Top 5 places to stay for a mid-winter getaway
The Seagate,
Appledore, North Devon
Best for: blustery beach break
If not-so-sleepy fishing villages ft. cute insta-worthy pastel hued cottages are your thing, then a trip to The Seagate is a must. Famed for its maritime history, quality seafood (no surprise there) and independent boutique-lined colourful streets, Appledore has a little something for everyone – and The Seagate props up the perfect spot on the Quay. Spend your days wandering the South West Coastal Path and breathe in gallons of glorious fresh Atlantic sea air before heading back for a pub supper and snooze in one of its 17 costal-inspired bedrooms.
Fiona’s top tip: try your hand at crabbing on The Quay (it’s a must), and take a teenie ferry ride over to Instow – The Boathouse for a spot of lunch and brisk walk along the beach.
The Bell,
Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds
Best for: countrified Cotswolds getaway
If countryside rambles are your thing, then the Cotswolds is an absolute must and this picture-perfect charmer of a pub in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold (the highest Cotswolds town) is a country lover’s dream come true. Take your pick from rooms just above the pub or a hotfooted stroll away in Stuart House, it’s honey-hued sister cottage for a deeply relaxing, super-cosy quintessential stay.
Jenny’s top tip: if you’re visiting with your pup in tow, there’s a fab doggy boutique in the village called The Cotswolds Grooming Co. – and the best collections of walkies are just on your doorstep (Reggie absolutely loved it!)
Hort’s Townhouse
Bristol
Best for: art-deco city stay
If you had the pleasure of knowing Hort’s Townhouse in its former glory as the city’s super boozer, you’ll be wowed by its brand-spanking new look. If boutique art-deco vibes are your thing, this one’s right up your city-centre-street. Smack bang in the heart of the city, you’ll not be short on a thing or two to do – and it’s bagged a bunch of accolades over the past year – so don’t just take our word for it. Take your pick from its 19 bedrooms and if you’re lucky, there’s a couple of freestanding bathtubs for the taking.
Oli’s top tip: fill up on brekkie and get out for the day. Take a meander to St. Nicks market, Glouster Road and Clifton Suspension Bridge for some of the city’s best bits.
Teller’s Arms
Farnham, Surrey
Best for: an all-things-new Surrey sleepover
Say hello to the newest kid on the block. If Surrey stomps and a taste of market town life sounds like a January dream, then a trip to Farnham with a stay at this bold and beautiful boozer for snoozers is a must. Worlds away from its former days as a highstreet bank, it’s decked out with nods to its heritage (look out for the teller’s clock and penny-filled table top) and hits the spot for location, location, location.
Gemma’s top tip: settle in for a Sunday roast by the fire, boot up and head over to Farnham Park and along the tree-lined Kings Avenue walking path – also loved by dogs. Then back to the pub for a bottle of wine, of course.
Brook Green Hotel, Hammersmith, London
Best for: boutique London overnighter
If you’re after an inner London stay but with all the leafy out-of-town feels, then this West London base is spot on. Sitting pretty as a picture overlooking Hammersmith’s Brook Green, it’s the perfect springboard to explore London. Take your pick from 17 bold boutique bedrooms and bed down for a lush London overnighter.
Kate’s top tip: there’s a not-so-secret cocktail bar on the ground floor of Brook Green (Smith’s) and it’s the place to go for quirky cocktails. Westfield shopping centre is nearby, but if you’re a fan of trendy boutiques, cafés, art shops and galleries, I’d venture a little further out to King’s Road.