Powder Days - The Best Ski Towns in the French Alps

Discover the best French Alps ski towns for powder! Explore Chamonix, Val d'Isère & more for unforgettable mountain adventures.

The French Alps are a magnet for skiers and snowboarders. Stretching from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Italian border, the region combines gorgeous glaciers, winding valley runs and advanced interconnected lift systems that allow skiers to travel between multiple resorts (and countries) in a single day. But many of these resorts would be nothing without the communities which have grown with the boom in the snowsports industry since the 1960s, and the best ski towns in France now exist in places where once there were nothing but simple hamlets and mountain refuges.
While many resorts across the French Alps offer excellent skiing, certain towns stand out thanks to their beauty, world-class amenities and, of course, excellent snowfall. From the Three Valleys to the Espace Killy, and in the shadow of Mount Blanc, there’s a certain “je ne sais quoi"&nbsp;which lingers around them. Easily accessible via international travel, the following are the best places to cover all the bases for making a memorable ski trip to the French Alps.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/French%20Alpes.jpg" width="1000" height="531" loading="lazy" alt="French Alpes" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2 id="h.s0mznq1jwqp4" class="c9">Chamonix</h2>
Sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc and on the border with Italy, Chamonix is rightly regarded as one of the world’s most iconic ski destinations. The town developed during the 19th century as a centre for mountaineering and exploration, making it the oldest and largest major settlement in the <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/buy/french-alpes-fr/property-for-sale/" rel="noopener">French Alps</a>. Unlike many purpose-built ski villages, Chamonix clings on to its distinct heritage, as evidenced by its bustling town centre, which is full of classic examples of 19th-century architecture, lending it a quality similar to spa towns like St.Moritz and Bad Gastein.The ski domain is expansive but not all connected by slope. 
However, all the resorts remain easily accessible to each other thanks to the efficient local ski bus system. The Vallée Blanche descent, which runs from the high slopes of the Aiguille du Midi glacier, is one of the most famous off-piste runs in Europe. Les Houches, on the other hand, is famed for its Kandaha run from the Winter Olympics, and is connected by the noble yet beautiful Mont Blanc Express, a scenic train service which runs to Saint Gervais, on the other side of the mountain. Connection via a breathtaking gondola to Courmayeur in Italy and regular trains across the border to Switzerland make it possible to ski 3 is the other side all within a few miles of each other, cementing its status as the creme de la creme for international skiing in France.
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<h2 id="h.d09b3593hxx1" class="c9">Val d’Isère</h2>
Close to the border of Italy but high up, straddling an impenetrable glacier which makes winter travel across the border impossible, Val d’Isère lies at the edge of the Vanoise National Park and forms part of the expansive Espace Killy ski area alongside neighbouring Tignes. The town itself retains much of its traditional Savoyard aesthetic, with plenty of stone buildings and rustic wooden chalets clustered around a small town centre that remained largely unchanged for centuries. However, the image of Val D’Isere now is one of the most premier ski destinations not just kilometres of wide-ranging only in the countries in a week in the French Alps, but across the entire world. Known for its exemplary chalets, consistent high-altitude snowfall and raucous apres ski scene courtesy of legendary establishment, La Folie Douce, France’s iconic party house on the piste.
The skiing in Val d’Isère branches out from the central town into three distinct sectors. Solaise, Bellevarde and Le Fornet. At the heart of the area sits the legendary Face de Bellevarde, an Olympic black run that drops steeply toward the village, offering a formidable challenge for even the most advanced skiers. As the name may imply, Solaise provides wide, sun-drenched cruising runs, whilst the resort's layout is meticulously connected by a high-speed lift system, including the Funival funicular, which transports skiers from the valley floor to the summit of Bellevarde in mere minutes. Up the end of the valley in Fornet, the high-alpine bowls of the Iseran Pass and the reliable snow of the Pissaillas Glacier cater to both piste enthusiasts and those seeking world-class off-piste routes, from as early as late November, right up until the start of May.
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<h2 id="h.aeajraj3i0c6" class="c9">Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens</h2>
These towns are in such proximity to each other that it’s all but impossible to mention one without the other two. Despite the name, The Three Valleys stands as the preeminent interconnected ski destination on the planet, linking no less than eight distinct resorts across over 600 glacier pistes. The ski&nbsp;options here are dense, with a network of runs and slopes that has over 2500 metres between its lowest end and highest starting point, backed by a lift system that makes travelling the entire area in a single day convenient. Courchevel is famous for its tiered layout, where a dozen villages sit at varying altitudes, culminating in the ultra-exclusive 1850 hub known for its gourmet dining, high-end retail experiences, and polished atmosphere.
In contrast, Méribel occupies the strategic heart of the Three Valleys, purposefully designed with strict architectural codes that mandate more of the traditional wood-and-stone chalet types more common in the region. At the far end of the circuit sits Val Thorens, which holds rank as the highest ski resort in Europe, at a staggering 2,300 metres. Its high-altitude location ensures a season that often outlasts the rest of the Alps, becoming world-renowned for a boisterous après-ski culture and vast, open bowls that seldom run dry of fresh snow. This trio of towns remains individually popular by offering travellers the choice of layered stays to suit their preferences, without compromising on anything during their stay.
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<h2 id="h.1nbpcg9s3mgg" class="c9">Megève</h2>
Originally envisioned in the early twentieth century as a French rival to St. Moritz, the town of Megève was cultivated by the dynastic Rothschild family as a sophisticated retreat for European aristocracy. The central square remains the heart of the village, where horse-drawn carriages replace standard taxis, and historic medieval architecture houses chic boutiques and high-end patisseries. This is no humble ski town, but among the very finest destinations for skiing and mountain life anywhere in the French Alps, with exemplary hospitality and a timeless setting that continues to charm.
Connected with the neighbouring village/resort of Saint Gervais across a sprawling network of over 400 kilometres of pistes with front-row views of the Mont Blanc massif, the ski area is comprehensive, and rivals those of many of the others on this list. The only drawback to the resort is its lack of high altitude, which can place it at the mercy of ever temperamental snowfall. However, its proximity to the Mont Blanc area and higher ski resorts such as Le Saises, as well as its short drive from Geneva Airport, make it handsomely connected. In tandem, the ability to relax at the exceptional wellness and spa facilities in the valley, including the famed natural thermal baths of Saint Gervais, ensures that Megève has far more to offer than just skiing.
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The French Alps are a magnet for skiers and snowboarders. Stretching from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Italian border, the region combines gorgeous glaciers, winding valley runs and advanced interconnected lift systems that allow skiers to travel between multiple resorts (and countries) in a single day. But many of these resorts would be nothing without the communities which have grown with the boom in the snowsports industry since the 1960s, and the best ski towns in France now exist in places where once there were nothing but simple hamlets and mountain refuges.

A New Era for The Royal Horticultural Society

Discover the RHS's new era! Explore upcoming shows at Badminton & Sandringham after the success of Wentworth Woodhouse.

For the majority of its proud history, the Royal Horticultural Society has operated around consistent anchors and landmark events in their most famous locations. The Chelsea Flower Show in May is the greatest example of this model with an excellent annual celebration that brings a riot of colour to West London. Working in this way has provided a prestigious and predictable schedule to follow for the green-fingered enthusiasts of the UK to follow.
However, there are clues that the RHS may be embarking on a new way of bringing their fantastic events to wider audiences in the country. The first real seeds were sown through the 2025 RHS Wentworth Woodhouse in south Yorkshire, and it proved to be a huge success.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/rhs%20flower%20show.jpg" width="1000" height="750" loading="lazy" alt="rhs flower show" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>The Success of RHS Wentworth Woodhouse 2025</h2>
From the 16th&nbsp;to the 20th&nbsp;of July 2025 this beautiful estate was imbued with a festival presence. A sequence of spaces that combines show gardens, plant nurseries and guest talks grew around the location with its own architecture, history and regional identity serving as the greatest foundation for a flower show.
This was one of the largest private houses in England, shaped by aristocracy, industrial wealth and a recent high-profile restoration being used as a proving ground for new shoots in the RHS strategy.
<ul class="c6 lst-kix_list_24-0 start">
<li class="c8 li-bullet-0">Show Gardens were displayed in competition for RHS medals and the coveted People’s Choice award</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Specialist growers were showcased for display and retail</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Community programming was created to broaden the RHS appeal in the area</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Educational talks brought&nbsp;industry tips and tricks to the general public</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">The familiar artisanal food &amp; drink stalls supported the show</li>
</ul>
Overall, the 2025 RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show established that a series of touring shows can work well. The differences in layout across the estate, as opposed to traditional venues such as <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/chelsea/" rel="noopener">Chelsea</a> or Hampton Court, also demonstrated new levels of creativity for visitor flow and engaging aesthetics.
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<h2>The 2026 RHS Touring Schedule</h2>
The 2026 schedule is now shaping up to take this insight and education a step further with two incredible shows planned for the summer, in the two RHS partner locations of Badminton and Sandringham.
With an elegant blueprint already detailed through the success of Wentworth Woodhouse in 2025, these events will be the hottest tickets for gardening lovers across the UK and well beyond.
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<h2>RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026</h2>
<h3>Key Details</h3>
<ul class="c6 lst-kix_list_25-0 start">
<li class="c8 li-bullet-0">8th&nbsp;– 12th&nbsp;of July 2026</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Sunday: 10am to 5:30pm</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">RHS Member Tickets &amp; Public Tickets available</li>
</ul>
The exquisite south Gloucestershire countryside is a picture-perfect setting for all things horticultural. Here, the Badminton Estate represents one of the most distinctive silhouettes on the landscape with a grand environment that is known as the historic seat of the Duke of Beaufort.
The sheer space here allows for a fantastic mix of traditional show gardens, live entertainment and rural culture with some important names from the horticultural world to deliver it all.
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<h3>Speakers &amp; Guests</h3>
<ul class="c6 lst-kix_list_26-0 start">
<li class="c8 li-bullet-0">Adam Frost&nbsp;– award-winning garden designer and BBC Gardener’s World&nbsp;presenter</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Arit Anderson&nbsp;– garden designer and sustainability champion</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Jekka McVicar&nbsp;– revered organic herb specialist with over 40 years of experience</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Jeremy Howe&nbsp;– editor of BBC Radio 4 rural radio masterpiece The Archers</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Adam Kirtland – Tales from the Potting Bench&nbsp;podcaster and writer</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Nicki Chapman – BBC TV presenter on the Escape to the Country&nbsp;program</li>
</ul>
<h3>On-Site Experience</h3>
The Badminton show is positioned as a full scale RHS event with multiple stages, installations and inspirational show gardens to wow visitors. The Lakeside Restaurant will be open for service for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea from 2:30 to 4pm. There are also great opportunities for an al fresco feast provided by the Fortnum &amp; Masson picnic packages. These can be tailored to vegetarian guests and also include champagne on request.
RHS Badminton 2026 will be judging large-scale garden builds for the chance to win RHS medals as is tradition. There are also reports of a feature garden to admire that is centred around the 75th&nbsp;anniversary of The Archers&nbsp;BBC radio show. It will be a recreation of the famous Bridge Farm, complete with orchard planting and meadow elements. Additional highlights will include:
<ul class="c6 lst-kix_list_28-0 start">
<li class="c8 li-bullet-0">Young Designer Gardens to showcase emerging talent</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Live @ the Lake Stage for music and entertainment</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Floral Marquee with over 70 exhibitors bringing specialist displays and installations</li>
</ul>
All of which will provide a real festival feel that marries RHS tradition with a modern celebration.
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<h2>RHS Sandringham 2026 Flower Show</h2>
<h3>Key Details</h3>
<ul class="c6 lst-kix_list_29-0 start">
<li class="c8 li-bullet-0">22nd&nbsp;to 26th&nbsp;of July 2026</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Sunday: 10am to 5pm</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">RHS Member Tickets &amp; Public Tickets available</li>
</ul>
The grounds of the Royal family owned Sandringham Estate deliver a location that is unmatched anywhere in the world for prestige and reputation. This is a clear and satisfying statement from the RHS that the land management, conservation and rural tradition that King Charles III is so proud to champion is a philosophy that they both share.
With woodland, carefully managed parkland and exquisitely maintained gardens as the base for new ideas and methodologies, Sandringham is bringing the most prominent figures together for this show in some style.
<ul class="c6 lst-kix_list_32-0 start">
<li class="c8 li-bullet-0">King Charles III&nbsp;– directly involved in shaping the show’s central themes</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Catherine Macdonald&nbsp;– RHS gold medal award winner responsible for the Royal Legacy Garden</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Jane Scott Moncrieff&nbsp;– creator of The Chestnut Group Garden for the Gurkha Welfare Trust</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Frederic Whyte – designer of The Thomas Gainsborough Garden</li>
</ul>
<h3>On-Site Experience</h3>
The Sandringham show looks to be positioned as a much more interpretive affair for horticulture and its associated arts and industries. The Royal Legacy Garden is certain to be the jewel in the crown for the show gardens that visitors will be drawn to. This was created in collaboration with His Majesty the King to celebrate the joys of nature in its simplest and finest forms. A famous passion for UK native trees is attended to by the yew and hornbeam that are well known to promote biodiversity in the landscape with bright perennials providing vibrant dashes of colour throughout.
Three main elements provide the foundation for all show programming at Sandringham 2026.
<ul class="c6 lst-kix_list_33-0 start">
<li class="c8 li-bullet-0">Main Stage – for headline speakers and keynote activity</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Potting Shed Stage – delivers practical advice in a hands-on way</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Flower School Stage – floristry sessions and design installations are explored here</li>
</ul>
RHS Sandringham 2026 is given the ultimate royal seal of approval by a monarch that has dedicated a good part of his life to ensuring that the natural world is always protected and celebrated in the right manner.
With these two 2026 shows as vital next steps, there is clearly a new bloom in progress for the country and its relationship with the world of horticulture. The RHS will then undoubtedly be looking to 2027 and beyond to grow and develop this new large-scale touring format in even more innovative and wide-reaching ways.
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For the majority of its proud history, the Royal Horticultural Society has operated around consistent anchors and landmark events in their most famous locations. The Chelsea Flower Show in May is the greatest example of this model with an excellent annual celebration that brings a riot of colour to West London. Working in this way has provided a prestigious and predictable schedule to follow for the green-fingered enthusiasts of the UK to follow.

man playing golf bmw pga championship wentworth

The BMW PGA Championship 2026: A Wonderful Week at Wentworth

BMW PGA Championship 2026: Discover the strategy & drama at Wentworth's West Course. September 15-20 in Virginia Water.

In the high status world of European golf, the PGA Championship at Wentworth is an incredible modern sporting institution. The BMW PGA Championship 2026 is held from the 15th&nbsp;to the 20th&nbsp;of September this year with tournament rounds scheduled for Thursday the 17th&nbsp;to Sunday the 20th.
All the action takes place at Virginia Water, a <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/surrey/surrey/" rel="noopener">Surrey</a> village surrounded by woodland and immaculate countryside, just 25 miles from the city of London. Golf fans from around the world will be drawn to this beautiful English enclave for a real festival of the sport with the greatest players on the planet vying for the title.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/bmw%20championship%20wentworth.jpg" width="1000" height="649" loading="lazy" alt="bmw championship wentworth" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>The Wentworth Club</h2>
The prestigious Wentworth Club has been a hugely influential presence for the game of golf for well over a century. Its location provides something a little different than the dramatic topography often favoured by links courses and other major estates. Instead, here at Virginia Water, the landscape is controlled and shaped by the dense pine and birch woodland that envelops it.
It was originally established in 1922 just as the discipline of golf architecture was really beginning to appear as an integral element to the worldwide development of the sport. The world-famous West Course, that the PGA Championship has been played out upon since 1984, opened just four years later and bears all the distinctive hallmarks of its creator, Harry Colt. He was a central figure during the Golden Age&nbsp;of course design that sought to use the natural landscape provided instead of fighting to fit features within it. Alongside his other standout designs at Sunningdale in <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/berkshire/berkshire/" rel="noopener">Berkshire</a>, Royal Liverpool in Hoylake and Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the West Course is considered to be the pinnacle of his work in setting the standards for how the game was played in the 20th&nbsp;century.
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<h2>Exploring The West Course</h2>
The players at the 2026 BMW PGA Championship will be entering an arena that does not immediately appear to be an overwhelming challenge. However, as any professional will attest, this is a course that prioritises real strategy over power and brute strength. With additional updated design carried out around 2010 by the celebrated modern golfing icon, Ernie Els, the West Course was sharpened further to push for even more focus on strategy. Control, calm heads and a consistent short game will be the key to success for all involved this September.
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<h2>Dramatic Decisions &amp; Defining Moments</h2>
For many modern courses and tournaments, the scoring spreads relatively evenly across players’ cards. <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/surrey/wentworth/" rel="noopener">Wentworth</a>, however, is historically defined by a certain number of decisive moments, not necessarily through shot difficulty but the decisions they force one to take under high pressure.
<ul class="c5 lst-kix_list_7-0 start">
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">The fourth &amp; twelfth holes offer par fives to take control if aggression can be well controlled</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">The exacting eighth hole exposes even the slightest error of judgement for distance</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">A perilously tight driving corridor at the fourteenth usually separates the leading pack</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">The drama of the eighteenth hole, with water guarding the approach, is a volatile final trial that demands the strongest nerves</li>
</ul>
All of which dictates that the BMW PGA Championship is extremely unlikely to be decided early. This is an event tailored to spectators where momentum shifts constantly across 72 holes of competition.
&nbsp;
<h2>Who Will Triumph at Wentworth?</h2>
Although the full field of players will not be confirmed until much closer to the event itself, there are clues through form and play styles that allow the golfing world to identify likely candidates for success.
&nbsp;
<h3>Rory McIlroy</h3>
There is little left to be said about the proven quality of Rory McIlroy. His ability to shape tee shots and control trajectory to the green has seen him dominate major tournaments in recent years. The current world number two is certain to be a great fit for the demands of the West Course as his 2014 victory by a one shot margin over Shane Lowry demonstrated. Experience and incredible talent are par for the course in McIlroy’s game in 2026, making him the one to watch.
<ul class="c5 lst-kix_list_12-0 start">
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Former champion here</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Elite tee-to-green control in pressurised environments</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Game suited to a strategy across tree-lined routes</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="c6">Alex Norén </h3>
One has to go back over a quarter of a century to uncover a player capable of consecutive titles at Wentworth. The sheer force of Colin Montgomerie here in 1998 and 1999 is certainly something that the tactically astute reigning champion, Alex Norén will be looking to emulate. As a star product of the Swedish golfing system, Norén has built a reputation on sound decision making for when to attack and when to show restraint. All attributes that often bring the greatest rewards at Wentworth and the West Course.
<ul class="c5 lst-kix_list_17-0 start">
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Defending BMW PGA Champion</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Excellent game on the greens</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Proven strategy and on tighter course layouts</li>
</ul>
<h3>Viktor Hovland</h3>
The relaxed and laid-back attitude of Norwegian Viktor Hovland is in sharp contrast to the ultra-precise and superbly engineered status of his game. His iron game is widely considered to be of the very best in the modern sport and if he finds his rhythm early on then he could easily be in the running when Sunday comes. With Wentworth asking so many questions about a player’s approach play, Hovland’s natural talent in this regard will be vital to keeping him in contention.
<ul class="c5 lst-kix_list_18-0 start">
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Well-improved short game in recent seasons</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Great fit for precision-based courses</li>
<li class="c4 li-bullet-0">Ranks amongst the best Iron games of any professional</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Where to Watch</h2>
The 2026 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth will be a festival of the sport for all golf-lovers from the committed-tour followers to casual fans. For those looking to experience the event first hand in real-time, picking the perfect position is always a consideration. 
The front nine is where one can expect to soak up most of the atmosphere in a relaxed way with quitter vantage points to set up camp and watch the players swing. Many are obviously tempted by the energy grandstand finale of the eighteenth, particularly on the final day, but this can be incredibly cramped. It seems that the most crucial spot is likely to be on the sixteenth where dramatic changes often unfold and the real pressure mounts.
&nbsp;
<h2>Surrey Supports the Event Superbly</h2>
If you are making the journey to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, then do take a look through our guides on what to see and do in the area to form a complete trip. With so much to experience, a relaxing itinerary is easily available to wind down from the unfolding drama on the tees and greens.
&nbsp;
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In the high status world of European golf, the PGA Championship at Wentworth is an incredible modern sporting institution. The BMW PGA Championship 2026 is held from the 15th&nbsp;to the 20th&nbsp;of September this year with tournament rounds scheduled for Thursday the 17th&nbsp;to Sunday the 20th.

The Best Things to Do in Bayswater

Discover top things to do in Bayswater: explore Hyde Park, relax at Porchester Spa, visit The Whiteley, and uncover hidden street secrets.

Bayswater is often viewed as a connection between the more well known neighbourhoods of Paddington, Notting Hill and Marble Arch. The familiar story of London expanding ever westward in the 19th&nbsp;century accounts for much of its creation with some incredible examples of Georgian architecture on its streets.
With Hyde Park on its doorstep as one of the most famous public spaces in the whole world, it is easy to see why so much attention has been focussed on this area over the last 200 years. By the Victorian era it had become a wonderfully energetic residential and hotel district that welcomed people with open arms from all over the globe. Greek and Middle Eastern communities in particular began to shape the area’s identity with the creation of churches, cafes and new cultural influences that remain to this day.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/things%20to%20do%20in%20bayswater.jpg" width="1000" height="748" loading="lazy" alt="things to do in bayswater" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">image source: William Barton / Shutterstock.com
<h2>A Top 10 to Try in and around Bayswater</h2>
In 2026 <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/bayswater/" rel="noopener">Bayswater</a> is witnessing yet another reinvention with billions of pounds of investment bringing a sophisticated 21st&nbsp;century feel to these wonderful foundations
Here are ten great things to try in Bayswater during your time there.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">1. Porchester Centre &amp; Porchester Spa Queensway</h2>
This is one of the greatest remaining examples of historic wellness facilities in London. It was originally built in the 1920s to serve the area with public bathing, washing and swimming in <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/art-deco-architecture/" rel="noopener">art deco</a> grandeur. Its high ceilings and old school charm are now the perfect backdrop for Turkish baths and a thermal circuit that promises to revitalise you completely in an afternoon. This is relaxation with a gentle rhythm in the most glamourous way possible.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">2. A Walk on Queensway</h2>
Queensway in particular has been earmarked for a significant redevelopment to make it a particular high street to watch in the capital. Taking a walk along this old thoroughfare towards <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/hyde-park/" rel="noopener">Hyde Park</a> will allow one to appreciate how impressive it is likely to be. The facades above ground level speak to a more elegant past that is bound to be restored with its cornices and balconies just waiting for new life. Grab a coffee and observe a classic location in the middle of a modern transformation.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">3. Watching The Whitely</h2>
If one was looking for a symbol of Bayswater’s grand plan for the 21st&nbsp;century then The Whiteley is surely it. This exquisite building was once home to one of London’s most renowned retail intuitions where it was promised that customers could buy ‘anything from a pin to an elephant’. 
It is now undergoing a rebirth as a mixed use residential, retail and leisure powerhouse designed by the world famous Norman Foster architects. It is almost entirely complete and commands the time of any Bayswater visitor in 2026.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">4. Marvel at the Mystery 23-24 Leinster Gardens</h2>
At first glance one would assume that 23-24 Leinster Gardens are standard Victorian homes. But look just a little bit closer and you will uncover the city’s greatest and most hidden engineering secrets.
These houses are actually just false fronts designed to disguise the cutting and ventilation requirements for steam trains on the Metropolitan Railway. It opened in 1863 and was the world’s first underground steam train railway. The residents and business owners didn’t want the area spoiled by such infrastructure and this was the unique solution. It feels like a stage set right in the heart of modern London. 
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">5. Superb St Sophia’s Moscow Road</h2>
St Sophia’s is a Byzantine revival masterpiece of a building created for the Greek Orthodox church in the early 1880s. It quickly became the focus for an emerging Greek community in the neighbourhood with John Oldrid Scott’s design displaying a fantastic use of majesty and colour.
It is filled with classic iconography and architectural elements in a vivid display of light and strength. Visiting on a quiet weekday morning is suggested to make your own respectful observation as valuable as possible.
&nbsp;
<h2>6. Stay Cool at Queens Queensway</h2>
This is one of the longest surviving indoor <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/best-ice-skating-london/" rel="noopener">ice rinks in London</a>. For recent times it has also had an upgrade to add in bowling lanes and an impressive food hall for families. As a mix of history and leisure it can add an exciting element to any Bayswater visit that stretches from late afternoon long into the evening.
If your experience on the ice is limited, then lessons are offered on a regular basis to quickly get you up to speed too.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">7. The Everyman Experience The Whiteley</h2>
The Everyman Cinema at The Whiteley is the very model of modern cinema viewing. It makes for a much more relaxed and social experience with comfortable sofa seating and a cocktail menu delivered directly to you as the movie plays.
A programme of blockbuster movies and arthouse films are all scheduled with intimate screenings that reward audiences with complete focus. This is how a night at the movies works best in 2026, particularly for visiting couples.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">8. Run the Royal Park Hyde Park</h2>
Hyde Park acts as Bayswater’s back garden. One can be at the park’s edge within a 5 to 10-minute walk from Queensway, and even faster if you run. With several running routes round this historic space it can easily supply a four-mile jog to kickstart your day or watch the sun set.
Flat terrain and a wealth of landmarks on show make this royal park a runner’s paradise at any time of year.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">9. Swimming at The Serpentine Hyde Park</h2>
The famous Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park was created in 1730 and has been home to the Serpentine Lid for over 150 years. A stirring open air swim in these beautiful surroundings makes for one of the most unique activities in all of London with rowing boats and pedalos on hand for a more leisurely visit.
The deckchairs along the water’s edge in Summer are a quintessential sight to witness here too.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c6">10. A Little Bit of Italy Hyde Park</h2>
The Italian Gardens just near Lancaster Gate are a stone’s throw from Bayswater’s terraces. They were originally commissioned by Prince Albert in the 1860s to mimic the fabulous Renaissance gardens of The Beautiful Country. 
This is one of the most captivating parts of the park with fountains, urns and statues all orchestrated in a formal and ornamental layout. The Italian Gardens have been the most photographed area of the park for decades and a stroll here is always a delight.
Experiencing Bayswater in 2026 offers a unique opportunity. It represents a distinctly elegant part of the city that is entering a new phase of its evolution. With so much to see and so much yet to come, this neighbourhood is destined to be a big attraction for potential new residents and visitors as spring grows into view.
&nbsp;
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Bayswater is often viewed as a connection between the more well known neighbourhoods of Paddington, Notting Hill and Marble Arch. The familiar story of London expanding ever westward in the 19th&nbsp;century accounts for much of its creation with some incredible examples of Georgian architecture on its streets.

A Guide to the Best Prep Schools in Surrey

Discover Surrey's top prep schools! Our guide highlights 7 of the best for 11+ & 13+ entry, offering exceptional education.

The beautiful county of Surrey is home to one of the most competitive independent school ecosystems to be found anywhere in the UK. Its preparatory school infrastructure is often regarded as a vital pathway to feed into the most prestigious senior schools of London and the South East.
The large estates campuses deliver a learning experience without restraint from the often limited spaces in more urban environments, with centuries of history and academic power fuelling stellar reputations.
Our brief guide looks at 7 of the very best prep schools in Surrey for parents to consider.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/Prep%20Schools%20in%20Surrey.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="Prep Schools in Surrey" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>1. Danes Hill School Oxshott</h2>
The scale of Danes Hill School across 55 acres makes it a formidable academic presence on the Surrey educational landscape. Since its opening in 1947, it has steadily expanded from its original estate with historic buildings to a purpose-built facility with sports and performing arts as key areas.
Danes Hill School positions itself as preparing its children for both 11+ and 13+ entry points with capacity to run from nursery all the way to year 8.
<h3>At a Glance Details</h3>
<ul class="c2 lst-kix_list_12-0 start">
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Oxshott location</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Age range from 2-13</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Co-educational day school </li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">55 acre estate</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Full nursery, pre-prep &amp; prep infrastructure</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>2. Hall Grove School Bagshot</h2>
The distinct family-owned operation of Hall Grove School offers a tight knit educational community for its pupils and families. In 1957 the Graham family opened the school to six children after purchasing the initial house and its development across the last 60 years has been astounding. 
Now it sits on 40 acres of ground on the <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/surrey/surrey/" rel="noopener">Surrey</a> and <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/berkshire/berkshire/" rel="noopener">Berkshire</a> border with outdoor learning as a key element to the curriculum they provide. Classrooms, fields and woodlands are all used during lessons to provide a connection with nature and the environment that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. 
<h3>At a Glance Details</h3>
<ul class="c2 lst-kix_list_13-0 start">
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Bagshot location</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Age range from early years to senior prep </li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Co-educational boarding &amp; day school</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Outdoor forest school capability</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Golf, tennis and riding facilities</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>3. St John’s Beaumont School Old Windsor</h2>
This is a great example of the quintessential English prep school with a historic reputation that stretches back over a century. Today, it operates to inspire young minds from 3 to 13 with a clear Catholic foundation to form its identity and teaching styles.
It represents a more formal educational space across a huge 7 acre plot on the edge of Windsor Great Park with a caring and inclusive community fostered by all staff and pupils. 
<h3>At a Glance Details</h3>
<ul class="c2 lst-kix_list_14-0 start">
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Location just outside Surrey but within prep school catchment</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Age range from 3-13</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Co-educational day and boarding school</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Full, weekly &amp; flexi boarding options</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Founded in 1888</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Catholic education embedded into curriculum</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>4. Feltonfleet School Cobham</h2>
Feltonfleet School is clear in its aims of delivering an education with purpose. Originally founded in 1903, the school is now a modern academic institution with an explicit way of dividing its pupils into four stages of Nursery &amp; Pre-Prep, Lower School, Middle School and Upper School. This all works towards what Feltonfleet refers to as Destination 13&nbsp;with pupils leaving for secondary school at the end of Year 8. 
<h3>At a Glance Details</h3>
<ul class="c2 lst-kix_list_15-0 start">
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Cobham location</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Compact 25-acre site</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Co-educational day and boarding school</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Full and flexi boarding capability</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Excellent sports facilities</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Rural setting inside the London commuter belt</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>5. Amesbury School Hindhead</h2>
Amesbury School recently announced that it will be joining the ultra-prestigious Charterhouse family of schools from summer 2026. This undoubtedly adds to the attraction of a prep school that calls upon 150 years of academic excellence and experience with Grade II-listed architecture at its core. 
Amesbury sets out to support prep school and Key Stage 2 learning with a focus on curiosity, in an autonomous spirit, to fuel lifelong learning in every child.
<h3>At a Glance Details</h3>
<ul class="c2 lst-kix_list_16-0 start">
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Hindhead location</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Co-educational prep school with Early Years provision</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Founded 1870</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Tennis academy</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Mental health &amp; wellbeing focus</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Unique Pre Senior Project Qualification (PSPQ) Study </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2 class="c3">6. Edgeborough School Farnham</h2>
Edgeborough School is another prep school that has recently joined the recognised Charterhouse family structure in 2021. Its Surrey Hills setting across 50 acres is a wonderful setting for children to follow that traditional prep trajectory to ready themselves for senior education.
The Prep department here are concerned with instilling values of confidence and independence through an introduction of the widest curricular and extra-curricular opportunities possible. Edgeborough also encourages its children to try taster boarding sessions to ensure they are offered the chance to fully benefit from the school community in the most complete way.
<h3>At a Glance Details</h3>
<ul class="c2 lst-kix_list_17-0 start">
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Farnham location</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Age range from 2 – 13</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Co-educational day and boarding school</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Weekly, flexi and full boarding options</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">50 acres of woodland setting</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Part of the Charterhouse family</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>7. Aldro Shackleford</h2>
Freedom to Flourish is the motto of Aldro prep school in Shackleford and it certainly appears to deliver on that promise. This is a tight-knit, co-educational day and boarding school that ensures its 220 pupils are given the very best start to their academic lives. With recognised pathways that includes scholarships to some of the most important public schools in the country, such as Charterhouse, Eton, Radley and Wellington, this is an institution where pupils are challenged and stretched to excel.
Unlike most prep schools in Surrey, Aldro does not provide nursery and early years capability with intake typically at age 7 or 11. This delivers a more concentrated preparatory experience for the children in smaller classes with dedicated supervision at the highest standards. 
<h3>At a Glance Details</h3>
<ul class="c2 lst-kix_list_18-0 start">
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Shackleford location near Godalming</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Age range from 7-13</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Co-educational day and boarding school</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Full, weekly and flexible boarding options</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Compact pupil population of around 220</li>
<li class="c1 li-bullet-0">Excellent connections to top senior schools</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The choice for which of the best prep schools in Surrey is the most suitable for your child is an incredibly personal and nuanced one. Academic capability and a results-driven education will undoubtedly be amongst the priorities, but there are also lifestyle, location and boarding options to consider. 
Understanding how well a pupil reacts to the school and the requirements they need for the most efficient learning environment have to become part of the process. With such distinguished experience, capability and history on show at each of the schools in our guide, it is often a case of finding the best fit for a perfect prep experience.
&nbsp;
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The beautiful county of Surrey is home to one of the most competitive independent school ecosystems to be found anywhere in the UK. Its preparatory school infrastructure is often regarded as a vital pathway to feed into the most prestigious senior schools of London and the South East.

teacher giving high-five to her student in prep school south west london

The Best Preparatory Schools in South West London

Discover top prep schools in South West London. Find the perfect independent school for 11+/13+ exams & scholarships.

The best preparatory schools in South West London sit within a capital that has the highest concentration of independent education in the UK. Participation rates vary by borough, in Kensington and Chelsea, 45.3 per cent of pupils attend independent schools, compared with a London average of around 10.1 per cent. 
Preparatory schools play a key role in academic progression at 11+ and 13+, with many structured explicitly around Common Entrance, pre-testing and scholarship preparation. South West London’s leading schools commonly feed into highly selective senior institutions including Westminster School, St Paul’s School, King’s College School Wimbledon, Dulwich College, Harrow School and Eton College, with scholarships and exhibitions widely used as benchmarks of academic success.
In this guide, we profile a handful of the best preparatory schools in this corner of the capital. 
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<h2 id="h.ihndrta9a51q" class="c7">Eaton Square Preparatory School, Belgravia</h2>
Founded in 1981, Eaton Square Preparatory School began as a nursery, operating from the basement of St Peter’s Church on Eaton Square. It has since expanded into a co-educational independent preparatory school for pupils aged two to 11, now occupying three adjoining Georgian townhouses on nearby Eccleston Square. The school became part of the Dukes Education group in 2018, which provides access to a wider network of independent schools. 
Facilities include the Barn library, built using reclaimed materials and designed as a space for reading and independent study to the STEAM Centre, known as the Launch Pad, that supports science and mathematics teaching through interactive projection systems, an augmented-reality sandpit and tablet-based learning walls. Eaton Square is also a TEDx-accredited centre and provides pupils with structured opportunities to develop presentation and public-speaking skills through formal talks.
Academic outcomes form a key part of the school’s profile. In the most recent Year 6 cycle, pupils received 51 offers from senior schools, with 25 acceptances and seven scholarships awarded across academic, creative and sporting categories. 
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.3qo0gehmhpi1" class="c15">&nbsp;Westminster Under School, Westminster</h2>
Westminster Under School is the preparatory arm of Westminster School, established in 1943 to extend the Great School’s academic model to pupils aged 7–13. Historically a boys’ prep, it is transitioning to co-education and will include a pre-preparatory from 2026. Although closely aligned in ethos, the Under School operates from a separate site in Vincent Square, within walking distance of Westminster Abbey and the senior school. Its curriculum is unapologetically academic, structured around rigorous preparation for 11+ and 13+ examinations, while also maintaining a full programme of sport, music and co-curricular activity.
Its results place it among the most academically selective schools in the country. In 2025, 63 of 68 leavers progressed to Westminster School, with three awarded King’s Scholarships; the remaining pupils secured places at Eton, The Perse and City of London School. This pattern is consistent year on year: between 2021 and 2024, the majority of pupils progressed to Westminster, with regular King’s and Queen’s Scholarships awarded, alongside starred Common Entrance passes and awards to Eton, Harrow, St Paul’s and Winchester.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.tlxsiqr8c89w" class="c7">Sussex House, Chelsea</h2>
Sussex House School is an independent boys’ preparatory school for pupils aged 8 to 13, founded in 1952 and operating as an independent charitable trust since 1994. It is deliberately small, capped at around 180 pupils and based in a restored Norman Shaw house on Cadogan Square, with additional facilities nearby in Cadogan Street. The school’s structure and charitable status shape its priorities: low staff turnover, small senior forms (averaging around 12 boys) and a tightly focused academic model aimed at preparing pupils for the most selective senior schools via Common Entrance and scholarship routes.
In a typical year, around 80 per cent of leavers progress to schools including Eton, <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/westminster/" rel="noopener">Westminster</a>, King’s College School Wimbledon, St Paul’s and Winchester, with regular academic, music and exhibition awards secured. This performance is underpinned by consistent exam preparation and close professional links between the Headmaster and senior schools. Alongside academics, the school maintains a structured programme in sport and the arts: football and cricket form the sporting core, fencing is a national-level strength and music and drama are well established, with regular performances at venues such as Cadogan Hall and the Fortune Theatre. While the school has a Church of England foundation, it is inclusive in intake, with its ethos centred on academic ambition and long-term pupil retention.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.iiqf0n9wdacb" class="c7">Newton Preparatory, Battersea</h2>
Newton Preparatory is a co-educational independent preparatory school in <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/south-west-london/battersea/" rel="noopener">Battersea</a> for pupils aged 3 to 13. Founded in 1991, it has grown into one of South West London’s largest preparatory schools, educating over 600 pupils across nursery through to Year 8. &nbsp;Facilities include a 300-seat auditorium, library, sports halls and outdoor pitches. Academically, the school is strongly focused, with provision tailored to high-ability pupils and a structure designed to support both 11+ and 13+ entry routes.
In 2025, pupils secured 43 scholarships and awards, with 38 per cent of Year 6 and Year 8 leavers receiving recognition across academic, art, drama, music and sport. Offers were made by more than 20 different senior schools, including Alleyn’s, Brighton College, City of London School, Dulwich College, King’s College School Wimbledon and Whitgift. 
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.8ag03qp6k25c" class="c7">Dulwich Preparatory &amp; Senior, Dulwich</h2>
Founded more than 140 years ago, Dulwich Preparatory &amp; Senior is a long-established independent day school in south-east London, historically known for boys’ education and now operating as a through school following the launch of its senior section in September 2025. Set across 29 acres, the school educates boys from ages two to 16, alongside a co-educational nursery for girls aged two to four. The expansion allows pupils to remain on site beyond Year 8 while continuing to support traditional 11+ and 13+ transition routes to external senior schools.
Facilities are extensive by London standards, supporting a broad academic and co-curricular programme spanning sport, creative arts, music and outdoor education. Between 2020 and 2025, pupils secured more than 350 awards, with 95 per cent progressing to their first-choice senior school. In the most recent leaver cohort, 40 boys collectively achieved 55 awards, representing the strongest results of the past five years. 
While preparation for 11+ and 13+ entry remains crucial, schools are adapting to a wider range of senior-school destinations and longer-term planning. Academic results and scholarship outcomes continue to matter, but so does the ability to offer continuity in an increasingly competitive market and provide adaptability when responding to the realities of modern independent education.
&nbsp;
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The best preparatory schools in South West London sit within a capital that has the highest concentration of independent education in the UK. Participation rates vary by borough, in Kensington and Chelsea, 45.3 per cent of pupils attend independent schools, compared with a London average of around 10.1 per cent.

The Best Places to Visit in Greece - Shrines to Hallowed Antiquity

Explore Greece's ancient shrines & best historical sites! Discover ruins, monuments, and the rich heritage of Athens & the Peloponnese.

As far as history is concerned, in Europe, Greece is the forerunner of our current civilisation. Whilst Rome is rightly lauded for bringing enlightenment to many parts of the continent, Greece in her heyday had colonies everywhere from Valencia province in Spain, to Crimea. Its explorers ventured as far north as the Arctic and deep into the east of Asia, establishing a much greater understanding and knowledge of the world than any other that came before it. Whilst it may be an old country the best places to visit in Greece are teeming with energy that belies its age.
Today, Greece still bears many important relics, ruins and monuments to its ancient age of discovery and progress, as well as boasting the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean to explore. The landmass is rugged, made up of steep hills and mountains, with much of the hinterland remaining uninhabited, as has been the way for thousands of years. Its cities are among the oldest in the world, and teem with curiosity, wisdom, and intrigue. 
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<h2 id="h.r1v6owxc2iga" class="c1 c3">Attica</h2>
Attica is quite underexplored thanks to the overwhelmingly popular presence of Athens within the region. However, it boasts coastal towns as beautiful as anywhere else in Greece, pine-covered hills and ancient sanctuaries like Cape Sounion. Here lies one of Greece’s greatest treasures, the Temple of Poseidon. This 5th-century BC ruin of crumbled columns is now a far cry from the awe-inspiring structure it would have been in its heyday, yet much still is left to impress. Standing atop 70-metre cliffs with expansive views out to sea, it’s as worthy a site for worshipping the god of the sea as there could be.
Meanwhile, Athens is worth visiting not only as a historical centre, but as a place where Greece’s past and present collide. Its heritage is undeniable, with layers of classical, Roman, Byzantine and modern history compressed into a relatively small area for a city with such an enormous reputation. Beyond the Acropolis, the Parthenon and its other archaeological sites, Athens is defined by the buzz of neighbourhood life. Areas such as Plaka, Exarchia and Piraeus reveal contrasting social identities, from the more tourist-oriented historic quarters to packed-out tavernas brimming with locals. As far as the best places to visit in Greece go, Attica has so much more to offer.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.jtqcy7adtyiw" class="c1 c3">The Peloponnese Peninsula</h2>
Since the construction of the Corinthian Canal, the&nbsp;Peloponnese is now technically an island, but this leaf-shaped landmass is the key to some of Greece’s most intact ancient sites. Argolis, known as “the thumb”, is the first tendril of the peninsula and contains the key historical sites of Nafplio, Mycenae and Epidaurus, the latter known for its incredible 4th century BC theatre. The Mani region houses the enchanting Caves of Diros, arguably Greece's most important natural site and speculated to be the entrance to the Underworld of Greek Mythology. Arcadia is rugged and mountainous, and one of the country’s most romantic landscapes, whilst Messenia is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal scenery. 
Whilst the Peloponnese is by far one of the best places to visit in Greece for scenery alone, the most famous part of this region is Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. A common misconception is that the region is located at the foot of Mount Olympus, which is situated in Northern Greece, but they are two distinctly different locations. Olympia contains some of the most incredible treasures in Greece, including temples built to honour Zeus and Hera, and the original Olympic stadium, complete with a 200 metre racetrack and marble starting blocks. A far cry from today’s game’s more toned-down and modernised apparel.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.6dxkal6pnefz" class="c1 c3">Crete</h2>
The largest of the Greek Islands has a culture and identity of its own, similar, but distinctly independent. Historically, Crete resisted outside control, from Venetian rule to Ottoman occupation, and it is now a celebrated part of island life that the communities here managed to keep their tradition. However, Architecture in the cities of Chania and Heraklion reflects the different periods of occupation on the island. Chania boasts an Egyptian-style lighthouse and a Venetian harbour, whilst Heraklion is known for the incredible Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos and the Minotaur’s labyrinth.
Crete is known for its dramatic scenery, including several mountain ranges that glisten with snow for the first few months of every year, and a cluster of cave networks and canyons shrouded in myth and legend. Mount Ida, the island’s tallest mountain, is one of the rumoured birthplaces of the god Zeus, as is the Dikteon Cave located within the eponymous mountain range. The Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest canyons, whilst the pink-toned sands formed from crushed seashells at Elafonissi&nbsp;beach lagoon are often ranked as among the most beautiful in the world.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.vbznmbfyd4si" class="c1 c3">Epirus</h2>
Mountainous, remote and sparsely populated, Epirus represents a side of Greece largely absent from popular depictions of the country. The most western part of Greece's landscape is dramatic and inward-facing. Deep gorges and high mountains limited historical accessibility and preserved more aspects of local culture. Cuisine here is heavier and more rustic than elsewhere in Greece, reflecting colder winters caused by the harsher climate. The region is home to the Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons, and the Tzoumerka area, famous for its white water rafting. 
Aside from containing some of the best places to visit in Greece for hiking and thrill-seeking, there is a deeper, more romantic side to Epirus. The Zagorochoria is a network of 46 picturesque stone villages, all connected by carved footpaths and bridges, and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The ancient theatre at Dodoni is shrouded in myths and legends. Ioannina, the region’s capital, is located on the shores of a beautiful lake and contains many historical sites.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.qkyuo6hyu4gk" class="c1 c3">Macedonia</h2>
Northern Greece offers something of a bridge between the Balkans and the Mediterranean. However, it is impossible to talk about the northernmost reaches of this country without focusing specifically on perhaps its most historically important region. As the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Macedonia and its ancient Empire reshaped the balance of power not only in Europe, but across Asia and North Africa, with its influence expanding as far east as India some two and a half thousand years ago.
Needless to say, there is an abundance of historical sites to venture around. From Pella’s prominent archaeological museum to the Royal Tombs at Vergina of Alexander’s father, Philip II, this region breathes antiquity. Thessaloniki, the region’s largest city, has long been a crossroads of cultures, shaped by Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influence. The waterfalls of Edessa boast some of the highest and most spectacular in Greece, whilst the thermal springs at Pozar at the foot of Mount Voras, offer a naturally occurring hot and cold bathing experience. It’s a region bursting at the seams with possibilities for immersion and adventure.
&nbsp;
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As far as history is concerned, in Europe, Greece is the forerunner of our current civilisation. Whilst Rome is rightly lauded for bringing enlightenment to many parts of the continent, Greece in her heyday had colonies everywhere from Valencia province in Spain, to Crimea. Its explorers ventured as far north as the Arctic and deep into the east of Asia, establishing a much greater understanding and knowledge of the world than any other that came before it. Whilst it may be an old country the best places to visit in Greece are teeming with energy that belies its age.

The Best Golf Clubs in Worcestershire

Discover the top golf clubs in Worcestershire, from historic parkland courses and championship layouts to prestigious members’ clubs set within the county’s scenic countryside.

From&nbsp;historic parkland courses to long-established members’ clubs set across the county’s countryside, this guide takes a closer look at the best golf clubs in Worcestershire. 
&nbsp;
<h2>History</h2>
Formed around 918 AD, Worcestershire is a county shaped by layers of English history, from Iron Age hill forts on the Malvern and Bredon Hills to Roman salt production at Droitwich, medieval monastic power and the decisive Battle of Worcester in 1651.
Golf took root here unusually early for an inland county, developing not from coastal links but through private estates, academic institutions and country communities. Early play around Malvern College in the late 19th century helped establish a golfing culture that would later give rise to some of the Midlands’ most respected courses. Many of Worcestershire’s leading clubs evolved alongside the county’s grand houses and landscaped parkland, market towns and villages.
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<h2 id="h.sc6h6heecj5v" class="c9">Blackwell Golf Club, Bromsgrove</h2>
Blackwell Golf Club occupies gently undulating ground south of Birmingham and is widely regarded for the intelligence of its design rather than its length. The 18-hole par-70 course is arranged as two compact loops returning naturally to the clubhouse. Five strong par threes and carefully defended greens reward accuracy and restraint, with strategy and visibility prioritised over power.
Founded in 1893, Blackwell reached its architectural maturity in 1923 through the collaboration of Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler, one of only seven courses on which the pair worked together. Their emphasis on width, natural contours and strategic choice continues to shape the course today, supported by a long-term restoration programme led by Frank Pont. Limited to fewer than 200 full members, the club retains an intimate culture centred on informal play, a strong fixture list and a clubhouse that remains central to social life in one of Worcestershire’s quieter countryside locations.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.gd1w1f51kzu" class="c9">Moseley Golf Club, Kings Heath</h2>
Established in 1892 and widely regarded as the oldest golf course in the Midlands, Moseley Golf Club&nbsp;sits within Kings Heath, offering an unusual sense of seclusion for a course located so close to the city. Originally founded on farmland near Billesley Lane, the club relocated in 1909 to its present site, where a parkland course was laid out by Harry Colt. Much of Colt’s original design philosophy remains intact, with strategic fairways and fast, subtly contoured greens continuing to define the course and provide a measured but engaging test more than a century on.
The club’s early years are marked by a number of notable associations, including the involvement of William Tolkien, a relative of J. R. R. Tolkien, among its founding members. Over the decades, Moseley has also been shaped by influential figures within the game. Stanley Lunt, English Amateur Champion and England captain during the 1930s, also remains one of the club’s most celebrated members and is commemorated annually through the Lunt Cup.
Competition has long been central to life at Moseley, with a calendar that has included both local events and England Golf championships. Social golf and weekday competitions are played without pre-booked tee times, while the clubhouse continues to serve as a focal point for dining, social gatherings and private events.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.ww9xgmbdi6h7" class="c9">Hagley Golf Club</h2>
Hagley Golf Club sits within the rolling landscape of the Clent Hills, offering elevated views and a strong sense of openness despite being just a short distance from central Birmingham. The 18-hole, 6,376-yard parkland course provides two distinct areas: a newer front nine that demands precision into smaller, well-contoured greens with run-off areas and a more mature back nine played across ground from raised tees. With three par fives and a number of inviting short par fours, the course provides scoring opportunities alongside a test that rewards a sound short game and thoughtful course management.
Established in 1980 and expanded to a full 18 holes in the mid-1980s, Hagley has developed a reputation as one of Worcestershire’s most accessible and enjoyable courses, suited to players of all standards. A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere underpins both membership and visitor play, supported by a clubhouse open to members and non-members, a well-used driving range with targets stretching to 250 yards and an active calendar of social and dining events. 
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.xjoymrh5kn8j" class="c9">The Worcestershire Golf Club, Malvern</h2>
The Worcestershire Golf Club, established in 1879, is the oldest golf club in the county, with roots on the commons north of Worcester where the original course was played for several decades before the move to its current Wood Farm site in 1927. The club invited two leading architects of the era, &nbsp;Harry Colt and Dr Alister MacKenzie, to submit designs for the new course and MacKenzie won the commission; although cost overruns followed because the club made extensive modifications to his plans. 
The mature 18-hole parkland layout was set across approximately 120 acres beneath the scenic Malvern Hills and today measures around 6,251 yards, with long, narrow greens that test accuracy and short-game skills. During the Second World War, part of MacKenzie’s original design was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and land was not fully restored until decades later, with the clubhouse, which was built in 2000, replacing the old Wood Farm farmhouse. Members of golfing history such as Harry Vardon and James Braid once played there and composer Sir Edward Elgar was associated with the club.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.vpv3q6ua1j7z" class="c9">Fulford Heath Golf Club</h2>
Fulford Heath Golf Club is a compact parkland course set just south of Birmingham, shaped originally by James Braid and later refined through alterations. Measuring a little over 6,000 yards and playing to a par of 70, the course places its emphasis on control and positioning rather than length, enveloped by mature trees, three lakes and the winding River Cole.
Braid’s influence remains visible in the greens and bunkering, while a pair of short par fours on the front nine offer early scoring opportunities that contrast with the more demanding stretches later in the round. The back nine brings greater variety, beginning and ending with the only par fives on the card and featuring the River Cole prominently at the twelfth, where the hazard crosses and flanks the fairway before guarding the approach to the green. Remodelled in later years by Fred Hawtree and club professional Eric Booy, the routing has evolved without losing its original character. 
&nbsp;
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From&nbsp;historic parkland courses to long-established members’ clubs set across the county’s countryside, this guide takes a closer look at the best golf clubs in Worcestershire.

Living in St James’s: A Guide for 2026

Living in St James's 2026: A guide to this prestigious Central London district's history, property, and exclusive lifestyle.

The central London district of St James’s&nbsp;exudes a prestige, history and elegance that simply makes it one of the most important jewels in the crown of this great city. It is a neighbourhood shaped by centuries of royal, social and cultural influence and remains amongst the most coveted postcodes anywhere in the world.

This neighbourhood’s streets are a product of a royal grant by Charles II in 1660 that allowed the developer Henry Hermyn, Earl of St Albans to create a district around one of London’s prototype formal public spaces, St James’s Square. It soon evolved into the pinnacle of elite British society with a network of clubs and social institutions that were home to many decisions regarding the future of the whole country. Many of these places remain today as a living history of how the capital began its real journey to become a modern powerhouse.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/living%20in%20st%20james.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="living in st james" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>Where is St James’s?</h2>
Putting St James’s location into context does a great job of demonstrating its status. It lies in the heart of Central London with a small but exquisitely defined district within the City of <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/westminster/" rel="noopener">Westminster</a>. Just west of Mayfair, only 5 minutes from <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/history-of-buckingham-palace/" rel="noopener">Buckingham Palace</a> with Trafalgar Square and Whitehall on its eastern boundaries, it acts as a microcosm of quintessential London.
<a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/soho/" rel="noopener">Soho</a> and the West End are of walkable distance, but the atmosphere in St James’s runs to an altogether different rhythm. Quieter, more composed and with significantly less footfall than its surrounding prime Central London neighbours, it feels purposefully remote in nature, despite how well connected the area is. Green Park station serves as the primary underground station with St James’s Park and Piccadilly Circus only slightly further, all within an easy ten-minute radius. As such, the whole of London is reachable in simple and quick steps when required.
&nbsp;
<h2>Architecture and Property</h2>
There is a definite architectural continuity to <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/st-jamess/" rel="noopener">St James’s</a> that benefits from a lack of large-scale developments and new constructions. The historical anchor of St James’s Palace is a triumph of red-brick Tudor with the streets supporting it reflecting strict Georgian planning principles of symmetry and immaculate proportions.
Standout apartment complexes such as the wonderful One Queen Anne’s Gate&nbsp;demonstrate how sympathetic design and attention to detail allow contemporary luxury lifestyles to find a home in true style. With interiors crafted by the eminent <a class="c9" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/david-linley-interiors/">David Linley</a>&nbsp;studio, these residences are the zenith of modern living in St James’s.
Similarly, the neoclassical majesty of Carlton House Terrace to the north highlights how the picturesque architectural master John Nash, also responsible for Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch, was able to convey power and beauty through the built environment in this area.
&nbsp;
<h2>Heritage Retail at Street Level</h2>
The retail experience of St James’s is characterised by specialist providers that have focussed on quality and craft for hundreds of years. Jermyn Street is at the centre of this philosophy with menswear, tailoring and grooming that often counts British royalty amongst its patrons. The shirtmaker Turnbull &amp; Asser and shoemakers John Lobb and Crockett &amp; Jones are all the pinnacle of classic English style with a customer service approach that speaks to a dedication unmatched in modern times.
Nearby St James’s Street offers lifestyle brands of peerless reputations through establishments such as Berry Bros &amp; Rudd that have been providing the finest wines to London for over 300 years. Here you will also find the world’s oldest hat shop at Lock &amp; Co and Davidoff of London for those all-important after dinner cigars.
With the unquestionable quality of distinguished department store Fortnum &amp; Mason also on the doorstep of St James’s residents, everything one could require for the finer things in life are just a relaxed walk away.
&nbsp;
<h2>Refreshments &amp; Restaurants</h2>
The dining and nightlife scene in St James’s is a vibrant mix of traditional British refinery and excellent modern options. Here are three particular highlights that residents and visitors here are always keen to frequent.
<h3>1. Wiltons Jermyn Street</h3>
Wiltons has been an enduring presence in St James’s for well over a century. Its stellar reputation is built of the finest oysters, game and traditional British cooking to be found anywhere in London. Its formal, dining club environment has remained a key element of its identity and appeal throughout the ages.
This place is classic, culinary St James’s in the purest form possible.
<ul class="c3 lst-kix_list_19-0 start">
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">Bespoke oyster bar and grill room alongside the main dining spaces</li>
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">Private dining options for discreet entertaining and business meetings</li>
<li class="c10 li-bullet-0">Relationships with the very best British game estates and fisheries</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Fallow Haymarket</h3>
Fallow represents an evolved contemporary dining scene in St James’s for the 21st&nbsp;century. It is revered for a clear sustainable approach to innovative conscious gastronomy using whole-animal butchery with low waste and the highest quality and creativity.
An open kitchen and more informal experience has made Fallow a more accessible prospect for the new generation of residents.
<ul class="c3 lst-kix_list_20-0 start">
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">Counter seating and interactive dining</li>
<li class="c5 li-bullet-0">Rotating menu based on sourcing and ingredients</li>
<li class="c10 li-bullet-0">Breakfast service and extended hours</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="c8">3. Dukes Bar St James’s Place</h3>
Dukes is essentially one of the most influential cocktail bars in the world. Everything about the place is elegant, understated and precise with tableside preparation showcasing the standards of technique and tradition for drink making. It has an incredibly strong connection to the Martini cocktail in particular with long-standing rumours suggesting that customers can only ever order two in one visit.
<ul class="c3 lst-kix_list_22-0 start">
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">Controlled seating and strict access policy</li>
<li class="c5 li-bullet-0">Tableside Martini service</li>
<li class="c10 li-bullet-0">Association with the inimitable James Bond Martini </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Education and Young Families</h2>
St James’s benefits from its proximity to several of central London’s most established and successful academic institutions. For young families looking it can provide a solid base to reach incredible schools such as:
<ul class="c3 lst-kix_list_24-0 start">
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">Westminster School in Westminster</li>
<li class="c5 li-bullet-0">St Peter’s Eaton Square in Belgravia</li>
<li class="c10 li-bullet-0">Francis Holland School in Sloane Square</li>
</ul>
Living in St James’s in 2026 really does provide everything one requires for luxury modern living. It is superbly appointed in every regard for homes, leisure and family life with connectivity to Central London and well beyond being taken care of in minutes. All of which is provided in the most subtle and simple way possible, with the highest standards of life as top priority. 
&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
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The central London district of St James’s&nbsp;exudes a prestige, history and elegance that simply makes it one of the most important jewels in the crown of this great city. It is a neighbourhood shaped by centuries of royal, social and cultural influence and remains amongst the most coveted postcodes anywhere in the world.

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Fulham is a pocket of southwest London where the Thames glides past Victorian townhouses and tree-lined avenues, and where a morning coffee by the river tastes better.



Hammersmith

Westminster, one of the most iconic areas of London, is known for being the epicentre of the UK’s political power since the first official Parliament of England convened here in 1295.



Westminster

With their period detailing and generous sizes, the luxury homes of St John’s Wood are a huge draw for discerning families from all over the world who want to live in the height of luxury surrounded by excellent schools, quaint cafes and attractions like Abby Road, Lord’s Cricket Ground and Regent’s Park.

St John's Wood

Defined by its artistic legacy, excellent shopping and diverse range of luxury properties,
Chelsea is the ideal destination for those looking for a deluxe lifestyle in Prime Central London.

Part of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Coombe sits between Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond Park and New Malden.

Coombe

With its historic attractions and sophisticated tree-lined streets, Knightsbridge continues to be one of the most sought-after areas of Prime Central London for luxury real estate, from its listed buildings to its modern serviced residences.

Knightsbridge

Hyde Park sits at the centre of one of London’s most established and desirable residential areas, where grand stucco terraces, garden squares and mews houses surround one of the capital’s best-known green spaces.


Hyde Park

Oxshott is a charming village nestled in the heart of Elmbridge, sitting quietly between the bustling towns of Esher and Leatherhead.



Oxshott

Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or a dynamic urban lifestyle, Buckinghamshire will exceed your expectations. Here’s our guide to exploring all that this enchanting county has to offer.

Buckinghamshire

An elite melting pot of fine dining restaurants, dazzling theatres, designer boutiques, five-
star hotels and private member clubs, Mayfair is a haven for wealthy individuals who like to
prioritise the finer things in life.

Hidden in the heart of central London, Connaught Village is just a stone’s throw from the bustling streets of Oxford Street and the serene expanses of Hyde Park. This elegant neighbourhood captures the essence of what makes London’s village-like pockets so special.



Connaught Village

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