Northampton may be known as the shoe capital of Britain but you don’t need to be well-heeled to have a good time there.On the edge of town, Billing Aquadrome offers budget-priced family fun in a surprisingly tranquil landscape filled with lakes, rivers and a marina.And my family’s weekend break was certainly one full of contrasts.One…
I’ve always quite liked the idea of a golfing holiday in Spain or Portugal, with the glorious weather and views they offer.Trouble is, I’m pretty rubbish at golf, and I haven’t got that kind of money to ‘‘waste’’ (my wife’s word). In truth, I haven’t got that kind of money full stop.Which is why I…
Shropshire doesn’t readily spring to mind when looking for a family-friendly beach holiday with watersport options.But that perception is changing thanks to Love2Stay, a glamping and touring resort on the edge of the old market town of Shrewsbury. The man-made beach is as golden as any in Cornwall, and is just as good for castle building. It comes with a…
WHERE AND WHY: The Belfry will forever be known as the venue where in 1985 British golfers (as part of the new Team Europe) wrestled back the Ryder Cup from the United States after 26 years.On the same course four years later Europe retained the cup by tying with the States. The Belfry also staged the competition twice more,…
My guilty pleasure is watching TV’s The Hotel Inspector, Alex Polizzi, tear into the failing hoteliers who have reached out to her for help.Often, it is clear these ignoramuses are wholly unsuited to the hospitality or catering trades and launch their business simply because they can’t stand not being the boss. So how refreshing it was…
Wandering through Stanbrook Abbey Hotel’s fragrant lavender garden our eyes were drawn to a wall of memorial plaques.Upon reading them, we discovered we were in the final resting place of 141 Benedictine nuns who once called this peaceful part of Worcestershire home.Time-wise, the dearly departed ranged from ‘‘Monica Mordle, died 6 December 1878, aged 66’’ to ‘‘Margaret Mary…
I found myself following in the slipstream of socialite Paris Hilton when staying overnight at Silverstone, the home of motor racing. During this summer’s British Grand Prix, the famous ‘It Girl’ performed a dj set at the Hilton Garden Inn’s rooftop bar, then posed for photos on the balcony of one of its track-facing rooms.Three weeks later, my…
BREXIT and the pandemic did not make life easy for any of Britain’s hotels.Brockencote Hall was no exception, but it has now capitalised on an unexpected opportunity that the double whammy threw up.The Worcestershire hotel, renowned for its grand rooms and fine dining, found itself switching from a largely European workforce to a British oneAnd…
In room 108 of the Relais Henley is the royal coat of arms of King Charles I, who stayed there in 1632.The room next door, 109, was frequented by John Churchill, First Duke of Marlborough, the great general whose victories included Blenheim in 1704.And room 107, on the other side of 108, is where my wife…
If Mick Jagger or Keith Richards ever fancy a Cotswold escape they should look no further than this charming cottage.That’s because it is within walking distance of the Rollright Stones, some old ‘rockers’ that are even more ancient than members of the band of the similar name!Called Cotswold Cottage, for want of a better name, the…
Holidaying Hack 