Welcome to our Epicurean Digest

From wonderful walk spots, hidden beaches and foodie havens to top World Heritage Sites and National Trust gardens to visit across Britain, browse our Epicurean Digest for escape inspiration and ideas. New articles are added every couple of weeks.

The cosiest pubs-with-rooms

As the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, there is a joy from escaping to a country hideaway with roaring log fires, low-beamed ceilings and comfy armchairs you can sink deep into. Top that with scenic doorstep walks and delicious plates brimming with local ingredients, and you've got the perfect cosy retreat.

Destination foodie pubs-with-rooms

From fine dining to traditional roasts, the pubs within our Collection are dishing up some of the best food in the land. Along coasts and country lanes, innovative chefs are championing local produce and experimenting with bold flavours, creating serious foodie destinations of Britain's traditional inns.

The gardens to visit for splendid autumn colours

From September to November, our treasured landscaped gardens and magnificent arboretums perform a stunning seasonal spectacle - a final celebration of colour before the first frost hits and the air turns cold.

Hidden beaches in Dorset

Silky blue waters, fossil-filled cliffs, sea-faring walks, and nature reserves brimming with wildlife – Dorset’s dramatic coastline has it all.⁣ For those wishing to escape the throng, we've rounded up five of our favourite hidden beaches plus brilliant foodie finds to discover whilst you’re there.

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National Trust gardens to visit all year round

The National Trust cares for one of the greatest collections of historic gardens and plants in Europe, if not the world, with some dating back more than 500 years. With over 200 sites across the UK, we've picked six of the best to visit all year round - from lavishly landscaped lawns to secluded garden sanctuaries.

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6 of the best coastal villages and small towns to visit in England

We've rounded up six of the best seaside locations to visit across England this summer, including where to stay during your time there – from a peaceful wildlife-filled haven in West Sussex to one of the prettiest villages in Northumberland.

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10 of the prettiest villages and small towns in England

Criss-cross your way around Britain and you will stumble upon gorgeous unspoilt villages and small towns with cottage-lined streets and rolling countryside views.

7 of the best walking spots in the Lake District

Home to England's tallest mountains and deepest lakes, the enchanting Lake District has some of the best walking spots in Britain, with trails to suit every kind of rambler. Here we've rounded up seven of our favourites - from peaceful valleys off the beaten path to unmissable peaks with far-reaching views.

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An insider’s food & drink guide to Kent

We asked Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn, founders of Balfour Winery in Kent who are hugely passionate about local produce, to give their insiders' guide to the best food and drink spots in their home county, plus their favourite Kentish wines.

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History of pub names with a royal connection

Pubs have been at the heart of Britain for centuries and many of them revel a fascinating and deep history. With it being the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this weekend, we thought we would look into the historic stories behind the royal names of some of the pubs-with-rooms in our Collection.

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8 coastal retreats for summer

From a quaint North Norfolk coaching inn and stylish beach retreat in Northumberland to a soul-soothing hideaway on the Cornish coast, we've rounded up eight super smart inns to bed down near the beach this summer.

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7 waterside spots to eat and drink in South Devon

As days grow longer and the weather warms, where better to enjoy a delicious drink and bite to eat than beside the water? From a rustic beach hut on South Milton Sands to a cool coffee house in the seaside town of Torquay, these are the waterside food and drink spots to visit in South Devon.

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8 World Heritage Sites to visit across England & Wales

World Heritage Sites are special places around the world which illustrate the diversity of earth and human development across thousands of years. There are currently 33 World Heritage Sites in the UK. Read on for eight of our favourites plus where to stay nearby within our Collection, all less than 45 minutes by car.

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8 easy weekend escapes from London

We often feel an urge to flee the hustle and bustle of city life - ending up somewhere where the air is fresh and the streets less crammed. Whether you're seeking coastal walks, National Trust treasures, easy-going eateries or cool independent shops, these escapes are under 90 minutes from London.

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9 of the prettiest bluebell walks in England

One of the loveliest sights of spring is a woodland full of bluebells. In April and May, these delicate blooms pop up across the land, carpeting forest floors and grassy verges with waves of blue.⁣

The UK's new Michelin-starred restaurants & where to stay nearby

Michelin recently announced its top restaurants in the UK, awarding coveted stars or marking the rising tables to book with Bib Gourmand status. Here we've rounded up ten Michelin-approved spots in England and Wales to book now for 2022 and have highlighted where to stay nearby within our Collection, all less than 30 minutes by car.

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Romantic bathtub retreats

When it comes to treating your other half to an escape where you can relax, unwind and enjoy time together as two, there's nothing more indulgent than a room with a roll top bath. We've rounded up 10 romantic bathtub retreats across England, each one perfect for a Valentine's Day treat, a special occasion, or a spontaneous getaway for two.

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14 inns with dog friendly rooms

Our furry friends deserve a getaway too. That's why majority of the pubs with rooms within our invite-only Collection go the extra mile to totally pamper your pooch with dog beds, treats, blankets and more.

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8 inns with magical alfresco dining

These inns across England which have turned their gardens into sparkling winter wonderlands, ready to welcome you for warming drinks, joyful dinners, and bundles of festive spirit. Think heated tipis, wooden pods, winter cabins and more.

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The Hebrides: a magical, mystical place

Settle in for a little escapism our friends ishga share some fascinating local stories from their homeland, The Hebrides - a collection of hundreds of rugged islands home to fishing villages, whisky distilleries, puffins and eagles... and many a local legend.

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Team escape: The Merry Harriers

Last week, Kezia and Alice took a mini team trip to The Merry Harriers to experience this rural and quirky hideaway in the Epicurean Collection for themselves. Settle in for a little escape inspiration as they recap their one-night adventure.

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Inns with cottages

Seeking a little seclusion, a longer stay, or wish to meet family or friends away from the hubbub of the inn?⁣ Some inns within our Collection offer luxurious cottages in the village or adjacent to the pub. From two- to eight-bedroom hideaways, there's something for everyone.⁣

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7 inns with colourful autumn walks straight from their doors

Autumn is a magical time of year for exploring the wonders of the British countryside. To help you experience Britain's autumn splendour, we've unearthed inns within our Collection where you can enjoy colourful autumn walks straight from their doors.

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7 easy escapes from London near the beach

We've picked seven easy escapes from London close to the beach that will take you less than 2 hours to reach by car or train - perfect for a weekend escape from the city, or longer if you wish.

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5 pubs with stunning sunset views

Few things beat watching the sun go down in a pretty pub garden with your favourite tipple in hand, especially during the long evenings of summer after a day out exploring the wonders of the countryside.

5 brilliant beach cafes in Cornwall

Whether you've built an appetite from surfing, need warming up after a long sea swim, are searching for a coastal walk pitstop, or would just like a magical place to eat a delicious seaside meal, we've rounded up our top five favourite beach cafes to visit when in Cornwall.

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6 fantastic food & drink spots in the Cotswolds

Home to copiousness chefs, local producers, distilleries and breweries, it is no wonder that the charming Cotswolds radiates a brilliant selection of food and drink havens.

8 easy escapes from London

We've rounded up eight easy escapes from London that will take you less than 90 minutes to reach by car or train - perfect for a weekend getaway. Grab your overnight bag, head for the hills and escape the everyday at one of these beautiful staycations spots.

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5 hidden beaches to discover in Cornwall

Wander off the beaten path and discover one of our favourite hidden beaches during your next visit to magical Cornwall. Think turquoise blue waters, soft golden sands and hardly anyone around.

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Wild swimming wonders

We asked the experts at Wild Swimming Cornwall to shed some light on the benefits and joys of taking a swim in a river, lake or the sea. Plus we have a beginner's guide for you.

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11 wondrous winter walks

Frosty landscapes, crisp fresh air, mystical light, and the promise of a crackling pub fire at the end. Here are 11 of our favourite winter walking spots across England.

Inspire me

Quintessentially British Fizz

Join us as we discover how one of our favourite English sparkling wines is made, and what makes it so special.

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Brilliant bathtubs!

What better way to relax than with a warm bath in an over-sized tub? Our Collection boasts a great selection of indulgent baths in which to unwind, admire a view or enjoy a glass of bubbles with your bubbles.

Which bathtub takes your pick?

Staycation Inspiration: The North

Need some travel inspiration? Find out what The September Chronicles got up to on their 4 night Epicurean Passport adventure in Yorkshire.

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Your Epicurean Passport has arrived

Our Passports are special vouchers created to help you enjoy the ultimate British staycation. Redeemable until 2022 they give you total flexibility on when you travel, while supporting our inns now. Swap your international passport for an Epicurean Passport and experience the best of Britain through our Collection.

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Epicurean Wanderlust

Scroll through some dream destinations shared by our Wanderlust winners and discover the beauty of Britain on your doorstep. You don't need to go far to explore some truly special spots!

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Meet the man who curates the Collection

Allow us to introduce you to David, our very own Inn Curator. David is the one who has the enviable job of spending time in each inn, tasting their food and enjoying their local surroundings. If you have ever wondered what makes an inn eligible for our invite-only collection, what we look for and to get to know the man behind the words, look no further!

Introducing David