Discover scenic Scottish walks and wild picnics, page 58 and enjoy Dream Escape's Set-Jetting with James Bondstyle experiences, page 70 @Dreamescapeltd @DreamescapeUK
Welcome to a star-studded edition of Dream Escape magazine, where we follow in the footsteps of treasured characters and real-life marvels who have shaped the history, heritage and character of our countries. The UK & Ireland frequently plays a starring role on the big screen, and Dream Escape always endeavours to bring that cinematic sparkle to our clients, creating exciting journeys to the destinations that have inspired us all for so many years.
In our set-jetting pullout, we explore the Scotland of Harry Potter and Outlander, the stunning stately homes and gardens featured in many English dramas, as well as delving deep into Ireland’s Star Wars and Game of Thrones connections, and the showstopping coastline of Wales.
It is also that time when we reflect on what we have achieved across this incredibly busy year. Our many achievements would not have been possible without the energy and determination of the amazing group of professionals within the expanding Dream Escape team. As we swiftly move into autumn, Thanksgiving and the festive season, we look forward to coming together as a company to contemplate 2023 and prepare for an exciting year ahead of shaping your travel dreams into reality.
Let us help you create your very own starring role in 2024. Dream, escape, travel, live...
Experience your own adventure and drive a brand new Defender, Discovery or Range Rover off-road and tackle challenging terrain, exciting obstacles and experience the stunning scenery Perthshire has to offer.
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Dunkeld, Perthshire landrover.co.uk/ExperienceScotland
Photo Credit: BeyondAUTUMN/WINTER 2023 | ISSUE 11
10 – Get ready for all the delights of the cooler seasons with our carefully selected highlights, from the latest Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel exhibition at the V&A to the Belfast International Arts festival; as well as all the Christmas classics, such as Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland; and must-see sporting events
22 – We bring you the latest on the cosiest escapes, including new rural retreats in Oxfordshire and the North Devon countryside, plus some exceptionally luxurious London hotel openings, not to mention the Game of Thrones studio tour in Northern Ireland
24 – Your only challenge will be picking which of the two elegant Four Seasons escapes might suit you best: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane or Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. Perhaps try both?
26 – With a new British film – Lee , starring Kate Winslet –launching, we peek into the brave and bohemian life of its real-life subject, photographer and Vogue model Lee Miller, in an exclusive chat with her son
32 – Discover what it’s like to stay in a 300-year-old baronial castle, as we take you to the Scottish Highlands to the exceptional estate that you can explore with Dream Escape , offering unrivalled views of Loch Ness as well as sublime service, outdoor activities and gourmet cuisine
34 – With its abundant museums and galleries, London is a magnet for art lovers. We take you through all the latest exhibitions with our bespoke itineraries, including exclusive use of nearby hot dining locations →
40 – Renowned for its wild beauty, Connemara has a special place in our hearts, and we take you to this wonderfully windswept part of Ireland’s County Galway for charming castles, classic pubs and gastronomic wonder
46 – Ever wondered who the inspiration was for Judi Dench’s character of ‘M’ in the James Bond films? Wonder no more, with this exclusive interview with Dame Stella Rimington, former Director General of MI5
52 – We speak to the French-born chef behind the success of Terre at Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork, Vincent Crepel, about his connection with Ireland and his innovation in the kitchen
58 – Get set for a hiking tour par excellence with Dream Escape’s Client Relationship Manager and Blue Badge Guide, Rosie Peattie, as she takes us through her favourite rugged adventures in Scotland, from the Highlands to the Lowlands; lace up your boots
64 – Whether you like to arrive in style or just make the most of your precious travel time, your helicopter landing never looked more assured, with our round-up of the ideal UK properties that just happen to have a helipad ready to welcome you
70 – If you’re a fan of the small or big screen, this special pullout feature is one to keep and cherish; we celebrate the UK and Ireland’s cinematic locations, whether they’ve been featured in an international blockbuster or an award-winning TV series…they’re here
92 – We bring you some of the most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales, ones that have had a significant effect on the world, in this feature rich in history and exquisite landscapes
98 – Dream Escape’s Client Relationship Managers and founts of knowledge Rosie Peattie and Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, reflect on their highlights of the summer season ⬥
Set within a magnificent regal manor dating back to 1732, and with views of the iconic Rock of Cashel, this landmark address has been meticulously restored to create a truly desirable boutique hotel in the heart of Ireland. A proud Relais & Chateaux member, the dining offering is exceptional. With a deep connection to our bountiful Golden Vale pastures, much produce is sourced from this natural larder with which Director of Culinary Stephen Hayes creates an exciting culinary experience.
A passion for all things equine is expressed throughout the hotel and is shared with guests through an exciting programme of equestrian experiences and exclusive access to some of the most prestigious racing and breeding facilities in the world.
Jessica Way jessica.way@contistamedia.co.uk
Melanie Abrams, Harriet Compston, Sophie Farrah, Chantal Haines
Portia Jones, Karyn Noble, Emma O'Reilly, Fiona Whitty
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Adrian Wilkinson adrian.wilkinson@contistamedia.co.uk
DREAM ESCAPE LUXURY TRAVEL DESIGNERS
Annika Busam annika@dreamescape.co.uk
Michael Davies michael@dreamescape.co.uk
Susie Little susie@dreamescape.co.uk
Nicki Thomson nicki@dreamescape.co.uk
HEAD OF PRODUCT
Louise Murray louise@dreamescape.co.uk
PUBLISHED BY –
Contista Media
Contract publishers for the UK travel and tourism industry contistamedia.co.uk
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Dream Escape
Leading luxury travel design company and destination specialist dreamescape.co.uk
David founded Dream Escape with Holly in 2005. Based in Edinburgh, their vision was to create once-in-a-lifetime trips and events for a select group of well-travelled and discerning clients. David's previous marketing career included roles at ITV, Saatchi & Saatchi and Carat, where he worked across a wide range of clients. Prior to starting Dream Escape he was a Board Director at MediaCom London and Scotland, responsible for Audi UK and The Scottish Executive. David is a keen cyclist, and across the last few years has cycled around the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland and the North Coast 500 in Scotland, raising money for various charities supporting people living with cancer ⬥
Who inspires you? “I have found inspiration from a variety of people, ranging from Ernest Shackleton and David Attenborough to the composer John Williams.”
Sue brings over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and event management in the UK and Ireland travel industry. Sue started her career working for a leading luxury tour operator in London before enjoying 15 years at Tourism Ireland, where she was responsible for various marketing and communications campaigns for the consumer, travel trade, golf, and business tourism sectors. Having moved to the British Virgin Islands in 2011 with her family, she is no stranger to high-end travel experiences, the great outdoors and an odd hurricane or two! ⬥
Your favourite film location? The entire UK and Ireland is like one big film set! That said, I think the chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds always have a certain movie magic, no matter the season and particularly during autumn and winter. Definitely worth a visit at this time of year.”
Holly started her career at Carlson Marketing in Singapore after completing her Business & Psychology MA in Edinburgh. After a few years in London working at various advertising agencies, including TBWA, she moved to Edinburgh. Holly is passionate about travel and has a wealth of knowledge, having travelled extensively, including overlanding from India and Nepal back to England. As well as enjoying as much time as she can with her family, Holly would love to complete more charity challenges and get to some of the far-flung places on the map that have always been on her list to visit ⬥
What experience has recently inspired you? “I returned to the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland with my family and loved how so many more local producers were making a presence. The area was bustling with new culinary experiences and visitors embracing set-jetting locations. The Causeway Coastal Route is even more stunning from when I remember it as a child.”
dreamescape.co.uk
5 October 2023–25 February 2024| After the hoo-ha over Philip Guston’s antiracist Klu Klux Klan imagery, the artist’s 50-year retrospective lands in London this month. An American 20th-century art star, Guston’s cartoonish take remains incisive. See these images among his abstract and figurative work and more.
11 November 2023–7 January 2024
Longleat House, the stately home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, is pulling out the entertainment stops this year. By day, drive, walk or boat through the legendary safari park that has been teaming with lions, monkeys and other animals since 1966. By night, lanterns light up the park – and house – as the fairy-tale festivities begin. Find favourite scenes from your most loved stories. Join in carols with the singing Christmas tree, while a miniature Santa train tracks through woodland to his grotto. Stay overnight for more adventure, including a house tour that takes in the Keeper’s House overlooking the zebra and giraffe reserve. The Bath Arms is nearby for top nosh. ⬥
To 25 February 2024
Be immersed in one of fashion’s favourite houses – Chanel – as the V&A showcases clothes, jewellery, bags and even perfume made from 1910 to 1971. There’s an iconic tweed suit or two, slinky silk dresses and specially created designs for Lauren Bacall and other Hollywood glamourpusses. Hand-knitted wool costumes for the Ballets Russes in 1924 is one of many examples that show the craftwork. Form an orderly queue. ⬥
13 October 2023–22 January 2024| Celebrate the 100th birthday of Disney as this fabled entertainment company opens its archive of storybooks, props, costumes and more – from Mickey Mouse to Star Wars – for this spectacular exhibition. Experience theme park rides too.
4–15 October 2023
A devilish thriller, Saltburn, is the highoctane opener of this year’s BFI London Film Festival, as students Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) and Felix Catton (Jacob Elodi) party at Catton’s family estate, Saltburn aka Drayton House in Kettering, Northamptonshire. Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic, Maestro, which has already hit headlines, is showing too as is Martin Scorsese’s latest 1920s crime flick, Killers of the Flower Moon. ⬥
13–15 October 2023
For a fast-paced weekend, head to the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Hebrides, where 150 cars whizz round the island day and night on closed roads. Mix watching the action with visiting a landmark, such as the shakedown or test stage at the Duart Castle. Perched on sea cliffs, this 13th century fortress has some of best views over the Sound of Mull. Drivers who pay the £985 to enter can speed around Calgary Bay and small scenic lochs that might not be found otherwise. Stay for the Sunday afternoon prizegiving ceremony, as the top three finishers are piped down Tobermory Main Street along the harbour front. ⬥
11 October 2023–5 November 2023
Belfast will throb with energy at this year’s festival, as hip-hop acrobats somersault against a colourful backdrop by Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj, folk icons whip up a crowd, and 'Tainted Love' singer Marc Almond headlines. There's also Burnt Out, a domestic comedy by Irish playwright Gary Mitchell, which is set in the city’s suburbs. Venues include the
10 November 2023 – 14 April 2024
Step back in time to the tumultuous Tudor court as the Buckingham Palace gallery shows how Holbein’s painting and other works still define its characters.
Ulster Hall, a Victorian landmark near the Grand Central Hotel, with a 23rd-floor observatory overlooking the city. Eat in style at the Michelinstarred restaurants. For a culinary performance, watch the chefs make tasting dishes from the open kitchen at The Muddlers Club. Named after a secret society that met there over 200 years ago, the venue lies along a backstreet in the lively Cathedral Quarter. Unwind at Ox overlooking the River Lagan, sampling its changing menu and matching wines.
11 November 2023
Grab a street spot from St Paul’s Cathedral to Westminster as the city’s Lord Mayor makes London’s last procession of the year in his gold coach.
LONDON
17–25 November 2023
See the Tower of London ablaze with sound and flashing lights, as the medieval castle forms the backdrop to stories of coronations and its regalia.
28–31 October 2023
Known as the 'City of Bones' for the seated skeleton on its coat of arms, Derry celebrates Halloween on its streets – big style. Don a costume to join the fiendish fun.
2–3 December 2023| Meet motoring heroes at this debut festival at the home of the British Grand Prix. Listen to Formula 1 and Le Mans winners talk alongside team owners, buy art, or simply gawp at a one-off Ferrari and other iconic cars.
27 December 2023
Kick off the New Year at the biggest race day in Wales. Watch from the Premier Enclosure as the 20 horses thunder down the track, jumping over fences. Or perhaps watch while tucking into seared sirloin beef at the glass-fronted restaurant The View. Take notes of the runners and riders, as this steeplechase is often a trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and other later races. Swap a hotel for a lux room at the feted Whitebrook restaurant in Monmouth to stay in style. ⬥
17 November 2023–1 January 2024
Londoners know it’s Christmas when the giant illuminated wheel pops up at 70m high, dominating the skyline for the next six weeks. Rub shoulders with celebrities like David Beckham and Nicole Scherzinger who have joined the fun before. There are rollercoasters, slides, ice skating and a haunted house, as well as circus acts like Cirque Berserk. For festive spirit, ride around the glittering Christmas tree, and to keep warm sip mulled wine and chow down on steaming hot street food. ⬥
30 November–10 December 2023
Discover the beauty of the Scottish Borders with Monteviot Lights, an enchanting new winter light trail event at Monteviot House & Gardens. This unique lighting and audio spectacle is the Scottish Borders' first winter light trail. Unlike traditional light shows, Monteviot Lights embraces the natural surroundings of Monteviot Gardens,
showcasing the beauty of nature itself. Follow the 1.5km illuminated pathway through the gardens and woods, where creative lighting brings nature to life, complemented by breathtaking soundscapes. Immerse yourself in the ethereal ambiance and encounter a symphony of twinkling lights, casting a spellbinding glow. Take your time and enjoy locally sourced food and drink available at the event in an unforgettable evening of wonder and enchantment.
2–3 December 2023| Experience top National Hunt racing, where horses and their jockeys jump over obstacles, including ditches. Hone in on the finishing line from the Suite Level Restaurant.
PORTMEIRION FOOD AND CRAFT FAIR, PORTMEIRION VILLAGE, GWYNEDD
1–3 December 2023
This food and craft fair is a double treat, as the best producers in North Wales showcase their wares at the famous Italianate Portmeirion Village.
PADSTOW CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, PADSTOW, CORNWALLL
7–10 December 2023
For a lip-smacking weekend, head to Padstow’s waterfront, where gourmet chefs Mark Hix and Rick Stein do cooking demos and local producers sell their wares.
GLENARM CASTLE AND GARDEN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, BALLYMENA
1–20 December 2023
Party in the gardens of Glenarm Castle, home to the Earls of Antrim since 1636. Explore the gardens via the Polar Express en route to Santa’s busy workshop.
FROM SKYE GYNGELL’S OPEN-FIRED HEARTH AND MARLE RESTAURANT TO OUR BIODYNAMIC MARKET GARDEN AND ORGANIC HOME FARM, WE ARE BOUND BY THE RHYTHM OF THE SEASONS.
Ancient woodlands and GENTLY WILD GROUNDS offer plenty of room to roam on crisp WALKS, HIKES and BIKE RIDES – or head indoors to TAKE REFUGE by the roaring fires with a good book.
Slow time in the intimacy of the MOON BAR and the sanctuary of our 17,000 square foot space of wellbeing, THE BOTHY BY WILDSMITH, venture to nearby sites like WINDSOR CASTLE and JANE AUSTEN’S HOUSE or try your hand at traditional COUNTRY PURSUITS like HORSEBACK RIDING and CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING.
UNEARTH, RECONNECT AND REDISCOVER AT HECKFIELD PLACE.
Shoes: inside out, The Arc, Winchester
To 6 March 2024| Start the new year in style, as Winchester arts centre, The Arc, uncovers Hampshire’s impressive shoe and boot collection. Discover a 10th-century bone skate, Louboutin’s red soles, or the more comfy Converse kicks.
15 February 2024–1 September 2024
Before she was John Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono has long been a conceptual and performance artist. Now her work takes centre stage at Tate Modern, opening three days before her 91st birthday. Spanning six decades, the exhibition includes early radical work like Cut Piece , where people cut off Ono’s clothing alongside more traditional works, including on paper. Famed for cowriting 'Imagine' and joining Lennon in bed-ins to protest against the Vietnam war in 1969. Yoko still displays work permeated with activism and calls for peace. ⬥
22 February 2024–7 July 2024
Edwardian society ladies in sumptuous dresses are the hallmark of American expat artist John Singer Sargent, who lived from 1856 to 1925. Think of Madame X, a banker’s wife, in her plunging black dress or British socialite Lady Helen Vincent, Viscountess d’Abernon in her puffed sleeve satin gown and long pearl necklace. Now Tate Britain is revisiting the artist's portraits with 60 works, showing how he styled his Gilded Age sitters to craft their distinctive images. Some paintings will even be juxtaposed with contemporaneous outfits. ⬥
To 25 February 2024
Top notch contemporary art sweeps through Wales as galleries from Cardiff to Llandudno show work by the seven finalists of the biannual prize, Artes Mundi, which is now 10 years old. The National Museum Cardiff will display drawings of Lebanese-Dutch artist, Mounira Al Solh, as well as Kuwaiti Alia Farid’s sculptures – large polyester resin water
28 February 2024–3 March 2024|
Reel into spring at Killarney’s lively trad folk festival, the Gathering. Learn how to jig with locals at an evening céili dance, take a fiddle workshop, or toe tap to such headliners as guitarist Dónal Lunny or accordionist Máirtin O’Connor.
vessels. The Oriel Davies Gallery in Newtown, Powys includes Carolina Caycedo’s banner installation of the Greenham Common march among other works. In Swansea, discover Vietnamese filmmaker Nguyễn Trinh Thi. Her poetic, real-time sound and mixed-media installation is at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. Following previous recipients like American artist Theaster Gates, this year’s winner will be announced in January. ⬥
25 January 2024
Dine on haggis as Scotland celebrates poet Robert (Rabbie) Burns’ birthday. After cock-aleekie soup, see the haggis piped in on a silver platter. And addressed.
MUSIC FOR GALWAY’S MIDWINTER FESTIVAL, TOWN HALL THEATRE AND HARDIMAN HOTEL, GALWAY
19–21 January 2024
Galway’s 19th-century landmarks are the setting for this exciting classical music festival, where local and international talent perform Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and other favourites.
STADIUM, TWICKENHAM
2 February –16 March 2024
Catch the national rugby union teams of England, Ireland and Wales at the home of England rugby as they vie for the six nations’ trophy.
Your royal adventure begins when you enter through the grand stone gates of our remarkable castle. Discover our exquisite interiors, delicious cuisine, passionate team, a wealth of estate activities and state-of-the-art after spa and leisure facility. As Ireland’s first Forbes five-star and former home of the Guinness family, we offer over 800 years of history – 80 plus years of hospitality.
Experience the grandeur and glamour of London's iconic Whitehall building at Raffles at the OWO. This historic landmark, which will open its doors this winter, has been transformed into a luxurious hotel featuring 120 rooms and 85 residences, each blending classic Edwardian style with modern elegance. Immerse yourself in the hotel's rich history, from the hand-laid mosaic floors to the oak panelling and the stunning marble staircase. Indulge in a culinary journey at Mauro Colagreco's restaurant or dine alfresco on the rooftop terrace. For ultimate relaxation, visit London's first Guerlain spa, spanning four floors, or take a dip in the striking 20m pool. ⬥
Escape to a serene oasis nestled in the heart of North Devon – The Collective at Woolsery
Experience luxury at The Collective at Woolsery, a retreat in North Devon with seven exquisitely designed havens. The accommodation includes three cottages, two suites, and two rooms, all renovated to the highest standard. Surround yourself with picturesque countryside and explore the village's rich history, dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Michael Birch, cofounder of Bebo, and his wife Xochi have transformed the village, including the award-winning Farmers Arms. Indulge in mouthwatering and wholesome food served in your room. Dream Escape will arrange your stay at this unparalleled luxury retreat. ⬥
Enjoy the magic behind Game of Thrones’ breathtaking imagery, captivating sets, and stunning costumes at the official Studio Tour in Northern Ireland. Get a sneak peek at the brand new window display featuring Pyke Bridge and Ironborn characters from a memorable scene in the hit series. Don't miss the chance to see over 140 costumes, including the spectacular Euron Greyjoy outfit from Season 7!
Dream Escape Head of Product Louise Murray has been along to Estelle Manor to meet General Manager Rory Slater (pictured below) for a tour of this remarkable new Grade-II-listed country club and hotel set on a 60-acre estate in Oxfordshire. This 108-bedroom rural retreat surrounded by over 3,000 acres of parkland opened this summer, along with its sister property Maison Estelle in London's Mayfair. As a hosted home, the manor brings people together with its one-of-a-kind spaces, dynamic community, and personalised service. The grand Manor House is the original family home and hosts the reception hall, brasserie, traditional Chinese restaurant, and private dining room. The South Terrace features a 25m swimming pool, sunbeds, and a bar. The Clubhouse, originally a racquets court and gymnasium, has a workspace, kids’ club, gym, and retail store. The Glasshouse restaurant offers family-style dining; and Eynsham Baths, a Roman-inspired spa, will open in September. Dream Escape will arrange a luxury stay in one of the hotel's vintage-furnished private properties during your next visit to Oxfordshire. ⬥
With more than 1,300 plants, this hotel has a good claim to be London’s greenest. It also features a living wall façade, a check-in desk hewn from a 200-year-old felled oak, and room sensors that turn lights and air conditioning off.
1 Hotel Mayfair, located on Berkeley Street overlooking Green Park, is setting the standard for a new kind of luxury experience that positively affects the planet. The UK brand flagship is an eight-storey hotel, housing 181 guest rooms and suites; Dovetale, a restaurant by two-Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers; Dover Yard, a signature cocktail bar and lounge; Neighbours, a lively daytime cafe and evening bar; and a Bamford Wellness Spa. ⬥
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT:
Welcome to a world of luxury, where comfort meets elegance. Dream Escape will take you on a journey to the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane and
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire to experience refinement, gastronomy, cosmopolitan charm and countryside activities...
Renowned for unparalleled luxury and impeccable service, Four Seasons Hotels are perfect for those looking for a relaxing and indulgent getaway. For the ultimate twin city and countryside experience, Dream Escape will arrange for you to stay at Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane in London, to see the sights of one of the world's most-loved cities, and Four Seasons in Hampshire, to escape to an idyllic Georgian manor house. Each hotel has its own unique charm and character, ensuring a truly memorable stay.
Located in the heart of prestigious Mayfair, the bright and spacious newly designed rooms and suites have a residential feel, ideal for the modern traveller. Most rooms feature views of iconic Hyde Park and some suites even feature their own private terrace or balcony.
Indulge at the newly opened Pavyllon by renowned chef, Yannick Alléno, which offers neighbourhood dining with highly crafted, innovative yet unpretentious plates, created from a live open kitchen. Bar Antoine is the vibrant epicentre of the Pavyllon London experience, where you can gather around tables, pull up seats at the bar and relax on the terrace.
Guests can further retreat to the award-winning rooftop Spa located on the 10th floor for an unrivalled wellness experience. The unique city spa features nine treatment rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows bathed in natural light to enjoy the
vista or darkened to provide solitude during treatments. Enjoy complimentary access to the thermal suites offering separate facilities, including a 32-degree cool vitality pool, Eucalyptus steam room and Himalayan Salt Wall sauna.
Set on 500 acres in a restored 18th-century manor, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire offers a humble, welcoming home away from home. It's nestled in the English countryside yet only 35 minutes from LHR, 55 minutes from Southampton and 60 minutes from London. Explore the newly renovated guest rooms and suites ranging from entry level rooms at 485 sq ft to the palatial three-bedroom Royal Suite at 3,000 sq ft, which has its own terrace overlooking the estate.
The resort offers classic English country activities, including an on-site equestrian centre, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, croquet, country walks, biking, canal boating, fishing, birdwatching and falconry. Set within the estate’s original stables, The Spa offers 15 therapy rooms, including a couple’s VIP suite as well as Conservatory pool, outdoor vitality pool and family adventure pool, Sharkie’s Reef.
With the holidays fast approaching, there is no better place to escape to this festive season. There's something to offer for all the family, including horse and carriage rides, Christmas pantomime shows, or a visit to Off Piste, an Alpine-inspired tepee restaurant with a rustic bar and roaring fire.
A new film starring Kate Winslet brings to life the extraordinary chronicles of the Vogue model and photographer Lee Miller. Dream Escape loves to bring interested clients to Lee's home (Farley Farm, East Sussex) and was thrilled to chat with her son recently, who shares his memories – and secrets – of his remarkable mother...
With her golden curls and pillar-box red lips, Lee Miller was an obvious choice for the cover of Vogue; at least that was what the publisher Condé Nast thought during a chance encounter in Manhattan in the Roaring Twenties.
The natural beauty proceeded to pose for the photographers Nickolas Muray, Arnold Genthe and Edward Steichen.
But Lee’s dazzling smile disguised a childhood pockmarked with trauma – a result of a family friend's inappropriate attention when she was seven. Lee suffered years of physical discomfort and emotional turmoil. During this time – while just a child – her father, an amateur photographer, chose to photograph her undressed.
Brave and bohemian, fiery and fiercely intelligent, Lee was destined to be more than a man’s muse. So when her image advertised sanitary products – a taboo back in 1929, which devastated her modelling career – she had the impetus to move to Paris.
It was in Paris – the City of Love – that Lee became the pupil and lover of the American photographer Man Ray.
A force to be reckoned with, the duo practised solarisation – a technique that plays with black and white tones – in a Parisian dark room.
By 1930, Lee had established a photography studio in Paris, and was making a name for herself with her Surrealist works.
But for Lee, Surrealism wasn’t just an art movement that juxtaposed dreamlike and realistic forms. “Surrealism was an attraction of opposites to convention,” explains her son, Antony Penrose. “It was Lee’s rebellion to the constraints of American society. →
When she arrived in Paris and became Man Ray’s assistant and lover, he understood that. Surrealism was how Lee saw the world. It was a way of life; it was sexual freedom. Lee loved finding the marvellous in the ordinary, the irrational in the rational, order in chaos. Lee was a Surrealist before it even had a name.”
After a hedonistic few years in Paris, Lee returned to New York to establish another photography studio.
Strong and self-sufficient, Lee proudly rewired the studio herself, but ultimately found photographing the rich and famous – including Charlie Chaplin –unfulfilling work.
When Lee fell in love with Aziz Eloui Bey – a wealthy Egyptian businessperson – she relocated to Cairo. “Aziz offered her an exit route from New York, a new adventure and financial security,” Antony explains.
Lee shot some of her most striking works in the Egyptian desert, most notably Portrait of Space, a Surrealist landscape taken inside a shelter in Siwa Oasis in 1937.
Feeling constrained by Egyptian society, that same year, Lee travelled to Paris where she met the Surrealist artist Roland Penrose – and so began a secret love affair.
“Darling, darling, darling, darling, darling. I want you”, Lee wrote to Roland in 1937 – to which he replied, “while crossing the Channel, Darling, Here I am on a boat and thinking every minute of you... I sing to myself ‘out of sight out of mind’ but without any effect as I can’t get you out of my sight even, especially as Man gave me last night three very beautiful photos of you which are so like you and so marvellous that I can hardly resist licking them.”
After travelling with Roland around Romania and Greece, Lee left Aziz and moved to the UK to live with her lover.
As a photographer for Vogue and the US Army, Lee became one of the few female photographers on the frontline during WWII.
Lee captured fighting in Luxembourg, US troops on D Day, the German siege of St Malo and the liberation of Paris, as well as Hitler’s house on fire on the eve of Germany’s surrender. And when Allied forces released prisoners from Buchenwald and Dachau concentration camps, Lee captured the horror.
“She arrived in Dachau the day after it had been liberated,” Antony explains. “She would have been looking for her friends among the people in the camps, as many garment workers she knew from Paris were Jewish. Surrealists were also dissidents.”
Lee found herself on the other side of the camera, too, when David Scherman snapped her having a bath in Hitler’s Munich apartment in 1945. →
“Surrealism was how Lee saw the world. It was a way of life; it was sexual freedom. Lee loved finding the marvellous in the ordinary, the irrational in the rational, order in chaos. Lee was a Surrealist before it even had a name.”
After the war, Lee continued to shoot compelling images – of children dying in Vienna, and the Hungarian Prime Minister László Bárdossy’s execution – alongside fashion models and celebrities. In 1947, Lee married Roland, moved to Farleys House in East Sussex and gave birth to Antony. However, Lee turned to alcohol to forget her troubled childhood and posttraumatic stress disorder.
“Lee’s mood changes were incomprehensible,” Antony recalls. “She could be warm, then bitter 20 minutes later. She was never violent, but she was tough with words. I kept my distance from her. It was the safest thing to do.”
By the 1950s, Lee had abandoned commercial photography to devote herself to taking photos of their artist friends Man Ray, Joan Miró, Picasso and Antoni Tàpies for Roland’s biographies.
“Lee’s mood changes were incomprehensible... she could be warm, then bitter 20 minutes later. She was never violent, but she was tough with words. I kept my distance from her. It was the safest thing to do.”
She also found solace in the kitchen. “Lee’s way out of depression was to reinvent herself as a chef,” says Antony. “She stashed her photos in boxes and took a Le Cordon Bleu course in Paris. She experimented with colours and brought Surrealism into the kitchen – making blue spaghetti or pink cauliflower breasts with cherry tomatoes as nipples. Bringing girlfriends home was risky.
“The literary critic Cyril Connolly visited Farleys and ranted how Americans had the intellectual rigour of marshmallows and would one day drown in Coca-Cola,” Antony continues. “Lee smiled, then made a dessert resembling chocolate mousse decorated with fruit. It looked fabulous, and everyone gobbled it up. When Cyril asked what was in it she said, "Coca-Cola and marshmallows’.”
public in 2000. Highlights include a Surrealist fireplace; Picasso, Man Ray and Miró’s works; Surrealist and photography classes, and the chance to sample Lee’s recipes. There’s also a sculpture garden and a 19th-century grain barn gallery.
Its latest exhibition 'Love Letters Bound in Gold Handcuffs' (to 29 October 2023), is named after the Cartier handcuffs Roland gave his lover during their years apart. It’s dedicated to the letters Lee and Roland exchanged, which are on display for the first time.
“I wrestled with whether to publish them,” Antony explains. “The 1980s were inhibited, not like now, so I was cautious about talking publically about Lee’s rape and alcoholism. But when I mentioned them at a talk, a woman in tears said, ‘You’ve been telling my story, and this is the first time anyone has.’ I thought if Lee’s experiences can help repressed people, then the letters have a purpose.”
The letters have also inspired a new book and podcast of the same name, and the film Lee. Antony hopes his mother will inspire more people when Kate Winslet plays her. “Yes, she was beautiful,” he says. “But she’d also like to be known as a casual provocateur –someone who encouraged others to do something they would otherwise not have done.
On a Dream Escape itinerary of Sussex, guests can enjoy a private visit to Farley Farm, home of the Lee Miller Archives, stay in exquisite accommodation and visit local attractions, including Sissinghurst Castle and Great Dixter House & Gardens.
Lee passed away at Farleys in 1977. Her legacy lives on through the Lee Miller Archives – 60,000 negatives, Lee’s cameras and US Army uniform, and photos by the Penroses and Man Ray.
Visitors can discover more about Lee on guided tours of Farleys House and Gallery, which opened to the
“Lee was also meaningful to women. She never spoke about how difficult it was for a woman to succeed, but women are at a constant disadvantage. They have to fight so much more than men. I want that to end. I want parity,” Antony adds. “I hope that’s what viewers will take away from the film.” Lee will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September, with a general release date to be announced shortly.
Nestled in the picturesque South Downs, the county town of Lewes is a cultural haven with a rich artistic and literary history. The site of a Norman castle, it is lined with crooked Tudor houses and surrounded by the scenic landscapes that inspired the Bloomsbury Group. Nearby, the Charleston farmhouse and St Michael and All Angels Church in Berwick feature beautiful murals and artwork. Alfriston village, meanwhile, charms visitors with its flint cottages, independent shops and riverside walks. Other must-visit spots include the Rathfinny Wine Estate and Firle Place manor house, while Harvey's Brewery offers an out-of-hours tour. Stay at The Star in Alfriston or Gravetye Manor for a charming English country-house experience.
• To find out more and plan your trip email enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk
Stay in a 300-year-old baronial castle, transformed into an exclusive property surrounded by 500 acres of gardens, woodland, and wildflower meadows, with Dream Escape's luxury trips to the Scottish Highlands
Owned by Wildland Limited, Aldourie Castle is part of a unique 200-year vision to conserve the Scottish Highlands. After almost five years of renovations, the castle is now available to Dream Escape clients, offering a seamless blend of Scottish country-house design and modern amenities.
With 12 bedrooms, a great hall, a billiards room, a library, and five private cottages, Aldourie is the perfect retreat for up to 24 guests. Each room is individually designed to reflect the castle's rich history and unique character, with antique furniture, Scottish textiles, and original artwork. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Loch Ness and the surrounding countryside from the comfort of their rooms, or explore the castle's extensive grounds and gardens.
The estate offers innumerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as boat trips, wild hikes, garden tours, cookery demonstrations, whisky tasting, and yoga. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Aldourie Castle has something for everyone. You can take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Loch Ness,
explore the nearby forests and hills, or even try your hand at fly fishing in one of the estate's many rivers and streams.
Aldourie's owners, Anne and Anders Holch Povlsen, are passionate environmentalists who hope to inspire guests to contribute towards Wildland's mission to protect and rewild the Scottish Highlands. The estate is a prime example of sustainable tourism, with a focus on conservation, biodiversity, and community engagement. Guests can learn about the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing this unique ecosystem.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Aldourie Castle offers world-class hospitality and personalised service. The castle's dedicated staff are committed to ensuring that every guest has a memorable and enjoyable stay, with luxury experiences, gourmet cuisine, and a wide range of amenities. Aldourie Castle is a luxurious and peaceful retreat, and the perfect choice as part of your Dream Escape trip to the Scottish Highlands.
• To find out more and plan your trip to the Scottish Highlands, email Travel Design Manager annika@dreamescape.co.uk
Experience:
Home to a plethora of historic galleries and museums filled with extraordinary works that transcend all eras, styles and movements, London is one of the world's greatest destinations for art and culture. But the capital’s creative nature is not limited to its exhibitions alone – experiences inspired by art can be found across the city, and Dream Escape’s Travel Design team are well versed in creating itineraries that include the very best that London has to offer.
October is a particularly exciting month for the capital’s art scene, as Frieze London takes place in Regent's Park (11–15, 2023). This hotly anticipated large-scale event is one of the world's leading fairs for contemporary art, featuring established artists alongside new and exciting names. Taking place at the same time and just a short, sculpture-studded stroll away is Frieze Masters, a similar event that showcases older works made pre-2000. Dream Escape organises trips and guided tours at both elegant
events, where visitors are invited to view and even purchase the artworks on display.
Another art destination currently creating a buzz across the city is the world-famous National Portrait Gallery, which finally reopened earlier in 2023 following a threeyear closure and the most extensive transformation of the building since 1896. Home to the world’s greatest collection of portraits spanning six centuries, the project has involved a complete redisplay of the collection, a significant refurbishment, and the creation of new public spaces.
This winter, the gallery is hosting a major David Hockney exhibition ('David Hockney: Drawing from Life', 2 November 2023–21 January 2024), which features 160 of the English artist’s works, including over 30 new portraits on display for the very first time.
When visiting the gallery, Dream Escape highly recommends a meal at The Portrait, a stylish new restaurant situated on the fourth floor by acclaimed Irish chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan. It serves a sophisticated →
From world-class galleries and exciting new exhibitions to art-filled hotels and restaurants adorned with priceless pieces, Dream Escape discovers London's artistic side.
all-day menu among art-inspired interiors and offers wonderful views across Trafalgar Square and beyond.
London’s two Tate galleries are a must for art lovers. Located in a former power station overlooking the Thames, Tate Modern sits directly across the river from St Paul's Cathedral and contains over 100 years of contemporary art from around the world. Current exhibition 'A World in Common' (until 14 January 2024) is a celebration of the varied landscape of contemporary African photography today, while 'Capturing the Moment' (until 28 January 2024) explores the relationship between photography and painting, featuring expressive works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud, Paula Rego and more. This year, the gallery is hosting the first major retrospective in the UK in nearly 20 years on Canadian American modern artist Philip Guston (5 October 2023–25 February 2024), before the opening of a new major exhibition
featuring the work of artist and activist Yoko Ono in February 2024.
With a regular boat service connecting the two galleries, Tate Britain overlooks the Thames in Westminster. This beautiful, historic building is home to the world's largest collection of British art, including the world’s largest collection of works by JMW Turner. 'Women in Revolt!' (8 November 2023–7 April 2024) opens this year – a major new survey of feminist art by over 100 women artists working in the UK, and the first exhibition of its kind.
A recent trend within the London art scene is immersivity. Housed in a unique, purpose-built 30,000-sq-ft venue located just steps from Marble Arch and Oxford Street, Frameless is the largest permanent multisensory experience in the UK. It contains four vast immersive galleries featuring some of the world’s greatest works of art by the likes of Cézanne, Kandinsky,
Monet, Dalí, Van Gogh, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt to name but a few, presented in ways never seen before using state-of-the-art projection techniques. The gallery hosts regular events, including popular yoga classes in the space too.
A similar boundary-pushing experience can be found at Lightroom, which opened in London’s King’s Cross earlier in 2023, and uses augmented and virtual reality to make art come to life. Its inaugural exhibition – 'David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' – is open until 3 December 2023, and uses Lightroom’s huge walls and revolutionary sound system to enable visitors to experience the world through the artist’s eyes.
To celebrate the current Hockey exhibition at Lightroom, luxury five-star hotel Rosewood London has created a stunning, art-inspired afternoon tea. This sensational threecourse experience features a selection of Hockey-inspired
cakes and desserts – each a work of art in themselves –served in the hotel’s beautiful Mirror Room, which has also undergone a certain amount of 'Hockneyfication'.
Nearby on Regent Street, 'The Art of Banksy' (13 September 2023–21 January 2024) is returning to the capital. This smashhit exhibition has brought the anonymous artist’s era-defining works to over 1.5 million visitors in 15 cities across the globe, and features more than 110 Banksy pieces, including new and previously unseen works.
In the centre of London’s iconic Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is hosting the first major retrospective in more than 30 years of Dutch painter Frans Hals (30 September 2023–21 January 2024). Nearby, The Royal Academy of Arts on Piccadilly is unveiling 'Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec' (25 November 2023–10 March 2024), a ground-breaking exhibition featuring around 70 works →
‘The Art of Banksy is returning to the capital... and features more than 110 Banksy pieces, including new and previously unseen works.’
on paper by leading Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists such as Degas, Cézanne, Renoir and Van Gogh.
Over in South Kensington, art and fashion combine at the V&A Museum in the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel (16 September 2023–25 February 2024). At nearby five-star boutique hotel The Milestone, guests can enjoy the services of talented resident artist Shelley Levy. Tailored towards all levels of artistic abilities, painting and drawing workshops are on offer and
Shelley can also create wonderfully unique, personalised portraits for guests. Another luxury hotel with artistic licence is The Lanesborough, which overlooks Hyde Park Corner adjacent to the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Located within the hotel’s glorious Regency dining room, The Lanesborough Grill exhibits the work of some of the most exciting contemporary artists in the UK in a six-monthly changing exhibition. Nearby in Mayfair, Claridge's ArtSpace is a museum-quality venue underneath the hotel, where
previous exhibitions have included Les Lalanne, Damien Hirst, and more. Refuel with a coffee and an exquisite cake at the ArtSpace Café – a sleek, vibrant space designed by renowned British architectural designer John Pawson, with a gallery-like patisserie counter.
For a restaurant where food and art combine in an unforgettable fashion, Dream Escape suggests a visit to the recently opened Bacchanalia in Mayfair. Here, a Mediterranean-inspired menu is served in spectacular surrounds, which include lavish murals and five colossal,
classically inspired sculptures by Damien Hirst suspended overhead. Nearby and with similar wow factor, Dream Escape organises exclusive use of the Renoir Room at iconic seafood restaurant, Scott’s Mayfair, which is clad in verre églomisé and has an illuminated green agate floor. The walls of this stunning private dining room are adorned with artworks by the likes of Renoir, Miró, and Chagall. Seating eight on one elegant oval table, it is an intimate and incredibly special space for an unforgettable occasion.
For a final artistic flourish, Dream Escape recommends a visit to The Hari, a five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Belgravia.
Here, bartender Giuseppe Abbracciante has created eight imaginative cocktails all inspired by artists. Don’t miss the colourful Jackson Pollock concoction, which combines flavours such as rum, amaretto, crème de banana and lime juice, and is presented in an elegant coupe theatrically splashed with edible paint.
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Gone are the days when art was solely for the wealthy and educated. With the dawn of a new generation, it is clear that art is available for everyone, not only to respect and admire what they see before them, but to have an opinion. The reassurance that we can judge what’s in front of us with only our own verdict is what has encouraged many new art pop-ups around London – with a vibrant and everchanging scene.”
susie@dreamescape.co.uk
“ For a restaurant where food and art combine... Dream Escape suggests a visit to the recently opened Bacchanalia in Mayfair... [where] lavish murals and five colossal, classically inspired sculptures by Damien Hirst [are] suspended overhead.”
Connemara is a region of County
Galway bounded by the Atlantic, famous for its soft colours and wild terrain. Rust-coloured bogs dotted with polished grey-blue lakes, old drystone walls threaded over hills, and coral beaches, sandy bays, and little harbours edged by an everchanging ocean. But Connemara is not just about the landscape. It's about the Irish language, cherished by the locals. It's about the charm of towns and
villages, such as Leenane, Roundstone, Clifden, and Letterfrack.
When visiting Connemara, Dream Escape will make sure you’re not missing out on some of the region's most famed and beloved spots, including Ashford Castle, Ballynahinch Castle, and Delphi Adventure Resort. Ashford Castle, located in the village of Cong, has a rich history and is one of Ireland's most luxurious hotels. Ballynahinch Castle, situated on the banks of the river of the same name, →
is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Delphi Adventure Resort, nestled in the heart of the Delphi Valley, offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Traditions continue strongly in Connemara. Everything from the food on your plate to the music in pubs is infused with a unique cultural heritage. Galway has a strong seafaring tradition, and smoked fish is a local favourite. You can even arrange a private tour of the Connemara Smokehouse to see the craft of smoking up close.
One of the most renowned landmarks of Connemara is Kylemore Abbey. With a tragic tale and epic romance, Hollywood’s scriptwriters have nothing on the legendary love story behind this beautiful abbey.
But Connemara is also a filmset, with a long list of movies shot here, such as The Quiet Man, Tristan and Isolde, The Field, and Oscarnominated The Guard. You can even take a tour of the region with the Connemara Film Trail. And last but not least, traditional Irish music is an integral part of the Connemara
experience. Take a seat, listen up, and you'll find out why it embodies the spirit of the people of Ireland.
To experience an authentic 'trad session' visit pubs like Molly’s in Letterfrack, Lowry’s in Clifden, and The Shamrock Bar in Roundstone, where you can try your hand at an Irish instrument and join in the fun. Musicians frequently gather in cosy corners in lively pubs.
Dream Escape will tailor your holiday to Connemara, a place of savage beauty and authentic Irish traditions, where we will immerse you into the heart and soul of Ireland.
Galway: A Bohemian City with Traditional Charm
Galway is a city on the western coast of Ireland’s Connemara region that exudes bohemian flair. It’s relaxed, laid-back, and always up for a party. The city’s love for traditional music echoes through its vibrant streets, old pubs, shops, and designer stores. Galway is also a medieval gem that offers tranquil moments to cherish. The city has age-old alleys, four river bridges, and a coastal promenade that leads to
the seaside town of Salthill. The city is famous for its festivals, and during the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Oyster Festival, or the Galway Film Festival, the entire city feels like one big celebration.
Galway’s food scene is a gastronomic wonder, with Michelin-starred restaurants such as Aniar, cafes, bistros, and fine-dining restaurants that fuse local ingredients with innovative techniques.
Dream Escape will arrange a culinary walking tour where you can meet passionate producers, chocolatiers, and brewers. Galway has a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s most enjoyable destinations for traditional music. The city is home to buzzing street buskers, endless trad sessions, and traditional music pubs like Taaffes, The Crane Bar, Tigh Cóilí, and An Púcán.
Dream Escape can arrange for you to step into the warm wooden nooks and crannies of Murphy’s or Garavan’s to enjoy a glass of Galway Hooker craft beer while gazing at the knick-knacks and memorabilia.
Galway’s weekend market is a lively and colourful affair with plenty
of incredible flavours, from local cheeses and charcuterie to the international influences of curries, sushi, and Mediterranean favourites. Galway is a charming city with a mix of aspiring young talent and traditional culture. Its rolling street music, vibrant film scene, and superior seafood make it a must-visit destination. Galway is not just a city, it is a gateway to some of the most incredible scenery on the island of Ireland. The romantic Connemara region is a place of 'savage beauty' with peat-scented pubs, tobaccocoloured hills, native ponies, and coral beaches.
Another great attraction is the Aran Islands, famed for their traditional culture, rocky landscapes, and soaring cliffs. One of the best things about Galway is its proximity to the sea. The seaside suburb of Salthill is an excellent place to take a 2km-long promenade walk, enjoy fish and chips, and watch the light change over the Atlantic. The city is also rich in history, and its medieval walls, independent shopping, and churches are worth exploring.
• Favourite Attraction: Kylemore Abbey
• Best View: Dún Aonghasa
• Favourite Outdoor Activity: Coasteering is a real adrenaline rush!
• Best Sweet Treat: Paudy’s Ice-Cream on Inis Mór
• Best Hike: Diamond Hill
• Most Beautiful Route: Sky Road
• Favourite Way to Explore: Classic car tour
Classic Car Tours in Connemara... Our travel designers love to get creative, and a favourite experience here is a classic-car treasure hunt. As with anywhere in Ireland, the locals are always on hand to help and chat as you tootle around the country roads in your Aston Martin while looking for clues. On this occasion we adventured between the Maumturks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges with beautiful Lough Inagh in between and included stops in Cong, Corr Na Móna, Leenane, Clifden and Eyrephort Beach. Great fun for all the family and corporate team-building events.
dreamescape.co.uk
“I am a huge fan of Connemara, as my family connections are deeply rooted in Galway. Its spectacular Atlantic coastline with tiny coves, bays and fishing villages are very special. Roundstone and Clifden are firm family favourites, and not forgetting the Sky Road drive (that you can also walk), which delivers breathtaking views of Clifden Bay and the offshore islands in the Atlantic, whatever the weather.”
sue@dreamescape.co.uk
Situated on the magnificent coastline of East Lothian, a beautiful part of southeast Scotland just 20 miles northeast of Edinburgh, Archerfield is a stunning 550 acre country estate offering superb accommodation, renowned golf courses and a world-class spa
At the heart of the Estate is Archerfield House, a beautifully restored 17th century mansion house available for exclusive use stays, weddings and events. A cluster of roomy, luxury lodges borders one of the two links golf courses, but for real privacy and the best views of all, there are the waterfront properties. Perched in an extraordinary location just above an expanse of golden sandy beach is Marine Villa, a splendid house in which Robert Louis Stevenson is said to have written Treasure Island, inspired by the view of Fidra Island situated opposite just off shore. Today, Marine Villa is elegant yet blissfully comfortable, exuding classic country house style: think curling up by the fire, pretty floral furnishings and lashings of traditional character. The super-spacious sitting room boasts panoramic sea views from all angles, while the grand dining room definitely calls for convivial candlelit dinners. The cosy snug bar is just one of the charming features at Marine Villa and perfect for a late night dram. Six individually designed bedrooms (four en suite doubles and two charming singles which share a shower room) sleep ten adults in total (extra beds and cots available for little ones) and dogs are also welcome. With a lawn that stretches to the beach and
uninterrupted views of the sea, Marine Villa is the ideal holiday house for barbeques, garden games, wild swimming or simply sitting back and taking in the glorious view.
Archerfield’s exclusive gated waterfront collection also includes The Boathouse. This fabulously spacious New England-style house sleeps eight adults in four double en suite bedrooms, each one with its own look and feel, and boasts a huge open plan dining / kitchen / living space on the first floor, to maximise the impact of the incredible coastal setting. The covered balcony is similarly generous in scale and there simply is no better place for enjoying drinks while the sun goes down. As with Marine Villa, included in all rentals is private access to the beach and use of a tennis court, along with the grounds and woodland surrounding this very special enclave.
You can rent Marine Villa or The Boathouse for one night or a fortnight – and however long your stay, there is the enticing option of booking one of Archerfield’s private chefs, to make your stay a truly relaxing one. While you and your guests chat over an aperitif or two, your personal chef and a member of the front of house team will prepare and serve a delectable dinner without you having to lift a finger; clearing up is taken care of too, so your only job is to chill out and
savour some very fine food indeed. Alternatively, the restaurant at Archerfield Clubhouse is just a stroll down the road, or you can take advantage of the complementary transport provided as part of your stay. Showcasing the very best of Scotland’s larder. While there are many impressive sides to Archerfield, a particular hidden gem is Fletcher’s Cottage Spa. Voted one of Scotland’s best by The Sunday Times, Fletcher’s Cottage is an award-winning, calm sanctuary designed by Sian ParryJones. Nature is reflected everywhere, with wood, soft woollen throws, deep cushions and log burning stoves creating a warm and tranquil interior. Partnering with just a handful of lifestyle and wellness brands such as VOYA, Bamford and Scottish aromatherapy brand Beatitude, facials and body treatments are centred around organic products and are delivered by highlyskilled therapists. Individual bath huts, a lavender sauna and marine salt steam room are just some of the elements that put Fletcher’s Cottage in a class of its own.
• Find out more about the Archerfield experience at www.archerfieldhouse.com where you can also book accommodation and spa treatments
Many viewers of the James Bond films may not be aware of the inspiration for Dame Judi Dench’s character of ‘M’. It is widely believed to be British author Dame Stella Rimington, the first female Director General of MI5, who chats exclusively to Dream Escape about her pioneering career in the intelligence service.
Joining M15 may not have been Dame
Stella Rimington’s first career choice, but it certainly led to a series of ‘firsts’: she became its first female Director General (DG) in 1992 and was also the first head of Britain’s intelligence services to be publicly named.
A quiet retirement in 1996 was also never on the cards. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath in the New Year Honours that year. Then, after publishing her autobiography Open Secret in 2001, Dame Stella went on to write 10 spy-thriller novels featuring an MI5 agent called Liz Carlyle.
Today, lucky Dream Escape guests who visit London have the exclusive opportunity to speak with Dame Stella about her life and unique experiences. We caught up with her relaxing at her Norfolk country home with her two labradors, to hear scintillating tales of working undercover and – of course – ask her about that James Bond character.
Dame Stella, you have had an extraordinary career. Thinking back to 1969, was there any hesitation before you decided to apply for a permanent position at MI5? What did you imagine it would be like? Our readers would assume it must be quite glamorous, like a riveting spy thriller. Should they reconsider a future career in intelligence?
I had no hesitation in applying for a job in MI5 when I came back to London at the end of the 1960s, after I had been working in the MI5 office in New Delhi. I was only a clerk/typist, but I was able to see the sort of work that was going on. In the 1960s, India was at the forefront of the Cold War. The intelligence services of both sides were present, working face-to-face against each other. I thought I would be doing something similar in London. I was very disappointed to find that, at that time, MI5 was operating a twotier structure: the men did the intelligence work and the women were restricted to deskbound work. So, we filed reports, wrote summaries and assessments and generally kept the papers in order. London in the late 1960s was a gloomy →
“The fact that a woman was going to be Director General of one of the world’s most famous intelligence organisations came as a great surprise to the world’s press and it caught the attention of the IRA who were present in London, looking for targets.”
place and our offices were no exception. To add to this, an air of great secrecy covered everything.
Given you have worked on many undercover operations, is there anything that sticks in your mind that was particularly dangerous or where you were at risk of blowing your cover?
It may seem surprising, but the time when I felt most at risk was in the early 1990s when my name was announced as the next Head of MI5. The fact that a woman was going to be Director General of one of the world’s most famous intelligence organisations came as a great surprise to the world’s press and it caught the attention of the IRA who were present in London, looking for targets. The result was that we had to move
house and live at a secret location for my time as DG. In contrast, when one is engaged in an undercover operation, one is surrounded by security in order that risks are minimised, although of course nothing is perfect. There is always a risk.
You have documented the changes that occurred in MI5 in your autobiography (Open Secret; 2001), a book that the government tried to stop going to print. Was it difficult to get your story told the way you wanted it?
About five years after I left MI5, I decided to write my autobiography. My intention was not to reveal secrets but to write about the life of a woman with two children, working in a secret organisation. At the time, there was
THE ASTON MARTIN DB5 USED ON THE SET OF THE LATEST JAMES BOND MOVIE 'NO TIME TO DIE' IN MATERA, ITALY. (© WJAREK / STOCK.ADOBE.COM)a lot of interest in the work-life balance. I submitted the manuscript for clearance, as I was required to do. That somehow became public knowledge, which led to all sorts of unexpected consequences, such as someone in the clearance process passing the draft to The Sun newspaper. Eventually, the book was cleared grudgingly but I was required to make very few alterations. It was more about not wanting me to publish it at all, rather than objecting to what was in it. So yes, I was able to publish what I wanted but the process of getting permission was very fraught.
This issue of Dream Escape magazine has a set-jetting theme. We’re aware that the first female character of ‘M’ in the James Bond film franchise was reportedly inspired by you and your 27 years working in MI5. How do you feel about this? Do you have a favourite Bond film?
Judi Dench is an actress whom I have long admired. So when, in 1995, she appeared as M in GoldenEye, I was delighted and rather →
“The plots of the books come from my observation of what’s going on in the security world... I enjoy setting up the plot and then proceeding to unravel it. Sometimes it gets a bit complicated and that’s fun to write. It doesn’t always end up entirely as expected!”
amused. My daughters went off to see the film and came back saying that she looked exactly like me, which was fairly true. She and I are almost the same age and the clothes she wore in that film were very similar to mine at the time. I was delighted that the James Bond franchise had caught up with reality, at least in one area. They had got rid of the middle-aged man in the panelled office who previously played M. My favourite James Bond film is Skyfall (2012), though sadly it is the one in which M dies. The scenes in Scotland are magnificent.
Since retiring from MI5, you’ve turned your hand to writing mystery and thriller novels. Was this a genre that interested you before joining M15? Tell us about your writing process.
Yes, I have always been a reader of spy fiction and mystery and police dramas. Some of my favourites are Dorothy L Sayers, Marjorie Allingham, Georges Simenon and of course John le Carré’s Cold War novels. While I was working, I often thought that I would like to try my hand at the genre, but of course I had no time. After Open Secret, I did start to work on what I thought would be one with a female lead character – Liz Carlyle. The plots of the books come from my observation of what’s going on in the security world. They have covered Irish terrorism, piracy, and of course espionage. I enjoy setting up the plot and then proceeding to unravel it. Sometimes it gets a bit complicated and that’s fun to write. It doesn’t always end up entirely as expected!
After writing 10 novels featuring heroine Liz Carlyle, an M15 intelligence officer, we were
treated to a new series in 2022 featuring a new character Manon Tyler, a CIA analyst seconded to London (The Devil’s Bargain). Are you busy plotting the next instalment? What’s coming next?
What’s coming next for Manon Tyler? The Chinese. I haven’t written about a Chinese plot so far, but it seems very relevant today. The plot is set in a university but I think, and hope, it’s not what you would expect.
How do you like to relax? Are you able to relax?
I live in the country with my two lovely labrador dogs. I enjoy taking them for walks in the beautiful surroundings here. I have a good-sized garden that needs plenty of weeding and I listen to the news, which keeps me up-to-date with what’s going on in the world and feeds my plots. My daughter lives nearby with her two children and they visit quite often. Further away, my other daughter and her two sons come from time to time, as does my fifth grandchild who is in the army. All in all, I don’t have a lot of spare time and that suits me well.
Dream Escape’s readers are very discerning travellers. Do you have a favourite holiday spot?
Nowadays my favourite holiday spot is here, where I live, in the beautiful English county of Norfolk. Here you can have countryside, or a magnificent sandy beach, we have villages with flint cottages, a duck pond, and often a really good gastro pub for lunch. And there is the beautiful cathedral city of Norwich with its open market. It’s one of the oldest in the country.
Could you tell us about the strangest encounter you have had with a celebrity? Are people a little awestruck by your career? (We are.) I won’t tell you who the celebrity was. But I can say where it was. I had been travelling in Northern India with some colleagues from the Indian Intelligence Services. We were staying in Darjeeling and decided that we would get up early in order to see the sunrise over the Himalayas. I remember being woken up at 4am by a turbaned servant with a cup of tea. We set off from the hotel and arrived at a wooden platform stuck inside a mountain not far from the town. It was still almost too dark to see clearly, but getting lighter every minute. When we arrived at the platform, I was astonished to see X and a small group. We all greeted each other with a cheery “good morning” and then stood silently to watch as, in one direction, the sky began to change from black to grey to pink and then suddenly the first ray of sun appeared, striking the top of a mountain in front of us, and Mount Everest appeared with a snowcap, coloured red in the rising sun. It was a breathtaking sight. We watched all the mountains in the whole range appearing, one by one. When the show was over, we said
“good morning” again and went our different ways.
Finally, do you have any tips for how people might go undetected if they want to be incognito?
My tips for remaining undetected are to look and behave as ordinarily as possible. No false beards, dark glasses or hats pulled down to cover your eyes; those will definitely draw attention to you! Wear unremarkable clothes, speak quietly and as little as possible. Do nothing to draw attention to yourself. Ideally, have someone with you who can do the talking. Be friendly, ask questions if necessary and just keep the attention away from you.
• Visit: stellarimington.uk
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I had the pleasure of meeting two incredible women in recent months – both Dames and legends in their respective fields. One of them is instantly recognisable, while the other is not so much – Dame Stella Rimington and Dame Judi Dench, both featured in this article. These moments will surely be unforgettable for me and our clients, as Dream Escape is committed to creating memories of a lifetime.
Dame Stella Rimington once said that to be a great spy, one has to be unremarkable and forgettable. However, she was quite the opposite – an extraordinary woman whose words left a lasting impression on me. Spy stories – whether true or fictional – have always fascinated me. Follow in the footsteps of James Bond, experience the world of Kingsman, or simply sip a dry martini in one of the best hotel cocktail bars, like Duke's or the American Bar. Whatever your preference, we'll make sure it's an experience you'll never forget.”
“I had the pleasure of meeting... Dame Stella Rimington... an extraordinary woman whose words left a lasting impression on me.”
It is always surprising what people learn when they visit a working kitchen, from learning what a copper pot versus a stainless steel one brings to cooking, to watching chefs execute the finer details required when compiling a dish before serving, it’s always educational and, I hope, impressive,” says Vincent Crepel, whose restaurant, Terre at Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork offers diners a fully immersive behindthe-scenes experience, starting with snacks in the kitchen and even a sneak peek in the dry ageing fridges and fermentation rooms.
“It lets guests know the amount of work and detail that goes into creating a dish in a restaurant like Terre,” adds the 39-year-old chef, whose CV includes some of the world’s most renowned restaurants.
After growing up in the French Pyrenees, Vincent completed his chef training in Basque Country, before being thrown straight into the deep end in his early
twenties, working as chef de partie at the three-Michelin Star Arzak, in San Sebastián.
While it was quite the baptism of fire for Vincent, Arzak, which is known for revolutionising the art of cooking and introducing the New Basque Cuisine movement in the 1970s, was the perfect environment for him to begin to hone his craft and experiment with different tastes and techniques.
“I like how being a chef allows me to express myself and my creativity through the medium of food,” the selfconfessed introvert explains. “It’s an always-evolving and exciting discipline, with new standards to set and achievements to aim for.”
Having spent a number of years learning from some of Europe’s most highly regarded and respected chefs – as well as Arzak, he has also worked at three-Michelin-star Restaurant Hôtel de Ville Crissier near the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland – it’s no surprise that Vincent’s →
We speak to the French-born chef about what he has learned from working in some of the world’s most renowned kitchens and achieving his first Michelin Star just months after opening his latest restaurant in IrelandWORDS | REBECCA PITCAIRN
standards are high. However, it was his time in Singapore working for André Chiang as a sous chef at Jaan par André that he attributes as being one of the biggest influences on his career.
“I have learned classic culinary techniques from the best chefs in the world and they have also allowed and inspired me to be creative and execute my vision but that was the role that changed my ambition and set me on the path I am now on,” he says.
In 2014, Vincent was given the opportunity to run his own restaurant in his native France and opened Porte12, an intimate venue set in a former lingerie factory, off
rue du Faubourg Poissonnière. But after five years his determination to evolve as a chef, set new standards and introduce new audiences to his innovative style of cooking led him to Ireland and the five-star Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork.
“After Paris, I felt I needed a new challenge and the wildness of Ireland, the amazing food producers and the beautiful location of Castlemartyr Resort was very appealing,” he says. “From the first moment I saw the green fields of Ireland and its spectacular coastline, I have felt a connection with this land and its people. I thought I could do something very special here.” →
“From the first moment I saw the green fields of Ireland and its spectacular coastline, I have felt a connection with this land and its people. I thought I could do something very special here.”
And that he has. Within six months of Terre's opening, the 38-seater restaurant was awarded a Michelin star and commended ‘for making the very best of Ireland’s local larder’. “It has taken a lot of hard work to get Terre open and execute the vision – the team has been amazing,” Vincent says. “The star is a stunning and early reward for achieving our goals and we celebrated like crazy – there were a few sore heads when we returned to work the next day.”
Set in the hotel’s 17th-century manor house, the ambiance of Terre is luxurious, elegant and refined, mirroring the food it serves. Over three and a half hours, guests relax over an unhurried tasting menu that celebrates the brilliance of nature through dishes that focus on the purity of flavour. And with an open kitchen and dishes finished table-side, diners enjoy a dynamic interaction with the people creating their meal.
"My hope is to bring diners on a special journey, and to share with you my very personal vision of a modern restaurant experience,” Vincent says. “The menu is a result of painstaking experimentation, innovation and enthusiasm for the craft.”
While Vincent’s unique personal style uses classic French technique to underpin exciting Asian flavours – placing the
savoury deliciousness of umami at the heart of every dish –the menu is firmly rooted in Irish flavours.
“Freshness, sustainability and supporting small producers is so important and we work with many localto-Cork, high-quality, low-intervention suppliers, from our shellfish which is from Ballycotton fishing village to our furniture, which is made by Modet in Kinsale.”
Leeside Forge and Fermoyle Pottery have also created an exclusive collection for use in Terre, while Vincent and his team have planted a kitchen garden to grow their own fruit and vegetables. “Some are quite exotic, so it’s an exciting challenge,” he admits. “We hope it will reduce our carbon footprint and be a sustainable supply to the kitchen.”
It’s been a whirlwind year for Vincent and he says he has no plans to take his foot off the pedal anytime soon. Unsurprisingly he’s had little time to explore much further than the grounds of Castlemartyr but is looking forward to experiencing more of what the Green Isle has to offer.
“I have a long 'to-visit' list to get through but I have managed to get out to the colourful streets of Kinsale and I have loved visiting Killarney National Park over in County Kerry,” he admits. “And each day I draw energy from the sea and inspiration from the bounty of Ireland’s nature.”
• Culinary Walking Tour of Kinsale, Gourmet Capital of Ireland: Sample the best gourmet delicacies the town has to offer. There's a diverse range of innovative culinary creations to be savoured. It is also worthwhile getting out on a boat and catching the fresh fish that is abundant in these waters.
• Ballymalloe Cookery School
Experience: A a must-try for food enthusiasts visiting Ireland. It offers a comprehensive and immersive culinary education that covers everything from farm-totable cooking to baking and wine appreciation.
• Private Visit to Bantry House & Gardens: Experience the beauty of the house and gardens on a private visit and indulge in the stunning wisteria and breathtaking views over Bantry Bay – you can even combine your visit with a boat trip from Glengarriff to Ilnacullin.
• Mizen Head: Located at the tip of a peninsula where Atlantic waves crash ceaselessly into sea cliffs,
Mizen Head is one of Ireland’s most spectacular headlands. West Cork in general has loads to offer, with the picturesque villages, winding roads and great scenery. Little villages like Crookhaven still maintain the genuine Irish experience. We love our clients to enjoy experiences around the tradition of music and storytelling in this area.
• Play a Round of Golf on a Famous Irish Course: Ireland is home to some of the most incredible golf courses in the world, and Old Head Golf Links is definitely one of the favourites. Located in County Cork, Old Head is situated on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning views of the water from every hole.
The course was designed to blend in with the natural landscape, and it features dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and deep bunkers that challenge even the most experienced golfers. In addition to Old Head, some of the other top golf courses in Ireland include Royal County Down up in Northern Ireland, Ballybunion, and Portmarnock. Each of these courses offers its own unique challenges and exquisite scenery.
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For me, what distinguishes Cork is the nightlife, there's some really great restaurants and pubs with a great atmosphere. Other favourite experiences of mine are visiting the Shandon Bells & Tower of St Anne's Church, where you can play the bells. Clients also love Cobh, its heritage and the Titanic Experience where we can also trace your ancestry. There's also captivating history of Spike Island in Cork Harbour, and let’s not forget the historic Cork City Gaol, Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and the University College Cork.”
john@dreamescape.co.uk
Scotland is a land of rugged beauty and wild landscapes. For those who love the outdoors, there's no better way to explore this country than on foot. So, lace up your boots and get ready for a memorable adventure, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes.
From the craggy peaks of the Highlands to the rolling hills of the Lowlands, Dream Escape’s Client Relationship Manager and Blue Badge Guide, Rosie Peattie shares her Top 10 Scottish walks – a curated selection of Scotland's lesserknown hiking trails with breathtaking scenery.
For any of these walks, Dream Escape will create a bespoke itinerary especially designed for you to complete at your own leisure or with one of our very experienced private guides to keep you on the straight and narrow. And what better way to enjoy your hike than with a traditional Scottish bothy lunch, complete with hearty soups, sandwiches, and a wee dram of whisky? We hope this feature inspires you to join us on a special journey through Scotland's stunning countryside...
Traquair is a charming village surrounded by the largest woodland in the Tweed Valley. One of the best ways to explore the Traquair forest is by taking the Minch Moor circuit, a picturesque route that offers fabulous views of the surrounding landscape.
Highlights include reaching an old stone gateway decorated with many slate plaques commemorating horses, some with poems; 'Resolution Point' – an art installation consisting of shapes cut in the heather; and Cheese Well, a natural spring that has long been a water source for travellers on this old drove route. Wayfarers often left offerings here –including cheese – to thank the faeries for their safe passage. On a clear day, the view from the summit is extraordinary.
St Abb's Head is a spectacular coastal headland, which you might recognise from the big screen; it is a popular filming location, most recently featuring in the Marvel film Avengers: Endgame. The area is renowned for its seabird colonies, which makes it an ideal location for birdwatchers. The best way to experience the beauty of St Abb's Head is by joining Rosie on a walk around the Mire Loch and up around the cliffs of the Head, a National Nature Reserve. This straightforward route provides stunning views of the highly populated bird nesting areas and a lighthouse that has been in service since 1862.
On this route you will see the remains of a jetty that was built to land supplies for the lighthouse when it was staffed, and excellent coastal scenery, with a great view to St Abb's village ahead as well as back along the coastline.
One of our all-time Dream Escape favourites is this short but exhilarating walk in Fort William. The route takes you through the beautiful and dramatic Nevis Gorge, and leads to the awesome Steall Falls. The crowning glory of the walk, the waterfall cascades 105m down the rockface, and is the second highest falls in Scotland behind Eas a' Chual Aluinn. Rising above the falls is the Munro of An Gearanach, the first peak on the Ring of Steall and the starting point for many mountain excursions. Expect glimpses of tremendous rocky mountainsides through the trees and staggering scenery along the way. →
BEN A'AN: THE MOUNTAIN IN MINIATURE
Nestled in the heart of the Trossachs, Ben A'an is a popular spot for hill walkers looking for a shorter, yet equally rewarding, climb. Known as the ‘mountain in miniature,’ it offers impressive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The climb is steep, but the effort is well worth it. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with an excellent view of the summit of Ben A'an rising. The final section of the climb is steep and rocky, but the view from the summit is truly breathtaking, with almost the full length of Loch Katrine in view, along with Ben Venue rising above the woodland at the foot of the loch. Although Ben A'an is not a true hilltop, it is a prominent rocky pyramid on the side of the higher summit of Meall Gainmheich, and is well known and loved by many.
This is a unique and fascinating walk that offers a glimpse into the history of the royal family. Dream Escape guides will point out the cairns along the way, to include Princess Louise's, erected in honour of her marriage to the Marquis of Lorne in 1871 and Prince Leopold's, which is directly overlooking Balmoral Castle.
The massive stone pyramid erected for Prince Albert is a highlight of the walk, with an inscription that reads, 'To the beloved memory of Albert the great and good Prince Consort. Erected by his broken-hearted widow Victoria R. 21st August 1862'. The views over Deeside and Balmoral Castle are superb, and the cairns themselves are a testament to the history and legacy of the royal family.
The Linn of Dee circuit near Braemar begins with a visit to the beautiful Linn of Dee, where the River Dee cascades through a narrow chasm topped by an old stone bridge. From there, the path heads up the lower reaches of Glen Luibeg, passing more waterfalls and through beautiful old pinewoods. After descending gently down steps towards the River Dee, you get to see the river thundering through a rocky chasm spanned by the old stone road bridge. The route takes you beside the River Luibeg, through natural pinewoods and offers distant views up the glen towards the cone-shaped summit of Derry Cairngorm. With waterfalls, pinewoods, and outstanding views, it's a great way to experience the beauty of this rugged and wild landscape.
Located in the heart of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve lies a geological wonder: Burn O' Vat – a large granite cauldron, home to the Vat Burn and its beautiful waterfall. You can walk through the rocky stream to get behind the falls and explore its fascinating history as a hiding place for fugitives. Exploring these enchanting caves feels like you are entering a hidden kingdom, full of adventure, myths, legends and history. After your adventure in the Vat, climb through the trees, high above the Burn O' Vat for a more open area with heather between the trees, and a downhill through pleasant scattered pinewoods, with astonishing views of the surrounding landscape and Loch Davan. The Burn O' Vat and Culblean Circuit Walk is a true gem of the Scottish Highlands, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve.
Situated on the north side of Portree bay, this picturesque circuit offers marvellous views of the cottages around Portree Harbour and the surrounding landscape. Rosie will point out the tower in the woods, known as the Apothecary's tower, built as a sign to passing seafarers that medical supplies and expertise are available in the village. As you continue along the path, you'll pass the boathouse, which is the home of Skye Sailing Club before crossing a footbridge and reaching a memorial with a flagpole and stunning views across Loch Portree to the distant Cuillin Hills. The hill directly across the
bay is Ben Tianavaig, where white-tailed eagles nest on the inaccessible cliffs below, so keep a keen eye out. The outcrop of rock just offshore, which can be reached at low tide, is the Black Rock, and across Loch Portree, you can clearly see the sandy beach at Camas Ban. The loch itself is home to a number of salmon farms, and you can usually see the fish jumping up from the water. Common seals can also sometimes be seen swimming by the shore. Further along the route there's a stone seat where you can take a break and enjoy the view of the high coastal cliffs to the north. The path ascends a steep series of zig-zags for which you are rewarded with great views over the salmon farms to Raasay, with Dùn Caan prominent like a little volcano.
take you in and out by boat from Elgol across to Loch Scavaig, with breathtaking views from the sea as the Cuillin gradually come into view across the sea-loch, Scavaig. Keep an eye out for seals, porpoise, otters, or dolphins, which are often spotted from the boat – this journey in itself is part of the adventure. Before reaching the landing stage, the boat passes below the famous Bad Step. Walkers heading for Loch Coruisk along the coast from Camasunary and Elgol have to cross this rock obstacle by means of a sloping rock gangway-turned-crack. After landing, the walk begins by ascending the roughly constructed steps that lead inland. The River Scavaig cascades into the sea over rock slabs to your right, while further out to sea, you can see the bold outline of the Isle of Rùm and neighbouring Eigg.
Despite the boggy terrain, the phenomenal mountain scenery along the way makes it all worth it. If you're only walking one side of the loch, the south side offers easier going and the best views. Highlights include the magnificent fulllength view of Loch Coruisk; reaching the foot of the Allt a' Choire Riabhach; and the most prominent peak at the back of the corrie: Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh. To its right you'll see the four jagged summits of Sgùrr a Mhadaidh. To the left is the smaller peak of Sgùrr Thormaid, with four rocky teeth to its right. The path passes through an area scattered with giant, grey boulders that came down in a rockfall around 10 years ago. The dark rocks around Coruisk (and throughout the Cuillin) are Gabbro – a volcanic rock with a remarkably rough surface. It is this rock that provides the excellent grip that makes the Cuillin superb for climbing.
Northwest Highlands
Shieldaig is a picturesque village that offers wonderful coastal views and a tranquil atmosphere. One of the most popular walks in the area is the short trek to An Aird peninsula, which projects out into Loch Torridon. This walk offers splendid views of the shoreline and the opportunity to spot local wildlife, such as otters and herons. During the walk with Rosie you'll enjoy stunning views over Shieldaig and Shieldaig Island, Inveralligin and the Diabaig peninsula, and Loch Torridon. Discover the ruins of former houses, a large cairn and a lovely green sward where sheep graze in front of the house at Bad-callda.
If you're looking for a unique way to explore Scotland's remarkable landscapes, Dream Escape can arrange a hike with an off-thebeaten-track bothy lunch included. This is a magical culinary experience, and a bothy is an ideal place to rest and enjoy lunch while still experiencing the natural beauty of Scotland. Here are a few of our Dream Escape favourites:
Located on the road from Inverness to Braemar, Straloch (pictured above) is a picturesque area that offers stunning views and the opportunity to explore the Scottish Highlands. After a short drive up the hill in a 4WD, enjoy a picnic at the bothy. Dream Escape Head of Product, Louise Murray, highly recommends it.
Owned by Iwan and Manuela Worth, this bothy is located up in the mountains near Fife Arms in Royal Deeside. Accessible only by a 4WD through forests and over moorland, the bothy offers a fabulous experience with a chef cooking lunch in the wild. On a beautiful day, the view is spectacular and the experience is unforgettable.
Dream Escape will organise a private lunch in an award-winning secluded hut made from locally sourced timber with a heather roof, accessed in a 4WD from Fife Arms. Following a hike across the grouse moors, a gourmet feast is whipped up in front of you.
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Rosie Peattie, Client Relationship ManagerHiking is one of my favourite pastimes in Scotland, from strolling through the heather on the banks of a crystal-clear burn to tougher trails that take you higher to hidden waterfalls. The views are always spectacular and the qualified hiking guides that accompany you will regale you will stories of long ago clan battles, as well as telling you about the flora and fauna that you see along the way. We can advise you on the best walk to suit you for an experience you will never forget.”
rosie@dreamescape.co.uk
The Samling is a luxurious country retreat in the heart of the Lake District. This extraordinary property has breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells, elegantly appointed rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an extensive wine cellar. Dream Escape can also indulge guests in a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating - and tailor your stay, whether you're looking to relax and unwind or explore the great outdoors.
For those who love to soar above the clouds and arrive in style, saving oodles of precious time, Dream Escape will arrange for your adventure to begin before you even reach your destination
Wilderness Reserve is a charming country estate that offers guests a tranquil and secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tucked right in the middle of the Suffolk countryside, this stunning property features a collection of beautifully restored cottages and houses, each with its own unique character and charm. Guests can relax and unwind in the peace and quiet of the surrounding woodlands and meadows, or explore the nearby towns and villages. The property also offers a range of activities, including fishing, falconry, boating, and horse riding, making it the perfect destination for those looking to reconnect with nature.
Located on the rugged coastline of Islay, the Machrie Hotel is a stunning retreat that offers an unforgettable experience. With spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Machrie Bay, this hotel is a paradise for nature lovers. The Machrie Hotel is home to 47 beautifully designed rooms and suites, each offering a haven of comfort and relaxation. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Machrie Hotel is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Scotland's western coast.
One of the most impressive ways to arrive at Cliveden House is by helicopter. As you hover over the expansive National Trust grounds, you'll catch a glimpse of the grandeur that awaits you. It's no wonder that this luxurious fivestar hotel attracts the crème de la crème of society. The initial construction was completed in 1666 as a present from the 2nd Duke of Buckingham to his lover, and today, Cliveden House is a symbol of elegance and charm. If you happen to be a follower of the Channel 4 series A Very British Country House, it's highly likely that you've come across Cliveden House and its sweeping National Trust grounds, which spread over 376 acres.
Resplendent on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is a sight to behold. The castle is surrounded by verdant greenery and has sublime views. Dream Escape guests are welcomed by grand halls with lavish décor and luxurious rooms fit for a king or queen. One of the highlights of a visit to Ashford Castle is exploring the castle's expansive grounds. The gardens are simply gorgeous, with meticulously manicured lawns and blooming flowers. Take a stroll around the lake and even witness a falconry show at the castle's own falconry school.
Crom Castle is a fascinating piece of Northern Ireland's history. Surrounded by tranquil woodlands and shimmering lakes, it offers a
meditative retreat from the world's distractions. The castle's grand architecture and beautiful gardens are a testament to the opulence of its past owners, and the estate's natural beauty is simply magnificent. Go for a stroll through the gardens, take a boat ride on the lake, or simply relax in one of the castle's cosy rooms, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time to a simpler, more elegant era.
The Fife Arms is an exceptional hotel located right in the centre of the Scottish Highlands. With its beautiful architecture and luxurious furnishings, it offers a truly unique and memorable experience for guests. The hotel has a rich history, having been established in the 19th century as a coaching inn. Today, it has been lovingly restored and updated to offer all the modern amenities you could need, while still retaining its original charm and character. From the moment you step inside, you'll be swept away by the warm and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the impressive artwork and décor that adorns every corner of the hotel. Arrive in style via helicopter on the hotel's discreet landing pad and enjoy its world-class dining, impeccable service, and astounding surroundings; you're sure to have a truly unforgettable experience.
Chewton Glen is a luxurious countryhouse hotel with beautiful gardens, a spa, and an award-winning restaurant. With a helipad right on site, guests can soar through the skies and make a grand entrance like a true VIP, and for the ultimate luxury experience, opt for one of their treehouses immersed in the natural beauty of the forest. The hotel also offers a variety of activities, including golf, tennis, and cycling, as well as access to the nearby beach. With its tranquil setting and impeccable service, Chewton Glen is the perfect destination for a relaxing dream escape.
Imagine flying over the stunning Snowdonia National Park and landing right at the doorstep of your luxurious room... Palé Hall is a Victorian-style mansion with 18 luxurious rooms, each with their own unique charm and character and astonishing views of the Welsh countryside. The hotel also features a beautiful restaurant serving delicious cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Palé Hall is the perfect destination for anyone looking to indulge in a little luxury and adventure.
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Holly Mackie, Owner and DirectorAdare Manor is a stunning 19thcentury castle located in the heart of Ireland's County Limerick. As you approach by helicopter, the magnificent castle comes into view, rising up from the lush green countryside. Imagine taking in the sweeping views of County Limerick as you soar through the sky, before landing gracefully on the estate's manicured lawn. The historic property has been meticulously restored to its former glory, with opulent furnishings and luxurious amenities that evoke a sense of grandeur and elegance.
The sprawling estate is home to acres of pristine gardens and woodlands, as well as a championship golf course and a world-class spa. Guests can indulge in fine dining at the Michelin-starred Oak Room restaurant or enjoy a pint of Guinness in the cosy confines of the Tack Room pub.
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Travelling by air is a fabulous way to see some of the beautiful scenery and landmarks while enabling clients to get to places that may well have not been possible, due to time constraints with their trip. From islands to the Highlands, wilderness estates and across to Ireland, the properties are all exquisite in their own unique ways.”
holly@dreamescape.co.uk
The UK and Ireland play a starring role in endless bighit movies and award-winning television shows – from the magical world of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts to beloved period dramas. Dream Escape brings the lights, camera and action with exciting journeys and unique experiences to the world’s most iconic film locations...
The picturesque city of Bath is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and looks like a filmset from every angle. The Royal Crescent doubles as the filming location for the Netflix hit Bridgerton. Look out for the Featherington’s residence, which is actually Number 1 Royal Crescent, try a traditional Champagne afternoon tea in one of Bath’s grand hotels or hop in a horse-drawn carriage and ride through the storied streets in high-society style. For more period-drama magic head to Iford Manor, just outside the city. This is where the BBC adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love was filmed, and the lush gardens and recognisable cloister will take you back to the glamorous interwar period.
A city steeped in history and culture, Oxford is the obvious choice for a filmset. Explore one of Dream Escape’s favourite locations, Christ Church College – this atmospheric place served as the inspiration for the dining hall in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson and take in the college's stunning architecture and landscaped gardens on a private tour.
Or, enjoy a private evensong in Exeter College’s 14th-century chapel (not available to the general public) before seeing some of Oxford’s film-related landmarks from the water. Dream Escape can arrange a punting trip with a Champagne picnic hamper to help you feel like a film star for the day. And of course, don’t leave before paying a visit to the silver screen gem, Blenheim Palace. Mission Impossible, Indiana Jones and James Bond's Spectre are all films that have all used the grand palace as inspiration. Peruse the gilded state rooms or take a private tour of the Duke of Marlborough's apartments –complete with secret corridors and a history of illustrious guests.
This beautiful set of counties has a starstudded reputation. In Surrey, Dream Escape will take you on a guided tour of the town of Godalming and the village of Shere to see some of the most charming countryside spots in England. It’s no wonder this area was chosen as the filming location for The Holiday. Head to Buckinghamshire for a visit to Stoke Park. Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant enjoyed an opulent minibreak here in Bridget Jones’ Diary, while Daniel Craig shot Tomorrow Never Dies within the walls of this distinguished, white manor. And lovers of historical dramas like The Other →
Whether you’re the biggest Bridgerton fan or a lover of romantic comedies, England is the perfect destination for you. From refined cities to wild coastlines, Dream Escape's England itineraries let you discover a range of locations as seen on the big screen. So, it's time to leave the popcorn at home, and step out on set...
Boleyn Girl and Mary Queen of Scots will definitely recognise Penshurst Place in Kent. Enjoy a private visit with Dream Escape and explore the stately home, with its 11 acres of peaceful gardens.
Take in the grandeur of Hampshire
Get closer to one of the most popular period dramas of all time, Downton Abbey, with a visit to its home, Highclere Castle. Explore its extraordinary gardens and rooms that have been the Crawley family’s home for six whole seasons. Or, head to pretty Winchester – the city’s majestic cathedral doubled as the Vatican in the adaption of Dan Brown’s thriller, The Da Vinci Code and was used multiple times as a location for The Crown.
If you're a lover of Beatrix Potter, then the Lakes is the destination for you. First, visit Farmhouse Cottage on Yew Tree Farm. The children’s author lived in this quaint cottage and bequeathed it to the National Trust in her will. It was used as Miss Potter’s home in the film of the same name, and over the years everyone from Emma Thompson to The
Queen has paid a visit.
Dream Escape will take you on a Beatrix Potter-themed tour, where you can explore the classic English countryside that inspired so many of her stories. You can also pay a special visit to Castle Cottage, Near Sawrey – where the author lived until she died. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the cottage garden while admiring the views of Hilltop Farm and the resident herd of Herdwick sheep.
One of the most famous filming locations here is the historic city of York, which is featured throughout the Harry Potter
series. Get lost in the city's winding streets and medieval architecture –imagining the magical feel of Diagon Alley – before a private visit to the magnificent York Minster Cathedral.
One of the most famous stately homes in Yorkshire, Castle Howard, should also be on your must-visit list. This magnificent 18th-century house has been the setting for TV shows and films, including Brideshead Revisited, Downton Abbey and Victoria. Enjoy a private lunch and tour of the house with its two symmetrical wings and Baroque features, before getting lost in the incredible grounds and gardens.
Then, there's the glorious Yorkshire Dales and Moors. All rolling hills, picturesque villages and pretty tea rooms, the National Park plays a starring role in Mission Impossible and Indiana Jones, and beloved veterinary series All Creatures Great and Small. Dream Escape will take you to explore the park's hiking trails and charming towns and on a private guided tour of the best film locations.
Top it off with an exclusive-use stay at the historic Broughton Hall, where part of the series was filmed. Choose between foraging and expert-led nature walks on the grounds or relaxing in the luxurious wellness centre.
Picture credits from first page: Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe as Jamie and Claire in Outlander. Previous page clockwise from left: The Circus in Bath; Oxford Radcliffe Camera; Castle Howard. This page clockwise from left: Farmhouse cottage on Yew Tree Farm in the English Lake District, once the home of Beatrix Potter; Wheal Coates, a clifftop disused tin-mine building on the cliffs at St Agnes Head, Cornwall; Alnwick Castle; Broughton Hall, a Historic House in Broughton Sanctuary estate, Yorkshire
Northumberland is an exceptional destination captured on the big and small screen. It’s home to rugged shorelines, dramatic castles and breathtaking dark skies. Head for a private tour of Alnwick Castle, one of the largest castles in the UK. Imagine snowy owls delivering letters and Quidditch lessons, as this was where Harry Potter himself learnt to fly in The Philosopher’s Stone.
A lesser-known spot is the Farne Islands. Recognised as a National Nature Reserve, this group of small islands just off the coast served as a filming location for Robson Green's Tales from Northumberland. Dream Escape can arrange a special boat tour of the islands,
where you can spot puffins nesting in the summer and dolphins surfing the waves all year through.
From luxury hotels and stand-out restaurants to rowing and hiking opportunities, this Northern city has so much to offer. But, one of its most special features is its connection to the Harry Potter films. In The Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry walks with his owl, Hedwig, through a snowy cloister at Durham Cathedral – which was used for various Hogwarts scenes.
Doc Martin, a British TV show about a grumpy doctor who relocated from London to rural Cornwall. The village's narrow streets and whitewashed buildings make it instantly recognisable to fans of the show. You can take a stroll through the village, visit the local pub, or even take a guided tour of the filming locations.
Located on the cliffs at St Agnes Head, Wheal Coates is a disused tin mine that appeared in Poldark. The rugged coastline and outstanding views make it a Dream Escape favourite.
Visit
Port Isaac is a small fishing village made famous as the filming spot for
Or, discover the sandy beaches and sleepy streets of St Ives. This seaside town featured in Fisherman's Friends, a comedy-drama about a group of fishermen who become unexpected music stars.
The magical Scottish Highlands are more than cinema-worthy. There’s breathtaking Glencoe and Glen Etive – a key location for James Bond's Skyfall. Film lovers will easily remember the scene where 007 and M escape to his ancestral home, and the shot of Bond looking across the Glencoe Valley next to his classic Aston Martin DB5 is nothing short of legendary.
Venture to the magnificent Cairngorms National Park and you’ll find the Rothiemurchus Estate, where the popular historical fantasy series Outlander series was filmed. You can have the place all to yourself with Dream Escape’s bothy picnic experience, or opt for a private hike
around the stunning Loch an Eilein, with its island castle ruins and surrounding forests.
Then, visit Ardverikie House in Kinloch Laggan. You might recognise the regal, château-inspired turrets as Glenbogle Estate from the celebrated BBC series Monarch of the Glen but more recently James Bond. Enjoy private access to the house and estate and live like royalty for a day or two – it was also the sheikh's house in the heartwarming film, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Or, take on the ultimate Dream Escape trip – Road to the
Isles. This is one of the most esteemed drives in Scotland, from Fort William to Mallaig, where you can catch the ferry to the dreamy Isle of Skye. Along the way, you’ll spot Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express crosses each year in the Harry Potter films.
A surprising number of films and series have been shot on the little Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides. The dramatic landscape of the Trotternish Ridge is a must-see. →
From
James
scenes to incredible historical dramas, Scotland has all the wild and mysterious beauty that has inspired film directors for decades. Dream Escape’s exclusive experiences never disappoint, offering everything from private guided hikes to spectacular boat charters, allowing you to get up close and personal with some of cinema and TV’s most iconic locations...
The jagged cliffs and pinnacles feel otherworldly, and the hiking trails have lent their astonishing beauty to films such as King Arthur, Transformers and Prometheus.
A walk in the hills near Uig also leads to the strange and wonderful landscape of the Fairy Glen. With cone-shaped hills and little lakes, this location was used in the fantasy movie Stardust, when Michelle Pfeiffer’s character appeared as a witch in a chariot drawn by goats.
And the best way to see the island is from the water. So, take a Dream Escape private boat tour to get up close and personal with the craggy coastline, paired with a delicious fresh seafood lunch with freshly caught fish from a local fisher.
Follow lovers and superheroes in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Scotland’s fascinating capital city has an illustrious connection to film – hits from Churchill to Fast & The Furious 9 have used the city as its backdrop. Wander the historic Old Town or opt
for shopping on the Royal Mile to get your city fix.
But Edinburgh is also a walker’s paradise. Hike with a private guide to Arthur’s Seat and you’ll recognise scenes from Trainspotting and the movie of David Nicholl’s book, One Day
Venture a little further to Eyemouth and you’ll find St Abbs. The coastal headland is all dramatic cliffs and salty air. It’s famed for its seabird colonies but is also another immense Marvel location –
featuring as New Asgard, Thor’s seaside location in Avengers: Endgame
Opt for a private RIB ride or an expert-led hike to see the location in all its glory.
This is a must-visit area in Scotland for Outlander fans. You’ll recognise the wild and rugged Kinloch Rannoch and Faskally Forest from some of its most iconic scenes. The unmissable Drummond Castle near Crieff also doubles as the Palace of Versailles in Outlander. Here, you can take a private garden tour and enjoy refreshments in the medieval tower house, taking in the spectacular views of the formal gardens.
Then, there’s Doune Castle. The medieval stronghold also features in the series as Castle Leoch, but you’ll also spot it in Monty Python and the Holy Grail as Camelot and the Castle of Guy de Lombard. And if that wasn’t enough reason to pay a visit, it also starred as Winterfell Castle in the Game of Thrones epic.
Ireland and Northern Ireland has played host to cinema’s most famous battle scenes, unforgettable love stories and everything in between. There are wide stretches of golden sandy beaches and dramatic clifftops to explore, and you can get a taste of the action with Dream Escape’s once-in-a-lifetime experiences...
Yet another Harry Potter gem, the Cliffs of Moher are not only one of Ireland’s most famous natural sights, with spectacular vistas across the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, but they also play a key role in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The cliffs act as the foreboding cave where Harry and Dumbledore go in search of Salazar Slytherin's Locket, one of the seven Horcruxes.
If classic romance is more your thing, Academy Award-winning Ryan’s Daughter also called ‘action’ on the cliffs. The opening scene sees Rosy lose her parasol on the coast before the story of unrequited love unfolds.
The area is great for exploring on foot –with safely carved trails along the clifftops – but a Dream Escape private charter boat or helicopter flyby really is the ultimate way to take in its natural glory.
The Curragh Plain is a breathtaking 5,000-acre natural grassland and has lent itself to many an epic battle scene throughout film history. You might recognise the infamous Battle of Stirling Bridge from Braveheart and imagine the battle cries of Mel Gibson’s
unforgettable depiction of Sir William Wallace.
Or, remember the scenes from King Arthur’s legendary Battle of Badon. Dream Escape can offer private experiences across the area, so if history makes you tick, this is the trip for you.
Malin Head in the rugged north-west of Ireland, and the ancient monastery on the island of Skellig Michael off the coast of County Kerry were used as major movie sets in Star Wars: The Force
Awakens and The Last Jedi. In fact, it was at Malin Head that production teams built a real-life version of Star Wars’ fastest aircraft, Millennium Falcon
On the tip of the Inishowen Peninsula, the Star Wars cast and crew filmed at Hell’s Hole. The wild ravine is carved into the surrounding rocks by wild Atlantic waves. Dream Escape has links with the Star Wars production crew and now offers private tours to learn about the beautiful area and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. →
Curracloe Beach in County Wexford stretches for miles and is famous not only for its soft, fine sand but it was also featured in Brooklyn and Stephen Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. You might recognise it in the scenes of the war film’s D-day sequence, due to its similarity to Omaha Beach in Normandy – an epic battle scene that took two months to shoot. Now, you can visit to take in the atmospheric shores, and even book a unique horseriding experience to find the equally beautiful Ballinesker Beach, also featured in the film.
The historical series Vikings shines a spotlight on the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Find the Luggala Estate (and former Guinness family home),
the stunning Blessington Lakes, and Powerscourt Waterfall, where Dream Escape can arrange private tours of the garden and Powerscourt Whiskey Distillery. Even better, you can learn sheep herding and explore the best hiking trails with local experts.
Then, there’s the classic love story, P.S. I Love You – the film adaptation of Irish writer Cecilia Ahern’s million-copy bestseller starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. This wonderful film was shot across Wicklow, and you can find the famed bridge location at Sally Gap. You’ll never get as lost as Swank though, with private hiking and tours led by knowledgeable guides.
The streets of Dublin have hosted many hit films but perhaps the
Though set in Liverpool, it was shot entirely in and around Dublin, with Trinity College acting as the unnamed English university. A more recent series was shot here too – Normal People was adapted from Sally Rooney’s bestseller and puts Dublin front and centre.
Trinity College plays a big role in Connell and Marianne’s haunting romance, and here you can enjoy a private tour outside of opening hours to see the treasured Book of Kells. Or discover the world’s greatest storytellers at the Museum of Literature, before taking a bespoke walking literary tour through Dublin’s streets – a must for avid readers.
But theatre lovers will be happy too, as Dream Escape offers behind-the-scenes tours of Abbey Theatre, with rare access to the theatre’s important archives. Tread the boards and enjoy a masterclass with one of the Abbey Theatre's directors.
Perched on the River Doyle, Derry in Londonderry is Northern Ireland’s only surviving walled city and is full of history and character. But this modern city is also the home of Channel 4’s most successful series, Derry Girls
Take an exclusive Dream Escape tour and find the eye-catching mural featuring the main characters in the heart of the walled city.
The county is also famous as the backdrop for Game of Thrones’ most significant landmarks. The beautiful seven-mile stretch of sand at Downhill Strand is also the home of Dragonstone. And further inland is Ballyscullion Park, where key scenes were filmed for season three. It's the home of Richard and Rosalind Mulholland, who give
fascinating talks about the history of the park, coupled with exclusive tours of the house and garden.
The Game of Thrones theme continues in County Down where the 18thcentury mansion Castle Ward doubles as Winterfell, home of House Stark. Then, go in search of Magheramorne Quarry in County Antrim – the filming location of Castle Black. While the entrance is real, the huge ice wall was created digitally – but it’s easy to imagine the ominous great Wall towering before you.
The Dark Hedges, also in County Antrim, has fast become one of the most popular Northern Ireland touring spots, so be sure not to miss it off your list. This mysterious narrow road is bordered by twisted beech trees, which create the illusion of a tunnelled hedge.
This is where Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing, and the ethereal location appears during seasons one and two as King’s Road.
Take in Belfast’s all-out drama
It’s easy to fall in love with Northern Ireland’s capital city – the prominent skyline is mesmerising by day and night and is dotted with cathedrals, galleries and traditional pubs. And it has plenty of ties to cinema and television.
If you love crime dramas, you’ll be pleased to know that The Fall, starring the formidable Jamie Dornan; and the hugely successful police drama, Line of Duty, were both shot in and around the city. But perhaps most fascinating of all is the award-winning Titanic Museum, right by the slipways where the RMS Titanic was built and launched. Take a special private tour, outside of opening hours, and imagine the incredible scenes of James Cameron’s Titanic film.
England’s capital city is a showstopper, but it’s also linked with an insatiable fascination for two on-screen genres – period dramas and spy thrillers. With its rich architectural history and links to royalty, it’s the perfect city to base royal-inspired favourites, The Crown, The King’s Speech and Bridgerton. It has also hosted the likes of Sherlock Holmes, James Bond and Jason Bourne, so prepare to be gripped...
Enjoy a very royal introduction
Buckingham Palace is a must-visit in the capital, but if you want to experience a piece of the much-celebrated series, The Crown, head to Lancaster House on The Mall. The mansion reprised its role as Buckingham Palace in the series. Then transport yourself to the perfectly refined Bridgerton series by visiting one of London’s grandest heritage hotels, The Lanesborough. Try the newly launched (Bridgertonthemed) Queen Charlotte Afternoon Tea in the sumptuous dining room. The menu is an ode to the key families in the series and is crafted in collaboration with Netflix. Each patisserie creation is a true work of art.
Discover your inner spy – in style
James Bond 007 will always be linked to London and some of the most memorable scenes feature the breathtaking city skyline. The World is Not Enough, starring Pierce Brosnan, opens with the longest pre-credit sequence in James Bond history – it lasts 14 minutes and includes a high-speed pursuit down the Thames. And who hasn’t dreamed of driving a classic Aston Martin through the alleyways of London as Daniel Craig did in Spectre? →
London is also tied to the Kingsman legacy – starring Taron Egerton, Colin Firth and Sir Michael Caine. Discover Kingsman’s HQ on the West End’s famous Saville Row, hidden behind a refined tailors shopfront. Renamed as Kingsman for the film, Huntsman is a real Savile Row tailor and you can add a Dream Escape private shopping experience to your trip, where London’s finest tailors will help you choose your own impeccably cut suit.
The Big Smoke is the official home of so many timeless romantic films – from Richard Curtis’ Love Actually and Notting Hill, to the brilliant Bridget Jones’s Diary films. For your romcom fix, visit Somerset House and imagine yourself at that Christmas party in Love Actually, or pick up something special in Selfridges on Oxford Street and pray that Rowan Atkinson won’t take hours to giftwrap your purchase.
Or head to Notting Hill and remember Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ rollercoaster romance –immortalised amid the bustling markets and pastel-coloured houses. Take a private food tour or treat yourself to a vintage shopping experience to fully immerse yourself in one of London’s
most eclectic areas.
Don’t leave before experiencing Borough Food Market. Bridget Jones’s apartment was located above The Globe Tavern pub, and a bespoke walking culinary tour is the only way to sample the many flavours, sights and sounds of this foodie hotspot.
Sci-fi series Doctor Who has been going since the 1960s and is filmed all over Wales. However, its studios were based at Roath Lock in Cardiff Bay. National Museum Cardiff is a regular star and the gallery may be home to works by Monet and Rodin, but series fans will also remember the museum’s staircase, as it features in a pivotal scene with The Doctor’s arch-nemesis Dalek. Cardiff Castle is also a must-visit, as it was transformed as the Victorian backdrop to a Christmas special of the series ('The Snowmen') when The Doctor was played by actor Matt Smith. Follow the Tardis to Westgate and Queen Streets in the city centre and take a special tour of the city to tick off even more iconic spots.
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to dramatic limestone gorges, native woodland and a plethora of wildlife, including otters, deer and kingfishers. Netflix hit Sex Education is filmed in the idyllic valley, as well as dark fantasies such as Merlin and His Dark Materials. There’s really nowhere like it in the world, and Dream Escape’s private guided wildlife walks will make it unforgettable.
This scenic corner of Wales is home to the truly enchanting Pembrokeshire National Park. The amazing shell cottage from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 & 2 was specially built
on the sand dunes at Freshwater West beach and is the spot where Dobby the house elf tragically dies.
Dream Escape has exceptional itineraries to help you immerse yourself in this part of the Welsh countryside, →
Known for its incredible rural landscapes, Wales is home to three National Parks, towering mountains and a showstopping coastline. It’s unsurprising that Hollywood blockbusters and treasured TV series alike have chosen so many Welsh locations to spotlight. Get ready to make all your movie dreams come true...
with outdoor activities like wild swimming, coasteering and sea kayaking.
Close by is Marloes Sands Beach, where Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth charge on their horses in the memorable battle scene in Snow White and the Huntsman. In the film you’ll also spot a huge, dramatic castle added to the beach with special effects.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) has 15 of Wales’ highest mountains and attracts adventurists from across the globe. It’s also where Alexander Skarsgård swung onto our screens in Tarzan. You can explore the public footpaths to the former Dinorwig slate quarry where the production team set up camp, and follow in the King of the Jungle’s footsteps.
Greek mythology movie Clash of the Titans was also filmed in the area.
Anglesey’s Newborough Forest and quarry was transformed in the film’s amazing volcano scenes.
And if you want to take the adventure offscreen, Dream Escape can arrange everything from adrenaline-fuelled ziplining to e-foiling – one of the fastest-growing watersports right now.
Wonder Woman 1984 was filmed where Snowdonia meets the sea in Conwy. The opening scenes were filmed at Betws-yCoed's tremendous Swallow Falls and, as Gal Gadot narrates the opening scenes, footage of the falls features in a montage of the young Wonder Woman running through her fictional homeland
UNESCO World Heritage sites
WORDS | HARRIET COMPSTON
The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales
Spread across Gwynedd, a county steeped in history and local lore, the extraordinary post-industrial landscape here dominated the world production of slate from 1780 to 1940. In fact, by the late 19th century, this area – known for ‘roofing the world’ –produced about a third of the globe’s output of roofing slates and architectural slabs.
There are six sites, which give a fascinating insight into the slate industry. This includes former mining villages, old railway lines, grand country houses (built by leading industrialists) and the former quarries themselves, which cut cascading terraces into the surrounding Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains.
The National Slate Museum is a brilliant first point of call. Occupying Victorian workshops, built for the vast Dinorwig Quarry looming above, the museum details the lives of the slate workers and their families – complete with live demonstrations of →
From groundbreaking industrial landscapes that changed the world to mighty medieval castles built by Edward I in his military campaign against the Welsh princes, here is Dream Escape’s guide to Wales’
‘Those wishing to explore the landscape quicker can jump aboard a carriage of the 200-year-old Ffestiniog Railway... a stunning rural journey through tranquil pastures.’
traditional crafting techniques.
The spectacular Snowdonia Slate Trail is another great education. There are numerous hiking trails across fractured, jagged mountains and through steep, dark-stoned valleys, once home to worn-out quarry workers, communities and industries that are central to the history.
Those wishing to explore the landscape quicker can jump aboard a carriage of the 200-year-old Ffestiniog Railway (the oldest independent railway company in the world). The route once transported slate to the port in Porthmadog. Today, it’s a stunning rural journey through tranquil pastures. The Talyllyn Railway is another enthralling
experience. It was built to serve the nearby Bryneglwys Slate Quarry, and it's possible to explore the quarry's remains and history along marked trails through the beautiful Nant Gwernol ravine.
Edward I fought hard for Wales, with a series of major military campaigns. Despite staunch resistance from the Welsh, the King eventually conquered the country in 1283. During this longlasting invasion, the monarch built a quartet of castles – Conwy Castle, Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Beaumaris Castle – which are some of the finest, and best preserved, examples
of medieval architecture in the UK today.
At Conwy Castle, set on the verdant banks of its namesake river, the fortress’s grand suites, servant passageways and on-site chapel await, while Harlech, atop a rocky outcrop, has outstanding views of the mountains of Eryri and vistas of the Irish Sea (which, long ago, lapped at the edges of the castle).
Twenty miles to the north sits Caernarfon, one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. Climb the steep stairwell into Eagle Tower, the castle’s crowning glory, with its three great turrets and 18ft-feet-thick walls, where Edward II, the first Prince of Wales, was born. →
Even further north lies Beaumaris, the last of the four castles to be built, yet never completed. However, it’s no less glorious – due, in part, to its stunning location on the Isle of Anglesey, with its stirring coastline, unspoilt golden beaches and wonderful wildlife.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
Spanning Wales and England, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal cannot fail to impress. Made up of 18km of scenic canal, the site takes in embankments, tunnels, viaducts and aqueducts in addition to original engineers’ houses and canal-side wharfs. Known as 'The Stream in the Sky', the world-famous Pontcysyllte
Aqueduct is described as ‘a masterpiece of creative genius. The work of leading Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford, this towering 307m-long, 39m-high structure, with an extraordinary 19 symmetrical metal arches, was completed in 1805. Since then, its innovative ensemble has inspired architects and engineers worldwide. The longest and the highest aqueduct in the UK, Pontcysyllte is a must-do for seasoned boaters, ready to master the challenging waterway. However, for those who prefer dry land, there are lovely paths either to cycle or walk –particularly the scenic stretch running between the towns of Llangollen and Chirk, close to the English border.
Llangollen and Chirk also both have spectacular castles. Chirk, a magnificent medieval fortress, built to keep the Welsh under English rule, is often overlooked. However, its credentials are quietly impressive – the overseeing architect was probably Master James of St George, who worked on many other castles, including Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech. Llangollen’s dramatically-sited Castell Dinas Brân is another medieval offering – yet, this time, set within the corner of an Iron Age hillfort and constructed by Gruffudd ap Madoc, ruler of northern Powys. It’s a climb to reach but the impressive panoramic views are worth it.
Iron and coal played a key part in the Industrial Revolution in Britain. Nowhere is this more evident than Blaenavon. Set on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, this town in South Wales became a hub for coal mining and iron production. And much of the elements can still be seen today, with coal and ore mines, quarries, a primitive railway system, furnaces, workers' homes, and the social infrastructure of their community.
The most important site is Blaenavon’s old ironworks, with its ruined giant blast furnaces. There’s also the remarkable remains of the cast house and foundry plus the unique water balance tower that hoisted and lowered railway trucks
using water-filled weights.
However, for the best taste of the miner life, head to the awardwinning Big Pit National Coal Museum, a working mine from 1880 to 1980. Visitors can descend 90m into the mine for a thrilling tour, led by a former miner, around the tunnels and coalfaces.
The surrounding landscape and townscape are equally significant. Extensive remains of quarries and mines still dot the hills around Blaenavon. Evidence of horse-drawn railways — and their tunnels and inclines — used to transport raw materials into the ironworks can also be spied, and fascinating walks have been created so visitors can soak up the extraordinary history.
dreamescape.co.uk
“The verdant river valleys, rugged mountains and striking coastline of North Wales are enhanced by three very different UNESCO World Heritage sites that represent the history of the area. My personal favourite is near the border with England; the graceful Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is Thomas Telford’s magnificent achievement of the early Industrial Revolution, permitting canalboats to take mined coal across the valley.”
michael@dreamescape.co.uk
This past year has been jampacked with client programmes that have taken me all over Scotland, Ireland, and the north of England. It's been a truly unforgettable experience for both my clients and myself, with plenty of incredible memories made along the way.
One of the things that I love most about travelling is the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, and we're always seeking out new and exciting ways to do just that.
This summer, I've had the pleasure of travelling on foot, by boat, helicopter and car, taking in some of the most spectacular landscapes imaginable. There's something truly special about experiencing new surroundings from the water, and I'm happy to say that this summer has been no exception.
Highlights for me have included cruising Loch Ness in search of Nessie, canoeing on tranquil Loch Tay, puffin
watching in Northumberland, and exploring a medieval castle on the waters of Lough Dearg while sipping on a glass of mead.
I've also had the pleasure of sailing through the waters of Lough Corrib in search of leprechaun gold, and embarking on a breathtaking Cliff & Coast Safari along the Kerry coastline to Bromore Cliffs. One of my favorite experiences, however, was cruising through the waters of the Shannon Estuary to Scattery Island, where we painted stones with the children and hiked to an iconic Irish round tower and medieval ruins while learning about the history of the area.
All in all, it's been an incredible adventure, and I feel truly blessed to have a job that I love so much. ⬥
Did you know? Loch Ness, located in the Scottish Highlands, is the largest body of freshwater in Britain by volume? It contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
Contact rosie@dreamescape.co.uk
What a wonderful summer we've had! From the Chelsea Flower Show to the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, I've had the pleasure of sharing these quintessential moments with clients and colleagues. Whether it was enjoying music festivals in the sun, braving the rain at Wimbledon, or sweating in the heat at the King's Birthday Parade, each occasion was made special by experiencing it anew through the eyes of clients.
Despite the unpredictable British weather, the sense of tradition and continuity remains constant. Rain or shine, top hats will be donned at Royal Ascot, and strawberries and cream will be served at Wimbledon.
This unique sense of consistency is a comfort in a world of uncertainty and draws visitors back to these shores year after year for the brilliant occasions that make up The Season, quintessentially British and always sure to go on. ⬥ Did you know? Wimbledon serves around 320,000 glasses of Pimm's every year during the tennis tournament? It's become a classic part of the Wimbledon experience, along with the strawberries and cream.
Contact sally@dreamescape.co.uk
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