The Globe Trotter: 8 February
A minibreak away with time to devote to that someone special in your life is a lovely idea, especially around Valentine’s Day. Take your pick from these engaging ideas.
Firstly, foodies will love the gourmet West Country treats on hand at Langford Fivehead, Somerset. In seven acres of parkland, the 15thcentury manor house has just seven bedrooms, delicious food and lounges with crackling fires. Foodie delights nearby include the Brown and Forrest Smokery in Hambridge and cider brandies at Julian Temperley’s Somerset Distillery. A two-night, country-house weekend costs from £570 per person, including breakfast and dinner on both days. 01460-281159, www.langfordfivehead.co.uk
If the way to his heart really is through his stomach, head for Gravetye Manor, in West Hoathly, Sussex. The Relais & Châteaux property, which was built in 1598 by Richard Infield as a gift for his bride, is an Elizabethan manor house set in 1,000 acres of forestry land and has beautiful gardens. The Valentine’s package, from £220 per person, on the night of 14 February, includes champagne on arrival, a seven-course tasting menu, overnight stay and breakfast in bed. 01342-810567, www.gravetyemanor.co.uk
If you prefer less fuss, more charm and comfort, head to the Old Swan & Minster Mill on the River Windrush in the Cotswolds for an effortlessly romantic getaway. The Valentine’s package, based on two people sharing for two nights between 8 and 17 February, costs from £470 and includes dinner each evening, a 45-minute spa treatment, room and full English breakfast. Bedrooms in this 15th-century inn are stylishly and traditionally furnished, while those in Minister Mill are contemporary country style. 01993-774441, www.oldswanandminstermill.com
Langford Fivehead, Somerset
The Grove, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, overlooking the Preseli Mountains, is offering a one-night stay on Valentine’s Day, from £240 per room, including a candlelit dinner, a full Welsh breakfast and a traditional Welsh lovespoon to take home as a memento. The hotel has 20 guest rooms and four cottages, all with cast-iron baths and beautiful local artwork adding to the luxurious feel. 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com
This Valentine’s Day, 13 per cent of pet owners would rather go away with their pooch than their partner, according to a survey. Chien Bleu recommends Overwater Hall, Ireby, Cumbria, an 18th-century country house that welcomes dogs. With mountains, lakes and rivers, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to walkies. The 11 rooms are individually decorated to a high standard, and rooms where dogs are allowed, start from £150 per night for bed and breakfast. One of the lounges and bar welcomes dogs and a dog-sitting service is available. 0800-033 7385, www.chienbleutravel.com
Singles can head for Friendship Travel’s party at the four-star Harpenden House Hotel, Hertfordshire on 16 February, with a chance to dress up, enjoy good food and dance the night away. Tickets cost £125 and include a three-course dinner with wine, accommodation in double or twin room for sole use and breakfast. Friendship Travel hosts will be on hand to help break the ice. 0871-200 2035, www.friendshiptravel.com
For more information or to book a stay at any of the above visit www.i-escape.com
Flight-free travel A new site helps holidaymakers plan trips through Europe by train, car or ship without having to consult complicated timetables and maps for hours. www.roadrailandsea.co.uk
Theatre al fresco Kilworth House, Leicestershire, has its own theatre in a wooded glade. One-night Theatre Breaks, 5 June to 14 July, from £135 per person, include dinner and a show, such as My Fair Lady. 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com
Firstly, foodies will love the gourmet West Country treats on hand at Langford Fivehead, Somerset. In seven acres of parkland, the 15thcentury manor house has just seven bedrooms, delicious food and lounges with crackling fires. Foodie delights nearby include the Brown and Forrest Smokery in Hambridge and cider brandies at Julian Temperley’s Somerset Distillery. A two-night, country-house weekend costs from £570 per person, including breakfast and dinner on both days. 01460-281159, www.langfordfivehead.co.uk
If the way to his heart really is through his stomach, head for Gravetye Manor, in West Hoathly, Sussex. The Relais & Châteaux property, which was built in 1598 by Richard Infield as a gift for his bride, is an Elizabethan manor house set in 1,000 acres of forestry land and has beautiful gardens. The Valentine’s package, from £220 per person, on the night of 14 February, includes champagne on arrival, a seven-course tasting menu, overnight stay and breakfast in bed. 01342-810567, www.gravetyemanor.co.uk
If you prefer less fuss, more charm and comfort, head to the Old Swan & Minster Mill on the River Windrush in the Cotswolds for an effortlessly romantic getaway. The Valentine’s package, based on two people sharing for two nights between 8 and 17 February, costs from £470 and includes dinner each evening, a 45-minute spa treatment, room and full English breakfast. Bedrooms in this 15th-century inn are stylishly and traditionally furnished, while those in Minister Mill are contemporary country style. 01993-774441, www.oldswanandminstermill.com
Langford Fivehead, SomersetThe Grove, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, overlooking the Preseli Mountains, is offering a one-night stay on Valentine’s Day, from £240 per room, including a candlelit dinner, a full Welsh breakfast and a traditional Welsh lovespoon to take home as a memento. The hotel has 20 guest rooms and four cottages, all with cast-iron baths and beautiful local artwork adding to the luxurious feel. 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com
This Valentine’s Day, 13 per cent of pet owners would rather go away with their pooch than their partner, according to a survey. Chien Bleu recommends Overwater Hall, Ireby, Cumbria, an 18th-century country house that welcomes dogs. With mountains, lakes and rivers, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to walkies. The 11 rooms are individually decorated to a high standard, and rooms where dogs are allowed, start from £150 per night for bed and breakfast. One of the lounges and bar welcomes dogs and a dog-sitting service is available. 0800-033 7385, www.chienbleutravel.com
Singles can head for Friendship Travel’s party at the four-star Harpenden House Hotel, Hertfordshire on 16 February, with a chance to dress up, enjoy good food and dance the night away. Tickets cost £125 and include a three-course dinner with wine, accommodation in double or twin room for sole use and breakfast. Friendship Travel hosts will be on hand to help break the ice. 0871-200 2035, www.friendshiptravel.com
For more information or to book a stay at any of the above visit www.i-escape.com
In other news...
Stroll through the snowdrops Enjoy the first signs of spring, with delightful displays of snowdrops in Gilbert White’s Garden, Selbourne. Delicately blanketing Baker’s Hill with their dainty heads, they should be at their best on 9 and 10 February. 01420-511275, www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.ukFlight-free travel A new site helps holidaymakers plan trips through Europe by train, car or ship without having to consult complicated timetables and maps for hours. www.roadrailandsea.co.uk
Theatre al fresco Kilworth House, Leicestershire, has its own theatre in a wooded glade. One-night Theatre Breaks, 5 June to 14 July, from £135 per person, include dinner and a show, such as My Fair Lady. 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com