IHG - Intercontinental Hotels Group plc

05/11/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/11/2021 08:03

Great British Urban Escapes: Let’s go adventuring again

Great British Urban Escapes: Let's go adventuring again

With summer fast approaching, people in the UK are getting ready to stretch their legs and go on an adventure again.

Research conducted by award-winning consumer insights consultants BVA BDRC found that the majority of Britons are starting to feel more confident when it comes to going on a UK holiday, visiting a castle, zoo, country park or even venturing out for a spot of shopping.

Their ClearSight report* also found that although the general narrative around domestic travel has been about seeking new adventures and experiences, it seems that right now just as many people are likely to seek out the comfort of old favourites when able to travel again.

So, we're reminding you why the classics have a lot to offer, and hopefully you're almost ready to turn some of those bucket lists into 'book it' lists.

London

London - one of the most visited cities. There is something for everyone, whether it be history and culture or the latest places to eat and drink with friends and family.

Must see attractions:

Westminster Abbey (reopening from 21 May), St Pauls Cathedral, Natural History Museum and Tate Modern (reopening from 17 May) and Tower of London (reopening from 19 May).

Where to stay:

For a truly magical experience, book and stay at InterContinental London - Park Lane - a luxurious base for discovering the city's culture and heritage. The hotel's Mayfair Studio Suite offers a sumptuous bright bedroom, a separate living area (complete with a sofa bed), dining area and guest bathroom. Savour the rustic Italian cuisine offered by acclaimed chef Theo Randall and his Taste of Italy, Regional Tasting Menu.

Book through The Suite Life rate and you will receive a £40 hotel credit per night of stay to spend on things like the hotel spa or restaurant and bar. The Mayfair Suite Studio starts from £679 a night, with breakfast included, free cancellation up to three days prior to the stay. Minimum stay of two nights required, maximum up to 10 consecutive nights.

Holiday Inn London - Camden Lock is the best option if you are travelling with family. The hotel is located in the heart of Camden, close to its buzzing cafes, restaurants and markets. Camden Tube Station is a four-minute walk from the hotel, meaning it's within easy reach of West End entertainment and attractions. Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras International Train Stations are all a short tube or bus ride away. As with all Holiday Inn hotels, kids under the age of 12 stay and eat free.

Rooms start from £167 per night for IHG Rewards members or £172 per night for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance.

Edinburgh

Home to the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival, Scotland's vibrant capital has become one of the hottest tickets in the UK. Queen Victoria was right when she described Edinburgh as 'fairy-like and what you would only imagine as a thing to dream of, or to see in a picture.'

Must see attractions:

Edinburgh Castle (now open), Royal Yacht Britannia (reopening from 12 May), Palace of Holyrood House, Real Mary King's Close (reopening from 22 May) and Edinburgh Zoo (now open).

Where to stay:

The recently opened voco Edinburgh - Haymarket is a stylish and modern hotel that guarantees you a stay that is as individual as it is indulgent. Located in the buzzing West End of Edinburgh, the hotel is a short stroll to the nearby West End Tram Stop (0.3 miles) or Haymarket Railway Station (0.8 miles) so you can reach the infamous Edinburgh Castle and bustling Princes Street in just a few minutes. After a long day of exploring the city, The Blossom Restaurant & Bar provides a welcoming atmosphere to unwind and relax.

Rooms start from £98 a night for IHG Rewards members or £104 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay.

If you want to bring your fury friend, then Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is the one for you. The pet-friendly hotel is in one of Edinburgh's most beautiful squares in the Georgian New Town, a UNESCO world heritage site. With views of Edinburgh Castle and historic hotspots just a short walk away, the hotel is at the perfect intersection between old and new.

Rooms start from £207 a night for IHG Rewards members or £207 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay.

Durham

Famous for its eponymous university, Durham University, the town is laden with historic pubs, listed buildings, cosy cafes and spellbinding churches, surrounded by rolling countryside and quiet villages. Durham may be quaint, but the University's Botanic Gardens, complete with woodland and tropical plants, as well as the River Wear and the city's striking scenery provide visitors a tranquil retreat with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

Must see attractions:

Durham Cathedral (reopening from 17 May) and Durham Castle (check website for latest opening date).

Where to stay:

Hotel Indigo Durham occupies the Grade II-listed Old Shire Hall, once serving as the university's administrative headquarters.Taking its design cues from both the charming neighbourhood and the building itself, all 83 boutique bedrooms feature ornate details to reflect the rich ties to the city's famous trinity of cathedral, castle and university. The hotel features three distinct room types, from academia-inspired featuring the University's official colour, purple, through to grand bedrooms with a sumptuous feel and tapestry detailing.

Rooms start from £127 a night for IHG Rewards members or £131 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay.

Bath

Surrounded by culture, Bath is famous for literature, romance, and historic architecture. Also renowned for its ancient Roman baths, the city is home to the only natural thermal hot springs you can use in Britain. Bath is also home to a large collection of museums and galleries and a lively city centre filled with independent shops and restaurants. It's no secret that an extremely popular period drama that aired in 2020, about an important family trying to find love, was also filmed here.

Must see attractions:

Roman Baths (reopening from 17 May), No.1 Royal Crescent (reopening from 2 June), Bath Abbey (reopening from 17 May) and Prior Park (open).

Where to stay:

Hotel Indigo Bath is set in a beautiful honey-coloured Georgian terrace built in the 18th century. The Grade I listed building has hosted famous figures from history including Sir Walter Scott and William Wilberforce. Taking its design cues from the city's surrounding Georgian architecture and the history of the local neighbourhood, the hotel artfully combines modern design and historical architecture.

Rooms start from £170 a night for IHG Rewards members or £179 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay.

If you are looking for a great fuss-free basecamp to rest your head after a day of exploring, then Holiday Inn Express Bath is the perfect choice. With an Express Start breakfast included in the price, a power shower, blackout curtains and comfortable bedding, the hotel has everything you need and nothing you don't.

Rooms start from £122 a night for IHG Rewards members or £126 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay.

Oxford

Boasting old English charm, the university town of Oxford is lined with splendid honey-coloured architecture dating back to the 11th century. Home to some of the most prevalent literary geniuses such as JRR Tolkien, who wrote The Lord of the Rings, and Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice In Wonderland, the city has been an inspiration to creative dreamers for centuries and has strong literary credentials.

Must see attractions:

Christ Church (check website for latest opening dates), Bodleian Libraries (open), Ashmolean Museum (check website for latest opening dates), Oxford University Museum of Natural History (reopening from 17 May)

Where to stay:

voco Oxford Thames is a historic 15th century hotel surrounded by nature. Enjoy a slice of the Oxfordshire countryside on the banks of the River Thames with plenty of open space thanks to the hotel's 30-acre gardens and grounds. Take time to indulge in the abundance of nature and history that you'll find at the riverside hotel. You can even go and visit the hotel's honeybees - or pop along to 'the bug hotel' in the hotel's vast gardens, built to help support the local insect biodiversity.

Rooms start from £121 a night for IHG Rewards members or £135 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay

Just five kilometres down the road, voco Oxford Spires is a wonderful escape surrounded by beautiful parkland alongside the River Thames. When you walk through the door, you'll feel yourself sigh with relief as you delight in the hotel's relaxed feel. Whilst you're here, take time to enjoy the tranquillity of the River Thames and take a stroll around the apple orchard and gardens. If you're lucky (and quiet) you might even spot the resident family of muntjac deer.

Rooms start from £135 a night for IHG Rewards members or £150 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay.

York

York remains one of the most beautiful historic cities in northern England with a medieval charm. The architecture dates all the way back to the 13th century, which you can still see today throughout the winding narrow cobbled streets. In the centre is the famous York Minster - notably one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Must see attractions:

York Minster (reopening from 17 May), Jorvik Viking Centre (reopening from 17 May), Barely Hall (reopening from 17 May) and York Museum Gardens (reopening from 25 June)

Where to stay:

Travelling with the family? Holiday Inn York City Centre is located within the city walls and only minutes from the heart of everything that the historic city of York has to offer. As with all Holiday Inn hotels, kids under the age of 12 stay and eat free.

Rooms start from £104 a night for IHG Rewards members or £109 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay.

If you fancy splashing out and treating yourself, Principal York blends the grandeur of late-Victorian architecture with the comforts of modern travel with 155 elegant bedrooms and suites in balanced, neutral tones that offer more than a place to sleep - and is just steps away from the city's main train station.

Rooms start from £170 a night for IHG Rewards members or £177 for non-members with free cancellation up to three days in advance of the stay.

*BVA BDRC ClearSight Report On Recovery & COVID-19 March 2021

** Rooms rates are subject to change depending on dates. Please consult the hotel's website for the most up-to-date pricing. Visit ihg.com to book your stay.