The gastropub phenomenon has inspired very mixed feelings amongst Brits. Some think it has reinvigorated pub culture and dining, whilst others believe it has stripped traditional boozers of their unique character.

One recent restoration that has been lovingly undertaken is that of The Orange on London's Pimlico Road. A year ago The Orange was a bit of a dark old flea pit; granted, it was atmospheric, but it was beloved of old timers who would sit embracing a pint for hours on end. Now it heaves with Chelsea's smart young things and you have to book in advance to guarantee a table in one of the bright and airy dining rooms.

The food at The Orange is simple and delicious. The wood fired pizzas are fantastically thin and crispy with delicious toppings such as spiced salami with artichokes and mushrooms, and torn chicken with pancetta, sage and pecorino. Salads are generous and come bursting with scrumptious ingredients. There is also a good selection of mains such as rib-eye steak, slow cooked shoulder of pork and herb crusted salmon.

Part of the restoration at The Orange included adding four simple and chic boutique bedrooms. Rates start at £155 + VAT per night, but that doesn't include breakfast. If you get well and truly stuck in of an evening it's good to know that you don't necessarily have to schlep home!

The Orange
37 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE; Tel: +44 207 881 9844; Web: www.theorange.co.uk; Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 8am to 11.30pm; Friday & Saturday 8am to Midnight; Sunday 8am to 10.30pm.

Photo Credits: Exterior shot by Emma Torry; Food shot via www.theorange.co.uk.

One of Britain's greatest treasures is the plethora of historic houses, estates, gardens, churches and ancient ruins that run the length and breadth of cities and countryside alike.

With such a rich past Britain is teeming with places of historical significance, and it's hard to narrow down your choices of where to visit. Here we have rounded up a list of ten of the National Trust's most visited properties to give you an insight into Britain's most precious of historic gems.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Like India's Taj Mahal, the pyramids at Giza in Egypt and the Acropolis at Athens, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a World Heritage Site made up of 800 hectares of spectacular ruins and stunning parks, including a medieval deer park – grazed today by 500 Red, Sika, and Fallow Deer – and the largest abbey ruins in the country. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden was recognised by UNESCO for its 18th Century landscape, 12th Century Abbey (founded by Benedictine monks in 1132), Elizabethan Fountains Hall and Victorian St Mary's Church. Over 300,000 visitors a year come to soak up the history and culture at this important English landmark.

The estate sits in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the valley of the river Skell, 30 miles away from the city of York.

Stourhead Garden, Wiltshire

Stourhead is home to a world-famous 18th-century landscape garden, a "first-of-its-kind" Palladian mansion, parkland, woods and chalk downs. Named after the Stourton family who lived in the estate for 700 years, Stourhead was sold in 1717 to Henry Hoare. The original house was demolished and a new mansion was built in the Palladian style. Over the next 200 years the Hoare family collected art and antiques, which are exhibited still today, and built a number of temples and follies in the gardens designed to show off their education and wealth. The views over three counties from the top of King Alfred's Tower shouldn't be missed.

Polesden Lacey, Surrey

Once the honeymoon spot for King George VI and the Queen Mother, Polesden Lacey is a Regency house boasting opulent Edwardian interiors, an interesting collection of Old Masters paintings, and stunning views across the North Downs.

Polesden Lacey was last home to the Edwardian society hostess the Hon. Mrs Greville, as well as to the playwright Richard Sheridan at the end of the 18th century. Not to be missed are the beautiful walled rose garden, Polesden Lacey's extensive grounds and lawns, and the landscape walks.

Wakehurst Palace, West Sussex

If you're into botanical gardens, the Elizabethan Wakehurst Palace in West Sussex is the place to go, and there are over 477,000 visitors a year who will agree. The property is run by the famous Kew Gardens and is an important site for plant conservation and research, with more than a billion seeds collected so far for future preservation. Wakehurst Palace has the world's largest growing Christmas Tree: it is 35m tall and is lit by 1,800 energy saving lights from advent to Twelfth Night. Kenneth Branagh used Wakehurst Palace as the location for much of his 2006 film "As You Like It".

St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall

Legend, myth and history abound at St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall. A giant named Cormoran is said to have lived on the Mount; he was followed by monks, pilgrims, armies, fleets, and many more besides. In 495 a fisherman is said to have seen an apparition of the Archangel St. Michael, and four miracles are said to have occurred at St. Michael's Mount between 1262 and 1263. During the Wars of the Roses the island was under siege for six months, and then later, in 1588, it the first beacon was lit on the Mount to warn of the Spanish Armada. From 1642 to 1646, St. Michael's Mount saw bloody skirmishes between Royalists and Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army.

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate, Cheshire

You can still feel the pulse of the Industrial Revolution, which changed the face of Britain, at Quarry Bank Mill and the Styal Estate in Cheshire. On a visit to the cotton mill you will experience life as a mill worker, and a tour of the Apprentice House, will shed light on the lives of the Industrial Era's child workforce.

Chartwell, Kent

Chartwell was the family home of one of Britain's most famous Prime Ministers, Sir William Churchill, who bought the property for its views over the Weald of Kent to Sussex. The rooms and gardens have been preserved to be as similar as possible to when Churchill lived at Chartwell, with pictures, books, maps, honours, medals and personal mementoes on show.

Bodnant Garden, Gwynedd, Wales

You can see the Snowdonia Mountains from Bodnant's spectacular terraced gardens. Set above a valley and the River Conwy, Bodnant Garden is home to plants from all over the world, particularly China, North America, Europe and Japan.

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Bodiam Castle is dates back to medieval times and it famous for its battlements, ramparts and moat. The castle was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, with the permission of Richard II, in order to defend against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War. Fans of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" will recognise the Bodiam as the film's Swamp Castle.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is one of the oldest and most evocative castles in England. Over its 1,000 year history it has seen the alleged murder of King Edward the Martyr, royal hunts, palace life during the reign of King John and sieges during the English Civil War. It was during a siege in 1646 that the castle was demolished and ruined by Parliamentarians; much of the stone was used to build the houses of Corfe Castle Village. Today visitors can enjoy the interactive castle tour, plus walks through the surrounding Purbeck Hills.

Have you visited any of Britain's historic palaces, places and properties? Where did you most enjoy and why?

Photo Credits: Fountains Abbey by yewenyi; Stourhead by Joe Dunckley; Polesden Lacey by swamibu; Wakehurst Palace by Anguskirk; St. Michael's Mount by Michal Osmenda; Quarry Bank Mill and Bodnant Gardnes by zund; Chartwell by johnmuk; Bodiam Castle by Sacred Destinations; Corfe Castle by Steve9091. All photos via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Hotel prices in the UK currently stand at 13% above the European average*. Though this statistic doesn't come as much of a surprise it's still beat-the-system exciting when you stumble across a unique UK accommodation experience that won't break the bank.

For travellers visiting England, the cities of London, Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Canterbury and Newcastle all feature on the typical travel itinerary; a way to ensure your stay in these destinations is truly memorable - without having to cough up the average of £116 per night - is to book into a University room.

Pick from historic colleges in Oxford and Cambridge, plus the Universities of Newcastle, Nottingham, Leicester, Kent in Canterbury, Durham, Sheffield, University College London, Warwick, and Plymouth. Rooms are clean and many have en-suite bathrooms, internet access and power showers.

Indulge any Brideshead Revisited or Chariots of Fire fantasies you might have and from £40 per night stay in Oxford colleges such as Jesus, Balliol and Trinity College, or from £34 per night in Cambridge colleges including Christ's College, St. Catherine's and Corpus Christi. You can follow in the footsteps of famous real-life and literary Oxbridge alumni and eat in college halls, wander through the quads and college gardens, try your hand at punting, and drink in the college bar.

Things really have changed since I slept across the UK on friends' University bedrooms floors. Even as an impoverished student I would have happily paid from £28 a night to forego the sleeping bag on the cold, hard floor experience.

For more information on booking University bed and breakfast accommodation visit www.universityrooms.co.uk.

Photo Credits: Bodleian Montage by Daveybot; Oxford Punts by slack12.

*Source: trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI), 6 August 2009.

Heading to London this month or next and itching to know what's cool in the UK capital? You've come to the right place.

The all-knowing concierge team from Claridges, the Connaught and the Berkeley, aka "the city's best-informed residents", share their advice on what to do and where to go if you're planning a trip to London.

AUGUST

Drink...

Tini: The latest venture from the team behind Whisky Mist, Mahiki and the Punchbowl is glamorous cocktail bar Tini in the ever chic South Kensington. Just a stones throw away from Boujis and Mamilanji, this new haunt should prove just as popular with the social elite.

Tini, 87-89 Walton Street, South Kensington, London, SW3 2HP: +44 (0)20 7589 8558.

Eat...

Lutyens: This summer Sir Terence Conran proves once again that he is a master of the dining room-come-bar-come-members club. Hot on the heals of his last opening, the Boundary in Shoreditch, the wily old fox has done it again with this sublime spot on Fleet Street. You'd better book now because this one could be popular: classic French cuisine with a dash of Irish flair.

Lutyens, 85 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1AE; +44 (0)20 7583 8385.

Party...

Michael Jackson Tribute Concert: Following the tragic passing of Michael Jackson the Tribute Concert will be going ahead at London's O2 Arena on Saturday 29th August. Who will be performing? Well that is a closely guarded secret, however I can assure you it is going to be huge! Email me if you want tickets on cbogni@the-connaught.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

Eat...

Terroirs: At first glance, Terroirs seems like just another conventional attempt to transplant a traditional French bistro to the mean streets of central London. But look beyond the old advertising posters and wooden chairs, and you realise that there's something rather special going on here. The reasonably priced food combines creativity with a respect for full-on flavours and impeccable sourcing. Oh, and the wine is ok too!

Terroirs, 5 William IV Street WC2N 4DW; +44 (0)20 7036 0660.

Chill...

Spa Illuminata: Stressed? Worn out? Just need a little bit of pampering? This is quite simply the best day spa in London. Whether it's a manicure or a full body scrub you will be treated like royalty in this temple to relaxation.

Spa Illuminata, 63 South Audley Street, London, W1K 2QS; +44 (0)20 7499 7777.

Look...

Jeff Koons at the Serpentine: Inflatable toys? Check. Popeye? Check. Baffeling kitch? Check. The New York native and enfant terrible of the art world has bought this blockbuster exhibition to London. September 13th is the last day, so catch this one while you can.

Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London, W2 3XA; +44 (0)20 7402 6075.

Luxury London hotels Claridge's, the Connaught, and the Berkeley are part of the Maybourne Hotel Group. For more information visit www.maybourne.com.

Photo Credits: Lutyens courtesy of Lutyens Restaurant, Bar & Cellar Rooms; Terroirs by Ewan-M, Jeff Coons Popeye Series by Chris Pattison.

If you're aiming for the pinnacle of London luxury next time you travel to The Big Smoke, check out The Connaught hotel's hot new offering, The Apartment.

Designed by David Collins and located on the top floor of The Connaught, The Apartment mixes art, culture and literature to create the feel of a private collector's home. The space comprises of a double height sitting-room, dining room, a master-bedroom with a dressing room and en-suite marble bathroom, a guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, and two landscaped decked terraces with views over the rooftops of Mayfair.

David Collins said he intended to create "an iconic, unique home from home". The Apartment is design for "a discerning client: well travelled, informed and with an appreciation of design and the art of living. It is a private place for a chosen few and a very personal design statement".

Distinctive touches in The Apartment include a library of twentieth century novels, art history books and rare volumes; antique and contemporary artworks; lilac leather lined cabinetry; a bespoke card table; a four poster bed; a custom designed white marble fireplace and a capsule collection of Guerlain beauty products.

Fashionistas can brief The Connaught to scour the neighbouring designer shops for goodies and have them waiting in the dressing room prior to arrival. Foodies and hosts-with-the-most can have their personal Connaught butler arrange a private dinner party, with menus specially designed by two-Michelin star chef Hélène Darroze.

The Apartment's rates are upon request so you can bet your bottom dollar luxury this serious has a price tag to match.

The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL; Tel: +44 (0)207 499 7070, Web: www.the-connaught.co.uk.

By Andy Hayes

Visitors to England often spend most or all of their time in London and its surrounding villages and countryside, overlooking some of the more intriguing cities of the North, such as Manchester, which is experiencing a cultural boom. Here are just a few of the best things to see and do during a stay in Manchester, whether your trip is a quick weekend break or a longer stay.

WALK AND SEE MANCHESTER

Manchester's city centre has been transformed in recent years to entice locals to live and work in the area, so now you'll find art galleries, museums, shopping, and restaurants all within easy reach. Manchester's centre also provides access to the canal network, formerly the backbone of the city's industrial heritage but now a walker's haven with many workers using the route as a stress-free commute.

Don't miss stops such as the Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Town Hall - one of the most important Victorian buildings in England - and The Manchester Wheel. If you get tired of walking you can be anywhere in Manchester quickly with the easy-to-use tram and bus system.

EAT MANCHESTER

Like London, Manchester has a truly diverse population and the city's cuisine follows suit – so much so there is even an annual food and drink festival (1 - 12 Oct 2009). One of the most popular places to dine is an area of Rusholme called "Curry Mile". Resembling a subdued version of the Las Vegas strip, the street is lined on both sides with neon signs beckoning you for a beer and a curry.

You can't go wrong with a meal in this part of town – try the Royal Naz (18 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 256 1060) or Shere Khan (50-52 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 256 2624), a couple of Manchester's more famous curry houses. Manchester seems to have a penchant for Asian food, as you can always find good Chinese, Japanese, or Korean restaurants around the city.

PARTY MANCHESTER

For the city which spawned its own rock genre, "Madchester," it is no surprise to see partying at the top of the list. Mancunians of all orientations flock to the "Gay Village" for drinks, music, and fun. Eden Bar (3 Brazil Street & Canal Street, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 237 9852) is a top choice that caters to all lifestyles and it even has its own canal barge for the summer months. Many of the venues in the Gay Village are refurbished cotton warehouses, another reminder of how the city's industrial past turning into a cosmopolitan future.

Piccadilly Gardens is also a lovely place for a drink, as well as the Northern Quarter, where you can find Mancunian music and an off-beat crowd. The Roadhouse (8 Newton St, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 228 1789) is one of the more famous live music venues, or you can try Australian-themed Billie Rox (106 Portland St, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 228 2036) bar for fun down-under anthems.

SLEEP MANCHESTER

If you go to Manchester, your best bet is to stay fairly centrally, such as near Piccadilly Station – the Malmaison on Piccadilly is an excellent choice if your budget suits. To catch a glimpse of the local television stars, stay at the Victoria and Albert Hotel on Water Street, as often actors will pop in for an after-work drink in the bar. Budget seekers should head for the Hotel Ibis on Portland Street, which has fantastic rates given its central location.

Photo Credits: Canal Street, Manchester by Coradia1000; On Wilmslow Road by iwouldstay; Madchester by mikecolvin82 via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Brits have always been bonkers about bikes, and no-where is better suited to biking than Cambridge. It's the city with the highest level of cycle use in the UK, where spokes and students go hand-in-hand and locals prefer two wheels to four.

The ancient, tightly packed city is perfect for exploring by bike and it's a very easy ride out to the quiet river "backs" and water meadows of the River Cam.

One of the top cycling routes is Cambridge to Grantchester, a village immortalized by Rupert Brooke in his 1912 poem The Old Vicarage, Grantchester. It's a leisurely 30 minute cycle ride from Cambridge to Grantchester across meadows and along river banks. There are dozens of picnic spots en route, but make sure you save room for the famous cream tea at the Orchard Tea Garden or, for those in need of stronger stuff, a pint in the beer gardens of The Rupert Brooke or The Red Lion pubs.

With British "Bike Week", the biggest nationwide cycling event in the UK, coming up from 13 – 21 June, now is the perfect time to explore Cambridge by bike. And what better excuse than Bike Week to treat yourself to a cycle-themed break at the boutiquey Hotel du Vin Cambridge, right in the heart of the city's famous cobbled streets and college enclosures?

A two-night Summer Cycling Break at the Hotel du Vin Cambridge costs from £349 for two people (sharing) including 2 nights bed & breakfast accommodation, with supper in the Bistro on one evening, and a full days’ bike hire. Valid throughout summer 2009, subject to availability. To book, contact Hotel du Vin Cambridge on +44 (0)1223 227 330.

Photo Credits: Clare HDR by .mushi_king; grantchester by murasakinotori via Flickr (Creative Commons). HdV Cambridge Suite ©Hotel du Vin.

If your travels are taking you to London this summer enjoy a quintessential English experience with Pimms or a pint at The Carpenter's Arms on Whitfield Street.

Just off Tottenham Court Road, this pretty pub is home to a brilliant roof terrace that's the perfect spot for a tipple in the sunshine. If the terrace is full there are tables outside on the pavement, plus the pub's interior is light and airy if the London weather is a letdown.

If you're planning a get together you can hire out the roof terrace and the adjacent Belle Bar for a party (a minimum spend of £500 is required).

The Carpenter's Arms, 68-70 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 4EY.

Tel: +44 20 7580 3186; Website: www.thecarpentersarmsw1.co.uk; Opening Hours: Sun 12-10.30pm, Mon 12-11pm, Tue, Wed & Thurs 12-11.30pm, Fri & Sat 12- midnight.

Photo Credit: Carpenter's Arms, Fitzrovia, W1 by Ewan-M.

Once the pulse of "Swinging London", the King's Road is a street of major cultural significance. In the 60s musicians like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones hung out in its famous pubs and cafes with the crème de la crème of the fashion, literary and film world. In the 70s the King's Road witnessed the birth of the punk movement.

Today mods and mini-skirts have been replaced by yummy mummies and "Chelsea Tractors", and the King's Road is one of London's most gentrified streets. However, shopping and boutiques are still a big obsession and the street is home to several chic shops.

If you're in London and have a couple of hours to spare, make sure you hit these King's Road gems…

If you've arrived at Sloane Square tube station (district and circle lines), cross the square and start walking down the King's Road. You'll soon see a bus stop on your right hand side. Jump on the numbers 11, 19, 22 or 319 and get off at the Beaufort Street stop.

Graham & Green

This two-storey treasure trove is home to an eye-popping array of fashion, furniture, lighting and gifts. Pick up a slinky number by DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, browse for bags and accessories for your next trip and drool over their exotic range of furniture.

340 Kings Rd, London; Tel: 020 7352 1919; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11:30am to 5:30pm.

Brora

No one does Scottish cashmere quite like Brora. A myriad of colours and designs to suit any age, from baby right through to Granny. Feast your eyes and get kit yourself out in style for the famous British weather.

344 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7352 3697; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.

Austique

If you're looking for a boutique that's très, très chic then look no further. Jaw droppingly hot dresses, jeans, tops, jewellery, lingerie and accessories. Don't forget your credit card, this one does not come cheap.

330 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7376 4555 / 020 7376 3773; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30am to 7pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.

Designers Guild

Head here for fab fabrics, wallpaper, bed and bath linens, furniture, fragrance and home accessories.

267 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 5775; Email - info@designersguild.com

Cath Kidson

A great array of vintage inspired homewares and home furnishings. Kitschy prints on everything from first aid boxes to dog baskets.

322 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 7335; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Antiquarius

One of oldest and most famous antiques centres in London, this emporium is chock-a-block with dealers and products. You can snag everything from antique Louis Vuitton trunks and suitcases to engagement rings to showstopping one-off pieces.

131 – 141 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7823 3900; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 6pm, closed on Sundays.

R.Soles

If you love cowboy boots you'll be in heaven here. This boutique is 100% devoted to the finest boots money can buy. There's something for everyone, from classic pieces to quirky one-offs.

109a Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 5520; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 7pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm.

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Photo Credit: King's Road by C'est moi via Flickr (Creative Commons).

There will, no doubt, be huge celebrations on both sides of the pond tonight. As the US welcomes in President Obama people across England will be setting off fireworks and burning Guys on huge bonfires to celebrate Bonfire Night.

This slightly creepy replica by joathina of the Houses of Parliament on fire shows what would have happened had Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder gang struck lucky in 1605.

Beatles fans can get closer to the fab four at the newly opened Beatles Hotel in the band’s hometown of Liverpool. The hotel is located in the city's "Beatles Quarter", a stone's throw away from the Cavern Club where The Beatles first found fame.

The four star boutique hotel has 110 rooms, including one Lennon and one McCartney suite. Each room boasts a specially commissioned piece of art by acclaimed Beatles artist Shannon.

The Lennon suite, which is entirely white, includes its own baby grand piano. The McCartney suite displays a suit of armour in recognition of Macca's knighthood.

I feel sorry for George and Ringo – why don't they have swanky suites named after them too?

Beatles fans that can't stay the night can eat at the hotel's restaurant, Blakes. The walls have been decorated with images influenced by the cover of the Sergeant Pepper album.

If "All You Need is Love" you can opt to tie the knot in the hotel's wedding chapel. Sounds more like Vegas than Liverpool to me...

"The phones haven't stopped ringing. Interest has come as far afield as Croatia, Russia, Japan, obviously America and there's been huge interest from Brazil even," hotel spokesman Johnny Lockwood told Reuters.

Photo of Hard Day's Night Hotel by Indigo Goat, via Flickr (Creative Commons)