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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 accommodation
Since 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 Ireland
Rory 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 today
The 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 Perthshire
David 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 hordes
With 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 Somerset
William 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 years
Charles Courtenay, the 19th Earl of Devon, shares his own personal piece of heaven: the Exe Estuary in Devon.
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Quentin Letts: Heaven in Herefordshire
Quentin Letts is best known as a merciless sketch writer and critic — but when he's back home at Herefordshire he embraces a very different life.
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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 heaven
Charles 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 Manners
Lady 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 connoisseurs
The 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 special
How do you bring a 13th century hostelry to life, while keeping its historical charm? Ask Kim and Whit Hanks.
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The breathtaking Cornish cove that's 'like something from a fantasy'
Ben Lerwill takes a look at Kynance Cove, the 'scenic highlight of the Lizard Peninsula'.
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Exploring the countryside is essential for our wellbeing, but Right to Roam is going backwards
Campaigners in England often point to Scotland as an example of how brilliantly Right to Roam works, but it's not all it's cracked up to be, says Patrick Galbraith.
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'The Wild Rabbit is a paean to Lady Carole Bamford's ethos of comfortable, yet incredibly spoiling accommodation'
At the heart of Kingham, one of Oxfordshire’s most historic and beguiling villages, The Wild Rabbit offers the chance to enjoy the authentic charm of the Cotswolds with all the trappings of a five-star hotel.
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How to disconnect from reality and feel like a new person in under 72 hours
Our round-up of the best British retreats that work wellness wonders in under 72 hours.
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Great garden getaways
Sponsored by PoB Hotels
Discover some of Britain’s finest gardens with a PoB Hotels break
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The Barnsdale in Rutland: Is this the UK’s most dog-friendly hotel?
One writer and her canine sidekick check into a Rutland hotel that caters as beautifully to dogs as it does their owners.
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Falcon Farmhouse: A dreamy hilltop retreat with fun on tap
Overlooking a beautiful Staffordshire valley, Falcon Farmhouse is a country retreat that mixes relaxation and fun in equal measure. Toby Keel paid a visit.
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The Country Life guide to Somerset: What to do, where to stay and how to eat
Somerset is rich in natural beauty and history, but it is its wealth of small-scale food and drink producers, farmers and makers that really set it apart from the competition. Find out how to make the most of it all with our indispensable guide.
