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A Local's Guide to Slow Travel in the Cotswolds & Cornwall

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<h2>3. Bath</h2>
<h4>BIKING THE 2,000-YEAR-OLD FOSSE WAY ALONG THE KENNET &amp; AVON CANAL</h4>
The Fosse Way is a Roman road of mid-1st c. origin, built partly along a temporary frontier line. This route is a cyclist&#8217;s dream as it&#8217;s one of the straightest roads in Britain! Following it out of the Cotswolds&#8217; high rolling hills, this route drops into the Bath basin and leads you directly into the heart of this UNESCO-listed city. The best way into Bath is along its canals. Great for cycling, the Kennet and Avon Canal passes aqueducts, locks and plenty of waterside hospitality in the form of inns, gastropubs and canal boat cafés. Hopping off of the canal at the Holburne Museum, you’ll find yourself in the centre of one of the prettiest towns in England, complete with cobbled streets and brilliant sandy limestone Georgian architecture.
Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Roman Baths, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-48882 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cycling-Bath-Canals.png" alt="Best Biking Routes In England Bath Canals" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cycling-Bath-Canals.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cycling-Bath-Canals-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cycling-Bath-Canals-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cycling-Bath-Canals-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/5/embed?mid=1aeQptvXhqBbZmmQlFHmuhd39ACGcK9O0" width="640" height="480"></iframe>
Distance: 35 km (21.7 mi.) from Tetbury and 100 km (62.1 mi.) from Moreton in Marsh (North to South Cotswolds Ride) 
Recommended Rider Level: Shorter route–Recreational. Longer route–Avid 
 Best times to ride: April-October
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<h2>4. Dartmoor</h2>
<h4>THE DARTMOOR WAY</h4>
The Dartmoor Way takes you through the wilds of Dartmoor National Park on a 95-mile signed circular route. You&#8217;ll cycle past ponies and deer, ancient ruins, granite Tors and through the Hound of the Baskervilles territory. This challenging route winds down lanes and over heathland to link the hills to Devon’s pretty thatched hamlets, villages, inns and more.
Insider Tip: Make sure to finish with a pint of locally brewed ale or a tasty Devonshire scone with jam and cream in one of Devon’s many great gastropubs.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-48883 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dartmoor.png" alt="Best Biking Routes England Dartmoor" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dartmoor.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dartmoor-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dartmoor-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dartmoor-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/5/embed?mid=1IGaQL3WNE03lWtGYi94VkdjPhwfnQ0CN" width="640" height="480"></iframe>
Distance: 152 km (94.4 mi.) 
Recommended Rider Level: Avid/Expert, depending on the number of days taken 
 Best times to ride: May-September

<h2>5. Devon</h2>
<h4>DEVON COAST TO COAST</h4>
From the seaside village of Ilfracombe on Devon’s North Coast to the bustling city of Plymouth in the South, the Devon Coast to Coast is a 99-mile route that leads you through the heart of Dartmoor. With jaw-dropping views from viaducts, through old railway tunnels, from sandy beaches to lush green river valleys and the vast moorlands of Dartmoor, this route captures the best of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2018/08/08/in-deep-devon-cornwall/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Devon</a>. Finish where the Pilgrim Fathers set off on the Mayflower with faith to carry them across the oceans 400 years ago. This ocean city boasts a lively waterfront and a fascinating maritime history.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-48899 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Devon-Coast-to-Coast.png" alt="The Best Bike Routes in England Devon" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Devon-Coast-to-Coast.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Devon-Coast-to-Coast-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Devon-Coast-to-Coast-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Devon-Coast-to-Coast-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/5/embed?mid=1JVI4nA6TOURTKO205Zxm6Bf7lBSDnPAZ" width="640" height="480"></iframe>
Distance: 160 km (99.4 mi.) 
Recommended Rider Level: Enthusiast/Avid 
 Best times to ride: May-September
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<h2>6. The Lake District</h2>
<h4>THE LAKELAND LOOP</h4>
This challenging 40-mile route is not for the faint-hearted, but you&#8217;ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views in England. Tracing the edges of Lake Coniston, this route doesn’t stay flat for long as it leads up into the mountains and over Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass—names that are enough to make any cyclist sweat as gradients will hit 30% at times. Although a challenge, the sweeping views over fells and tarns make this ride a cyclist&#8217;s dream. Be sure to stop in the pretty town of Coniston for lunch and a refreshing drink!
Insider Tip: Reward yourself with a post-ride stout at the Crown Inn’s beer garden or at the Yewdale to savour expansive views over the verdant green valley while you sip.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-48884 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lake-District.png" alt="Best Biking Routes Englad The Lakeland Loop" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lake-District.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lake-District-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lake-District-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lake-District-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1avIH6ztIcLhBhs2DCIHyfhATh7LPCuAH" width="640" height="480"></iframe>
Distance: 64 km (39.7 mi.) 
Recommended Rider Level: Expert 
 Best times to ride: April-June or September. Avoid peak summer season.
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<h2>READY TO RIDE?</h2>
Browse our full portfolio of <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/tripfinder/?fr=Italy&amp;fa=Biking">bike trips in England</a> or feel free to reach out to <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dane Tredway</a> to see how he can craft the perfect bike trip in England, tailor-made your way.

The 6 Best Bike Routes in England

Experts + Insiders

Hotels

Must Sees

See + Do

Europe

Ireland

Scotland

History Meets Modern Luxury: Top Hotels of England, Scotland and Ireland

Eat &amp; Drink

Insider's Guides

Canada

Quebec

North America

<h3><a href="https://www.paillard.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Café-Boulangerie Paillard</a></h3>
Hands down—the best croissants in town! Their fresh-baked bread and pastries, gourmet pizza and Italian-imported gelati impress, too. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-44195 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/paillard_001_720x460.jpg" alt="best places to eat in Quebec city" width="752" height="533" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/paillard_001_720x460.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/paillard_001_720x460-423x300.jpg 423w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Paillard has four locations within Quebec City, including their flagship shop centrally located in the Old Town.
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<h3><a href="http://restaurantinitiale.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Initiale </a></h3>
This Relais &amp; Châteaux establishment serves French haute cuisine in an understated—yet sophisticated—dining room. 
A three-course carte fuses meat and fish sourced from Quebec with the flavours of France, while a tasting menu allows you to sample a little bit of all of the chef’s top offerings.
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<h3><a href="http://battuto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Battuto</a></h3>
Tuck into seasonally inspired antipasti, hearty homemade pasta and all-around sublimely executed Italian food at Battuto. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-42702 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/battuto_001.jpg" alt="battuto, best places to eat in Quebec city" width="752" height="533" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/battuto_001.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/battuto_001-423x300.jpg 423w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Seating is limited in this cozy, minimalist space, so book your table well in advance.
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<h3><a href="http://cantookcafe.com/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cantook Micro Torrefaction </a></h3>
For your morning java or a midday pick-me-up, head to Cantook: an artisanal coffee shop that roasts all their beans in-house. 
Sip your brew in their cozy, wooden café—inspired by Canadian forests—or revel in the happenings of Rue Saint-Jean while seated in a chair out front.
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<h3><a href="https://piedbleu.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Le Pied Bleu</a></h3>
Le Pied Bleu is your classic bouchon, a type of bistro hailing from Lyon, France, whose focus is on rich meats and charcuterie.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-42715 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PiedBleu_002_720x460.jpg" alt="Pied Bleu, best places to eat in Quebec city" width="752" height="533" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PiedBleu_002_720x460.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PiedBleu_002_720x460-423x300.jpg 423w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Don’t miss the house-made boudin noir (black pudding), a 5-time medalist at the elite Foire au boudin (Black Pudding Festival) that’s held annually in Normandy, France.
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<h3><a href="http://www.lemoineechanson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Le Moine Échanson</a></h3>
At this bar au vin, natural wine is paired with creative tapas in an intimate setting with exceptional hosting. 
Knowledgeable servers guide you through their curated list of wine options—by the bottle or by the glass—and a menu that’s always on rotation depending on what’s in season.
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<h3><a href="http://www.honoizakaya.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hona Izakaya </a></h3>
For a break from French-Canadian dishes, visit this Japanese haunt where you can share plates of sushi, yakitori and sip on sake in a hip atmosphere with unstained wood benches, concrete walls and a touch of greenery. 
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<h3><a href="http://laplanquerestaurant.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Planque</a></h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-42725 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/laplanque_001.jpg" alt="best places to eat in Quebec city" width="378" height="240" />La Planque evokes the ambiance of a cozy, wood log cabin mixed with a rustic-chic gastropub. 
Their innovative takes on Canadian fare sees local meats like guinea fowl and duck be taken up a notch with crafty foams and purees. 
Ask for a seat at the bar so you can watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen. 
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<h3><a href="https://m.facebook.com/Kraken-Cru-841559542595409/?locale2=fr_CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kraken Cru</a></h3>
Spend your night tasting seafood and sipping on fabulous cocktails at this pirate-like tavern that specializes in a variety (up to 10!) of fresh oysters. 
With only about 20 seats and no reservations, make sure to show up early—I promise it’s worth the wait!

The 13 Best Places to Eat in Quebec City

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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.comohotels.com/en/metropolitanlondon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Como Metropolitan</a></h2>
The simple stylings of the Como Metropolitan offer a Scandi-chic option in the heart of Park Lane. Minimalist rooms see clean lines and fresh white walls, with pops of colour for added warmth. Large windows drench the guest rooms in sunlight and give way to views over London’s famous Hyde Park. 
The Como’s Nobu restaurant is a local favourite, serving Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine in a zen dining room. For a break from the shopping and museum hopping, book an appointment at the Shambhala wellness centre, featuring a tranquil spa and 24-hour gym. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43007 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-como-metropolitan_007_720x460-1.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-como-metropolitan_007_720x460-1.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-como-metropolitan_007_720x460-1-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/ham-yard-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ham Yard</a></h2>
The young-at-heart will be smitten with the whimsy of the Ham Yard. This quirky boutique hotel is bursting with colour and character, spread across its common areas and guest rooms. 
Topping it all off is a delightful rooftop terrace with wicker furnishings, hanging lanterns and greenery galore. Add to the playful atmosphere an onsite bowling alley and kid-friendly menus, and you have a hotel that’s perfect for the whole family. 
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-42631 size-full aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ham-yard_005_720x460.jpg" alt="top luxury hotels in london" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ham-yard_005_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ham-yard_005_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stjameshotelandclub.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. James Hotel Mayfair</a></h2>
This crimson-coloured Victorian mansion exudes old-world English charm with contemporary touches. Common areas see sparkling Murano chandeliers and walls lined with wood panelling and wallpaper, while guest rooms are fresh in pastel shades, taupes and greys.
Michelin-starred chef William Drabble is at the helm of the hotel’s two celebrated restaurants. You can tuck into French fare at one of only nine tables at the renowned Seven Park Place, or savour a seasonal British meal in the cozy William’s Bar &amp; Bistro. 
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-42633 size-full aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/St.-James_001_720x460.jpg" alt="top luxury hotels in london" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/St.-James_001_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/St.-James_001_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/browns-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brown’s Hotel</a></h2>
The Brown’s Hotel has welcomed guests through its doors since 1837. Effortlessly elegant, this five-star hotel delivers a proper British experience. Guest rooms appointed by world-famous interior designer, Olga Polizzi, see an eclectic—yet tasteful—mix of patterns and hues. The Brown’s includes a spa and three dining options: Italian at the Beck at Brown’s restaurant; caviar and cocktails at Donovan’s Bar; and an award-winning afternoon tea in The English Tea Room. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43008 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brown_002_720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brown_002_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brown_002_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.editionhotels.com/london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The London Edition</a></h2>
Find The London Edition in the city’s hip West End Fitzrovia neighbourhood. The feel is akin to a getaway in a luxury cabin, thanks to oak floors, wood-lined walls, soft lighting and furry throw blankets. Be sure to check out the Edition’s Berners Tavern, wherein an eclectic room covered in artwork, you can dine on innovative British cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. 
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-42638 size-full aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/london-edition_004_720x460.jpg" alt="top luxury hotels in london" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/london-edition_004_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/london-edition_004_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Lanesborough</a></h2>
Occupying a Neoclassical mansion in a corner of Hyde Park, inside The Lanesborough is just as regal as its exterior would suggest. Gold-leaf embellishments and ornate chandeliers are commonplace here, as are oil paintings and fresh flower arrangements. 
Guest rooms are awash in soft and sweet hues of pink, green and blue, in addition to floral fabrics and wool carpets. For added theatrics, each room also comes with a personal butler available on demand. The Lanesborough is home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Céleste and the exclusive Lanesborough Club &amp; Spa. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-42639 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/lanesborough_003_720x460.jpg" alt="top luxury hotels in london" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/lanesborough_003_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/lanesborough_003_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/number-sixteen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Number Sixteen</a></h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-42640 size-medium" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/number-sixteen_002_720x460-470x300.jpg" alt="top luxury hotels in london" width="470" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/number-sixteen_002_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/number-sixteen_002_720x460.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" />Number Sixteen enjoys a quiet location, set within a crisply white Victorian townhouse. A private English garden, darling outdoor terrace and lilypad-covered pond—combined with subtle glamour—make this markedly 5-star accommodation manage to feel like home. 
Put your days to rest after exploring nearby attractions—like the Victoria &amp; Albert Museum and Harrod’s—in vibrant guest rooms, with brilliant colours and bold patterns. Rooms overlook the leafy courtyard or face the white-stucco terraces of Sumner Place. 
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thehari.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hari Hotel</a></h2>
Find this sleek boutique hotel in Belgravia: the quintessentially British neighbourhood lined with white townhouses and lovely stone churches. Joining the area’s refined ambiance is the stylish decor of The Hari, where rooms draped in velvet fabrics are complemented by sparkling glass fixtures and chrome finishes. 
Mornings begin with a sumptuous spread that includes omelettes and fresh-pressed juices at its il Pampero restaurant. Come dinnertime, feast on southern Italian cuisine and homemade pasta in the restaurant&#8217;s glitzy vintage-inspired setting. You can burn off the extra carbs at the 24-hour fitness centre or continue to indulge with an in-room spa treatment. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-42642 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hari-hotel_001_720x460.jpg" alt="top luxury hotels in london" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hari-hotel_001_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hari-hotel_001_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mandarinoriental.com/london/hyde-park/luxury-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park</a></h2>
Situated between the famed Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, one glance out your room&#8217;s window and you&#8217;ll know you&#8217;re at one of the most exclusive, fashionable and convenient addresses in London. Like its palatial location, all rooms are one-of-a-kind and distinguished by the hotel&#8217;s art collection, antiques, and luxurious fabrics.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-49214" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mandarin-480x300.png" alt="mandarin oriental" width="720" height="450" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mandarin-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mandarin-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mandarin-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mandarin.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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Feeling inspired to see and stay for yourself? <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get in touch with Dane Tredway,</a> our Experience Designer for the United Kingdom, to see how he can reserve you a spot.

The Top 11 Luxury Hotels in London

The Slow Road

<h4>St Ives, Cornwall</h4>
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-40517 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/st-ives-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/st-ives-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/st-ives-960px-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/st-ives-960px-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/st-ives-960px-768x480.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Give St Ives an ‘A’ for art and culture: this picturesque harbour town has it all. Named after the Irish saint Ia of Cornwall, this former fishing town boasts a branch of the Tate Modern, along with a glut of galleries, exhibitions, and local artisans working in ceramics (Leach Pottery, the ‘father of British studio pottery’) and practically everything else.
The nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and sculpture garden is another notable museum. But the simplest delights are the white-sand beaches, azure seas, narrow cobbled streets, and traditional pubs. (Look out for seals popping up in the harbour, too.)

<h2>Coastal Towns</h2>
<h4>Burgh Island, Devon</h4>
This teensy-weensy tidal island was once a significant port for tin trading, and if the tides are low enough, you can walk across from Bigbury-on-Sea on the mainland to the island itself. It’s believed a monastery once stood here, as there are remains of a little chapel that was subsequently occupied by pilchard (sardine) fishermen. During the Second World War, due to fears of Germans landing and creating a beachhead, a pillbox and defensive fortifications were built. Today, though, it’s the site of the Art Deco-style Burgh Island Hotel. The island was also the inspiration for some of Agatha Christie&#8217;s settings; the author herself was from Devon.
<h4><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-40528 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ilfracombe-caroljd123-400px.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="504" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ilfracombe-caroljd123-400px.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ilfracombe-caroljd123-400px-238x300.jpg 238w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />Ilfracombe, Devon</h4>
Situated on the North Devon coast, the small fishing town of Ilfracombe is known for its picturesque working harbour, graced by some modern accoutrements: the twinned conical chimneys of the award-winning Landmark Theatre, and Verity, a 66-foot-tall bronze sculpture by bad-boy artist Damien Hirst (who lives in nearby Combe Martin). From Victorian and Regency architecture, everywhere there’s a pretty view, a cozy pub and the chapel of St. Nicholas on the hill, where you’ll find the oldest working lighthouse in England.
<h4>Plymouth, Devon</h4>
The largest city on England’s south coast, Plymouth is filled with maritime history. One of the world’s natural harbours, you’ll see a number of yachts, kayaks, sailing ships, fishing and naval vessels in the waters. Sir Francis Drake sailed from Plymouth to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588, and the pilgrims left Plymouth in 1620 on the Mayflower to start one of the first colonies in America. (Once a thriving wool port, Plymouth was also where Sir John Hawkins and other maritime traders led England into the Atlantic slave trade). Visit the public park of Plymouth Hoe to see the statue of Sir Francis Drake, or pop into the Barbican district, with the largest concentration of cobbled streets in the country, see the Mayflower Steps, or visit the National Marine Aquarium, the largest in Britain and the deepest in Europe.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-40512 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/plymouth-960.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="611" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/plymouth-960.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/plymouth-960-471x300.jpg 471w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/plymouth-960-768x489.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/plymouth-960-943x600.jpg 943w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h4>Exeter, Devon</h4>
The last place where the Romans settled in southwestern England, Exeter is a cathedral city with a rich history. A religious centre during the Middle Ages through Tudor times, its cathedral was built in 1050, along with St Nicholas Priory (1087), a monastery, and one of Britain’s oldest synagogues, it is set upon the River Exe with many other secular buildings of historical note such as Rougemont Castle (also known as Exeter Castle). From its lively Quayside to its Underground Passages, the remains of the city’s medieval-era aqueducts, and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum detailing the history of the city, it’s also family-friendly.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-40513 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/exeter-960.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/exeter-960.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/exeter-960-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/exeter-960-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/exeter-960-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h4>Land’s End, Cornwall</h4>
Welcome to the most southwesterly point of mainland Britain, one of the country’s landmarks. Dramatic, 200-foot-high granite cliffs rise sheer out of the Atlantic Ocean, and you’ll be able to see the nearby Isles of Scilly, the Longships lighthouse, and (maybe if you can squint hard enough), North America. The region has been a popular tourist spot for over 300 years. It&#8217;s also one of the famous starting (or end) points for an ‘end-to-end’ journey with John o’Groats in Scotland, the far northeastern tip of the British mainland, a 1410-kilometre (876-mile) route is popular with bikers and travellers.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-40514 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lands-end-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lands-end-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lands-end-960px-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lands-end-960px-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lands-end-960px-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h4>Looe, Cornwall</h4>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-40530 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Looe-400.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="503" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Looe-400.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Looe-400-239x300.jpg 239w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />Still a working fishing port, Looe features family-friendly beaches and tidal pools teeming with aquatic wildlife. It’s also connected to the South West Coast Path and near the countryside for excellent walking. A popular day trip to Looe Island Nature Reserve gives you the opportunity to spot the resident grey seals, a large nesting gull population, along with wildflower meadows and sheep.
<h4>Mevagissey, Cornwall</h4>
Known as Lannvorek in Cornish, this gorgeous city by the sea is built on the site of a medieval quay. Named after a Welsh male saint (St. Mevan) and an Irish female saint (St. Issey), it’s a scenic tourist town that was once known for its fishing industry (mackerel, herring, and sardines) and was a notorious port for smuggling. Nearby, you’ll find one of the U.K.’s most popular botanical gardens, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, recently restored in the 1990s after being abandoned during the Great War, located on the estate grounds of Heligan House.
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<h3><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38051 size-full alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-Painswick-Nook-350px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="262" /><a href="http://www.thepainswick.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Painswick</a></h3>
Originally built in the late 18thC at the height of the wool trade, it became the village’s vicarage at the start of the 1900s, adding some Victorian refinement to its Palladian architecture. It is located in the heart of the village of Painswick, famous for its wool heritage and amongst other treasures, St. Mary’s Church from the 1300s, and its ninety-nine famous yew trees, some dating back 300 years.
The hotel’s contemporary restaurant is steered by chef Michael Bedford. For further pampering, try their Calcot Spa treatment rooms or a drink at sunset on the terrace overlooking dulcet hills.
<h3><a href="https://thewildrabbit.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Wild Rabbit Inn</a></h3>
A modern British inn that’s set on the Daylesford estate, one of the UK’s most sustainable organic farms, this stone-walled inn features airy, bright and modern lodgings, whether individual rooms or small cottages set upon the estate (which also houses a spa and yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes).
Set in a quiet area that’s perfect for a cozy hideaway, you can also enjoy a pint or grab a meal of refined, yet hearty British pub fare, which showcases the fresh seasonal produce from the farm.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-38053 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Wild-Rabbit-FirePlace-corrected-960px-comrpessed.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Wild-Rabbit-FirePlace-corrected-960px-comrpessed.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Wild-Rabbit-FirePlace-corrected-960px-comrpessed-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Wild-Rabbit-FirePlace-corrected-960px-comrpessed-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Wild-Rabbit-FirePlace-corrected-960px-comrpessed-768x480.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
With wild coastlines, beautiful coves, golden beaches, and fresh seafood, Devon and Cornwall are the perfect places to experience coastal England. Located on a peninsula in the southwest, this is where the Brits go to holiday; its chic resorts and picture-perfect postcard villages reminiscent of the Hamptons and Nantucket.
Immerse yourself in all the region has to offer as you traverse country roads and seaside paths, dining on delicious lunches and visiting a lost garden, a famous gallery, and historic spots along the way.
<h3><a href="https://tresanton.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Tresanton</a></h3>
Owned by Olga Polizzi, the younger sister of Sir Rocco Forte, Tresanton is a jewel in South Cornwall’s crown. Located in one of the most charming fishing villages in Cornwall, St Mawes, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with great views of the sea and Sir Anthony’s Lighthouse.
Their fabulous onsite restaurant with a large terrace overlooking the ocean participates in the Slow Food movement, offering regional produce and traditional foods, often grown organically or foraged.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-38074 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tresanton-Beach-Club-960px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tresanton-Beach-Club-960px-compressed.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tresanton-Beach-Club-960px-compressed-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tresanton-Beach-Club-960px-compressed-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tresanton-Beach-Club-960px-compressed-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3><a href="http://www.gidleigh.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gidleigh Park, Dartmoor</a></h3>
Gidleigh Park is the premier hotel in Devon, nestled right in the heart of Dartmoor. With a 2-starred Michelin restaurant on site, the culinary experience is unrivalled and complemented by beautifully appointed rooms. The property is surrounded by over a hundred acres of stunning grounds and boasts facilities such as croquet grounds, tennis courts, and a putting course.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-42820 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Gidleigh-Park-960x640.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Gidleigh-Park-960x640.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Gidleigh-Park-960x640-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Gidleigh-Park-960x640-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Gidleigh-Park-960x640-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
&nbsp;

The Top 7 Countryside Hotels in England

<h3>Painswick </h3>
Billing itself as the resplendent ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’, with old buildings that date back to the 9thC, glowing with golden Cotswold stone quarried from nearby. Its riches derive from the wool industry of days past, but it retains its charm thanks to preserved architecture and famous rococo gardens. Surrounding St Mary’s Parish Church, an abundance of old yew trees is said to be “the grandest churchyard in England” with its unique tabletop tombs. Immerse yourself in rural England, with its surrounding hills and woodland, and nip off to the pub for a drink with the locals, or cozy up with a cup of tea (in fact, Thomas Twining, the merchant who started Twinings of London tea, was born in Painswick!).
<h3><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35533 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/painswickchurch-flickr-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="766" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/painswickchurch-flickr-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/painswickchurch-flickr-960c-376x300.png 376w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/painswickchurch-flickr-960c-768x613.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/painswickchurch-flickr-960c-752x600.png 752w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></h3>
<h3>Laurie Lee and Cider with Rosie</h3>
The village of Slad is forever immortalized in writer Laurie Lee’s semi-autobiographical account of his Cotswold childhood, Cider with Rosie. A coming-of-age series of vignettes details his life at school, a tribute to his mother, tales of the colourful locals, as well as a look at life both before and after the First World War, which also brought the introduction of the automobile, forever changing his generation. This English classic has sold over six million copies worldwide and has been adapted for television multiple times, the last series in 2015.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35536 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/slad-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="781" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/slad-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/slad-960c-369x300.png 369w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/slad-960c-768x625.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/slad-960c-738x600.png 738w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3>Cheltenham</h3>
Cheltenham once held a reputation as a health and spa holiday town, thanks to the curative properties of its mineral hot springs, first discovered in 1716. King George III once made the pilgrimage here to ‘take the waters’ (drinking them, not bathing in them). Today, it’s also known throughout the country for its exemplary Regency-era architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it’s popular for its many festivals, nightlife, bars, pubs and restaurants.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35544 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheltenham-flickr-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="588" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheltenham-flickr-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheltenham-flickr-960c-480x294.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheltenham-flickr-960c-768x470.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3>Winchcombe</h3>
An ancient settlement, human activity has been recorded as far back as the Mesolithic era. The first abbey of Winchcombe, established in 798 CE, this hidden jewel of a town (population 2,500!) is filled with black and white half-timbered buildings, along with the golden Cotswold limestone buildings particular to the region.
The parish church of St Peter remains a fine example of a ‘wool church’ with all its finery; its gargoyles are said to have been modelled on local people, and inside, there is an embroidery said to be the work of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35552 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cotswolds-flickr-flower-960.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="550" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cotswolds-flickr-flower-960.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cotswolds-flickr-flower-960-480x275.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cotswolds-flickr-flower-960-768x440.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3>Broadway</h3>
Often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Cotswolds’, many well-known artists have been inspired by this gem over the years, including Oscar Wilde, Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent and more. The author Henry James once wrote, “Broadway and much of the land about it are, in short, the perfection of the old English rural tradition”. It’s also in here where you’ll find the heart of the Arts and Crafts movement, especially at Broadway Tower, which Arts and Crafts founder William Morris used as a retreat. Its main street features Tudor, Stuart and Georgian buildings, and is one of the longest in England.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35538 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/broadway-flickr-960c-1.png" alt="" width="960" height="639" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/broadway-flickr-960c-1.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/broadway-flickr-960c-1-451x300.png 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/broadway-flickr-960c-1-768x511.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/broadway-flickr-960c-1-901x600.png 901w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3>Sudeley Castle</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-35539 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/sudeleycastkle-flickr-350c.png" alt="" width="350" height="234" />The final resting place of Katherine Parr, the sixth of Henry VIII’s wives and one who survived him, she, unfortunately, died in childbirth. Intriguingly, Katherine was the most-married queen of England: Henry VIII was her third husband, as she was widowed twice. After Henry’s death, she married Thomas Seymour. Sudeley Castle is where her remains lay; a working castle which is also a residence, it is renowned for its ten award-winning gardens, where four of England’s queens have walked (Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I).
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35528 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/sudeleycastle-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="712" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/sudeleycastle-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/sudeleycastle-960c-404x300.png 404w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/sudeleycastle-960c-768x570.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/sudeleycastle-960c-809x600.png 809w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3>Hailes Abbey</h3>
The ruins of this former Cistercian abbey are steeped in history. Dating from the 13thC, it was founded by Richard, Earl of Cornwall (the younger brother of King Henry III) after he was saved from a shipwreck. The abbey was supported financially by pilgrims who made the trek to see ‘the Holy Blood of Hailes’, allegedly a vial of the blood of Christ, although King Henry VIII’s commissioners declared its contents to be nothing more than the blood of a duck. Now managed by the National Trust, you will also find Hailes Church next door, which predates the abbey.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35530 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/hailesabbey-flickr-732c.png" alt="" width="732" height="487" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/hailesabbey-flickr-732c.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/hailesabbey-flickr-732c-451x300.png 451w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />

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Should you have a chance to ride along on our Burgundy Biking trip, you’ll arrive via a driveway tracing a path along a tranquil lake, dotted with large-scale bronze sculptures by the British artist Paul Day (who lives down the road and is known to pop in for a chat or two). You may even be greeted by Clive, equally at home in his suit, or waving at you from atop a tractor, clad in overalls as he mows the lawn&#8230;or perhaps you’ll be greeted at reception by any one of his three children, who are known to occasionally lend a hand over the summer.

“We just love what we do; it’s a way of life. I’m a hotelier and restaurateur by trade. There’s the fun of the day-to-day hotel business; working in the kitchen, getting to know our guests, and just making sure people enjoy their stay,&#8221; he says. &#8220;It’s more than a hotel to me, you know. I could have made it into a box-standard, boring, run-of-the-mill place, but I am trying to bring a bit of ‘theatre’ here as well.&#8221;
We couldn’t agree more that life needs a little bit of excitement and imagination. (We like to think you can get it on a B&amp;R trip). And what of the day’s excitement, centred around that marriage proposal? She said ‘yes’!
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35574 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/clive-tanith-lake-732c-1.png" alt="" width="732" height="488" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/clive-tanith-lake-732c-1.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/clive-tanith-lake-732c-1-450x300.png 450w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />

Abbaye de la Bussière: English Hospitality in the Heart of France

Vienna Christmas Markets

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<h3>Yuletide Flavours</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32267 size-medium alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Vienna-Christmas-Markets-treats-450x300.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Vienna-Christmas-Markets-treats-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Vienna-Christmas-Markets-treats-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Vienna-Christmas-Markets-treats-900x600.jpg 900w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Vienna-Christmas-Markets-treats.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" />Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and stollen (a type of fruit loaf cake) will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth, while a hearty bratwurst and Christmas carp will still any hunger.
Not to be left untasted is the feuerzangenbowle, a punch consisting of red wine and rum. Second to none to get the Christmas party started.
Personal experience has proven that two to three cups of feuerzangenbowle followed by a casual meander of the market is the ideal recipe for obtaining a cozy blend of nostalgia and seasonal cheers.
Be bold and lace on some skates or try your hand at curling (eisstockschiessen in German).
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32259 size-medium alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Vienna-Christmas-Markets-toys-400x300.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" />Admire the nativity scene, then attempt (and almost surely fail) to count the many hand-painted figures. Try to remember the lyrics to Silent Night and let ‘er rip when you are sure to be drowned out by the choir, 50 vocalists strong.
Stop for some caramelized chestnuts, throw moderation to the wind and upend a mug of mulled wine, before continuing on your merry way.
<h3>One Large Weinachtsmarkt</h3>
<figure id="attachment_32266" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32266" style="width: 400px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32266 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Vienna-Christmas-Markets-mulled-wine-400x300.jpg" alt="There's plenty of mulled wine on offer. " width="400" height="300" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32266" class="wp-caption-text">There&#8217;s plenty of mulled wine on offer.</figcaption></figure>
With over 20 sub-Christmas markets, it is easy to forget <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2014/08/13/things-to-do-in-vienna/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vienna&#8217;s many other charms</a> and get the impression that the entire city is one large Weinachtsmarkt.
Each with their own specialty – culinary, artisanal, thematic – they will leave no Christmas itch left unscratched.
The grandiose architecture of Vienna’s Ringstrasse, a collection of imposing neo-gothic, renaissance, classical or baroque buildings, has often been compared to a wedding cake.
Vienna’s Christmas market is the icing on top.

Vienna's Christmas Markets

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Autumn Colour Destinations

OK, Mr. &#8220;I&#8217;ve visited too many countries to name.&#8221; Is there anywhere you haven&#8217;t visited, but would like to? 
The Transiberian railway to Mongolia – it encompasses slow travel, off-the-beaten-path, little-visited and stunning mountain and desert scenery.
Favourite trip you’ve ever taken? (I know, I know, but try to narrow it down to one!) 
Easy: my honeymoon to Ladakh, Kashmir, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman Islands.
Favourite hotel in the world? 
I don&#8217;t think I can narrow it down to one, so I&#8217;ll say both <a title="Soneva Kiri" href="http://www.soneva.com/soneva-kiri/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soneva Kiri</a> in Thailand and <a title="Clayoquot" href="http://www.wildretreat.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clayoquot </a>in Tofino, British Columbia.
Favourite restaurant in the world? 
Another tough one, and changing frequently. Currently it&#8217;s <a title="Varq" href="http://www.tajhotels.com/luxury/city-hotels/the-taj-mahal-hotel-new-delhi/Fine-Dining/Varq-Restaurant.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Varq </a>in New Delhi, India.
Favourite bar/wine bar/watering hole in the world?  
This one&#8217;s easy. <a title="The Faltering Fullback " href="http://thefullback.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Faltering Fullback</a> – my local!
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? (And where was it?) 
At <a href="http://www.wildretreat.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clayoquot’s</a> dining cabin with the freshest West Coast Dungeness crab I’ve ever tasted.
Favourite bottle of wine? 
Anything by <a href="http://www.lapostolle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lapostolle </a>in Chile.
What’s your most embarrassing travel story?   
I once travelled eight hours in the wrong direction—by bus! I then proceeded to get very lost in Honduras.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen or done while on a trip? 
Canoed Belize from the western border with Guatemala to the coast in Belize City. It was four days, 180 km of ridiculous heat and humidity and zero previous experience. We capsized three times!
You&#8217;ve planned a ton of trips. Are there any that leap out as being particularly memorable (for either you or your travellers)? 
I planned a landscape photographer’s expedition to the cardinal points of South America – three trips, 150 days, remote camps, helicopters and a private yacht to Antartica. It was a challenge!

Experts + Insiders: Steve Wilson

Columnists

Golf

<figure id="attachment_21318" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-21318" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-21318" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/18383-004-557C2A95-320x210.jpg" alt="Bobby Jones at The Open Championship in St. Andrews, 1927" width="320" height="210" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/18383-004-557C2A95-320x210.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/18383-004-557C2A95.jpg 457w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-21318" class="wp-caption-text">Bobby Jones at The Open Championship in St. Andrews, 1927</figcaption></figure>
And speaking of my roots, as a good Georgia boy I can’t think of St. Andrews without recalling the great Bobby Jones’ love/hate relationship with this place. In 1921, his youthful spirit summarily broken by The Old Course’s punishingly deep bunkers, aggressive ocean winds and unforgiving rough, Jones walked away just 11 holes into his third round and proceeded to tear up his score card, fussing like a spoiled child that it was all so unfair. Six years later, a more mature Jones not only returned to The Old Course, but captured The Open. Having become enamored with both the course and the town, he paid homage to St. Andrews when he asked that his trophy remain at The Royal and Ancient rather than return home with him.
With that story in mind, I always get excited when The Open (now often called The British Open to distinguish it from its U.S. counterpart) returns to its rightful home at St. Andrews, as it will this year between July 12th and 19th. Golf is always a struggle to balance the internal with the external, but at St. Andrews, a few more variables are introduced into the mix: not just the winds coming in off the water and the famously rough terrain, but the ghosts of golf’s greats, who have fought and clawed their way across this course for centuries.
Each round of golf I play reminds me of Jones’ journey from frustrated novice to Open champion: I struggle, I fight, I (occasionally) complain, but on my best days I learn to embrace and surrender myself to my surroundings. I think the Buddha would enjoy this game and this place; it reminds me in some strange way of all the pilgrimage sites I would pass while biking in Myanmar and Thailand, places that monks would walk for days to reach, and in the walking, count out their patience—almost as if they were marking their strokes on a scorecard. I could go on and on.
Maybe the nearly transcendent feeling this place conveys is merely a fluke of scheduling – like a comet raining down from the heavens, The Open only returns to St. Andrews about every five years or so – but when golf’s most hallowed tournament returns to its ancestral home, I feel a chill run up my spine.
Of course, that could just be the ocean breeze rolling in over 18.

St. Andrews: The Royal and Ancient Home of Golf

Italy

Favourite hotel in the world? 
<a title="Six Sense Ninh Van Bay " href="http://www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ninh-van-bay/destination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Six Sense Ninh Van Bay</a> in Vietnam is a fun one. I love the isolation, using a bike to get around on the property, the personal pools for each bungalow, the personal butlers and the beautiful scenery.
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-18692 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Christina_1.jpg" alt="Christina Cain" width="320" height="212" />
Favourite restaurant in the world? 
I’m a big fan of the simple, local food spots. One that comes to mind is in Nha Trang, Vietnam. They literally pull up plastic seats and a grill on the sidewalk and cook up the freshest catch right in front of you. It’s the simplest thing sitting on the sidewalk watching the world go by like the locals do, but it’s meals like this that stay in my memory.
Favourite bar/wine bar/watering hole in the world? 
I love little old enotecas (wine bars). One of my favourites is in Le Marche and is run by the local Sommelier association. It’s like stepping into a library of wine from the region. I also love the small old-style ones you find in the south of Italy where you can sit outside on the piazza and enjoy a glass of wine and people-watch.
Favourite bottle of wine? 
Depends on the season. When it’s cold outside, I love a good <a title="Vines 101: Piemonte Wine " href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2013/03/25/vines-101-piemonte-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barbaresco from Piemonte </a>. In the summer, I love a crisp white from the Südtirol and Alto Adige region in northern Italy, or a Rosato from the Salento in Puglia.
Do you have a favourite travel quote, mantra or words to live by? 
&#8220;Go with the flow&#8221; is the first. Be open, invite conversation, notice things.
Someone has just landed in a country they’ve never been to, where they don’t speak the language. What’s your number one piece of advice for them? 
Enjoy, turn off your cell phone, live in the moment.
And finally, what’s the craziest thing you’ve seen or done while on a trip? 
Ah man, you can’t ask that! You know the golden rule: what happens on a trip stays on trip. (Ed. Note: <a title="Tom Abraham" href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2013/09/26/experts-insiders-tom-abraham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I get that a lot</a>, but I keep asking. Tough crowd, these guides turned Trip Designers.)

Experts + Insiders: Christina Cain

History

Normandy

A (Brief) History of a (Long) Banner: The Bayeux Tapestry

Need to Know

Spotlight

Loire Valley

<h5>Joan of Arc</h5>
<figure id="attachment_9968" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9968" style="width: 133px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-9968 " title="Joan of Arc" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Joan-of-Arc-164x320.jpg" alt="Loire Valley history" width="133" height="259" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Joan-of-Arc-164x320.jpg 164w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Joan-of-Arc.jpg 205w" sizes="(max-width: 133px) 100vw, 133px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9968" class="wp-caption-text">Joan of Arc</figcaption></figure>
In 1428, the English laid siege to Orléans, a strategic city that controlled a large part of France&#8217;s north-south traffic. Joan of Arc (from a small village in Champagne) travelled to Chinon to persuade the Dauphin to support her with an army. The nationalist sentiment espoused by Joan of Arc was a novel idea at the time, and was instrumental in uniting the French. Joan was able to drive the English out of France and thanks to her, Charles VII was crowned in Reims.
Thanks to the “unification” of the French under Joan of Arc, France was governed under Charles VII in a more centralized way, calming the infighting between members of the aristocracy. As a result, the fortified manors of the Middle Ages became unnecessary.
<hr />
<h5>From Fortress to Château</h5>
After the unification of France, subsequent French kings—Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I—admired the aesthetic they saw in Italy during various military campaigns, and they imported Italian gardeners, architects and artisans to construct beautiful palaces in the Loire. Through them, the Italian Renaissance arrived in France.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28823" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Chenonceau.jpg" alt="Chenonceau" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Chenonceau.jpg 1200w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Chenonceau-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Chenonceau-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Chenonceau-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
The kings often paid for the loyalty of their noble subjects by offering them the expertise of the best Italian craftsmen in the building of their own palaces. The bourgeoisie grew richer by loaning money to the king, and they too poured money into Renaissance-style residences.
Under Henry II of France, however, the seat of power gradually shifted to Paris. As royal favour and money moved away from the Loire, there existed insufficient funds to destroy and rebuild the Renaissance châteaux in the “new” styles of the 17th or 18th centuries. Gems like Chenonceau and Azay-le-Rideau have been immaculately preserved as a result.

england

Blog posts for 'england'