Our writer visits Mersea Island in Essex for a stay at the wonderfully cosy White Hart Inn Words by Kate Lott Twice a day, Essex’s Mersea Island experiences a high tide which can flood the only road linking it with the UK mainland. After a memorable overnight trip to Mersea, I was rather hoping a flooded causeway might force me to prolong my stay for a few more hours.  The White Hart Inn. Credit: Oliver Suckling – CliQQ Studios No such luck. I hadn’t heard of Mersea Island before visiting the White Hart Inn, a recently renovated pub with rooms in the village of West Mersea. It’s probably ..read more

How did a man born in Cappadocia in AD 270 become the patron saint of England? Here are 10 facts about St George’s Day. As the nation celebrates St George’s Day, here are 10 things you might not know about England’s patron saint. St George 1. St George’s Day takes place on 23 April, which is traditionally accepted as being the date of his death in AD 303. 2. St George was beheaded for resigning his military post and protesting against his pagan leader, the Emperor Diocletian (245-313 AD), who led Rome’s persecution of Christians. 3. The Emperor’s wife was so inspired by St George’s bravery and ..read more

Here are 10 of the best historic hotels in the Cotswolds, according to the experts at The Good Hotel Guide With its gentle landscapes and picture-postcard villages, the Cotswolds AONB is rich in history, attested to in numerous hotels and inns. Here the editors of The Good Hotel Guide describe a few of the best properties with a past, from a spectacular Tudor Castle and a veritable Victorian palazzo, to a hostelry that hosted Charles I and his nemesis in the Civil War, and a pub that featured in a Harry Potter movie. Thornbury Castle, Thornbury, Gloucestershire Wonderfully atmospheric, this f ..read more

HUGGING THE THAMES, THE SOUTHERN STRETCH OF THIS ELEGANT BOROUGH TAKES IN THE EXCLUSIVE ADDRESSES OF OLD CHELSEA, AND GLAMOROUS WATERSIDE LIVING AT LOTS ROAD AND CHELSEA HARBOUR Chelsea needs no introduction. Affluent, charming, with chic boutiques, historical landmarks, pretty streets and thriving culture. “With its sophisticated atmosphere, Chelsea remains a sought-after destination for London’s elite,” says Thomas Middleditch, JLL residential Knightsbridge and Chelsea sales director. First impressions Chelsea Physic Garden It’s made up of not one, but a series of villages. “The southside ..read more

Welcome to the May/June 2024 issue of BRITAIN! Here’s what to expect from the new issue… Looking for some inspiration for your summer travels in Britain? We’ve travelled to the furthest reaches of the British Isles this issue to bring you page after page of beautiful landscapes and stirring stories. First, to the island of Jersey, whose French street names and balmy weather belie a proudly British spirit. At the opposite end of our shores, we go on the whisky trail in the Scottish Highlands and discover why Speyside is a wonderful place for a wee dram (or two).  Elsewhere this issue ..read more

From the world-famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to quirky traditions at the Tower of London, there is a spectacular calendar of ceremonial events in London. But what does this symbol-laden pageantry reveal about the city’s past? Words by Neil Jones Ceremonial events in London Changing of the Guard Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Credit:m Karol Kozlowski/AWL Images Foot Guards from the Household Division marching in their red tunics and bearskin hats for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a must-see for any visitor to London. Household Troops have gua ..read more

Home to more distilleries than any other part of Scotland, we go on the Speyside whisky trail to learn more about this distinctive spirit Words by Emma Gibbs Why is Speyside whisky so renowned? Wedged between the shimmering waters of the Moray Firth in the north and the brooding bulk of the Cairngorm Mountains in the south, Speyside is characterised by the wide, meandering River Spey that lends its name to the area. Skinny-legged trees line the watercourse, which is loomed over by hills for much of its journey – often dusted with snow in winter and carpeted in green in summer – and as you trav ..read more

A unique blend of English and French influences, fascinating Jersey, in the Channel Islands is a delight for history buffs Words Natasha Foges What are the Channel Islands? Tucked into the Bay of Saint-Malo, the Channel Islands may sit tête-à-tête with the coast of France, but these magical islands are resolutely British. The archipelago became part of the Anglo-Norman realm when William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066. In 1204, when King John lost Normandy to France, the islanders chose to remain loyal to the English Crown. They were granted the right to self-govern in return. Je ..read more

A unique blend of English and French influences, fascinating Jersey, in the Channel Islands is a delight for history buffs Words Natasha Foges What are the Channel Islands? Tucked into the Bay of Saint-Malo, the Channel Islands may sit tête-à-tête with the coast of France, but these magical islands are resolutely British. The archipelago became part of the Anglo-Norman realm when William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066. In 1204, when King John lost Normandy to France, the islanders chose to remain loyal to the English Crown. They were granted the right to self-govern in return. Je ..read more

With great transport links, a vibrant social scene and lush surrounds, this south-west london outpost is a tempting escape for city-based families seeking balance On a spring morning, you’ll find the streets and parks of Wandsworth busy with young families pushing buggies, often with a dog in tow. The sunrise runners will be on their way home as more gym-clad locals set off for padel. This leafy south-west London enclave is a healthy, happy haven and has just been awarded London Borough of Culture in 2025. First impressions @wandsworthtown Stewart Harrison, senior manager at John D Wood & ..read more