Review: The Alan, Manchester

Like many British cities over the last 30 years Manchester has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance thanks to huge injections from business, culture, sports and general urban renewal.  Not having visited the city for 20 years, the first thing that struck me on approach was the sheer scale and height of the skyscrapers that now dominate…

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Review: Maften Hall, Northumberland

Megan Amato escapes to the Northumberland countryside for a stay at Maften Hall. Like much of the north of England, I had romantic notions about the rolling hills and historic treasures to be discovered in the Northumberland countryside – notions that were not at all distilled after my visit to Maften Hall. Located only a…

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Review: A Car-Free Adventure to Carlisle

  The cathedral city of Carlisle may not be your first thought when planning your next weekend away, but the small border city has much more to offer than as a refuelling stop on the way to the Lake District. From its Roman beginnings and royal connections to its hundreds of years of skirmishes with…

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REVIEW: Lord Crewe Arms, Northumberland

Grant Dickie reviews the Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland in Northumberland. ANYONE who knows me will tell you how much I love great architecture and secluded getaways. That’s why a trip to the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland, Northumberland, was the perfect end to my July. The scenic drive to the hotel through the Borders…

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REVIEW: Innside Newcastle

For a sophisticated and stylish stay in Newcastle look no further than Innside, writes Grant Dickie. SITUATED a stone’s throw from one the most synonymous views Newcastle has to offer, Innside by Meliã is the perfect stay for anyone looking to book a trip to the Toon. The modern but almost industrial-style architecture of the…

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There’s far more to Windsor than just the castle

With all the lingering excitement of the Royal Wedding and the confirmation that the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex are about to make it their permanent home, now is a good time to visit Windsor to see what all the fuss is about. Although just an hour from central London, it’s easy to visit…

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