The Tawny Hotel

Staffordshire, The United Kingdom

PERSONALITIES

Nature lovers. Garden wanderers. Cyclists. Foodies. Adventurous families.

MOMENTS

The magic of the forest. Garden walks. Rolling hills. Roaming sheep. Horses grazing outside your window. Treehouse living. The perfect picnic. Afternoon tea. Cozy movie nights. Reading botanical encyclopedias by the fire. Starry midnight soaks.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Staffordshire offers something unique in every season, making it a versatile destination year-round. Spring (March to May) is ideal for enjoying the county's blooming gardens and countryside walks, as the weather begins to warm and nature comes to life. Summer (June to August) brings long, sunny days perfect for exploring Staffordshire's outdoor attractions, from the Peak District to its historic castles. Autumn (September to November) paints the landscape in vibrant hues of red and gold, providing a picturesque backdrop for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter (December to February) adds a cozy charm, with festive markets, crisp air, and the possibility of snow, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors.

COST

WHY STAY

The Tawny is a destination hotel nestled in the peaceful rural landscape of Staffordshire, England. Surrounded by rolling hills and five lakes, Tawny’s breathtaking views are matched by its luxurious amenities, including heated outdoor pools and artisan-crafted spa baths. Spanning 70 acres of picturesque grounds, guests can wander through woodlands, stroll by lakeside gardens, and discover hidden dells, all enhanced by charming garden follies. Originally designed by William Podmore, the grounds are a lasting tribute to his creative vision. With opportunities for outdoor starlit bathing and leisurely picnics, The Tawny offers an invitation to fully immerse in the soothing ambiance of the countryside.

The Tawny offers 34 distinct accommodations spread throughout its picturesque grounds, including Wildwood Huts, elevated glass-fronted Hillside Treehouses, spacious Glade Huts, and loft-like Boathouses, each designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Interiors feature thoughtful design elements like Scandi-inspired cabins and cedar-clad retreats, providing breathtaking views of the estate’s lakes and valleys. Many accommodations include private outdoor spa baths, perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature. For larger groups, The Tawny also offers The Fledglings, luxurious serviced holiday homes located 10 minutes away on the Basford Estate. The newly renovated historic homes come with exclusive amenities such as a heated outdoor pool, a movie theatre, and panoramic views of the countryside, complete with roaming sheep.

The hotel’s blend of rustic charm, contemporary design, destination dining, and tranquil natural beauty makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and inspiration in an idyllic countryside setting.

WHY WANDER

Staffordshire is a destination that offers diverse attractions for every type of traveler. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the stunning landscapes of the Peak District National Park, ideal for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. History lovers will enjoy landmarks like Lichfield Cathedral, Tamworth Castle, and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, which celebrates the region's ceramic heritage. Families can have fun at Alton Towers theme park or take a peaceful boat ride along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, while animal lovers can experience the unique Trentham Monkey Forest, where monkeys roam freely.

The Tawny estate, adjacent to Consall Nature Park, offers access to 740 acres of woodland and moorland, perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-path trails. Complimentary bikes are available for scenic rides along canals, or for venturing to the nearby Churnet Valley Railway. Within The Tawny's grounds, whimsical garden follies and peaceful walking paths add charm to the natural surroundings. Immersive experiences such as forest bathing and private guided yoga sessions in the serene gardens provide an opportunity to fully embrace the tranquility of the estate.

INDULGE IN

The Plumicorn is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination in itself, offering a blend of comfort food and culinary innovation. Situated at the top of a valley, it provides stunning views of the surrounding 70-acre estate. The chefs craft menus using the finest locally-sourced ingredients from Staffordshire’s artisans, farmers, and bakers. Whether savoring dishes like Dunwood Farm beef fillet, Dover sole or grilled leeks, The Plumicorn offers a memorable dining experience.

GETTING THERE

Reaching The Tawny Hotel in rural Staffordshire is straightforward, whether you're traveling by car, train, or air. If driving, the hotel is accessible via the M6 motorway. For those traveling by train, Stoke-on-Trent railway station is the closest major hub, approximately a 20-minute drive from the hotel, with regular services from London, Birmingham, and Manchester. From there, taxis or car rentals are available. If flying, Manchester Airport is the nearest major airport, about a 50-minute drive away.

*Images property of The Tawny Hotel, Melissa Seeley, Jake Eastham, James Andrew, mattgillespie photography

WILDHIVE CALLOW HALL

United Kingdom

PERSONALITIES

Garden wanderers. Wellness afficionadas. Hikers. Wildhive is a perfect setting for friend and family reunions or weddings.

MOMENTS

Picnics. Bathrobes. Secret gardens. Croquet on the lawn. Afternoon tea. Naps in the sun lounger. Wonderland.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

All year round.

COST

WHY STAY

Wildhive Callow Hall is a charming luxury retreat in Derbishire, United Kingdom. The hotel is surrounded by gardens, wild meadows, and ancient woodlands as well as a newly planted apple orchard, home to beehives.

The Victorian country house consists of 15 individually designed bedrooms in the main house, two self-contained two-bedroom Treehouses, and 11 one-bedroom woodland Hives, designed by Isabella Worsley. The rooms are full of character and complete with emperor size beds, Burlington rain showers, Roberts Radios, and free-standing baths in some. The intimate Hives are secluded and surrounded by trees, while the Treehouses come with a wraparound deck, an outdoor bathtub, a living area and a well-equipped kitchen.

Take in the woodlands and open field views through original stone mullion windows. Try the 100 Acres botanical massage at the Coach House, in one of the wellbeing treatment rooms. Plan your outdoor adventure in the Map Room. Callow Hall’s lovely setting is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland; a place where wild and homey come together to create a whimsical and unforgettable experience.

WHY WANDER

Callow Hall is nestled across 35 acres of wild and man-made landscape that is home to deer, badgers, rabbits, bees and birds among many others. The retreat is the perfect starting point to discover the wonders of Peak District National Park. Explore endless hiking trails. Picnic next to Bentley Brook. Cycle through green velvet hills. Discover Mam Tor circular Walk for Peak District's most iconic views. Visit Ashbourne or Chatsworth for its historic gems or go for a guided tasting at the White Peak Distillery.

Take part in Callow Hall’s summer events including grill nights, forest camps in the woods, wildlife sculpting, or making your own scented candle. Meditate with a Sound Healing Journey. Spend the day firing clay, inspired by the traditional practice of Japanese Raku or discover your inner artist at the award-winning Bullclough Art School.

INDULGE IN

Discover fresh British produce at the Garden Room restaurant, where herbs and vegetables come from Wildhive’s own kitchen garden. Try Derbyshire lamb koftas or line-caught mackerel ceviche. Have afternoon tea with homemade rhubarb and ginger jam. Host your own wild dining party in the woods or a private lunch or dinner in the beautiful Dovedale Room.

GETTING THERE

Derbyshire is a 3 hour drive from London.

WILD INITIATIVES

In collaboration with Blue Forest, the Wildhives have been built within the ancient woodland. Other notable sustainable practices include:

• Biomass boiler

• Rewilding of the ancient woodland

• Planting an acre of new woodland in Autumn 2023

• The Wildhive bees help to pollinate up to a 2 mile radius of farmland surrounding the hotel as well as provide honey.

*Images property of Wildhive Callow Hall

KUDHVA

UNITED KINGDOM

PERSONALITIES

Creatives. Architecture lovers. Surfers. Travellers looking for pure nature integration.

MOMENTS

Slow living. North Atlantic swells. Sleeping with the owls. Campfires and stargazing. Discovering new horizons. Entering wonderland.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Visit April to September.

COST

WHY STAY

KUDHVA is a creative community and 100% sustainable glamping site focussed on off-grid living in Cornwall, United Kingdom. Surrounded by willow forests and 180-degrees of the North Atlantic ocean, the unique space also harbours a 40-foot waterfall and a 43-acre slate quarry, presenting full landscape integration.

Stay at one of four architectural Kudhvas (‘hideout’ in Cornish), built with larch, glass and steel, and standing 7 metres off the ground. The futuristic treehouses juxtaposed against organic surroundings have been designed with floor to ceiling windows and built to experience both the sunrise and sunset. Those who would like to take sleeping in the wild to the next level can stay in one of five Tree Tents in the willow groves, or the Shanti Tipis with the ocean below. Families and groups can reside at the solar-powered wooden Danish Cabin, suitable for 6 people, with a unique location above a waterfall.

Kudhva’s essence of wellness, adventure, nature, and design, combined with its one-of-a-kind accommodation offers a surreal and unparalleled nature experience.

WHY WANDER

See the English coastal county from a new perspective. Discover over 150 beaches, with some of the best surfing Britain has to offer. Go swimming through the onsite reservoir. Walk along the famous South West Coast Path. Go rock climbing along the wild North Cornish coast. Take part in Silence & Noise sound therapy or yoga. Learn about sustainable living by taking a land management course.

INDULGE IN

Local organic food cooked over your own firepit. Dinners by Beautiful & The Feast every weekend through the season, at their own onsite kitchen called New Eyes. Cocktails made with Kudhva’s own botanicals - wild strawberries, gorse flowers, spotted orchids, cotton grass, honeysuckle, king ferns, wood violets and water mint. Visit Port Gaverne, a 17th-century hotel, for a dinner away.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Newquay Airport which is only 45 minutes away or take a scenic 5-hour drive from London.

*Images property of Kudhva; by George Fielding, Lucy Laucht, Karl Mackie and Cat Vinton.

WILD INITIATIVES

The site is designed to minimize its ecological impact, employing innovative eco-friendly practices such as off-grid energy solutions, water conservation measures, and the use of locally sourced and reclaimed materials in construction. Kudhva prioritizes education on sustainable living through immersive experiences, encouraging guests to appreciate and engage with the natural environment. By fostering a deep connection between visitors and the surrounding landscape, Kudhva not only provides a unique and rejuvenating escape but also serves as a model for sustainable, low-impact tourism in the picturesque coastal landscapes of Cornwall.

Video by Nic Cane, Photos by Cat Vinton, Right to Roam, Lucy Laucht among others. All property of Kudhva.

BOOKIng INFO