KCR Summer 2025 Mag V2 - Flipbook - Page 66
Luxury City Breaks:
Exploring the UK’s Most A昀툀uent Destinations
While the British countryside has long been romanticised for its
peaceful escapes, the UK’s historic cities o昀昀er something equally
luxurious—if not more so—for the re昀椀ned traveller. Rich in architecture,
Michelin-starred dining, designer shopping, and 昀椀ve-star hospitality,
the country’s most a昀툀uent cities make ideal destinations for a summer
city break that’s high on culture, comfort and class.
From the honey-hued elegance of Bath to the intellectual sophistication
of Oxford and the regal charm of Edinburgh, here’s where to go (and
stay) for a truly indulgent urban escape this season.
Bath: Georgian Grandeur and Spa Sophistication
Steeped in Roman history and Georgian beauty, Bath is perhaps the
UK’s most elegant city. Famous for its natural hot springs and golden
limestone architecture, the city o昀昀ers a wealth of re昀椀ned experiences.
Where to Stay:
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is housed in one of Bath’s most iconic
landmarks and o昀昀ers an exquisite blend of 18th-century charm and
modern luxury. The Spa & Bath House features a relaxation pool,
Himalayan salt room and holistic treatments using Elemental
Herbology.
Website: https://www.royalcrescent.co.uk/
manoir-aux-quat-saisons/
Where to Dine:
Quod is the city’s most stylish brasserie, serving modern British dishes
in a grand Georgian setting. Or visit The Parsonage Grill for elegant
lunches in a garden-fringed townhouse.
https://www.quod.co.uk/
https://www.oldparsonagehotel.co.uk/
Don’t Miss:
A guided punt along the River Cherwell with a luxury picnic, or a private
visit to the Ashmolean Museum’s rooftop restaurant.
https://www.ashmolean.org/
Chester: Roman History Meets Riverside Glamour
Less talked about but every bit as captivating, Chester is a compact city
brimming with charm. From its perfectly preserved Roman walls to its
chic boutiques and Tudor buildings, it’s an undiscovered gem for luxury
lovers.
Where to Stay:
The Chester Grosvenor is a 昀椀ve-star hotel with timeless appeal, o昀昀ering
luxurious rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Arkle.
Website: https://www.chestergrosvenor.com/
Where to Dine:
Book a table at Olive Tree Restaurant, Bath’s only Michelin-starred
venue, for seasonal tasting menus with a focus on British produce.
More: https://www.olivetreebath.co.uk/
Where to Dine:
Try Hypha, a Michelin Green Star restaurant, where foraged ingredients
meet 昀椀ne dining in a sustainable setting.
https://www.hypha.site/
Don’t Miss:
A champagne afternoon tea at The Pump Room, followed by a visit to
the newly restored Roman Baths.
Details: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/
Don’t Miss:
Luxury shopping at The Rows, followed by a river cruise with champagne and canapés.
https://www.visitcheshire.com/
Edinburgh: Scottish Elegance with a Cosmopolitan Twist
Cambridge: Romance, Boating and Bookish Charm
Scotland’s capital o昀昀ers a dramatic blend of history, haute cuisine,
and hillside vistas. From the boutiques of George Street to the cobbled
charm of the Old Town, Edinburgh is the perfect combination of
heritage and high-end.
Like Oxford but with its own 昀氀avour, Cambridge is perfect for those who
enjoy a slower pace. With punting on the Cam, botanical gardens, and
gourmet cafés, it makes a peaceful but cultured summer retreat.
Where to Stay:
The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel, is the epitome of Scottish luxury.
Expect sweeping views of the city skyline, an opulent spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Number One.
Book: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/
Where to Dine:
Timberyard is a family-run restaurant housed in a converted warehouse,
serving hyper-local, seasonal fare with a Nordic 昀氀air.
Website: https://www.timberyard.co/
Don’t Miss:
A VIP whisky tasting at The Scotch Whisky Experience or a private tour
of the Queen’s Gallery at Holyrood Palace.
More: https://www.royal.uk/palace-holyroodhouse
Oxford: Academia, Artistry and Afternoon Tea
With its spires, cloisters, and collegiate charm, Oxford o昀昀ers a city
break of scholarly serenity and unexpected luxury. The combination of
heritage, riverside walks, and a thriving dining scene makes it an idyllic
summer escape.
Where to Stay:
Old Bank Hotel blends historic architecture with contemporary interiors, sitting right on the High Street. For a countryside feel close to the
city, try Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s legendary manor
hotel just 30 minutes away.
https://www.oldbank-hotel.co.uk/
https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/oxfordshire/belmond-le-
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
Where to Stay:
University Arms o昀昀ers modern luxury in a classical setting, right on
Parker’s Piece. For full immersion, try Graduate Cambridge, with river
views and quirky collegiate decor.
https://universityarms.com/
https://graduatehotels.com/cambridge/
Where to Dine:
Restaurant Twenty Two has quickly become one of Cambridge’s most
re昀椀ned tables, known for its inventive seasonal tasting menus.
https://restaurant22.co.uk/
Don’t Miss:
Sunset punting tours with Scudamore’s or a private gin tasting at Cambridge Distillery.
https://www.scudamores.com/
https://www.cambridgedistillery.co.uk/
Re昀椀ned, Relaxed, and Unforgettable
For those who love the sophistication of a city but crave luxury and
calm, these UK destinations o昀昀er the best of both worlds. Whether it’s
rooftop cocktails in Edinburgh, spa days in Bath, or gourmet feasting
in Oxford, these cities invite you to unwind and indulge—with all the
elegance of a European capital, and the familiarity of home.
By Lisa Curtiss
PAGE 66
