Staycation inspiration: great British autumn escapes and winter getaways

SCOTLAND

Ski the Scottish Highlands
For winter sports enthusiasts seeking a ski fix, there has never been a better time to explore the gullies and pistes of the Scottish Highlands. On this new private trip by Wilderness Scotland, guests will enjoy the finest skiing that the country has to offer, including Glenshee, Scotland’s largest ski area, the back bowls of the Nevis Range and off-piste in the Cairngorms. Each group will have their own private ski host who will assess conditions each morning and deliver skiers to the finest snow. For the days when skiing is not possible, the host will lead the group in other winter activities such as mountain biking through Caledonian pine forests to winter walking, with ice axe and crampon skills. From £885 per person based on a group of four sharing, including four nights’ B&B accommodation, services of a ski host, ski pass or alternative guided activities, and transfers with Wilderness Scotland.

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK, WALES

Snowdonia: from sea to summit
Inntravel’s self-guided walking holiday showcases some of Snowdonia National Park’s quieter corners and more surprising attractions. Beginning in the coastal town of Porthmadog, guests will walk past Glaslyn Estuary, where giant leatherhead turtles can be seen, and pick their way among quiet sandy coves, each perfect for a wild swim, to the town of Criccieth on the Llyn Peninsula.

Riding the historic steam-pulled Welsh Highland Line, guests travel further into the mountains with a two-night stay in Beddgelert, where a circuit takes walkers to a Victorian copper mine and past the waterfalls of Afon Cwm Llan. The final two nights are spent in Llanberis, reached after a walk from Rhyd Ddu through one of the National Park’s remotest landscapes, an area little-touched by roads. From Llanberis guests can strike out for the summit of Snowdon on foot or by train, or escape the crowds with a lakeside circuit of Llyn Padarn. From £690pp sharing, including six nights’ B&B accommodation, two picnics, two dinners, route notes and maps and return transfer to car. Available until 31 October 2021 and from 1 March to 31 October 2022.

LEICESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND

Keythorpe Hall
This spectacular Grade II-listed Georgian house will open its doors for the first time as a private countryside retreat in October. Featuring a historic working walled garden, Keythorpe Hall is located on the border of Rutland and Leicestershire and can be rented in its entirety for small groups of up to 20 guests. “Field to fork” gastronomy is a major focus at the private house. Chef Nurdin Topham, who secured a Michelin star for his eponymous restaurant NUR in Hong Kong, will create and curate a food experience for guests that showcases local produce. Keythorpe Hall sleeps up to 20 guests with pricing starting from £14,000 per night (minimum two-night stay) including all meals, drinks and service and the full use of the house and grounds.

FIFE, SCOTLAND

Fife’s coastal corner
In 2022, the Fife Coastal Path, which runs for 116 miles between Newburgh and Tayport, celebrates its 20th anniversary and Inntravel has introduced this new short walking break that takes in some of its very best bits. Beginning in Anstruther, a timeless seafaring village, the walks give guests the chance to discover everything that makes the region so special: quaint fishing villages; dramatic ruins that hint at a far-reaching history; an abundance of marine and birdlife; and some really excellent local food and drink – visit smokehouses, distilleries and a rather wonderful chocolate shop. The final two nights are spent in the university town of St Andrews, where there is a ruined castle and cathedral to explore, plus two glorious beaches and a world-famous golf course. From £345pp sharing, including four nights’ B&B accommodation, luggage transfers, route notes and maps and return transfer to car. Available until 31 October 2021 and from 1 March to 31 October 2022.

SURREY HILLS, ENGLAND

Beaverbrook
Beaverbrook, a quintessentially English estate overlooking the rolling Surrey Hills, offers an autumn escape package which includes overnight accommodation, full use of the spa facilities and a therapeutic treatment (90 minutes per person). Food and beverage options in the package include full English breakfast for two, a welcome bottle of Beaverbrook Bubbles to toast your arrival and a seasonal Anglo-Italian dinner at The Garden House restaurant with £55 credit per person. From £934 per room per night, based on two adults. Available for Sunday to Thursday stays until 30 November 2021.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND

Brook House Avening
Luxury Cotswold Rentals has recently welcomed Brook House to its portfolio. Located in the Cotswold village of Avening, near the market towns of Tetbury and Stroud, this six-bedroom family house offers ample space for entertaining across four reception rooms, plus a very large kitchen breakfast room that opens out onto the south east facing terrace. Sleeping 12 guests, Brook House is available for Christmas bookings from £7,000 per week.

COTSWOLDS, ENGLAND

Cotswolds Hideaways rural skills weekends
Holiday accommodation company Cotswolds Hideaways has teamed up with Cotswolds National Landscape to offer rural skills and experience weekends in October 2021 and from March to April 2022. Options include the Call of the Wild woodland experience, the Fossils and Fun Cotswolds stone experience, a one-day Foraging and Wild Foods course and a two-day Dry Stone Walling course. Book at the same time as a Cotswolds Hideaways stay and receive 10% off an experience or course.

AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND

Glenapp Castle’s woodland wellness retreat
Glenapp Castle, a 21-bedroom luxurious Relais & Chateaux hotel on the Ayrshire coast in Scotland, is partnering with Barbara Griffin of Transform Body + Mind to launch its inaugural Woodland Wellness Retreat on 26-27 November.

Prices start from £850 per person sharing a twin/double in a Garden View Suite or from £950 for single occupancy. Grand Garden View Suites are available from £900 per person sharing a twin/double or from £1,000 for single occupancy. The package includes two nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, all drinks that accompany meals, and fitness and life coaching practical sessions, workshops and relaxation time.

BY ACHNASHEEN, WESTER ROSS, SCOTLAND

The Torridon stargazing experience
Located in the north-west Highlands at the head of a magnificent sea loch, The Torridon is a former shooting lodge, built by the Earl of Lovelace, with 18 individually designed bedrooms and a 3 AA Rosette restaurant, 1887. The 58 acres of parkland surrounding the five-star hotel is classified as a “Bortle scale 1 or 2 location”, meaning that it is amongst the darkest locations on earth and one of the finest places to experience the night sky. Here, stargazing amateurs and aficionados will sight rich views of the Milky Way guided by renowned local astronomer Stephen Mackintosh, who will share his wealth of knowledge in a lecture and post-excursion Q&A session. Available between November and March, the stargazing experience starts at £515 for two people.

ENGLAND Northumbria: England’s Wild Frontier
Adventure tour operator Wild Frontiers has launched its first ever itinerary for England. This eight-day walking adventure will take in the wilds of Northumberland including spectacular waterfalls, the Roman remains of Hadrian’s Wall, The Holy Island of Lindisfarne (pictured), breathtaking views up to the highest fells in the Pennines and the magnificent fortress of Bamburgh. The tour costs from £1,945 based on two people sharing for eight days and excluding flights. Includes accommodation, meals, transport and entrance fees.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Kirkliston Castle
Kirkliston Castle, located just outside of Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, has been lovingly updated to give its interior a more contemporary feel while still honouring its past life. Nestled within 32 acres of private grounds, guests have plenty of space to enjoy total tranquillity and to feel as though they have completely escaped the hustle and bustle of daily life. With contemporary interiors and opulent furnishings across its 12 bedrooms and various entertaining spaces this home is ideal for those wanting to spend time with their loved ones in a space that feels truly royal. There’s also a private tennis court and a fully stocked bar, and the manicured grounds offer plenty of space to roam. From £4,198 per night via Homes & Villas by Marriott International.

LONDON, ENGLAND

The Shard wellness break by Shangri-La
Enjoy a sky-high overnight stay at Shangri-La The Shard in London, part of Spabreaks.com’s exclusive Elysium Collection. With this package for two, guests can unwind with a soothing 60-minute massage, access to the hotel’s iconic infinity sky pool and one night in a deluxe city view room.

Perfect for relaxing among the clouds, this midweek spa break allows guests full use of the luxurious spa facilities, all of which are located on The Shard’s Level 52 and include sauna, gym and the gorgeous pool. End the day with a restful sleep overlooking the city below, before heading for a delicious breakfast at TĪNG restaurant. From £382.50 per person, minimum of two people.

The Week Staff www.theweek.co.uk