The Bucket List: Great Britain

by Natasha Wolff | November 6, 2014 9:27 am

1. Sit Center Court at the Wimbledon Finals
Church Road, London, England

For most people who attend Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, the experience goes something like this: purchase ticket, take your seat, sip Pimm’s Cup, cheer discreetly, repeat. But the savviest attendees choose The Wimbledon Experience, a UK-based tour company that offers über-VIP packages for overseas travelers—and the best seats in the house. The company acts as a Wimbledon concierge, arranging every aspect of the trip, from booking luxe hotel accommodations to transportation and, of course, reserving prime Centre Court seats for The Championships. Perhaps the best perk, though, is getting a membership to The Gatsby Club, an exclusive restaurant and lounge on the premises. Prior to the matches, guests enjoy a seated three-course meal from the world-renowned Chef Albert Roux and can return at any point during the tournament for cocktails, champagne and canapés.

Approximately £6745 for Wimbledon Finals Tour Package; wimbledon-experience.com[1]

Wimbledon

2. Stay at a Five-Star Victorian Mansion
Perthshire, Scotland

The Cromlix House, which officially opened this past spring in Perthshire, promises the authenticity of the Scottish countryside in five-star fashion. At the helm of the 15-bedroom Victorian mansion is tennis champion Andy Murray, whose hometown Dunblane is just three miles away. The Cromlix House is set on 34 lush acres and channels the decadent era of “grand country house living” with two drawing rooms, a conservatory, a dining room, a billiards room and an exquisite chapel. Murray purchased the property for £1.8 million (around $2.9 million) in February 2013 and oversaw the entire renovation process from start to finish.

Prices vary depending on the season, but average between  £250 – £585 per night. cromlix.com[2]

3. Drive a Classic Car Through the Cotswolds
Warwick, United Kingdom

Hit the road on a self-guided tour of The Cotswolds, a rural retreat just two hours outside of London, frequented by A-listers like Kate Moss and Damien Hirst. Locals recommend taking the “Romantic Road” route, which showcases the region’s rich history through picturesque country roads, lively towns and quaint stone villages. And to make for an even more memorable experience, you’ll want to check out The Open Road, one of the top classic car hire companies in the U.K. We recommend the vintage Jaguar E-Type Roadster, but you’ll also be tempted by classics like the Caterham Super 7 and the 1969 MGB Roadster.

Prices vary based on car and availability; theopenroad.co.uk[3]

Rosewood London’s Grand Manor House Suite

4. Host a Cockail Party in a Suite with Its Own Zip Code
Covent Garden, London

At the year-old Rosewood London on High Holburn (between the historic West End and Covent Garden), every ounce of the property oozes with sophistication. From the outset, you’ll notice a meticulously manicured courtyard, a dramatic rose-bronze entryway and the staff’s impossibly elegant uniforms, designed by British couturier Nicholas Oakwell. The Rosewood occupies a neoclassical building that was constructed in 1914, and consists of 262 rooms and 44 suites. But the property’s pièce de résistance is its six-bedroom Grand Manor House Wing—the only suite in the world that boasts its own zip code. When you book the 6,295 sq. ft. wing, be sure to have the hotel’s concierge arrange a dinner party for you and your guests; there’s a dining room that seats up to ten people.  

rosewoodhotels.com[4]

5. Tour a Whisky Distillery that’s Closed to the Public
Speyside, Scotland

Score a private tour of famed whisky distilleries that are historically closed to the public—like Glenrothes, among others—through The Whisky Dog, a bespoke service with unprecedented insider access. The company’s founder, whisky expert Nicholas Pollacchi, personally accompanies clients on a luxury tour of off-the-beaten-path distilleries around Scotland. Having spent the greater part of his career working with Scottish distilleries and premium whisky brands, Pollacchi has unrivaled access and an encyclopedic knowledge of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies—which makes for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Price upon request; thewhiskydog.com[5]

British Airways First Suite

6. Travel in the Finest of First Class          
     
There are plenty of flight options to choose from when traveling between the U.S. and Great Britain, but the standout among them is the First Class cabin on British Airways. Flyers get their own private suite, equipped with a cushy lay-flat bed and luxe quilted mattress, premium skincare products and fresh seasonal dishes that use locally-sourced ingredients. They also offer a customary British tea service, complete with sandwiches, cakes and scones. The cabin itself promises a serene environment thanks to shades and mood lighting—leaving travelers remarkably well-rested upon arrival.

Prices vary; britishairways.com[6]

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