
Please
find below a wide range of Special Interest breaks at Britain's best hotels,
ranging from cookery and dance weekends to wine-tasting and walking weekends.
All
Special Interest Breaks or Activities should be booked directly with the
relevant hotel or organisation
and please mention breakswithtradition.com
- thank you.

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Anniversary
Most of our
hotels are perfect for a special celebration - a bottle of chilled
Champagne, chocolates and flowers can be arranged to be in your
room on arrival, prices on request from each hotel. Particularly
recommended for an anniversary or special celebration are:
For other romantic
breaks at our hotels, please see Romantic
Breaks below.
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Linthwaite House Hotel
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Celebrations
Most of our
hotels are perfect for a special celebration - a bottle of chilled
Champagne, chocolates and flowers can usually be requested to be
in your room on arrival, prices on request from each hotel.
Particularly
recommended for a romantic break are:
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Chocolate Suite |
Chocolate
Lovers Break ~ The Cotswolds
Three
Ways House Hotel, the Home of the Pudding Club!
Calling
all Chocoholics...
Why not treat
yourself to a mouth-watering, lip-licking weekend of Chocolate
at the Home of the Pudding Club!
Arrive during
the afternoon – and enjoy a Chocolate Treat. In the Winter this
may include a cup of Hot Chocolate with homemade Chocolate Biscuits,
or in the summer a bowl of delicious homemade Chocolate Ice cream.
Dinner will be a very Chocolatey affair where Chocolate is featured
in every course, although other dishes are available if your stamina
is waning! Retire to the lounge for coffee and homemade Chocolate
Truffles. You can continue to indulge your passion at breakfast
where Chocolate will be included on the extensive buffet. After
breakfast take part in the Chocolate Treasure Hunt, (how many Chocolate
bars can you win?) followed by a DIVINE Chocolate demonstration
and tasting. You are now free to escape from all this Chocolate
– or stay another night!
Prices: One
night inclusive of accommodation, Chocolate Dinner, Car Treasure
Hunt, Full English Breakfast and Vat at 17.5% - as well as lots
of Chocolate extras ~ £125 per person.
There are a
limited number of Single, Superior and Pudding Rooms available from
an additional £15- £40 per person, per night. Please ask about special
rates for additional nights.
Dates for
2010 - 12 February (2 nights only) 20 February, 13 March. 17
April, 15 May, 19 June, 17 July, 21 August, 25 September, 23 October,
13 November
Be there and
indulge!
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Swinton Park
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Clay-pigeon
shooting
Clay-pigeon
shooting is available at a selection of our hotels including Swinton
Park, a 17th century luxury castle hotel in North Yorkshire.
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Rosemary Shrager
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The course programme
for 2010 offers a choice of day courses run by the Cookery School
Chef, Robert Taylor who has trained under Rosemary Shrager and
our Head Chef, Simon Crannage. His Dinner Parties courses consist
of three modules, all offering equal depth and range of cuisine
but allowing for returning guests to enjoy three bites of the cherry
and build up an ever wider range of recipes and skills. He also
runs the Food of Love courses for Valentines and the Festive
Fare courses in December. Robert is joined by experts in their
field for masterclasses in his other two courses – Richard Townsend
from Yorkshire Game for the Game courses and Susan Cunliffe-Lister,
the very "hands on" mastermind behind the restoration and design
of the walled garden and parkland at Swinton Park, for the Provenance
(Grow and Eat Your Own) courses. Please see the Day Course page
on the hotel's own website for further details.
Rosemary
Shrager is Swinton Park’s guest Celebrity Chef for the two-day residential
courses. There are a wide range of themes on offer, with Modern
British, Mediterranean Food and Fish and Seafood the selection
available during 2010. Please see the Residential Course page for
further details on the hotel's own website.
Gilly Robinson,
Rosemary Shrager’s “Man Friday” for the last four years is also
running her own Children's Cookery courses, which focus on the
basic essentials of family friendly food, with practical recipes
with that offer flexibility and scope for variety. As a working
mother herself, she has always championed nutritious wholesome family
food that can, at the same time, inspire children to enjoy and experiment
with cooking themselves. Please see the Day Course page for further
details on the hotel's own website.
The cookery
school has its own entrance and is a very short walk across the
drive from the hotel. The south facing lawn has outdoor seating,
and there is adjacent car parking. The four acre walled garden behind
the hotel is planted with fruit, vegetables and herbs, providing
a ready source of fresh ingredients for the hotel and school kitchens,
and cut flowers during the summer months.
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Dance
~ Strictly Dancing Breaks in Devon
Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
The
Bedford Hotel, Tavistock
Yes it’s all
the rage and so we have brought a taste of Strictly Come Dancing
to Devon especially for you! This dancing break's stunning venue
and location in Devon will provide the perfect place to get motivated
and have fun learning to dance. Your dance tutors for your dancing
holiday are former top competitive dancing professionals from the
world of dance. Andrew Cuerden and his partner Hanna Haarala
who were ranked in the top 24 of the World Professional Latin
American Rankings in 2006.
Andrew and
Hanna have also starred on the 3rd series the BBC's Strictly Come
Dancing programme in 2005. Andrew partnered "Holby City’s" Jaye
Jacobs (Donna) and Hanna partnered actor Will Thorpe (Woody) who
used to be in "Casualty". As well as being full time dancing teachers
they are currently touring Britain with Brendan Cole's Live & Unjudged
Tour!
Andrew and Hanna's
aim is to encourage all levels of dance so that it can once again
become a part of our culture. So their objective is to give you
the confidence and skills needed to get up and dance at any occasion.
There will be dance classes aimed at all levels so no need
to worry if you are like me and just taking your first steps or
likewise if you are an accomplished dancer and wanting to stretch
yourselves then Andrew and Hanna can certainly add a little polish
to those intricate moves!
Your Break includes:
- 3 nights
at your selected hotel - Two Bridges Hotel or The Bedford
Hotel (see above)
- English
Breakfast each morning
- 3 course
Dinner each evening
- Full
tuition with Andrew and Hanna each morning and afternoon (please
note you can dance as much or as little as you wish you may decide
to have a morning off and do a little sight seeing)
- Ballroom
and Latin Classes each day
- Each evening
after dinner Andrew and Hanna will host an informal and fun
social dance on the hotel's large and beautiful dance floor
where you will be able to practice what you have learnt, let your
hair down and make new friends
- To end off
the weekend there will be a formal Dinner & Dance where
Andrew and Hanna will perform their Latin Emotion Cabaret.
Price: £335
per person
Dates in 2010:
- 27th June
- 3 night Dancing Break at Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor
- 17th Sept
- 3 night Dancing Break at The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock
- 8th Oct
- 3 night Dancing Break at Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor
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Dog Friendly
Many of our
hotels welcome dogs. Ground floor or garden rooms are usually provided
giving direct access to the hotel grounds. Dogs are not usually
allowed in the public rooms and you may need to bring your own dog
basket and food, although some hotels will also provide these facilities
for you. Please check specific details with the hotel. Suggested
hotels include Swinton
Park, a luxury castle hotel in North Yorkshire.
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Driving
- Great Drives of the World - Penrith
to Corbridge
Nominated by
the Automobile Association as one of the Great Drives of the World
(the only one in England to receive the accolade), the A686 stretches
for fifty or so miles between Penrith in Cumbria and Corbridge in
Northumberland. The route offers dramatic scenery and wonderful
views, running through valleys and picturesque villages,
then across the Eden Valley and into the north Pennines, an Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty. After a steady climb to the top of
Hartside Cross, and on to the country's highest market town at Alston,
it begins a slow descent through the Tyne Valley to Hexham and Corbridge.
The route can be enjoyed as a day's round trip, starting at Penrith.
Stay at Temple
Sowerby House, near Penrith.
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Fishing
The
Arundell Arms, Lifton
The
Arundell Arms Hotel has been one of England’s premier fishing
hotels for more than half a century and has 20 miles of its own
water on the Tamar and six of its tributaries, and fishing tuition
is available for all levels, while other activities include shooting
and hunting. The hotel is also renowned for its friendly, professional
service and award-winning food in the fine dining restaurant. Comfortable
lounges with cosy sofas, fresh flowers and log fires in winter,
together with a welcoming bar, offer plenty of space for relaxing,
while the 21 bedrooms are beautifully decorated and furnished with
antiques. Situated in the village of Lifton near the Devon/Cornwall
border, the hotel is ideally located for exploring the Dartmoor
National Park and the many other attractions of Devon and Cornwall.
Children are very welcome.
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The Bedford
Hotel

Two Bridges,
Dartmoor
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Garden
Breaks in Devon
The
Bedford Hotel, Tavistock or Two
Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Treat
yourself to a fabulous Garden Break based at the charming Bedford
Hotel in Tavistock or the Two Bridges hotel on Dartmoor. The break
includes entrance to three of the best gardens in Devon and Cornwall.
This great-value Garden Break includes
- Three
Nights accommodation
- Hearty
Dartmoor Breakfast each morning
- Four
Course Dinner on two evenings
- Entrance
to three gardens of your choice
- Choose
from: Eden Project ~
Lost Gardens of Heligan ~ The
Garden House ~ Buckland
Abbey
Check with hotel
for latest prices.
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Westonbirt Arboretum

The Old Bell in spring
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Garden Breaks
Cotswolds
Westonbirt Arboretum, Britain's third most popular
garden destination, is famous for its acres of rare trees and shrubs,
spectacular in spring and autumn.
A
Day at Westonbirt Arboretum Break ~ Calcot
Manor Hotel, near Tetbury
Stay for two nights and enjoy a midweek short break that includes:
- Dinner
in the Conservatory Restaurant (£40 per person allowance, food
only)
- Overnight
accommodation in a double or twin room (Family accommodation is
also available, child supplements apply)
- Full
English Breakfast
- Tickets
to Westonbirt Arboretum for all the family
- Use of
the Spa facilities (Treatments are charged as taken and should
be pre- booked to avoid disappointment)
Prices from
£146.50 per person, per night when sharing a standard double or
twin room and based on a minimum 2 night stay.
Garden
Lovers Break ~ The
Old Bell Hotel and Restaurant
Enjoy a two night stay with dinner on one night and complimentary
tickets to Abbey House Gardens located in the heart of Malmesbury
right next door to the Abbey with over 10,000 different plants,
100,000 tulips, 2000 roses to name but a few in these beautiful
gardens with water features, fountains, river, waterfall..... how
lucky we are! Also enjoy complimentary tickets to Westonbirt Arboretum
(all in the same package...), only a 15 minute car drive from us
with 600 acres of historic landscape, 17 miles of paths to explore
and over 16,000 trees... you may need to stay a 3rd night at only
£99.00 after all that! This break is only available between May
and October. From £290 for two people
- Full English
breakfast
- Three-course
Dinner in the award-winning Restaurant on one night
- Tickets
to Abbey House Gardens
- Entry
to Westonbirt Arboretum
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Gardens
- Sussex
The gardens
at Gravetye
Manor, a classic Country House Hotel in West Sussex, were created
by William Robinson, pioneer of the English natural garden when
he lived at Gravetye from 1884 to 1935. The variety and charm of
the arrangement of trees and shrubs, the landscaping and the layout
of the different types of garden at Gravetye can still be enjoyed
today. The gardens are open only to guests staying at the hotel.
The hotel is
also well-placed for visiting the beautiful gardens at Wakehurst,
Leonardslee and Sheffield Park.
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Golf
Breaks in Cornwall ~ Enjoy a golf break at the St
Enodoc Hotel in Cornwall
Why not come
away to Cornwall for a few days of golfing? The hotel will book
your preferred starting time (subject to availability) and provide
the necessary passes to play at any of the following courses, which
we have selected for their proximity to the hotel, their variety
and their golfing challenge. Itineraries can be arranged to suit
your own personal requirements. We will arrange everything for you,
and just add the cost of the golf to your account. If you would
like to play at any golf club not mentioned, please just ask.
ST. ENODOC ~
Provides two superb eighteen-hole courses adjoining the hotel. There
is the renowned Church course, a links course measuring 6207 yards
and the shorter Holywell course that is 4142 yards. It should be
noted that no 3 or 4 ball matches can be played before 11.00am on
the Church course and handicap certificates of 24 or below for men
and 28 for women will be requested.
TREVOSE ~ An
outstanding links golf club with one eighteen-hole (6608 yards)
and two short nine-hole courses. Within 35 to 45 minutes of the
hotel. The same handicap certificate requirements apply as St. Enodoc
course.
ROSERROW ~ A
new 6172-yard course within 10 minutes of the hotel in rolling countryside
near the sea. The club offers many other sporting facilities including
heated indoor swimming pool. No certificates are required and buggies
are available.
LANHYDROCK
~ An attractive and friendly country course 25 minutes from the
hotel at Bodmin. Excellent golf shop and practice facilities.
PERRANPORTH
~ A picturesque links course overlooking Perranporth bay. Measuring
6020 yards, with many blind tee shots on dogleg holes, this is a
great challenge for all seasoned golfers.
BOWOOD ~ Another
beautiful country course measuring 6748 yards and within 30 minutes
of the hotel. Buggy hire available.
ST. MELLION
~ This well-known golf club is one hour from the hotel and offers
two 18-hole courses, the championship Nicklaus course at 6651 yards
and the Old Course at 5782 yards.
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Keen golfers
can enjoy a round of golf on the magnificent championship par
73 course, set in stunning tree and lake studded parkland, with
rolling fairways and USGA spec. greens. For the less experienced,
the Acorns course presents a realistic challenge. Brush up your
technique on the practice ground and driving range, or book in for
some PGA tuition.
Golf Breaks
Double or Twin Bedded Room with en-suite facilities, inclusive of
two-course dinner, breakfast and complimentary unlimited golf play:
- Single
Occupancy - from £119.50
- Double
Occupancy - from £179.00
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Old Mill and Swan
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Have
a go at. . . Weekends ~ It's a Funny Business in association
with Verve-Venues offer: -
A brand new
concept in fun weekends away, in a relaxed and friendly environment
- with good food, fine wine and great company, with an expert in
your chosen field. Our Have a go at...Stand-up comedy Weekends
are hosted by comedian Bobby Bragg and comedy actor John Arthur.
"If you want
to learn about comedy, Bragg's your man. He's one of the grand masters."
- Frank Skinner
"No-one
knows more about how to make humour work and how to put people at
their ease than John" - Sir Michael Gambon
Join our experts
for other Have a go at…Weekends which include: -
- close-up
magic
-
astrology/tarot
-
comedy writing
-
belly dancing
-
Shakespeare
Weekends are
from Saturday morning until mid afternoon on Sunday. All prices
are inclusive of VAT, and cover lunch and dinner on the Saturday,
bed and breakfast, and lunch on the Sunday. Special rates can be
negotiated for partners who would like to come for the weekend but
not participate, and for a room on the preceding Friday night if
required.
Special offer
- for parties of ten or more one person goes free.
Also for parties
of ten or more (up to a maximum of 20), weekends of your choice
can be arranged at one of Verve-Venues 29 superb venues throughout
the UK. (Subject to availability)
www.itsafunnybusiness.com/index.html
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Health
& Beauty Breaks
Holdsworth
House Hotel, near Halifax, West Yorkshire ~ Two
AA Rosette Restaurant
Pamper
Breaks ~ Girls Night In
- Pink cocktail
or pink champagne in the Long Bar on arrival
- A choice
of one of the following treatments: Lavender and Tea Tree Pedicure
~ Creative Spa Manicure ~ MONU Aromatic Facial ~ Back, Neck and
Shoulder Massage
- Two course
a la carte dinner in the award winning restaurant
- Accommodation
in a twin or double superior room
- Yorkshire
Breakfast
Price guide:
£125.00 per person based on two adults sharing a room.
Package subject
to availability. Please check with hotel for latest prices.
Please also
see Spa Breaks below.
For a selection
of Hotels with Spa and details of other Spa Breaks, please see our
dedicated Health
& Beauty pages.
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Honeymoon
~ Edinburgh
A Honeymoon
filled with Romance
Edinburgh is
definitely one of the most romantic cities in the world and
Channings
enjoys being positioned in this wonderful location, yet provides
its own secret world of romance, being tucked away in tranquil South
Learmonth Gardens, just off the beaten track so that you can enjoy
peaceful privacy, but only minutes walk from Edinburgh’s capital
city attractions. On your honeymoon you ideally want the best of
both worlds – to be able to enjoy the privacy of a luxury hotel
as well as being able to enjoy some good retail therapy as well
as restaurant relaxation. Channings is able to offer you and your
loved one all this plus more as it provides a country-style tranquillity
in a city setting where you’ll be charmed by our friendly people.
Special honeymoon packages are available and we are happy to tailor-make
to your specific requirements.
The following
is a sample price based on a 2-night stay in one of our exclusive
Superior Bedrooms: £240 per person for two nights including:
- 2 nights
luxury accommodation in a Superior bedroom
- Full
Scottish Breakfast each day
-
3-course dinner in Channings Restaurant, including coffee and
a bottle of wine
-
Champagne cocktails prior to dinner
-
Champagne and Chocolates in your room
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Llama
Trekking
For something
a bit different, try llama trekking in Dorset - lead a llama through
the lovely Dorset countryside and visit Dorset's Jurassic Coast
- designated a World Heritage Site. The llamas are gentle, easy
to handle and great fun to be with, and will carry your load for
you including a delicious picnic lunch. Guided day treks, tailored
to your individual requirements and pace, are available from New
House Farm in Dorset set in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Bed and breakfast farmhouse accommodation is also available if you
wish to stay a bit longer. Llama treks cost from approx. £45
including a picnic lunch. Further details on www.ukllamas.co.uk.
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The Bedford Hotel

Two Bridges Hotel
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MURDER,
MYSTERY EVENTS
The
Bedford Hotel, Tavistock, Devon
Two
Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
A weekend
of murder, mystery, suspicion and suspects . . .
- Arrive on
Friday and settle into your luxury accommodation (but be careful
when you open the wardrobe - a body could be anywhere !)
- Join your
fellow detectives for canapés before a sumptuous four course dinner.
But no time for idle chat - things are happening around you. Is
that waitress really a member of staff ?
- Retire to
the safety of your bedroom and ponder the events of the day
- On Saturday
enjoy a full English Breakfast before a day free to enjoy as you
please. But return in time for the continuation of the plot over
another wonderful dinner
- Sunday brings
proceedings sadly to an end with the post mortem after breakfast
Murder
Mystery Evening
- Join your
fellow detectives for canapés served in the lounge as the scene
is set
- Enjoy a
gourmet four course dinner with clues to gather and bodies to
examine
- The evening
is hosted by professional actors but who are they ? Surely not
that nice old lady sitting on the next table...
- All is eventually
revealed with the post mortem over coffee and a prize for the
best “Sherlock Holmes”
Please contact
the hotel(s) for latest dates and prices.
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Photography
Breaks ~ Three
Ways House Hotel, The Cotswolds
Have you gone
digital recently and want to improve your photographic skills to
get the best out of your camera? Then why not book onto an exciting
weekend workshop with professional photographer and tutor - Paul
Southall from DCZ Photography?
Having studied
photography at college in the early seventies following a childhood
passion with the media, which is still as fresh today, Paul undertakes
commissions of all styles from Portrait to Product shots for both
private and business clients and travels extensively to capture
travel and motor sport images. We are delighted to have secured
Paul's services for two photographic workshops here at Three Ways
House Hotel from Friday 15th to Sunday 19th January and Friday
19th to Sunday 21st February 2010.
Digital technology
provides exciting and challenging opportunities for amateurs
wishing to develop their creativeness and technical scope for image
processing. To help you in your pursuit of perfect images, over
the weekend you will learn how to -
- See and
compose great images
- Work
with various techniques
- Take
advantage of conditions "on the day"
- Set up
your camera in the best way
The weekend
will include a photography slideshow, tutorial presentations
and practical workshops and a review/critique of your photographs
through a laptop and onto a big screen. If the weather conditions
are suitable, a local Photography walk on the Sunday morning will
be included, giving you the chance to breathe some Cotswold air,
so do come prepared!
Places on the
Photography Workshop are limited to 10 guests. Don't leave your
loved one behind at home, there are plenty of things to keep them
occupied locally, or not, as they choose!
Friday:
Arrive on Friday anytime from 3 PM, join with Paul and fellow photographers
in Randall's Bar for a drink at 6pm, followed by a short introductory
talk before a delicious three course dinner in the award winning
restaurant.
Saturday:
After a good night's rest and full breakfast, the workshop will
begin, stopping for a light lunch in Randalls. The workshop will
finish in the late afternoon leaving you some free time to recharge
your batteries before dinner in the restaurant with your partners
and other guests from the workshop.
Sunday: Sunday
will follow a similar format, but will finish by 4 PM, giving you
plenty of time to travel back home.
The cost per
guest from £295 is based on two sharing a double/twin room for two
nights with breakfast and dinner, lunch on Saturday and Sunday,
all photographic tuition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, pads and
pens will be provided in the workshop. The special partner rate
of £150 includes dinner on both evenings, breakfast and accommodation.
A limited number of double rooms for sole occupancy will be available
from £345 for the weekend package.
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Pudding
Club Breaks in the Cotswolds at Three Ways House ~ Home of
the Pudding Club
Founded at Three
Ways House Hotel in 1985 to prevent the demise of the traditional
great British Pudding, the Pudding Club and its members can now
proudly claim that because of their efforts the great British Pudding
has reclaimed an enthusiastic following throughout the country -
and beyond. You don't need to be a member to attend a meeting. Today
there is a full colour recipe book and a range of Pudding Club gifts.
Two Night
Pudding Club Break - Attend a meeting of the Pudding Club, every
Friday (and occasional Saturdays). This involves eating or sampling
a selection of seven delicious puddings to find the Pudding
of the Night! Stay overnight and take an English Breakfast before
exploring the local area. On Saturday night dine in the main
restaurant from the Table d'Hote menu, departing after breakfast
on Sunday morning.
Summer Pudding
Club - During June, July and August, the Pudding Club features
summer delights like Gooseberry Fool and bowls of Summer Red Berries
as well as Summer Pudding itself. Traditionalists won't be left
out, as the parade of seven puddings will still include favourites
like Syrup Sponge and Sticky Toffee. With drinks served in the Patio
Garden, the Summer Pudding Club is a lovely Midsummer occasion!
Tariff for
two night Pudding Club Break 2010
Price per
night: Double/Twin Room £198
Superior/Pudding
Double: £230/£252/£275
Early booking
advised, due to popularity of these weekends.
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Swinton Park
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Regular Racing
Breaks
The race days for York, Ripon and Thirsk are listed on the hotel's
Calendar of Events page, and we offer a Racing Break Package which
can be tailor made to suit your particular requirements. The usual
format for on a race day includes a morning trip to the local
stables and exercise gallops at Middleham, a late morning brunch,
entry to the races and transport.
The standard
package costs in the region of £95 per person, which will vary depending
on the race meeting and the number in the group sharing transport.
York and Wetherby racecourse are about a 50 minute drive, Ripon,
Catterick and Thirsk about 30 minutes. Any accommodation costs will
be an additional charge.
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Romantic
breaks - Lake District
Indulge in a
romantic break at the luxurious Linthwaite
House Hotel overlooking Lake Windermere in the beautiful English
Lakes. The romantic package includes a bottle of house Champagne,
box of handmade chocolates and a bunch of red roses in your room
on arrival and costs an additional £68 (approx. price guide)
to the normal short-break rates, inclusive of full English breakfast
and delicious four-course Dinner. The break also includes complimentary
use of nearby spa with pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, squash
and gym.
Total
Romance Package
The total romance package will melt any heart with rose petals
strewn on the pillow, champagne on arrival; a book of Lakeland romantic
poetry and a list of ten top spots for proposals (which can
be sent under plain brown cover to keep your plans under wraps).
There is also a disposable camera to capture this cherished time
together. The package includes four-course table d'hote dinner
and full English breakfast, served in bed if the mood takes
you, and is valid for a two night minimum stay in a deluxe room.
Optional extras
include filling the room with roses; a champagne picnic hamper;
a steamer trip on lake Windermere; and suite upgrade. Pleae
check the hotel's website for current prices.
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Royal
Yacht Britannia Breaks, Edinburgh
This two-night
short break is based at Channings
and features a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored at
the port of Leith. Visitors can board the Royal Yacht to take a
look at the Royal Apartments, officers' quarters, captain's cabin,
engine room, the bridge and galleys (www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk).
Prices include:
- Two nights
luxury accommodation
- Full Scottish
Breakfast
- Complete
tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Taxi transfer
from the hotel to the Royal Yacht
Please check
hotel's website for current prices.
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Sheer
Indulgence Break - Isles of Scilly
Escape to the
unspoilt Isles of Scilly for a truly romantic break. Stay at Tregarthen's
overlooking the harbour on the island of St Mary's and enjoy stunning
panoramic vistas of the islands of Tresco, Bryher, Samson and St
Martin’s. With luxurious bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant
and the sea-shore, two beaches, picturesque quay and the shops and
galleries of Hugh Town all within easy walking distance from the
hotel, Tregarthen's is the perfect destination for a romantic escape.
Book their Sheer Indulgence break (minimum three days notice
required), inclusive of:
- Champagne
and flowers
- Hand-made
chocolates
- Rose
petals for your bath
- Fresh
fruit bowl
- Locally
made biscuits and other little touches
Please check
hotel's website for current price.
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Shopping
& Sightseeing Luxury Short Breaks
Edinburgh
offers an excellent variety of shops including famous Jenners, the
oldest independent department store in the world and Princes Street
offering all the well-known high street names together with a variety
of specialist shops, plus a host of historic sights. Enjoy a luxury
weekend shopping break at one of Edinburgh's luxury four and five-star
townhouse hotels, choose from: Channings
including:
- Two nights
luxury accommodation
- Full
Scottish Breakfast
- Three-course
Dinner on one night
- £50
Jenners shopping voucher (per person)
- Taxi
transfer to Jenners
Please check
hotel's website for current prices. Offer based on 2 persons sharing
a twin/double room, minimum 2 night stay, subject to availability.
Single, superior and suite supplements apply.
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Spa
Breaks ~ The Cotswolds
Stanton
Manor Hotel, near Chippenham, Wiltshire ~ The Cotswolds
Special Spa
Packages
The hotel has put together a fantastic Spa Package to help you get
the most of your break away from it all. Thermae Bath Spa
is Britain's only natural thermal spa where you can bathe in the
warm, natural mineral-rich waters and choose from a range of spa
treatments designed to ease the body and soothe the mind. Here you
can relax in two spectacular baths, fed by the natural thermal
waters and refresh yourself in a series of aromatic steam rooms.
www.thermaebathspa.com
The Spa Package
includes:
- Two nights
accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis
- Dinner
in the Gallery Restaurant on 1 Evening
- Two Hour
Session at Thermae Bath Spa (treatments extra)
- Towel,
Robe & Slipper Hire
- Taxi
to and from Bath
- Bottle
of Champagne
From only £399
(price guide) - 2 people for 2 nights.
For further
details of Hotels with Spa and other Spa Breaks, please visit our
Health and Beauty
Hotels page.
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Channings |
Theatre
Breaks ~ Edinburgh
Enjoy a luxury
theatre break in Edinburgh taking in a show at the Festival City
Theatre or The Playhouse (www.eft.co.uk).
Stay at Channings
The package includes:
- Two nights
luxury accommodation inclusive of full Scottish Breakfast
- Top price
theatre ticket to the show of your choice
- Taxi transfer
to the theatre
- Two course
dinner on one night
- All taxes
and service charges
Please check
hotel's website for current prices of this break.
Theatre
- Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon
For visitors
to Stratford-upon-Avon, we recommend staying at Three
Ways House, a friendly Cotswold village hotel in Mickleton
near Chipping Campden. Three Ways House offers 48 individually designed
bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and is ideally located for
exploring the northern Cotswolds and approximately 20 minutes' drive
of Stratford-upon-Avon (8 miles). Short breaks are available throughout
the year offering excellent value for money. Three Ways House is
also Home of the Pudding Club and delicious puddings are served
every day. Children welcome.
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Golden Cap - Dorset |
Walking
Holidays - The Wayfarers
Specialists
in walking vacations since 1984, The Wayfarers is committed to providing
inspired options for the very best of travel on two feet. Freedom
of spirit and a passion for adventure set the scene. They seek out
expert local walk leaders and put the focus on exciting itineraries
featuring diverse landscapes, gracious lodging and delicious
regional cuisine.
Affordable pricing
covers all accommodations, ground transfers, meals on itineraries,
wine with dinner, entry to specified museums and historic sites,
lectures and events. A wide range of destinations are
available throughout England, Scotland and Wales from the mountains
of Snowdonia to the Western Isles of Scotland.
Destinations
include:Coast to Coast,
Cornwall, Cotswolds, Dorset, Hadrian's Wall & The Lake District,
Peak District, Royal River Thames, Yorkshire Moors & Dales,
Wales - Snowdonia and Scotland - Loch Lomond & The Western Isles.
Further details
on: The Wayfarers Walking Holidays.
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Walking
Breaks - Yorkshire Dales
LUXURY WALKING BREAKS IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES
Take to the hills and enjoy the great outdoors exploring the
Yorkshire Dales, safe in the knowledge that all the creature comforts
await you at the end of the day. This is a package that allows
you to walk between Swinton Park and two other luxury hotels in
the area, The Yorke Arms in Nidderdale and The Blue Lion at East
Witton in Wensleydale. There is free baggage delivery between
each destination and a walking map to help you find your
way. Picnics are also available, and there is a Lunch
Hut on the moors on Swinton Estate for those wanting to enjoy
some shelter and a blazing fire on a winter's day.
The package
price amounts to the Bed and Breakfast or Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
rates available at any one of the hotels you would like to stay
at, with just an extra charge for a picnic or for the use of the
Bothy Lunch Hut. The baggage delivery service is provided by the
hotel that you are walking from, but is not available between The
Yorke Arms and The Blue Lion.
For further
details, please contact
Swinton Park - set in extensive grounds close the Yorkshire
Dales National Park.
The Yorke
Arms, Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge, near Harrogate,
North Yorkshire HG3 5RL. www.yorke-arms.co.uk
The Blue
Lion, East Witton, Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4SN www.thebluelion.co.uk
Good walks
can be enjoyed from many of our other hotels in the UK. Those
listed below are located in areas particularly good for walking,
and many provide details of Walking Routes, catering for different
abilities:
Linthwaite
House Hotel - Windermere, Lake District - walks through lovely
countryside and around the lake. Printed walking guides provided.
Temple
Sowerby House - near Penrith, Cumbria
Three
Ways House Hotel - Mickleton, Chipping Campden - The Cotswolds
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Walking in the Cotswolds
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Walking
Breaks ~ The Cotswolds ~ Three
Ways House
Cotswold
Walking Weekends
The organised Walking Weekends are led by experienced Cotswold Wardens,
all of whom have a wealth of local knowledge, which they will readily
share with you. The walks vary in length, taking in some undulating
and rough ground, but all of them are suitable for the moderately
fit (although you may encounter many stiles). Saturday’s walk is
usually 11–12 miles, whilst Sunday’s is approximately 8 miles –
enabling you to return to the hotel for departure by mid or late
afternoon. Walks from Three Ways House would typically take in the
beautiful stretch up to Kiftsgate Court and Hidcote Manor, walking
on up to Lark Stoke where the views are stunning, dropping down
into the village of Ilmington, through to the Foxcote Estate and
Ebrington (known to the locals as Yubberton) and then walk back
to Mickleton through Hidcote Boyce and down Bakers Hill.
This is generally
how the Cotswold walking weekends work (with seasonal variations):
Friday ~
Arrive at your leisure on Friday afternoon. The Pudding Club meeting
kicks off at 7.30 with a drinks reception when your host will explain
the history and rules of the club. You will then have a choice of
three light main courses before the highlight of the evening, a
parade of seven traditional puddings, which might include Spotted
Dick, Sussex Pond or Lord Randalls. You will be invited up to the
Pudding Buffet until you say enough! Relax over coffee and cast
your vote for the ‘Pudding of the Night’.
Saturday
~ After a good night’s sleep you will be ready for breakfast
and a chance to start walking off the puddings. Leave the hotel
by 9.15 for today’s walk, which will be approximately 11 miles long.
Put your best foot forward and you should be back for 3.30 ish.
After a relaxing bath or shower, sit by the fire with a cup of tea
or enjoy a pint of beer in Randalls. Dinner in the evening will
be in our main restaurant, a fulfilling 3–course affair. Retire
to the lounge for coffee or Randalls Bar for a nightcap.
Sunday ~
Start Sunday morning with a hearty English breakfast. Today’s
walk will start from the hotel and will be about 8 miles, arriving
back at the hotel by 2.30 ish. The format of both weekends will
be familiar to those of you who have enjoyed a walking weekend with
us before.
Dates for
2010:
- 8 - 10 January
- 29 - 31
January
- 26 - 28
February
- 19 - 21
March
- 2 - 5 April
(3 night Easter Break)
- 25 - 27
June
- 9 - 11 July
- 15 -19 August
(4 night Summer Walking Break)
- 10 - 12
September
- 15 - 17
October
- 19 - 21 November
Summer
Walking Break
This four night Summer Break includes:
- 3 days
guided walking
- a visit
to 2 local gardens
- 2 picnic
lunches and a pub lunch
- dinner
each evening including a Pudding Club meeting
- overnight
accommodation and full breakfast
| Prices
2010 |
Standard
Room |
Single
Occupancy |
Superior
or Pudding Room |
| 2
Night Breaks |
£230 |
£270 |
£265/£280/£295 |
|
3 Night Easter Break |
£300 |
£360 |
£360/£375/£390 |
| 4
Night Summer Break |
£385 |
£445 |
From
£445 |
The above prices
include accommodation, dinner, breakfast, packed lunches, guides
and VAT at 17.5%.
Really relax
– stay on Sunday night for a very special rate from £75.00 per person
to include a 3 course dinner and breakfast.
Or if you
prefer to walk as an individual or with a group of friends,
Three
Ways House makes an ideal base and offers some great walking
in this beautiful part of the Cotswolds - the English countryside
at its best. The hotel offers short breaks throughout the year offering
excellent value for money and well behaved dogs are welcomed. Everything
you need for a walking break is to hand including: • Guide Books
and Maps - a wide range available • Planned Routes with recommended
refreshment stops • Packed lunches available to order • Drying Room
available for wet clothes and boots • Return to supper or a refreshing
pint of ale.
The Cotswold
Way is a 104 mile long public footpath passing through many
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, running between Chipping Campden
in the north and Bath in the south. It runs along a high escarpment
and crosses hills of neolithic limestone - the distinctive golden-hued
stone from which many Cotswold towns and villages are built.
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Walltown Crags, Hadrian's
Wall |
Walking
~ Hadrian's Wall National Trail, Northumbria
Visitors can
now walk the entire 84-mile length of Britain's Roman frontier -
Hadrian's Wall. This coast to coast trail, from the Wallsend fort
in Newcastle to Cumbria's Solway Firth takes around one week to
walk for the reasonably fit, although there are also 40 easy circular
walks, making it ideal for a weekend break. Rich in Roman heritage,
there are many fascinating historic sites and museums to visit along
the Wall. A special bus service travels between the key points (number
AD122) and leaflets on day walks are available. Further details
on: www.hadrians-wall.org
and www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall.
Stay at Temple
Sowerby House near Penrith, within a short drive of Hadrian's
Wall.
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Wedding cake at Channings
in Edinburgh
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Weddings
Many hotels
featured on this site hold Civil Wedding Licences and/or are suitable
for Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions. This is noted on each individual
hotel page, in the details section at the end. However, the hotels
below offer particularly pleasant gardens or setting for a wedding.
Please contact the hotel direct for further details. Our Edinburgh
hotel, Channings, also offers fabulous wedding packages, Channings.
Holdsworth
House Hotel, Holdsworth, West Yorkshire
Linthwaite
House Hotel, Windermere, Lake District
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Wine Bar at Channings |
Whisky
Galore Luxury Break
Whisky lovers
will appreciate a short-break featuring The Scotch Whisky Experience,
based at Channings
The break includes:
- Two nights
luxury accommodation inclusive of full Scottish Breakfast
- Scotch Whisky
Tour - the history and mystery of Scotch whisky making revealed
- Taxi transfer
to the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
- Two course
dinner on one evening
- All taxes
and service charges
Please check
hotel's website for current prices of this break.
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White House Hotel, Herm Island, Channel Islands
Wine
Evenings 2010 ~ from £130 per person
An appreciation of fine wines is a great tradition on Herm and one
which Hospitality Director, Jonathan Watson has been very keen to
develop. Jonathan makes regular buying trips to the wine regions
of France to source wines of both exceptional quality and outstanding
value for money. The House wines for the White House Hotel and Mermaid
Tavern are selected from single vineyards, with Champagnes and regional
French wines being selected personally by Jonathan.
Intended for
wine enthusiasts, Jonathan will lead a tasting and discussion of
the wines, oenology, geography and topography of some of the most
important wine producing areas in the world. Following this, a five-course
meal will be served with course wines, demonstrating the versatility
of the wines from each region. Places are limited in order to ensure
an intimate environment.
- Bordeaux
- Friday 2nd July
- Spain
- Sunday 25th July
- Burgundy
- Sunday 3rd October
- Sparkling
wine and Champagne - Sunday 10th October
Cost per person
- £130.00. Includes the wine tasting, dinner, with course wines,
breakfast and accommodation. Based on 2 sharing a double or
twin.
Wine
Tasting Weekends 2010 ~ from £195 per couple ~ 24th and 25th September
Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a keen amateur, you are guaranteed
to have a weekend to remember. With talks from Guernsey's Wine merchants
and Champagne/Wine tasting by the pool, this package includes
evening meal, breakfast, return Travel Trident tickets, wine tasting
and Sunday lunch.
Cost per couple
per night - £195.00. Based on 2 sharing a double or twin.
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Wine
Weekends at Temple Sowerby House, nr Penrith, Cumbria
Classic Wine
Weekends in Cumbria
SOUTH
AMERICA 15 October 2010 to 17 October 2010
South America is fascinating for the wine enthusiast! The combination
of diverse geographical regions and a unique series of microclimates
has resulted in a wide range of styles across the continent and
although Chile and Argentina are the main exporters, quality wine
is also made in Brazil, Uruguay and Peru!
A change in
attitude over the last decade and a half has seen a move from low-quality
bulk wines to premium, individual wines reflecting the nature of
the land. It is now a treasure-trove of oenological gems! The weekend
will reflect the diversity of the continent and give the opportunity
to sample some wonderful wines whilst providing an introduction
the wine regions of these increasingly important countries.
As usual Neil
Goldie, from House of Townend Wines, will host the tutored tasting
and share his knowledge of South America with us. The tasting will
reflect the region itself, with a balance of red and white wines,
with this theme being continued in the evening, a variety of wines
being served to complement our specially created menus.
Prices:
- Superior
Room £305 per person sharing
- Classic
Room £280 per person sharing
The weekend
includes...
- 2-night
stay in a Superior or Classic room
- Full
Breakfast each morning
- a reception
with canapes each evening 3-course dinner with selected wines
on Friday
- Fully
tutored wine tasting on Saturday
- 4-course
gourmet dinner on Saturday, complete with wines
Here are some
guest comments following our previous wine weekends:
"We hadn't been
on a wine weekend before and were a little apprehensive in case
it was a bit beyond us! We needn't have worried as we were made
to feel at home straight away and thoroughly enjoyed the tastings
and especially the food"
"The tastings
weren't a bit stuffy, we enjoyed the informal yet informative approach.
A very good balance between the range of wines, information and
help in choosing wines"
"Having arrived
with limited knowledge other than I know what I like, the weekend
was really helpful in organising my future buying selections"
"Having been
to 3 previous wine weekends at TSH, there was absolutely no repetition
in content. It's a great opportunity to compare wines"
For further
information, please contact Temple
Sowerby House.
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Please
mention breakswithtradition.com when
booking any of the Special Breaks above - thank you.
NB
All above Special Interest events and activities are subject to
availability.
New
Special Interest activities are being added to this page frequently
. . .
don't forget to come back and take a look!
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