23rd August 2018
” There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
Henry James
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Having just celebrated Afternoon Tea Week, we delve into one of the most delightful of British traditions.
Explore the journey of tea; from the home of Earl Grey in Northumberland, to Woburn, where afternoon tea was popularized in the 1840’s when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford would drink tea to stop that afternoon ‘sinking feeling’. Since then tea has become synonymous with the British, and the taking of afternoon tea has graduated from a respectable practice for fashionable society to a chance to experience a leisurely and elegant ritual, take a rest from a hectic shopping day or celebrate with friends or family.
Join Dream Escape’s expert guides and take one of London’s tea trails from Garaways Coffee House, where tea was first sold in the 1650’s, to the ‘tea clipper’ the Cutty Sark in Greenwich and the Chelsea Physic Garden with it’s links to the tea trade.
Of course, in modern times there are many ways to enjoy afternoon tea, from traditional to themed and elegant to entertaining.
Perfect for families young and old, the magnificent Mad Hatters tea is on the ‘must do’ list of London’s elite with Alice’s Exotic Fruits “Drink Me” potion and treats such as a Mad March Hare Vanilla Pocket Watch Macaroon and a strawberry flamingo with a white chocolate Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé croquet truffle.
Take a fun twist on this traditional pastime with an Afternoon tea bus tour, which will keep everyone entertained with an endless flow of London’s iconic sights. Head on down to the potion room in a classic Soho bakery for a fully immersive Harry Potter themed afternoon tea. Spend a fun few hours mixing edible potions, drinking teas with names like “Elixir of Life” and “Unicorn Tears,” and Hubble Bubble – your very own cauldron with a lemon inspired potion.
Sample traditional afternoon tea at iconic London venues such as The Ritz and The Goring or perhaps travel to the west of Ireland and experience the splendour of a magnificent 13th Century castle and former Guinness Family home and the Connaught Room, where the ritual of afternoon tea has been preserved since 1868.
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“Tea tempers the spirits and harmonizes the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clears the perceptive faculties.”
Lu Yu, Classic of Tea: Origins and Rituals
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Whether your clients are celebrating a milestone with a family get together or need some time to rest and recon...
From today, Buckingham Palace is open to visitors for 10 weeks only. During a visit discover the 19 magnificent State Rooms and explore our special exhibition, Queen Victoria’s Palace to learn more about how Queen Victoria brought the Palace to life, transforming an empty royal residence into the site of the most glittering court in Europe.
Golf’s oldest major championship, The Open, returns after 68 years to Royal Portrush Golf Club, Dunluce Course; County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The 148th Open 2019 began with the first tee shot taken by Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke.
Fun Facts: Graeme McDowell, the professional golfer who was the first Irishman to win the U.S. Open, was born in Portrush. Another famous Northern Ireland player in the competition is Rory McIlroy who at the age of 16, in 2005, pitched in with a new course record of 61 at Royal Portrush.
Dream Escape can help you plan an inspirational and exciting programme in Northern Ireland, effortlessly combining golf and sight-seeing introducing clients to the country and the culture. Places of interest near Royal Portrush Golf Club include: UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Giant’s Causeway; Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle, familiar to Game of Thrones fans as Castle Greyjoy.
Dream Escape’s “Scotland and Ireland: Golf and Touring Programme” is designed for experienced golfers and their partners. Dream Escape plan inspirational and exciting programmes, effortlessly combining golf and sight-seeing throughout Scotland and Ireland introducing visitors to the country and the culture.
At Dream Escape we have our very own golfing guru Alasdair Wells who, having graduated with a degree in Golf Management, has worked in Florida and more recently in St Andrews, the home of golf! There is very little Alasdair doesn't know about golf and he has his favourite golf courses - he has an impressive 13 Handicap!
The eyes of the world will be focussed on Royal Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland from 18th > 21st July 2019 as it plays host to the 148th Open. This historic return will see the worlds’ very best golfers; international and home-grown heroes do battle for the famous Claret Jug.
Dream Escape recently helicoptered over the Dunluce Links Course at Royal Portrush and it was looking pristine. ⛳️We were on a Game of Thrones mission to see Dunluce Castle, also known as Castle Greyjoy!
The golfing spotlight is on Northern Ireland at the moment with The 148th Open making an historic return after 68 years. Golf's oldest tournament takes place at Dunluce Links, Royal Portrush, Co. Antrim, with the world's greatest players competing for the Claret Jug. Our experts are on hand to inspire, advise and design the perfect golfing Dream Escape for your clients.
Check out this amazing video from Tourism Ireland and visit our website www.dreamescape.co.uk to see our latest golfing programmes and blog
Tourism Ireland
A fabulous and unforgettable adventure, specially designed with energetic families in mind, awaits those visiting Cornwall on a tailor made holiday designed by Dream Escape.
Stunning coastlines, sandy beaches and unique activities and experiences will be sure to keep every family member entertained.
