England

The beating heart of England is London. Arguably one of the most exciting cities in the world: the capital is abuzz with culture, steeped in history and rich in beauty. Trendy bars spill out onto ancient squares, chic neighborhoods are home to vintage boutiques and world class restaurants are cached by rustic façades. Revel in the magic of a West End performance, indulge in spot of retail therapy in Knightsbridge, or stroll through the botanical paradise of Kew Gardens for the quintessential city break.

Away from the hubbub of the capital, pastoral England promises a postcard-perfect getaway. The Cotswolds showcase a handful of England’s finest country houses, striking churches and cream stone villages. The present day charm of this corner of England is perhaps best enjoyed over afternoon tea or at one of its many arts festivals which fill the summer calendar. Flanked by some of the most refined cities in the UK, the Cotswolds can easily be combined with the spa town of Cheltenham to the west, or the medieval city of Oxford to the east.

Further north, the Lake District offers wild beauty, with its tarns, fells and forests shaping the beautiful landscape. It is no wonder the poet William Wordsworth found inspiration in the traditional inns, scenic hikes and mysterious stone circles of the region. Also home to industrial powerhouses, Roman cities, and historic market towns, the North is a hive of activity for hiking, adventure and countryside retreats.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a better end to a day than being ensconced in the corner of an English pub, snuggled up next to a roaring log fire with a well-earned pint in hand, toasting a very British stay.