Pride of Britain Hotel’s guide to a blockbuster British summer

Pride of Britain Hotels, a masterfully-curated collection of the finest independent hotels across the UK, offers inspiration to ensure a summer to remember. Whether you’re looking to stay active this season, bless your ears with some of the country’s best music or immerse yourself in culture and tradition, Pride of Britain Hotels has carefully assembled a guide to some of the most exciting events paired with sumptuous hotel stays along the way.

So, as we eagerly await the summer horizon, it’s time to familiarize ourselves with all the UK has to offer…

London

Get a taste for lavish living and step into Her Majesty the Queen’s iconic place of residence at Buckingham Palace’s Summer Opening, beginning 22^nd July. During the visit, guests will be invited to weave their way through 19 spectacular state rooms with the option of an additional guided tour of the Royal Gardens. (Tickets from £19.50). Located just across the road, The Goring is the closest hotel to Buckingham Palace and was granted a Royal Warrant by HM the Queen in 2013. It has been a firm royal favourite over many years, including hosting the Duchess of Cambridge’s family before the Royal Wedding in 2011. (Overnight stays from £410, two sharing).

For an intimate, romantic night for two, take a trip into the wild without leaving the beating heart of London. From 6-10 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, London Zoo offers the opportunity to explore the wildlife at the Zoo without the crowds. With over 15,000 animals to meet, this Twilight event is surely one for the animal lovers. Don’t miss the bonus chance to visit the botanical bar nestled within the secret enchanted garden. (Tickets from £21.50 per adult). Afterwards, why not indulge a night of beauty sleep at The Capital Hotel? Step into this red-brick Victorian townhouse in the heart of Knightsbridge and you’ll find a beguiling combination of English elegance and tradition. (Overnight stays from £220, two sharing).

The South East

At Newmarket Racecourse on July 15^th, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a day of motor racing sure to be packed with on-track action. If the idea of four-wheeled racing isn’t for you, as night falls, prepare for a resplendent evening of music from The Script, who are set to headline the racecourse arena from 9pm with hits including ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ and ‘Hall of Fame’. (Tickets from £39.20 per adult). Stay nearby at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa. The hotel is surrounded by secluded rose gardens and has 80 guest rooms and suites, a superb two-AA rosette restaurant, stylish bar, plus an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym. (Overnight stays from £165, two sharing, including breakfast and access to health & fitness club facilities).

In St Albans, Hertfordshire, a Roman Theatre Open Air Festival will take place this summer. The theatre, built in the year 140AD as part of the Roman city of Verulamium, is believed to be the oldest theatre in the country that is still producing performances today. Produced by theatre company OVI, this year’s in-house shows will include a glittering 1970s disco-themed A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a live jazz band-accompanied rendition of The Importance of Being Earnest, and a new adaptation of Little Women (various dates throughout July and August). Stay nearby at Sopwell House, an 18^th century Georgian manor house with the award-winning Cottonmill Spa (overnight stays from £154 per night, two sharing, including breakfast and spa access).

Explore the idyllic landscapes of Essex and Constable Country just over the border in Suffolk during the summertime. Wander around Wranbness Nature Reserve in Manningtree, spread over 27 acres with views over the Stour Estuary and walkways through wildlife-filled grasslands, marsh and woodland. Discover the picturesque countryside that inspired painter John Constable, in an AONB in rural Suffolk, including Dedham Vale and the Willy Lotts Cottage. Stay a newly-revamped Talbooth House & Spa in Dedham, a 19^th century country house hotel with brand new spa, literary inspired bedrooms and riverside restaurant.

The South West

Escape to the British coast and head to Poole Harbour Festival 2022 beginning 29^th July. This festival offers three days of family fun and will welcome an array of activities such as magicians, street performers and circus acts along with headliners, Scouting for Girls. (Weekend ticket from £22 per adult). Stay nearby at The Priory Hotel. Set on the grassy banks of the River Frome, this hotel combines traditional charm with contemporary luxury. The Garden Restaurant provides a memorable dining experience, with vaulted green oak timbers and views of the garden, river and adjoining countryside. (Overnight stays from £220, two sharing).

Learn how to rock climb against the stunning backdrop of Dartmoor National Park, with Crag 2 Mountain’s summer of Introduction to Rock Climbing day courses (£50 pp), showing budding climbers the basics of fundamental climbing movement skills, basic equipment, technical skills such as tying in and abseiling, and environmental knowledge. Rest weary limbs afterwards at Bovey Castle Hotel, set in the heart of the national park and boasting a tranquil Elan Spa (overnight stays from £179, two sharing).

Embrace your inner beach bum on the Cornish coast at the Headland Hotel, with surfing, paddleboarding and coasteering all on offer at the hotel’s partner surf school, The Surf Sanctuary. The iconic Victorian hotel overlooks Fistral Beach with breathtaking Atlantic views of the rugged coastline and a new £10m wellness facility, the Aqua Club.

Wales

Green Space Dark Skies: UNBOXED are creating magical moments across the country this summer. From April to September, thousands of people across the UK will become Lumenators, carrying low impact lights at Stay nearby to the Brecon Beacons National Park at The Lake Country House & Spa. Set in peaceful surroundings near Llangammarch Wells, surrounded by lakes and the tumbling River Irfon, the hotel has been a place of relaxation for centuries. The Spa has a swimming pool, outdoor hot tub set on the balcony, treatment rooms and a gym. (Overnight stays from £205).

The Cotswolds

If you’re heading to The Cotswolds on the lookout for local talent, Anita Saunders is truly a virtuoso of her field. Until 4^th September she will be showcasing all her artistry in a solo exhibition Call of the Wild of oil paintings, traditional printmaking, fabrics and stained glass. Stay near to the museum in Barnsley House. This 17^th century property is a wisteria-clad, chic retreat in a picturesque honey-stone village in the Cotswolds. The 18 bedrooms and suites, some in the main house and some in the former stables, are full of character. Tucked away in the gardens, the hotel’s spa boasts five treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, relaxation room and heated outdoor hydrotherapy pool and terrace with an open fire. (Overnight stays from £224).

Central England

Slow down the pace of everyday life and hop on board the Rutland Belle this summer. For juniper-based spirit enthusiasts, the Gin Cruise is back this summer by popular demand. Indulge in a 3½ hour cruise with a delightful selection of gin tasters, a buffet, live music, and a quiz. Stay nearby at the Victorian country house, Hambleton Hotel, overlooking Rutland Water and featuring 17 individually designed bedrooms, sumptuous interiors, and exceptional dining in the Michelin-starred restaurant (overnight stays from £295).

The North 

Prepare for a mouth-watering day out at Seaham Food Festival 2022, returning to Durham’s coast this August 6^th and 7^th.  As well as a host of the county’s best food and drink, the day will also feature a host of celebrity chefs, leaving your only worry to be deciding which cuisine to devour. Stay nearby at Seaham Hall Hotel, a luxury five-star hotel on the Durham Heritage Coast. Steeped in over 200 years of history, the immaculately restored Georgian country house sits in a striking clifftop position, just steps from the beach and the England Coast Path. (Overnight stays from £315). 

Experience one of York’s most iconic historical sites in the evening light when York Minster Cathedral opens its doors every Friday and Saturday for its seasonal late visits from 7 – 9pm during the summer holidays. Explore all the cathedral has to offer this summer including Dean’s Park Open Air Cinema and a craft tent for the younger ones. Stay nearby at Middlethorpe Hall and Spa. Inspired by Sir Christopher Wren’s design for Hampton Court, the charm of this hall and the maze of gardens that make up the grounds are unique in style. (Overnight stays from £245, two sharing, including breakfast and access to the hotel Spa).

Bathe your senses in the Soundscapes of the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival (13-27 August), a series of classical concerts at various venues throughout the national park. Stay at Yorebridge House, a boutique hotel in Wensleydale, the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, with just 12 bedrooms and award-winning fine dining restaurant, a true retreat in the Yorkshire countryside with a range of activities bookable nearby including kayaking, horse riding and Range Rover tours (overnight stays from £220, two sharing).

Scotland 

Cast an eye over this year’s talent at the 75^th anniversary of Britain’s leading arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe. This spectacular event shines a light on many carefully-honed art forms from around the country, allowing its visitors to indulge in culture, creativity, comedy, and an extravaganza of acrobatic feats. Immerse yourself in classic Scottish architecture with a stay at The Dunstane Houses. Choose between two neoclassical-style houses on either side of the road for an Edinburgh base. The 35 bedrooms are full of vintage touches and seriously stylish interiors (overnight stays from £174). Or stay aboard Fingal, a luxury floating hotel in the idyllic Edinburgh suburb of Leith, sister vessel to the Royal Yacht Britannia (overnight stays from £200, two sharing, including breakfast).

Looking ahead to the autumn, Pride of Britain Hotels has just launched 40 new and exclusive Sleep Specials: 40 Winks with Pride of Britain Hotels, to celebrate its 40^th anniversary. With 40 brand new and exclusive, truly serene sleep packages (available to book now for stays from 1^st September to 30^th November), Pride of Britain Hotels wants to take its guests on rejuvenation journey: whatever your personal definition of relaxation – whether it’s an afternoon nap by the fireside in a cosy Scottish lodge, a tranquil spa treatment, a morning in nature to reset your circadian rhythm, or a blissful night’s sleep on 1000-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets – these 40 Winks Sleep Specials have got everyone covered. 

 

Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com) to book.

 

Notes to editors:
Pride of Britain Hotels is a very fine collection of hotels, dotted around the British Isles. The carefully-curated collection includes privately-owned properties; each one unique and characterful. The hotels have not only been invited to join the collection because they are beautifully appointed, but also because they are run by some of the finest hoteliers in Britain, often with a long family pedigree in hotel-keeping.

The properties reflect an ambition to offer the very best hospitality experiences in some of the most inspiring locations, driven by respect for our teams, our guests and the environment in which we operate, while keeping any negative environmental impact to a minimum so that future generations may also enjoy these wonderful experiences.

Pride of Britain Hotels’ Best Rate Guarantee ensures the lowest available rates at each member hotel. Should a lower rate be publicly available online, within 24 hours of booking, for the same date(s) and with the same terms and conditions, the member hotel will be pleased to honour the lower rate.

Pride of Britain Hotels has partnered with NOW (www.itmustbenow.com), which aims to promote sustainability within the travel and hospitality industries.

Photography of all member hotels is available to download at www.prideofbritainhotels.com/press.

View the latest brand videos here: https://www.youtube.com/user/prideofbritainhotels.

Pride of Britain Hotels’ Chief Executive Kalindi Juneja took over the role in October 2021 and she is supported by Chairman Sue Williams (Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa). Members of Pride of Britain’s non-executive board include Jason Adams (Managing Director, Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa), Craig Bancroft (Managing Director, Northcote), Jill Chalmers (Managing Director, Glenapp Castle), Mark Chambers (Group Managing Director, Eden Hotel Collection/Bovey Castle), Ross Grieve (Managing Director, Seaham Hall), Tim Hassell (Director, Thurlestone), Neil Kedward (Owner, Grove of Narberth), Andrew McPherson (General Manager, Grantley Hall) and Veryan Palmer (Director, The Headland Hotel and Spa).

PRESS: For media enquiries, interviews, or photography, please contact:

Lizzie Cooper or Laura Forbes at Travel PR on l.cooper@travelpr.co.uk / l.forbes@travelpr.co.uk / press@prideofbritainhotels.com or call Lizzie on 07342 258570 / Travel PR’s office on 020 8891 4440.