Those who recognise the view of Godrevy Lighthouse from our front cover won’t be surprised to hear our focus this edition is North Cornwall. We love to get the first scoop on exciting UK travel news here at British Travel Journal, so the launch of Una St Ives made it to the top of our travel agenda, as did one of our all-time favourite hotels, The Headland, Newquay – with the launch of their luxurious £10 million Aqua Club swimming and spa sanctuary.
While in Cornwall's beautiful Carbis Bay we had the pleasure of meeting renowned British chef Adam Handling at his latest restaurant, Ugly Butterfly and chatted to him about cooking and his passion for zero-waste. Whether you want to go glamping, have a house to yourself or discover the latest hotels this summer, we tell you where to look in our Travel News and suggest ten incredible summer staycation ideas in our Unique Luxury Breaks. From new gardening, cycling and surf-school experiences to food, drink and vineyard tours we are spoilt for choice this year!
Self-Catering SCOTLAND
Self-Catering SCOTLAND Kirnan Estate Get back to nature at the 400-acre Kirnan Estate on the west coast of Scotland, about two hours from Glasgow. As well as two lochs and a picturesque glen, Kirnan now has three newly renovated cottages. Pick from one-bed Torrnalaich Cottage; Chapel Cottage, with two double bedrooms plus a third room for four singles; or Kirnan Beg, a Scandi-inspired wooden cabin. Then head off on one of the many walks, try clay pigeon shooting, or fly fishing on the River Add, which runs through the estate. Yoga and wild swimming are on offer too. From £200 a night for two. ◆ kirnanestate.com CORNWALL Gwithian Lookout When you can enjoy views of a lighthouse from the outdoor shower, from the table on the large terrace, or from the master bedroom, you know your holiday rental is going to be pretty special. At this chic beach bolthole, it’s even more special, as the building on show is Godrevy Lighthouse, which Virginia Woolf first visited in 1892 and which inspired her novel To The Lighthouse. Accommodation has clearly changed a lot since then. This cedar-clad beach house with a wall of glass has an open-plan kitchen/living area with wooden ladders leading to further seating in two mezzanine areas. The three bedrooms are stripped back and simple. The master room has its own en suite while the other two (one of which is a single) share a shower room. The Lookout is just 100 metres from the beach, from where you can take a boat trip to the lighthouse, as Woolf did herself. Or try to catch a wave with the help of one of the local surf schools. Just down the coast is the blue flag beach at Carbis Bay, and walkers can join the nearby South West Coast Path. Seven nights for five people costs from £2,560. ◆ luxurycoastal.co.uk 14 BritishTravelJournal.com
THE COTSWOLDS The Lakes by YOO at Cotswolds Waters If you’ve always fancied owning a lakeside holiday home, take a look at this development by the original Lakes by YOO estate. Reservations are now open and estate tours are available to book, with a show house opening later this year. Prices start from £765,000 for a stunning two-bedroom lake-view apartment. thelakesatcotswoldswaters.co.uk THE COTSWOLDS Daylesford Houses Joining the litter at The Wild Rabbit’s countrycottage collection are two larger properties for groups. With reclaimed timber beams, exposed Cotswold stone walls, and country-chic interiors, they are just as lovely as their smaller siblings. Fowler’s House sleeps eight adults and four children, with a wooden table for 12 in the farmhouse kitchen, two spacious sitting rooms and a sweeping rear terrace. It costs from £7,000 a week. The 17th-century Old House has four double bedrooms, is surrounded by its own walled garden, and costs from £5,500 a week. Guests also have access to the Bamford Wellness Spa. ◆ thewildrabbit.co.uk ESSEX Hedingham Castle It’s the ultimate romantic escape – the only bedroom in a Norman castle with a four-poster bed and a bath for two. Explore the grounds or book the escape room, then retreat to the Royal Chamber at the top of the keep, which costs £395, with Champagne and continental breakfast. Opens July. ◆ hedinghamcastle.co.uk BritishTravelJournal.com 15
