weekend breaks

Cliveden House Berkshire

40 minutes from central London by road

Berkshire is one of the most accessible and historic of all counties in england and i think, one of the most english. its Royal Borough Windsor & Maidenhead make it a great getaway and the 17th century Cliveden House is your perfect base to explore it. Built by the second duke of Buckingham in 1666, this glorious symphony in stone has a long and tumultuous history. You might find it hard to wrench yourself from its state of the art spa or the beautiful boathouse that offers lazy picnic lunches on a most wonderful stretch of the Thames. if you are 4-6 people, try the spring Cottage. Built as a summerhouse for the duchess of sutherland, it is set on the banks of the Thames and comes with its own butler. Prices start at ￡210 with breakfast. Tel: +44 1628 668 561

isle of wight

1.33 hours by train from Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour; then 22 mins by ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde isle of Wights white chalk cliffs of Alum Bay have long been popularised as the quintessential holiday destination. You find yourself among quaint victorian villages, rolling sandy beaches and exceptional wildlife. There are a number of villages to choose from: newport is at its centre and is the islands main shopping area. if you prefer the seaside, i recommend ventnor. Built on the steep slopes of the south coast of the island, it is the home of the international Jazz festival and also The Hambrough, a contemporary restaurant with accommodation, owned by Michelin star Chef Robert Thompson. Tel: +44 1983 856 333

THORPE PARK SURREY

Take the Waterloo Direct to Staines. The 950 shuttle link operates from Staines station to Thorpe Park, running every 15-20 minutes if your children want more than a trip to Hyde Park to run amuck, Thorpe Park is your answer. known as the ‘Thrill Capital, it has just reopened in March with a brand new ride called ‘The swarm. Boasting europes tallest winged rollercoaster and uks first, ‘The swarm will probably have you screaming as loud as your teenager. Make a day of it while you tuck into Mexican fajitas and splash with your little ones at neptunes Beach. The extreme rides require a height of at least 1.4m while the thrilling rides require children to be taller than 0.9m. neptunes beach is open to young ones. All children need to be with an adult. www.thorpepark.com

Cooking Weekend At le Manoir Aux Quat saisons

Oxford tube bus service from London, for details visit www. oxfordtube.com if youve managed to catch The Restaurant, an erudite version of Masterchef Australia, on the BBC, then youll know Raymond Blanc. one of uks most respected chefs, he is a self-made man who started as a waiter in oxfordshire and returned to create one of its most awarded restaurants. now you have a chance to learn from him at his Michelin star restaurant and cookery school in great Milton. The weekend gives you a day in the school, a nine-course dinner and a base to discover oxford. Tel: +44 1844 278 881

cycling in dorking surrey

43 miles if you cycle it from London

if you want a little getaway that will have your heart pumping, then cycling your way around dorking on the london olympics cycling route will be right up your alley. The course runs from The Mall via fulham and Putney to Richmond Park, then through up-river suburbs to Weybridge, before heading south down the Wey valley and over the north downs into the gorgeous surrey Hills. not an olympic level cyclist? no problem. Take the train for part of the way and then cycle your way up past guildford. once in dorking, stop for a pub lunch and then visit the denbies wine estate where you can have a well deserved tasting. spend the night at The Talbot Hotel and cycle up to the top of Box Hill the next day. www.london2012.com/ cycling-road

arundel west sussex

Direct train from London Victoria

Arundel is one of West sussexs most picturesque villages and is perfect if you happen to be a cricket lover, as it hosts a number of games each season at the sussex County Cricket Club. The borough is home to Arundel Cathedral, an 18th century marvel and the absolutely stunning Arundel Castle, seat of the duke of norfolk. A treasure house of Britain, it has priceless works of art and is extremely well preserved. stay at the norfolk Arms Hotel or if you prefer a guesthouse option try the garden Room at Thomas Cottage. www.norfolkarmshotel. com; www. thomascottage.co.uk

coworth park ascot

50 minutes by train, Waterloo to Sunningdale

voted one of uks best spas, Coworth Park, is the most fashionable londoners getaway. set in 240 acres of manicured polo fields and beautiful rose gardens, the white georgian manor has been converted into 70 rooms. The spa houses eight treatment centres and is considered an architectural wonder for its focus on natural light, eco-friendly materials and clean contemporary lines. Treatments are primarily european but they do offer a few Asian treatments like a Thai massage. When youre done relaxing you can play polo, golf, or just gallop around the huge estate. dont be surprised if you bump into Prince William or Prince Harry, as this is a royal favourite. Tel: +44 1344 876 600

kitesurfing in shoreham brighton

1 hour 10 minutes by train from Victoria to Shoreham-by-Sea

if looking for a different kind of adventure getaway—kitesurfing may be an option. fast becoming the ultimate seaside sport, you might come away a fan too. Kitesurfkings, a local coaching centre, will teach you the basics of land boarding in a day or kitesurfing basics in three days amidst the calm shallow waters of shoreham beach. You will learn how to handle a powerkite, the dynamics of wind direction and board skills. There are plenty of places to stay while you learn. good news for vegetarians as they can finally feel special as local celebrity Heather Mills, Paul McCartneys ex wife, caters to them at the vegan café v Bites. www.kitesurfkings.com

THE HOPEFUL EARl CRANLEIGH

35 minutes by train, from Waterloo to Guildford

if you are a lover of racehorses and have always dreamed of riding one, The Hopeful earl Riding Centre in Cranleigh is the perfect place to spend your treasured weekend. located in the heart of the surrey hills, you will find the best hacking in south england, be it cross-country or a leisurely trot across a field. But the beauty is that you can ride these magnificent creatures even as a beginner as the horses have been retrained to provide the most comfortable riding experience. They also provide lessons and offer day-trips and weekends where you stay at the village B&B.; Hacking: ￡43/1.5 hours. Tel: +44 1483 200 227

SHERBOURNE DORSET

Two hours by train from Waterloo

voted one of the most beautiful towns in england, this market village chiselled out of golden stone has grown rich from small trade and tourism and is the perfect romantic getaway. The Guardian says: “like a supermodel, this towns got the golden skin, the great bone structure and the a-tti-tood.” it has an endless selection of medieval architecture aided by a glorious countryside. it is a little bit of a trek from london but worth it for its antiques and fashion on Cheap street and excellent food. Choose between the posh The Eastbury Hotel and the less expensive Half Moon. www.theeastburyhotel. co.uk; www.halfmoon pubsherborne.co.uk