I know you’re swamped with emails but if the UK and Ireland are on your radar, keep an eye on my Inside Track.  It comes out every Wednesday at 3pm GMT and contains information and bright ideas for customised UK travel that you often won’t find anywhere else.

Designed to give you an advantage over your competitors, this week’s top story illustrates my point as very few people will yet know that in March 2019, the 5-star Grand Hotel in the Viking City of York will be opening their own brand new cookery school.  If it’s anything like the rest of the 207 stylish guestrooms and suites, it will be very good indeed.

Other little gems in this week’s edition include an update on the World Capital of Ceramics aka the city of Stoke on Trent; Midsomer Murders as seen on TV; James Herriot’s beloved Yorkshire Dales as seen in All Creatures Great and Small;   the picturesque, cliff-hanging North Devon village of Clovelly and the great cathedral city of Guildford, a great base for a 2 night pre or post cruise extension.

New Cookery School Opens in York

Opening in March 2019 at the luxurious The Grand Hotel York, guests will learn how to prepare authentic dishes, with fresh local produce at the heart of each creation. The cookery school will have 16 workstations equipped with state-of-the-art induction hobs, electric ovens and premium cookery equipment. Rob Cottam, who oversaw the development of the cookery school at Chewton Glen is assisting with the setting up.

On London's Doorstep

35 minutes from Heathrow and just off the main route between London and Southampton, the cathedral city of Guildford, makes a great hub for a 2-3 night cruise add-on.  Don’t miss the RHS Flagship garden at Wisley, the home of motorsport and aviation at Brooklands Museum, and Watts’ Gallery: Artists’ Village with its Gallery, chapel and artists home and studio. 

The World Capital of Ceramics

Aka Stoke-on-Trent, it has been shaped by its production of pottery for centuries, building a city with a globally renowned reputation of innovation, science, art, and famous luxury brands. Today the city remains a must-visit destination for pottery lovers with outstanding pottery attractions and unrivalled direct ex-factory pottery shopping where quality products are designed and manufactured. It’s easily accessible through the Manchester Gateway.

Midsomer Murders on Location

The ITV hit drama Midsomer Murders has become a worldwide phenomenon. The majority of the series locations can be found across Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns. You can enjoy both self-guided and group tours across ‘Midsomer County’ to learn the history behind the picturesque settings of this famous and much-loved programme.

Discover James Herriot's Yorkshire Dales

It begins at the World of James Herriot in Thirsk, the home and veterinary surgery where Alf Wight OBE (James Herriot) lived and worked as a country vet. As an author, he became the most famous vet in the world. His books and BBC TV’s All Creatures Great and Small exposed Herriot Country to the world. It’s a wonderful place to visit. 

Clovelly Wins Gold

Once again, the North Devon village of Clovelly gardens and village have won the prestigious RHS Britain in Bloom gold award. To win this the villagers, visitors and Estate had to all work together to make everywhere look very special. Check out the new Clovelly video and review their website. It’s a special place that attracts very special visitors.