The Countryside Guide

Humphreys at Blenheim Palace:

Humphreys at Blenheim Palace: Episode 5

In our concluding episode of Humphreys at Blenheim Palace, we focus on the 'Greatest Briton', Winston Churchill. A man who famously made his two best decisions at his beloved Blenheim Palace; to b..

Humphreys at Blenheim Palace: Episode 4

This week we are joined by Christopher Cooke who is under-butler to the current 12th Duke of Marlborough. Christopher shares some very personal insights into working at Blenheim Palace, fulfilling..

Humphreys at Blenheim Palace: Episode 3

This week's episode focuses on the beautiful gardens, another of Lancelot Capability Brown's great achievements. Learn about how he suggested flooding the lake to make use of the Grand Bridge, whi..

Humphreys at Blenheim Palace: Episode 2

Join us for a sneak peek behind the grand doors of Blenheim Palace as we take you on a virtual tour of the beautiful palace interior. Including the Grand Hall, Saloon and the Long Library - the se..

Humphreys at Blenheim Palace: Episode 1

We are delighted to share with you our first episode of our wonderful time spent at Blenheim Palace. Episode 1 starts with an insight into the history of Blenheim, the first Duke..

Humphreys at Highcere Castle:

Humphreys at Highclere: Episode Nine

Explore the stunning parkland of Highclere Castle and the impact that Lancelot "Capability" Brown had when he created the sweeping views from the Castle. If you are interested in fi..

Humphreys at Highclere: Episode Eight

Lady Carnarvon presents the 'Heart of Highclere'. If you are interested in finding out more about Highclere Castle we have created some interesting guides and Humphreys of Henley TV..

Humphreys at Highclere: Episode Seven

Highlighting the incredible discovery when 5th Earl of Carnarvon who famously uncovered the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in 1922 with his archaeological colleague, Howard Carter...

Humphreys at Highclere: Episode Six

Discover the role that Highclere Castle played throughout both World Wars, and how Lady Carnarvon is planning to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, on 8th May 2020. If you ar..

Humphreys at Highclere: Episode Five

The first of our fabulous guided tours of the state rooms with Lady Carnarvon sharing the love for her home. If you are interested in finding out more about Highclere Castle we have..

Humphreys at Highclere: Episode Four

The view from the Library to Jackdaws castle is truly magical. Dating back to 1743, discover how to gardens at Highclere Castle have transformed over time into the gardens you see today. ..

Humphreys at Highclere: Episode Three

How do you preserve one of our national treasures? Lady Carnarvon shares her aspirations and ideas for helping sustain our love for Highclere Castle. If you are interested in findin..

Humphreys at Highclere: Episode Two

Delve into the inside of Highclere Castle and its importance as the iconic Downton Abbey. From the room where Mathew Crawley walked again for the first time, discover what Lady Carnarvon referred ..

Humphreys at Highclere Episode One

“I'm a farmers wife!” Lady Carnarvon The first episode is here! We explore the magnificent interior of Highclere Castle and the history behind the rooms we have grown to love, accompanied by ..

How much does a visit to Highclere Castle cost?

The wonderful thing about Highclere Castle is there are so many different options depending on the type of day that you'd like to have. If you go online, you can book tickets for one of the many o..

The 10 best things to do in the Cotswolds

The English Season:

Humphreys of Henley TV: Henley Royal Regatta

Races are won and lost... Pimms and champagne are flowing... records are broken and the fabulous atmosphere of the highlight of the English Season can be felt everywhere. Henley Royal Regatta,..

What are the highlights of Henley Regatta?

Boaters and blazers, Pimms and champagne, world class athletes and luxury river cruising - watch the highlights of the year..

What events form part of the The English Season?

The English social season starts in March with the wonderful Cheltenham Festival and usually finishes with the Goodwood Revival in September. We are going to share some of the fabulous events that..

What is there to do at Henley Regatta?

Henley Royal Regatta is the most famous regatta in the world and is the perfect combination of British eccentricity and world class sport. For a glorious 5 days, thousands of spectators flock..

What are the Best Ways to Enjoy Henley Regatta?

Henley Regatta is one of the most wonderfully English events and there are a number of ways to make the most of being there, although it’s not always obvious which to choose. If you choose to..

What to wear to Henley Regatta: Stewards Enclosure

First held in 1839, the Regatta proved to be so successful that it expanded from one day to two the following year. As the Regatta’s popularity has grown, it has continued to expand and sinc..

What to do in the English Countryside: Henley Regatta

Countryside concierge at it's finest. The champagne is flowing, the best rowers in the world battle for supremacy and the Henley does the English Season in style..

The Best of the British Countryside:

Humphreys of Henley TV: Crockers

Crockers (http://henley.crockersuk.com/) is a fabulous addition to Henley on Thames, and all foodies should be very excited. Luke, the CEO and founder, takes a refreshingly different approach ..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Aberystwyth

Croeso i Gymru – Welcome to Wales! We had a wonderful long weekend in Aberystwyth, a beautiful coastal town on the west coast of Wales, and we wholeheartedly recommend a visit. If you ..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Britain's smallest city

Wells is the smallest city in England and it really proves the point that good things come in small packages - it’s beautiful! Whether you want to marvel at the breathtaking architecture of th..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Cheddar Gorge

Welcome to Cheddar Gorge (https://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/) in the heart of Somerset (https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/). The biggest gorge in the UK at 3 miles long and 400ft deep, it’s seriously i..

Compare the best English Castles and Palaces: Blenheim, Highclere and Windsor

15 Very English Things to Try for the First Time

3 luxurious countryside spas you should know about

5 sensational travel podcasts to soothe your wanderlust

How to get the best of your trip to Oxford or Cambridge

Somerset: What to see on a restful weekend in Wells

On the southern edge of the Mendips sits Wells, a beautiful historic, cathedral city, in Somerset. Remaining almost unspoilt by modernity, Wells has just 12,000 inhabitants, making it the smallest city you will find in the UK, which is perfect for a rather relaxing and intimate getaway.

The 10 best things to do in the Chilterns

The 10 best things to do in the Cotswolds

The 5 best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds

The 5 best pubs in the Cotswolds

The 5 luxury country pursuits you have to know about!

Hotels:

English Countryside Restaurants: Phyllis Court Club, Cromwells Restaurant

We present Cromwells: the perfect combination of a riverside members club with pop-up fine dining. Phyllis Court, an elegant mansion set in 18 acres of grounds and lawns sweeping down to the r..

Where to stay in the English Countryside: Danesfield House Gardens and Spa

A second welcome to Danesfield House. The gardens and Spa at Danesfield definitely deserve an episode on their own...

Where to stay in the English Countryside: Danesfield House Hotel

Welcome to Danesfield House, a beautiful country house hotel set in 65 acres between the lovely market towns of Henley on Thames and Marlow...

Where to stay in the English Countryside: Phyllis Court Club

Phyllis Court was created as the social and sporting headquarters for the river. This vision has been wonderfully realised and it is so very appropriate that this elegant headquarters is in Henley..

English Countryside Hotel: Review of Danesfield House Hotel

Welcome to Danesfield House, a beautiful country house hotel set in 65 acres between the lovely market towns of Henley on Thames and Marlow, and the perfect base for a visit to Henley Regatta. ..

Where to stay in the English Countryside: Stoke Park Hotel and Country Club

One of the wonderful decisions to make when travelling to England is where to stay, and one of the delights of the countryside is the choice beautiful country house style hotels that are oozing wi..

Where to stay in the English Countryside: Phyllis Court

Phyllis Court Club is a traditional private members club in the heart of Henley on Thames. This elegant historic mansion is set in 18 acres of land with lawns sweeping down to the river. I..

The 5 best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds

English Traditions:

The Six Nations Championship

The Six Nations Championship, one of the biggest dates in the rugby union calendar, kicks off at the beginning of February and the best teams in Europe will battle to achieve the glory of win..

The best of the Festive Season in the English Countryside

As we enter into the festive season, we are delighted to share with you some of the fantastic events happening throughout November and December. There is no better time to start pla..

What are the best things to do in the early autumn?

There are some fabulous events taking place over late summer and early autumn and if you are planning a visit, there really is something to meet everyone’s tastes. Food and fashion feature pr..

The traditions of Swan Upping

Experience the beautiful Royal tradition from the 14th Century, where the royal skiffs count the number of swans along the River Thames. However, the focus of this census is now on conservation an..

The Royal Traditions of Swan Upping

We are delighted to be sharing a very special event with you – Swan Upping, the annual census of the swan population. The origin of Swan Upping was a primarily ceremonial event from the 12th ..

What events form part of the The English Season?

The English social season starts in March with the wonderful Cheltenham Festival and usually finishes with the Goodwood Revival in September. We are going to share some of the fabulous events that..

What are the best things to do the English Countryside

What would the perfect day out in the English countryside include? Of course, the answer to this question completely depends on your interests and the style of travel you enjoy. Some vis..

Humphreys Highlight: Christmas

With only 4 months until the 'big day' we wanted to share with you some of our favourite festive experiences. We humbly believe that the UK does Christmas very well indeed, and with the major..

Your exclusive luxury weekend away game shooting in the UK

The Glorious Twelfth is upon us and it is time once again for the start of the Grouse shooting season, here in the UK.

Experiences:

Humphreys of Henley TV: Henley Royal Regatta

Races are won and lost... Pimms and champagne are flowing... records are broken and the fabulous atmosphere of the highlight of the English Season can be felt everywhere. Henley Royal Regatta,..

History of Football

As Manchester United and Chelsea players take to the pitch this Saturday 8th February 2020, they are playing a game that has a rich and rather lethal history. Football, also known as socce..

The Six Nations Championship

The Six Nations Championship, one of the biggest dates in the rugby union calendar, kicks off at the beginning of February and the best teams in Europe will battle to achieve the glory of win..

What to do in the English Countryside: Experience the sport of British Aristocracy

Dating back to the 1840s driven game shooting is a discipline that used to be exclusively for the aristocracy and the land of gentry. This is no longer the case and the traditions and etiquette of..

The best things about Cardiff

From exceptional matches for keen rugby fans, to the historical castle and the cosmopolitan development of the Cardiff Bay docklands, the capital city of Wales has something for everyone and is on..

What to do in the English Countryside: Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming has really taken off over the last few years. Sport England said that last year, over 4 million people took the plunge in rivers and lakes locally to them. As a result, some fa..

Review of English Countryside Restaurants

This week we share our favourite countryside restaurants. From Michelin Star Restaurants to country pubs there is something for all occasions! If you would like us to arrange something f..

What to do in the English Countryside: Open Water Swimming

As open water swimming continues to grow in popularity, immerse yourself in one of the most famous Rivers in the world, the River Thames and witness the rush of endorphins involved in open water s..

What to do in the English Countryside: Cycling through the Chilterns

Leave the city behind as you explore the breathtaking views of the countryside on two wheels. Whether you are an experiences rider or haven't been on a bike for years, an e-bike tour is the perfec..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Chiltern Vineyard and Brewery

Based near Henley on Thames, Old Luxters is home to Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery. A family run business since 1982, Chiltern Valley is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlookin..

The best Autumn Events in the English Countryside

Although the summer season is coming to a close, there are plenty of fabulous events taking place over the next few months. From food and fashion, to sport and super cars there really is something..

What to do in the English Countryside: 10 facts to know about Polo

Polo is the oldest equestrian sport: the first games played in Persia (Iran) date back to the 6th century BC and were used as part of military training The first Europeans to play polo were Britis..

Can I have afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace with Her Majesty The Queen?

We can't guarantee cucumber sandwiches with the Queen but there are some wonderful royal experiences to enjoy. If you would like to arrange a trip to Buckingham Palace please enquire with us (..

What are The Best Classic and Super Cars Shows?

If you are a classic car lover, September is the month to be in the UK. Many of the world’s most beautiful classic cars will be on display in two of the most stunning settings in the English count..

What are the best food experiences in England?

Food is a huge passion for so many of us living the countryside, whether we are growing it, foraging for it or eating it in one of the many fabulous Michelin starred restaurants. There i..

What are the best falconry experiences?

One hundred years ago falconry was almost extinct in Britain. Using birds of prey to kill for food had been replaced by other methods, but gradually there has been a revival and we have developed ..

What can I do on the River Thames?

The 165th Boat Race in April 2019 was another fantastic display of sheer grit and determination as the Oxford and Cambridge crews gave their all in this annual battle on the Thames. The Cambridge ..

Where can I watch cricket in England?

Sir Paul Getty remarked that the opening of the cricket ground at his beautiful Wormsley Estate, when both John Major, the prime minister, and the Queen Mother joined him for tea in his pavi..

What happens at the Badminton Horse Trials?

The Duke of Beaufort hosted the 70th Badminton Horse trials at his beautiful estate in Gloucestershire in 2019. The event attracts the elite of the equestrian world and tens of thousands..

Where are the best film and TV locations to visit in England?

At the heart of the Hambleden Valley, nestling in the heart of the Chilterns is Hambleden Village. Many visitors use the village as the starting point for fabulous walks exploring the Valley. ..

How much does a day in Windsor cost?

Windsor offers so many wonderful options for a lovely day out, and you can design the day to suit your budget, your plans and interests. The starting point is quite simply to jump in a car or get ..

Tiger Moth Experience Testimonial

If you would like us to arrange a similar experience for you, please contact us (/chat-to-us)...

Historic Locations:

Humphreys of Henley TV: Britain's smallest city

Wells is the smallest city in England and it really proves the point that good things come in small packages - it’s beautiful! Whether you want to marvel at the breathtaking architecture of th..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Cheddar Gorge

English Countryside at Christmas: Bath Christmas Market

A visit to the world famous Bath Christmas Market to embrace the festive spirit and discover the magic of Bath. If you would like to arrange a stay in Bath with a trip to the Christmas markets..

The best things about Cardiff

From exceptional matches for keen rugby fans, to the historical castle and the cosmopolitan development of the Cardiff Bay docklands, the capital city of Wales has something for everyone and is on..

Where was The Crown filmed?

The much anticipated series 3 of The Crown starts on Sunday and both the plot lines and stars are making a lot of headlines What happened when the Duchess of Windsor stayed at Buckingham Palac..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Waddesdon Manor

First opened to the public in 1959, Waddesdon Manor is a beautiful French Renaissance château, built in the 19th century, and filled with royal treasures. This episode will focus on the incr..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Review of Downton Abbey the Movie

The Downton Abbey movie has been described as “delightful fun" by the BBC’s Caryn James. She goes on to say “The movie is so sumptuous and enticing... It fulfils the longing not just for a lost ag..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Stonor Park Part 2

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Stonor Park Part 1

Stonor Park has been the Stonor family’s residence for 850 years, making it one of the oldest family homes still lived in today. The historic building and sweeping grounds are breathtaking a..

What to do in the English Countryside: The Globe at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace hosts a range of events over the year which provide a magical experience for all guests. Currently, in the beautiful ground of Blenheim Palace experience the fantastic addition of ..

What are the best things to do at Stonor Park?

Having heard the incredible history of the estate and the Stonor family, you’re probably now planning to find a time to visit and, just in case you need any more incentive, we’re going to share wi..

What is the history of Stonor Park?

Stonor Park is a magnificent manor house in stunning parkland set in the heart of the Chiltern hills, it also boasts an incredible history stretching back over the last 850 years. We are incr..

Places to visit in the English Countryside: The History of Highclere Castle

Sir Robert Sawyer, the ancestor of the Earl of Carnarvon, purchased the Highclere estate in 1679. He was to become the Attorney General and his descendent, Henry Herbert who inherited the estate i..

Ten Secrets of Downton Abbey

Dame Maggie Smith, who portrayed Violet Crawley so brilliantly throughout, never watched an episode of Downton Abbey. Dame Maggie said that she didn’t want to spot all of the mistakes that she had m..

What is the history of Blenheim Palace?

“At Blenheim I took two very important decisions; to be born and to marry. I am content with the decision I took on both occasions.” Sir Winston Churchill commenting on the home in which he spent ..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: 10 things to know about Stonehenge

Stonehenge has just been voted Number One in the list of the top 20 places to visit in the UK, as revealed by the TV programme, Britain’s Greatest National Treasures. It is probably the world..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Chavenage House

You will receive the warmest of welcomes at Chavenage House in Gloucestershire, and you will feel as though you have travelled through history as the secrets of the house unfold...

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Chavenage House review

The Humphreys team love visiting England's stunning stately homes and our recent trip to Chavenage House, in Tetbury, Gloucestershire was a real treat. Chavenage is not only a beautiful Elizab..

What are the best ways to enjoy a great day in Windsor?

Windsor is not only a beautiful riverside town, it proudly boasts of royal connections for over 1000 years, although it was William the Conqueror who made full use of it’s strategic position..

How much does a day in Oxford cost?

Oxford is a truly wonderful place to visit and has something for everybody, whatever your budget and however you would like to see it. If you want to just turn up and join one of the group tours t..

How much does a day in Windsor cost?

Windsor offers so many wonderful options for a lovely day out, and you can design the day to suit your budget, your plans and interests. The starting point is quite simply to jump in a car or get ..

How much does a visit to Highclere Castle cost?

The wonderful thing about Highclere Castle is there are so many different options depending on the type of day that you'd like to have. If you go online, you can book tickets for one of the many o..

How much is a Stonehenge ticket?

You can choose to visit Stonehenge in a number of different ways. If you just want to have a lovely, gentle wander round on your own at leisure, then you can book a ticket online for your chosen d..

What's the cost of a trip to Blenheim?

The wonderful thing about going to Blenheim is that there is truly something for everyone. From the price of a simple entrance ticket, which will enable you to explore the magnificent palace..

English towns & villages:

Humphreys of Henley TV: Crockers

Crockers (http://henley.crockersuk.com/) is a fabulous addition to Henley on Thames, and all foodies should be very excited. Luke, the CEO and founder, takes a refreshingly different approach ..

Humphreys Highlight: The Wonder of the British Waterways

The waterways of Britain offer a multitude of options whether for a luxurious river cruise with afternoon tea through to traversing the countryside via our stunning canals. Here are just ..

Things to do in the English Countryside: The Chilterns

If you are interested in finding out more about The Chilterns we have created some interesting guides for you here: The 10 best things to do in The Chilterns (https://www.humphreysofhenley.co.u..

English Countryside Villages: Hambleden Village

Being the star on the large and small screen offers plenty of reason to visit the Chilterns and Cotswolds, but if you look around, the countryside itself offers the very best reason to come. H..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Henley on Thames part two

A warm welcome to Henley on Thames. The Humphreys team feel very lucky to be based in this beautiful riverside town because whatever the season, the town and surrounding countryside are England at..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Henley on Thames part one

The Humphreys team feel very lucky to be based in this beautiful riverside town because whatever the season, the town and surrounding countryside are England at its best…and there is very g..

Where to visit in the English Countryside: Hurley

Jerome K Jerome, author of Three Men in a Boat, said “I often thought I could stay a month without having sufficient time to drink in all the beauty of the scene.” However long you have, Hurley is..

The Best English Countryside Villages: Hurley

Welcome to Hurley! Some of you might know Hurley as the creator or rather eye catching surf gear, but to us it’s a beautiful village just a few miles downstream from Henley on Thames (https://www...

Humphreys of Henley TV: Brighton Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion is an exotic palace in the heart of the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regen..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Salisbury

Amazing art, architecture and archaeology are all in abundance in and around the beautiful Wiltshire city of Salisbury. Salisbury cathedral is celebrating its 800th birthday this year and sits..

Stratford-upon-Avon

The charming Tudor town, built on the banks of the Avon River, Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The renowned poet and playwright lived in the town during..

The 5 best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds

The 5 best pubs in the Cotswolds

Concierge at its finest:

Humphreys Highlight: The Wonder of the British Waterways

The waterways of Britain offer a multitude of options whether for a luxurious river cruise with afternoon tea through to traversing the countryside via our stunning canals. Here are just ..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Britain's smallest city

Wells is the smallest city in England and it really proves the point that good things come in small packages - it’s beautiful! Whether you want to marvel at the breathtaking architecture of th..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Cheddar Gorge

Humphreys of Henley TV: Indulgence without compromising your safety

This week we wanted to share an insight into the safety measures currently in place to reassure travellers that whilst we are living in a time of caution there is still plenty of options to allow ..

Humphreys of Henley TV: 4th July Celebrations

We have finally received the news that we have all been waiting for, the further easements of restrictions across the UK as we plan to return life to as near normal as we can. On 4th July, we..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Staycation or Vacation

We've spent lock down innovating, researching, creating and fine tuning all the very best experiences and destinations still safe and available. Whether you're after a bit of adventure and wou..

Humphreys of Henley TV: Era of Indulgence

What does that Era of Indulgence mean to you? After three months of stillness and anticipation, we are getting excited about planning trips once again. We believe that with safety being fo..

Planning your visit to the English Countryside

Autumn is one of our favourite times of the year. Not only is it John Keat’s season of mist and mellow fruitfulness with all of the beautiful changing colours, it is the time when our clients are ..

How to see the English Countryside: Planning your visit to the UK

Many of our clients and travel agents ask us how best is it to work together? Humphreys of Henley TV this week looks at how we can assist you in planning the perfect visit to the UK. Her..

Can I have afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace with Her Majesty The Queen?

We can't guarantee cucumber sandwiches with the Queen but there are some wonderful royal experiences to enjoy. If you would like to arrange a trip to Buckingham Palace please enquire with us (..

How to see the English Countryside: Do concierge services cost more?

The Problems and Solutions of Working with a Concierge Service: Part One We think that caution is a very natural emotion when working with a concierge company for the first time or starting to w..

How to see the English Countryside: How do I guarantee that I'll get the best service?

The Problems and Solutions of working with Concierge Companies We think that caution is a very natural emotion when working with a concierge company for the first time or starting to work with one..

How to see the English Countryside: How much do concierge companies charge for their services?

As you can imagine, this is a difficult question to answer, as there are many types of concierge services available, many offering different services -Lifestyle Family requirements Vet..

How to visit to the English Countryside: The challenges of trusting your concierge service

The Problems and Solutions of Working with a Concierge Service: Part Four We think that caution is a very natural emotion when working with a concierge company for the first time or starting to wo..

How to work with a concierge service

The Problems and Solutions of Working with a Concierge Service: Part Three We think that caution is a very natural emotion when working with a concierge company for the first time or starting to w..

What to see in the English Countryside: How do I plan the best itinerary?

The Problems and Solutions of Working with a Concierge Service: Part Two We think that caution is a very natural emotion when working with a concierge company for the first time or starting ..

Why visit the English countryside?

It’s clear to see why the major cities of the world are such popular tourist attractions. They feature iconic attractions (for example the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace in London or the Eif..

How much does a day in Oxford cost?

Oxford is a truly wonderful place to visit and has something for everybody, whatever your budget and however you would like to see it. If you want to just turn up and join one of the group tours t..

How much is a Stonehenge ticket?

You can choose to visit Stonehenge in a number of different ways. If you just want to have a lovely, gentle wander round on your own at leisure, then you can book a ticket online for your chosen d..

The best vacation itinerary in the English Countryside

What to Consider When Arranging Your Ideal Getaway If you have never spent time in the English countryside before, it can feel as intimidating as planning a trip to another country. What should yo..