London Calling
Long one of the most cosmopolitan cities, but what sets London apart is its strong sense of heritage, history and tradition. Though each season offers compelling reasons to visit, no season is quite like summer, especially during The Wimbledon Championships.
It feels like the world descends on London and the city embraces the visitors and the iconic tennis tournament in a way that is something to behold. Pop-ups and activations abound, and not even the rain gets in the way of the Wimbledon spirit.
Above: Sloane Street, London
Above: Crowds at the Wimbledon Championships
Above: Court side at The Wimbeldon Championships
Above: London streetscape
Consider staying in South Kensington or Chelsea, where antiques, museums, art galleries and the storied Pimlico Road are within easy reach.
Firmdale Hotels always provide a home away from home, and Number Sixteen is well located for strolls through Hyde Park, weekend farmers’ markets, visits to the V&A and shopping around Sloane Square and Chelsea Village. Take a London cab to Liberty, Fortnum & Mason and each Ralph Lauren store – mandatory stops!
Above: Victoria and Albert Museum
Above: South Kensington weekend markets
Above: Ralph Lauren, Bond Street
Above: Ralph Lauren, Sloane Street
The best dinners are to be booked in advance. Secure a table at the fabulously French Josephine Bouchon and the iconic River Café – there’s nothing quite like it. If seeing a show, don’t miss Bocca Di Lupo, the Italian Soho classic – perhaps after stopping for an aperitif at the newly opened Cicchetti, with of-the-moment European interiors. For the best of British, Claridge’s always delivers.
If you’re seeing an exhibition at The Tate, make a booking at Oma, a fresh take on Greek cuisine in Borough Market.
Above: Josephine Bouchon
Above: The River Café
Above: Bocca Di Lupo
Above: Cicchetti
Above: Cicchetti
Above: Oma
Quintessential Countryside
A relatively short drive from London, the Cotswolds is the perfect way to bookend your trip. The region offers charm, postcard-worthy architecture, natural beauty and culinary delights in equal measure.
Make time for a stroll through the stylish and utterly stunning Blockley Village, stop in at Lorfords Antiques in Tetbury (not far from Highgrove), and remember to go off the beaten track towards a National Trust Estate or two.
Above: The Thyme Hotel
Above: The Thyme Hotel
Above: Tetbury
Above: Lorfords Antiques
Dining at the country pubs and restaurants is incredible, assisted by the fresh produce at the myriad farms in the area. A few ‘musts’: Sunday roast at The Swan Hotel (part of the village at Thyme), a vegetable-focused long lunch at The Pig (in the garden or by the fire), afternoon drinks and dinner at The Double Red Duke in Clanfield (the roast chicken is unmissable), and a cosy dinner at The New Inn.
Above: The Swan Hotel
Above: The Double Red Duke
Above: The Double Red Duke
To the Sea
If time permits, head to Devon’s slightly under-the-radar south coast and discover the most incredible seaside town, Salcombe. The coastal views are phenomenal, and the town itself buzzes with art galleries, seafood restaurants and gorgeous gift shops, many of which cater to the sailing crowd that holidays and lives in the area.
Above: Salcombe streetscape
Above: Local gates in Salcombe
Above: Salcombe vistas
Above: Salcombe walks
It’s a place of breathtaking natural beauty, with sparkling turquoise waters, golden beaches, rolling green hills and dramatic cliffs. Don’t miss East Portlemouth Beach, located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and its surrounding coves, best accessed by boat.
Above: Gara Rock
Above: Gara Rock