Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rd. (
&
01572/722952;
www.chedwich.co.uk). On Wednesdays and Saturdays,
Oakham also holds an open-air
market
in its main square.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Leicester's new
Cultural Quarter
(http://cqart.leicester.gov.uk) includes
Phoenix
Square,
Midland Street (
&
01162/422800;
www.phoenix.org.uk), showcasing film and
digital media, and the new
Curve Theatre,
Rutland Street (
&
0116/242-3595;
www.
curveonline.co.uk), for plays, comedy, and family shows. Otherwise, Leicester is a lively
enough city for nightlife, partly by virtue of its large student population. For events, see
http://whatson.oneleicester.com
, or pick up flyers in record stores and boutiques.
Where to Stay
For
Beech House
(part of the Olive Branch restaurants) in Rutland, see p. 557. For
Maiyango
in Leicester and
Lake Isle
in Rutland, see p. 557. For the
YHA
National Forest,
just inside Derbyshire, see p. 543.
Champneys Springs
The biggest name in “health farms” in the U.K.,
Champneys with its four venues (the others are in Bedfordshire, Hampshire, and
Hertfordshire) was around long before hotel spas became a global obsession. Though
the venue is modern and standard-category rooms are on the functional side (albeit
bright and clean), the expertise comes through in the facilities and treatments—
there's a dizzying choice of more than 100 traditional, alternative, and advanced
therapies using products by the likes of Clarins and Elemis. The beautiful country-
side setting on the edge of the National Forest will aid in your relaxation—guests are
free to stroll in the parkland with its four lakes. Overnight packages include use of all
facilities and participation in most fitness classes, buffet breakfast (cooked breakfast
is extra), lunch, and a three-course evening meal (drinks extra); day packages are also
available for those staying nearby.
Gallows Lane, near Packington, Leicestershire LE12 7HD. www.champneys.com.
&
0843/316-2222.
89
units. From £129pp double, including meals. MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; cafe; bike
rental; gym; indoor pool; whirlpool; thalassotherapy pool; spa with sauna and steam rooms; classes;
shops; hairdressers; tennis court; golf range.
In room:
TV.
The Dandelion Hideaway
Since spring 2011, lovely Osbaston House
Farm (mainly goat breeding) on the fringes of the National Forest less than 3 miles from
Bosworth Battlefield has offered family fun with a vintage country-chic twist in five
canvas “cottages,” all with fabulous countryside views. Included in a break here are
child-oriented tours of the premises by the farmer, and some guest families are desig-
nated as keepers of the hen coop for their stay (everyone can help themselves to freshly
laid eggs). The electricity-free, tent-like structures have wood-burning stoves, old-
fashioned “slipper” baths, and for entertainment an explorer's trunk with binoculars for
spotting rabbits, hares, buzzards, badgers, and perhaps even barn owls (there's an on-
site nature hide), I-spy books to help you identify insects, birds, and trees, a magnifying
glass, and classic card and board games. Each sleeps up to six in two regular bedrooms
and a secret wooden cabin within the cottage, much loved by children.
Lount Rd., Osbaston, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 0HR. www.thedandelionhideaway.co.uk.
&
01455/
291291.
5 units. £296-£589 3-night weekend stay, £241-£539 4-night midweek stay, £436-£846 1-week
stay. MC, V.
Amenities:
Honesty shop and library area; farm tours.
In room:
kitchen, BBQ, games and
activities chest, baby equipment (some at extra charge).
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