The Ultimate Spring Escapes
Lime Wood: Luxury wellness escape inspired by the forest
With the arrival of spring, Lime Wood's gardens and surrounding forest burst into a riot of colour, providing the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls, delicious farm-to-table food by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder and relaxation in the spa surrounded by the symphony of birdsong. Lime Wood is all about getting immersed in nature and into the forest; forest bathing and foraging is on offer as well as outdoor fitness classes and yoga in The Hideout overlooking wild meadows. Unwind and rejuvenate at the award-winning spa, where skilled therapists and the outdoor hot tubs await, as well as GROUND treatments that focus on renewal and grounding. Stay in Lime Wood’s Lake Cabin which is surrounded by a canopy of green in Spring, creating a quiet oasis with your own private lake and outdoor bathtub.
Rooms from £495 per night - www.limewood.co.uk.
Atlanta Trevone: Groups of friends for the outdoors and food
Perched on the coast in one of Cornwall’s most coveted positions, a few steps from a private beach, Atlanta Trevone is a refurbished collection of six luxury holiday homes. The pink Thrift Wildflowers on the Cornish coast signal the arrival of spring, and at Atlanta it’s all about getting out in the sea air with coastal walks and wild swimming before cosying up in the evenings at home. Atlanta Trevone is the ideal base to make the most of surfing at Harlyn Bay's Surf School and sits right above Tinker Bunny's Bathing Pool, the largest natural swimming pool in the UK. Other activities include hiring sea kayaks from Trevone Beach stores, and exploring the numerous walks with a colourful backdrop of spring scenery, right from the front door step of Atlanta Trevone.
Atlanta are self-catered cottages with added service. Owners Jess and Ash curate unique experiences for guests and spring is ideal for combining foodie experiences with the great outdoors. Dine with Iris picnics on the beach, private chef experiences from Wild Seafood Feasts, outdoor cooking with Wild Wine School and shoreline foraging dinners with Strawbridge are all on offer at Atlanta.
Prices from £1,400 per week. www.atlantatrevonebay.com.
The Duncombe Arms: Walkers
The Duncombe Arms is a rustic-chic pub with rooms in the heart of the countryside that combines the relaxed atmosphere of a loved local pub with high quality British food and also boasts two self-catered cottages: The Old Barn, located in the village setting of Ellastone and The Garden Cottage, set amongst the private gardens of Wootton Hall. Open to the public, Wootton Gardens, a twelve acre ericaceous garden, showcases Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Cornus Kousa and an established Arboretum of trees from across the globe and is particularly spectacular in Spring.
Both cottages have large outdoor space, three luxury bedrooms, a large farmhouse kitchen, a cosy sitting room and a large dining room. They offer the perfect base from which to explore this hidden gem of countryside for walking. Situated at the foot of the Weaver Hills, the cottages have access to stunning scenery and walks from the door. A stone’s throw from the Peak District, which can become busy with walkers in spring, The Weaver Hills remain off-the beaten track with rolling green hills and ancient woodland.
A three night stay is from £750 for Garden Cottage and £900 for The Old Barn www.duncombearms.co.uk.
Daylesford Stays: Families
Daylesford during the spring season is a must visit for families. A working organic farm, the Daylesford Lambing Tour is a favourite for families. Educational and fun, it includes tractor rides and a visit to the barns where the ewes give birth to lambs before being turned out onto the spring flush of grasses on the farm. The numerous craft workshops held at Daylesford Farm also keep families in mind with Family Cooking Together or Junior Chef cookery classes on offer.
Daylesford Cottages come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from cosy one-bedroom cottages to larger farmhouse style stone houses for families. All are individually furnished, retaining their own distinct character with a curation of antique pieces sourced from around the world, bespoke furniture reupholstered with vintage fabrics and Daylesford Organic homewares. Each cottage has an AGA, fire, Bamford products, washer–dryer and many are complete with a private garden and parking. Families can eat at one of the Daylesford pubs nearby or even order ‘Daylesford Delivered’ so they can whip up a feast of their own in the kitchen.
Prices from £375 per night www.daylesfordstays.com Imagery for the Daylesford Cottages can be found here