London definitely merits a trip by itself - and its own Route du Bonheur! Yet, beyond Britain’s capital, an entire region lies in wait with unexpected surprises in store. Journeying out of London through Woodstock, Oxford and onto Buckinghamshire, we traverse an entire swathe of the kingdom’s history and culture. Royal castles, century-old regattas, treasured libraries, legendary horse races and universities follow one after another amid scenery that is romantic and green in equal measure. While on this route, you never quite know who you’ll bump into: fishermen and jockeys, lords of the manor, Grand Chefs or even Churchill’s ghost. All England is distilled here, with its endearing and elegant sense of style and humour...
Hotel and restaurant in town. Whether planning a romantic weekend, a family getaway, a stay with friends or a business trip, the quirky British atmosphere of this boutique hotel, ideally located just between Sloane Square and Knightsbridge, is sure to delight. Inside the four interconnected Victorian townhouses lie fifty-six rooms and suites, each unique in design and offering an extraordinary level of comfort — perfect for complete relaxation after an active and exciting day in London. The superb Chelsea Bar centred around a Negroni menu, the drawing room where you can enjoy traditional afternoon tea, as well as the excellent Hans’ Bar & Grill — an address that has become a must in the area with its all-day seasonal menu rooted in British produce — complete this historic establishment known for its discreet and welcoming service.
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Built in 1911, in the district of Chelsea, the “Michelin House” was originally the site of the famous tyre manufacturer’s first UK headquarters. And now, for the last three decades, this flamboyant art deco building has been home to the Bibendum restaurant. Having taken over the reigns in 2017, Michelin-starred...
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Canary Wharf
Situated on the Isle of Dogs, on the banks of the River Thames, the London business district is characterized by its modern architecture of glass and steel. Some of its buildings are among the highest in England. It is here, in the shadow of the towers, where Billingsgate market, the capital city's vast...
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Borough Market
This is undoubtedly the most famous food market in London. London’s Larder has been a haunt for food lovers for centuries! Spices, herbs, fish, meats and vegetables from all around the world meet up among the stalls and shops in this unrivaled market. These products can be enjoyed in one of the adjoining...
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Victoria & Albert Museum
Built nearly two centuries ago to honor Queen Victoria, the V&A exhibits the largest collection of decorative art and design in the world, representing 5,000 years of artistic creations from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa, along with Renaissance objects, Indian fabrics, British paintings, and...
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Dennis Severs' House: Still-life drama
California artist Dennis Severs reconstructed the interior of a Huguenot family’s house in the Spitafield neighborhood, where he lived from 1979 to 1999. In the manner of a living tableau, he depicts the life of the Jervis family from1724 to 1914 by appealing to your imagination. The inhabitants seem...
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Design Museum
Opened in 2016 in Kensington to the south of Holland Park, the museum created by Sir Terence Conran in 1989 is dedicated to contemporary design in all its forms: fashion, furniture, architecture, graphics, transport, industrial design, and more. The building's design was entrusted to the architecture...
Hotel and restaurant in the country. The Vineyard has been described as a temple to Californian wine. Just outside Newbury, an hour from London, it definitely deserves its reputation. The cellar holds wines from both the New and Old Worlds, as well as award-winning estate wines from owner Sir Peter Michael.The hotel is also celebrated for its dining experience, using local and sustainable seasonal produce to deliver a blend of old-world tastes and new-world approaches and techniques. As if the bar had not been set high enough, the traditional guest rooms, spacious contemporary suites, a spa and an enviable private art collection conspire to make The Vineyard the perfect retreat for gourmands and the culinary curious.
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What an atmosphere there is in this prestigious racecourse! Its track is one of the most beautiful in the country and the horses on the starting line are among the finest and quickest in the kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II even comes here to watch her protégés race! The tradition of horse racing at this...
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On the route
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
A Baroque masterpiece, Blenheim Palace was given to the Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill by the Queen of England for his victory over the French troops in 1704. It was built between 1705 and 1722 by the architect John Vanbrugh and its park was redesigned by the famous landscape gardener Lancelot 'Capability'...
Buckinghamshire -
United Kingdom
48 rooms - 1 villa
This property is temporarily closed.
Hotel and restaurant in the country. Hartwell House, at just 64 kilometres northwest of London, is a picture-book country house set within 37 hectares of magnificent landscape.Whereas the building dates to the 17th century, the history of the property stretches back to the time of Edward the Confessor, almost a millennium ago.Behind the Jacobean façade, the house has fine Georgian interiors, rococo marble chimney pieces and a grand hall in the baroque style. Yet, despite bearing the traces of various periods, it retains an elegant integrity. The opulent rooms, with high ceilings and antique furniture, evoke quintessential English charm.
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Formula 1 was born on 13 May 1950 on the Silverstone circuit. On that day, on the runway of the former RAF airbase, 150,000 enthusiastic spectators witnessed Giuseppe Farina’s win in his Alfa Romeo, while his team-mate Juan Manuel Fangio finished his race among straw bales after having skidded on an...
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Whipsnade Reserve, Dunstable
Considered to be the largest in Europe, this reserve extends over almost 240 hectares. More than 2,500 species of animals rub shoulders at this site that you can discover by car or steam train! The authorities of the reserve - which depends on London Zoo - have tried to allow wild animals to move around...
Hotel and restaurant in the country. Cliveden House is renowned for its magnificent 152-hectare estate overlooking the River Thames. Behind its imposing period façade, the 17th-century stately home boasts interiors brimming with English charm. Exquisite antique furniture and paintings contribute to the warm and intimate ambience. Its historical guests have lent their names to the individual rooms, such as Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Rudyard Kipling. Just outside London and a stone’s throw from Windsor, Ascot and Heathrow, Cliveden House offers fine dining and a promise of relaxation at its beautiful spa, a tranquil oasis hidden away behind the mellow brick walls of the garden. The stunning three-bedroom cottage set on the banks of the river is perfect for families, and a scenic cruise on one of the lovingly restored vintage launches is not to be missed.
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In England, the Queen is an icon and her castle a jewel, which can be visited under the watch of the famous guards. Open to the public, George IV's private apartments, St George's Chapel and the amazing Queen Mary's Dolls' House offer an insight into the splendors of the royal family. A visit that extends...
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Henley Royal Regatta
In the first week of July each year, all of England's noble and distinguished families meet on the banks of the River Thames, at Henley-on-Thames, for the prestigious Royal Regatta. The many rowing races take place over 2,112 m (1 mile and 550 yards) and they attract hundreds of thousands of spectators....
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments before December 31, 2020, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges from June 25, 2020, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments before December 31, 2020, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges from June 25, 2020, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
The cultural voyage through historic houses from London to the Chilterns