Smith and Friends - Self Catering

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Don’t be deceived by the tranquility of this patch of pastoral bliss. This riverbank retreat was a rendezvous for fun and frolics that inspired a violent political storm in the early Sixties. Now-notorious showgirl Christine Keeler was staying right here at Spring Cottage with Stephen Ward when she met John Profumo at a house party at Lord Astor’s mansion. So you can’t stay here without being au fait with what this union led to – make sure you've either watched or packed the film Scandal.

Spring Cottage

Berkshire, United Kingdom

Best picnics

Stumble out of the cottage to the right or left and you'll have prime grassy knolls begging to be blanketed and hampered. Or just stay put and perch right on your very own riverbank.

Best walks

Get a map to these National Trust gardens in your mitts and seek out the following... The octagonal temple built by Giacomo Leoni in 1735; the iconic Tortoise Fountain; views of the house from the Duke of Sutherland statue; the ornate dovecote opposite the clock tower where the spa is; the Chinese water gardens; a pavilion commemorating the battle of Blenheim; an amphitheatre where the first recital of Rule Britannia was played. That should keep you on your toes.

Activities

Your poised to take on the best of Berkshire – if you can prise yourself from Cliveden's own spectacular grounds. Henley-on-Thames offers historic homes such as Stonor (www.stonor.com), butterfly-magnet Warburg Nature Reserve (www.bbowt.org.uk), plus top-drawer alco-palace, the Chiltern Valley Vineyard and Brewery (www.chilternvalley.co.uk). Windsor Castle (www.royal.gov.uk), the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world, is the area’s biggest tourist attraction, and rightly so, given its impressive size and condition.

Restaurants

Waldo’s

01628 668561

Cliveden’s French restaurant pulls out all the fine-dining stops: chandeliers, centuries-old portraits and of course award-winning cuisine.
Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF

Terrace Dining Room

01628 668561

This is the more contemporary dining option in this regal stately home, with a glorious sun-drenched outdoor terrace. The Sunday Roasts are hugely popular so make sure you book ahead.
Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Berkshire, check out our Berkshire restaurant guide

For a full list of recommended activities in Berkshire, check out our Berkshire destination guide


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