Celebrity secrets
Would you like to stay in the secret places that your favourite stars have enjoyed across England? Celebrities are discovering the best places to stay in England and spotting one while you’re there could make your holiday even more exciting.
The 'life's-a-beach' crowd
Stars: Prince William, Hugh Grant, Pierce Brosnan, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman
Favourite destination: Cornwall
Why: Remoteness, seclusion, rugged coastlines, golden beaches, crashing waves, bracing cliff walks, fresh oysters and lobster straight from the bay.
Where they stay: Exclusive hideaways such as the luxurious 26-bedroom Tresanton in St Mawes, designed and owned by Olga Polizzi. Pierce Brosnan, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Winslet have all stayed there.
This season’s hotspots: Rock is the summer home of the Chelsea set and a favourite playground for Prince William and Hugh Grant.
More info about Cornwall
The country set
Stars: Madonna, the Beckhams, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Liz Hurley, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Helen Mirren
Favourite destinations: The Cotswolds, The Lake District
Why: Rolling countryside, cosy pubs with log fires and local beers, grand country houses, strenuous post-lunch walks.
Where they stay: The Samling in the Lake District, with its glorious views over Lake Windermere, is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic break. Nicole Kidman once booked the whole house for friends. David and Victoria Beckham have also stayed there.
This season’s hotspots: Liz Hurley now prefers to spend time at her Cotswolds home. Visiting friends and fans may wish to book themselves into the Lygon Arms, the Savoy Group-owned deluxe country hotel with its traditional interiors and top-notch service.
More info about the Cotswolds
More info about the Lake District
The chillout brigade
Stars: Chris Evans, Billie Piper, Graham Norton, Hugh Grant, Stephen Fry
Favourite destinations: Southwold & North Norfolk
Why: Swanky coastline, attractive golf courses, trendy markets, traditional pubs, harbour living, charm and character.
Where they stay: The Swan Hotel in Southwold has occupied its present site since the 14th century. It draws in celebrities with its traditional character of an English country house.
This season’s hotspots: Bramble House in North Norfolk guarantees comfort in a large country house, set in 1.5 acres in the heart of Broadland.
More info about Southwold
More info about Norfolk
The city slickers
Stars: Film stars, pop stars, royalty.
Favourite destination: London
Why: London is hailed as the centre of celebrity life, whether shooting their latest film, promoting a new record, browsing the city’s designer stores or simply passing through.
Where they stay: The Covent Garden Hotel is first choice for many actors. Scarlett Johansson was resident when filming the Woody Allen film Match Point, while Tim Robbins and Meryl Streep also check in on a regular basis. Donatella Versace and foreign royalty like Claridges, Donna Karan always stays at the Metropolitan but Jude Law opts for the Dorchester. Our own Royal Family prefer the luxuries of the Ritz.
More info about London
The pampered
Stars: Pretty much anyone in the public eye.
Favourite destination: Spas and health resorts - preferably somewhere secluded with an acceptable level of expense.
Why: To recover from the daily stresses of being photographed and to relax and recharge just in time for that next chat show appearance.
Where they stay: England certainly isn’t short of spas and health resorts, but your average celebrity won’t book into any old retreat. Tamsin Outhwaite’s spa of choice is Champneys Henlow in Hertfordshire, complete with signed photos of previous guests such as Joan Collins, Barbara Windsor and George Best. The Cowshed at Babington House in Somerset is Zoe Ball's favourite hideaway, while possibly most famous of all is the Greenwoods Hotel Spa and Retreat in Essex, which is positively bristling with celebrities.
More info about Essex
More info about Hertfordshire
More info about Somerset
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