Experience a Great British Journey with Rocco Forte Hotels

The Best of British Literary Legends

Close to Borough Market on the south bank of the Thames is the George Inn, a centuries-old hostelry that claims to have welcomed not one but two of Britain’s literary titans: William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. London is steeped in literary history, and book lovers will find plenty to write home about, including the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the bookshops of Charing Cross Road and, of course, Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, where numerous writers have been laid to rest over the centuries.

Brown’s Hotel has hosted many authors over the years, and perhaps the most frequent visitor was the journalist, poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling. He wrote The Jungle Book at Brown’s and as a result the hotel’s most distinguished residence has been named after him – the stunningly appointed Kipling Suite displays a framed handwritten letter from the author himself. The hotel can arrange a walking tour of London’s literary landmarks.

The gothic spires of Edinburgh’s imposing Scott Monument commemorate the celebrated author Sir Walter Scott, who was born in the city. Edinburgh’s proud literary heritage runs from Robert Louis Stevenson to Irvine Welsh and is maintained by its annual International Book Festival. The city’s imposing architecture was also an inspiration for JK Rowling, who wrote much of her work in the city.

The Balmoral is just a short walk from the Scott Monument, and it was here, in Room 552, that Rowling spent six months completing the final book of the Harry Potter series. Having written her final full stop, she celebrated by commemorating her achievement on a marble bust in the room – which can be found displayed in a glass case in what has now been renamed the JK Rowling Suite. Guests can sit at the very desk where Rowling wrote those final chapters, and a walking tour of local literary sites can also be arranged.

The Best of British Family Journeys

London is a paradise for children, making it an ideal destination for family holidays. From kid-friendly museums such as the Natural History Museum and its collection of dinosaur fossils to outdoor attractions such as the Cutty Sark sailing ship, the UK capital has it covered. And we haven’t even mentioned Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station.

Rocco Forte Hotels welcomes children of all ages and its Rocco Forte Kids programme ensures that younger guests will be just as pampered as the grown-ups. Children aged 4-12 get their own check-in cards on arrival at Brown’s Hotel as well as their special Rocco Forte Kids passport and Alby the monkey amenities, not to mention milk and cookies at turndown. A wide range of bespoke activities and programmes can be arranged upon request.

In Edinburgh, too, the kids will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do. At the National Museum of Scotland, wannabe junior racing drivers can get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 race car, while Time Twisters is a huge soft play centre on an ancient Egyptian theme. Lovers of creepy crawlies will be in their element at Butterfly and Insect World, and budding scientists will have fun at the state-of-the-art Dynamic Earth installation.

At The Balmoral, as well as going on a Harry Potter tour (of course), families can also meet the hotel’s Tartan Butler to track down their family tree to hang in the nursery, or identify their family tartan and have a kilt made for their little ones. For those looking to delve further into their Scottish ancestry, guests can book a tailored Tartan Butler Clan Tour that traces their family’s journey in notable ancestral sights throughout Scotland. This special experience will give families a sense of their heritage to pass on to future generations.

Reap rewards with Rocco Forte Friends

Rocco Forte Hotels has launched a brand-new loyalty programme for new and regular guests. Sign up to Rocco Forte Friends and benefit from lazy day late check-outs, exclusive discounts on all dining experiences and spa treatments, as well as a number of surprise perks to be revealed throughout your visit. To find out more, click here. 

Prize Draw

This month, Rocco Forte Hotels is offering members the chance to win a British Journey, with one night in Brown’s Hotel and one night in The Balmoral. This includes daily breakfast for two and a private tour in each destination. To enter click here. Stay must be taken within 12 months of notification. For full terms and conditions, click here. The winner will be selected at random. Prize draw closes at 23.59 on 31 January 2021.

Terms and Conditions
1. Open to UK and Channel Islands and Isle of Man residents aged 18 or over.
2. The closing date for receipt of entries is 31/01/2021
3. Prizes: A 1-night at The Balmoral Hotel and a 1-night stay at Brown’s Hotel for two, including daily breakfast for two and a private tour in each destination awarded via a prize draw.
4. No cash alternative.
5. Only one entry per person
6. Travel conditions apply. For full terms and conditions please click here. Promoter: Rocco Forte Hotels