Fine Dining Break

£299

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what's included?

one night stay
two people
English breakfast and dinner included

Your gift break voucher is presented in a stylish silver envelope together with full booking information and details on accommodation choices available.

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break information

If you’re looking to treat someone, why not surprise them with this Fine Dining Gift break for two.

Once you have purchased your Fine Dining Gift break, you will be able to spend time selecting the perfect location for your break from the locations featured on the right.

A luxurious weekend is the perfect time to indulge the taste buds with a fine dining experience and what better way than at a four or five star hotel? Relaxing in sumptuous surroundings enjoying food prepared by renowned chefs is an unforgettable experience, and one which is sure to leave any diner feeling truly spoiled.

Our selection of well established restaurants with internationally acclaimed menus offer the chance to taste the best the British restaurant scene has to offer.

locations

Berkshire

Berkshire is one of the oldest counties in England, possibly dating as far back as the 840s, and has served as the scene of many historical events. Often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire in recognition of the fact that it is home to Windsor Castle, there are also plenty of other historical and cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy. You can visit Eton, home to one of the most famous seats of learning in the country, Eton College. Founded by Henry VI in 1440, Eton has been the alma mater of several of England’s most famous public figures, including Princes William and Harry, George Orwell and Humphrey Lyttleton to name but a few. Berkshire is also home to plenty of beautiful stately homes including Basildon Park, a Georgian Mansion rescued from ruin in the 1950s by Lord and Lady Iliffe. They restored the interior with impeccable attention to detail, filling the house with period artwork, furniture and fixtures and fittings making it a fascinating place to visit. Surrounded by historic parkland, a stroll through the grounds is a great opportunity to enjoy the countryside and you can even take a picnic if you fancy eating al fresco. Visiting Berkshire also offers the opportunity to take a trip to California, a village named after an old brickworks which is home to a country park surrounding Longmore Lake which used to be the site of a famous holiday park featuring a glass floored pavilion and a speedway racetrack which was used for training during the Second World War. If you are interested in the history of the rural industries which have shaped the way our country has evolved over the years, you can visit the Museum of English Rural Life in Berkshire. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions of objects, books and archive material pertaining to farming and the countryside, and learn about the how food production and agriculture have been affected by innovations in technology and understanding of the scientific methods in growing the crops we eat today. A visit to Berkshire is a perfect opportunity for anyone who enjoys hiking: the Ridgeway Trail is 87 miles long, much of it following ancient chalk ridges through routes used by prehistoric man. Anyone who wants to take a break from hustle and bustle of city life can enjoy calm, peaceful walk through two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the North Wessex Downs and the Chilterns. Home to several species of wildflowers, butterflies and farmland birds such as the skylark and the stone curlew, the Ridgeway has plenty of wooded countryside and with several wildlife reserves along the route it is an ideal getaway for natural historians and photographers alike. A gift break to Berkshire is a perfect present for anyone wanting to visit historical sites, beautiful countryside or learn more about the part that this area has played in the evolution of the country.
Clwyd

Lying in the north east of Wales, Clwyd is bordered by the counties of Gwynedd, Powys, Shropshire, Cheshire and Merseyside meaning it is uniquely placed to enjoy both the rural beauty of Snowdonia National Park to the west and a more urban aspect to the east. With so much to offer anyone on a short break, Clwyd makes an ideal place to explore any aspect of Wales and enjoy all that the UK’s smallest country has to offer. There is plenty to see and do in Clwyd including Denbigh Castle, a fortress built following the conquest of Wales by Edward I in the 13th century and a great place for any historians to visit for some local colour and a chance to see its unique triple-towered gatehouse. Denbigh is also home to St Asaph Cathedral, which has existed in some form on the same site since 560 AD when a large monastic community was founded by St Kentigern, so anyone with an interest in history will find plenty to enjoy in Clwyd. Clwyd is also home to some beautiful coastlines such as Colwyn Bay a certified Fairtrade Town, where you can visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo, the zoological gardens opened by wildlife enthusiast Robert Jackson. With panoramic views over breathtaking scenery, lovingly tended gardens and of course a host of animals including several which are endangered, the Welsh Mountain Zoo has plenty to offer. Visitors can enjoy the penguin parade, bear falls and even watch the sealions being trained, making it a great day out for anyone taking a break in Clwyd. Rhyl is perhaps one of the bets known seaside resorts in Clwyd, famous for its long history as a tourist destination and now home to a host of fascinating attractions. Model train enthusiasts can enjoy the Rhyl Miniature Railway which travels round a lake, and for fans of other unusual modes of transport the Rhyl SunCentre features an indoor monorail. For anyone wanting to get back to nature, Clwyd is also home to Snowdonia National Park and covers 823 square miles of diverse landscapes surrounding Mount Snowdon. Not only is Snowdonia the largest National Park in Wales, it also boasts the highest mountain peak, the largest natural lake and plenty of flora and fauna to complement the unique landscape. Snowdonia is ideal for walkers, with varied terrain meaning that there are paths suitable for all abilities, and for anyone who wants to cycle through the park there are forest and mountain trails so you can enjoy it all on two wheels. Whatever your Clwyd has something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs, climbers to fine diners and with so much to see and do, a gift break in Clwyd is a great way to enjoy an area of Wales which has so much to offer.
Conwy

As a walled town on the north coast of Wales, Conwy oozes all the charm that you would expect from a traditional coastal market town, and makes a great destination for a short break. Overlooked by beautiful mountains, the medieval town retains many buildings and attractions which pay tribute to its past as a stronghold for English settlers. Although Welsh nationals were forbidden from entering the town for years under the rule of Edward I of England, it is now a bustling town with a population who extend a warm welcome to non-conquering visitors. Built between 1283 and 1289, Conwy Castle replaced an earlier fortification built by Henry III which had been destroyed in 1263. The services of 1,500 labourers were required to build the castle, its defences and the walls which remain around the town, and the fact that they remain in good repair is testament to the craftsmanship of their work. Today’s visitors can walk the walls, explore the towers and enjoy spectacular views of the city from an incredible vantage point, looking out across the River Conwy. One of the most impressive sights for visitors to Conwy is the suspension bridge, one of the first of its kind in the world which was built in 1826 by Thomas Telford to replace the previous ferry service. The supports for the bridge are built into the rock at the base of Conwy Castle and to complement the architecture the turrets of the bridge were designed to echo the design of the castle’s towers. Now open only to foot traffic, the bridge has been joined by one built by Robert Stephenson but until this was built, Telford’s bridge was the only way to cross the river and to get to the ferry that leaves for Ireland. Another of Conwy’s unique attractions is the smallest house in Britain which is situated on the quayside. Measuring 8ft wide by 10ft tall, the one-up-one down house used to belong to a 6ft fisherman, despite the fact that he couldn’t stand up inside and had no indoor toilet, and now holds a well-deserved place in the Guinness Book of Records. Anyone who enjoys immersing themselves in the quirkier side of Conwy’s culture will also love the chance to join Blodwen the Maid at Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town house for a tour of the residence which encompasses the darker side to its history, some of the local stories about the house’s residents and information about the ghosts and ghouls which supposedly haunt the house. Of course, if the great outdoors appeals to you, then you could hardly pick a better spot for a short break than Conwy – with over a third of the borough being contained within Snowdonia National Park you can enjoy gentle strolls, long hikes and even a spot of mountain climbing if you’re feeling adventurous. The area provides a habitat for several rare mammals and if you venture into the park itself you could find yourself face to face with a polecat, otter or even a feral goat if you are lucky. Conwy has so much to offer that you are sure to find something to tickle your fancy no matter what your interests, and the sea air will give you a great appetite for sampling local fare and enjoying the characteristic warm hospitality of the residents.
Cornwall

The south east of England has long been regarded as an ideal holiday destination, benefiting as it does from some of the warmest weather in the country. A break to Cornwall is a great way to enjoy an area which has long considered itself to be a separate cultural entity from the rest of England, and honours many longstanding traditions. The history of Cornwall features long periods during which tin mining was one of the major industries in the area, joined by copper mining in the 19th century and only overtaken in the 20th century when improvements in transport meant that tourists could finally see what life was like in this far flung region. Those who came liked what they saw, and Cornwall has been a popular tourist destination ever since, boasting a wealth of attractions, activities and opportunities to have a great time. If you enjoy spending time by the sea drinking in the salty air and listening to the waves, then Cornwall is a perfect destination – surrounded on three sides by water, Cornwall has many miles of beaches and cliffs which are perfect for strolling along as you work up an appetite for some of the amazing local cuisine. The area’s fishing industry provides the freshest seafood for its local restaurants, which is why it has been chosen as the location for some of the country’s most renowned restaurants, owned by famous chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Rick Stein. If fine dining is your idea of heaven, then Cornwall makes for an ideal short break destination, and for those who want to really indulge themselves, a traditional Cornish cream tea with clotted cream which will definitely leave you appreciating the local cuisine. For anyone who likes an active break, Cornwall makes an ideal location for almost any sport or pastime. If you fancy a leisurely stroll along a coastal path then you can take in some spectacular views and maybe even spot a little wildlife. However, if you fancy something which will get your adrenaline pumping, then Cornwall is the perfect place for a spot of rock climbing, coasteering or even kite surfing so you can pursue a fun filled break in whatever way suits you best. Cornwall’s unique location is also ideal for trying out some more unusual activities, meaning that you could enjoy a boat trip – perfect for a relaxing cruise, a great way to get visit some of the area’s most amazing attractions such as Smuggler’s Cottage, Trelissick Gardens and St Anthony’s Headland. If you fancy something a little different then why not try a sea safari where you can expect to see some of Cornwall’s sealife frolicking in the waters off the coast. Cornwall doesn’t just benefit from some of the best weather in the UK, but some of the most incredible views, exciting activities and fantastic food. Whatever your pleasure, Cornwall makes an ideal gift break destination and with so much to offer any visitor you will find everything you need to enjoy a weekend away.
Cumbria

However you enjoy spending your time, Cumbria has plenty to offer on a short break and there is nothing quite like indulging your passions to make a trip enjoyable. Populated for over 5000 years, Cumbria’s mountains provided a source of stone used for axes, examples of which have been found all over Britain. Hadrian’s Wall is another example of how Cumbria’s history shapes it landscape. Stretching 84 miles spanning Cumbria and Northumbria and offering beautiful views of the countryside, Hadrian’s Wall also provides a fascinating insight into the scale of Roman fortification. As home to the Lake District National Park, Cumbria has plenty to offer anyone who loves the chance to get back to nature on a weekend break and with so many lakes and fells it makes for a great spot to embrace the great outdoors. It’s no surprise that poets and authors have long been inspired by the captivating landscapes, and Wordsworth in particular produced plenty of work directly inspired by his surroundings. The Lake District National Park also includes the highest peaks in England, meaning it’s an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys a little fell walking and appreciates the invigorating feeling of looking down upon the countryside from an unrivalled viewpoint. If art appreciation is your thing, then a short break in Cumbria has plenty to offer including the Keswick Art Gallery which opened in 1898 and has remained largely unchanged since. The museum contains exhibits including a 500 year old cat and a set of musical stones which have enthralled visitors for years and was even taken to London for a performance before Queen Victoria. The Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont contains a changing programme of monthly exhibitions of work from both new and established artists and is a perfect place to purchase a piece of original artwork. Gardening enthusiasts will be overwhelmed by the choice of places to visit in Cumbria, such as Hill Top in Ambleside, famously the home of Beatrix Potter who sketched the gardens and animals she saw in them for her books, many of which were written while she was living there. Another must-see is Dove Cottage in Grasmere which was home to William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, where he composed much of his poetry and she wrote the journals which later made her almost as famous. Much of their lives were centred around the garden and orchard on which the Wordsworth worked tirelessly. Cumbria has many unique historical features, perhaps the most famous of which are the series of small stone buildings designed and built during the reign of Edward I to resist counter attacks from the Scots who disapproved of his attempts to impose English rule upon them. Today many of these towers have become incorporated into the landscape, some as parts of working farms, some in stately homes and some built onto churches acting both as defensive towers and bell towers. Wherever you look there are lingering signs of Cumbria’s varied history, from Roman remains of roads and forts to stone circles and ancient crosses. Combined with the incredibly beautiful landscapes and vibrant city centres, a visit to Cumbria is guaranteed to open anyone’s eyes to what the area has to offer.
Fife

Still commonly known as the Kingdom of Fife by the people of Scotland, Fife was once one of the kingdoms identified by the Picts who inhabited north eastern Scotland in the late Iron Age. They spoke the now-extinct Pictish language and a variety of sources chart their history from the 6th century until their identity began to merge with that of the surrounding settlers. Modern visitors on a short break to Fife can see evidence of their habitation in the form of Pictish stones, and although there is still some confusion over their purpose and meaning, they remain beautiful reminders of the area’s rich history and their designs can be seen on plenty of local crafts and in folk art. Fife is perhaps most famous as the location of the Firth of Forth, an estuary of the River Forth formed by a glacier in the last glacial period, and known as Bodotria in Roman times. As well as a beautiful area, home to plenty of picturesque villages, there is also the groundbreaking Forth Bridge, the first bridge in Britain to be constructed from steel and used as a reference point for British sailors returning from World War I, a practice which continued until the 1990s. As home to 4,961 listed buildings and 48 conservation areas, Fife has plenty to entertain any visitor with an interest in local history and plenty of them are open to visitors today. Falkland Palace is one such place, acquired by the Scottish Crown from MacDuff of Fife in the 14th century, the palace does have some grisly moments in its history. The First Duke of Albany, Robert Stewart threw his nephew in prison at Falkland Castle where he eventually died from starvation and neglect. The resulting controversy eventually resulted in the down fall of the Albany Stewarts, but today’s visitors can explore its extensive gardens and take in the incredible interior of the Chapel Royal, the tapestry gallery and even the bakehouse where you can get a taste of what it would have been like to be in service for the families that lived there. If all that history just isn’t enough for you, then you should take a trip to Ravenscraig Castle in Kirkcaldy which dates back to around 1460 and is one of the earlier examples of a defensive castle in Scotland. Thought to be one of the first in the country to be designed specifically to withstand artillery fire, the king who commissioned the design was killed, ironically enough, in an accident involving a loaded cannon. Naturally defended on three sides by steep cliffs, a visit to the castle is a chance to enjoy spectacular views as well as a glimpse into the history of the area, and it may have been this spectacular setting that inspired Sir Walter Scott’s ballad which tells the story of ‘the lovely Rosabelle’ who tragically drowns whilst trying to cross the First of Forth for a family ball. Fife also has plenty of entertainment, so if you take a short break to the area then you won’t be short of opportunities for a night on the town. There are theatres, centres for creative arts, and music venues which all host hundreds of fantastic shows, events and productions over the course of the year, so you are sure to find something to suit your tastes, from bands to ballet or even a spot of bowling, Fife has it all.
Midlothian

Midlothian may be small in size, but it is packed with places to go, things to do and enough entertainment to make any short break to the area a great experience. Like much of Scotland, it is veritably littered with historical landmarks, charting the evolution and development of the area’s political, social and cultural heritage. There are plenty of ancient buildings which offer an insight into the importance of the area in Scottish history, such as Hawthorneden Castle which is a 15th century ruin with a 17th century house attached. Most interestingly, the whole structure sits on top of a series of man-made caves which are thought to have been in use for much longer than the buildings above. One of the caves serves as a dovecot which has 370 compartments, and it believed that King Robert the Bruce once took shelter in the caves with Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie. Another significant contributor to Scottish life, both in terms of industry and the experiences of the workers, is mining, and there’s no better place to learn everything you could wish to know than the National Mining Museum. The collections of papers, artefacts and items of interest include over 60,000 pieces, which tell the tales of those who spent their days at the coal face through social history. There is also plenty of archive material, photographs and books to give visitors a real sense of how the mining industry was once at the heart of life in the area. If you view your short break to Midlothian as a chance to blow away the cobwebs and get outside in the glory of nature then you will have plenty of opportunity. The area is home to two country parks, Vogrie and Roslin Glen, where you can walk along a nature trail, spot wildlife and unusual plants in the undergrowth and enjoy fantastic photo opportunities in beautiful settings. Whatever takes your fancy, you can indulge yourself on a short break to Midlothian.
Morayshire

Lying to the north of Scotland, Morayshire is a largely mountainous region which encompasses some of the most beautiful unspoilt scenery in the country. Like much of Scotland, the area shows evidence of its early inhabitants and is rich with ruins and remains which tell the story of its history. Elgin Cathedral is one of the most imposing and awe-inspiring sites, and the remains of the structures on the site offer visitors a chance to learn about the building’s importance in local life. The first church to have been built on the site dates back to the 13th century, and this was then extended and enlarged to make it the second largest cathedral in the country. The next few hundred years saw a cycle of destruction and rebuilding take place, where political and religious turmoil led the structure to be damaged and survivors defiantly rebuilt. Today the remains of the structures give visitors a chance to imagine what life must have been like for those who lived, worked and were laid to rest around the cathedral. Visitors on a short break to Morayshire can also enjoy the chance to follow the Malt Whisky Trail, and with a large number of distilleries in the area you can learn everything you could wish to know about Scotland’s most famous drink. The Dufftown Whisky Museum is the perfect place to find out the secrets of the distillers craft, from ingredients and methodology to the secret world of whisky smuggling. Exhibits include examples of illegal stills seized by HM Customs and Excise to demonstrate how the industry has evolved over the years. Whatever you look for in a short break, Morayshire has plenty to offer visitors, from ancient ruins and historical artefacts to night life, entertainment and the chance to indulge your taste for malt whiskey at every turn.
Northumberland

Including miles of coastline designated as being of outstanding natural beauty, Northumberland makes a great destination for a short break if you enjoy spending your time in beautiful surroundings. There is plenty to do, no matter what your interests and you can have a great time exploring this fascinating county. Northumberland was once a part of the Roman Empire, and because of its location on the border with Scotland it was the scene of many battles between the English and the Scottish. Evidence of the bloody history of the county is ample and it has more castles than any other county in England as a result. One of the most famous of these is Lindisfarne, a dramatically located castle which sits atop a rocky crag which is only accessible at low tide. It was originally a Tudor fort and is now open for visitors who can see the interior for themselves, including a range of well-preserved lime kilns, and enjoy the exquisitely tended gardens. Hadrian’s Wall is another remnant of the tumultuous history of Northumberland and is a must-see spot for anyone on a short break. Long stretches of the wall remain intact meaning that you can actually see what the Roman soldiers who would have patrolled the wall would have seen. Winding its way across the countryside, there is a choice of walks, from strenuous routes following the trail of the patrols around some of the most dramatic parts of the wall, to more gentle paths where the views will be the only thing leaving you breathless. However you choose to spend your short break in Northumberland, you are bound to find that there is still more you want to see and do, and like many other visitors to the area, once trip to this fascinating county might not be enough.
West Midlands
Wiltshire

As home to one of the most famous historical sites, Stonehenge, Wiltshire has plenty of fascinating places to visit for anyone on a short break to the area. With plenty of beautiful countryside, vibrant towns and villages and a wide variety of local events, Wiltshire is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys soaking up the local culture. Of course some of the most significant spots in Wiltshire are the stone circles on Salisbury Plain, of which the most well-known is Stonehenge but which also includes Avebury. Of all the Neolithic sites in the UK, these are not only the best known, but also the subjects of the most speculation and myth surrounding their creation. Thought to date back as far as 2500BC, the construction of Stonehenge has long been considered a mystery, with several competing theories as to how the stones were moved into place, including those which tend towards the supernatural. Visitors today can enjoy the mystical atmosphere at the site and even come up with their own theories on how the structure came into being. For a glance into the more recent history of the area, a visit to Mompesson House is a chance to learn about this 18th Century building, with its incredible plasterwork, beautiful period furniture and breathtaking oak staircase. The house carries with it an air of tranquillity which can be felt as soon as you enter, and the artwork, mouldings and collections all make for fascinating viewing. Outside there is a beautifully maintained walled garden featuring traditional planting and a pergola as well as a croquet lawn where you can play a game yourself on your visit. A short break to Wiltshire is a great opportunity to enjoy the very best in the UK’s beautiful countryside, fascinating history and cultural events.
Yorkshire
Yorkshire

Those visiting Yorkshire on a short break will probably be unsurprised to discover the fierce pride that the locals feel about their home county and the nickname ‘God’s own county’ is indicative of the strength of feeling that the area engenders in its inhabitants. With huge areas of unspoilt countryside, including the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, anyone with an interest in walking, climbing or just enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful landscape will find themselves spoilt for choice when it comes to which spots to visit. One of the industries for which Yorkshire is most famous is brewing which began in earnest in the 12th century. Today the county is home to several breweries producing traditional bitter. Some of the more famous, such as John Smith’s and Theakstons, have been brewing in the area for generations, but the popularity of the industry means that new breweries are opening all the time. One of the more recent brands is Copper Dragon, which opened in 2002 and is open to visitors who want to take a tour of the plant and learn all about how modern brewing techniques produce traditional flavours and continues the long-held traditions of the area. Yorkshire has a rich literary and cultural heritage, and there are plenty of places to visit where you can see examples of the impact that some of the famous names to come out of the area have had. Alan Bennet is one of the more contemporary Yorkshire men to have made his name in recent years, and his work is filled with references to traditional Yorkshire life. There are plenty of other prominent figures whose works have been influenced by their life in Yorkshire and a short break is an ideal way to learn more about them as well as enjoying all the other attractions and entertainment that the area has to offer.

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Fine Dining Break