Relax, and relish that rosy glow
ENGLAND is crammed with relaxing retreats if you fancy switching off for a while. Here KATIE ROWE explores some of the best…
BURNHAM MARKET, NORFOLK
IF YOU’RE craving wide-open spaces, head to North Norfolk for a dose of big blue skies, sprawling nature reserves and pretty villages, including Burnham Market, where you’ll find plenty of boutiques and cafes scattered around well-manicured greens. Browse antiques shops and stop by the quaint hat store before heading to The Hoste Hotel for a pint. While you’re there, why not treat yourself to a signature facial or a relaxing massage in the hotel’s spa?
APPLEDORE, DEVON
SLOW down the pace with an escape to Appledore, one of Devon’s best-kept secrets. Perched on the North Devon coast, where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet, explore winding streets lined with fishermen’s cottages, many of which date from Tudor times. Live like a local by stopping at independent shops, galleries and cafes before swotting up on the village’s past at the Maritime Museum. Just before dusk, head to the Beaver Inn, order a pint of local cider and pull up a pew to enjoy views across the Torridge estuary. Once the sun has dipped behind the fishing boats, stick around for some live music or order the catch of the day.
SEAHAM HALL, DURHAM
THE fact that the hedonist and romantic poet Lord Byron married here in 1815 pretty much says it all, but a lot has happened at Seaham Hall since then. There is now an awarding-winning hotel and rejuvenating Serenity Spa to enjoy. Treat someone special to a spa weekend where they can choose from a vast range of deeply indulgent treatments. After they are glowing from head to toe, amble along to the heritage coastline nearby to soak up a good dose of sea air.
HARROGATE
NO HOLIDAY to the sumptuous spa town of Harrogate is complete without a day spent kicking back in the 19th Century Turkish Baths. A true Victorian icon, they are the most historically complete baths of their kind in the UK, with key-hole arches and gleaming Moorish-style tiles. The indulgent treatments add to the exotic atmosphere, with Turkish aromatic and candle oil massages on offer. And you cannot go to Harrogate without visiting another Yorkshire institution – Bettys Tea Room, which features an extensive tea list and a host of indulgent desserts.
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 in the spectacular setting of Restronguet Creek. Stepping inside is like journeying through time; you’ll find flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and plenty of snugs in this inn, parts of which date back to the 13th Century. Beyond the pub, why not head out to explore parts of the Roseland Heritage Coast on one of the circular walks the pub has put together. Ask the barman for details.