Europe

United Kingdom

Visit England and discover a country of great contrast and diversity both in the places you go and in the people you meet.  All the regions of England are within easy reach of the exciting capital city, London, famed for first class culture, fascinating history and pageantry and world class restaurants and theatre.

North Yorkshire is England's largest county and one of the most rural.  Each region within has its own distinct natural beauty and charm.  To the west of the county lie the Yorkshire Dales in the Pennine hills, displaying a patchwork of fields and dry-stone walls.  The countryside is breathtaking with many natural features and an abundance of rivers and streams, waterfalls and tarns.  At the eastern edge of the county is the coast, with spectacular cliffs and sweeping sands.  There are towns with narrow winding cobbled streets which have a feel of a bygone age, and also majestic Victorian holiday resorts.  In the Vale of York is the ancient city of York itself, in this area there are many castles, abbeys, historic houses and other places of interest.

Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its University and place in history.  For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town, although people are known to have lived in the area for thousands of years.  With its mix of ancient and modern, there is plenty to do.  Whether it's visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums, eating in one of the many restaurants, taking in a show or shopping.

Accommodation in England
 

Dating back to the 17th century, Swinton Park is a privately owned luxurious castle hotel set in 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens.  The castle is surrounded by the family estate in which guests have access to rivers, reservoirs, moorland, dales and the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.  With 30 beautifully decorated bedrooms and suites each individually designed, gracious public rooms furnished with antiques and a sumptuous dining room, with an unusual gold leaf ceiling, this is a unique experience.
The hotel offers the finest cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal produce sourced from the walled garden and surrounding estate.  Traditional activities include shooting, archery, riding, fishing and falconry together with golf, mountain biking and off road driving.
The hotel also has a spa offering a full range of treatments and complementary therapies and a cookery school.

Situated in secluded grounds just 8 miles south of the historic city of Oxford, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons is the fulfillment of Chef Patron, Raymond Blanc's vision to create a hotel and restaurant in harmony, where its guests would find perfection in comfort, cuisine and service.  It is regarded as one of the finest hotel and restaurants in Europe and the only country house to have retained 2 Michelin stars for 21 years.
This beautiful 15th century golden stone gabled house, set in 7 acres id stunning gardens with its own organic herb and vegetable gardens has 32 beautifully appointed suites and bedrooms.  The modern French menu has been described as 'a twist of imaginative genius' and the cuisine is undoubtedly the focus for everyone with a passion for good food.
There are in-room health and beauty treatments and the 'The Raymond Blanc Cookery School' provides cookery courses throughout the year.