Emerging in the 17th and 18th centuries, when British aristocracy left their country estates to spend the summer months socialising in London, the British summer ‘Season’ marked the launch of a whole calendar which would also be attended by marriageable young debutantes being launched into respectable society. Though the Season’s historical purpose may have long expired, many of its customs and landmark events remain. The quintessentially British phenomenon lives on. Why not make your Season an immersive one this summer with one of these experiences.
Season experiences
Fit for a royal - Windsor Great Park and Cliveden House
Saturday 15th – Monday 17th June
Windsor Castle is the most ancient inhabited castle in the world and one of the Queen’s favourite residences. Few are lucky enough to explore the castle and Windsor Great Park on a private-horse drawn carriage tour, but here, guests on the experience are taken on a six-mile journey, which takes in the iconic ‘Long Walk’ featured during the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as wildlife, ancient forests and horticultural displays. The experience includes a picnic lunch with sparkling English Wine from the estate, and a game of Polo at the world-renowned Guards Polo Club. Then there’s a sumptuous stay at the National Trust-owned Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, set in 376-acres of manicured heritage gardens.
Guests booking this two-day experience through Quintessentially Travel will enjoy a Deluxe room (subject to availability) at Cliveden House, complete with a hot tub on the terrace, bed and breakfast, dinner, and private return transfers. In addition to the Royal Procession carriage tour, they’ll have access to the Cartier Queen’s Cup Tournament.
Tennis and Garden Parties - Stoke Park and Boodles Challenge
Friday 28th - Sunday 30th June
The Boodles Tennis Challenge at Stoke Park Country Club & Spa has seen the likes of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tim Henman sharpening their pre-Wimbledon game during this five-day exhibition. Tennis fans and Season aficionados can maximise the occasion with an immersive experience that takes in match play and an English garden party, courtesy of Stoke Park’s executive chef, Chris Wheeler. This is sealed with a two-night stay at Stoke Park , a private 300-acre estate in Buckinghamshire with a 27-hole Championship golf course, Wimbledon-specification tennis courts, and an indoor pool and spa.
Guests booking through Quintessentially Travel will stay in a Deluxe Pavilion Room (subject to availability) on a bed and breakfast basis. Benefits include tickets to the players’ enclosure at The Boodles Tennis Challenge for two and a champagne reception, a three-course gourmet lunch, drinks during play, Afternoon Tea, and admission for two in the Challenger tennis competition. The latter also allows for a 70-minute bespoke clinic session with an LTA professional, among other perks.
Heritage and horse racing - Royal Ascot and Beaverbrook
Saturday 22nd - Monday 24th June
As one of the world’s most prestigious race venues, Royal Ascot attracts some of the finest competitive horses in the world. Add in Michelin-starred dining and a parade of fashion, and Royal Ascot is a highlight of the British social calendar. Guests of this experience enjoy gourmet cuisine in Ascot’s restaurant, Parade Ring, without missing any of the racing action – they have their own vantage point on the private balcony looking out over the Winning Post. Meanwhile, the On5 restaurant offers an altogether bespoke dining experience, along with traditional Afternoon Tea. After a busy day at the races, guests can retire to the luxury country estate of Beaverbrook with its 400 acres the Surrey countryside, known for welcoming such illustrious guests as Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor.
Guests booking through Quintessentially Travel will receive a bottle of champagne on arrival, room upgrades, subject to availability, along with options for an early check-in and late check-out, also subject to availability.
Behind the wheel at Silverstone - Classic cars and adrenaline
Thursday 20th – Friday 21st June
Anyone with a passion for speed will tell you that nothing beats the thrill of sitting behind the wheel of sports car, and feeling the power of its engine. Do you dream of racing a car on a track no holds barred? Can’t decide which you prefer - the Ferrari F430 Coupe or the Aston Martin V8 Vantage? Why not just take both for a spin around Silverstone and grab the opportunity to gauge the difference in power, handling, dynamics and finesse as you get to grips with the track. It doesn’t end there. You could be one of the few people anywhere in the world to drive a classic Jaguar on and off the track. Add to this an exclusive stay at the Relais & Châteaux Mallory Court Hotel & Spa in Warwickshire, admired for its award-winning restaurant and spa, and that’s your experience sorted.
Guests booking with Quintessentially Travel for this one-night stay at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa will enjoy the Master Suite (subject to availability), access to the Silverstone exhibition, and the high-octane half-day driving experience, complete with a briefing from professional race drivers.
Culinary excellence riverside - Michelin stars and a leisurely cruise
Wednesday and Thursday nights year-round
According to the Michelin Guide, three stars denotes ‘exceptional cuisine that’s worth a special journey’. Guests lucky enough to visit The Waterside Inn in the UK county of Berkshire get the full experience of dining in three-Michelin-starred restaurant with an impressive legacy.
And you quickly fall under the Waterside spell. It’s enchanting at any time of the year, set as is it amidst the weeping willow trees that line the River Thames. But it’s the food that takes centre stage, created here by chef-patron and son of Michel, Alain Roux, one of many French culinary stars to have emerged from the Roux clan.
Guests can precede or follow their meal on-board the Fringilla, a classic 34’ Van lent motor yacht for a private two-hour cruise down the Thames, floating past National Trust gardens, riverside homes and the Cliveden Reach – arguably the prettiest spot on the River Thames. A stay at The Waterside Inn is just the ticket for a relaxing getaway to complete the Michelin-starred treat.
Guests booking with Quintessentially Travel for a stay at the Waterside Inn on any Wednesday or Thursday night, will enjoy a River-View Deluxe Superior room (subject to availability) on a bed and breakfast basis, a complimentary bottle of Champagne Roux in the room, a three-course meal at the three-Michelin-star restaurant paired with a bottle of wine selected by the sommelier, a tour of the kitchen to glimpse the team in full swing, a complimentary Roux Signature kitchen apron and an autographed copy of a cookery book by Michel Roux.
For more information, please contact Quintessentially Travel, via [email protected], your lifestyle manager, or call +44 (0) 20 7022 6560.
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