The hotspots that make autumn cool
SUMMER may be over but things are definitely hotting up across England this autumn, thanks to a spate of fantastic new events and celebrations, says Katie Rowe.
PADSTOW TOWNHOUSE, CORNWALL
Fancy staying in the Bon Bon suite, or how about the Toffee apple? Padstow Townhouse is the latest creation of chef Paul ainsworth – the man behind the Michelin-starred restaurant no6, also in Padstow. This 18th century property dominates Padstow’s Old Town, and following a 12-month restoration programme now features six sumptuous suites, all named after sweets. Roll-top baths, decorative wallpaper and a pantry stocked with indulgent treats and snacks are just some of the luxurious finishing touches that make this Grade II listed hotel stand out from the crowd.
ETCHES COLLECTION, DORSET
TRavel through 150million years of history at the etches collection, a multi-million-pound museum that has just opened in Kimmeridge on the Isle of Purbeck. The museum houses a 2,000-strong collection of fossils, the life’s work of local collector Steve etches, and visitors can now discover the fascinating stories behind them. cGI projections transform the exhibition space into an aquarium at the blink of an eye, taking you on an underwater journey through the history of the Jurassic coast.
THE NEW FOREST FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL, HAMPSHIRE
The new Forest’s spectacular autumnal displays are reason enough to visit at this time of year, but if you still need convincing, then the first-ever new Forest Food and Drink Festival, from October 31 to november 6, will sate your appetite. Some of the area’s top hotels and restaurants will be showcasing top-notch local cuisine. The five-star chewton Glen hotel is offering a six-course tasting menu, while The Rhinefield hotel, a Gothic fairy tale of a hotel, is hosting a fourcourse dinner with Masterchef judge Gregg Wallace. There will also be a variety of themed events running throughout week, including artisan bread-making courses and afternoon teas in a traditional thatched cottage.
BORINGDON HALL, DEVON
DevOn isn’t short of beautiful places to stay and a luxury new spa at elizabethan Boringdon hall, nestling on the outskirts of Plymouth, is yet another excuse to make a beeline for the South West for a relaxing escape. let your stresses melt away at the Gaia Spa, where ancient pampering traditions are given a modern twist in this state-of-the-art retreat. Take your pick from an extensive menu of spa treatments, rituals and holistic therapies before taking a dip in the infinity pool, or enjoying a leisurely lunch with views of Dartmoor at The Spatisserie.
HULL, UK CAPITAL OF CULTURE IN 2017
The historic maritime city is in the midst of a huge makeover, with many key attractions and iconic areas being transformed in time for the new year, when the city will host a fireworks display that promises to be bigger and better than new year’s eve in london. That explosive opening is just the start of 365 days of cultural events. Don’t miss the hip humber Street, a burgeoning arts and cultural quarter just seconds from the marina that’s home to an array of independent shops, bars, restaurants and galleries.