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.
4 EDITOR'S CHOICE
4 EDITOR'S CHOICE FRITTON LAKE, NORTH NORFOLK Fritton Lake, set in 250 acres of mature woodland with stunning views of the open countryside and one of the most beautiful lakes in East Anglia, has recently completed its luxury refurbishment to include a new outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, children’s adventure trail and other outdoor games. Since the coronavirus pandemic has left us all searching for ways to live a healthier lifestyle, thinking more about our happiness and wellbeing, the timing of this, along with the launch of their new luxury holiday lodges, couldn’t be better. This simple peaceful retreat offers the perfect setting in which to reconnect with nature and de-stress from the modern world. It’s a members club, with 100% self-owned lodges located in fields and woods around the tranquil grounds, all within a few minute’s reach of the lake. Some of the property owners rent out their properties for holiday-goers while others enjoy the facilities around their second-home, retreating to them whenever they get BRITISH TRAVEL JOURNAL LOVES 2021 92 BritishTravelJournal.com
EDITOR'S HIGHLIGHTS ENJOYING THE LAKE The lake is the heartbeat of Fritton Lake - In addition to the main resort hub, watersports and open water swimming clubs, the weekly classes including trail running, dancercise and yoga also take advantage of the beautiful views. SOMERLEYTON HALL Fritton Lake sits as part of the Somerleyton country estate, and Somerleyton Hall and Gardens are just under four miles away. One of the great Victorian country houses surrounded by 12 acres of arboretum and formal gardens, including Nesfield’s famous maze and finely restored parterre. Enjoy cream teas and charming guides. CLAY AND GRASS COURT TENNIS The club has four tennis courts, a pair of lawn tennis courts, and two clay, one of which is a new ‘all-weather clay’ allowing for year-round play. Tennis coaching is also available. the chance (out of lockdown!). In the centre there’s a charming pub, The Fritton Arms, with eight beautiful guest rooms, serving also as the resort club house exclusively for members and guests. Think locally sourced seasonal menus, roaring fires, wooden beams, deep sofas and pretty fairy lights in the courtyard garden – a beautiful spot to dine alfresco and enjoy as the sun is setting. Adventures can be found in the nature and on the lake, to include wild swimming, trail running, yoga, canoeing, rowing and even Croquet – but most of all Fritton Lake is a place to relax, to enjoy the peace and quiet and great local food – to sit and read a book or take a gentle stroll along the lake and replenish your sense of wellbeing. Cabins are priced from £647 off season and £1734 peak season for a 3/4 night stay. Rooms for B&B at The Fritton Arms are priced from £140 per night all season ◆ frittonlake.co.uk PONIES ARE WELCOME! Formerly a farmstead, Fritton Lake is blessed with wonderful stables. For a small extra charge you can bring your pony on holiday and either enjoy a guided ride around the lakeside woodland or brush up on your show-jumping and dressage. VINEYARD AND BREWERY TOURS Discover more about the emerging food and drink scene in the Wild East of England by joining a tour with a selection of local breweries and vineyards to hear from passionate owners and to taste fantastic locally sourced produce. à BritishTravelJournal.com 93
