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Storrs Hall: A glimpse of what a trip to Lake Windermere ought to beLake Windermere — the largest stretch of water in the Lake District — is a tourist mecca that can often feel crowded, but head to places like Storrs Hall and you can still find the beauty and seclusion that first drew people here. Toby Keel takes a look.
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Saltmoore hotel review: The place to stay that's woodland retreat, seaside hotel and spa sanctuary all in oneSaltmoore, on the North Yorkshire coast, has barely been open a year but is already earning recognition as one of the finest places to stay in Yorkshire. Toby Keel checked in.
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The Scottish survival experience, beloved by Sir David Beckham, Ian Wright and heavyweight CEOs, that's all about learning to appreciate the dizzying brilliance of the natural world againPatrick Galbraith follows in the footsteps of Sir David Beckham — who marked his 50th birthday with a 'survival' experience in the Scottish Highlands.
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‘Activities are of the derring-do variety, and the weather is unreliable year round, so it’s useful to be a good sport’: A memorable road trip to the tidal island in Scotland where J. M. Barrie liked to holidayThe opening of three new hotels in Scotland was all it took to convince Jo Rodgers to journey northwards on a road trip with her husband and three young children in tow.
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What is everyone talking about this week: Can AI pass aesthetic judgement?Someone asked ChatGPT and Gemini what the most beautiful city in Britain is. Their answer seems fair. Where does that leave us?
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The roads less travelled: The shapeshifting glories of Britain’s sea pathsRoger Morgan-Grenville celebrates the joys of wandering along the evanescent byways revealed by our tides.
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Country Life 24 September 2025Country Life 24 September 2025 walks Britain's most beautiful sea paths, tells the tale of Mr Darcy's shirt and finds the best homes in the West Country.
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South Devon: Everything you need to know about where Olivia Coleman and Benedict Cumberbatch's new film was shotMile-upon-mile of coastline, England’s largest fish market and idyllic scenery make South Devon a fantastic staycation destination — and filming location. Here’s our guide to what to do, where to stay and what to eat.
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How an imaginative couple created a sustainable haven that dreams are made of, complete with cider press, vineyard and farm stay accommodationSince leaving London in 2022, Sophie Brendel and Panu Long have been lovingly turning Thornfalcon Winery & Press, in Somerset, into a 'sustainable heaven' — with even more planned for the future.
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Beyond Royal Portrush: Castles, country houses and ancient towers in the other dimension of golf in IrelandRory McIlroy's history-making exploits and The Open arriving at Royal Portrush have made 2025 a banner year for Irish golf — but there's far more to golf on the island of Ireland than those headline-grabbers, as Toby Keel finds out.
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Water you're waiting for? Britain's best heritage lidos were built to save swimmers from polluted seas full of potato peelings, oil and coal — and they're still in action todayThe seaside lido continues to offer safe swimming for holidaymakers irrespective of the tide, but they're also architectural gems worthy of our admiration.
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‘Whatever do you do up there?’ enquire certain English infidels. The answer? ‘Lady, if ya gotta ask, ya’ll never know’: David Profumo's piece of heaven in Highland PerthshireDavid Profumo on the joy and wonder of the Highlands.
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Beyond Stonehenge: The ancient moorland megaliths and grand stone rings that you can enjoy without the tourist hordesWith their potent blend of wild looks and mystery, Britain’s ancient sites have an enduring magnetism — and there are far more of them than you might imagine.
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'Meat, ale and guns — what else do you need, bar glorious scenery?': William Sitwell on the Brendon Hills, West SomersetWilliam Sitwell chooses the Brendon Hills as his piece of heaven in Britain.
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The pristine and unspoilt English county that 'has all the ingredients of perfection'Many people simply pass straight through Northumberland heading for Scotland. Big mistake, says Matt Ridley.
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The extraordinary Exe Estuary, by the Earl whose family have lived here for 700 yearsCharles Courtenay, the 19th Earl of Devon, shares his own personal piece of heaven: the Exe Estuary in Devon.
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‘So old-fashioned, it’s new-fashioned’: Riding the rails on the Belmond Royal ScotsmanWhat goes around, comes around, says Steven King of a trip through Scotland to celebrate 40 years of the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train.
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'No Yorkshire dale, no Scottish moor, no view from Westminster Bridge can match it': Charles Quest-Ritson on The Itchen Valley, his personal piece of heavenCharles Quest-Ritson lavishes praise on the Itchen Valley, a part of Britain that's so charming and unspoilt as to restore your faith in the world.
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My piece of heaven: The Vale of Belvoir by Lady Violet MannersLady Violet Manners, who grew up in Belvoir Castle, shares her love of the area around her ancestral home.
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Penicuik Estate review: An exclusive use house and cottages for collectors and connoisseursThe Penicuik Estate in Midlothian, Scotland is an ever-growing hospitality empire with a fascinating history.
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The Old Bell, Malmesbury: England's oldest hotel meets Lone Star style to create something specialHow do you bring a 13th century hostelry to life, while keeping its historical charm? Ask Kim and Whit Hanks.
