20 best secret British isles

20 best secret British isles

  • Posted on October 15, 2015
  • //Written by Steve

England

1. St Martin's Isles of Scilly Only 120 people live on St Martin's, one of the lesser-known Isles of Scilly, so it's surprising to hear that it is also home to a flower farm, a vineyard, an artisan bakery, art gallery, pub and diving school. Plus, you'll find some of the best beaches in Britain, such as the one in the intriguingly named Bread and Cheese Cove. There's a range of places to stay, from a campsite and cottages through to a guesthouse and the reopened Karma St Martin's hotel, which has 30 slightly chintzy rooms. Details: Hotel rooms cost 225 a night in the summer, for two sharing, or 320 for a suite for four (karmaresorts.com). For other accommodation, see visitislesofscilly.com

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Living for the weekend

Living for the weekend

  • Posted on October 8, 2015
  • //Written by Steve

Second homes were among the casualties of the credit crunch, but as the economy recovers and the London market tops out, estate agents are noticing the return of a particular breed of second-homer: the weekender. Weekend homes are different from holiday homes. The latter are usually visited only a few times a year — Cornwall, say, in the school holidays — but in this time-poor, stress-rich age, and with pollution choking the capital, buyers crave a fast escape from London (two hours max), so they can wake up to fresh air and scenery on Saturday morning.

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Europe’s top hotels for families

Europe’s top hotels for families

  • Posted on September 24, 2015
  • //Written by Steve

From Cornwall and Cork to Corsica and Croatia, we pick 20 great stays from Mr & Mrs Smith’s new family collection

British Isles 1 No 5 Maddox Street London This quiet collection of self-catering apartments off Regent Street may have grown-up, understated decor but they are stocked with every child accoutrement from bibs to baby monitors. The two and three-bedroom suites are made for families. Food-stocked kitchens, restaurant delivery services, daily housekeeping, a library of DVDs for all ages, 24-hour concierge, babysitting services and membership to a local gym are part of the deal. Details From £234 room only (020-7647 0200,no5maddoxstreet.com). Cots can be added to the room free of charge.

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