even a monthly supper club where you can taste some of the kitchen’s newest creations.

“We craft each dish to celebrate the very best of Cornwall’s land and sea and we want to offer an immersive experience for our guests,” says Stuart. “When dining with us, we want everyone to feel as though our dining room is a home-awayfrom-home with traditional Cornish hospitality. But we also want them to savour new and vibrant local flavours with

“...We want everyone to feel as though our dining room is a homeaway-from-home with traditional Cornish hospitality. But we also want them to savour new and vibrant local flavours with an unexpected twist.”

“As a location, it offers the perfect combination of stunning coastal scenery, charming village life and a vibrant culinary scene. Outside the kitchen, some of my favourite things to do are walking along the crystal blue waters of the Fal Estuary and exploring the Roseland Peninsula with its amazing walks and beaches.”

an unexpected twist.” This is definitely the case for Stuart’s favourite upcoming summer dish – the Penzance cider chowder oyster, with apple dashi broth. “I love this dish as it’s elegant and refined, embodying the best of Cornish produce with a touch of Asian influence.”

Stuart is no stranger to expertly blending the best of different cuisines. He also worked under the mentorship of Marcus Wareing at the Savoy Grill in London. “Marcus’ culinary expertise and passion for championing simple seasonal British and French produce continues to inspire me every day.”

But when pressed for his current obsession, it’s all about capturing the essence of his seaside surroundings. “St Mawes is a truly special place, and what I love most is its natural beauty and sense of tranquillity.

“As a location, it offers the perfect combination of stunning coastal scenery, charming village life and a vibrant culinary scene. Outside the kitchen, some of my favourite things to do are walking along the crystal-blue waters of the Fal Estuary and exploring the Roseland Peninsula, with its amazing walks and beaches.”

“On the weekends, it’s all about foraging and fishing – and of course relaxing on The Idle Rocks’ terrace overlooking the bay.” Paradise found, we think.

Each bedroom at The Idle Rocks Relais & Châteaux hotel in the heart of St Mawes is individually designed.

KIRSTY HOSKINS

TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER –

The success of Cornwall’s thriving foodie scene is surely the abundance of fresh seafood and produce literally on the doorstep and of course the sublime views. You can sit and watch the seafood landing at St Mawes Harbour and then tuck in later that day with an enviable view and the sea lapping on the rocks below drinking a Cornish wine! For a foodie tour of Cornwall, another must-visit location is Padstow on the north coast, where chef Rick Stein has his flagship restaurant and cookery school. Travel further along the coast and you will find Emily Scot’s restaurant overlooking the surf and sands of Watergate Bay and inspired by fish and seafood from Cornish waters.

kirsty@dreamescape.co.uk

INSIDE GREGANS CASTLE HOTEL with Simon Haden

Few hotels succeed in pulling off luxurious, gourmet experiences alongside ambitious biodiversity projects. But Gregans Castle isn’t like other hotels. Dream Escape meets owner Simon Haden who, together with his team, has created a refined retreat nestled in the wilds of The Burren on Ireland’s west coast

Words | Amy Bonifas

Gregans Castle is perfectly placed. Just 30 minutes away lies Ireland’s mostvisited destination, the great Cliffs of Moher. You can easily launch off the nearby coast for a cruise around the historic Aran Islands, and the inimitable Galway Bay is within gazing distance.

On the doorstep is one of Ireland’s most fascinating landscapes. Recently declared a UNESCO Global Geopark, The Burren comes from the Irish word ‘Boireann’ – meaning ‘a place of stone’. It might be Ireland’s smallest national park, but the craggy rocks and vast limestone terraces are a sight to behold. And with hidden ancient forts and tombs to explore, it makes sense that both Tolkien and Heaney took inspiration from this unique place.

The 18th-century manor is home to its own world of surprises, and here refined style and slow, peaceful days reign supreme. Picture open fires, freshcut garden flowers and never-ending coastal views. Simon Haden and his family invest all profits back into the upkeep of the hotel, and impeccable service together with a serene, unfussy atmosphere make it the perfect place to escape.

“The hotel first welcomed guests back in 1943. My parents bought the hotel in 1976 and we initially lived in part of the house,” says Simon. “I grew up here before being packed off to boarding school, and afterwards to Hotel School. I then worked in Switzerland and the UK before my parents summoned me back home to help out. In those days they just had a six-month season so it was full-on.”

“We’re situated in a pristine, unique and unusual landscape... and we strongly believe that whatever we do, we should minimise our impact on the local environment.”

In the early 2000s, Simon and his wife Freddie bought his parents out. They gradually worked to stretch the season to 10 months each year and expanded the team. “Now, my role is to look at the bigger picture, taking care of the marketing, business development and finance for the hotel – though I’m still here most days, meeting guests and talking to the team!”

Freddie leads the hotel’s interior design – hailing from a handmade carpet-making family in Connemara. “Freddie’s late father used to dye wool and design carpets, so he taught her about colourways and how to mix them.”

This explains the perfectly curated mix of natural linens and bright botanical prints – and the blend of antique and modern furniture. Collected and commissioned artworks from across the world and local artists colour the walls, but nothing beats those endless coastal views, which the hotel seeks to protect and conserve for years to come.

“We’re situated in a pristine, unique and unusual landscape,” says Simon. “And we strongly believe that whatever we do, we should minimise our impact on the local environment.”

‘The hotel grows most of its own vegetables, some fruit and cut flowers on-site in the organic garden. Jonathan is also known to forage in the gardens and local area... “We even have wild truffle growing in the hotel grounds.”’

Gregans is only the second hotel in Ireland to be included in the Small Luxury Hotel’s ‘Considerate Collection’ – boutique hotels that go the extra eco mile. In 2011, Simon became a founding member of The Burren Ecotourism Network. “It brings local tourism providers together to help run our businesses in more sustainable ways,” says Simon. “We’re all independently audited and certified and have to show that we’re reducing our environmental impact year on year.”

More recently, in 2022, the hotel joined a thriving restoration project, The Burren Pine Project – helping to bring Ireland’s only native pine tree back from the brink of extinction.

“Our guests sponsored the tree and we planted 600 on our grounds to help restore the native pinewoods.”

And the hotel’s culinary delights echo the same sustainable philosophy. Chef Jonathan Farrell who hails from Dublin joined in 2023, and his fresh approach brings modern Irish cooking with Scandinavian and classical French influences into the kitchen.

“He uses as much local produce as possible and is always on the hunt for new things,” says Simon. “We’re strict on seasonality but one of my favourites is a lamb dish crafted with buckwheat, lentil and smoked pepper, anchovy ketchup and salsa verde.”

The hotel grows most of its own vegetables, some fruit and cut flowers on-site in the organic garden. Jonathan is also known to forage in the gardens and local area – “We even have wild truffle growing in the hotel grounds,” says Simon.

The Atlantic coast provides all the fresh fish the hotel needs and The Burren is also famous for its incredible beef and lamb, which minimises the food miles of dishes considerably. Add to that, Simon’s partnerships with plenty of local artisan food producers – from cheesemakers to fish smokers.

“St Tola Goat’s Cheese is one of our hero ingredients and they even welcome visitors to drop by and meet the goats!”

When it comes to future progress, Simon and his team are taking a considered, sustainable approach. There are plans for a new soothing water feature in the gardens and a space in the middle of the vegetable garden for small group dining experiences – think long alfresco lunches among the flowers.

“But, we have no plans to expand,” says Simon. “We believe that with just 21 bedrooms, we’re the perfect size to offer unforgettable experiences to our guests.” And long may Gregans Castle Hotel stand, with its irresistible balance of unpretentious style and nature-loving ambitions

“But, we have no plans to expand... We believe that with just 21 bedrooms, we’re the perfect size to offer unforgettable experiences to our guests.”

The Burren

SIMON’S TOP THREE THINGS TO DO

1 A GUIDED WALK ACROSS THE BURREN HILLS

For stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, a walk with local sheep farmer Shane is a must. He talks about the geology, archaeology and social history of the Burren –both educational and a good laugh!

2 OYSTER SHUCKING AT FLAGGY SHORE OYSTERS

The hotel overlooks Galway Bay – a place famous for its oysters, which are smaller and more delicate than most others. Shucking your own in this breathtaking location is both rewarding and delicious.

3 A TOUR OF CAHERCONNELL STONE FORT

This ancient ring fort is over 1,000 years old and is amazingly well-preserved. Caherconnell is located on a family farm so you can also meet the collies and catch a sheepdog demonstration most days.

“The incredible Cliffs of Moher are on everyone’s list. These are the lessvisited but equally special places close to my heart” – Simon Haden

Did you know?

County Laois is home to a gigantic 12th-century wedding present! The Rock of Dunamase was part of the King of Leinster's dowry for his daughter.

DAVID TOBIN OWNER & CEO

–

Having recently had a very enjoyable stay at Gregans Castle hotel, I can personally vouch for the fact that hospitality is at the heart of what they offer. Although this is very Irish of course, Gregans overlay it with a quality that is sometimes hard to find these days. With beautifully cosy and comfortable rooms and public areas, it is more of a home than a hotel and the whole character of the place is one that encourages you to relax and stay for a little longer than you intended to! The new chef is off the charts and most definitely on a trajectory for a Michelin star and I can’t wait to go back again in the near future. david@dreamescape.co.uk

MEET THE MAKER : Rachel Trevor-Morgan

She has designed hats for the Queen and her creations are feminine, flattering and timeless. Dream Escape speaks to leading milliner Rachel Trevor-Morgan in her atelier in St James about what has made her successful and her top styling tips for Royal Ascot 2024

Words

| Amy Bonifas

From hot pink to canary yellow, delicate silk roses and foliage to artfully curled feathers – Rachel TrevorMorgan’s hats are works of art, there’s no doubt. And with Ascot 2024 coming up on 18–22 June, thousands of women will covet her stunning Spring/ Summer Collection. There’s something to suit every style, whether a classic pillbox or a statement headdress adorned with bold blooms.

But, as with most great creatives, Rachel’s journey to becoming a royallyappointed milliner has been just as colourful as her designs. “I always knew that I wanted to do something creative. I originally wanted to work in the theatre – acting, designing, or creating costumes. But, while I was taking a year out of

studying, I started thinking about hats,” says Rachel. “My mother always wore hats to church on a Sunday, I imagine that quietly worked its way into my psyche!

“Having written to some milliners in London, I was lucky enough to be offered an apprenticeship in one of the best workrooms with a designer called Graham Smith.” Graham has enjoyed an illustrious career working in the couture house of Lanvin in Paris to turning around Kangol’s fortunes in the 1980s.

“I’d landed on my feet without realising it and didn’t look back,” says Rachel.

Her gorgeous atelier in the heart of St James has now been open for 34 years.

“It’s such a beautiful and historic part of London. I’m based in Crown Passage – a wonderful Dickensian alley that oozes history and charm.”

It’s home to plenty of inspirational places to visit – from the ever-changing exhibitions at The Royal Academy near the Burlington Arcade, and Fortnum and Mason with its historic interior and incredible food hall.

“I also love St James’s Park – I’ve been lucky enough to walk through it daily as I travel to work and it’s always uplifting.”

Step inside the atelier and you can practically feel the creativity and passion poured into every design.

“My work is feminine, flattering and timeless,” explains Rachel. “And my showroom is full of hats and headpieces in various styles and sizes. These are my working samples from which I work to create bespoke pieces for clients.”

Above the showroom is a collection of workrooms. It’s here that every hat or headdress is made by hand from start to finish. Shapes are hand-blocked and the flowers are expertly created by dying, cutting and shaping petals by hand.

This incredible attention to detail has attracted plenty of fabulous clients over the years, including a clutch of royals. “Making hats for HM Queen Elizabeth was the absolute pinnacle,” says Rachel. “She wore so many hats throughout her life and being part of the history feels like quite an achievement.” The Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Alexandra are among her other royal clients.

And her team is integral to her success, including Ann who has worked for Rachel for 29 years. “We trained

with the same designer and understand how each other works. She’s an incredibly skilled milliner and has been a steady voice of reason over the years.”

As we head into the summer, this spells the busiest time for hatmakers – ‘tis the season for weddings, garden parties and racing season, after all. Royal Ascot stands as one of the most prominent dates on the summer social calendar and this means all hands on deck for Rachel and her colleagues.

“Business builds and builds towards the race season. During the last eight weeks, I’m usually shuffling an Excel spreadsheet of orders and we’re all working long hours. It’s exciting and exhausting,” says Rachel.

“By the time I attend Royal Ascot, I’m normally on my knees but the adrenaline keeps me going. It’s wonderful to walk around, bumping into clients and

"Making hats for HM Queen Elizabeth was the absolute pinnacle... She wore so many hats throughout her life and being part of the history feels like quite an achievement."

seeing all the fruits of our labours on display. Royal Ascot Week is such a unique celebration of style and British millinery.”

So, when it comes to creating your Ascot outfit, where to start – the dress, the hat or the accessories? “This is a question I’m often asked,” says Rachel. “As all of our hats are made to order, it’s generally easier for us to make the hat fit with a given outfit. That way we can make sure it coordinates perfectly – we can dye the straw and make flowers and trimmings to match.

“That said, for Royal Ascot, I often have clients for whom the hat is the most important element and they come in to choose their hat first, then pair it with a classic, simple outfit.”

One of the best things about the event is the incredible variety of personal styles, colours and techniques. But, any regular Royal Ascot attendee will know that alongside all the new, emerging trends, there are classic looks that never go out of style.

“As ever, flowers are huge,” says Rachel. “And there will be lots of fresh, clean colours. Coral is a big colour for this season.” We love the block spring greens and pale blues, and the headbands adorned with a side-sweep of wildflowers and roses. Otherwise, Rachel’s styling tips are simple – “Wear your Royal Ascot hat with confidence – enjoy the experience, as everyone there will be putting on their finery and having fun.”

Experience the royal styling treatment

Dream Escape has partnered with Creative Director and Personal Stylist, Emily Giffard-Taylor to offer unique styling experiences during your trip to London.

“Having worked on everything from red carpet appearances to editorial cover shoots, I gradually expanded my number of private clients and set up my personal styling and shopping business, Bees & Taylor,” says Emily. “I find real joy in sharing my styling know-how and experience with others”.

“I often have clients for whom the hat is the most important element and they come in to choose their hat first, then pair it with a classic, simple outfit.”

Bespoke fashion experiences

EMILY GIFFARD-TAYLOR'S TOP THREE EXPERIENCES TO HELP YOU GET STYLED AND READY FOR THE SUMMER SEASON…

1 THE ROYAL MILLINER

Take a behind-the-scenes look at milliner Rachel’s atelier and workroom to meet her team and see how the flowers are made. I can share my styling tips and you can order your own bespoke piece if you wish!

2 JEWELS FIT FOR A ROYAL

From Queen Mary’s consort crown to Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, House of Garrard is synonymous with some of the most precious jewellery in the world. Here, we can soak up all the jewellery inspiration and try on a selection of pieces.

3 THE ROYAL SHOPPING TOUR

Book a personal shopping and styling day with me and I can help you choose the finest new pieces, from the royals' favourite fashion brands – including Burberry and Vivienne Westwood – to Saville Row.

With Dream Escape, you can meet Rachel and your own personal stylist to help you pick out a bespoke piece, ready for the season!

SALLY STRANGE CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER AND BLUE BADGE GUIDE –

Hats, glorious hats! And in so many ways hats are part of The British DNA – top hats, bowler hats, boaters for rowing, caps for cricket, and that’s before we even turn to the glorious confections that women wear for weddings, garden parties and of course the ultimate of all dressing-up parades: Royal Ascot. I recently had the pleasure of taking a client to Rachel’s atelier, and after a joyful afternoon trying on various delightful pieces, she selected one for her daughter’s wedding. As we departed, I congratulated her on the forthcoming occasion, to which she replied, “oh, she’s not getting married but when she does I will have the perfect hat”! sally@dreamescape.co.uk

100GLORIOUS YEARS

As iconic Scottish hotel Gleneagles celebrates its centenary, Dream Escape discovers all that the ‘glorious playground’ has to offer, as well as visiting its latest luxurious opening in Edinburgh, Gleneagles Townhouse

Words | Sophie Farrah

There are a handful of hotels in the UK that have achieved iconic status, and Gleneagles is undoubtedly one of them. Nestled among the stunning heather-clad hills of Perthshire, this Scottish institution and Dream Escape favourite celebrates its centenary in 2024. While it may be world-renowned for its golf, there is so much more to discover at this luxurious hotel.

The historic city of Edinburgh makes a perfect starting point for any Scottish adventure, and in 2022 Gleneagles unveiled a brand-new hotel in the heart of the capital. Sitting proudly on St Andrew Square, Gleneagles Townhouse has taken up residence in the former Bank of Scotland HQ, and it took five painstaking years to transform the grand and distinctive building into the staggeringly beautiful five-star hotel that it is today.

Located just an hour away by car from Gleneagles’ famous countryside counterpart and sitting within reaching distance of Edinburgh’s many unmissable sights, the glamourous Gleneagles Townhouse operates as both a hotel and an exclusive members club. There are 33 opulent bedrooms in total, all with a chic muted colour palette and a distinctly regal feel, huddled among a warren of remarkable architectural features and chic spaces serviced by friendly and efficient staff. In the basement lies the hotel’s high-tech gym and wellness space, and on the top floor sits spectacular rooftop bar, Lamplighters – an intimate and stylish spot open to hotel guests and members only, with extraordinary skyline views and excellent cocktails.

If you’re feeling peckish, Dream Escape organises tables in the hotel’s impressive restaurant, The Spence (Scottish for larder), which is set

within the vast and breathtakingly beautiful former banking hall, adorned with ornate plasterwork, granite columns, and a towering ceiling with magnificent cupola at its centre. Scottish fish and game make up the sophisticated food offering; Dream Escape recommends the decadent crab crumpet and beautiful Isle of Mull scallops, followed by the likes of fresh sea trout and venison loin. The sleek wooden dessert trolley, with its layers of picture-perfect patisserie and tempting cheeses, is not to be missed.

Once you’ve finished exploring the city, just an hour’s drive away through spectacular Scottish countryside sits the imposing stone-grey facade of The Gleneagles Hotel. Here, a charming, kilt-clad team are on hand with the warmest of welcomes while car doors are opened, and bags seamlessly unpacked. Spinning through the building’s esteemed revolving door feels like stepping

into a different era – from hosting legendary star-studded parties and welcoming the biggest names in fashion and design, to historic meetings for world leaders, innovators and big thinkers, Gleneagles has remained the place to see and be seen for a century.

When Gleneagles first opened in 1924, its discerning guests would arrive at the hotel’s very own train station, which is still in operation today. After its grand opening ball, the hotel was described as a ‘Riviera in the Highlands’. One hundred years on, and it still exudes that same frisson of captivating glamour.

Hospitality group Ennismore took ownership in 2015 and has introduced beautiful, modern-design style, exquisite attention to detail and a splash of playfulness, all while retaining the hotel’s rich sense of history and illustrious heritage. Despite its size, Gleneagles manages to feel intimate and cosy throughout. Dream Escape organise

‘Across the sprawling 850-acre estate, there is a staggering range of pursuits on offer... fishing, shooting, horse riding, falconry, gundog training, off-road driving, lawn games, and more.’

both long and short stays across its 232 bedrooms and 27 exquisite suites; all are spacious, elegant, and fully equipped with comforts such as sumptuous marble bathrooms, working fireplaces and picturesque views of the nearby Ochil Hills.

Once checked in, there is much to explore. Gleneagles’ nickname is ‘the glorious playground’ and for good reason. Across the sprawling 850-acre estate, there is a staggering range of pursuits on offer. Dream Escape’s travel designers organise fishing, shooting, horse riding, falconry, gundog training, off-road driving, lawn games, and more. Tomahawk axe throwing, padel and zip wiring are just some of the more modern activities on offer, and there is also world-famous golf to enjoy – Gleneagles remains the only venue in Europe to have staged professional golf’s two most important team events, The Ryder Cup in 2014 and Solheim Cup in 2019.

Guests are also spoilt for choice when it comes

to food and drink. Gleneagles is home to world-class restaurants and bars galore, including one of the two restaurants in Scotland with two Michelin stars: Andrew Fairlie. Dream Escape suggests the relaxed and supremely comfortable Century Bar as the perfect spot for lunch and fascinating whisky flights, while the renowned American Bar is a must for pre- and post-dinner cocktails.

At The Birnam, the hotel’s laid-back and impossibly romantic Italian-American grill, guests can feast on the likes of fire-baked prawns, perfectly crisp vegetable fritto, and seafood tagliatelle with sweet Scottish lobster and fresh scallops, served amid tumbling plants and twinkling fairy lights. For a taste of true Scottish hospitality, Dream Escape recommends the unforgettable dining experience at The Strathearn, Gleneagles’ astonishingly beautiful fine-dining restaurant, renowned for its history, theatrical magic and Art Deco splendour. To the evocative soundtrack of a live pianist, guests can enjoy sparkling

‘Gleneagles remains the only venue in Europe to have staged professional golf’s two most important team events, The Ryder Cup in 2014 and Solheim Cup in 2019.’

glasses of vintage Champagne served from a polished wooden trolley, before dining on the likes of caviar blinis, a beautiful beef Wellington for two, and fresh Dover sole, expertly filleted at the table. The restaurant’s renowned crêpes suzette, flambéed tableside, is unforgettably delicious.

After a few lengths of the sleek swimming pool in the hotel’s recently refurbished spa, a final gastronomic highlight is breakfast. Served in the dazzling surrounds of The Strathearn, there’s a menu of hot dishes and a staggering array of seemingly endless buffets and food stations, all exquisitely presented. Smiling, smartly dressed chefs are on hand to whip up fresh omelettes, and there’s also a small bar where you can help yourself to a Bloody Mary or a chilled Buck’s Fizz, should the mood take you.

Among all these wonderful activities and culinary delights, a final facet that makes Gleneagles a truly unforgettable destination is its people. The service across the estate is second to none; impressively intuitive, consistently efficient, and genuinely heartfelt. Despite the five-star offering, there is no hint of stuffiness - the talented team(s) here may deliver a world-class guest experience with pride, but they do it with a gentle sense of fun and friendliness.

To celebrate reaching its momentous 100-year milestone this year, Gleneagles is hosting a series of unique events and collaborations. Throughout 2024, Dream Escape guests can enjoy a very special centenary afternoon tea which takes diners on a delightful journey through 100 years of culinary history, featuring menus inspired by the Roaring Twenties, and some of the Scottish dishes that were enjoyed by the late Queen Elizabeth II during her visits to Gleneagles.

This summer will also see the release of a stunning new book, Gleneagles: The Glorious Playground, which will cover the past, present and future of the hotel, with a foreword by HRH The Princess Royal. In June, the hotel will host a glamorous dance-filled centenary celebration with ballet by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime ‘One Hundred Year Ball’ in September; a dazzling evening complete with cocktail reception, lavish lobster and Champagne gala dinner, and live music and entertainment. There really never has been a better time to visit.

And so, as this extraordinary hotel celebrates such a momentous milestone, all we can say is - here’s to the next 100 years.

Gleneagles: The Glorious Playground

This special, limited-edition book by James Collard launches in May 2024, as Gleneagles celebrate their centenary month.

SARAH BUTLER MARKETING EXECUTIVE –

Having visited Gleneagles Townhouse recently on a Dream Escape team gathering, we were lucky enough to experience firsthand the beautiful rooms that are an elegant haven in the city. We were also fortunate to visit the roof terrace bar, Lamplighters. With the best views over Edinburgh and an exclusive vibe and club-like atmosphere, it was the perfect place to refresh and reconnect with colleagues. Happy Birthday, Gleneagles and here’s to another successful 100 years.

sarah@dreamescape.co.uk

Sipping into luxury VINEYARD HOTELS

Wine and dine at England’s most celebrated luxury vineyard hotels

Words | Natalie Millar-Partridge

Rathfinny, Sussex

SIP WORLD-CLASS SPARKLING WINE WITHIN THE SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPE OF THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

Set on a stunning south-facing slope in the South Downs, Rathfinny is a family-run, 600-acre, B Corp–certified wine estate, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest English sparkling wine. The wines are created from a single-estate Sussex vineyard and crafted using low intervention, traditional methods where the climate, chalk soil and aspect work in harmony for a true expression of the terroir. Dream Escape will organise every element of your stay, from the seasonal vineyard tour and tasting to food pairings at the Cellar Door. Discover the Tasting Room for a three-course lunch, overlooking the winery or the Flint Barns for relaxed, seasonal dining. The Flint Barns B&B and private rental cottage provide an authentic vineyard experience; set in historic buildings that have been thoughtfully restored with a contemporary aesthetic for the perfect homefrom-home in the heart of Sussex winelands.

dreamescapemagazine.com

Tinwood Estate, Sussex

ENJOY AWARD-WINNING SPARKLING WINE FROM AN ELEVATED VINEYARD LODGE IN SUSSEX WINELANDS

Located three-miles from the sea, at the foot of the South Downs, Tinwood Estate is a family-owned farm with 110 acres of vines, producing a superb range of sparkling wines. Vineyard tours and tastings invite you to explore the estate while learning about the winemaking process. Combine a tour with a Sparkling Afternoon Tea, a vineyard picnic or a roast Sunday lunch. Arranged by Dream Escape, there’s also the opportunity to take part in a yoga class amid the vines. Eight luxe vineyard lodges blend effortlessly into the natural landscape, with floor-to-ceiling doors leading onto a private deck for unrivalled views across Tinwood’s vines. A stone’s throw away is the vineyard’s Tasting Room, a large open terrace and The Vineyard Kitchen, serving British tapas-style small plates, created with local ingredients, designed to be shared and paired with award-winning Sussex varieties.

3

Tillingham Winery, East Sussex

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE HOME OF BIODYNAMIC WINES ON A WHOLESOME FARMSTEAD

Situated close to pretty Rye, Tillingham Winery is a biodynamic wine producer and holistically-managed farmstead, rooted in the East Sussex countryside. Set within 70-acres of rolling hills and ancient woodland with far-reaching views, it’s a superb spot for tours and tastings. The farm dates back to the 13th century and features flourishing vineyards and fruit trees, 11 rooms in the former hop barn and two sophisticated bell tents during summer months, each with their own private terrace, log burner and firepit. It’s a peaceful environment to immerse yourself in the landscape and connect with nature. Enjoy a fivecourse garden menu in the Michelin Green Star restaurant, showcasing produce from the walled garden; or sample the wood-fired pizza in the Barn, washed down with a glass of Tillingham’s bright and creamy Col ’22.

Wild Escapes, Hampshire

RECONNECT WITH NATURE FROM A SUSTAINABLYDESIGNED TREEHOUSE

Soak up Hampshire’s dreamy vistas from a luxury treehouse, ensconced in the biodynamic woodland of Black Chalk vineyard in Hampshire. Wild Escapes have created four beautiful, sustainably-designed treehouses, offering guests the utmost in understated luxury. Bringing the outside-in, and working in harmony with the environment, the treehouses are built using natural materials featuring a chic, Scandi-style and a private terrace with a large zinc bath. Set within 1000-acres, there’s an abundance of wildlife to discover, along with unrivalled views across the Hampshire Downs. The awardwinning sparkling wine has been masterfully crafted over many years, now with 30 different grape varieties grown, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Dream Escape will arrange an immersive vineyard experience with dedicated tours and guided tastings, allowing you to sit back and enjoy this noted English winery.

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Oxney Estate, East Sussex

AN ORGANIC ESTATE SET IN ONE OF ENGLAND’S MOST SCENIC SPOTS

A 35-acre organically-farmed vineyard near Rye, in one of South East England’s most charming spots, Oxney is the largest single-estate producer of English organic wine, using minimal intervention, producing around 20% of all organic grapes grown in the UK. Combine vines and wine with immersive tours and tastings, learning the art of canopy management and organic growing practices. There are two delightful shepherd’s huts with private outdoor spaces overlooking the vines, along with the Vineyard House – a Nordic-style 16th-century dwelling, embracing the original Jacobean architecture with a large garden – or the beautiful Barns accommodation a short drive away, comprising three converted barns. Personal touches include a breakfast basket of local, organic produce, a bottle of organic wine and a delicious artisan picnic to enjoy among the vines.

Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey 6

SOAK UP HILLSIDE VIEWS UNDER THE VINES OF ONE OF ENGLAND’S MOST RENOWNED VINEYARDS

With its unrivalled position in the Surrey Hills, set among 265 stunning acres of vines, Denbies is one of England’s largest single-estate vineyards. Situated in the North Downs with its famous chalky soil, in a protected valley of south-facing slopes, the production capacity is an impressive one million bottles. Delight in a sparkling afternoon tea and the estate’s own Chimney Fire Coffee, while staying at the heart of the vines in the contemporary Vineyard Hotel. Dream Escape will arrange every aspect of your stay, from tours and tastings to a delicious spread at the Orangery Restaurant with its openlandscaped garden. There’s also an impressive wine library with a floor-to-ceiling wine wall, including Denbies vintages; along with a Conservatory Restaurant – perfect for alfresco dining year-round – housed in a light-flooded atrium with an abundance of plants.

Three Vineyard,Choirs Gloucestershire 7

STAY IN A LUXE LODGE AT ONE OF ENGLAND’S OLDEST VINEYARDS IN THE BEAUTIFUL COTSWOLDS

Set in Gloucestershire, amid the glorious Cotswold countryside, Three Choirs is one of England’s oldest vineyards, with centuries-old history and an abundance of vines planted across 75 acres of south-facing slopes. Raising the bar for quality English wine with exceptional artisanship, the state-of-the-art winery produces award-winning varieties. Enjoy a flavour pairing to complement a casual, tapas-style menu of sharing boards and small plates, served in the charming Brasserie. Designed for couples seeking a relaxing getaway, it’s the perfect spot for an informal tasting within beautiful surrounds. Stay in Oak or Cedar (the two luxury glass-walled vineyard lodges), ensconced in the valley or one of the deluxe vineyard rooms for a peaceful retreat with views across the vine-clad landscape. Dream Escape's recommended hotel nearby is Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham – a luxury manor house, boasting featuring 90 acres of impressive grounds.

Lympstone Manor, Devon

ESTUARY VIEWS AND CULINARY THRILLS PAIRED WITH AWARD-WINNING ENGLISH WINE

Set in 28 acres of beautiful Devon countryside, Lympstone Manor is the vision of Michael Caines MBE – a luxurious five-star contemporary hotel with expansive grounds overlooking the Exe Estuary. Home to 21 sumptuous bedrooms and six cosy shepherd huts set under the trees, Lympstone Manor also has a Michelin-starred restaurant, an outdoor pool and brasserie, along with a thriving southwest-facing vineyard featuring stunning estuary views – a prime spot to celebrate the bounty of the estuary with a wine flight. Caine’s passion for wine sits at the heart of the Lympstone Experience, with two basement cellars housing over 600 bins, and a dedicated tasting room. Dream Escape can arrange four-course wine dinners and vineyard tours with an opportunity to taste the awardwinning Triassic Pinot Noir 2020 – a fusion of summer berries and French oak.

Nyetimber, Sussex

GLOBALLY-ACCLAIMED WINES ON ANCIENT LAND IN THE FLOURISHING SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE

The home of world-renowned English sparkling wine, produced using traditional methods, and recorded in the Domesday Book – the story of Nyetimber Estate transcends decades of artisanship, with vines now spread across several sites, thriving on the gentle south-facing slopes of the greensand and chalk soils of Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Enjoy wine events and tours with a paired dining experience, where you can sample awardwinning sparkling wine and delight in an exclusive dinner. The Dream Escape team will arrange every element of your visit, including standout accommodation from Olga Polizzi’s The Star, located in the medieval village of Alfriston; Cowdray – a country estate with a host of outdoor pursuits and holiday cottages; Park House Hotel & Spa, Midhurst; Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead and The Pig, set in the peaceful hamlet of Madehurst.

Wiston, West Sussex 10

A SUSSEX VINEYARD ESCAPE WITH HISTORY AT THE HEART

Ensconced in the ancient chalky downland of West Sussex, Wiston Estate is set in the hills and valleys of the thriving South Downs countryside, providing an inimitable environment to stay and explore the vinification process. Deeply rooted in the landscape, the vineyards sit at the heart of the estate, where soils, microclimate and aspect work in harmony to produce maximum purity of expression. Why not stay at The Pump House – a delightfully secluded cottage tucked away within the 6,000 acres that has been beautifully renovated with stunning views and ample walks from the doorstep. For the ultimate English vineyard experience, savour local produce and estateingredients at the Chalk Restaurant and immerse yourself in Sussex Wine Country with myriad tours and tastings around the estate.

The UK harvest season typically runs from September to October, during which time grape pickers work tirelessly to gather the fruit at the optimum time for the winemaking process.

LOUISE MURRAY HEAD OF PRODUCT

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England is now home to some wines of outstanding quality and, as a result, the English wine industry is thriving. These English vineyards, dotted around some of the most picturesque areas of the country, make for glorious day trips from London or short stays in the countryside. Itineraries with a wine focus are a dream to create, as we look to combine authentic visits, often with a personal touch from the owner, luxury accommodation in a countryside setting and tours that are usually combined with delicious food offerings, such as afternoon tea or a traditional Sunday roast lunch. louise@dreamescape.co.uk

THE MOSTbeautiful BOOKSHOPS

IN THE UK & IRELAND

From historic venues and pioneering publishers to special editions and unique ‘book spa’ experiences – Dream Escape uncovers the best bookshops and festivals to make any literary lover’s trip unforgettable…

Words | Amy Bonifas

BEAUTIFULLY BOOKISH SPACES IN LONDON, ENGLAND

London is the ultimate page-turner – from the storied hangouts of the Bloomsbury group – of which Virginia Woolf and EM Forster were both members – to Charles Dickens’ townhouse museum in Holborn.

The iconic British Library has 150 million-plus books (including Jane Austen’s childhood notebook), but best of all is the city’s incredible selection of independent bookshops.

Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street is an original Edwardian bookshop with imposing oak galleries and stunning skylights. Originally specialising in travel books, it still offers hundreds of guidebooks and travel-related tomes, plus modern fiction, historical and political books, too.

Hatchards in St James is the oldest bookshop in the UK – first opening in 1797 – and you can pick up a host of signed, rare and first-edition titles here.

Head west to Notting Hill where you’ll find The Notting Hill Bookshop nestled on Blenheim Crescent, made famous by the Richard Curtis film.

Also in Notting Hill, Books for Cooks is a haven for foodies, crammed with thousands of recipe books and offering regular cookery classes.

Finally, venture east to Spitalfields to Libreria. This contemporary bookshop is small but full of creativity and character. The booksellers arrange books into broad themes like ‘wanderlust’ or ‘the city’ to help readers discover new titles.

UNIQUE READING EXPERIENCES IN BATH, ENGLAND

One of Bath’s earliest literary mentions is in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and everyone from Jane Austen to Mary Shelley was inspired by the city’s historic streets and sweeping crescents.

Mr B’s Emporium on John Street is not only a stunning bookshop with impeccably stocked shelves, but it also offers a unique book spa experience. Over tea and cake, you can chat

about your favourite books and genres with one of the bookobsessed team members. Then, your ‘bibliotherapist’ handpicks a selection of books just for you, including new suggestions and related titles to take home.

Other bookish spots include Persephone Books in Bath’s Edgar Buildings. They reprint previously overlooked fiction and nonfiction titles by women writers. Topping & Company is another indie spot set in the city’s historic hall building, and the booksellers love talking books over pots of coffee and cake.

QUIRKY HISTORIC SPOTS IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Scotland’s capital was the first city to receive the UNESCO City of Literature destination when the program launched in 2004. Aside from being the birthplace of many famous writers (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, for one), it’s also home to the world's oldest library as well as the Edinburgh International Book Festival (10-25 August this year) – the largest literary festival on the planet.

McNaughtan's is the oldest secondhand and antiquarian bookshop in Scotland (pictured below), and Innerpeffray Library was the first

lending library in Scotland. Typewronger Books on Haddington Place is a must-visit. It’s an Aladdin's cave of new books and zines, and the booksellers are full of passion and spot-on recommendations. In Stockbridge, you’ll find Golden Hare Books, an indie bookshop with an incredible selection of new fiction titles and a cosy wood-burning stove. Nearby is Ginger & Pickles, a children’s specialist with an impressive collection to inspire young minds.

While you’re there, why not try one of Dream Escape’s unique experiences? Take a private tour of the National Library of Scotland, browse the Scottish Poetry Library’s collection in the city’s Old Town or get lost in the Writers’ Museum, which honours three Scottish greats – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

INCREDIBLE LITERARY HERITAGE IN BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

The birthplace of the inimitable Seamus Heaney and the old stomping ground of novelist and playwright Samuel Beckett, Belfast has major literary leanings.

The Belfast Book Festival (6-13 June) is the country’s leading literary festival. Or, for an unforgettable experience, opt for a private visit to the Armagh Robinson Library with Dream Escape You can delve into the pages of Irish history and a treasure trove of rarities, including a first edition of the classic Gulliver’s Travels corrected in Jonathan Swift’s handwriting.

For your secondhand bookshop fix, head to North Street. Belfast Books specialises in Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’ books and has a great selection of war, sci-fi, horror and epic biographies. Keats and Chapman is nearby, with 30,000 secondhand books at very low prices.

Don’t leave without a trip to No Alibis Bookstore on Botantic Avenue. This community bookshop is a friendly creative hub for new book launches and poetry readings, specialising in Irish literature, history, mystery and crime fiction.

RARE AND FASCINATING TOMES IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

James Joyce is usually the first name that pops into people’s heads when they think of Irish writing, but Dublin is also the birthplace of Oscar Wilde (you’ll find his house in Merrion Square), WB Yeats and Bram Stoker.

Books Upstairs is Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop, located on College Green set in a beautiful building opposite Trinity College. Two friends opened the shop to highlight the positive role of books in society and Irish culture.

Then there’s the famed Ulysses Rare Books on Duke Street, specialising in 20th-century Irish literature. The selection of rare editions is unrivalled and there’s a beautiful mural depicting Dublin’s most celebrated writers.

Marrowbone Books is tucked away in one of Dublin’s

coolest neighbourhoods, The Liberties. This quirky secondhand bookshop has a huge selection of paperback fiction and is the ideal place to widen your tastes.

For the ultimate literary experience, opt for Dream Escape’s trip to see The Book of Kells at the Old Library in Trinity College (pictured above). This 9th-century gospel manuscript is worldrenowned and illustrates the four Gospels of the Bible.

EPIC STORIES IN CONWY, WALES

Conwy is an unsung literary spot on the beautiful North Wales coast. An epicentre for Welsh storytelling, it’s also the home of Conwy Castle – crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Check out Bys a Bawd on Denbigh Street. This old bookshop is packed with the latest reads for adults and children, and focuses on Welsh books and books from or about Wales. Or, visit Hinton’s – a small indie book and giftshop in the historic centre. There’s a cosy children’s room crammed with childhood classics and a range of Welsh-language children’s books.

Lastly, Junction Bookshop has sold antique, rare and collectable books for over 50 years. Look out for great Welsh writers like poet Dylan Thomas and travel writer Jan Morris, and the shop’s specialist collection of Victorian maps.

The most unique book festivals to visit this summer

While the country’s biggest and most popular festivals might already be on your radar, here’s our round-up of lesser-known events for your calendar…

1 HAY FESTIVAL, HAY-ON-WYE, WALES

When: 23 May–2 June

At Hay, the world's greatest writers, thinkers and performers come together. This year’s speakers include Anthony Horowitz, Ruby Wax and Tim Spector – all set against the rolling Welsh countryside.

2 BALLYSCULLION PARK BOOK FESTIVAL, BELLAGHY, NORTHERN IRELAND

When: 11–12 May

The first Ballyscullion Festival will celebrate all things literature and art in the heart of Seamus Heaney country. There’ll also be a special focus on WB Yeats, as it’s been 100 years since he received the Nobel Prize for Poetry.

3 BLOOMSDAY FESTIVAL, DUBLIN, IRELAND

When: 11–16 June

This uniquely Irish festival is a celebration of James Joyce’s epic Ulysses . Held

on the anniversary of the day featured in the book – 16 June 1904 – it takes place across the streets of Dublin, which inspired his many works.

4 BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL, MELROSE, SCOTLAND

When: 13–16 June

Across four fun-packed days, you can immerse yourself in literary talks, comedy and live music. Leading authors and speakers include One Day author David Nicholls, broadcaster Louise Minchin and Scottish writer Alistair Murray Moffat.

5 BRADFORD LITERATURE FESTIVAL, BRADFORD, UK

When: 28 June–7 July

This North Yorkshire festival will celebrate its 10th year with 10 colourful days of literary, musical and cultural events. Expect family-friendly workshops and plenty of Brontë-inspired celebrations.

Did you know? Hatchards, London is said to be the UK's oldest bookshop, having been established by publisher and antislavery campaigner John Hatchard in 1797.

ROSIE PEATTIE CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

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One of my greatest pleasures in life is visiting bookshops, and they come in all shapes and sizes: in repurposed buildings, in tiny side streets, and often with fascinating names. Secondhand bookshops are treasure troves that bring back memories of years gone by. My favourite bookshops are those with cosy nooks, soft carpets, and inviting armchairs where you can enjoy the warm atmosphere as you linger over the books with a cup of coffee. It’s easy to let the rest of the world fall away as you enter the bookshop; that certain distinctive smell of books, promising lots of new adventures, envelops you. Another world is waiting for you, welcoming adults and children alike.

rosie@dreamescape.co.uk

THE LOVELI EST GARDENS in Wales

From big-hitting horticultural extravaganza the National Botanic Garden of Wales through woodland sculpture gardens in the south to Italianate marvels in the north, these are Dream Escape

's favourite Welsh gardens to visit in 2024

Words | Luke Waterson

The countryside in Wales shimmers in a myriad shades of green, from its hilltops to its riversides. But stop by some of the country’s exquisite gardens, and the full, vibrant palate of the colours of Welsh nature starts to reveal itself. Whether it is the world’s largest single-span glasshouse and its wondrous array of Mediterranean basin plants at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the rosy hues of one of the UK’s most important rhododendron collections at Swansea’s Clyne Gardens or Eryyi National Park's (Snowdonia National Park's) Italianate idyll of Plas Brondanw, Wales offers some dazzlingly diverse displays of horticulture. From sculpture gardens and jungle gardens in the south to rare parterres, laburnum arches and red squirrelfrequented estates in the north, these are some of Dream Escape’s favourite Welsh landscaped spaces to visit.

SOUTH WALES

Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire

Best for: cloister gardens and poetic inspiration In previous centuries Aberglasney and its surroundings, the wood-embosomed slopes above the River Teifi, were already deemed dazzling enough to inspire some famous poetry, notably former Aberglasney estate owner John Dyer’s 18th-century works Grongar Hill and The Country Walk . The site of a country mansion and estate for over half a millennium, Aberglasney fell into 20th-century decline before an ambitious restoration project saw this bewitching mosaic of different gardens open to the pubic in 1999. The grounds include the UK’s only Elizabethan cloister garden, a unique Ninfarium – an assemblage of medieval ruins and exotic plants – and rare features such as a yew tunnel.

‘Aberglasney grounds include the UK’s only Elizabethan cloister garden, a unique Ninfarium – an assemblage of medieval ruins and exotic plants – and rare features such as a yew tunnel.’

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire

Best for: water features and glasshouses

The first botanic garden to be created in the United Kingdom for two centuries, Wales’ flagship gardens near Llanarthne have now flourished on entrepreneur William Paxton’s former late-18th-century estate since 2000. Paxton’s original ground layout featured what became some of the UK’s finest water gardens in their day, and this Regency wonder has now been restored faithfully, in accordance with contemporaneous paintings of Paxton’s estate at its acme. The Norman Foster–designed greenhouse, the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, – housing Mediterranean-climate-zone plants from around the world – is another highlight. There is also a herb garden festooned with plants – the Physicians of Myddfai, the court-appointed healers to the medieval Princes of Wales, used in their remedies.

Clyne Gardens, Swansea

Best for: urban gardens

You do not even have to leave the city behind when you come to Clyne Gardens, conveniently situated just behind the sandy coastline separating Swansea and its seaside suburb Mumbles. It is known across Wales and beyond for its standout array of rhododendrons, and also features Britain’s tallest-recorded magnolia and one of its loftiest Monterrey cypresses. Secreted away beneath the gardens’ rambling meadow is a Japanese garden: defined by a comely red-and-white-painted bridge spanning a tumbling cascade from an ornamental pond, it has become one of Swansea’s most famous landmarks.

Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, Monmouthshire

Best for: sculpture and snowdrops

Wales’ foremost sculpture garden is the cumulative vision of three generations of family passion for the natural world, where Gemma Anne Wood’s sculptures decorate lovingly-tended

terrain on which her botanist parents had previously amassed a diverse plant collection and which her grandparents originally established in the 1950s. Spanning three acres in the leafy Wye Valley Area of Natural Beauty, the gardens encompass woods celebrated for their snowdrop carpets, a pond, meadows, lawns, vibrant herbaceous plots and Wood’s sculptures, which are all inspired by the Wye Valley.

PEMBROKESHIRE

Picton Castle Gardens

Best for: walled gardens and horticultural history

Medieval castle turned mighty 17th-century manor, Picton Castle is Pembrokeshire’s most magnificent stately home, and its estate abutting the Cleddau Estuary is equally enthralling. There is a rhododendron collection with species found nowhere else in the woodland garden, while 19th-century walled gardens burst with the vibrant charm of an ornamental lake and fountain, a Mediterranean flowerbed, a medicinal

herb section and several secret garden rooms. Watch out around the grounds for outstanding camellia, rose, myrtle and magnolia collections too. There is even a display on lawnmowers throughout the ages.

Dyffryn Fernant

Best for: celebrating Welsh flora

Caught between the West Pembrokeshire coast and the barren moors of the Preseli Hills near the port of Fishguard, Dyffryn Fernant was forged from scratch by garden creator Christina Shand out of a swathe of unforgiving terrain: rocky ground, marsh and scant topsoil presented no end of horticultural challenges. But the gardens have overcome adversity to develop into one of Wales’ most glorious small gardens since their beginnings in 1996. Habitats such as the bog, pasture, orchard and cwm (valley) – which are seldom-celebrated characteristics of the Welsh countryside – are championed and made into features. From the Magic Garden you can also watch the formal grounds seamlessly blend into the surrounding wild hills. There are especially resplendent displays of azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons.

NORTH WALES

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Best for: Laburnum arches and champion trees

Created in 1874, Bodnant Gardens spans 80 acres of slopes above the River Conwy, with views across to the biggest tract of contiguous high-altitude upland in Wales, Snowdonia’s Carneddau. The chief lure here is the laburnum arch –the UK’s longest – flowering in May. Turn-of-the-20th-century plant hunters brought back rare examples of flora from locales like the Himalayas to establish a radiant repository for rhododendrons and magnolias here as well: these form three of the gardens’ five national plant collections, along with Embothriums (a South American genus) and Eucryphias (a mostly evergreen genus from South

‘It’s a series of... Italian-inspired small gardens, peppered with fountains and sculpture...where topiary-sculpted hedges and walls conspire to maximise views of Snowdonia's summits.’

America and Australasia). Bodnant also hosts Wales’ largest collection of champion trees (trees considered special for their dimensions or significance). The arboreal A-list sports sequoias, maples, beeches and oaks.

Plas Brondanw, Gwynedd Best for: Italianate gardens

While the beachside Italianate village of Portmeirion may be Clough Williams-Ellis’ most famous creation, it is these little-known gardens just north of Garreg near Penrhyndeudraeth that are often regarded as his crowning achievement. It’s a series of similarly Italian-inspired small gardens, peppered with fountains and sculpture in tribute to Renaissance Italy, where the lines of the topiary-sculpted hedges and walls conspire to maximise views of Snowdonia’s summits. Features include a pool and cascade built into a former quarry, a woodland walk and a folly commemorating Williams-Ellis’ marriage. It’s all arranged around a 1550-built house that Williams-Ellis had as his home for many years.

Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno Best for: parterres and panoramas

Bodysgallen Hall, an opulent 17th-century country house hotel in the hills between Llandudno and Conwy, is impressive in its own right. But the encircling 200 acres of grounds are what render the estate one of the UK’s most delightful. An extremely rare 17th-century parterre, a lily pond, a walled kitchen garden and a rose garden compose the formal gardens. Meanwhile, there are estate walks to a ruined castle and to an obelisk viewpoint opening up breathtaking vistas along the North Wales coast to Conwy’s UNESCO-listed castle and medieval town walls and beyond to Snowdonia’s pointy peaks.

Plas Newydd, Anglesey Best for: island gardens

It was Humphry Repton, one of the all-time greats of classic English landscape garden design, who devised Plas Newydd, the only island-based landscaped garden in Wales. This Menai Strait–facing estate on Anglesey is Grade I-listed and comprises an 18th-century stately home, a 40-acre formal garden and a 129-acre woodland. The woods are one of the few spots in Wales where red squirrels can be seen and the sheltered Menai Strait climes permit a wide spectrum of flora to flourish. Expect everything from a rhododendron garden to the blazes of tulips and other perennials in the Sunroom Courtyard and Italianate Terraces.

Cacen Gri gyda Jam a Hufen Os Gwelwch Yn Dda (Welsh cakes with jam and cream, please!)

MICHAEL DAVIES, TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER

Although the Welsh countryside conjures images of barren mountains and windswept pastureland, Wales – like all the wilder regions of the British Isles – has its share of delightful gardens.

From the manicured lawns of castles and country houses to dramatically situated borders in idyllic rural settings, there are gardens to please the traveller across the Principality.

The supreme symbol of Welsh horticulture is the spectacular dome at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the largest single-span great glasshouse in the world.

michael@dreamescape.co.uk

UNVEILING ENGLAND'S UNESCO SECRETS

England's UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a unique opportunity to experience the country’s history. Encompassing architectural marvels and natural wonders, these sites promise a journey through time and an unforgettable travel experience

Words | Francesca Weeks

Whether you're intrigued by the city of Bath, renowned for its Roman spas and Palladian architecture; a Saltaire village built by a 19th-century mill owner for his Yorkshire workers; or England's first (and only) natural World Heritage Site known as the Jurassic Coast – there are 18 beautiful UNESCO locations for Dream Escape guests to visit in England: four in London and a further 14 dotted about outside of the capital.

Natural wonders among the UNESCO sites in England include the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, while architectural achievements take in Durham Castle and Cathedral.

Here's a look at some of the best experiences at England's World Heritage Sites – places for you to experience as part of your next visit.

Beyond Sightseeing: Experience History in London London has so much to offer any traveller but its four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are truly special, offering a unique window into England's rich history. In the heart of the city lies The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church, a site where centuries of monarchs have been crowned and laid to rest. With your private guide, you can walk the halls where history was shaped and marvel at the grandeur of the neogothic architecture.

There’s more historical drama to be found at The Tower of London, where you can explore the infamous dungeons and stand before the iconic Beefeater guards who have stood watch for centuries. Dream Escape can arrange private visits and access to 'The Ceremony of the Keys' the centuries old ritual of locking and unlocking of the fortress gates.

‘Experience a different side of the capital and immerse yourself in over 300 acres of plants and peaceful walks at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.’

Embark on a voyage of discovery at the birthplace of modern navigation with a visit to Maritime Greenwich and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in London.

If the surroundings seem familiar it’s because the beautiful buildings in the area have been used as filmsets for many blockbusters, from Les Misérables to Cinderella Step into the centre of world time at the Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the prime meridian, the line that divides the eastern and western hemispheres.

Experience a different side of the capital and immerse yourself in over 300 acres of plants and peaceful walks at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In this living museum of lush gardens and stunning glasshouses, you can discover the stories of botanical exploration that shaped our understanding of the natural world. Dream Escape ’s expert Travel Designers can plan your perfect London itinerary, ensuring you experience all of its UNESCO treasures.

Embrace England’s Architectural Gems

Wander through the elegant Georgian streets of Bath, a UNESCO city famed for its Roman baths, honey-coloured architecture and Jane Austen connections. Whether you choose to take in architectural masterpieces like the Royal Crescent, experience the city’s natural thermal waters at a spa or indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea, Bath is a city built for pleasure.

Meanwhile, breathtaking Blenheim Palace is a monument to 18th-century baroque architecture, and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore its opulent state rooms, stroll through its landscaped gardens, and surround yourself in the splendour of a bygone era.

There are also spectacular sights to discover at Studley Royal Park in Yorkshire, where the serene landscape brings together medieval ruins and 18th-century architectural flourishes with dramatic results, in one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden.

At the sites of Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church you’ll find yourself in the spiritual heart of England. Take in the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral, a testament to the power and beauty of Gothic architecture, where you can uncover the pivotal role it played in shaping English history. Another architectural marvel that shouldn’t be missed is Durham Castle and Cathedral, a stunning example of Norman and Romanesque architecture that sits majestically overlooking the River Wear.

Discover England's Biosphere Reserves

Craving an escape where unique experiences and environmental responsibility coexist seamlessly? Seek out one of England's three Biosphere Reserves. These UNESCOdesignated havens are where conservation solutions, communities and sustainability come together. Explore the beautifully biodiverse Brighton and Lewes Downs, known as The Living Coast, stretching between Newhaven and

‘The Isle of Wight is another of England’s Biospheres with much to discover; why not take a private boat tour around the island, seeking out hidden coves and peaceful bays?’

Shoreham-by-Sea in Sussex, where stunning beaches, chalk rockpools and rolling green downlands await you, plus foodie adventures packed with local produce. The Isle of Wight is another of England’s Biospheres with much to discover; why not take a private boat tour around the island, seeking out hidden coves and peaceful bays?

The North Devon Biosphere also beckons, with its rugged coastlines and ancient woodlands. It offers you a chance to reconnect with nature and witness sustainable food initiatives in action.

Journey Through Natural Wonders

Spending time in nature has so many benefits for mental and physical health, and England’s not short of UNESCO sites offering the ultimate natural antidote to busy modern life. One of the best known escapes is The Lake District, where tranquillity and natural beauty are all around. Here you can wander through picturesque landscapes, sail across pristine lakes, and follow in the footsteps of William and Dorothy Wordsworth or Beatrix Potter. Your Dream Escape expert travel designer can ensure you make the most of this haven of natural splendour that has captivated artists, poets, and adventurers for centuries.

The Dorset and East Devon Coast also offers a chance to experience the power of nature. Its famous Jurassic Coast is England's first UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, renowned for its towering cliffs, hidden coves, and rich fossil

discoveries. Take a fossil walk with one of our private guides or seek out charming seaside towns like Lyme Regis where Jane Austen used to holiday.

Uncover Ancient Mysteries

There’s nothing like standing before the enigmatic stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury, contemplating the remnants of a Neolithic civilisation. At Avebury, the lesser known but largest of Wiltshire’s stone circles, you can wander freely among the stones and ponder the secrets of these ancient structures.

In the north of the country, there are more ancient mysteries to uncover, such as Hadrian's Wall, the most substantial and complete imperial frontier anywhere within the Roman Empire. Take a private tour to best experience these magnificent remains and stunning rural views.

“There’s nothing like standing before the enigmatic stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury, contemplating the remnants of a Neolithic civilization.”

Witness Industrial and Scientific Innovation England's industrial heritage comes alive at its captivating UNESCO Sites. Stand at the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution at Ironbridge Gorge, marvelling at the world's first iron bridge and the ingenuity that shaped our world. Journey through the Derwent Valley Mills, a testament to England's pioneering spirit in textiles. Explore 18th-century cotton-spinning mills, like Masson Mills in Matlock Bath, and experience life as a millworker before indulging in the nearby shopping village.

Step back in time at Saltaire, a meticulously planned Victorian model village. Cobbled streets and grand architecture offer a glimpse into industrial life, perfectly preserved for your exploration. Witness the history of astronomy and scientific discovery come to life at Jodrell Bank Observatory in the northwest with its pioneering radio telescopes.

Finally, visit the dramatic mining landscapes of Cornwall and Devon, where centuries of mining have left an indelible mark. Experience the raw beauty of the region and the power of human ingenuity as you discover abandoned engine houses and the remnants of this once-thriving industry.

With their timeless allure and fascinating stories, England's 18 UNESCO treasures promise an unforgettable journey for those who seek to delve deeper into the heart of this extraordinary nation and its history.

The Lake District, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, which stands at 978m (3,209ft) tall.

AMY HUMPHREYS TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER

From the stunning countryside of the Lake District winding your way through the industrial mills of Yorkshire, ancient Stonehenge, Blenheim Palace and the spa city of Bath to the Jurassic Coast and beautiful coastlines of Devon and Cornwall, England's UNESCO World Heritage Sites are extraordinary. Dream Escape can design a programme to explore them, while weaving in unique experiences, private visits and expert-led guided tours. Whether your interest lies in the culture of the cities, biospheres or open countryside, get in touch with the Travel Design Team at Dream Escape to see them in a unique and personal way.

amy@dreamescape.co.uk

The last word from

ROSEMARY & SAGE

Dream Escape’

s Client Relationship Managers

and founts of knowledge, Rosie Peattie and Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, reflect on the highlights of their spring season while looking ahead to summer...

Early on in my guiding career, I realised that one of the biggest attractions for visitors to the UK and Ireland is the sheep! At Dream Escape, we understand this fascination and can arrange private sheep-herding experiences in all the regions we cover. You can watch and experience farmers as they command their collie dogs (sheepdogs) using their voice or whistle to gather the sheep in a group and herd them into an enclosure. The bond between the farmer and the dog is truly heartwarming to witness.

There are so many different breeds of sheep to see, from the adorable Valais Blacknose to the sturdy Border Leicesters, each with their unique shapes, sizes, and colours. Dream Escape can organise a visit to a farm where you can enjoy a lovely lunch and learn about the life in the countryside.

Fun fact: In Scotland, the number of sheep exceeds the number of people, with 6.830 million sheep and 5.436 million people, so visitors are more likely to see a sheep than a person!

rosie@dreamescape.co.uk

Pictured above left-right: Sally Strange; Rosie Peattie

As the British summer season arrives, it brings with it the royal walkabout at the most famous flower show in the world, The

RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This grand spectacle includes a series of events that cover pomp and pageantry, arts and opera, sports and sports cars, all of which require dressing up. Other prestigious events include Wimbledon, where you can witness the world's best tennis players in action; the Royal Ascot, where ladies' heels sink into the grass and gentlemen don their finest attire; and Glyndebourne, where opera enthusiasts can enjoy an evening of entertainment. So, let's raise a glass of English sparkling wine to toast the return of the British summer season and celebrate the glorious familiarity of tradition that makes it all so special.

Fun fact: Did you know that strawberries and cream are a traditional snack during Wimbledon? It is estimated that over 34,000 kg of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream are consumed during the two-week tournament!

sally@dreamescape.co.uk