Extraordinary Britain (2024)

03/06/2023

Last week, the Extraordinary Britain team spend an incredible day at the Langham in London for a team offsite. We spent our 9-5 in their Barouche Room, beavering away as we head into our busy season. In the afternoon were lucky enough to be given a tour of the Langham’s lovely rooms. Once the workday was over, it was off to The Wigmore, the Langham's very own pub, for a tipple! After quenching our thirst, it was dinnertime - but the fate of our plates was in our hands. We experienced Langham’s wonderful cookery school, Sauce, where we all managed to whip up a wonderful dinner with the help of their brilliant chefs!

Thank you so much to the for hosting us for this wonderful experience. Quite an extraordinary day for the Extraordinary Britain team.

01/06/2023

It may have been a long and cold winter and spring, but Summer has finally arrived. One of the best places in the UK to appreciate the British Summer and all the beauty it brings with it, is Kew Gardens. Kew is a 30-minute drive from central London.

Spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit Kew. The garden can be enjoyed in pleasant weather while the magnificent flora is in bloom. Spring flowers such as the crocus, daffodil, primrose, tulip, and magnolia can all be found in various locations around Kew. Take a stroll along the Cherry Blossom Walk that runs from the Rose Garden behind the Palm House to see the many varieties of Japanese Cherry Blossom or take yourself on a wander through Bethlehem bluebell woods, the home to one of London’s best spots to see bluebells.

30/05/2023

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, Ireland, is an impressive collection of medieval buildings that stand as a remarkable testament to Ireland's medieval heritage. It's architectural beauty and rich history attracts visitors from around the world. Legend has it that the rock itself was created when Satan took a bite out of a nearby mountain and spat it out.

Over many centuries it has remained a symbol of power and authority, witness to numerous battles and serving as the ceremonial site for the inauguration of past Irish kings.

25/05/2023

Raise your glass on International Wine Day! 🍷✨

Celebrate this glorious day with a visit one of our favourite English wineries, Chapel Down, located just an hour's drive from London. This picturesque vineyard offers a unique wine-tasting experience, allowing visitors to indulge in the flavours of English wine while surrounded by the serenity of the Kent countryside.

Let this day be a celebration of the vine, the rich aromas, and the stories held within each bottle. Cheers! 🥂🍇

23/05/2023

Immerse yourself in a floral paradise at the Chelsea Flower Show this week! 🌸✨ From vibrant floral displays to stunning garden designs, this iconic event is a real treat for the senses. Chelsea Flower Show is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of plants, flowers, and garden design. It offers a captivating experience for both gardening enthusiasts and those who simply appreciate the splendour of nature.

Even if you don’t have a ticket to the show, Chelsea in Bloom transforms the streets of Chelsea with fresh flower displays adorning local shops 🌺💐

21/05/2023

Why not treat yourself to the timeless tradition of an Afternoon tea for 2 at one of the most iconic spots for it in London. Enjoy a range of exquisite teas and step into a world of elegance and sophistication at The Ritz, or opt for the Art Deco Charm and timeless style of Claridge's. For a more modern touch, visit the Shangri-La Hotel in the Shard to experience breathtaking views of London, while enjoying a selection of their delectable pastries. And for the best selection of England’s finest tea, stop in Fortnum and Mason for fine tippy!

21/05/2023

Buzzing with gratitude on World Bee Day yesterday!

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of us and our ecosystems, however, pollinators such as butterflies and bees are under threat due to humans and our activities. To raise awareness of the threats bees face, the UN have designated 20 May as World Bee Day.

The London Honey Company, founded in 1999 by Steve Benbow, is an organic British honey company that not only produces exceptional honey but also actively promotes the well-being of bees, environmental awareness, and sustainable beekeeping practices. It sources its honey from various locations across London and the UK, working with local beekeepers who maintain their hives in organic and pesticide-free environments.

12/05/2023

As the weekend approaches, we wanted to share a few of our London Jazz club recommendations.

Jazz in Britain can be traced back to 1919 when the Original Dixieland Jazz Band came to England on a world tour. Although at first it was objected to as authorities deemed it "riotous" or unnerving, by the 1930s an appreciation of jazz and its improvisational style was recognised.

There are a few wonderful Jazz Clubs in London. You’ll find some of the best jazz musicians playing live at 606 Club in Chelsea, which has been hosting talented artists since 1976. And the Alligator Bar at Louie’s in Covent Garden is a hidden gem for a night of jazz and serves up storm a winning cocktails.

09/05/2023

In celebration of our beautiful country in the sun, we thought we would share one of our favourite National Parks: The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Although one of the smallest, it has an impressive array of wildlife and a stunning landscape. Notably, it is home to rare species of bird such as choughs, skylarks and the stonechat!

The work of the national parks is to preserve the landscape and wildlife for future generations, their endeavours not to be underestimated.

Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash

Photo by Heather Wilde on Unsplash

06/05/2023

Long Live the King!

Today we celebrate and honour the majestic coronation of King Charles.

05/05/2023

Today, preparations are underway for the grand spectacle that will be the King’s Coronation!

The coronation ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey in London, and involves a number of age-old ceremonies. The new King must swear an oath to uphold the laws and govern with justice, he will be anointed with holy oil, presented with regalia including the crown, sceptre and orb, and the moment we have all been waiting for: monarch is officially crowned and proclaimed as king or queen.

03/05/2023

As we approach the historic event of the King’s Coronation, here is a little background on the origins or the ceremony.

The inception of the Coronation can be traced back to medieval times, with the first recorded coronation of an English monarch taking place in 973 AD when King Edgar was crowned at Bath Abbey.

Over the years, the coronation ceremony has seen various modifications and adaptations to suit the changing times and beliefs, but it remains a significant event in the history of the English monarchy, symbolizing the continuity and endurance of the royal institution.

02/05/2023

International Harry Potter Day, also known as "Harry Potter Day" or "Wizarding World Day," is a fan-celebrated holiday that takes place annually on May 2nd. It commemorates the fictional Battle of Hogwarts, which occurred on the same date in J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter book series.

The Warner Bros Studio Tour London offers fans of the Harry Potter series a unique behind-the-scenes experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the magic of the Wizarding World and learn about the making of the iconic film franchise.

09/04/2023

Best places for a Sunday roast in London:
The Cadogan Arms re-opened it doors in 2021 after a long-awaited restoration to bring it back to its former glory and reimagine ‘the humble pub’. This Easter weekend they are serving up two full days of their Sunday roast Service, on Sunday 9th and Monday 10th of April.

Full of character and charm, The Audley Public House was originally built in 1888 by Thomas Verity, who was the brains behind the exterior of the Pavillion at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Here you can enjoy a full roast and all the trimmings whilst appreciating artworks of renowned artist including Martin Creed, Rodney Graham and Don McCullin.

With out a doubt the Hawksmoor a perfect spot for a truly delicious, traditionally cooked roast with their aim to serve ‘the best roast in the country they achieve this by initially cooking their meats on real charcoal.

07/04/2023

We have all been on the hunt for the best places to buy our Easter treats. We wanted to take this opportunity to look at the history of one of London’s most prestigious and long-standing Chocolatiers, Charbonnel et Walker.

Established in 1875, now over 150 years ago, C&W was Britain's first luxury chocolatiers. They offered a decadent experience, with Madame Charbonnel’s hand-made traditional recipes and Mrs Walkers expertly crafted gift boxes, previously used for fine jewellery and hats.

were even given the royal seal of approval in 1970, when the company was awarded the Royal Warrant to Queen Elizabeth II.

26/03/2023

The annual boat race between the legendary rowing teams at Oxford and Cambridge University will take place today. The race takes place over 4.25 miles of the tidal Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake and last year the Oxford men's beat Cambridge's 5 year-winning streak. We're excited to see what happens today!

22/03/2023

The fresh-water lake Loch Lomond is situated in the Trossachs National Park – a place of astounding beauty and diverse wildlife. Despite being only an hour-drive away from Glasgow, the landscape is breathtakingly serene. As well as being a perfect destination for long walks and taking in the views, the lake is frequented by open water swimmers and various lake-side activities are available!

Photo by Gary Ellis on Unsplash

19/03/2023

Picturesque Castle Combe, often called "the prettiest village in England", is a favourite destination for visitors and locals. Known for its cottages, made with honey coloured Cotswold stone, and a rich history, the village has also been featured in films such as Spielberg's War Horse and Stardust. The village epitomises the beauty and magic of the English countryside.

15/03/2023

Burrata heaven! whirlpool bath is one of Big Mamma's new restaurants located on Kensington High Street in a 4 story townhouse with a menu offering dreamy delights from Dough Pillows and Parma ham to Truffle pasta served from the pecorino cheese wheel. But it’s not just about the food: the décor is camp, kitch, and brash: think bright coloured walls, excessive foliage and hyped-up Italianate flourishes.

bathRistorante

13/03/2023

The most prestigious horse racing event of the year begins tomorrow at Cheltenham, where sport and glamour unite to create one of the most exciting events in the British calendar.

The lavish event began in 1815 in Nottingham Hill, and as racing's popularity soared over the next decade, crowds of 30,000 people visited annually for the meeting. Today, 280,627 attend the races, making it a spectacular event.

21/02/2023

In honour of International Tourist Guide Day we would love to say a huge thank you to all our guides who take our clients on truly extraordinary tours of the UK.

Recently we were lucky enough to go on a tour ourselves! (Alex Hetherington) took us on a wonderful day out around central London, exploring Victoria, Westminster, Bankside and Borough Market. We stopped into Horseguard's Parade just in time to see the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalry preparing for the Changing of the Guard. We visited Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern to see the Cecilia Vicuña installation, and learned about the history of the return of WWII soldiers to London at Victoria Station, where a small plaque commemorates the platform where they arrived.

Our guides' passion and extensive knowledge create such unique and unforgettable experiences!

19/02/2023

For relaxation and wellness, there could be no better place than staying at The Gainsborough Bath Spa in the historical city of Bath. With exclusive privilege to the legendary thermal springs, the site has been a leisure destination for over 2,000 years. The hotel pays tribute to the city's infamous architecture and magnificent history through its luxurious and vibrant design.

18/02/2023

It’s a wrap.

So good to be back on the road again and to meet so many amazing travel advisors in San Diego, Orange County, LA, San Francisco and Denver, hosted by the unbeatable team

15/02/2023

Heckfield Place, set in a beautiful estate of 438 acres of countryside, is Hampshire’s newest gem. Dine in either of the two restaurants, Marle or Hearth, both run by culinary director Skye Gyngell who takes pride in responsibly sourcing ingredients from Heckfield estate and their local partners at Fern Verrow farm. Additionally, choose to relax in the bespoke Bothy spa where you can find all-natural treatments with experienced wellness practitioners.

10/02/2023

Kylemore Abbey, in the heart of Connemara, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, is a must-see on any trip to Galway. Built by innovative Mitchell Henry MP in the 1800s, Kylemore embodies his dream of showcasing what could be achieved by the people and landscape in his corner of Ireland. The 1000-acre estate boasts a walled flower and vegetable gardens, woodland and beautiful lakeshore paths. Brimming with Irish history, and still home to an order of Benedictine Nuns, the Abbey is an important relic and hub for the Connemara community.

07/02/2023

The iconic Gleneagles hotel in Perthshire has expanded its repertoire and recently opened their Townhouse Hotel on St Andrews Square. The beautiful Townhouse was originally home to the British Linen Company before later becoming the Bank of Scotland. Reimagined by Ennismore Design Studio, the hotel offers 33 uniquely designed rooms, a roof terrace bar overlooking the skyine and an opulent all-day restaurant under the building’s stunning stained-glass dome.

1st & 2nd Image:
3rd image:

01/02/2023

Leighton House is one of London’s hidden gems. Once home to the artist Sir Frederic Leighton, the house is now a museum with an extensive collection of his works including sketches as well as some of his most distinguished oil paintings.

Leighton house was built by Leighton’s friend George Aitchison, with the desire to construct a studio-house. The rooms and architecture reflect Leighton’s life and aesthetic, and they transport you to another place and time. Our favourite, the iconic Arab Hall, originally housed his collection of ‘textiles, pottery and objects’ acquired from his travels to the Middle East.

Image 1: Dirk Lindner
Image 2: Distance Art

30/01/2023

With dry January coming to an end, we thought we'd share the oldest working whiskey distillery in Scotland. We love The Glenturret Distillery experience. Their single malt has been made there for over 250 years and visitors to the distillery can learn and taste the craft during their immersive tour. Afterwards, stop into their Michelin Star restaurant, The Glenturret by Lalique, where creative dishes are part of a multi-course tasting menu, complemented by a 420 bin wine list (and a dram or two of their single malt, of course)!

19/01/2023

Today, the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow is celebrating its 30th anniversary. A whole host of creative workshops and events, focused on the roots of traditional Scottish music will fill the city.

There'll be Ceilidhs, late night gatherings, introductions to new Scottish musicians, and events paying homage to the artists who have paved the way over the years for Celtic music.

18/01/2023

Ireland has some of the most stunning coastal landscapes in the world, the crowing jewel being the Cliffs of Moher with its rugged shoreline and wealth of wildlife.

The cliffs are situated in the south of County Clare, home to Atlantic puffins, basking sharks, razorbills, and more. (Not to mention it's where Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was filmed!)

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