Top Historical Holiday Spots And Cultural Destinations In Europe

Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire

Motoring up the long and, yes, sweeping drive to Hartwell House the first thing I noticed was that it has its own church and grounds that stretched as far as the eye could see. Clearly someone very important once lived there (it’s now owned by the National Trust) and MD Jonathan Thompson confirmed over drinks in the wood-panelled bar that almost 1000 years ago Hartwell was the seat of William the Conqueror’s son William, followed by John Earl Mortainge, who became King of England in 1199. The long list of characters who have owned or stayed at the house is fascinating, including King Louis XVIII of France, who resided there when in exile from1908-1814 (apparently he liked it, but his wife, Marie-Josephine hated the house and English weather). In later years it was owned by Earnest Cook (grandson of Thomas Cook) and during World War II was used by British and America troops. Nowadays the likes of Kylie and Jay Z are guests, but it hasn’t lost any of its original beauty, particularly the bedrooms. The enormous Royal Four Poster suite where King Louis XVIII used to stay is the one to book for a special treat; it’s one of the biggest suites I’ve seen and boasts a lounge, dressing table and views of the parkland.

Burgh Island, Devon

Burgh Island is another very special UK getaway with a fascinating past. An Art Deco hotel on a tiny island off the coast of south Devon, it’s possible to walk to it at low tide; otherwise a tractor has to transport you and your luggage across. Once there, it’s like stepping back in time, in fact little has changed since Agatha Christie and Noel Coward lived it up there in the 30s. Book the impossibly romantic Beach House, first built as a writer’s retreat for Agatha (she penned Evil Under The Sun and And Then There Were None here) and also where Wallis Simpson and Edward Windsor used to escape. Guests tend to dress up for dinner (dust down the tux and sequins), dance to jazz and play billiards into the small hours.

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Hôtel de la Cité, Carcassonne, France

I’m willing to face a barrage of criticism and say that this is my favourite historical getaway. Why? Well, it lies within the ramparts of one of France’s most magnificent Cathar castles and this isn’t just any old castle, it dates back to 100 BC when the Romans fortified the already inhabited hilltop with turrets, enormous gate and Basilica. In short, you’re staying in a medieval citidal, which is like something from Game of Thrones and has some serious history behind it, from the crusades (Carcassonne was a stronghold of the Cathars) to the 2nd world war. An overnight stay within the ramparts (when all the tourists have left) at Hotel de la Cite feels like a privilege, and although its packed with antiques, has a pool and an award-winning restaurant it’s really the location that makes it so special. I only spent one-night there, but it was enough to cast its spell.

Mandarin Oriental, Prague

A five-star hotel that occupies three former buildings from the Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance periods is an impressive renovation project by anyone’s standards. Madarin Oriental lies in the historic Mala Strana district and, although it’s been totally modernised, architects thoughtfully retained many beautiful features, like the soaring beamed and vaulted ceilings and parquet floors. The highlight of the hotel is the spa, which is housed in a 14th Century Gothic monastary, where glass floors reveal the ruins of the ancient chapel below. Another highlight is the Essensia restaurant, offering the best gourmet experience in the city (forget sommelier, this place even has a cheese expert. A frommagier?). The Dalai Lama has stayed, and if it’s good enough for him. Step outside and it’s still an historical getaway as you wander along the cobblestone streets past the Czech Museum of Music to famous landmarks like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge arching the Vltava River.