London should be called the city that never sleeps (just across the Atlantic). There’s theatre, shopping, sightseeing and top dining experiences. But it’s easy to fall into the a pattern when you visit frequently. You may find yourself doing the same things on every trip — from the moment you land in Heathrow to the moment you take off again.
Luxury Travel Advisor recently attended a FAM trip to England and visited England's prime destinations, including Bath Wiltshire and London. We love the city along the Thames, but we have also fallen in love with England’s countryside. We’ve rounded up the destinations and hotels worth a visit on your next trip to Britain.
Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa
This country estate in Wiltshire (about a two-hour drive from London) makes guests feel like they have been transported back in time, or maybe into a Jane Austen novel. This Relais and Chateaux property sits on nearly 500 acres and has 42 rooms and suites.
This property is ideal for family travel; nearly all the suites can fit multiple guests. The Jasmine Room is a prime example of a room built for a multigenerational stay. Jasmine comes with a large canopy bed and a roomy sitting area. Along with a sofa bed, the room can easily fit three total. Need more room? The Jasmine room is in the same private building as the Snowdrop room, and it's possible to request both suites, making your own private large accommodation to sleep five.
Lucknam also has activities to please the whole family. The spa has nine treatment rooms with a couple’s room and pedicure area. There is also a swimming pool that closes at 10 p.m. (a late night swim is a must). The spa has eight therapists, so we suggest making reservations in advance. The treatment you can’t miss is the dry flotation table, which helps fight jetlag. While the adults take advantage of the spa the children enjoy the equestrian program with multiple trails and programs for all levels.
If it rains (it does frequently) a day inside may be necessary, and the cooking school is entertaining for the whole family. It’s possible to fit as many as 12 people in a class, however you must be at least 16 years old. The classes usually start around 8:30 a.m. and last until late in the afternoon, but there is plenty of eating (and wine) involved. There are even changing rooms and showers upstairs to freshen up with after a day of cooking.
Sightseeing Near Lucknam
While staying at Lucknam, a trip to Bath is an absolute crowd pleaser. Even the teenagers will be thrilled. Bath is located about seven miles from the hotel; however, traffic can be heavy, so it’s best to do the drive early in the morning. Bath is known for its thermal springs and Roman bathhouse. The tour of the bathhouse shows the original Roman structure and history of the bathhouse. Younger children will enjoy talking with the Roman-dressed actors, and guests can even taste the thermal water, which is said to have healing properties. For a VIP experience, schedule a private tour of the Roman Baths with a tour group like Luxury Vacations. You will be led through the site by a knowledgeable guide between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
It’s easy to live like a Roman in Bath -- just visit the Thermae Bath Spa, which is Britain's only natural thermal public spa. The spa has pools filled with the thermal water you can swim in. We suggest swimming in the rooftop pool, which gives guests a full view Bath’s skyline (must be at least 16 years old).
Guests can also access a private pool, which can be lit by candlelight and is filled with filtered thermal water. The private pool can hold up to 12 people and children as young as 12.
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| Roman Bathhouse in Bath |
Agents should contact Sara Elston, director of sales and marketing at +44 (0) 1225 742777 or at [email protected].
Stay tuned to www.luxurytraveladvisor.com for the rest of this week's special report on luxury hotels in London and beyond.