Stanford Hall, Lutterworth: Visitor Guide and the Pilcher Story
The Short Answer Stanford Hall is a Grade I listed country house of the 1690s, built for Sir Roger Cave by William Smith of Warwick, on the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire border near Lutterworth. The River Avon runs through the grounds. The same family has held it since 1792, and it is best known to aviationContinue reading "Stanford Hall, Lutterworth: Visitor Guide and the Pilcher Story"
Sywell Country Park: Walks, Wildlife and the Reservoir Circuit
The Short Answer Sywell Country Park is a former Victorian waterworks turned country park on the edge of Ecton, north-east of Northampton. The main draw is the 2.5 mile (4km) blue trail around Sywell Reservoir, a flat, well-surfaced circuit that takes most people about an hour and a half at a walking pace. There isContinue reading "Sywell Country Park: Walks, Wildlife and the Reservoir Circuit"
Anniversary Cottages in the Midlands: The 2026 Shortlist
The Short Answer The best anniversary cottages in the Midlands are small, private and self-catering, close enough to one good restaurant and one good walk that you do not have to plan anything else. Our 2026 shortlist covers six areas: the East Midlands around Clipston and Market Harborough, the Peak District, Rutland, the Shropshire Hills,Continue reading "Anniversary Cottages in the Midlands: The 2026 Shortlist"
Luxury Countryside Escapes Near Market Harborough: The Clipston Trio
The Short Answer The 14 Acres estate near Market Harborough has three separate luxury conversions on one private site: The Cottage (4 guests), The Loft (6 + 2 infants) and The Barn (8 + 2 infants). Book two of them for 10 to 12 people, or all three for up to 18, and your groupContinue reading "Luxury Countryside Escapes Near Market Harborough: The Clipston Trio"
Romantic Weekends in the East Midlands: A Local’s 2026 Shortlist
The Short Answer For a romantic weekend in the East Midlands in 2026, base yourselves somewhere private and self-catering in the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire border country, then build two or three slow days around one good walk, one good dinner and one thing you would not do at home. The Cottage at Clipston is ourContinue reading "Romantic Weekends in the East Midlands: A Local’s 2026 Shortlist"
Where to Stay for a Kilworth House Theatre Evening
The Short Answer Going to a show at Kilworth House Theatre and wondering where to stay? Kilworth House Hotel is on site if the theatre is the whole trip. If you would rather the show were one good evening inside a slower couples’ break, stay about 25 minutes away at Clipston. Book tickets early, becauseContinue reading "Where to Stay for a Kilworth House Theatre Evening"