Tag Archives: Stay

Top Ten Downtonesque Destinations

Posted on by

To celebrate the return of Downton Abbey, here is the Top Ten Downton Abbey style places to stay.  Sigh.

1. Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa: Kettering, Northamptonshire

From £119 / per room per night from Secretescapes.com (saving £61 / per room per night)

Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa- Kettering, Northamptonshire

Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa- Kettering,

The Grade I listed Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa is so grand and packed full of original features that guests could easily imagine they’re living the Downton Abbey dream. The magnificent 16th century building is surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful grounds, with a large lake, croquet lawn and tennis court, making for the perfect country escape. Having been awarded four coveted red stars and three rosettes for dining, the hotel itself features a gourmet restaurant, a full sized billiard table and the Stable Yard Spa – which has its own indoor swimming pool, fitness room and indulgent range of treatments on offer.

Offer includes accommodation in a superior room, full English breakfast and a 10% discount on treatments at the spa and on dinner in the restaurant. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

2. Melville Castle: Edinburgh, Scotland
From £99 / per room per night (saving £66 / per room per night)

Melville Castle- Edinburgh, Scotland Melville Castle- Edinburgh

Standing within 50 acres of beautiful woodland, Melville Castle is an 18th-century country house hotel just 20 minutes from Edinburgh. With original features, gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape and luxurious rooms, even Lady Violet wouldn’t have much to complain about in this historic four-star castle. Stylishly decorated with traditional touches throughout, guests can throw themselves into the Grantham lifestyle, engaging in countryside activities like clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and falconry.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic Double room, cooked breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea for two and complimentary late check-out. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

3. Peckforton Castle: Tarporley, Cheshire
From £125 / per room per night (saving £90 / per room per night)

Peckforton Castle- Tarporley, Cheshire Peckforton Castle- Tarporley

Boasting stunning vistas across the Cheshire plains and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2014, the dramatic Peckforton Castle combines regal charm with modern luxury to create an exclusive four-star retreat with a real touch of enchantment. With a range of gung-ho country activities like falconry and land rover experiences, guests will feel like Lord and Lady of Manor from the moment they pass through the drawbridge.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic room, breakfast and two-course dinner in the brasserie and 30% discount on pre-booked spa treatments. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

4. The Ickworth Hotel: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
From £149 / per room per night (saving £86 / per room per night)

The Ickworth Hotel- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk The Ickworth Hotel- Bury St Edmunds

The Ickworth Hotel is situated in the grounds of the grand Ickworth stately home, a National Trust property which dates back to the early 1700s and is one of the most unusual and spectacular country mansions in Britain. It’s easy to imagine the Earl of Grantham strolling down the magnificent corridors while the girls take a stroll in the stunning landscaped gardens. Guests can explore the grounds on foot or on the hotel’s bikes and can access the exclusive Italianate gardens out of hours.

Offer includes accommodation in a Standard room, full English breakfast and three-course dinner. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

5. De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel: Hexham, Northumberland
From £109 / per room per night (saving £65 / per room per night)

De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel- Hexham, De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel- Hexham, Northumberland

The serene grounds at De Vere Slalely Hall are just 40 minutes from the centre of Newcastle and offer one of the country’s most spectacular golf settings, featuring green championship fairways and bordered by beautiful woodland. The stately hotel also boasts a wide selection of restaurants and bars, including a stylish brasserie and a cosy whisky snug. There’s also an exclusive spa offering Germaine de Capuccini treatments, as well as a gym and a 20-metre pool, offering guests the ultimate luxury experience.

Offer includes accommodation in a standard room, breakfast and a two-course table d’hote menu dinner per person, a complimentary bottle of wine in the room upon arrival, full use of leisure facilities, 25% discount on any spa treatments booked directly and 20% discount on spa retail products. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

6. Walton Hall: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
From £114 / per unit per night (saving £103 / per room per night)

Walton Hall- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire Walton Hall- Stratford-upon-Avon

Constructed as the ancestral home of the Mordaunt family, the 16th-century Walton Hall served for centuries as a high society residence before its recent multi-million pound restoration, which has transformed it into a luxury hotel with 65 acres of parkland. It boasts the two time AA rosette awarded Moncreiffe Restaurant, in addition to a spa and wellness centre, which includes a fitness suite, aerobics studio, indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Walton Hall is the perfect spot for enjoying a leisurely getaway full of countryside walks and provides an excellent base for exploring nearby Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick.

Offer includes accommodation in a premium room, full English breakfast, three-course set menu dinner on first night, a bottle of house wine with dinner, afternoon tea, use of leisure facilities and late check-out until 1pm. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

7. Danesfield House Hotel & Spa: Marlow-On-Thames, Buckinghamshire
From £149 / per room per night (saving £75 / per room per night)

7. Danesfield House Hotel & Spa- Marlow-On-Thames, Buckinghamshire Danesfield House Hotel & Spa- Marlow-On-Thames, Buckinghamshire

A turreted white country house framed by crisp landscaped gardens, the Danesfield House Hotel & Spa sits pretty in the Buckinghamshire countryside, just a few miles from Marlow and the regal town of Henley-on-Thames. With two restaurants and a multi-award-winning spa, this cool retreat has an indoor pool, a gym and a range of luxury treatments. The restaurant is run by chef Billy Reid, and the Orangery has a gourmet menu to rival Mrs Patmore’s culinary delights, with spectacular views down to the River Thames.

Offer includes accommodation in a Standard room, full English breakfast and 20% off all spa treatments. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

8. Stapleford Park: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
From £149 / per room per night (saving £62 / per room per night)

Stapleford Park- Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Stapleford Park- Melton Mowbray

It’s easy to imagine the Granthams entertaining at Stapleford Park, one of the finest stately houses in the country. Few hotels could match the aristocratic grandeur of this sprawling Leicestershire pile, with its maze-like gardens, a resident falconer and even a few sheep, making this landmark property the perfect English escape. In addition to its high-ceilinged rooms, open fires and antique furnishings, Stapleford Park boasts a genteel restaurant, a championship 18-hole golf course and a luxurious Clarins Gold Spa, with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Offer includes accommodation in a manor room, full English breakfast, unlimited access to the spa and leisure facilities, 25% off any spa treatments booked directly with hotel and late checkout. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

9. Ston Easton Park: Ston Easton, Somerset
From £119 / per room per night (saving £107 / per room per night)

Ston Easton Park- Ston Easton Ston Easton Park- Ston Easton, Somerset

A Grade I listed building dating back to the 18th Century, Ston Easton sits quietly on a 36-acre estate in the Mendip Hills, in sleepy Somerset. Classical landscaped gardens feature a crumbling grotto fountain, a historic ice house, romantic Palladian bridges, an original Saloon and a scattering of ancient wells. This is a place designed around indulgence, with spacious, elegant bedrooms, in-room spa treatments and the celebrated Sorrel Restaurant which uses fresh ingredients straight from the Victorian kitchen garden and fine vintage wines.

Offer includes accommodation in a Superior room and full English breakfast. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

10. De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel: Leeds, West Yorkshire
From £100 / per room per night (saving £79 / per room per night)

De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel- Leeds, West Yorkshire De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel- Leeds

De Vere Oulton Hall sits within its own 300-hectare estate, featuring sweeping entrance, high ceilings lit by glass chandeliers, marble floors and landscaped gardens. The dining is AA Rosette awarded and presents a range of dignified spaces, from the gourmet restaurant’s dining room to the champagne bar and the swanky drawing room. Guests may hide away for the day at the spa and indulge in an Espa spa treatment or take a round on the 27-hole golf complex with its own Nike Golf Academy, a practice range and a spectacular setting.

Offer includes two-night stay in a Standard room, breakfast, three-course meal from the set menu in the Claret Jug restaurant on the first night of the stay, full use of leisure facilities, 25% off spa treatments (subject to availability and must be booked at the time of reservation) and 20% off spa retail products (minimum spend of £20). Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

 

 

Staying Safe this Christmas and New Year – Top Tips!

Posted on by

Staying Safe this Christmas and New Year – Top Tips

As a key Youth Leader when it comes to gangs and breaking the cycle of criminal behaviour one of the key things I get asked by people of all ages is ‘How do I avoid becoming a victim?’

It is really tough question isn’t it? I mean, if the headlines are to be believed you are almost twice as likely to become a victim as you were this time last year. Although we are living in tough times Christmas means that people are out and about doing Christmassy things; enjoying themselves, getting merry and having a host of parties and clubs to go to. In the midst of this hustle and bustle some are ever more desperate to steal, rob or take advantage.

I for one know someone who had their card cloned only a few weeks ago and the upheaval it can cause is immense. So these words of advice I am about to offer come not a moment too soon.

  1. Taxi Cabs – this is number one on my list as I am still in awe of how many people don’t know this despite the horror stories and despite the ad campaigns.  If you are going to be drinking pre-arrange how you will be getting back home. Black cabs can be hailed off the street but under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should anyone get into an unlicensed taxi/and or minicab off the street. It is illegal for minicabs to tout for business. Minicabs must be pre-booked. Listen if you get into an unlicensed cab then essentially it is just a stranger’s car and there is no telling what will happen so please – don’t do it!
  1. Drinking – do your best to drink less alcohol and drink more water during your night out. A top tip is to have one drink of water for every two glasses of alcohol. Do your best to stick to the same drink, try and not mix your drinks and always make sure you have your drink with you. Yes girls – take it with you if you are going for a pee. If you leave your drinks unattended then DO NOT drink it. This is one of the ways drug rape can happen. A long time ago I was a First Aider in clubs – spiking as it is called (when someone puts drugs in your drink) was a big issue for us back then – my friends who are still in that field have said on good authority that it is still a big issue now.
  1. Drugs – Lets get it straight – taking drugs is illegal. However if you do then do not buy drugs from someone you have just met. Most of the time drug dealers at clubs / bars are selling to the masses and are not selling you what you think you may be buying. They can easily combine it with chemicals that will be very harmful to you and your body, and you could have a very bad reaction to it. I suppose the final point I want to make is that if you do decide to take do the stupidest thing and take drugs then you should never be left on your own until everyone has recovered. There are reactions and delayed reactions and both could potentially be fatal.
  1. Being sensible – This is one of those tips that sound easy on the ear but can be difficult to put into practice. Firstly be sensible in your approach. If you are talking to a stranger for the first time then do not give him personal details about yourself like where you live. Do not make yourself vulnerable. Secondly never leave your valuables such as your purse or phone with them while you run to the loo or leave your bag or valuables on the table or at some distance from you. Your phone should be locked with a pin that only you know and you also should be sensible with your social network – that is, it and your personal details should be set to private. A new trend is for guys to butter up women with soft words etc but there are lots of instances where once the woman has gone they are gone except they have gone with cash, plastic and I-phone tablets.
  1. Confidence is crucial – Being confident and assertive can assist you from staying out of danger. This is reflected in your body language and demeanor. Keep your head up and use eye contact. Becoming drunk and very loud can sometimes draw the wrong people towards you. Essentially most predators know that the less aware and less able a person is, the more easy they are to take advantage of and the more likely they are not to defend themselves properly.
  1. Fight or flight – If a fight breaks out / and or other trouble then remove yourself very quickly from the venue and call the police for help. This is crucially a tip mainly for the guys out there but as it seems to be a paradox akin to finding the ‘god atom’ it is there for everyone. Here’s the problem – good friends, both male and female want to protect the ‘ones they love’ from ‘bad’ people. The problem is that ‘bad’ people can be everyone especially once a fair bit of alcohol has been drunk. You’ll be surprised at the amount of arguments and fisticuffs that can flare up over mere ‘looks’ ‘knocks’ on the dance floor and people being rude. Ask either party to just walk away and you’d have more luck trying to explain the euro crisis. Yet you have your mobile phone in your pocket so rather than choosing to join in on the rugby tackle why not just use it and get help. Trust me; you’ll thank me in the morning.
  1. Cold and hard can only be cash – Try not to carry large sums of money, credit cards and other valuables with you. I am going to say it again but DO NOT leave your bag unattended. Just bring what you need for the night. A top tip is to put some money safely on you away from the money you will be spending on your night out. So if unfortunately if you are a victim of crime and your money / cards are stolen you have some money to get home with.
  1. Keep your eye on the prize – When paying for anything by credit / debit card make sure the machine is brought to you and you see what is being done. If anyone ever takes your card away / and or behind a bar they may be cloning your card. A big tip is to keep all of the receipts from the night, perhaps in your purse and then the following day check back with the money that has been deducted. If you need to you can query with the bank if any amounts seem unjustified.
  1. Mobile phones – Do not talk on your mobile phone when you get off London Transport and think this is going to save you from being attacked, it just makes you more vulnerable as you cannot see and / or hear what’s going on around you. What’s more people can see what mobile phone you have and that could make you a target too.
  1. Keep in touch – Number ten is my greatest gem. Be with at least one person you trust and make contact with them when you get home, so they know you are in safe. If you out and meet members of the opposite sex and are having a good time, why not stay together until you are in a cab (a licensed one obviously) where you can cab share until you part company.
  1. Be aware – please be aware of the people around you. Not being aware has consequences. This is especially true at cash-points but even places like at the bar or till can be crucial for someone looking to glance at your pin or hear the code word for your tab. I have seen many offenders hear ‘Table 12’ shouted across a noisy bar and then casually saunter over and order drinks for themselves and their mates moments later claiming to be from the same table. Equally a friend of mine had her phone stolen when someone came round with a collection box for a ‘charity’ and took her phone from the table whilst she took out some money from her purse. Be aware
  1. Never blame yourself – my final tip is the same as last year. Just remember even Justin Bieber has been a victim of a crime at one point – probably. Some people just do bad things – it’s as simple as that. The main thing is that they are counting on your silence so they can do it again. So talk to someone you can trust and report it. Most importantly though never blame yourself.

So ends my tips on staying safe over Christmas and New Year – I am not aiming to make anyone nervous or afraid as there are bundles of fun to be had lets just keep it safe and sensible. If you have any questions, comments or even tips of your own please post them. Here’s to an exciting and prosperous New Year!