Great places to stay in Nottinghamshire, Sussex, Norfolk, Cumbria and Devon
Gathering in the Grapes
I was in Paris recently and attended the Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre – a celebration of the harvest in Montmartre's own little-known vineyard and also a few days of all-round carousing in support of French wine in general. It was a reminder not only only of the importance of wine to French culture but also to the fact that it's an increasing part of English culture too, with over 1000 British vineyards (up from around 300 in the 1990s) currently focused on their own harvests all over the country.
Country House Get-Togethers
I was in Sussex looking for the perfect place for a swanky family get-together, and found the perfect place in Honeybridge Estate – three properties on a 17-acre West Sussex estate that can host anything from 12 to 25 people. It's easy to reach yet wonderfully secluded – your own private world for a few days. The main house has a heated swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, plus there are outdoor hot tubs, a tennis court, a cricket pitch, a lake for wild swimming and a games room – even a zip wire. I can't wait to go back, and it's worth knowing that they are offering discounted rates throughout October.
Anyone for tennis?
If you like the idea of your own pool but would prefer to share it with fewer people, then you might be interested in another Sussex property I discovered this month – The Tennis Shed: a rather jaw-dropping, utterly secluded two-bed luxury cabin in Ditchling that comes with its own tennis court and a superb indoor pool and sauna. It's a perfect spot for two but would also suit a family of four, and is just a short walk from the village centre – though you may not feel it's essential to leave at all!
In search of the perfect cabin
As we head into autumn it feels the right time to announce a new book we're publishing next year – Cool Cabins – in which we go in search of the country's best and cosiest luxury lodges, treehouses, log cabins and other places to stay that get you right up close to nature. Places like Wardley Hill, where Joe and Holly's recently opened Tiny House is an ingeniously designed two-storey off-grid cabin. Tucked away in the woods at their idyllic Norfolk campsite, it's powered by the sun and built from reclaimed wood and other materials, and offers an ultra-cosy hideaway for two at any time of year.
Cool Place of the Month
Continuing the cabins theme, I'm compelled to mention the wonderful Kelker Well Roundhouse, a unique and also highly sustainable wooden dwelling situated on a South Lakeland farm. It's two fields away from the nearest neighbour and kitted out with log burner, kitchenette and living space, upcycled furniture and hammock, wet room (with compost toilet) and wood-fired hot tub, making it a perfect place to stay all year round.
Hot Deal of the Month
This month it's worth highlighting the half-term packages at the very comfortable lodges at Bovey Castle, which include two or three nights’ self-catering accommodation in a luxury lodge, plus £150 activities credit, use of their indoor swimming pool and spa and lots of other activities. These lodges are a great option if you're still wondering what to do for half-term. Plus, you have all the benefits of this beautiful hotel too, based on the edge of Dartmoor, with all that has to offer in terms of walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. Prices start at £774 per lodge per night (based on 6 people sharing) and the offer is valid until 2 November 2024. Book here, or call 01647 445 000, quoting Cool Places!
