Drink in the glories of England
FROM visiting romantic ruins and exploring Christmas markets to discovering a cosy thatched pub, there’s so much to enjoy on a winter break in England, says KATIE ROWE
FALMOUTH, CORNWALL
Nothing says cosy like a thatched pub teetering on the edge of a creek. Watch the world go by at the Pandora Inn, which occupies a spectacular spot on the edge of Restronguet Creek.
Stepping inside is like journeying through time – you’ll find flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and plenty of snugs where you can get cosy – parts of this inn even date back to the 13th Century. Beyond the pub, why not head out to explore the Roseland Heritage Coast on one of the circular walks the pub has put together. Ask the staff for more details.
ENGLISH RIVIERA, DEVON
Wrap up and go for a ramble along the Maidencombe Circular on the South West Coastal Path, just a ten-minute drive from Torquay. Starting at Watcombe Beach, head to the tiny hamlet of Maidencombe, famous for its 16th Century Judas tree, where you can stop for lunch at the Thatched Tavern. As you can guess by its name, this place oozes old-world charm, but thankfully the menu is anything but – using ingredients from local butchers, farmers and fishermen, the chef puts on an array of specials, and there’s even a special pie menu.
If you can prise yourself away from the warmth of the roaring log fires, head back outside and wander through woodlands as you follow the coastal path.
HELMSLEY, NORTH YORKSHIRE
It’s sometimes difficult to know where to start when visiting a National Park, but the market town of Helmsley makes a great base for a weekend exploring the North York Moors.
Surrounded by a plethora of famous sites, including the romantic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, 16th Century manor house Nunnington Hall, majestic Castle Howard and the National Centre for Birds of Prey, you may find you have little time to explore the actual town, but be sure to set aside a day as there is plenty to see including an array of boutiques, artisan cafes and restaurants.
BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET
Pull on the thermals and head for a coastal break packed with festive goings-on. Get your camera ready for the Garden of Light, a dazzling trail glowing with hanging lights and projections in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, and then take a spin on the ice rink or warm up with a mulled wine in the cosy apres-skate chalets.
Afterwards, hop aboard the Santa Express to The Square, the heart of Bournemouth’s shopping quarter, for the annual alpine market which promises plenty of festive fare to tuck into and quirky gifts galore.
Festivities start on November 17 and run until the end of the year.
ELSEWHERE…
If you’re looking for a great base for exploring the sights of Suffolk and Norfolk then you can’t go wrong with The Best Western Brome Grange Hotel. This charming coaching inn is located near the market town of Diss, and is close to some of the area’s finest cities and towns, including Bury St Edmunds, Norwich and Ipswich.
After a day of exploring, head back to the hotel and unwind at Willow Spa. Elsewhere, the Grade II listed Priory Hotel is an ideal place to retreat to after a day spent Christmas shopping in the historical streets of Bury St Edmunds.