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Look out over the gothic Houses of Parliament and iconic 'Big Ben' from Westminster Bridge, the perfect viewing point.

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The UK & Ireland is home to miles and miles of picturesque countryside just waiting to be explored. The small size of the region means that you are never far away from the nearest area of natural beauty.

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Escape the hustle and bustle of central London and head to Greenwich, a World Heritage Site, with its lovely village like feel. With the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and Sir Christopher Wren's Old Royal Naval College to visit, Greenwich can definitely be considered a worthwhile destination in its own right.

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Take a ride on the London Eye at sunset and admire the city's iconic skyline from above.

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UK - Brown's Hotel

The oldest hotel in London, Brown’s is a wonderful slice of history in London’s exclusive borough of Mayfair. Take Afternoon Tea in the English Tea Room, sip cocktails in the Donovan Bar and visit Mayfair’s beautiful boutiques and art galleries, which are all just minutes away.

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UK - Buckingham Palace Guards

If you are looking for some traditionally British pomp and ceremony, watch Changing the Guard as it happens, almost every day, at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

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UK - Bulgari Pool

Not many London hotels can boast a swimming pool, let alone one of these size and grandeur. When the weather isn’t quite up to scratch, we can’t imagine there being a better place in the capital to spend an afternoon. 

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UK - Claridge's Lobby

One of London’s finest hotels, this art deco splendour is loved by both royalty and rock stars. 

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UK New Forest 1

While away a weekend in the New Forest with its roaming ponies, luxurious country house hotels and beautiful wooded landscapes.

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UK Inverlochy Castle

Nestled within the foothills of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, Inverlochy Castle is a scenic country retreat in the heart of the Scottish Highlands which is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and wide range of traditional country pursuits. 

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UK Glamis Castle Angus Scotland

For those interested in royalty, Glamis Castle was the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Considered one of the country’s most impressive castles, the castle has been home to the same family for over 600 years.

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UK Corinthia Suite Terrace

The Musician's Penthouse Suite at Corinthia. Spread over two floors linked by a staircase and private lift, this stunningly decorated suite is one of London's finest. As for its magnificent terrace, with gas fire and both city and riverscape views... well, this photo speaks for itself!

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UK Corinthia Hotel London Nightime Terrace

We might be biased, but no city comes alive at night quite like London, and few terraces beat this one - the Corinthia's Penthouse Suite. Bridges flicker into life, the Thames glows with reflections from all sides, Canary Wharf never sleeps and signature sites, such as the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, the Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral are sensationally lit all night long.

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UK - Boundary Rooftop

One of London’s most popular spots as soon as the sun comes out, Boundary Rooftop in Shoreditch, open for lunch, dinner, drinks and general relaxation, is one of the trendiest hangouts in town. 

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UK - Brighton Pavillion

Built as a seaside home for the Prince Regent in 1787, Brighton Pavilion is an exotic combination of Eastern and Western architecture located on Britain’s south coast.

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UK - Aldourie Castle

Stay in a castle and bring your childhood fantasies to life at one of Scotland’s finest exclusive use properties. Perched on the banks of Loch Ness, Aldourie Castle has been lovingly and skilfully resorted to resemble its Victorian hey-dey. 

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UK -Buckingham Palace St James's Park

Take time to visit Buckingham Palace, one of the world’s most famous royal palaces. Well located between Green Park and St James’s Park, your visit can easily be combined with a wander through London’s royal parks. 

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UK - The Witchery Restaurant

An Edinburgh institution, nowhere in Edinburgh offers a more romantic dining experience. If you can’t quite face leaving after dinner, The Witchery has sumptuous suites to stay in too. 

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UK - The Sir Percy Blakeney Master suite, Royal Crescent

Feel like a king or queen, or at least a lord or lady, at the Georgian style Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath. 

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UK - The Ritz

Take tea at the Ritz, one of London’s most famous hotels.

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UK - The Lobby Lounge Corinthia Hotel London

Stay at one of London’s most luxurious hotels, Corinthia, formerly the site of the Ministry of Defence under Winston Churchill. Wonderfully located between Trafalgar Square, theatre-land and Westminster, guests can explore all the city has to offer by foot. 

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UK - The Bath House Spa, The Royal Crescent Hotel

Relax in the beautifully atmospheric spa at the Royal Crescent hotel in Bath, lit with glowing candles by night and streaming sunshine by day.

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UK - The Balmoral

Stay at one of Edinburgh’s finest luxury hotels located on Prince’s Street. Now over 100 years old, The Balmoral is an Edinburgh institution. 

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UK - Stratford upon Avon Cottage

Swot up on Shakespeare in this picturesque market town, birth-place and home to the world’s most famous playwright. 

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UK - Standing Stones of Callinish

One of the UK & Ireland’s most ancient sites, the striking standing stones of Callinish, thought to be a calendar system based on the moon, date from around 2900 BC. You’ll find them on the Isle of Lewis which is part of the Outer Hebrides. 

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UK - St Pancras

Marvel at this recently renovated Victorian-era railway hotel. If you’re heading on to Paris to London, there is nowhere better to stay as St Pancras Station is home to the Eurostar.

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UK - Scottish Borders

The UK & Ireland is the perfect place to visit for the festive season. With snowy landscapes, cosy boutique hotels and fantastic Christmas shopping in London, we couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

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UK - Saville Row

Get fitted for your perfect tailor-made suit at one of Savile Row’s world-famous tailors.

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UK - Royal Scotsman train

The Royal Scotsman takes you from Waverley Station in Edinburgh into the heart of Scotland on several luxurious journeys. Visit the country’s finest castles, whisky distilleries and most dramatic landscapes as your travel in style.

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UK - Royal Crescent Lady Sophina

Sail down the Kennet and Avon waterway on a 1920s Thames River Launch at Bath's Royal Crescent hotel.

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UK - Royal Crescent  Daffodills

One of the country’s finest examples of Georgian architecture, Bath’s Royal Crescent is an impressive site, from which ever way you approach it. 

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UK - Roman Baths

Visit one of the world’s first spa resorts; Bath was much frequented by the Romans who adored the city’s naturally warm waters. 

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UK - Radio - Rooftop Bar

With its dramatic cityscape views, the rooftop Radio Bar at ME by Melia hotel is one of the best bars in London from which to spot some of London’s world-famous buildings.

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UK - Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Explore Georgian Bath, one of the UK & Ireland’s most beautiful cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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UK - Prince's Lodge

One of the smartest hotels in town, The Connaught in Mayfair is the perfect pied-a-terre while in London. 

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UK - Oxford Spires

Walk through centuries of history as you explore one of the UK & Ireland’s most beautiful cities. Grand university colleges, quaint cobbled streets, historic spires, aristocratic piles and Michlin-starred restaurants are just some of the delights on offer.

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UK - Old Parsonage Oxford

Head to the Old Parsonage in Oxford, a quaint boutique hotel housed in a historical 17th century manor house.

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UK - National Gallery Interior

London has an awe-inspiring amount of world-class art on display in an incredible amount of galleries, whether you are interested in the great masters, Pre-Raphaelites, YBAs, contemporary street art, prehistoric sculpture or cutting-edge performance art. 

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UK - Millenium Dome

Formally the ill-fated Millennium Dome, and one of London’s signature buildings, the O2 Arena has brought the dome back to life as the setting for endless concerts and cultural performances. For the best views, take a ride on the Emirates Skyline.

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UK - Massimo Restaurant & Oyster Bar
UK - London Best Image

Try one of our tailor-made helicopter tours of London for the best views of this beautiful city.

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UK - Loch Laich

Take a tour of Scotland’s many lochs; from the scenic Loch Laich to the infamous Loch Ness.

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UK - Limewood, New Forest

Immerse yourself in nature from the comfort of Lime Wood, on of the UK's most exclusive boutique hotels.

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UK - Leeds Castle, Kent

Explore one of the UK’s finest castles. Leeds Castle dates from Norman times and has been frequented throughout history by William the Conqueror, medieval queens, Henry VIII and American heiresses. 

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UK - Le Manoir, Oxford

If you fancy yourself as a foodie, then no visit to Oxford would be complete without experiencing the gourmet gastronomy of Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Raymond Blanc. Housed in a picturesque 15th century Chiltern manor, with exquisite gardens, Le Manoir can be visited all year round.

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UK - Lake District

The Lake District, with its dramatic hills, expansive lakes and idyllic villages, is an unrivalled area of natural beauty that is perfect for walking, trekking, hiking, sailing and riding to your heart’s content. 

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UK - King's College Cambridge

Located in between Cambridge’s River Cam and the heart of this beautiful city, King’s College, in its late Gothic style, is one of the university’s most beautiful historic colleges. 

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UK - Hampton Court

Recreate history at Hampton Court Palace. Dating from 1494, Hampton Court was home to many INFAMOUS monarchs including Queen Mary I, Charles I and, most famously, Henry VIII.

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UK - Gilpin Lodge, Lake District

Stay in the heart of the Lake District at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House.

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UK - Giant's Causeway, Ireland

World famous and a central part of Irish folklore, the Giant’s Causeway can be found on County Antrim on Ireland’s wild North East coast. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive geological formation is over 50 millions years old and is made up of over 40,000 basalt columns.

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UK - Fort William Ben Nevis

From your base in Fort William climb Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.

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UK - Fairmont Simpson in the Strand

No longer confined to builders, bankers and English gentleman, nothing beats starting the day with a traditional English breakfast; bacon, eggs, beans, sausages and all the trimmings. 

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UK - Eileen Donan Castle

No trip to the Scottish Highlands is complete without a visit to one of the country’s most striking, and most celebrated, castles, Eileen Donan. 

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UK - Edinburgh Castle

Towering over the ancient city of Edinburgh on the site of a now extinct volvano, Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 9th century. Offering panoramic views over the city, the castle is a must-see for any first time visitor to Edinburgh.

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UK - Edinburgh 4

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a jewel of Georgian architecture. Visit the medieval EdinburghCastle, shopping-haven Princes Street, Holyrood Palace and Royal Botanical Gardens before anything else. 

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UK - Dublin Library

Take a look at the Book of Kells in Dublin's Trinity College library. Dating from the 8th century, this ornate depiction of the New Testament is one of Ireland’s finest treasures. 

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UK - Dublin Ha'penny Bridge

Cross the Ha’penny Bridge, learn about the lives of Oscar Wilde and James Joyce and visit the world headquarters of Guinness; what ever you are in to, Dublin will have something to offer. 

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UK - Coworth Park (1)

Experience a country house hotel at its best at CoworthPark in Berkshire, under an hours drive from London. Its award-winning spa, top restaurants and endless country pursuits will have you never wanting to leave.

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UK - Cotswolds, Tewkesbury

Familiarise yourself with some of Britain’s most picture postcard villages in the Cotswolds with its winding country lanes, quaint Cotswold stone buildings and fantastic country-house hotels. 

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UK - Corinthia Suite Terrace

Corinthia’s seven Penthouse Suites are some of the finest, and largest, in London. All boast sensational views, but come with a different selection of luxurious extras from private spas. Large open terraces, cocktail cabinets and nearly everything else you can think of.

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UK - Coworth Park

Located just outside Ascot, Berkshire, and set within 240 acres of private parkland, Coworth Park is an established country retreat with an array of outdoor activities, but situated just 45 minutes from central London.

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Useful Information

WHEN TO GO to the UK & Ireland

The United Kingdom & Ireland can be visited at any time of year as there is always something on offer. If you plan to travel from May to September it is worth booking a good time in advance as in the summer months hotels experience their greatest demand due to the warmer weather and longer days. We do however also recommend visiting the UK & Ireland in winter months; towns and cities such as London, Edinburgh and Bath are absolutely beautiful during Christmas and New Year and offer fantastic shopping opportunities. However for itineraries that include large amounts of time spent outdoors, in locations such as the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands, we suggest that you plan your visit from April to October. 

The United Kingdom & Ireland has many international airports. However, airports with the best international connections include London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Edinburgh and Dublin. Smaller airports which also fly frequently to international destinations include London City, London Stanstead, Bristol, East Midlands, Birmingham, Glasgow & Inverness. It is also possible to arrive into the UK by Eurostar which leaves and arrives from St Pancras Station in London. Countries that are connected to London by the Eurostar service include France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. 

Please refer to this link for more information about visas: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/


Client Testimonials

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

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