In the past few weeks, I've often made a good case for starting a pre-London holiday or pre/post-cruise extension in Royal Windsor, Oxford and the Cotswolds.
This week, I want to add the county of Buckinghamshire to the list. On the northern rim of London and just one hour up the M40 motorway from London Heathrow, somewhere like the Five Arrows, a boutique hotel at the gates of Waddesdon Manor makes an excellent base for visits to a treasure trove of nearby grand houses and beautiful estates, owned/managed by the National Trust. Many of them open their gardens and cafes from 10am and the main house at 11am. As there's always a great deal to see at every one of them, a long and worthwhile visit can be guaranteed and based on many years of enjoyable experiences, the food they provide at lunchtime is varied and excellent. Their English Afternoon Teas are NOT to be missed.
Read on and think about the pleasure of spending the first two-three nights in the English countryside. |
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