Ah, the sweet smell of spring is finally here. Flowers are beginning to bloom, the sun has started to shine and there is hope on the horizon for a great British summer!
I’m sure you’ll agree that spending so many months at home has only made our adventurous, curious hearts grow fonder with a passion for travel and exploration.
I will appreciate my upcoming travel trips so much more, and it has only made my job as travel Editor, and the content in our latest issue, seem even more special than usual!
Lockdown might have put a stop to many things, but it certainly hasn’t stopped the travel industry preparing to ensure a super fun and warm welcome once it is safe for visitors to return. From new hotels and luxury spas, exciting holiday resorts full of adventure and off-grid activities, luxury boutique stays in acres of unspoilt countryside and coastline, brand new attractions to immersive one-of-a-kind experiences – it seems there has perhaps never been a better time to explore the British Isles!
With so much ‘British staycation’ wanderlust flying about we couldn’t resist compiling our Ultimate British Bucket List. Deep in the West Dorset countryside we Meet the Makers behind the world’s only vodka made from cows’ milk. We uncover 10 of the most wonderful places to visit in Yorkshire and discover that there’s much more than just Cheddar Cheese and ancient apple orchards to Somerset’s epicurean offering in The Rise of Food and Drink. In search of beautiful destinations where social distancing is made easy, you won’t find better than a remote Sea Garden Cottage on the white sandy shores of Tresco island, a luxury family stay in the heart of Suffolk’s rolling countryside at The Ickworth or a whisky tour around the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, Islay - the Lord of the Isles.
Wherever, and whenever, you next plan to take a holiday in the British Isles, we hope British Travel Journal continues to deliver as your indispensable travel magazine, and wish you a safe and seamless journey full of wonderful memories.
New hotels BATH The
New hotels BATH The Townhouse For the ultimate city break you would be hard pushed to find a better place to stay than the new Townhouse at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel. The TV series Bridgerton had us swooning over the ravishing city of Bath, used as a location, and now there’s this. Offering the best of both worlds – ultra luxurious self-catering for up to five people, plus the hotel next door for dining out or using the spa. The real wow factor facility here, however, is private access to the Cross Bath. This sacred open-air bath taps in to the city’s thermal waters and beats a hot tub any day! Prices start from £183 per night. ◆ thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk DERBYSHIRE ENSANA BUXTON CRESCENT HOTEL & THERMAL SPA Buxton Crescent In need of some pampering in the elegant surroundings of one of England’s finest Georgian buildings? It feels as though we’ve been anticipating the opening of this 80-bedroom five-star hotel and visitor attraction for years now – and that’s probably because we have! Originally the launch was scheduled for 2019, and with the pandemic forcing closures throughout last year it has all just taken longer than planned. However, by no small feat, the impressive £50m redevelopment and restoration of the magnificent building completed last summer and opened, under Covid-19 restrictions, on 1st October 2020. The luxury hotel offers accommodation with all the trimmings - as well as the thermal natural mineral water spa in the Natural Baths there’s the splendid 18th Century ballroom – known as the Assembly Room – which has also been fully refurbished, café, restaurant, two bars and six prestigious retail premises along the front ground floor façade. Choose from a selection of all day spa packages and soak in the thermal pool, to include use of all facilities, robe and slippers, lunch, therapy treatments, Jet Bath, Salt Cave and much more. Have something to celebrate? You might prefer the Twilight spa evening with a glass of fizz on arrival, Ensana wellness treatment and evening meal. Prices from £125 per night. ◆ ensanahotels.com/buxton/en 10 BritishTravelJournal.com
BERKSHIRE Fairmont Windsor Park Destined to be the UK’s leading wellness retreat comprising a sprawling world-class spa spanning 2,500 square metres with indoor and outdoor pools, 18 treatments rooms, a salt room, Hamman and Japanese foot spa. fairmont-windsorpark.com BRISTOL Artist Residence Arty micro chain Artist Residence is set to open its fifth hotel in a former boot factory in Bristol’s Portland Square. An eclectic mix of art and vintage, the new venue includes 28 quirky bedrooms alongside a café, bar and events space. Your home from home in the heart of creative Bristol, with comfy beds, powerful rainfall showers and an eclectic mix of industrial, vintage and bohemian style. Book the bohemian Artist Suite – it features original Georgian cornicing, super king size bed, open bathroom with free-standing roll-top bathtub and powerful rainfall shower. ◆ artistresidence.co.uk/our-hotels/bristol Editor loves BELFAST The Harrison Looking to add a little more sass to your staycation? Having hosted scoundrels and scholars since 1879, this bohemian bolthole has been designed for the culturally curious traveller located right in the heart of Belfast’s theatre and museum quarter. Book the Ruby Murray Room – it’s divine! Antique furniture, stunning four poster bed and stylish bathtub. Priced from £150 per night. ◆ chambersofdistinction.com BritishTravelJournal.com 11
