The Best of British this summer with Pride of Britain Hotels

With Britain basking in a summer of pomp and pageantry, this is the year to enjoy the very best of British hospitality. Pride of Britain Hotels is a not-for-profit consortium of 43 privately-owned and expertly-run independent British hotels ranging from state-of-the-art spa hotels to historic mansions and country houses in some of Britain’s most beautiful locations, many within easy reach of National Trust* properties and other interesting sight-seeing options.

Here are just a few of the events taking place and special offers available around the UK at Pride of Britain Hotels this summer:

North:

Northcote, on the edge of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, has become a highly-acclaimed gourmet haven. Menus are created by Michelin-starred chef Nigel Haworth, who reached the final of the BBC’s Great British Menu series. Work off the calories on infamous Pendle Hill, nearby, which this year marks the 400th anniversary since the Pendle Witches were executed for their alleged witchcraft. The Gourmet Overnight Stay costs from £162.50 pp (two sharing) including champagne and canapés, exquisite five-course dinner, signed menu, equally gourmet breakfast and the newspaper of your choice.

Judges Country House Hotel in Yorkshire offers MasterChef wannabees the chance to join the hotel’s team of award-winning chefs and learn a few trade secrets. A maximum of two people at a time can don chef’s whites and become part of the kitchen team, gaining experience in food preparation, cooking and presentation. The ‘Chef for the day’ package costs from £155 pp (two sharing) including overnight stay, dinner, breakfast, working lunch and afternoon tea. Available Monday to Thursday only.

Midlands:

Kilworth House, a beautiful Grade II-listed country house in South Leicestershire, is the world’s only hotel to have built its own outdoor theatre. Set in a wooded glade with canopies that protect against the elements, this summer’s professionally-produced productions include Live at Kilworth (23 July – 5 August) and The Sound of Music (21 August – 16 September). Weekend theatre breaks start from £145 pp (two sharing on either a Friday or Saturday) including a night’s B&B, pre-theatre dinner and theatre tickets.

Stapleford Park’s Gourmet Short Break enables guests to sample three of five local culinary experiences which include a delicious afternoon tea at the hotel itself and tastings of local cheeses, freshly-brewed beer, Melton Mowbray pork pies and gourmet pub cuisine. A one-night stay costs £87.50 pp (two sharing) including B&B and a choice of three gourmet experiences.

South East:

Located in the heart of the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, which inspired A. A. Milne’s wonderful Winnie-the-Pooh stories, Ashdown Park Hotel’s ‘Thank Ashdown it’s Friday’ package is the perfect way to wind down for the weekend. A Friday-night stay costs £120 pp (two sharing) including a 25-minute spa treatment each, £30 pp towards dinner, plus breakfast and use of the excellent leisure facilities, including tennis, golf, gym and pool.

Once home to Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France, and a training ground for British and American forces during the Second World War, Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire is steeped in history. The breathtaking Grade I listed 17th century stately home is set in 90 acres of gardens adorned with historic statues and lush parkland. Play croquet, sip a chilled Pimm's on the terrace, sample superb food and relax in the spa. A one-night stay in July/August costs £109 pp (two sharing – a 25% saving) including accommodation with free wifi, breakfast and use of the spa.

Cotswolds:

Lords of the Manor will stage a one-off evening performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Wednesday 11th July. Check in at 2pm and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the hotel or a mooch around the local antiques shops. A one-night stay costs £125 pp (two sharing) including buffet supper, tickets to the performance plus a complimentary bottle of house wine and breakfast.

South West:

Set in Wiltshire’s rolling countryside, Bowood Hotel’s new School’s Out Olympic-themed break includes twice-weekly sporting activities, child-friendly high tea, story time and movie nights. There’s also a playroom with a Wii, nature trails and free entry to Bowood House & Gardens, which boasts one of the best adventure playgrounds in the UK. A one-night stay costs £150 pp (two sharing; children sharing with two adults stay free of charge) in July or August including dinner and breakfast. A rate of £100 per room is offered for children in a separate room. Stay three nights and enjoy the third night at a 50% discount.

Channel Islands:

New to Jersey this summer is The Folklore Festival (30 June-1 July) - the southernmost festival in the British Isles, headlined by Van Morrison and featuring live music, theatre, comedy, poetry and film. Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa is a five-star beachfront hotel that overlooks St Aubin’s Bay and Elizabeth Castle. A two-night Short Luxury Break costs from £295 pp (two sharing) including breakfast, dinner, full use of the spa facilities and a glass of champagne on arrival. A standard day ticket to The Folklore Festival costs £62.50 pp.

Visit prideofbritainhotels.com for more information, to book accommodation, for a free hotel directory or to buy stylish gift vouchers (£50 or £100 denominations).

*Pride of Britain Hotels is the official hotel partner to the National Trust.