If you are searching for the perfect destination for 2023, then look no further. Britain has it all, from castles to coronations, sublime lakes and medieval walls. A fusion of familiarity and mystery, this small but mighty island is ideal for travelers interested in treading new territory in old places. A warm welcome, sumptuous hotels and delicious dining await at every stop, making a journey to Britain the journey of a lifetime.

Discover this on: British Royale

Royal London

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Sentiments of the famous 18^th Century British author Samuel Johnson are still so true today. An inspiring destination for 2023, England’s bustling culture capital is multicultural, cosmopolitan and steeped in history. And, in 2023 all eyes will be on these royal lands, with the Coronation of King Charles III taking center stage.

Travel to England on British Royale to see for yourself where the celebrations will take place. Step through history at Horse Guards Parade, the ceremonial grounds of St James Park in the shadow of Buckingham Palace. Discover the secrets of a cavalryman’s uniform in the Household Cavalry Museum before trying on the royal clothes yourself.

Exclusively for Luxury Gold guests, experience a private tour of the Tower of London once the crowds have gone home. Under the glittering city lights, a serving Yeoman Warder greets you on arrival at this iconic fortress and Royal Palace. Explore the grounds, be regaled with the history and uncover myths and legends along the way. Then bear witness to the historic Ceremony of the Keys, carried out every night without fail, for the past 700 years.

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While in the capital, a decadent stay at the 5-star Rubens at the Palace hotel sees you overlooking the grounds of Buckingham Palace. You’ll get the full royal treatment, from the red tail-coated doormen to themed bedrooms and a traditional afternoon tea in the Palace Lounge. Dine at the English Grill Restaurant on signature British classics from Executive Chef Ben Kelliher. Refined and stylish, the restaurant serves the finest English produce, sourced from the same suppliers that serve the Royal households.

For travel inspiration: England destination guide

Castles galore

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Britain is home to over 4,000 castles, built hundreds of years ago and scattered throughout the countryside and coastline. These magnificent fortresses alone make Britain a great destination for 2023.

Built in 1103, Edinburgh Castle sits high atop a hillside with panoramic views over the city. For centuries the castle was almost constantly under siege. A top 2023 travel destination, we invite you to skip the queue and learn about its tumultuous history with a Local Expert. Your tour also takes you along Princes Street and past the gothic Sir Walter Scott Monument. Walk the Royal Mile to the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch’s official residence in Scottish royal history. Bookend your day with a dinner of fine Scottish cuisine. And, in true Gaelic style, meet a professional bagpiper who is said to have been a royal favorite.

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In medieval York, explore Castle Howard after hours. Receive VIP treatment once the castle has closed its doors to the general public.  Join a guided tour of the house, a 17th-century baroque masterpiece, and admire its intricate architecture. Alternatively, join one of the gardeners and explore the landscaped gardens.

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The 11th-century Alnwick Castle is Britain’s second-largest inhabited castle, behind the royal residence of Windsor Castle. It has served as a military outpost, a teaching college and a family home over the centuries. Join a Local Expert for an exploration of the castle, with its striking medieval architecture, and see why it has been featured in many films. Choose to travel on a Founder’s Collection departure and meet the Duchess of Northumberland herself. Enjoy a private tour of her beloved gardens and hear tales about life in the family home.

Read more: Royalty & Noblemen: The fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

Authors, poets and writers

Stretching back over a thousand years, the British literary tradition is vast. Works span every period of history and many literary styles, including some of the most recognized lines and famous characters and plots that have captivated readers for centuries.

On British Royale we invite you to walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare in the picturesque market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Birthplace of “The Bard”, this cultural center still has many rows of attractive half-timbered houses that date back to the 16th century. A must-see when you travel to the UK. In Bath, visit the immersive Jane Austen Center and explore the city used as a setting for two of her novels. Dedicated to the writer who lived there in the early 1800s, entertaining actors bring to life her story and works.

Related content: The 7 secret skills of every Luxury Gold Traveling Concierge

The Lake District

The wild and poetic Lake District famously inspired 19th-century writers such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.  The largest of the United Kingdom’s National Parks, and renowned for its rugged and dramatic beauty, the area contains 16 lakes (and many smaller tarns), more than 150 high peaks, with four over 3,000 feet including England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

There’s no better way to admire the scenery than from the water. Join a cruise with the award-winning Ullswater Steamers on one of the largest lakes in the district and bask in stunning mountain views.

Related content: Inspiring travels of great literary figures

 Medieval York

A place of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth, this beautifully preserved medieval city is a must-visit for history buffs. Once an important center of Roman occupation in England, the city is surrounded by an impressive stone wall. Home to York Minster, one of the world’s largest cathedrals, which took 250 years to build, York is a great reason to choose Britain as a destination for 2023.

Step back in time and explore the medieval streets of York with a Local Expert to learn about its history and lively characters. Walk on the 13th-century city walls and soak up the spectacular views of River Ouse and the Old Town. And enjoy a VIP visit to the aforementioned Castle Howard. Bookend your visit with a stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel and Spa, one of Britain’s top five-star hotels.

Read more: A Day in the Life of a Travelling Concierge

Exquisite Dining

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Traditionally known for the full English breakfast, fish and chips, Shepherd’s Pie and the glorious Sunday roast, British cuisine warms the heart and soul. From local pub fare to fine dining restaurants, menus here focus on fresh, locally sourced produce.

Enjoy the decadent ritual of “afternoon tea” in the Grecian Hall at Castle Howard and embark on a whisky tasting in Edinburgh. A highlight of your culinary journey is lunch at the Michelin-starred the Olive Tree restaurant in Bath. With a commitment to seasonality and utilizing local produce, Head Chef Chris Cleghorn uses his award-winning skills to showcase both the best of Bath and the best of British cuisine. Menus are comprised of fresh and seasonal dishes, with an unusual edge to what you would think are simple flavors.

Read more: 5 Michelin star chefs celebrating local culture through food

Royal Scotsman Extension

The perfect complement to your British Royale tour, why not extend with one of our timeless luxury train journeys. Board the Royal Scotsman in Edinburgh for a spectacular journey to the Scottish Highlands, stopping at distilleries, castles and quaint villages along the way. This iconic train combines Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house, with the best of Scottish gastronomy and traditional live entertainment on board.

If you’re searching for an unforgettable destination for 2023, why not make British Royale your next journey of a lifetime. Or browse our full collection of luxury guided tours.

Eating what’s in season celebrates the best of what’s fresh as well as benefits your health and the environment. What is seasonal eating?  One of our Luxury Gold hosts who’s happy to answer that question and who lives, breathes—and cooks—this philosophy is Tracey of Tracey’s Farmhouse. We’d like to introduce you to Tracey and the warm, home-hosted meal and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you can expect in her cottage on our Ultimate Ireland tour. As we celebrated World Food Day on October 16th, a chat with Tracey highlights why eating what’s in season is so important. 

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The experience 

In Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough just a half hour from Belfast, you can find Tracey stepping out of her 17th Century thatched cottage on the water’s edge to greet arriving guests. With an easy smile and the aim to “make the guests feel as much at home as I can,” Tracey extends a heartfelt welcome. Once inside Tracey’s cozy home, guests sit down to coffee, tea and Soda Bannock freshly baked.  

@traceysfarmhousekitchen

After settling in, Tracey offers a 15–20-minute demonstration of how to make traditional Irish soda bread. With just two ingredients—buttermilk and flour—that aren’t weighed or measured, Tracey’s recipe is a testament to how a few fresh, local ingredients are all you need for a delicious dish. One or two guests lend a hand as Tracey cooks the bread on the griddle. Guests can also get involved in making lunch before the meal is shared. The fresh-off-the griddle bread is topped with butter “from a little farm down the road” that was even used for Harry and Megan’s wedding. Paired with the best of what’s in season, a meal at Tracey’s Farmhouse is a congenial feast celebrating the best of what’s good right here, right now.     

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What guests love about it 

Beyond the fresh baked bread, local butter and hearty meal, Tracey comments that guests say, “we feel we’ve shared your home with you.” The family atmosphere is what makes the experience and what Tracey deliberately weaves into the visit. She takes guests down to her garden and gives them the opportunity to pick eggs and help with the hens. “They love the interaction with the animals,” she notes. A visit to Tracey’s Farmhouse is the type of authentic travel experience guests seek out but can be hard to find. Tracey provides this experience—while supporting seasonal eating. 

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Why Tracey cooks and eats seasonally 

Why is eating what’s in season important? “The taste alone,” Tracey explains. “When you eat broccoli and cauliflower that hasn’t been flown in, the ingredients sing for themselves. They don’t need a sauce or a sprinkling of herbs.” From garden vegetables to that delicious butter from down the road, Tracey says, “I try to work with what I have and … base my menu around what’s available.” Eating what’s in season also supports the local producers, shops and the environment. “Because it’s seasonal then those foods are locally obtained” and “you’re cutting out travel.”  

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Why eating seasonally is better for your health 

Those locally obtained foods do a lot for our health, too. Foods that require travel to get to their destination often need additives or processing. When you’re eating seasonally, “you don’t have all the preservatives or additives,” Tracey points out. Tracey’s two-ingredient Irish soda bread is a perfect example. Because of the fresh, local ingredients and absence of preservatives, it may only be good for two days. But those two days of enhanced fresh flavors are worth her while. In fact, from tarts and cakes to soups and salads, Tracey’s always cooking up something for herself and her guests. 

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What Tracey’s eating now 

So, of course we had to ask Tracey what’s in season now. At the time of this conversation, an abundance of blackberries and black currents are keeping Tracey busy whipping up pies, tarts, crumbles and cakes of all kinds. For lunch and dinner fare, a bowl of homemade soup using vegetables from the garden accompanied by homemade bread is just right. Our mouths watering, we asked Tracey what’s good the rest of the year.  

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Fall 

As we move into cooler weather, you may be wondering what to eat in autumn. Tracey expects a good crop of Kohlrabi, cabbage and apples she’ll use in a crumble. Rhubarb is especially good in late summer and early fall as Tracey comments, “Your guests seem to love the idea of rhubarb.” 

@traceysfarmhousekitchen

Winter 

Winter in Northern Ireland brings chestnuts, Brussel sprouts and root vegetables that will make their way into savory tarts and soups. Deciding what to eat in winter can be as simple as digging a bit in the dirt to find that brightly colored carrot, beet or parsnip. 

Spring  

What to eat in spring is easily answered with a hearty crop of spring greens perfect for salads. The rhubarb that Luxury Gold guests have come to love also makes its first appearance in spring. 

Summer  

Tracey tackles what to eat in summer by cooking lighter fare from simple salads to tarts using vegetables from the garden. Some of her favorites are spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot leaves, nasturtium flower, radishes and red onion.  

@traceysfarmhousekitchen

The mighty spud 

It may come as no surprise that in Northern Ireland potatoes are a favorite local staple all year long. Tracey has a particular spring favorite, the Comber Earlies. These small potatoes are so tasty on their own. All Tracey says you need to do is “wipe the soil off and steam with a little bit of salt with scallion or spring onions.” Sounds delicious to me, Tracey. We hope to see you at Tracey’s Farmhouse soon. 

Where will your Britain and Ireland travels take you? 

The exquisite Ashford Castle hotel majestically presides over a 350-acre estate in County Mayo, Ireland. Home to landscaped gardens, ancient woodland and an emerald lake, the lands are also a sanctuary for the Irish native black bee.

A key part of the hotel’s sustainability strategy, we caught up with Ashford Castle beekeeper Steve Watson Oughterard to learn more about the hives and their residents.

Ashford Castle

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Quaint in size but grand in character, the pretty village of Cong in County Mayo houses the famous Ashford Castle. Formerly home to the Guinness family, this luxury hotel boasts sumptuous rooms, antique furniture and unique historic features at every turn. Set upon an idyllic 350-acre estate, making it a dreamy location for a relaxing and picturesque retreat.

Travel with Luxury Gold and on arrival a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Dine like royalty in Ashford Castle hotel’s esteemed George V Dining Room. Built specially for King George V in 1905, this room bestows a grand sense of occasion. During your stay, choose to take part in a unique falconry experience at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland. And enjoy the spa. And buy and eat honey for your breakfast.

Discover this on: Castles & Kingdoms, Ultimate Ireland

Read more: Ashford Castle: An idyllic country escape

Honey, hives and sustainability

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Ashford Castle is a Red Carnation Hotel, a family-run collection of 19 exceptional properties around the world. Unique and special, The Red Carnation Hotels share a strong commitment to sustainability. As part of the TTC Family of brands they work together with the Treadright Foundation to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®.

Seeking to minimise environmental impact, hives are installed across Red Carnation hotels. Not only preserving the precious honeybee, this contributes to the pollination of surrounding ecosystems. Each hive enriches an area of up to three miles around it, in turn dramatically reducing  food miles. The hives are part of the hotels’ commitment to using local ingredients and to preserving the environment.

The beehives of Ashford Castle are buzzing with activity. Here the bees of Ashford Castle Estate have been busy making fresh Irish honey from the nectar of Cong’s local flowers and plants. Hives of native black bees have been encouraged to make the castle grounds their home, and are taken care of by beekeeper Steve Watson Oughterard and a dedicated team.

Related content: Geneva’s Hotel d’Angleterre is a hotel committed to positive change

Meet the native Irish black bee

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“There are 100 bee species native to Ireland,” Steve explains. “Twenty-one of these are bumblebees and 78 species of solitary bees. However, there is only one Honey bee native to Ireland and that is the native Irish black bee. It is believed that the native Irish black bee was established in Ireland between 4,000 to 10,000 years ago.

“The native Irish black bee has a number of characteristics and adaptations that contribute to it being an ideal fit to its Irish environment. Firstly foraging. They will fly at temperatures as low as 5.5°C (46°F) and even in drizzle or light rain (particularly important in Ireland!). Secondly overwintering. The bees are efficient thermo-regulators and are built for effective heat retention during long winters.

“Thirdly there is thriftiness. The queen attunes her egg-laying to the weather patterns. She pauses earlier in autumn to ensure there are no unnecessary mouths to feed overwinter, so the winter cluster has plenty to survive on until the following spring. And lastly, Propolis. The native black bee is an avid producer of this dark brown, resin-like material. It is used for structural stability and protection of the colony from the elements. It also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.”

Planting a bee paradise 

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 “In Ireland the importance of bees as pollinators of crops and native plant species cannot be overstated,” Steve tells us. “It is estimated that almost three quarters of our Irish wild plants rely on insect pollinators, of which bees are most important.

“Around Ashford Castle some of the most important forage plants for the Honey bees include dandelion early in the year, bramble and clover mid-summer and ivy in the autumn. However, a wide variety of flowers and trees in the area are foraged for their nectar and pollen. The Castle’s sustainability, conservation and re-wilding policies have contributed immensely to the success of our Honey bee hives, along with all pollinators and general biodiversity on the estate.”

Read more: The 10 most beautiful villages and small towns in Britain & Ireland

On become a beekeeper

@ashfordcastle

 “I became interested in beekeeping when I returned to Ireland after working throughout Australia for 15 years,” Steve explains.  “I took an introductory course to beekeeping and started off with two hives, which grew to five by the end of that year, 15 the following year and so on….. suffice to say I was hooked and now manage in excess of 100 hives.

“It is a challenging and particularly interesting pursuit, as every day with the bees is a learning day. Even in winter when there is no direct work with the bees, I am busy as I am currently studying for a diploma in apiculture.

“My role as beekeeper at Ashford Castle hotel is to manage the hives in our apiary throughout the year. The vast majority of my time is spent there between mid-spring and early autumn. I will typically check each hive every 7-10 days. This involves checking the queen is present and/or laying, ensuring there is adequate stores and room in each hive and looking for any evidence of disease.

“Early summer can be particularly busy with swarm control measures. Usually, the honey crop is taken off towards the end of August and I take it back to my purpose-built honey room for extraction and bottling. I don’t remove all the honey and leave the bees with adequate stores for the winter; however, they will also continue to store ivy honey up until November.”

The secret to delicious Ashford honey?

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“There is no secret to the delicious Ashford honey” Steve tells us. “It is 100% from the flowers and trees in the area. I do not feed the bees any sugar syrup at any point in the year. I also practice a natural method of beekeeping where I do not treat with any chemicals for disease, instead use integrated pest management, re-queening and brood break techniques amongst others.”

Related content: The Roaming Boomers on traveling to Ireland with Luxury Gold

Ensuring the future of the native Irish black bee

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“Preservation of our native Irish black bee is of great importance,” Steve emphasizes. “Aside from its significance as a pollinator, it is our only native Honey bee and uniquely adapted to our climate and conditions. It is threatened by hybridization with imported strains of non-native Honey bee, which also carries the risk of introducing foreign pathogens and parasites that could devastate our honey bee (and other bee) populations.”

How you can help

“One third of our bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland,” Ashford Castle beekeeper Steve explains. “This is due to reduction in the number of trees, flowers and safe nesting sites in our landscapes.

“As a beekeeper, however, I like to keep it simple. Stop using pesticides and herbicides, sow more native plant species in your garden and allow some areas of garden to re-wild. In the end, I believe, measures that benefit Honey bees tend to benefit pollinators in general and so we all win.”

Related content: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

Spend two nights at Ashford Castle on our Castles & Kingdoms and Ultimate Ireland luxury guided tours. Taste the delicious honey for yourselves and maybe purchase some to take home as a treat for family and friends. And know through your visit that you are helping preserve nature for future generations.