SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND: BERKSHIRE
QUICK TRIPS TO THE MOST FASHIONABLE CORNERS OF BRITAIN… WHERE TO STAY, EAT, SHOP AND EXPLORE
Find a blissful UK escape at this home counties bolthole
WHAT TO KNOW
There’s more to this home county bolthole than the royals at Windsor and the schoolboys of Eton. Its restaurants twinkle with Michelin stars, and historical sites include the Roman ruins at Virginia Water and the site of the Magna Carta signing in Runnymede. It’s also where Elton John hosts his legendary parties – and is less than an hour on the train from London Paddington.
WHERE TO STAY
Monkey Island, Bray
This secluded seven-acre island floats on the Thames, just a short boat ride away from Windsor Castle – which is just as well, because Princess Margaret loved to visit. In the 12th century, it was home to a monastery, and was first called Monk’s Eyot (Old English for ‘island’), which is where today’s name comes from. But guests hoping to spot a primate or two won’t be disappointed, as they feature throughout the interiors of the hotel that now occupies the site.
Although there’s lots to explore nearby, you could easily while away a weekend without ever crossing back over the bridge to the mainland. On one side of the island is a dragonfly boat, which is available for romantic jaunts; on the other, the hotel’s dreamy floating spa is moored. Here, guests can climb aboard for indulgent treatments like the full-body massage that uses warm water and soothing aromatherapy, or the ‘Monk’s Elixir’, where hot pads and oils ease aching muscles.
Back on land, The Monkey Island Brasserie serves up dishes that make use of the estate-cured salmon, fresh eggs from the on-site chicken coop and honeycomb from its beehives. Come nightfall, you’re invited to wander over to the Shepherd’s Huts, where you can huddle around a firepit to toast marshmallows and stargaze, while sipping on hot chocolate laced with spiced rum. And when you’re ready to turn in for the night, cocooning pillows and a cloud-like mattress will be sure to send you into a perfect deep sleep.
From £275 per night, room only