It’s time to let go of those precious summer memories and fully embrace the colder winds of winter. Think of all the great things this season brings– log fires, long winter lunches (including the subsequent walks to burn it off) and eventually the joys of Christmas. To help you make the most of your winter weekends, we’ve pulled together our top 5 weekend getaways you should be booking in over the coming weeks.
Beaufort & Blake: Top 5 Winter Weekend Getaways
SUFFOLK, UK
Despite being just a short drive or train ride from London, the Suffolk Coast has remained gloriously uncrowded. With a combination of beautiful beaches and coastline, picturesque countryside and too many great pubs to name - it should come as no surprise it’s made our top five. It’s hard for us to summarise all the places you should visit but we suggest you aim for the stretch between Southwold and Aldeburgh. From the quaint charm of Walberswick to the fish and chips at Dunwich, Suffolk has it all for a weekend away.
WHERE TO EAT:The Ship, Dunwich (black-pudding scotch egg is a must!)
WHERE TO STAY: The Crown, Southwold (owned by Adnams so Ghost Ship ale will be on tap)
WHAT TO WEAR: It’s going to be chilly on the Suffolk coastline so we would suggest the Melbury – a brushed cotton plaid that will help fend off the wind.
MALMÖ, SWEDEN
The Swedish city of Malmö is fast becoming ‘the’ go-to destination for the perfect winter break. If it’s never cropped up on your radar then imagine Bruges meets Brighton meets Amsterdam, all effortlessly bundled together by Sweden sophistication. Take some time to stroll along the canals or meander through the leafy parks. At the heart of the old town is Lilla Torg, a beautiful little square that is crammed with lively bars, cafés and restaurants – no doubt where most of your evenings will be spent.
WHERE TO EAT: SOT (all you need is one glance at the menu…)
WHERE TO STAY: Mäster Johan Hotel
WHAT TO WEAR: In-keeping with the Swedish lover affair with minimalism it’s got to be a classic cotton shirt. Brushed cotton will also help with the notoriously cold winters in Sweden – don’t say we didn’t warn you.
BORNHOLM, DENMARK
If I said to you Denmark, you’d probably first think of Copenhagen? But, if you’re willing to venture a little further and experience some of the finest food Denmark has to offer then the beautiful Baltic island of Bornholm is the one for you. It’s a magical island famous for its incredibly seasonal produce and delicious smoked fish – it’s pretty hard to eat badly on the island. Expect a beguiling mix of old and new architecture, beautiful scenery and some of the most hospital people you’ll ever meet. You can thank us later.
WHERE TO EAT: Kadeau (older sister to the Michelin-starred restaurant in Copenhagen of the same name)
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Nordlandet
WHAT TO WEAR: Bornholm is somewhere you want to seamlessly blend in so keep it Scandinavian with one of our brush cotton plaids.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
“Cape Town?” – we hear you say? Well, allow us to explain. Where else this winter can you fly to for guaranteed winter sunshine and face no jet lag? Gone are the old days of not being able to visit the centre of Cape Town. Artists, designers and chefs have reinvigorated the town and taken over the once run-down buildings to bring back a buzz to the streets. Great weather, food, wine and coastal views – what more could you want?
WHERE TO EAT: The Cellars-Hohenort
WHERE TO STAY: POD (possibly the best rooftop pool in all of Cape Town!)
WHAT TO WEAR: To ensure you’re looking sharp when sipping on a cocktail at POD, we’d recommend one of our more classic button down oxfords.
LUCKNAM PARK, WILTSHIRE
If you’re looking for a sedate, relaxing weekend then look no further than Lucknam Park in the Cotswold countryside. Set in 500 acres of beautiful English countryside, this idyll offers woodland walking trails, croquet on the lawn, tennis courts and bicycles to borrow. The real lure, however, is the sumptuous spa tucked away behind the walled gardens. It’s got everything you would need – a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pools, an outdoor saltwater plunge pool and thermal cabins. Take it from us, the lady in your life will certainly appreciate you booking this one.
WHAT TO WEAR: We expect you to be full zen after a full days relaxation so you’ll need something that’s easy to throw on but equally sophisticated to match your surroundings.
