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Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Telegraph
The 15 best day trips from London
London's unstoppable nature – its restaurants, bars and vibrant energy – are hard to resist. Yet sometimes, a brief escape is just what's needed. The city's prime location makes countryside or coastal adventures wonderfully accessible. Whether it's fish and chips on the Kent coast or a wander through a quintessential stately home, high-speed trains and scenic routes from the capital make exploring England's beauty achievable in a single day out. We've selected 15 of the best day trips from London, ideal for recharging without requiring a weekend away. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Cape Town. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, see our expert guides to London's best hotels restaurants, nightlife, shopping and things to do. Find a day trip by type: Best for culture Blenheim Palace Taste upper crust English life This grand baroque masterpiece – the birthplace of Winston Churchill – is one of Britain's finest stately homes. Marvel at gilded state rooms, explore the great lake's mirrored reflections and stroll through Capability Brown's parkland. It's also brilliant for families with an epic adventure playground to keep the kids happy. Events and exhibitions run year-round too, and, in summer, rowing boats are available for hire. Blenheim's picturesque nearby village of Woodstock also offers boutique shops and gastropubs for lunch.
FACT
30-04-2025
- FACT
Destination London: Step into a glorious Georgian gem at Montcalm Mayfair
Located near Marble Arch, it is also home to Lilli by Akira Back. The English garden has long been a symbol of national pride. From the sweeping landscapes of Capability Brown to the meticulous displays at the Chelsea Flower Show, it showcases a calm and confident elegance. The same can be said about Montcalm Mayfair, Autograph Collection, which has drawn inspiration from great gardens and greater characters, and created a five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Marble Arch, London. FACT was among the first media outlets to dine, drink, and stay at the refurbished hotel, and found it to be a glamorous gem. Marble Arch often feels more like a thoroughfare, rather than a destination. Montcalm Mayfair is within walking distance of Mayfair's fine dining restaurants, Notting Hill's famous neighbourhood and Oxford Street's shops. Situated on Wallenberg Place, the hotel offers a discreet entrance and an unexpected sense of serenity. When we arrived at Montcalm Mayfair, the smell of Penhaligon's products and flowers filled the air. The hotel, formerly known as Montcalm Marble Arch, underwent a one-year renovation. Architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica are behind the refined result. The restoration preserves the building's Georgian history, and weaves the beauty of the era's gardens into its design. The space features shades of green, potted plants and flower bud-shaped chandeliers. Nadira Lalji, director at Precis Advisory Limited, explained: 'This characterful independent spirit heralds a new flagship for our small collection of hotels. A thoughtful top-to-toe renovation that shows fresh imagination thanks to our creative team, excited to share their love of stories, characters and history from its neighbourhood.' Rooms and suites Montcalm Mayfair is home to 151 rooms and three suites. We walked along the newly carpeted corridors, and the smell of fresh paint was still in the air. We checked into the studio, which spanned 18 metres square. Everything was sleek and sophisticated – a full-length mirror slid to open the wardrobe and close the bathroom, and the dark wooden bed frame had hidden drawers offering extra storage. The nod to glorious gardens continued in the room, from the artwork to books. The room boasted Penhaligon's hair and body wash, Frette bed linens and a sink-into-sleep king-size bed. The white marbles were offset by gold, and the white sheets were punctuated by terracotta pillows. Our only gripe: we were next to a fire exit, and could hear it shutting during the day. If you're after plush privacy, the Botanical Suite feels like an apartment in the heart of the city. Located on the ground floor, the suite comes with its own entrance, and designer Camille Rousseau has brought the garden theme to full floral life. Restaurants and bars If you want to make a day and night of Montcalm Mayfair, come for Lilli by Akira Back and stay for cocktails at The Bar. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast offers a variety of cuisines, including a Continental Breakfast, English Breakfast, Shakshuka, and Vegan Masala Omelette. What the buffet lacks in breadth, it makes up for with a high-quality selection of cheeses, meats and freshly baked pastries. The all-day menu spans starters, grills, mains, sides and desserts. The menu is concise yet diverse, ranging from a quintessentially British Beef Wellington to a Japanese Wasabi-Marinated Celeriac. No trip to an Akira restaurant is complete without trying its namesake, Akira Back Wagyu Pizza. The simple yet successful signature dish includes F1 striploin from Australia, topped with shiso, tomato, and truffle. The Dynamite King Shrimp was just that – dynamite. On our visit, The Library had not fully opened. We had a sneak peek inside the laid-back yet luxurious lounge. The shelves include books on London and pictures of colourful characters. Get transported back in time – à la Bridgerton – and rub shoulders with the portraits ranging from Elizabeth Montague, the founder of the Bluestocking Society, to violinist George Bridgetower. And, if you want something more up-to-date, Michael Jackson used to check into the hotel. Facilities Yātrā Signature Spa prides itself on offering a holistic wellness experience. The treatments draw from ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, and range from facials to massages. The spa features treatment rooms, a plunge pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, and a gym. Plus, there are yoga and meditation spaces. The Spa Manager worked her magic, treating us to a transformative Deep Tissue Massage. With an intuitive balance of strength and sensitivity, she anticipated our needs – breaking us down and putting us back together again. The treatment blended traditional techniques that melted away shoulder tension, and guided stretches that opened up the body. The Verdict Throughout the stay, the staff were smart and smiley. They went above and beyond with every request, from early check-in to late check-out and remembering preferences, including teas and tastes. After mentioning my dinner guests' birthdays in passing, they even surprised them with a cake and a candle. As they were happy to help, we could truly relax. Montcalm Mayfair puts the calm into Mayfair. GO: Visit for more information.
The Guardian
03-04-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Henman Hill to get shelter under fresh Wimbledon expansion plans
Different generations of tennis fans may disagree on its name – to traditionalists it will always be Henman Hill, millennials probably plump for Murray Mound and gen Z may know it as Raducanu Rise or even, regrettably, Jack's Stack – but all ages can agree that bringing a little shelter to Wimbledon's most famous viewing area can only be a good thing. Wimbledon's Hill – which since 1997 has allowed tennis fans with a grounds pass to watch the action on No 1 Court live atop its grassy knoll – is getting a makeover, the All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC) has announced. A multimillion-pound development, due to be finished in time for the 2027 championships, will boost the Hill's capacity by 20% and improve accessibility for wheelchair users. Plans include a new pergola – and there is little Wimbledon likes more than a pergola – which will provide a space for more hanging plants to provide shade and protection from British summer rain. The pergola, which will replace the structure at the top of the Hill, will wrap around the area's 150-year-old oak tree while the AELTC hopes to make the area more environmentally sustainable by replacing tarmac paths with permeable resin. New accessible pathways to cross the slope aim to make the Hill easier to navigate for wheelchair users. 'The redevelopment of our world-famous Hill, in time for the championships 2027, will allow even more tennis fans to enjoy its unique atmosphere and vantage point,' said Deborah Jevans, the AELTC chair. 'I am particularly pleased that these plans will increase the accessibility of the Hill for our guests using wheelchairs or who have additional accessibility requirements. It is an exciting opportunity as we look towards 2027 and the 150th anniversary of the first championships.' A consultation for local residents to learn more about the plans and give feedback is planned on 10 April before a planning application is submitted to Merton council. The AELTC will hope it is a smoother process than it experienced with its plan to vastly expand its grand slam venue, which aims to add 39 courts and an 8,000-seat show court, and to restore a lake designed by Capability Brown. In January a campaign group, Save Wimbledon Park, started legal action to stop the expansion of the club, calling for a judicial review of plans to convert a swathe of the former Wimbledon Park golf course. The protest group says the development of the 29-hectare (72-acre) site – which was given planning permission in September by the mayor of London's office – is 'inappropriate'. Work on the new-look Hill will start after the 2026 championships, and is expected to be unveiled – presumably with Pimm's to toast the occasion – for the 150th anniversary of the tournament in 2027. Ruth Hopkins, general manager and head of access at the charity Level Playing Field, said: 'I am delighted that Level Playing Field has played an important role in working with the AELTC to enhance their world-famous hill to be an inclusive and accessible space for everyone attending Wimbledon. 'These plans will deliver significant improvements for all guests but particularly for those with accessibility requirements.'
Telegraph
06-03-2025
- Telegraph
The 12 best things to do in the Cotswolds
What a wealth of things to see: geography and history have combined to offer a great gamut of attractions in the Cotswolds, from beautifully sited country houses and some of the country's most glorious gardens to wonderful medieval churches and absorbing Roman remains. But the region is no time-warp; you'll find that its chocolate-box prettiness doesn't preclude contemporary enterprise and eccentric modern charm. Take the family to walk in the treetops of one England's greatest arboretums; introduce the kids to giraffes at eye height; learn about local gin, and enjoy a tipple. It would be a very tall call to explore all the venues the Cotswolds offers, so to advise and inspire we've selected these highlights. For further inspiration, see our guide to the Cotswolds and the best hotels, restaurants, pubs, afternoon tea and shopping in the area. Find things to do by area North Cotswolds Mid Cotswolds South Cotswolds North Cotswolds Get the best view of the Cotswolds from a tower Hike around Broadway Tower, a folly on the escarpment above picturesque Broadway, and you get the best views in the Cotswolds. Then visit the monument for its sheer eccentricity. Designed by Capability Brown and completed in 1798, the tower became a holiday home of William Morris. Insider tip: Intriguingly, one of the country's Cold War nuclear bunkers, still equipped from the 1980s, can be visited here. You clamber down a ladder for 45-minute tours conducted by retired members of the Royal Observer Corps. Explore one of England's most famous stately homes Set on the fringes of Woodstock, near Oxford, Blenheim Palace is utterly magnificent. The 18th-century Baroque mansion was built for General John Churchill after his decisive victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Today it's home to his descendant, the 12th Duke of Marlborough. There's a huge amount to see: the majestic state rooms; an exhibition on Winston Churchill, who was born here; an animated, interactive first-floor exhibition about Blenheim's scandals and family stories; the kitchens (seen on a Downstairs tour); a butterfly house. But best of all are the grounds, largely created by Capability Brown. Insider tip: Blenheim Palace has a fabulous collection of trees, particularly oaks. You'll see the best of these on a 45-minute walk around the lake and Grand Cascade. Visit an ancient church with compelling historical background Many of the famous Mitford sisters are buried at St Mary's Church in Swinbrook, which might be reason enough to visit. Yet there are other compelling sights in this ancient church (dating from the 12th century), especially the amazing tombs of the landowning Fettiplace family, whose effigies are stacked one above the other as if on shelves. From here you can also follow a path through fields to see 11th-century St Oswald's church. Get to know your spirits at a distillery tour Founded in 2014, The Cotswolds Distillery has become one of the Cotswolds' most popular attractions. Tours of the stills and warehouses (adults-only) finish with generous tastings; you'll learn about the botanicals from which the craft gin here is made, and about the single malt whisky first released in 2017. Insider tip: Down the road is Whichford Pottery, a studio handmaking flowerpots and offering a relaxing café and gallery (open daily about the same hours as the distillery). Frolic in a beautiful 1920s garden Kiftsgate Court Gardens is one of the most sublime of the Cotswolds' many great gardens. It was started in the 1920s and subsequently beautifully expanded, so there's an appealing mix of styles and planting. Come for the tulips, bluebells and especially the roses; in early to mid July the white Kiftsgate roses put on an amazing display. Step back in time in a 17th-century country house Chastleton House is a gem of a Jacobean country mansion – due to lack of money for generations of owners, it's wonderfully little changed since the 17th century. You walk through great panelled rooms, admire portraits and tapestries, marvel at a magnificent vaulted long gallery and hear intriguing tales from the National Trust volunteers. Insider tip: End your visit with a wander through the gardens. The topiary is terrific and there's even a 400-year-old mulberry tree. Channel Gulliver's Travels in a miniature village The Model Village is the most enchanting of the many family-friendly attractions in picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water. It's a one-ninth scale replica of the village, so most properties are just over knee-high to an adult. Complete with wonky guttering and little windows you can peer through, all the mini buildings are clad in Cotswold stone. Insider tip: While you're here, call in at Birdland, close to the centre of the village. Set across woodland and gardens beside the River Windrush, this magical nine-acre park is home to about 500 birds, from flamingos to pelicans, penguins and owls. Mid Cotswolds Immerse yourself in ancient Roman Britain Cirencester was once Corinium Dubunnorum, the second largest town in Roman Britain. The amazing ancient remains in its eponymous Corinium Museum range from fabulous mosaics to carvings – this is one of the best collections of Roman antiquities in the country. There are other displays, too, from Neolithic to Victorian times. Insider tip: For more Roman wonders head 10 miles north to the National Trust's substantial Chedworth Roman Villa complete with bathouse rooms. Discover an Arts and Crafts wonder This is a must-see for anyone who loves the fabrics, wallpapers, window dressings and more of William Morris, father of the Arts & Crafts movement. The artist, poet, printer, socialist and environmentalist first saw 17th-century Kelmscott Manor in 1871 and was enchanted. He quickly leased it with his artist friend Dante Gabriel Rossetti and it remained his favourite retreat until his death in 1896. Inside, see Morris's furniture and furnishings along with works by Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones and exquisite needlework by Jane and May Morris. Insider tip: Be sure to wander the grounds, too. Due to the layout of the house, there is a series of small walled gardens; these include a topiary dragon shaped by Morris – it looks a bit like a whale with a long tail. Get up close and personal with the animal kingdom Cotswold Wildlife Park, a private zoo and park, makes for an enchanting family day out. Rhinos graze in front of the Heyworth's Neo-Gothic stately home, meerkats play in close-knit groups, penguins gather for elevenses. There's an eye-to-eye giraffe walkway, a children's farmyard with goats (among others) to stroke, an adventure playground and much more. The vibe is utterly charming – and eccentric. Insider tip: Make sure you're here at noon for the daily lemur feeding session and talk with the keepers of the Madagascar animals. Visit one of the country's best farmers' markets Every Saturday from 9am until about 2pm the centre of Stroud offers a cornucopia of foodie delights, its streets and squares lined with some 80 stalls selling everything from freshly baked bread to pickles and pies. You'll find loaves from The Artisan Baker, honey from The Painswick Beekeeper, ales from Stroud Brewery and a host of street food such as dishes by Girish's Vegan Indian Food. Alongside are ceramics, soaps, jewellery and lots of seasonal veg. South Cotswolds Expand your horticultural knowledge From elegant acers to beautiful beeches, the 15,000 trees at The National Arboretum at Westonbirt are an inspiring collection that dates back to 1829. Walk some of the 17 miles of footpaths here and then head high; a 13 metre-high walkway runs some 300 metres (about the same length as London's Millennium Bridge) and offers a wonderful outlook over the canopy. Insider tip: Come in spring for outrageous colour from rhododendron blooms, in summer for fantastic walks with picnics under magnificent cedars, in autumn for terrific leaf colour from acers, and in winter for illuminated trails. Enjoy Baroque magnificence Eight miles north of Bath, Dyrham Park is a beautiful Baroque country mansion set in 270 acres of parkland complete with ancient trees. Much of the joy of a visit here is to wander the grounds and the formal gardens. Make time to visit the house, too; it contains some of the National Trust's finest tapestries and furniture. Insider tip: Dyrham Park's greenhouse is not only striking – when built in the 17th-century it used the latest technology – but it was a political statement at the time too, as it was used for growing oranges, and thus, showing support for the controversial king, William of Orange. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Harriet O'Brien's work has taken her from Amsterdam to Amritsar, Belgium to Burma and of course numerous destinations in Britain. She lives in the Cotswolds – which she says 'ranks in my top five most beautiful places in the world'.
