Might we just take a moment to wish you a
very happy Valentines Day, or indeed, just a very splendid Friday with a great
excuse to relax, and reflect upon the lovely people in our lives. So even those
who don’t celebrate this pink balloon and red rose filled occasion, maybe its
just a great excuse to organize with a partner, family member, or friend-
a
spontaneous holiday in our own glorious British Isles for the weekend.
With a nod to ye olde’ times, why not keep
the car at home and don your vintage suit for a journey on the rail-ways. There
is something quite romantic about travelling by train, packing a picnic, and
choosing a good few books to roam across the country/countries with. So here is
Whim Biscuit’s top couple of choices for a weekend of off the cuff frivolity,
audacious adventuring, and together-ness.
Cambridge
Where to Stay-
The Varsity Hotel and Spa is tripadvisor’s
#1 choice for a Cambridge vacation. With it’s penthouse suites, spectacular
roof top terrace, and Elemis Spa, it’s certainly a wonder to behold. With its
boutique style, it is famed for it’s steakhouse and drink pairing, as well as a
fabulous location a stone’s throw from the Magdalene Bridge.
Where to eat-
Ill Piccolo Mondo is a well-reputed, well-recommended
gem of an Italian restaurant. It exudes tradition with its homemade pastas,
variety of antipasti, and range of fine wines. Based just slightly outside
central Cambridge in Bottisham, you’ll get to explore the area, and relish the
authentic environment.
Where to go-
Cambridge is a city of architectural, and
historic wonder. It’s famed for its skyline filled with impressive collages,
chapels, museums, and of course the River Cam.
Whether you are there for the chance to
punt your way along the river in a straw-boater, or enhance your art-history,
there is always something spectacular to do. Of particular interest is of
course the famous University buildings, Kings Collage and its chapel are of
note and widely described as ‘totally worth the entrance fee’, as is Queen’
Collage, and Christ’s Collage, where it is said that poet John Milton once
wrote among the trees in its picturesque grounds. The Fitzwilliam Museum also
houses vast realms of antiquities from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. There
is no entrance fee, and it is a gem of a place to while away a few hours
marveling over masterpieces.
Edinburgh
Where to stay-
The Witchery is known for is opulent
grandeur and exceptional culinary experiences in the restaurants it runs, but
hidden in the buildings by Edinburgh Castle, are just nine suites all equal in
gothic glamour, and over the top eccentricity that they would put a West-End theatrical
production to shame. We love the decadence, and having the pleasure of dining
there before on a previous visit- we know its on our to-do list to go back and
stay in this mysterious abode.
Where to eat-
Nothing is more quintessential than
afternoon tea, so why not enjoy it to it’s fullest capacity by indulging in a
fine example from The Balmoral. Be serenaded in it’s Palm Court by a harpist
playing from the balcony. Enjoy its exceptional service, and savor the lovely
sandwiches, melt-in-the-mouth scones, and wonderfully fragrant tea- or
champagne if you prefer, there is of course a choice to enjoy some Bollinger
while you relax.
Where to go-
Edinburgh is a place you could visit for a
weekend full of wows, or a full week of wonder. Plan ahead though and you can
get some great deals with city cards, and booking in advance. We still have a
variety of amazing things that Mr Biscuit and I have to do, but we highly
recommend the following. Take a half a day out and explore, climb Calton Hill
and scramble up Nelson’s monument. Take a thermos and absorb the amazing views
of the city. Or literature fans can venture up neighboring Arthur’s Seat as featured
in David Nichols’ book ‘One Day’, followed by the famous Elephant House café
where J.K. Rowling scripted Harry Potter. For thrill seekers and adventurers
however, book onto a twilight tour with the Mercat team for an underground
ghost tour and many a haunting tale.
Edinburgh is a favorite place of ours, and
we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Travelling by train is an easy way to organize
a trip, and to travel cross country, you can literally book with CrossCountrytrains.co.uk
who offer cheap tickets and an easy booking experience.
Pics sourced from- www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk, www.ristoranteilpiccolomondo.co.uk, www.luxuryedinburgh.com, www.afternoontea.co.uk.
Thank you.
