[Editor's Note: To see our update on London, go to www.frommers.com/articles/3083.html.
Hertfordshire
With bedrooms designed in New England and Manhattan styles, it's no wonder Americans feel right at home at The Grove, Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire (tel. 1923-807807 www.thegrove.co.uk). This luxurious London resort-hotel offers something for everybody. The golf course here has been deemed the first great course in all of England, and, despite the high green fees, golfers from around the world are coming to try it out. The Sequoia spa is the perfect place to get a massage after a long day of golfing. While Mom and Dad hit the links, Anouska's Kids' Club has junior keeping busy. Children three months and over can enjoy the adventure playground, indoor kiddie pool, take tennis or golf lessons, have their faces painted, do arts and crafts, or go on a treasure hunt through the woods. Upon arrival to the hotel, children will find a box of toys each (up to ten years old), milk and cookies, coloring books and crayons, and a selection of children-appropriate movies.
Liverpool
Making the 2005 Hot List in America, Hope Street Hotel (tel. 151/709-3000; www.hopestreethotel.co.uk), has undergone a massive restoration. Some of the 48 units evoke a Nordic ambience with white walls, waxed-oak floors and exposed-beam ceilings, while others are more contemporary with wood floors and LCD screens mounted in the wall. Egyptian cotton sheets cover the king sized beds in Liverpool's first boutique hotel. The featured restaurant and bar, The London Carriage Works, is a prime choice for dining and is one of Liverpool's top hangouts for locals and visitors.
Tate Liverpool (tel. 151/702-7400; www.tate.org.uk), is hosting a display of 800 groovy works of art by artists of the Sixties. The exhibition, "Summer of Love: Art of the Psychedelic Era," focuses on pop culture as well as the civil unrest of the hippie age in countries ranging from the United States to Japan. The works of art vary from sculptures and paintings to films and music. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm, Tate Liverpool is free, but for this exhibition, the cost is £5 ($9.50) adults, £4 ($7.60) students and senior citizens.
Aldeburgh
Wildlife lovers flock to Havergate Island (tel. 728/648-281; www.rspb.org.uk), to discover avocets and terns. Take a boat to get here, the only transportation available, and enjoy these magnificent birds. The cost is £3 ($5.70) for Royal Society for the Protection of Birds members, £5 ($9.50) for non-members.
Bristol
This town's newest government-rated, four-star hotel has just opened and is already making waves with its riverside frontage. The Brigstow Hotel, (tel. 117/929-1030; www.fullers.co.uk)boasts 117 air-conditioned units that offer modern facilities as well as comfort. The hotel's restaurant, Elipse, serves fresh and well-prepared cuisine.
Hard Rock Cafe has opened its first ever Hard Rock Bar, 4-6 Clare St. (tel. 117/946-0024; www.hardrock.com).While still serving its classic cuisine and showcasing a plethora of music memorabilia, the Hard Rock Bar focuses on supplying the best liquor in town. In the heart of Bristol, many locals and visitors can sip on a Starbucks Frappuccino at noon or guzzle down kamikazes until 3am Mon to Sat.
Keswick
A delightful Victorian lakehouse has been convereted into The Edwardene Hotel, 26 Southey St. (tel. 176/877-3586; www.edwardenehotel.com). This three-story bed and breakfast is equipped with 11 units that are well furnished, comfortable, and smoke-free. Each accommodation has tub and/or shower, hair dryer, and TV. Stay here for a relaxing break from busy city life.
Blockley
Surrounded by hordes of blooming flowers, Mill Dene (tel. 1386/700-457; www.milldene.co.uk), is nestled in the ancient town, Blockley. This B&B is equipped with all of the necessities, as well as a heated outdoor pool and pristine gardens maintained by the owners, Barry and Wendy Dare. Rooms are cozy, well furnished, and nonsmoking. Bathrooms are equipped with tub and shower.
Berkshire
England's number one restaurant has just been discovered in a little village west of London. The Fat Duck, High Street (tel. 1628/580-333; www.fatduck.co.uk), was voted the best restaurant in the world in Restaurant Magazine's "The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2005 Awards." Although this expensive eaterie has many locations throughout the world, the Berkshire spot was chosen as best of the best; therefore enhancing Britain's poor reputation for fine dining. The menu here is extensive, ranging from poached seabass with veloute of Borlotti beans to braised belly of pork with savoy cabbage. Try the degustation menu, for a hefty fee of £97.50 ($185). Reservations can be booked up to two months in advance. Open Tues through Sat noon to 2pm (3pm on Sun) and 7 to 9:30pm.
Buckinghamshire
June 2005 marked the opening of The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, High Street (tel. 1494/892-192; www.roalddahlmuseum.org), in the hometown of the eccentric novelist. With the release of the movie remake of his book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring the multi-talented Johnny Depp, the museum's grand opening paralleled the excitement of finding a golden ticket. Fans and devoted readers were lined up to see the museum unlock its chocolatey doors. Crocodiles that serve as benches and friendly giants greet you as you make your way toward the galleries that depict the fascinating life of Roald Dahl. Manuscripts, letters, and his private possessions are showcased to give an idea of how Dahl thought up of a world of giant peaches and great glass elevators. Be advised to book a ticket in advance, as entry is not always guaranteed. The museum is open Tues to Sun (and bank holiday Mon) 10am to 5pm. Admission is £4.50 ($8.55) adults and £3.50 ($6.65) ages 3 to 18 and senior citizens.
Exeter
If you're looking for an inexpensive and pleasant accommodation, try the newly discovered The Edwardian, 30 & 32 Heavitree Road (tel. 1392/276-102; www.edwardianexeter.co.uk). With 12 ensuite units, this B&B offers all of the necessary amenities as well as an English, vegetarian, or continental breakfast. Free parking is available and no smoking is allowed throughout the residence.
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