English Tourism Week

Where to go, what to see and do

There are few occasions throughout the year to celebrate all the delights of our small country, but this annual festivity gives us a great excuse. Held from 17-25 March 2018, English Tourism Week endeavours to promote the best across the nation of English tourism. Staycations have never been more popular, with rising costs abroad and a weaker pound, a trip on home soil can be just the thing whilst providing a change of scene and some time to do something different.

Here is our pick of the best events across our hotels for you to get involved in:

North

Crabwall Manor Hotel & Spa – Chester

Born and raised in Daresbury village, Cheshire is Lewis Carroll county. Best known for his fantastical novel ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, his legacy lives on in the All Saints Lewis Carroll Centre, an informational area attached to the church his father was a vicar at for 16 years. The eccentricity and magic of his writing has been lovingly immortalised in the church’s stained-glass windows with several of his wondrous characters depicted. A self-guided tour of the village provides a delightful introduction to Cheshire’s charms. To continue the celebration of Lewis Carroll’s life and work, the Crabwall Manor Hotel & Spa invites guests to a special Carroll themed Champagne afternoon tea. Delectable savoury bites, freshly baked warm scones and tempting treats are served with a selection of fine Ceylon teas and a glass of Mad March Hare Champagne by Palmer & Co, all with a Mad Hatter influence to truly excite the taste buds.

Prices for a one-night stay for two people including Carroll’s Champagne afternoon tea, and a Full English breakfast each morning for just £149, tickets for activities not included. Call Crabwall Manor Hotel & Spa on 01244 851666.

West

Best Western Plus Angel Hotel – Chippenham

English stately homes are an institution few can avoid due to their imposing grandeur and enduring mystique. One that really stands out from the crowd is Longleat House which had the innovative idea of opening its grounds and rooms to the public in 1947, the first of its kind to do so, and then to go even further and become the first safari park outside Africa in 1966. A group of lions were the park’s first residents and continue to be one of their most popular attractions due to their mighty roar and impressive claws. With magical mazes, the grand rooms of the stately home, and the exotic animals all in one place, a trip to Longleat is indeed an adventure. With discounted tickets to the park, The Angel hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the Wiltshire countryside and attractions.

Price for a one-night bed and breakfast stay with discounted tickets to the park is from £143 (based on two adults and 1 child). Call Best Western Plus Angel Hotel on 08444 119 070

Legacy Rose & Crown Hotel – Salisbury

There may be few things more traditionally English than a carefully battered, crispy fish and chips. The humble dish remains eternally popular, even earning itself a mention in Charles Dickens’ ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, tenderly referred to as “husky chips of potatoes, fried with some reluctant drops of oil”. Revelling in the nation’s favourite dish (if it isn’t it should be!), the Legacy Rose & Crown Hotel has a tantalising offer of 2 x Salisbury Ale fish & chips for only £9.95 from 19 to 25 March. Guests can tuck in to the comforting delight whilst soaking up the tranquillity and charm of historic Salisbury on the banks of the River Avon, with the cathedral popping up through the lush countryside on view.

Prices from £85pp for a one-night stay with bed and breakfast including fish & chips for lunch or dinner. Call Legacy Rose & Crown Hotel on 01722 328615.

South

Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel – Southampton

Kings, cathedrals and round tables hark back to a medieval England of which much folklore and mystery pervades today.  An ancient cathedral city with connections to Alfred the Great and King Arthur sets the scene for a visit to historic Winchester. Exploring this quintessentially English city with a private guided tour of the most famous attractions will lead guests through a history of battles, religion and education. One of the largest cathedrals in Europe, Winchester Cathedral is an impressive gothic landmark, and the resting place of icons such as King Canute and Jane Austen. The legendary Knights of the Round Table are no more apparent than at Winchester Castle where the historically significant table hangs in the Great Hall, where it has done since 1463. Still in the original buildings, Winchester College, the oldest public school in the United Kingdom, has guided tours available to visit the 14th century Gothic Chapel and Chamber Court as key sights.

Prices from £100pp for a one-night stay for two people sharing, bed and breakfast including private guided tour of Winchester, transport not included. Call Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel on 08444 119 050.