Autumn Breaks

As the seasons change there's still time to enjoy a cheeky getaway at home or abroadScotland Tucked away in the magical Ayrshire coast is majestic, five-star Glenapp Castle, which recently featured in the BBC series Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.

The Victorian castle sits in a commanding position overlooking the sea and is surrounded by expansive grounds, manicured gardens and local woodland. With its impressive and spacious suites, it sets a new standard when it comes to refinement and luxury.

Glenapp is now launching a new Downton Abbey-inspired package in anticipation of the third film based on the TV drama, which is set for release this year. Guests will enjoy a wonderful personal welcome, two nights' accommodation in a superior Castle Bedroom Suite, afternoon tea, a lavish seven-course dinner with champagne, a drinks reception and canapés, and a tour of the estate and its stunning gardens.

There will even be an Edwardian etiquette lesson from the butler, plus a selection of outdoor activities, including croquet and tennis.

Built in 1870 for the deputy lord lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, James Hunter, Glenapp opened as a hotel in 2000, and is now the perfect place to enjoy an aristocratic weekend away.
◆ Glenapp Castle's new guest package starts from £325 per person per night and is available until 31 March 2025. For more information visit glenappcastle.com or call 01465 831212

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Cornwall The Nare has been one of Cornwall's best hotels for more than 30 years. It offers the comfort and elegance of a quintessential English country house in a secluded setting by the sea.

The hotel is about midway between St Austell and Falmouth and overlooks a beautiful beach on the Roseland Peninsula. It was recently awarded five stars by the AA - a first for Cornwall. Located in a quiet corner of the hotel you will find the Carne Bay Spa - two calming therapy rooms and a full menu of treatments designed to help you shake off the cares of the world

There is plenty to explore on the peninsula: secluded creeks, quaint former fishing villages such as St Mawes, historic churches and medieval castles. The hotel even has its own private chauffeur service for guests to access the sights more easily.

Thanks to its sub-tropical microclimate, Cornwall has some of the most impressive and beautiful gardens in Britain, which makes it a perfect late- summer/early autumn destination. The helpful staff at the Nare can arrange for private guided tours for guests.

Some of the best-known include the Tregothnan Estate, Lamorran House, Trellissick, Caerhays Estate and the truly magical Lost Gardens of Heligan.
◆ narehotel.co.uk

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Cruise the Caribbean Extend your summer and head off on a Caribbean cruise, the perfect way to escape the coming winter months and enjoy the sunniest of autumn escapes. P&O Cruises is offering a 14-night cruise on Britannia, starting from £1,399 per person for an inside cabin. Departing on 1 November, the price includes round-trip flights from selected UK airports, full-board meals and entertainment.

Britannia will depart from and return to Barbados. Ports of call include Curaçao, Bonaire, St Vincent, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua and St Maarten. On board you will enjoy the most elegant surroundings, with a choice of six first- class restaurants, four swimming pools, whirlpool spas, live music and the best service you can find.
◆ pocruises.com

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Dorset The Sherborne is a new cultural hub and arts centre in the pretty Dorset town of the same name. It is the result of the multi-million-pound restoration of Sherborne House, a grade-I listed building constructed in the 1720s, and incorporates a new pavilion for exhibitions and events.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful sculpture gardens, Macready's restaurant and bar, which champions locally sourced produce, and a shop that showcases artisanal crafts.

Sherborne House was built by Henry Seymour Portman, a politician, but he only lived there until his death in 1728, after which it was leased out. Its most famous resident was William Macready, a famous actor, who rented the house in the 1850s after retiring from the stage. His guests included the novelists William Makepeace Thackeray and Charles Dickens, his closest friend.

In the 20th century the house was sold to Dorset County Council, and became a girls' school until it closed in 1992. The building fell into disrepair and was only saved thanks to the efforts of a local entrepreneur, Michael Cannon, who established the Sherborne House Trust, the charity that still owns the building.

Besides a lively programme of arts events, The Sherborne is home to an exquisite mural by Sir James Thornhill, the renowned artist who painted the inside of the dome of St Paul's Cathedral and created the Painted Hall at the Old Naval College in Greenwich.

Other cultural attractions in the local area include magnificent Sherborne Abbey, founded in Saxon times, Sherborne Castle - actually a manor house built by Sir Walter Raleigh - and dozens of other listed medieval and Georgian buildings.
◆ thesherborne.uk

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The Algarve For those who feel the need to rejuvenate and want to feel some sunshine and sand on their toes, Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve is an ideal destination.

From 12-17 October it will host a Fitness & Wellness Fusion Retreat for those who want to improve their health while enjoying the balmy weather - temperatures are typically between 20-24C in Portugal at this time of year.

The daily workouts are conducted in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and are held in various locations, from the beach, to the cliff tops, the gym and the resort's own studio. All meals and classes are taken together as a group, so the retreat offers a nice opportunity to meet like-minded people.

The package includes five nights' accommodation, fitness workouts, meals, spa treatments, massages and use of the sunbeds at the resort's swimming pools and private beach.

Guests can also enjoy all the other facilities at Pine Cliffs Resort. It has a nine- hole golf course, tennis and padel courts, a children's club, restaurants and bars. Prices for the Fitness & Wellness Fusion Retreat start from £2,162 per person.
◆ pinecliffs.com

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Kent Set in 125 acres of glorious grounds near Royal Tunbridge Wells, 14th-century Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Its panelled rooms now house fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and what is regarded as one of the best collections of Tudor portraits after those in the National Portrait Gallery. There are also two prayer books on display that belonged to Anne and bear her inscriptions.

Today, much of what you see at Hever is the result of the remarkable efforts of William Waldorf Astor, who used his fortune to restore the castle in the early 20th century.

Accommodation for guests is in 27 bedrooms in the Astor and Anne Boleyn wings, Edwardian extensions attached to the castle and connected inside. There is also a four-bedroom holiday cottage, Medley Court, which is attached to the Astor Wing.

Hever Castle has a year-round programme of outdoor events. They range from gardening courses, jousting, falconry demonstrations and children's activities to sports events, such as Hever's own triathlon and multi-sport festival at the end of September.
◆ hevercastle.co.uk Pictures: Adobe Stock
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