Anniversary

Celebrate this special occasion with a Romance Break at the luxurious Bath Priory Hotel in Bath. The break includes:

• Luxury en-suite accommodation with full English Breakfast
• Chilled Champagne & Strawberries ~ Red Roses strewn in your bath ~ Candles and Bath Essences
• 3-course A la carte Dinner on one evening in the Michelin Restaurant
• Full use of the Garden Spa

Romance Breaks are £150.00 per person, per night and are based on two people sharing for a minimum two nights, available Sunday - Thursday.

For other romantic breaks at our hotels, please see Romantic Breaks below.

Ballooning

Hot-air ballooning can be arranged at the following hotel:

Bath Priory Hotel, Bath

Trips usually take place at dawn or dusk, subject to the certain wind conditions. Prices from approx. £150 including Champagne!

Swinton Park

Castles, Abbey and Follies ~ Castle Hotels and Guided Tours

For a luxury break with a difference, why not stay in a castle. We offer two castle hotels, Bovey Castle on Dartmoor in Devon and Swinton Park in North Yorkshire. Swinton Park also offers a Castles Break which includes a guided tour of three of Yorkshire's finest castles. Further details on the hotel's own website or on request from the hotel. Short-breaks including guided tours of abbeys and follies are also available at Swinton Park, plus a range of Garden Breaks which include guided tours of magnificent gardens in Yorkshire. Further details under Garden Breaks below.

Linthwaite House Hotel

Celebrations

Most of our hotels are perfect for a special celebration - a bottle of chilled Champagne, chocolates and flowers can usually be requested to be in your room on arrival, prices on request from each hotel. Particularly recommended for a romantic break are the Bath Priory Hotel in Bath, Bovey Castle in Devon, Gravetye Manor in Sussex and Linthwaite House Hotel in the Lake District.

Chocolate Lovers Break ~ The Cotswolds

Three Ways House Hotel, the Home of the Pudding Club!

Calling all Chocoholics...

Why not treat yourself to a mouth-watering, lip-licking weekend of Chocolate at the Home of the Pudding Club! Arrive during the afternoon – and enjoy a Chocolate Treat. In the Winter this may include a cup of Hot Chocolate with homemade Chocolate Biscuits, or in the summer a bowl of delicious homemade Chocolate Ice cream. Dinner will be a very Chocolatey affair where Chocolate is featured in every course, although other dishes are available if your stamina is waning! Retire to the lounge for coffee and homemade Chocolate Truffles.

You can continue to indulge your passion at breakfast where Chocolate will be included on the extensive buffet. After breakfast take part in the Chocolate Treasure Hunt, (how many Chocolate bars can you win?) followed by a DIVINE Chocolate demonstration & tasting. You are now free to escape from all this Chocolate – or stay another night!

Rates: One night inclusive of accommodation, Chocolate Dinner, Car Treasure Hunt, Full English Breakfast and Vat at 17.5% - as well as lots of Chocolate extras ~ £115 per person.

There are a limited number of Single, Superior and Pudding Rooms available from an additional £15 per person, per night. £95 per person for additional nights including Restaurant Dinner and English Breakfast.

Be there and indulge!

Dates for 2008: 5 January, 1 February, 11 April, 2 May, 20 June, 16 August, 12 September, 11 October, 1 November.

Swinton Park

Cinema ~ Private Cinema facilities

Swinton Park in North Yorkshire is a luxurious 17th century castle hotel which offers a private cinema. Guests can watch their own choice of film, corporate presentation or television in the hotel's dedicated room fully equipped with dvd and video players, large screen and stereo sound. Further details on request from the hotel.

Bovey Castle on Dartmoor in Devon also has a private cinema.

Swinton Park

Clay-pigeon shooting

Clay-pigeon shooting is available at a selection of our hotels including Swinton Park, a 17th century luxury castle hotel in North Yorkshire.

Rosemary Shrager

Cooking ~ The Cookery School at Swinton Park

The cookery school is housed in the ground floor of the converted Georgian stables, which overlook the castle turret and parkland. Light and airy throughout, the stylish décor is comfortable – a relaxed environment well disposed to the appreciation of good food and fine wine! The demonstration kitchen has been designed to the highest specification with equipment from Neff, LaCanche, Magimix, Le Creuset, Apilco, The Pasta Company, ICTC, Furi knives, Mermaid, Cookware UK and the homely atmosphere is complemented by an Aga and Fired Earth tiles. The demonstration kitchen and dining room both overlook the castle turret and parkland, with offices, a shop, toilets and preparation kitchen to the rear.

The course programme for 2008 offers a choice of day courses run by our Head Chef Simon Crannage, who has previously run cookery courses at Charlton House in Somerset. His Dinner Parties courses consist of three modules, all offering equal depth and range of cuisine but allowing for returning guests to enjoy three bites of the cherry and build up an ever wider range of recipes and skills. He also runs the Food of Love courses for Valentines and the Festive Fare courses in December. Simon is joined by experts in their field for masterclasses in his other two courses - Tim Wilson, a local farmer and proprietor of the award winning Ginger Pig butchers found at Borough Market and Marylebone High Street for the Farm to Feast meat and butchery courses; and Susan Cunliffe-Lister, the very "hands on" mastermind behind the restoration and design of the walled garden and parkland at Swinton Park, for the Garden Food courses. Please see the Day Course page on the hotel's own website for further details.

Rosemary Shrager is our guest Celebrity Chef for the 2008 courses, with a choice of two day residential and one day courses. There is a wide range of themes on offer, with Modern British, Mediterranean Food and Fish and Seafood the selection available during 2008. Gilly Robinson, Rosemary's "Man Friday" for the last four years whilst she has been running courses here at Swinton Park, will be running the day courses in 2008, which will have been carefully designed and co-ordinated by Rosemary. Please see the Residential Course and Day Course pages for further details on the hotel's own website.

Gilly Robinson is also running her own courses, Family Food and Children's Cookery courses, which focus on the basic essentials of family friendly food, with practical recipes with that offer flexibility and scope for variety. As a working mother herself, she has always championed nutritious wholesome family food that can, at the same time, inspire children to enjoy and experiment with cooking themselves. Please see the Day Course page for further details on the hotel's own website. The cookery school has its own entrance and is a very short walk across the drive from the hotel. The south facing lawn has outdoor seating, and there is adjacent car parking. The four acre walled garden behind the hotel is planted with fruit, vegetables and herbs, providing a ready source of fresh ingredients for the hotel and school kitchens, and cut flowers during the summer months.

AA Three Rosette Restaurant

Cookery Theatre ~ Keith Floyd at Linthwaite House, Lake District

Dog Friendly

Many of our hotels welcome dogs. Ground floor or garden rooms are usually provided giving direct access to the hotel grounds. Dogs are not usually allowed in the public rooms and you may need to bring your own dog basket and food, although some hotels will also provide these facilities for you. Please check specific details with the hotel. Suggested hotels include Swinton Park, a luxury castle hotel in North Yorkshire and Falcondale Mansion in mid-Wales.

Driving - Great Drives of the World - Penrith to Corbridge

Nominated by the Automobile Association as one of the Great Drives of the World (the only one in England to receive the accolade), the A686 stretches for fifty or so miles between Penrith in Cumbria and Corbridge in Northumberland. The route offers dramatic scenery and wonderful views, running through valleys and picturesque villages, then across the Eden Valley and into the north Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. After a steady climb to the top of Hartside Cross, and on to the country's highest market town at Alston, it begins a slow descent through the Tyne Valley to Hexham and Corbridge. The route can be enjoyed as a day's round trip, starting at Penrith. Stay at Temple Sowerby House, near Penrith.

Fishing

Bovey Castle owns 24 miles of fine fishing along the Rivers Teign, Taw, Tarle, Bovey and Bowden plus three trout lakes. We offer enjoyable trout and salmon fishing plus sea fishing for mackerel and night fishing for sea trout. The Bovey and Bowden rivers plus three trout lakes are all accessible on the estate and set within The National Park. They are bounded by steep valleys, wonderful trees, granite outcrops and spectacular scenery. The area is teeming with wildlife.

Four by Four ~ challenging driving courses

Bovey Castle, Devon
Have you ever wanted to drive down sheer drops, up steep inclines or through deep muddy water? Now is your chance. Specialist off-road training facilities are offered with Land Rover Experience West Country. With hands on training, you will be able to fine tune your skills enjoying the thrills and spills of off road driving safely and competently. Further information on hotel's own website.

The Bedford Hotel

Two Bridges, Dartmoor

Garden Breaks in Devon

The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock or Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Treat yourself to a fabulous Garden Break based at the charming Bedford Hotel in Tavistock or the Two Bridges hotel on Dartmoor. The break includes entrance to three of the best gardens in Devon and Cornwall. This great-value Garden Break includes

• Three Nights accommodation
• Hearty Dartmoor Breakfast each morning
• Four Course Dinner on two evenings
• Entrance to three gardens of your choice
• Choose from: Eden Project ~ Lost Gardens of Heligan ~ The Garden House ~ Buckland Abbey

Price: only £225.00 per person, based on 2 sharing a standard twin/double room. Offer valid until 31st October 2008.

Westonbirt Arboretum

The Old Bell in spring

Garden Breaks

Cotswolds
Westonbirt Arboretum, Britain's third most popular garden destination, is famous for its acres of rare trees and shrubs, spectacular in spring and autumn.

The Old Bell Hotel and Restaurant ~ Garden Lovers Break ~ £155 per room per night
Relax and enjoy the excellent hospitality at this charming country hotel situated next to the ancient abbey in Malmesbury on the edge of the Cotswolds. Comfortable lounges with squashy sofas, luxurious bedrooms and superb food and wine will ensure a relaxing stay. Special breaks in spring and summer include:

• Full English breakfast
• Three-course Dinner in the award-winning Restaurant on one night
• Entry to Westonbirt Arboretum

Special midweek price: 285.00 for 2 people for 2 nights, valid Sunday to Thursdays.

Offer based on 2 sharing a twin/double room, minimum 2 night stay, subject to availability. Superior rooms and single rooms available at a supplement.

Gardens - Sussex

The gardens at Gravetye Manor, a classic Country House Hotel in West Sussex, were created by William Robinson, pioneer of the English natural garden when he lived at Gravetye from 1884 to 1935. The variety and charm of the arrangement of trees and shrubs, the landscaping and the layout of the different types of garden at Gravetye can still be enjoyed today. The gardens are open only to guests staying at the hotel. The hotel is also well-placed for visiting the beautiful gardens at Wakehurst, Leonardslee and Sheffield Park.

Delphinium

Garden Tours - Swinton Park, North Yorkshire

Enjoy a fabulous garden tours break staying at this luxurious castle hotel bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Two-night breaks include a guided tour of two magnificent gardens, dinner each evening and luxury accommodation with full Yorkshire breakfast. Further details on the hotel's own website or on request from the hotel. Castles, Abbeys and Follies Guided Tours also available.

Golf Breaks in Cornwall ~ Enjoy a golf break at the St Enodoc Hotel in Cornwall

Why not come away to Cornwall for a few days of golfing? The hotel will book your preferred starting time (subject to availability) and provide the necessary passes to play at any of the following courses, which we have selected for their proximity to the hotel, their variety and their golfing challenge. Itineraries can be arranged to suit your own personal requirements. We will arrange everything for you, and just add the cost of the golf to your account. If you would like to play at any golf club not mentioned, please just ask.

ST. ENODOC ~ Provides two superb eighteen-hole courses adjoining the hotel. There is the renowned Church course, a links course measuring 6207 yards and the shorter Holywell course that is 4142 yards. It should be noted that no 3 or 4 ball matches can be played before 11.00am on the Church course and handicap certificates of 24 or below for men and 28 for women will be requested.

TREVOSE ~ An outstanding links golf club with one eighteen-hole (6608 yards) and two short nine-hole courses. Within 35 to 45 minutes of the hotel. The same handicap certificate requirements apply as St. Enodoc course.

ROSERROW ~ A new 6172-yard course within 10 minutes of the hotel in rolling countryside near the sea. The club offers many other sporting facilities including heated indoor swimming pool. No certificates are required and buggies are available.

LANHYDROCK ~ An attractive and friendly country course 25 minutes from the hotel at Bodmin. Excellent golf shop and practice facilities.

PERRANPORTH ~ A picturesque links course overlooking Perranporth bay. Measuring 6020 yards, with many blind tee shots on dogleg holes, this is a great challenge for all seasoned golfers.

BOWOOD ~ Another beautiful country course measuring 6748 yards and within 30 minutes of the hotel. Buggy hire available.

ST. MELLION ~ This well-known golf club is one hour from the hotel and offers two 18-hole courses, the championship Nicklaus course at 6651 yards and the Old Course at 5782 yards.

Golf Breaks in Devon ~ Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park

The Old Course at Bovey Castle is a beautiful and challenging championship course. In 2003 the course was carefully restored and updated under the creative eye of renowned Scottish architects, Donald Steel and Tom Mackensie.

Enjoy the luxurious facilities at Bovey Castle and several rounds of golf during your stay on their exclusive golfing package. Both one and two nights breaks are available. Please request full details from the hotel or check their website.

GOURMET EVENINGS ~ The Bath Priory Hotel and Restaurant, Bath

Once a month we invite you to join us in the drawing room at 7.30pm for a champagne and canapé reception. This is followed by a 4-course gourmet dinner, introduced by our guest speaker, to include featured wines with each course, coffee and homemade petit fours.

Prices start from £95.00 per person.

Luxury En-suite Accommodation: For you to take full advantage of our Gourmet Dinner events, we are delighted to offer overnight accommodation, based on two people sharing a twin or double room, including full English breakfast and use of our Garden Spa Beauty Retreat, from £99.00 per person, per night. (Subject to availability).

See also Cookery at Swinton Park above for other gourmet weekends.

Old Mill and Swan

Have a go at. . . Weekends ~ It's a Funny Business in association with Verve-Venues offer: -

A brand new concept in fun weekends away, in a relaxed and friendly environment - with good food, fine wine and great company, with an expert in your chosen field. Our Have a go at...Stand-up comedy Weekends are hosted by comedian Bobby Bragg and comedy actor John Arthur.

"If you want to learn about comedy, Bragg's your man. He's one of the grand masters." - Frank Skinner

"No-one knows more about how to make humour work and how to put people at their ease than John" - Sir Michael Gambon

Join our experts for other Have a go at…Weekends which include: -

• close-up magic
• astrology/tarot
• comedy writing
• belly dancing
• Shakespeare

Weekends are from Saturday morning until mid afternoon on Sunday. All prices are inclusive of VAT, and cover lunch and dinner on the Saturday, bed and breakfast, and lunch on the Sunday. Special rates can be negotiated for partners who would like to come for the weekend but not participate, and for a room on the preceding Friday night if required.

Special offer - for parties of ten or more one person goes free.

Also for parties of ten or more (up to a maximum of 20), weekends of your choice can be arranged at one of Verve-Venues 29 superb venues throughout the UK. (Subject to availability)

www.itsafunnybusiness.com/index.html

Health & Beauty Breaks

For a selection of Health & Beauty Breaks, please go to our dedicated Health & Beauty pages.

Honeymoon ~ Devon

Bovey Castle, Dartmoor, Devon

Book a Summer Romance break at Bovey Castle for your honeymoon.

Arrive at lesiure; chilled champagne & strawberries will await you in your room. On the first morning of your stay take some time to experience one of the following activities together:

• Horseriding on the Moor
• Relaxing Full Body Massage
• Tennis Lessons
• 18 Holes of Golf Archery & Target Shooting

The evening will begin with champagne cocktails in the Library's private portico the perfect place to enjoy the stunning views of the Estate and surrounding moorland, following this a private dinner will be hosted in the Castle Library for the perfect intimate evening. Retire for a sumptuous stay in one of our beautifully decorated rooms with stunning views across Dartmoor's wildly romantic scenery.

Awake the following and enjoy a private breakfast in your room. Spend the morning enjoying another of the activities as listed above, or alternatively take a trip around Dartmoor. After a morning of activity, relax with a champagne picnic in our beautiful Summer House intimately set amidst the glorious herbaceous borders, laze in the sunshine and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Castle's Estate. To end the perfect day take a hot air balloon trip (a supplement will apply); simply the best way to take in all of the stunning scenery and admire the beautiful sunset.... For a glamorous finale to your stay, dinner for two will be hosted in our spectacular 1920's Palm Court Dining Room. The following morning enjoy a private breakfast in your room, followed by departure at leisure.

Please check hotel's website for current prices.

Honeymoon ~ Edinburgh

A Honeymoon filled with Romance

Edinburgh is definitely one of the most romantic cities in the world and Channings enjoys being positioned in this wonderful location, yet provides its own secret world of romance, being tucked away in tranquil South Learmonth Gardens, just off the beaten track so that you can enjoy peaceful privacy, but only minutes walk from Edinburgh’s capital city attractions. On your honeymoon you ideally want the best of both worlds – to be able to enjoy the privacy of a luxury hotel as well as being able to enjoy some good retail therapy as well as restaurant relaxation. Channings is able to offer you and your loved one all this plus more as it provides a country-style tranquillity in a city setting where you’ll be charmed by our friendly people. Special honeymoon packages are available and we are happy to tailor-make to your specific requirements.

The following is a sample price based on a 2-night stay in one of our exclusive Superior Bedrooms: £240 per person for two nights including:

• 2 nights luxury accommodation in a Superior bedroom
• Full Scottish Breakfast each day
• 3-course dinner in Channings Restaurant, including coffee and a bottle of wine
• Champagne cocktails prior to dinner
• Champagne and Chocolates in your room

Horse Riding ~ Bovey Castle, Devon

Bovey Castle's own Equestrian Centre offers lessons in all disciplines, as well as hacks across the moors, and the chance to stop off and picnic at one of the many prehistoric or neolithic sites that give Dartmoor National Park its importance as part of England's cultural heritage. Also, pony trekking and a Miniature Pony Centre for children.

Llama Trekking

For something a bit different, try llama trekking in Dorset - lead a llama through the lovely Dorset countryside and visit Dorset's Jurassic Coast - designated a World Heritage Site. The llamas are gentle, easy to handle and great fun to be with, and will carry your load for you including a delicious picnic lunch. Guided day treks, tailored to your individual requirements and pace, are available from New House Farm in Dorset set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Bed and breakfast farmhouse accommodation is also available if you wish to stay a bit longer. Llama treks cost from approx. £45 including a picnic lunch. Further details on www.ukllamas.co.uk.

The Bedford Hotel

Two Bridges Hotel

MURDER, MYSTERY EVENTS

The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock, Devon

Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor National Park, Devon

A weekend of murder, mystery, suspicion and suspects . . .

• Arrive on Friday and settle into your luxury accommodation (but be careful when you open the wardrobe - a body could be anywhere !)
• Join your fellow detectives for canapés before a sumptuous four course dinner. But no time for idle chat - things are happening around you. Is that waitress really a member of staff ?
• Retire to the safety of your bedroom and ponder the events of the day
• On Saturday enjoy a full English Breakfast before a day free to enjoy as you please. But return in time for the continuation of the plot over another wonderful dinner
• Sunday brings proceedings sadly to an end with the post mortem after breakfast

Two Bridges Weekend, Dates: 17th & 18th October 2008 ~ Cost £225.00 per person.

Murder Mystery Evening

• Join your fellow detectives for canapés served in the lounge as the scene is set
• Enjoy a gourmet four course dinner with clues to gather and bodies to examine
• The evening is hosted by professional actors but who are they ? Surely not that nice old lady sitting on the next table...
• All is eventually revealed with the post mortem over coffee and a prize for the best “Sherlock Holmes”

Cost per person £39.95 (December £ 45.00)

Dates for 2008:

3rd May - Bedford
13th June - Two Bridges
26th September - Bedford
5th,13th & 19th December - Two Bridges
6th, 12th & 20th December - Bedford

Pudding Club Breaks in the Cotswolds at Three Ways House ~ Home of the Pudding Club

Founded at Three Ways House Hotel in 1985 to prevent the demise of the traditional great British Pudding, the Pudding Club and its members can now proudly claim that because of their efforts the great British Pudding has reclaimed an enthusiastic following throughout the country - and beyond. During June, July and August, the Pudding Club features summer delights like Gooseberry Fool and bowls of Summer Red Berries as well as Summer Pudding itself. Traditionalists won't be left out, as the parade of seven puddings will still include favourites like Syrup Sponge and Sticky Toffee. With drinks served in the Patio Garden, the Summer Pudding Club is a lovely Midsummer occasion! You don't need to be a member to attend a meeting. Today there is a full colour recipe book, the annual Great British Pudding Festival, a range of Pudding Club gifts - and even 'Puddings by Post' from the 'Home of the Pudding Club' itself.

Two Night Pudding Club Break - Attend a meeting of the Pudding Club, generally held on the first and third Friday of each month. This involves eating or sampling a selection of seven delicious puddings to find the Pudding of the Night! Stay overnight and take an English Breakfast before exploring the local area. On Saturday night dine in the main restaurant from the Table d'Hote menu, departing after breakfast on Sunday morning.

Pudding Club Prices:

• Pudding Club evening £28 per person
• Two night Pudding Club break £190 per room, per night

Swinton Park

Racing Breaks - Swinton Park, Yorkshire

Regular Racing Breaks
Swinton Park can organise a racing break for a selection of race meetings at Ripon, Thirsk, Catterick, Wetherby and York, all within an hour’s drive, which includes a morning trip to the local stables and exercise gallops at Middleham, a pre-race lunch, entry to the races and transport. This package costs from £60 per person (costs vary depending on the race meeting), please contact reception about availability and dates. Further details on the hotel's own website.

Romantic breaks - Cornwall

The Porthminster Hotel in St Ives is a magical location for a romantic holiday. Choose from a gorgeous double-spa room or four poster bedroom to set the romantic scene, with chilled Champagne and flowers on your arrival. Take a moonlit walk across the beach under the clearest, starriest skies you’ve ever seen. Curl up for the evening with some romantic music or a movie, or relax in the indulgent double-spa (with rose petals to scatter over the water if you wish). The romantic escape package is available with Suites, Best Rooms and Sea View Rooms (please see hotel tariff for prices) with a supplement of £38 per person, fully inclusive of:

• Chilled Champagne on arrival
• Bouquet of flowers
• Single red rose on the bed
• Rose petal bath
• Chocolates to share
• Selection of romantic CDs and poetry to enjoy in your room

If you feel like exploring Cornwall in style, why not hire a classic open-topped car for the day (or for your whole stay) so you can feel the wind in your hair and find the perfect secluded picnic spot (picnic hamper available at a supplement).

Say ‘Will you marry me?’ or ‘I love you’ in a memorable way with a message in the sky. A plane will fly over the beach pulling a banner emblazoned with your personal message. (Please order at least 14 days in advance).

Whilst you are enjoying a romantic break at The Porthminster why not renew your wedding vows? From only £100 for room hire. Prices for the above extras on request from the hotel.

Romantic breaks - Lake District

Indulge in a romantic break at the luxurious Linthwaite House Hotel overlooking Lake Windermere in the beautiful English Lakes. The romantic package includes a bottle of house Champagne, box of handmade chocolates and a bunch of red roses in your room on arrival and costs an additional £68 to the normal short-break rates, inclusive of full English breakfast and delicious four-course Dinner. The break also includes complimentary use of nearby spa with pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, squash and gym.

Total Romance Package
The total romance package will melt any heart with rose petals strewn on the pillow, champagne on arrival; a book of Lakeland romantic poetry and a list of ten top spots for proposals (which can be sent under plain brown cover to keep your plans under wraps). There is also a disposable camera to capture this cherished time together. The rate of £169 per person per night includes four-course table d'hote dinner and full English breakfast, served in bed if the mood takes you, and is valid for a two night minimum stay in a deluxe room. Optional extras include filling the room with roses; a champagne picnic hamper; a steamer trip on lake Windermere; and suite upgrade.

Royal Yacht Britannia Breaks, Edinburgh

This two-night short break is based at Channings and features a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored at the port of Leith. Visitors can board the Royal Yacht to take a look at the Royal Apartments, officers' quarters, captain's cabin, engine room, the bridge and galleys (www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk).
Prices include:

• Two nights luxury accommodation
• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Complete tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia
• Taxi transfer from the hotel to the Royal Yacht

Please check hotel's website for current prices.

Sheer Indulgence Break - Isles of Scilly

Escape to the unspoilt Isles of Scilly for a truly romantic break. Stay at Tregarthen's overlooking the harbour on the island of St Mary's and enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of the islands of Tresco, Bryher, Samson and St Martin’s. With luxurious bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and the sea-shore, two beaches, picturesque quay and the shops and galleries of Hugh Town all within easy walking distance from the hotel, Tregarthen's is the perfect destination for a romantic escape. Book their Sheer Indulgence break at a supplement of £75 (minimum three days notice required), inclusive of:

• Champagne and flowers
• Hand-made chocolates
• Rose petals for your bath
• Fresh fruit bowl
• Locally made biscuits and other little touches

Shopping & Sightseeing Luxury Short Breaks

Edinburgh offers an excellent variety of shops including famous Jenners, the oldest independent department store in the world and Princes Street offering all the well-known high street names together with a variety of specialist shops, plus a host of historic sights. Enjoy a luxury weekend shopping break at one of Edinburgh's luxury four and five-star townhouse hotels, choose from: Channings including:

• Two nights luxury accommodation
• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Three-course Dinner on one night
• £50 Jenners shopping voucher (per person)
• Taxi transfer to Jenners

Please check hotel's website for current prices. Offer based on 2 persons sharing a twin/double room, minimum 2 night stay, subject to availability. Single, superior and suite supplements apply.

Theatre Breaks ~ Edinburgh

Enjoy a luxury theatre break in Edinburgh taking in a show at the Festival City Theatre or The Playhouse (www.eft.co.uk). Stay at Channings
The package includes:

• Two nights luxury accommodation inclusive of full Scottish Breakfast
• Top price theatre ticket to the show of your choice
• Taxi transfer to the theatre
• Two course dinner on one night
• All taxes and service charges

Please check hotel's website for current prices of this break.

Theatre - Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon

For visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon, we recommend staying at Three Ways House, a friendly Cotswold village hotel in Mickleton near Chipping Campden. Three Ways House offers 48 individually designed bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and is ideally located for exploring the northern Cotswolds and approximately 20 minutes' drive of Stratford-upon-Avon (8 miles). Short breaks are available throughout the year offering excellent value for money. Three Ways House is also Home of the Pudding Club and delicious puddings are served every day. Children welcome.

Walking Holidays - The Wayfarers

Specialists in walking vacations since 1984, The Wayfarers is committed to providing inspired options for the very best of travel on two feet. Freedom of spirit and a passion for adventure set the scene. They seek out expert local walk leaders and put the focus on exciting itineraries featuring diverse landscapes, gracious lodging and delicious regional cuisine.

Affordable pricing covers all accommodations, ground transfers, meals on itineraries, wine with dinner, entry to specified museums and historic sites, lectures and events. A wide range of destinations are available throughout England, Scotland and Wales from the mountains of Snowdonia to the Western Isles of Scotland.

Destinations include:Coast to Coast, Cornwall, Cotswolds, Dorset, Hadrian's Wall & The Lake District, Peak District, Royal River Thames, Yorkshire Moors & Dales, Wales - Snowdonia and Scotland - Loch Lomond & The Western Isles.

Further details on: The Wayfarers Walking Holidays.

Walking Breaks - Yorkshire Dales

NEW LUXURY WALKING BREAKS IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES
Swinton Park, The Yorke Arms and The Blue Lion have linked together to offer a walking package for those who like to combine the great outdoors with some of life’s little comforts and luxuries. Each venue shares several common features : excellent food, good service, luxury surroundings, and a string of awards to their name. At the same time, they each have their very individual characteristics : Swinton Park as a luxury castle hotel with spa; The Yorke Arms a restaurant with rooms and a Michelin star; and The Blue Lion as a traditional coaching house inn.

This is an opportunity to explore some of the lesser know areas of the Dales stretching across from the of picturesque dales of Nidderdale and Colsterdale, over bracing and open moorland to tranquil walks beside the River Ure in Wensleydale. Guests will be given a walking guide for each leg of the route, each of which starts with an overnight stay and includes free delivery of baggage on to the next night’s destination. Each leg is approximately 10-12 miles long, which involves some hill walking but is also quite easily achievable in a day’s walk, and picnics are available too. For further details, please contact Swinton Park - set in extensive grounds close the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 5RL. www.yorke-arms.co.uk

The Blue Lion, East Witton, Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4SN www.thebluelion.co.uk

Good walks can be enjoyed from many of our other hotels in the UK. Those listed below are located in areas particularly good for walking, and many provide details of Walking Routes, catering for different abilities:

Bovey Castle - situated in Dartmoor National Park in Devon
Linthwaite House Hotel - Windermere, Lake District - walks through lovely countryside and around the lake. Printed walking guides provided.
Temple Sowerby House - near Penrith, Cumbria
Three Ways House Hotel - Mickleton, Chipping Campden - The Cotswolds

Walking in the Cotswolds

Walking Breaks ~ The Cotswolds ~ Three Ways House

Cotswold Walking Weekends
The organised Walking Weekends are led by experienced Cotswold Wardens, all of whom have a wealth of local knowledge, which they will readily share with you. The walks vary in length, taking in some undulating and rough ground, but all of them are suitable for the moderately fit (although you may encounter many stiles). Saturday’s walk is usually 11–12 miles, whilst Sunday’s is approximately 8 miles – enabling you to return to the hotel for departure by mid or late afternoon. Walks from Three Ways House would typically take in the beautiful stretch up to Kiftsgate Court and Hidcote Manor, walking on up to Lark Stoke where the views are stunning, dropping down into the village of Ilmington, through to the Foxcote Estate and Ebrington (known to the locals as Yubberton) and then walk back to Mickleton through Hidcote Boyce and down Bakers Hill.

This is generally how the Cotswold walking weekends work (with seasonal variations):

Friday ~ Arrive at your leisure on Friday afternoon. The Pudding Club meeting kicks off at 7.30 with a drinks reception when your host will explain the history and rules of the club. You will then have a choice of three light main courses before the highlight of the evening, a parade of seven traditional puddings, which might include Spotted Dick, Sussex Pond or Lord Randalls. You will be invited up to the Pudding Buffet until you say enough! Relax over coffee and cast your vote for the ‘Pudding of the Night’.

Saturday ~ After a good night’s sleep you will be ready for breakfast and a chance to start walking off the puddings. Leave the hotel by 9.15 for today’s walk, which will be approximately 11 miles long. Put your best foot forward and you should be back for 3.30 ish. After a relaxing bath or shower, sit by the fire with a cup of tea or enjoy a pint of beer in Randalls. Dinner in the evening will be in our main restaurant, a fulfilling 3–course affair. Retire to the lounge for coffee or Randalls Bar for a nightcap.

Sunday ~ Start Sunday morning with a hearty English breakfast. Today’s walk will start from the hotel and will be about 8 miles, arriving back at the hotel by 2.30 ish. The format of both weekends will be familiar to those of you who have enjoyed a walking weekend with us before.

The price is £220 per person including accommodation, dinner, breakfast, packed lunches, guides and VAT at 17.5%. There are a limited number of superior, pudding and single rooms available from £255 to £275 per person.

Dates for 2008:

• January 11th-13th
• February 8th-10th
• April 25th-27th
• June 20th-22nd
• July 4th-6th
• September 5th-7th
• October 17th-19th
• November 21st-23rd

Really relax - stay on Sunday night for a very special rate of £68 per person to include a three-course dinner and breakfast.

Easter Break - Friday 21st - Monday 24th March 2008
The Easter break includes 3 nights accommodation, dinner - including a Pudding Club meeting, breakfast, 2 packed lunches, 2 days guided walking, plus an easy self guided walk with entrance to Kiftsgate Court - an award-winning garden on the third day.

Price: £285 per guest sharing a double/twin room. Single, superior and pudding theme rooms are available from £345 to £375 per guest.

Summer Walking Break - Sunday 3rd - Thursday 7th August 2008
This four night Summer Break includes 3 days guided walking, a visit to 2 local gardens, 2 picnic lunches, a pub lunch, dinner each evening including a Pudding Club meeting, overnight accommodation and full breakfast.

Price: £360 per guest sharing a double/twin room. Single, superior and pudding theme rooms are available from £410 per guest.

Or if you prefer to walk as an individual or with a group of friends, Three Ways House makes an ideal base and offers some great walking in this beautiful part of the Cotswolds - the English Countryside at its best. The hotel offers short breaks throughout the year offering excellent value for money and well behaved dogs are welcomed. Everything you need for a walking break is to hand including: • Guide Books and Maps - a wide range available • Planned Routes with recommended refreshment stops • Packed lunches available to order • Drying Room available for wet clothes and boots • Return to supper or a refreshing pint of ale.

The Cotswold Way is a 104 mile long public footpath passing through many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, running between Chipping Campden in the north and Bath in the south. It runs along a high escarpment and crosses hills of neolithic limestone - the distinctive golden-hued stone from which many Cotswold towns and villages are built.

Walking ~ Hadrian's Wall National Trail, Northumbria

Visitors can now walk the entire 84-mile length of Britain's Roman frontier - Hadrian's Wall. This coast to coast trail, from the Wallsend fort in Newcastle to Cumbria's Solway Firth takes around one week to walk for the reasonably fit, although there are also 40 easy circular walks, making it ideal for a weekend break. Rich in Roman heritage, there are many fascinating historic sites and museums to visit along the Wall. A special bus service travels between the key points (number AD122) and leaflets on day walks are available. Further details on: www.hadrians-wall.org and www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall. Stay at Temple Sowerby House near Penrith, within a short drive of Hadrian's Wall.

Wedding cake at Channings in Edinburgh

Weddings

Many hotels featured on this site hold Civil Wedding Licences and/or are suitable for Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions. This is noted on each individual hotel page, in the details section at the end. However, the hotels below offer particularly pleasant gardens or setting for a wedding. Please contact the hotel direct for further details. Our Edinburgh hotel, Channings, also offers fabulous wedding packages, Channings.

Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Hartwell House Hotel and Spa, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Linthwaite House Hotel, Windermere, Lake District

Whisky Galore Luxury Break

Whisky lovers will appreciate a short-break featuring The Scotch Whisky Experience, based at Channings
The break includes:

• Two nights luxury accommodation inclusive of full Scottish Breakfast
• Scotch Whisky Tour - the history and mystery of Scotch whisky making revealed
• Taxi transfer to the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
• Two course dinner on one evening
• All taxes and service charges

Please check hotel's website for current prices of this break.

Wine Weekends at Temple Sowerby House, nr Penrith, Cumbria

EXPLORING SPAIN & PORTUGAL
This Wine Weekend will provide you with an overview of Spain and the wines served during the weekend will come from many different regions, each with it's own character. Portugal, too, is changing, having long been protected from fashionable trends. The local grape varieties used are virtually all found only in Portugal, such as the Touriga Nacional. This has long been known as a Port grape, but is being used to make great red table wines, too. As well as an overview of Portuguese wines, we will be tasting some of the lesser known, but quite delicious, wines of this underrated country.

Spain is a large country with a great variety of cultures, climates and geography. It is also a world-class producer of wines, from fine whites, through meaty, spicy reds, sparkling wines and, of course, sherry. More than 50 recognised wine regions grow a wide range of grape varieties, many of them only grown in Spain. In recent years, wine-making in Spain has changed out of all recognition and is now a modern, thriving community. Happily, old-fashioned standards are still being applied, so there has been as much of an improvement in quality as in quantity.

As on previous occasions, our chef, Ashley Whittaker, has created two delicious menus for the dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings. Both of these set menus will include dishes based on the cuisine of Spain. All-in-all, a marvellous introduction to the almost 'forgotten' wines of this fascinating part of Europe. The weekend includes:

• a 2-night stay with full breakfast each morning
• a reception with canapes each evening
• 3-course dinner with selected wines on Friday evening
• a fully tutored afternoon wine tasting on Saturday
• a 4-course gourmet dinner on Saturday

Price: £270 per person, in a superior room. Dates: 18 April 2008 to 20 April 2008.

For further info. please contact Temple Sowerby House.

Please mention breakswithtradition.com when booking any of the Special Breaks above - thank you.

NB All above Special Interest events and activities are subject to availability.

New Special Interest activities are being added to this page frequently . . .
don't forget to come back and take a look!