PRIVATE & BESPOKE TRAVEL

When is the best time to travel to the UK?

One of the wonderful things about the UK is the seasons. It is difficult to pick the best time to visit as each season has its own magic. From December to March it can be very cold, and certainly, in Scotland, it is wise to expect snow when the temperatures drop. Cosy evenings can be spent in front of open fires, enjoying good food and wine with friends and family. April to May is when there are real signs of new life with Spring and the daffodils are displaying their bright yellow flowers, lambs and calves are being born in great numbers and are cavorting around the fields. In the summer from June to August is when it is hottest and the evenings are long and can be spent outside enjoying the fresh smells of summer. The Autumn from September to November is equally wonderful with the leaves turning golden brown and slowly falling from the trees. Often there are beautiful, dry and crisp days that can be enjoyed outside exploring. In short, it is really a matter of opinion when it is best to visit!

Why is it better to use Loyd & Townsend Rose rather than booking with one of the properties direct?

At Loyd & Townsend Rose we have spent over 20 years as a tour operator building up our relationships with our very valued clients. The majority of our clients are people who have travelled with us before and they come back again and again because they have built up their trust in us as a luxury travel company. We know our suppliers well, the owners and their properties, and so we are able to give insightful advice to our clients to ensure that they find the best place/places to stay for their precious vacation. We have very high standards and we don’t compromise as we know what is important for each client and it is important for us to make the right recommendations.

What are the most popular activities that groups tend to enjoy when staying at a private house or castle?

We can organize almost anything you would like to do. However, the most popular activities tend to be anything from Land Rover safaris, quad biking, fly fishing, falconry, archery, canoeing to having a private Highland Games. Many of our guests enjoy having a private guide to take them around a nearby city and town whilst enjoying some good local food. Entertainment in the evening is often requested with private bands, local storytelling, magicians, casinos and traditional dancing being very popular.

If we have a multi-generational family group, how do you ensure that everyone has something to do?

We have organized lots of multi-generational family groups and are able to ensure that everyone has something to do. For example, the children can be experiencing bushcraft activities in the grounds of the country house or castle they are staying in, while their mothers are exploring a nearby city with an experienced guide and their fathers are enjoying a cycling tour of the local area. Grandparents might be visiting a local castle or stately home. We put together an itinerary to suit everyone.