Travel Insights

Visitors to Wales often come from the mountain. But Gina Ritchie from Afon Rhaiadr says stay: Snowdonia (Eryi) has so much more to offer.

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Christmas markets in the UK. As the nights draw in and the air takes on that unmistakable December chill, towns and cities across the country light up with twinkling fairy lights, the smell of mulled wine, and the cheerful hum of people wrapped up in scarves and woolly hats.

Wolsey Lodges B&Bs are typically associated with a hearty breakfast, but a few remaining B&Bs also offer evening meals. Competing with restaurants and gastro-pubs is never easy so only the most dedicated hosts also offer to cook each night.

Britain’s ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONBs) have been rebranded: they’re now called ‘National Landscapes’. (It could be worse, the Scottish have gone for ‘Scenic Areas’ and in Welsh you’ve got to get your tongue around ‘Tirweddau Cenedlaethol’).

A charming Wolsey Lodges bed and breakfast with a delightful garden can transform a simple getaway into an enchanting experience. Imagine waking up to the sound of chirping birds with dew-kissed flowers just outside your window. It’s the sort of tranquil setting that soothes the soul.

Exploring the rural areas of the UK through Wolsey Lodges bed and breakfasts offers a rich and rewarding travel experience. The unique charm of our selected B&Bs, combined with the stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the countryside, makes every journey truly memorable.

Not all of us have the time or the space to maintain sporting facilities at home. Croquet lawns, swimming pools and tennis courts all require a huge amount of care – far more than most of us can provide. Many Wolsey Lodges Bed and breakfasts, on the other hand, often offer one or more of these sporting options.

Shared adventures create lasting memories that strengthen family bonds. Wolsey Lodges B&Bs have the character to fit your timetables and requirements – and many also offer self-catering options.

As time and geography parts old friends and families the importance of reconnecting with loved ones becomes increasingly evident. What better way to revive cherished relationships than by hosting a reunion at a charming Wolsey Lodges Bed and Breakfast (B&B)? Steeped in warmth and intimacy, B&Bs provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable gatherings, offering a unique blend of comfort, character, and camaraderie.

Television’s fascination with real lives and real travel come together in a range of programmes about rural escapes and B&Bs. And in some of them Wolsey Lodges B&Bs are the undoubted stars.

The UK’s Christmas Markets are roaring back after a few years’ disruption. The major cities have the biggest, but Wolsey Lodges B&Bs give you the chance to discover smaller gems, the few days of the year where communities come together over mice pies and mulled wine, and lavish light displays defy the long nights of winter.

Few countries in the world can match the UK for walks and hikes. Feudal rights of way have been formalised into great walking routes and every Wolsey Lodges B&B has favourite walks in their area. Get out and about on foot with Wolsey Lodges B&Bs.

Holidaying in the East of England can be a wonderful experience for various reasons. The region offers a mix of historic charm, scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, with a number of irresistible Wolsey Lodges offering character B&B accomodation for all. Here are some compelling reasons to consider a holiday in the East of England with Wolsey Lodges.

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the heart of England, a patchwork of mellow-stone villages in a unique landscape. It combines rural charm and – these days – considerable sophistication.

The United Kingdom is home to several stunning National Parks, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in rugged mountains, serene lakes, rolling hills, or dramatic coastlines, here’s a guide to some of the finest National Parks in the UK – and the Wolsey Lodges B&Bs to make your base.

Three Wolsey Lodges B&Bs open up Northumberland’s many attractions. This part of the UK is running something of a tourist wave – and it’s easy to see why.

If you’re looking to escape to the country and enjoy a relaxing bed and breakfast stay, Wolsey Lodges B&Bs are a great place to start. Many are in rural settings, giving you the chance to breathe deeply clean rural air. Best, by using the Wolsey Lodges website you’ll be sure of getting a warm and hospitable welcome: whichever lodge you choose it’s going to be one of the best.

Bed and breakfast accommodation can be an excellent choice for families looking for a unique and personalised travel experience – especially if you choose a Wolsey Lodge B&B.

The best way to illustrate what makes a Wolsey Lodge B&B is through an example. This is one Wolsey Lodge B&B and the story of how it won a major award. Hopefully it shows something of what makes our association special.

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book to make the most of a winter evening. But this is also a great time to explore Britain’s cultural heritage: to visit the homes of the country’s famous authors, explore literary locations and forage cult bookshops for collectibles. 

Wolsey Lodges B&Bs are particularly good at meetings: families reuniting, friends renewing distant friendships or special-interest groups such as classic car enthusiasts, artists, rambling groups or even tour groups. Almost all Wolsey Lodges will take whole-house bookings and many can also lay on celebratory meals.

Autumn is a great time to take a B&B break with Wolsey Lodges. Landscapes across Britain and Ireland are transformed, as greens give way to a dramatic palette of browns, reds and golds, shrouded by morning mists and gently cooling temperatures.

There are several Wolsey Lodges with resident horses, enough land for cross-country hacks and occasionally stabling so riders can bring their own mounts. These are the lodges that provide hospitality for horses.

A few nights at a Bed and Breakfast near the coast isn’t always considered as an option, but actually it makes a lot of sense. You can book a few nights at a B&B at short notice, timing it for as long as the good weather is expected to last, and if you pick a B&B close to the coast you can time your travel to avoid the heavy traffic.

The longest day approaches so this is the time to head out to the countryside and explore the varied landscapes of the UK and Ireland. Many Wolsey Lodges B&Bs are set in rural locations and a lot of them also have beautiful gardens of their own: these are a few Lodges perfectly suited to a summer getaway. 

A luxury B&B – especially one that can also provide other meals – can be the perfect solution for family reunions. These are some of the Wolsey Lodges who love getting house parties together, allowing old friends to get together and families bond across the generations.

Convention says that B&B accommodation doesn’t work for families. But Wolsey Lodge owners tend to be hospitable souls and are more than happy to wheel out trundle beds or unfold travel cots. And even if the main B&B isn’t really geared up for children, often they have self-contained options that will work better.

2021 started out badly for UK hospitality, but rapidly recovered as the year went on. Wolsey Lodges continued to extend its coverage. New properties vary in size, style and location – but they all share that Wolsey Lodges’ welcome. These are the lodges who joined Wolsey Lodges association of premium B&Bs and are new for 2022.

It’s not easy to define what makes a Wolsey Lodge B&B. They’re as varied and distinctive as the owners themselves. What makes a Wolsey Lodge is subtle, and most easily demonstrated through a sample of member lodges.

Spring comes rattling round faster than you think – and it’s never too early to plan a Spring trip to a Wolsey Lodge B&B. The Calendar Spring starts on the 1st March, while the Astronomical Spring waits until the Equinox on the 21st of the same month. Take your pick.

Christmas at a Wolsey Lodge B&B is different. They have all the variety of Wolsey Lodges themselves, and can be as festive or casual as you choose. These are four Wolsey Lodges that illustrate the range of Christmas experiences available.

Most Wolsey Lodges have off-road private parking as well as an outdoor socket, which means it’s easy to trickle-charge your EV while you enjoy a good nights’ sleep. But a number of B&Bs have already installed dedicated EV chargers, allowing Electric Vehicle owners to charge up quickly and easily. Here is a roundup of those lodges where you can charge your car fast.

The charming market town of Malmesbury on the southern Cotswold borders is small in size but packed with things to see and do – and it’s within easy reach of Bath and Cirencester. Before you head off though there’s plenty to explore within Malmesbury itself and it certainly merits a closer look.

There’s something about Autumn that feels almost magical. The sight of leaves changing colours – the warm golds and browns on the trees and the ground – is one to look forward to. But where are the best places to enjoy the spectacle from a UK or Irish Wolsey Lodges B&B this year?

These days many B&B guests prefer to dine where they sleep rather than heading out to eat in the evening. Many Wolsey Lodges have risen to this challenge, with more than half our members offering evening meals on request. The meals to expect are as diverse as our lodges. Read on for a snapshot of three different lodges – and the very different approaches they have to making sure their guests are perfectly fed.

Whatever the restrictions imposed on outbound travellers by the UK government, Eire is now open to visitors and already promoting itself in the USA. And there’s a lot to like about the Wexford Garden Trail. Not least the open, chatty nature of the average Irish gardener. These gardens are truly impressive and justify a stay at Kilmokea B&B.

There are now ten National Parks in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and six in Eire. These are some of the best – and the Wolsey Lodges best placed to use as a base.

Many Wolsey Lodges pour just as much of their hearts into their gardens as they do their homes. These are some of the B&Bs where the gardens form an essential part of their charm.

2021 isn’t the best year to visit Scotland’s Highland Games. Fixtures are either being cancelled or moved online. But Sheena Thompson delves into the history of the Games and has some advice about what to look out for.

Wales is a country of wonderful contrasts – from vibrant cities to colourful fishing villages and from Britain’s smallest city to its third highest mountain (and the highest in England and Wales). It offers something for everyone.

If you love wandering around beautiful gardens, then Boreham House B&B in East Sussex is the place for you to stay! We have our own gorgeous walled garden and another couple of acres of meadows as well as at least six gardens nearby.

It is perhaps unsurprising that many Wolsey Lodges bed and breakfasts have croquet sets and lawns to match. There’s no better way to pass a summer afternoon. Arrive early at your B&B, stock up with ice and cold drinks, and lay out the hoops for an evening contest. There’s nothing that says summer quite as […]

When Wolsey Lodges B&Bs are once again able to open their doors to welcome guests there are some fantastic options just ready and waiting for you and your family. If you are looking for accommodation that offers the personal touch and a warm family welcome, you need look no further than Wolsey Lodges, where you will find a wide range of luxury B&Bs and Self Catering options throughout the UK, many of whom can accommodate the whole family.

There’s a reason why most car advertisements are shot in Scotland. Deserted roads sweep through dramatic landscapes, conjuring images of freedom and the open road. Wolsey Lodges B&Bs can make it easy to give your car the driving experience it deserves. Make this the year you take a Scottish Road Trip yourself, and drive Scotland’s great scenic routes.

Edinburgh has, since the 15th Century, been the capital of Scotland. It has the country’s finest restaurants, most stunning architecture, and best shops. Stay in a Wolsey Lodge in Edinburgh to discover the inner secrets of this hidden city.

How to make sure you get the best price on your staycation with Wolsey Lodges this summer

There’s a lot going on in Leicestershire. First the Ordnance Survey recalculated the centre point of England, moving it from Coventry to a field near Fenny Drayton in Leicestershire. More significantly a car park in Leicester was discovered to be the burial site of Richard III, the last king of England to die in battle. […]

Let’s start with the good news: summer staycations are here to stay! While our world may have been turned upside down, and international travel seems a distant dream, there are so many incredible places to explore and sights to see right on our own doorstep. Whether you’re itching for a city break, an action-packed adventure […]

In 2021 more people than ever are likely to spend their summer holidays close to home. And though it is hard to imagine in these times of lockdown, to Wolsey Lodges it seems almost inevitable that finding somewhere to stay over summer – whether B&B or self-catering – will be harder than you think. There […]

7 top attractions in North Northumberland, by Post Office House Travellers often skip past North Northumberland, but they’re making a huge mistake. Here Claire Jarmain from Post Office House outlines seven of her favourite things to see and do on a visit. Alnwick The lovely market town of Alnwick (pronounced Annick) is located just 20 […]

Stay in the UK to see Britain’s change of seasons A staycation means you can witness the end of summer when the UK’s woods and forests are transformed. Golds, reds and yellows shoulder out the summer greens. Leaves turn first in Scotland and the change works south through the country so if you time your […]

Bed and – for breakfast – travel tips There’s more to Scotland than you can possibly imagine – and wherever you choose to go there’s a Wolsey Lodge. These premium B&Bs are uniquely placed to help you make the best of your visit: your hosts are all experts in their region and can advise – […]

There’s nothing like staying on a working farm to let you reconnect with the natural world, and they’re at their best – and busiest – at harvest time. Sync yourself to the seasons with these stays on working farms. Start in the South. Reason Hill is a wonderful Kentish farm of vineyards and orchards just […]

This year is set to bring us a summer in which many of us re-discover the delights of holidays at home – and there is nothing more British than a traditional B&B. Britain and Ireland, as islands, have more coastline per square mile than most other countries, and surprising stretches are completely unspoiled. Here we […]

The garden at Manor House Farm is something to experience. Open every year as part of the National Garden Scheme, it has received the Conservation Award and numerous other accolades and it’s easy to see why. Covering four acres, the garden offers a series of different spaces which surround the wisteria-covered house on three sides. You might […]

With this garden guide I always think the great advantage of Broadgate House is its’ remarkable setting. An enormous vista of sea and sand spread out below on the Duddon Estuary and then equally wonderful fell views particularly up to the great bulk of Black Coombe. I always think of the garden as a rainbow – […]

Firgrove Country House is set on a sloping site of approximately 2 acres. The gardens encircle Firgrove with outlooks over farm fields, woodland and The Vale of Clwyd with The Clwydian range of hills to the east. A variety of large trees and shrubs has helped to create gardens within the garden, with lots of […]

Elm Grove is located in 20 acres of gardens, lawns and fields – with a large number of trees and shrubs, all excellent habitat for birds and wildlife of all types. There are lots of flowers around but it’s not a very manicured garden: apart from the tennis court and croquet lawn we tend to allow […]

Start in Scotland. While English footpaths are enshrined by tradition, and vigorously defended by dog-walkers and ramblers, in Scotland there is something called the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This allows anyone to walk anywhere they choose so long as it’s not a garden or a commercial property. This confers, if anything, even greater rights. Take Blervie […]

The landscapes of the Midlands are widely celebrated – and rightly so. There are also some brilliant Wolsey Lodges in the region, brimming with character and offering the warmest of welcomes to all visiting walkers. Start, perhaps, with Horseshoe Cottage Farm, a delightful property set in rural Leicestershire within easy reach of East Midlands Airport. […]

England’s mellow southern heartlands have plenty to offer walkers – and a number of Wolsey Lodges to make the experience perfect. Start, perhaps, with an unexpected choice: North Walls House in central Chichester. This is an elegant city-centre residence, a smoothly sophisticated base from which to experience several walks exploring various parts of the coast […]

South West Coast Path There’s no greater UK challenge than the 630-mile South West Coast Path, the longest National Trail in Britain. Best of all, the coast it skirts is one of the country’s most dramatic and beautiful, as well as being set in the country’s warmest quarter. Make this your year to experience some, if […]

There’s some compensation with the shortening days as Christmas Markets and festive fun arrive in towns and cities across the UK. The shopping is only part of the experience: it’s a chance to brighten up the gloom with festive lights, the scent of gluhwein and smoke from roasting chestnuts. At Wolsey Lodges your hosts will always know […]

For many of our guests evening meals are all part of the attraction of a Wolsey Lodge. They appreciate not having to go out looking for restaurants when often there’s even better food available at their lodge. Many of our hosts are qualified and professional chefs, just not rushing around in a busy restaurant kitchen. […]

The distinctive B&Bs that form the Wolsey Lodge association are perfect bases from which to experience Britain’s Autumn colours. Some have spreading grounds that provide a private palette, while others are near to National Parks, regal estates or National Trust land. Best of all, you’ll have the inside information of your hosts, whose local knowledge […]

Endless summer days make Scotland best for summer Traditionally getting to Scotland involves a drive – and often quite a long one – albeit a pretty memorable road trip. But as flights and car hire drop in price air travel is increasingly an affordable and easy option. Inverness Airport is expanding fast. It’s modern, well-organised […]

While Wimbledon’s on tennis grips the nation, and many dream of breaking out their racquets and playing a game or two themselves. Not on some rented court, with better players on every side, grudgingly returning balls that go astray. What you want is your own court, in a country-house setting, where you can get together […]

Having your own swimming pool at home is often way too much hassle.  There’s an ideal solution though. Let others do the work. Several Wolsey Lodges have swimming pools: visit in summer and you can take full advantage. Best of all, the Lodge owners are invariably as intensely proud of their pool as they are […]

Planning on a visit to Leicestershire? Linda of Horseshoe Cottage Farm, shares her favourite attractions she recommends to her guests … Leicestershire has been in and out of the news these past 5 years, first, the discovery of Richard III (minus his feet) under a car park, followed by Leicester City FC being crowned Premier […]

The delightful Jill and Rupert of Dowfold House sent us their recipe for their ever popular Kedgeree breakfast dish. It is a firm favourite amongst many of their guests!     Ingredients Same weight of filleted smoked haddock as Arborio rice Milk for poaching fish and cooking rice – at least twice as much milk as […]

Nestled on the coastal plain of the English Channel between the South Downs and a large natural harbour, Chichester started life as a fortified camp of the South Saxons occupied by Cissa, a son of the first South Saxon king. It was more formally settled by the Romans who called it Noviomagus. The name did […]

Set in the middle of the Furness Peninsula on the edge of the Lake District, Ulverston is a thriving market town where cobbled streets thread through ancient buildings, an atmospheric base just a mile and a half from the sea – at Morecombe Bay – and at the start of the 70 mile Cumbrian Way. […]

The History of Matlock A former spa town, Matlock is situated on the River Derwent and is one of the larger market towns in county. Before the Victorian era the town was a group of small villages centring on the Parish Church of St Giles, up above the house on a limestone outcrop. The origin […]

Tenby, and the wider county of Pembrokeshire are steeped in history from its origins as a 9th century settlement. The Norman invasion of south Wales prompted the town’s growth as a major port and trading centre and it is rumoured to be the first place in Britain to see an orange brought in by ship […]

Just eight miles out of Bath, Bradford on Avon built significant wealth from the wool industry, old money that shows in the pretty terraces of weavers cottages and the grander mansions that would have belonged to mill owners.  It shares many of the same charms as Bath but on a smaller, more human scale. A […]

Ruthin: North Wales’ historic gem Ruthin is one of the United Kingdom’s best-preserved towns. Despite its importance as the county town for Denbighshire its centre has been largely preserved: black-and-white timber-framed buildings are still in daily use as shops, restaurants and civic buildings. Though barely an hour from Liverpool it’s immediately obvious you’ve crossed a […]