This month we explore the beautiful and relatively unknown Ribble Valley, get out and about on England's rivers and lakes, clamber aboard boats, wallow in hot tubs, and discover how simply renting a cottage in the country can now easily become the all-out luxury experience you dreamed of, with private chefs, yoga sessions and vineyard tours.
The Butler Collection
Our friends at The Butler Collection – a bespoke collection of beautiful self-catering properties spread across Sussex – are one step ahead of pretty much everyone on curating luxury stays, offering a concierge service that not only aims to anticipate every guest need but also tries to make your trip into an experience in itself. They will arrange a hamper on arrival, or even rustle up a private chef to cook you a welcome meal, but they can also arrange a private wine tasting, a mixologist to come and make you cocktails, even a private yoga session or a tour of a local vineyard. Whatever you decide to go for, it's the sort of stuff that helps you to experience a location to the full, but with someone else putting in the hard work and logistics!
James' Places
I'm always on the lookout for little known and relatively unexplored regions of England, and recently I was lucky enough to discover the delights of the Forest of Bowland and Ribble Valley, an unspoilt part of Lancashire that is a big draw for walkers, foodies and weekenders who come to enjoy its rolling green countryside and the undeniably attractive market town of Clitheroe. Come here, and the only problem you'll have is whether to tell your friends all about it or keep it to yourself. There's a great place place to stay, too, at the Spinning Block Hotel, which offers a uniquely comfortable place to stay, eat, and make merry in the fantastic renovated industrial space of the Holmes Mill complex. It's part of the local James' Places group, which has other places to stay nearby – notably the cosy Waddington Arms and Shireburn Arms and a local country house, Mitton Hall.
Still Southwold
As you know, I love Suffolk and spend a lot of time there, and I couldn't think of anywhere much better to stay right now than one of the fabulous Sea Dragons that have just come on stream at Still Southwold – a collection of unique cabins and pods just north of this genteel resort. You are on top of the cliffs, with panoramic sea views, but also within walking distance of the town, with its beach, piece, and renowned pubs and restaurants – that's if you can tear yourself away from the views out of your floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The Lady of the Twizzle
Just down the coast from Southwold, the Lady of the Twizzle offers another unique place to stay – a spacious, self-catering 'boatel' moored on a sleepy creek not far from Walton-on-the-Naze. If you think it's all a bit Swallows & Amazons; that's because it is – Arthur Ransome set some of his stories here, and although the boat doesn't move, it still retains some of that waterborne magic. Landlubbers need not worry, however – it's pretty luxurious, with two cabins and two family suites sleeping up to a dozen people in the utmost comfort. There's also a full-size American-style fridge and dishwasher, a huge dining table and a living room with comfy sofas and a wide-screen TV. And did we mention the hot tub?!
Cool Place of the Month
Continuing the watery theme, this month's Cool Place is the fantastic Four Lakes Retreat, where a series of beautifully furnished cabins sit by four placid lakes in a gloriously remote location at the heart of the Isle of Wight. There are 3 cabins in all, each with its own hot tub, outdoor shower and deck. It couldn't be more peaceful, but off-grid it is not – each cabin comes with Wifi, Smart TVs, EV charging and more, so however relaxed and off-duty you feel, you won't be missing the comforts of home.
Hot Deal of the Month
If you've ever fancied touring the country in a Land Rover Defender, then this is your lucky day, because our friends at LandyCampers are offering a 15% discount on their self-guide camping trips. Now the sun is shining, there's no better way of seeing the UK, getting off the beaten track in one of these classic workhorses by day and sleeping in one of their handy top-of-the-range Thule roof tents by night. Everything is provided, from bedding and towels to kitchen equipment. Perfect for everything from a few days in Cornwall to a full-on Scotland safari.
