One of my favourite aspects of staying at SCHLOSS Roxburghe was participating in a whisky tasting led by Carrie-Anne Jones. A whisky ambassador, Carrie-Anne spoke knowledgeably and passionately about whisky's heritage, Scotland's whisky-producing regions and why she had chosen the three whiskies that we sampled in Bar 1745: a limited edition Sauternes wine cask finish 12-year-old from Speyside's The GlenAllachie distillery, a dram of 18-year Bowmore and a tequila cask finished 15-year-old malt from Deanston.
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The pub is well-placed as a base for people who appreciate outdoor activities. The rolling Howgill Fells rise above Sedbergh. Windermere, in the Lake District National Park, is less than 40 minutes’ drive away.
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Birds are chirping and geese are honking on the far side of the fairway as I raise the sash window of my vast guestroom at Maften Hall in rural Northumberland. It’s pleasant to wake with a view overlooking a championship standard golf course.
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The building dates from Victorian times and underwent extensive repairs and refurbishment following flooding caused by the Humber’s tidal surge of December 2013. The pub reopened in March 2015 with wood-panelled walls and maritime-themed details, including framed pictures of sailing ships, decorative ropes and a female figurehead complete with strategically placed shells to protect her modesty.
British cuisine forms the mainstay of the menu, which changes seasonally. As you’d now expect, vegan and vegetarian choices are available. The glass-fronted meat aging cabinet is a clear hint that steak counts among the specialities of the kitchen
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The Douro Valley is known for being the home of the world’s first demarcated wine region and the area from which grapes are sourced to produce Port.
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As the location for surprise meal and overnight stay, Langley Castle proved memorable. I enjoyed the experience and would happily visit again.
When it comes to choosing date night locations the gauntlet is down — to use saying derived from issuing the challenge to a duel medieval times. I’m now going to have to raise my game.
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Erfurt is an attractive, history-rich city with 210,000 inhabitants. Several of the Hotel Zumnorde’s 56 guestrooms and suites overlook Anger, a pedestrianised shopping street in the heart of Thuringia's state capital. Don’t believe anyone who says you shouldn’t look back on that particular shop-lined thoroughfare.
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The idea that every residential boot camp is a fat camp isn’t necessarily true. Weight loss is often a key objective for participants. Focusing on fitness may be too. Getting away to focus on mental well-being may be driver alongside the physical training.
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Like the idea of a stay in an English castle? It’s possible at the Lumley Castle Hotel, a four-star property with a state-of-the-art escape room and a restaurant serving modern British cuisine.
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The Cookie Jar is in premises previously occupied by the Convent of Mercy. If you’re looking for a special treat, reserve the Chapel, a suite whose stained glass windows and name provide unmissable hints as to the room’s former use. We popped in for a glance around and were impressed by the sinfully opulent decor.
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