Cover image: Trees at Tugghall
To Whom This May Concern,
Yes, you, reading this. It’s about time you dissolved those January blues. Your inbox will survive, the deadlines won’t run off, and frankly, you deserve a weekend that reminds you the world outside your screen is far more interesting. From cobbled streets in Edinburgh to wild walks in Northumberland, fells in the Lake District, valleys in the Yorkshire Dales, and spa mornings in the Cotswolds, there’s a reset waiting for you – and it comes with good food and fresh air. Return to your workweek reluctantly, yes, but with a calmer mind, a full stomach, and a few new stories to smugly drop into conversation. Now let’s dive into a few of our top picks dotted across the country with some hearty recommendations on where to eat, sleep, and unwind…
Edinburgh & East Lothian
Culture, climbs, and candlelit dinners
Where to Stay…
House of Gods, Cowgate, Edinburgh
Tucked just moments from the Royal Mile, this richly layered bolthole feels less like a hotel and more like a decadent private members’ club. Heavy drapes, low lighting and jewel-toned interiors create a sense of occasion from the moment you arrive. Close to the Grassmarket and moments from the Royal Mile, it’s a place where the line between staying in and going out becomes pleasingly blurred. It’s atmospheric, indulgent, and unapologetically grown-up, setting the tone for the rest of the stay. Upstairs, the rooms are every bit as considered. Rich textures, dramatic lighting, and generously proportioned beds (many four-poster) create a sense of occasion.
What to Do…
Edinburgh is best approached with curiosity rather than a checklist, but here is our insider approach on how we would tackle this vibrant city. Firstly, the city is compact, layered and best experienced on foot, however, if you are looking for an action packed weekend, it is very well connected.
Arthur’s Seat
Rising from Holyrood Park at the edge of the city, Arthur’s Seat feels worlds away from Edinburgh’s streets, despite being firmly within them. The climb is steady rather than strenuous, making it accessible for most, and the reward at the top is immediate: panoramic views across the city, the coastline, and the rolling hills beyond. The perfect Saturday morning activity for those who may have slightly overindulged the night previous.
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous street is more than a thoroughfare; it’s a slice of history dressed up in cobbles and centuries-old stone. Between the Castle and Holyrood Palace, the main drag can feel busy, but that’s only half the fun. Peek up to admire ornate facades or slip down a quiet street like Advocates Close, which may lead you to some lovely backstreet establishments.
View of Edinburgh Castle
Art
There’s a rich sweep of galleries and exhibitions across the city, from the classic collections at the National Galleries of Scotland to more intimate shows that feel like local discoveries. At the National Galleries of Scotland you can see the beloved annual Turner in January, showcasing radiant watercolours by J.M.W. Turner until 31st January, alongside intriguing photography and modern collections. For contemporary perspectives, Ingleby Gallery opens Winston Roeth’s colour‑saturated canvases early in the year, followed by works from Callum Innes later in spring, while Fruitmarket Gallery hosts Wilding, a series of striking contemporary installations and paintings that run through to early 2026. Talbot Rice Gallery brings provocative group shows featuring new voices like Małgorzata Mirga‑Tas and Amol K Patil, and &Gallery spotlights inventive paper works and sculpture by James Lumsden, Molly Thomson, and Andrew Clausen.
Where to Eat…
For Saturday night, Condita is worth building the evening around. Just a five minute taxi from House of Gods or 20-minute walk if you’re feeling virtuous (and want to continue racking up your step count) this next destination takes you slightly adrift from the hustle and bustle…
Intimate but confident, this neighbourhood restaurant strips fine dining back to its essentials. The tasting menu evolves with the seasons, led by what’s freshest and most compelling at any given moment. Each dish is thoughtful and precise, favouring balance over bravado. Located in an unassuming spot, this intimate restaurant is oozing with creativity, innovating even the most traditional ingredients, transforming them into small art forms that pack a punch.
Line caught wild sea bass, Shetland mussel XO, Condita
By the time Sunday comes around, you’ll be up for something rather chilled. Meander over to Stockbridge, a neighbourhood that feels like Edinburgh distilled: charming streets, handsome architecture, and a route that takes you past Lannan Bakery (worth a pause if the queue allows).
Dip into the Sunday market for original artworks, seasonal produce and street food, before settling in for brunch at one of the area’s laid-back cafés. It’s the kind of slow ending that makes a weekend away feel complete.
Lannan Bakery, Hamilton Pl, Edinburgh
Northumberland and North East
Salt air, castles, and dining worth the detour
Where to Stay…
Trees at Tughall, Chathill, Northumberland
Tucked into ancient woodland just inland from Northumberland’s famously open coastline, Beadnell, Trees at Tughall feels like an escape you’ve discovered rather than booked. The cabins are elevated in every sense and beautifully considered, where natural materials, generous glazing, and thoughtful details do the talking. Each cabin has a wood-burning stove, window seats (to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings whilst getting stuck back into the crime novel the kids never let you finish), covered decking, and an outdoor firepit.
Arrival at Trees at Tughall feels like a clean break from the week you’ve just left behind. Laptops are shut, inboxes forgotten, and the pace shifts immediately. As evening falls, light the fire pit, pour something warming, and let the day dissolve properly. Sitting outdoors as the sky darkens, wrapped up against the chill, watching flames flicker while the countryside settles in for the night and your only concern is whether the fire needs another log (it probably does).
Morning at Trees at Tughall arrives like someone has hit the snooze button on the entire world. You wake to birdsong instead of alarms, the soft rustle of long grass and faint patter of rain on your window, all while cocooned in Egyptian cotton with no pressing agenda… now you define the word relax.
Trees at Tugghall
What to Do…
Beadnell Bay
Just a 30-minute walk from Beadnell Beach and a Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a favourite for good reason. Its wide, sweeping sands and rolling dunes make it ideal for long, restorative walks.
Bamburgh Beach & Castle Walk
Just 15 minutes by car, Bamburgh Beach delivers one of Northumberland’s most cinematic settings. Miles of pale sand stretch beneath the dramatic presence of Bamburgh Castle, rising from its rocky outcrop like something from a film set. Walk north along the shoreline with dunes to one side and the North Sea to the other.
Dunstanburgh Castle to Craster
For a walk with a sense of purpose, the coastal path from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is a standout, around a 25-minute drive from Trees at Tughall. The route hugs the clifftops, opening out to expansive sea views before leading you to the atmospheric ruins of the castle itself. It’s an easy, well-trodden walk, made all the better by knowing Craster.
After a bracing morning walk along the coast, it’s back to Trees at Tugghall to slow things right down. This is the restorative part of the day, boots kicked off, layers discarded, and a well-earned stretch of doing very little indeed. It’s tempting to stay in the cabin until dusk… but if you’ve done enough walking, sea dipping and deciphered the reigning champ at Perudo, you may be ready for a touch of civilisation. A scenic 1-hour drive will bring you to Newcastle, where the city’s architecture, riverside, and incredible hospitality await.
Where to Eat…
House of Tides opened in February 2014 by celebrated chef Kenny Atkinson and his wife Abbie, occupying a beautifully restored, Grade I Listed 16th-century merchant’s townhouse on Newcastle’s historic Quayside.
House of Tides combines a relaxed, approachable atmosphere with high-quality fine dining, creating a space that feels welcoming and unpretentious without compromising on standards. Just one year after opening, this commitment earned House of Tides a Michelin Star in 2015 – a distinction it has proudly maintained for the past decade.
Bluefin tuna, red onion, pineapple & chilli
Nestled along the Tyne, the restaurant offers a calm counterpoint to the morning’s countryside pace. Afternoon light spills across the exposed stone walls, lending a subtle glow to the room. House of Tides’ relaxed, informal approach to fine dining shines through in its menu. Expect comforting, indulgent plates like rosemary focaccia, potato and goat’s cheese terrine, Himalayan salt-aged beef, and a dark chocolate dessert with orange, cumin, and mascarpone to finish.
Pink fir potatoes, goat’s cheese & herb pressé
celeriac, pear, walnut
The Lake District
Walks that earn their supper
Where to Stay…
The Lake District is not just about beautiful landscapes; it’s about slowing down enough to notice them. Nestled in the storybook village of Cartmel in the Lake District, L’Enclume puts you at the heart of this quiet, green corner of Cumbria. Staying here isn’t just about the food (though that alone could justify a weekend) it’s about immersing yourself in Cartmel itself. Bedrooms and suites are dotted around the village within easy walking distance, each one unique, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed to reflect the historic surroundings.
Rooms can be booked individually or as part of a full experience, and every reservation comes with breakfast at the Michelin-starred Rogan & Co and a guaranteed table at L’Enclume, meaning you never have to worry about availability – the indulgence starts the moment you arrive. The only thing getting in between the calm of your room and a vision of British gastronomy are the nearby trails waiting to be explored, tempting you into just enough fresh air to justify that extra course (or two) later.
Whats to Do…
Winster Valley Walk
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Just a few minutes drive from L’Enclume, the Winster Valley trails are flat, well-maintained, and ideal for a Saturday morning wander. It’s scenic without being strenuous, perfect for stretching your legs and taking in the local countryside.
Lake Windermere Shoreline
Time: 1–2 hours
A 20-minute drive brings you to the northern edge of Lake Windermere, where you can stroll along quiet shoreline paths. Mostly flat and very accessible, this walk is great for soaking up the views and enjoying a slow pace. Ideal if you want fresh air without committing to anything too taxing before lunch. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, get yourself on the lake with a paddle board – cold dip applauded too
Lake Windermere
Grizedale Forest Trails
Time: 2–3 hours
For something a little more energetic, head 30 minutes north to Grizedale Forest, where trails loop through woodland and past quirky sculptures. You can choose a shorter 2-hour loop or stretch it into a longer 3-hour circuit. Either way, expect a few hills and plenty of variety – it’s a walk that reminds you the Lake District can be as challenging as it is beautiful.
Tarn Hows Circular Walk
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Around a 40-minute drive brings you to Tarn Hows, a gentle circular path around a small lake with classic fells in the distance. Mostly flat but with a few inclines, it’s perfect for a late afternoon stroll after lunch at L’Enclume. The scenery is rewarding without demanding too much, and the loop is just the right length to feel satisfied without feeling wiped out.
Where to Eat…
L’Enclume has three Michelin stars, a Michelin Green Star, and countless international accolades. It stands as a shining example of how food, farming, and philosophy can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
As part of The Finest Eats, L’Enclume exemplifies everything we celebrate: ingredient-led cooking, visionary leadership, and an unforgettable guest experience. From its regenerative farm just down the road to the beautifully restored 13th-century blacksmith’s that houses the restaurant, every detail reflects a deep respect for nature, craftsmanship, and the sustainable future of fine dining.
Each dish at L’Enclume is the result of an ongoing conversation between chefs and growers, with ingredients sourced from the farm, foraged from the wild, or provided by a trusted network of local artisans. Culinary creativity takes shape in Aulis Cartmel, the restaurant’s dedicated development kitchen, where ideas are tested and transformed into the award-winning tasting menus that define the L’Enclume experience.
Corra Linn pudding caramelised in birch sap
The Yorkshire Dales
Dark skies, wellness and beautiful sleep
The Yorkshire Dales is one of Europe’s most distinctive landscapes, and it doesn’t need to shout about it. Dry stone walls stitch the countryside together, field barns appear where you least expect them, and limestone cliffs fall away into wide, open valleys and moorland that feels pleasingly untamed.. By day, it’s made for walking, rambling and cycling at whatever pace suits; by night, the lack of light pollution makes it one of the UK’s best dark skies destinations, and the national park is home to the annual Dark Skies Festival.
Where to Stay…
The Devonshire Arms Hotel , Bolton Bridge, Skipton
Set at the gateway to the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey Estate, The Devonshire Arms Hotel places you directly inside the Yorkshire Dales rather than politely nearby. Step outside and you’re immediately met with riverside paths, open moorland and the kind of countryside that makes a strong case for morning, afternoon and evening movement.
The hotel itself strikes that elusive balance between country-house comfort and chic, confident interiors.
Think spaces made for gathering, bedrooms you’ll happily cancel plans for, and menus led by local produce rather than passing trends. There’s proper wellness too: a vitality pool, steam room, sauna and rasul chamber for post-walk restoration, plus private bell tents tucked away in the spa grounds for those who prefer their relaxation with a little more discretion.
The team know these hills intimately and are generous with recommendations – from wild hikes and scenic drives to world-class cycling routes and visits to local makers. Whether you head out exploring or simply migrate between spa, bar and bedroom is entirely your business.
What to Do…
Valley of Desolation to Simon’s Seat
Don’t let the name put you off – the Valley of Desolation is anything but. This wooded stretch of the Bolton Abbey Estate is all tumbling water, mossy paths and quiet drama. From here, the walk up to Simon’s Seat delivers one of those properly worth-it viewpoints: a gritstone outcrop perched above the Dales with wide, wind-swept views that make you pause, breathe and briefly forget your inbox ever existed.
The Dales Way (pick a portion, not a personality change)
At 80 miles long, the Dales Way is best enjoyed in carefully chosen chapters rather than tackled heroically. The stretch through Bolton Abbey is a highlight – gentle riverside walking with postcard scenery – while Grassington adds a touch of old-world charm with cobbled streets and historic façades (and a starring role as Darrowby in All Creatures Great and Small). Sturdy boots encouraged, overcommitment not required.
The Valley of Desolation
Kilnsey Crag
Rising dramatically above the Wharfe Valley, Kilnsey Crag is a limestone statement piece. Climbers come for the challenge; everyone else comes to admire it from a safe, horizontal distance. Either way, it’s one of the Dales’ most striking landmarks and worth the short detour.
Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way
A 130-mile circular route looping through the heart of the Dales, starting and finishing in Skipton. Thankfully, it’s broken into manageable sections, so you can enjoy the scenery without questioning your life choices. Expect rolling hills, big skies and a strong case for post-ride refreshments.
Malham Cove
An icon for good reason. This towering limestone amphitheatre feels quietly epic, with its sculpted cliff face and limestone pavement shaped over thousands of years. Walkers, climbers and wildlife enthusiasts all find their rhythm here – just be prepared to stop more than once to look back.
Fishing on the River Wharfe
For something slower still, Bolton Abbey offers excellent fly fishing along 4.5 miles of the River Wharfe. Home to brown trout and grayling, this well-kept stretch is as peaceful as it gets – the kind of place where time politely steps aside and lets you get on with it.
Where to Eat…
The Yorkshire Dales may be known for its landscapes, but it also punches well above its weight when it comes to food, from refined tasting menus to characterful local pubs.
The Devonshire Arms (on-site)
You don’t have to go far for dinner of note, the hotel itself offers menus that lean into local produce and Dales heritage with confident, modern execution. It’s polished without being precious, making it an easy first evening choice after a day on the trails.
If you have eaten your bodyweight in hotel breakfasts and you’re in the mood to let the day stretch a little further, Sedbergh makes for a rewarding excursion. Just over an hour from the Devonshire Arms Hotel, the drive itself becomes part of the pleasure, winding through classic Dales scenery before dropping you into this quietly confident market town on the edge of the Howgill Fells.Known as England’s official ‘Book Town’ Sedbergh rewards a slow wander, independent bookshops, handsome stone buildings and riverside paths that invite a gentle leg-stretch or if you arrive with enough time to spare, a hike in the Howgill Fells before lunch.
Tsuchi & The Black Bull: Japanese-German Fusion
The Black Bull is helmed by husband-and-wife duo James Ratcliffe, front of house, and chef Nina Matsunaga, whose inventive, seasonal cooking reflects a considered meeting of her Japanese and German heritage. From the moment you step through the door, the inn strikes an effortless balance between warmth and precision, intuitive hospitality paired with food that feels both thoughtful and unfussy. It’s this approach that has earned The Black Bull a place in the UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs, and rightly so. Sundays here are also taken seriously. The roasts are treated with the same care as any other dish, built around farm-sourced, regional produce and served with a generosity that feels entirely fitting for the setting.
Lamb bon bon, oyster with ponzu, maple pea hummus, courgette flower, beef and shiso
Chef-Owner Nina’s latest project, Tsuchi, a fine-dining restaurant nestled within the acclaimed Black Bull, brings her philosophy into sharp focus. Here, she pairs a Japanese sensibility with the finest British produce, crafting dishes that are balanced, imaginative, and deeply attuned to the seasons. The food she crafts for The Black Bull is a bit more of a relaxed affair, using seasonal, British ingredients to create a more honest menu – albeit with the same emphasis on quality and flavour.
Lobster, beef fillet, black garlic
Photography: Amanda Farnese-Heath
The Cotswolds
Farm shops, gardens and perfectly judged pubs
Whats to Do…
Walk Around the Estate
Start the day with a stroll across the Daylesford estate, where manicured gardens meet wild meadow paths. It’s the kind of walk that feels restorative without being exhausting, and every turn offers a new little vignette: a centuries-old tree, a hidden pond, or the subtle aroma of herbs in bloom. Perfect for clearing your head before breakfast
Bamford Wellness Spa
A short wander back from the cottages, Bamford Wellness Spa is a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul. Set in the heart of Daylesford Organic Farm, it blends Eastern and Western healing traditions with a modern, holistic approach (think steam, sauna, movement classes, and bespoke treatments that leave you wondering how you ever survived without them. Whether you’re seeking a gentle detox, or simply an excuse to linger in a robe with a cup of herbal tea that’s your prerogative
Daylesford Organic Cookery School (Wednesdays to Sundays)
For a more hands-on experience, the cookery school offers the chance to turn inspiration into action. Guided by expert cookery tutors, you can learn new techniques, experiment with seasonal ingredients, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something from scratch. Whether it’s perfecting a pastry, mastering a hearty countryside dish, or trying your hand at a new culinary style, it’s an elegant, rewarding interlude.
Daylesford Organic Farmshop
The Farmshop is exactly what you hope it will be: a treasure trove of seasonal, organic produce and artisanal goods. From heritage vegetables to freshly baked breads and pantry essentials, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to fill a basket for every meal that week. A morning mooch here to fill your nostrils with fresh bread is something we could all get used to.
Where to Eat...
The Wild Rabbit
Just a mile from the cottages, The Wild Rabbit is where Daylesford’s produce comes alive. With 3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Guide nod, it’s built around two simple principles: the food and the people enjoying it. Executive Chef Callum combines international experience with a farm-to-fork ethos, transforming heritage vegetables and seasonal game into dishes that feel elevated and absolutely delicious. The open kitchen adds a hint of theatre to every meal, while the wine list maps the world’s best vineyards with a selection of rare and hard-to-find bottles. Sundays are for roasts, think organic, crispy potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a plate that makes the countryside feel like it’s smiling back at you.
The Wild Rabbit
By the time you’ve wandered, dined, and breathed in a few lungs-full of fresh air the week will feel a world away. These weekends will leave you a little wiser, a little fuller, and far more ready to face your inbox… eventually.
Kind regards,
Your Better Self