Country Life’s best travel stories of 2018: Honeymoons fit for royalty, domestic paradises and top tips for ski trips
2018 saw us travel to Mauritius and back, to the finest hotels in the Alps and to some of our classically British country manor hotels, just a short drive from home. See our best stories from this year for some inspiration: where will you go next year?


Tresco: Like Britain, but with better weather, beaches, gardens… and no cars
All the magic of an island escape just a short plane ride from Exeter, with a history for hospitality that dates back to the First World War.
Aboard the Orient Express: The iconic and elegant 1920s train is back at its best
A hallmark of luxury travel in the 1920s, the Orient Express is still as iconic and spell-binding as it was during its heyday.
Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius: A paradise on the water
A world of bespoke cocktails, fresh seafood and famous reef sharks, one could be forgiven for believing Constance Le Prince Maurice is paradise.
Villa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia review: The pearl of the Adriatic
A short bus ride from the city centre, Villa Dubrovnik perches on the edge of the Adriatic, framing the World Heritage Site behind its modern architecture.
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Sark: A dot on the map, a step back in time and an unforgettable, eccentric holiday spot
Just half a mile wide, Sark really does feel like a wild outcrop and with faultless accommodation and a plethora of fun family activities available, it’s the perfect place to escape for a little R&R.
8 stupendous holiday hideaways fit for a Royal honeymoon
With no budget, no rush and not a care in the world, these are ten of the most amazing honeymoon spots we could find from across the world.
Across Scotland by motorbike: The wonders of Raasay, and the joys of Calum’s Road
Scotland is a land full of history, from the island’s first legal distillery to a road built by one man over ten years. Discover all of this and the wonders of Calum’s Road by the speediest way you can remain in touch with nature: a motorbike.
Bicester Village: A delicate mixture of luxury shopping, teeming crowds and stunning British countryside
Explore the wonders of the self-styled 'Bond Street of Oxfordshire’ before escaping the crowds and hiding away in a idyllic country manor hotel.
10 of the best dog-friendly country hotels in Britain
Save the seperation anxiety and the cost of the kennels by taking your canine friend with you on your next weekend away.
23 things you need to know before you go skiing
You’ve booked your flights, researched your lift pass and you’re hoping for the best…get a little more preparation done by reading our top tips for beginners before you hit the slopes.
Credit: Pilatus Aircraft LTD.
Fantasy travel: The boat, car and plane of you dreams
If money were no object, we all have a dream car, a boat and very probably a plane in mind.
Credit: Will Bailey / Chalet Saunton
Chalet Saunton review: A dog-friendly Devonian retreat
Paula Lester is blown away by Chalet Saunton, a contemporary retreat in North Devon situated above a beach that allows
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
A foodie tour of Emilia Romagna, where Parma ham and proper Parmesan are washed down with Lambrusco
The real Parmesan cheese, true Parma ham and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, all confined to one region of production. Alexandra Fraser
Credit: Amanyangyun
Amanyangyun, Shanghai: Enjoying history in luxury
A newly opened luxury resort is the product of extraordinary conservation project. It offers visitors an intriguing insight into Chinese
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An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country Life
An Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
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The legacy od Dad's Army
Kate Green takes a look at Dad’s Army, the iconic BBC sitcom written by David Croft and Jimmy Perry.
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The East African holiday hotspot that should be top of your travel wishlist — and where to stay
There's more to Kenya than just safari.
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Winchester: The ancient city of kings and saints that's one of 21st century Britain's happiest places to live
Kings, cobbles, secrets, superstition and literary fire power–Winchester has had it all in spades for centuries and is as desirable now as it ever was, says Jason Goodwin.
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'He has 27 camels — and four daughters, too, whom he professes to love almost as much'
Pamela Goodman takes a trip to Oman and catches a glimpse into the strange world of camel beauty pageants.
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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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Prussia Cove: Shrouded in mystery and romance, this former smugglers' paradise is an isolated idyll
Come for the history, stay for the swimming and walking.
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‘In Rome, you can see through the cracks of the world into all of human history’: Assouline's new book is a visual declaration of love to the Eternal City
To mark the publication of Roma Eterna — which celebrates the Italian capital through the medium of photography — we asked one travel writer to write his own love letter to Rome.
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Sea Containers London: The 1980s called and it wants its bedroom back
The Sea Containers hotel on London's South Bank has unveiled four bespoke ‘cabin suites’, inspired by four different decades.
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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.