Take a break from London

When I go and see my daughter who lives in London, I try to book a small trip by train to get away from the city of London for some fresh air and calm.

Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire

Cliveden House was a real treat! The customer service was impeccable, the personnel of Cliveden House makes you feel welcome and special.

We spent one night in the main building in the most beautiful room, had a day at the spa and booked a facial and a massage, then enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

The next day after breakfast, we went back to the spa and enjoyed the outdoor pool.

Then, they organised High Tea before the kitchen officially opened in order for us to not miss our train.

We also enjoyed a walk in the Cliveden gardens.

Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa, Bedfordshire

This is another relaxing weekend around an hour and 15 minutes away from London. We stayed at the Luton Hoo Hotel, where we enjoyed the spa in the country club as we don't play golf.

The main 18th century Mansion House has an award winning Wernher Restaurant and lovely rooms.

Luton Hoo Hotel is set in over 1000 acres on the border of Hertforshire and Bedfordshire. You also get to enjoy the grounds, the Rock garden, the flower garden and the lake.

Rye, East Essex

We booked a weekend in Rye, it is a bit more than an hour away from London.

The hotel Aviemore Guest House for a couple of nights, as soon as we step in this guest house we were welcomed with open arms.

We had the most beautiful room on the top floor overlooking a really cute garden with steps going up to the village. I must give a special mention to the amazing breakfast, literally the best one we have ever had.

Rye, the cutest village

Rye is the cutest small village ever, full of steep cobbled streets, beautiful half-timbered Tudor buildings, great restaurants, pubs and nice walks around the area.

There is a street with the cutest houses ever called Mermaid Street, it really deserves its name.

You can also visit Rye Castle Museum (Ypres Tower and the main museum) on East Street. You can climb up the tower and get an great view of the valley.

Restaurants in Rye

We were ate dinner at a great restaurant called The Union Rye, all the ingredients were so fresh and delicious. We shared a plate of fried polenta, rosemary salt and Cornish mussels, curing Rebels Sobrasada, heritage tomatoes, along side a Pork chop, Charrington's cider and Spring greens, confit garlic, black sesame on the side. The dessert was to so so good, we got to enjoy a dark chocolate mousse, salted hazelnuts. The service was impeccable and we were treated like VIPs. We got the keep the menu from the restaurant and framed it to go in our kitchen.

Walks around Rye

We were recommended a walk by the hotel Aviemore Guest House.

We took the 1066 Country walk from Rye to Camber castle and then to Winchelsea, which has buildings cared for by the National Trust, such as the Rookery, Blackfriars Barns and Salutation cottages and St. Thomas' Church and the Winchelsea Churchyard.

We then made our way to the Charles Palmer Vineyards for a little glass of wine and some cheese, you can also book a wine tasting if you want.

Next, we walked to the next village called Icklesham and took the train back to Rye.

About the 1066 Country Walk

It is an easy tour through the countryside and refers to the 1066, the year of the Battle of Hastings and links the places of importance. It's a 31 mile walk but you can start and stop where you want.