Artichokes and Alchemy

Here you can explore Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and beyond, as many of Central England's best attractions are within easy reach. Kick things off at Stowe (15 minutes), a gorgeous National Trust property with a historic house and gardens. With 880 acres to take in, you can get a good few miles underfoot here – after which you should definitely reward yourself at the on-site café with a slice of cake or two… Next, there's Blenheim Palace (20 minutes), a must-see stately home just north of Oxford that was once Winston Churchill's childhood home. At the other end of the spectrum, you can see where racing history is made at Silverstone (15 minutes), the home of British Formula 1 since the sport began in the 1950s. If shopping's more up your alley, then head to Bicester Village (15 minutes), where a wide choice of big brand designer outlets and excellent restaurants will allow you to eat, drink and try out new styles to your heart's content. Many of the shops here offer discounts that you won't find anywhere else, so make sure to leave a little room in your suitcase for the gems that you're sure to stumble across while browsing.