...THE GREAT BRITISH HOLIDAY

The time has finally come. After months of staying at home we are finally free to roam - if it’s to one of a small number of Government sanctioned ‘Green List’ destinations, that is. Having browsed the selection - some of which certainly put the ‘long’ into long-haul (Tristan da Cunha, we’re looking at you) - we’re ever-more persuaded by the thought of a holiday slightly closer to home.

But if we’re staying in the UK, we are of course going to want to do so in style… For all those who feel the same, we’ve put together a guide to mastering the art of the Great British Holiday, Pickett-style.

escape to the country

It’s time to brush off the Chameaus and retreat to more rural surroundings.

Feeling frivolous? Hire a sports car, chuck your luggage in the boot and head for the open road...

Where to Stay

Cotswolds

Ellenborough Park A glorious 15th century country estate complete with spa, terrace dining, and convenient location close to Cheltenham Racecourse. If you need a pit-stop en route, head to the Soho House-designed Mollie’s for a diner dinner and modern motel stay.

Rutland

Hambleton Hall Situated in a secluded spot in the seriously pretty village of Hambleton, this special hotel celebrates all that’s glorious about the Great British countryside - spectacular gardens, blissful views over Rutland Water, and fantastic food in beautiful, classic surroundings (plus a lavishly appointed - not to mention incredibly accommodating - bar...).

Yorkshire

Middleton Lodge An 18th-century Georgian Estate that’s been restored to its former glory and then some. Head here for tasteful interiors, gorgeous grounds, and a destination restaurant serving seasonally driven dishes made from local produce.

Hampshire

Lime Wood With Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder in the kitchen, you can expect to eat incredibly well at this luxurious-but-laidback hotel in the New Forest. For the virtuous traveller (we’ve heard they exist somewhere), there’s the option to do yoga in the hotel’s rooftop herb garden, too.

Suffolk

The Wentworth Dubbed a ‘country house by the sea’, this handsome hotel in Aldeburgh is the perfect place to head for a hit of classic coastal charm.

The Swan Situated in the heart of Southwold, The Swan may be housed in a 1600 century building, but it has a distinctly contemporary aesthetic throughout. A fresh take on a classic British inn, and rather enticing for it.

Wilderness Reserve A collection of exclusive-use impressive self-catering properties all set within 8,000 acres of private Suffolk countryside, Wilderness Reserve enables you to get away from it all while still calling on useful services such as bike and boat rental, outdoor activities, and private chef hire.

What to Pack

Fine Pashmina Stole, £260 Never underestimate the British weather - it may look hot but as some of us have learnt the hard way (the Suffolk seafront in Spring is a cruel mistress) that coastal wind can cut through the hardiest of holidaymakers. Keep our super soft 100% cashmere pashmina close by to ward off savage sea breezes in style.

Large Canvas holdall, £445 Heavy gauge waterproof canvas and contrasting bridle hide leather trim make this all-purpose large holdall both practical and good looking - the ideal travel companion for a weekend in the wilderness.

Lambswool Blanket, £85 For reasons outlined above, it is wise to always be prepared for inclement conditions when holidaying in the UK. This snug tartan blanket is an absolute must for if the weather turns, and if it doesn't, it’s perfect for picnicking, too.

Driving gloves, £130

Upgrade your journey with the ultimate driving accessory. Handmade in England using soft British cape leather, these wrist-length gloves are slim and unlined for optimum flexibility.

Travel Backgammon Set, £450 Whether you’re killing time on the journey or setting up for a fun afternoon of activities when you reach your destination, our travel backgammon set is the ultimate getaway game - it’s magnetic so there’s no fear of losing any of the fine leather-finished pieces.

Great galleries, gorgeous restaurants and shopping opportunities guaranteed - there’s something undeniably fabulous about spending a long weekend exploring a new city (or discovering secret spots in one you already know).

City breaking

Where to stay

London

The Adria This five-star boutique hotel is located in a Victorian townhouse in the heart of South Kensington and has beautiful bedrooms named after British icons (we await news of a Pickett suite with bated breath...).

The Hari Perfectly positioned for Sloane Street and Knightsbridge, boutique Belgravia hotel The Hari has it all - good looks, charm, and close proximity to Pickett’s Chelsea store…

Bath

The Pig near Bath This restaurant-with-rooms is a 25-minute drive from the centre of Bath but feels like a real rural hideaway - it’s the perfect place to head for a city break with the added charm of a country escape.

York

Grays Court Tucked away near the Minster and city walls, this atmospheric spot is steeped in history, elegantly decorated and manages to remain an ‘in the know’ destination for those who favour a secluded place to stay.

What to Take

Soft four-wheeled suitcase, £1,475 Get from A to B with our beautifully soft parham leather wheelie suitcase. Roomy enough for plenty of luggage, but still lightweight by design, this case is made to glide across hotel lobbies in style…

Whangee Telescopic Umbrella, £95 It’s best not to pretend that conditions will be fine and dry on a UK break - chances are, they won’t. Troubleshoot any torrential downpours with our compact umbrellas that are designed to be transported around town.

Small Alice handbag, £496 The ultimate two-in-one bag for when packing space is at a premium, use our Alice with its cross-body strap for hands-free exploring during the day, then transform it into a hand-held bag for smarter evening affairs.

Large Classic rucksack, £595 With plenty of practical pockets in a sleek leather, finished in soft calfskin, this rucksack is a sensible choice for when you’re walking around town - you can stash everything you need inside but it’s still sophisticated enough to sneak into a smart bar for drinks.

Jewellery Roll, £175 A new city to explore is an excuse to get dressed up. Pack all your precious items safely in our calfskin leather jewellery roll which has two zipped pockets, a pierced suede strip for earrings and a cylindrical roll specifically for rings.