Four of our favourite UK spots (with a side of antiques hunting)

The Hotel: The Pig at Combe

Honiton, Devon

‘Honiton in Devon is known as the antiques capital of the South West, and for good reason - there were 85 antiques shops lining the high street at last count. Once known for its lace, this Devon enclave now offers all sorts of treasures and you can easily while away happy hours pottering through the array. Stay just out of town at the Pig at Combe - the beautiful rooms and knock-out cottage gardens are guaranteed to whet your creative interiors appetite.’

The Gardens: Highgrove

Tetbury, Gloucestershire 

‘Bringing the outside in is something of a Wicklewood motto, and where better to find inspiration than at one of the most beautiful gardens in England? Plus, Highgrove is a stone’s throw from Tetbury - an antique lovers’ heaven. The vast array of stores here stock everything from metal work to French furniture. Don’t miss Lorford’s - it’s in every interior designer’s little black book. It’s worth checking ahead for craft fairs and markets - they’re a regular fixture.’

The Antiques Fair: Boule In

Bildeston, Suffolk 

‘Though your Provence trip may be on hold (for now), Bildeston in Suffolk delivers the next best thing - The Boule In is a quarterly French antiques market in the heart of Suffolk. Everything is hand-picked by the husband and wife team behind the fete, and held at their courtyard, barn and garden in the picturesque village. Be sure to book tickets, and if you can make a weekend of it, there are several interiors hotspots scattered around the nearby towns and villages.’ 

(antiques fair 24-27 June)

The Pub: Welldiggers Arms

Petworth, Sussex 

‘Who doesn’t love a classic English country pub? Especially when it’s in the heart of the South Downs. The Welldiggers Arms in Petworth is just the ticket - pretty interiors, comfy beds, delicious breakfast. And it’s in Petworth, for art and antiques dealers aplenty. Alongside the independents, the Antiques Market in the centre of town is open daily and well worth a browse. Plus, the Petworth Park Antiques Fair returns from 18th-20th June (subject to covid rules).’

The Estate: The Newt 

Frome, Somerset

‘Somerset has quietly been building quite a trendy reputation over the last few years. For interiors, Frome is the hot spot - this ancient town is big on vintage and reclamation, and the monthly market is a real draw. We’ll make it a day trip from The Newt in Somerset - a beautiful estate turned dreamy hotel with wonderful landscaped gardens, woodland, orchard, bakery, cyder press and farm. Bruton, too, is worth an explore, while you’re in this neck of the woods.’