Daylesford is 90 minutes out of Melbourne (115km North West) and famous for hot springs, good food and The Lakehouse restaurant and resort. A little spa town to slow down, eat well, rug up and bathe in the healing natural waters.

There are so many amazing unique, boutique accommodation options in this little town that I couldn't limit it to just 3.

:: The White House : 58 Albert St : book : 0416 032 111 : fr $380/night (you only pay foor the number of rooms you use)

:: Comma : 4 bedroom house + stables : bookings through Daylesford Getaways : Email : Tel 03 5348 4422 : book online

:: Harts Lane Studio : 2 Hearts Lane : you can book the house fr $195/night or the studio fr $160/night

:: The Church at Franklinford : 800 Hepburn - Newstead Road : map : reservations by email or 0425 816 515 : 2 nights on weekend $380 Stay tuned for the soon to be opened Hotel Frangos : The Frangos' already have a beautiful restaurant (Frangos & Frangos) & cafe (Koukla) see below, spa (Endota also below) and fashion store in the centre of town (Vincent Street)

:: Lark : Handmade & Vintage finds : 4a Duke Street (behind the MS Shop) : (03) 5348 3571 : Open Sat & Sun 10am-4pm : Lark House is their vintage guest house which fits 8 : book through DayGet : tel: +61 3 5348 4422.

:: Junk Style is worth a look at 67 Vincent Street (upstairs)

:: Day On Earth : Shed 4, 39 East Street : Open Fri-Sun 10am-5pm : Artist David Bromley's workshop

:: Markets :: Saturday Market : 1st Saturday of the month in the primary school on Vincent St (locals love Beer and Breakfast for a friendly bite to eat just across the road :: Sunday Market : 18 Raglan St (nr Daylesford Station) 8am-4pm :: Makers Market : Daylesford Town Hall, Vincent Street, 10am-3pm : Dates here

:: Convent Gallery : Cnr. Hill & Daly St, Daylesford : 03 5348 3211 : have a tea in the cafe and wander the gardens : Open 7 Days 10am - 4pm : Admission fee $5.00

:: Cool off in Jubilee Lake and visit Lake Daylesford

:: Harvest : 29 Albert Street, Daylesford : organic cafe & grocer

:: Red Star Cafe, 115 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs (opposite Peppers) : Open Su -Th 8am -5pm & Fr -Sa 8am - late

:: Koukla : Open 7 Days 8am - late : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner : bookings taken for groups at dinner only : 03 5348 2363

:: Cliffy's Emporium : 30 Raglan St Daylesford : (03) 5348 3279 : Open Mon-Fri & Sun 9:30am-5pm; Sat 9:30am-10pm : very cosy and cute : grerat produce store at the front too & yummy cakes

:: Frangos & Frangos : 82 Vincent Street, Daylesford : Breakfast 10-12 Sat & Sun : Lunch Fri-Sun & Dinner Fri & Sat : Tel : 03 5348 2363

:: Lavandula's La Trattoria : 350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat : 03 5476 4393 : Weekday lunch special $25 includes gate fee, pasta or risotto & glass of house wine. Open daily 10.30am-5.30pm 1 September to 31 May, then weekends, Queen's Birthday and Victorian School Holidays in June, July, August. Café closed August

:: Farmers Arms Hotel : 1 East Street, Daylesford : 03 5348 2091

:: Perfect Drop Wine & Food : 5 Howe Street, Daylesford : 03 5348 3373 : Mo 5pm-late, wed-fri 3pm-late, sat & sun noon-late

:: Mercato : 32 Raglan St, Daylesford : 03 5348 4488 : Dinner Mo-Tu 6pm-Late & Th-Su 6pm - Late + Lunch weekends 12pm - 3pm

:: Have a spa treatment, it's the place to do it :: try a couples private bath : my picks are Hepburn Bathhouse : Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs : 03 5321 6000 general admission or private spas and treatments : Daylesford Day Spa - 25 Albert St : 03 5348 1819 : Open 7 days : endota spa : Cnr Central Springs Road and Vincent Street, Daylesford : 03 5348 1169 : Open 7 days

:: Pack lots of warm clothes and good books and sit by fires and drink red wine. Buy from some of the fine providores and prepare a hearty meal

:: Visit Daylesford website

:: Don't pay attention to what you iPhone tells you - make sure you turn left off the highway

:: Don't be mistaken, its 45 mins form the airport but a good hour and a bit from the centre of Melbourne

:: Kyneton : 30 minutes away : Stop for a coffee at the very cute Little Swallow cafe : wander around the cute stores on Piper Street (like Kabinett @ #66) and settle for a seriously good meal at one of Annie Smithers Bistrot : French - 1 Hat : 72 Piper St : 03 5422 2039 or Royal George : 24 Piper St : 03 5422 1390. Stay at Tonia Todman's Highbank Stables : take a cooking class & check out her roses. If you're there 2nd Sat of the month, check out the farmers market at St Paul's Park at (where else?) Piper St. Then there's Stockroom at #98 : We-Fr 10.30-5 & Sa-Sun 10-6 (#98) showcasing contemporary local artists

:: Macedon Ranges : c.1 hour away : visit Curly Flat vineyards : picnic at Hanging Rock and see the amazing garden and flower displays at spring time

:: Trentham : c.15 mins drive away : Cosmopolitan Hotel : Cnr High St & Cosmo Rd : 03 5424 1516 : best local food, wine and beer Fr, Sa & Su for lunch and dinner : Trentham Farmers Market 3rd Sat of the month : Open for coffee & breakfast from 9am

images (top row) Koukla, Harts Lane studio & bottom row Comma, Hepburn Bathhouse, The White House.

:: Two Four Two : Gorgeous designer accommodation : 242 Charles St : tel 6331 9242 : email

:: Rosevears Vineyard Retreat : 15 mins from Launceston : Apartments, restaurant & Cellar Door with stunning Tamar Valley views : 1A Waldron Drive, Rosevears : tel 6330 1800

:: Quamby Estate : Stunning country property 20 mins from Launceston : 1145 Westwood Road : 6392 2211 or if modern French Provincial is more your style try :: Red Feather Inn : 10kms SW of Launceston : 42 Main St Hadspen : 6393 6506 they also have a cooking school

:: Quadrant Mall : independent boutiques. For fabulous homewares and Australian designer labels (Willow, Camilla & Marc, Gorman, Ginger and Smart) head to Homebody : 68 Charles Street : 6334 9944

:: Cocoon - 109 George St : 6331 0611

:: Francophiles should head to Vintage Rose : 37 Tamar Street & La Cigale : 2 Yorktown Sq : 6331 8052 :: for the perfect mille feuilles, pop into Delicious Bakery & Cafe at 12-14 Yorktown Sq

:: Fly : Hollybank Treetops Adventure : spend 3 hours gliding over the canopy : 15 mins NE of Launceston

:: Golf : Barnbougle Dunes is a world class, #1 rated public access Australian course : 427 Waterhouse Rd, Bridport : tel 6356 0094

:: Cataract Gorge Reserve : Just 15 walk from the city centre : tel 1800 651 827 : Stop off at the new Basin Cafe

:: Relish : Shop 1, 43 Arthur Street : 6331 3122

:: Fresh on Charles : 178 Charles Street : 6331 4299 : funky cheerful cafe & great vegetarian food served all day : Breakfast is a must w/ fresh juices dishes, apple couscous porridge or baked eggs with chilli beans + good coffee :: head to Tant Pour Tant for brekky, lunch & delicious cakes : 226 Charles St : 6334 9884

:: Pantry Cafe : 62 - 64 Charles St : 6331 6984

:: Stillwater River Cafe : Gorgeous outdoor dining overlooking the Tamar River : BL&D : Ritchie's Mill (at the bottom of Paterson St across from Penny Royale) : tel 6331 4153 : Check out The Mill Providore & Gallery next door

:: Pierre's Brasserie Cafe : A Launceston institution : BL&D : Closed all day Sunday & Monday night : 88 George St : 6331 6835

:: Aroma’s Fine Food : 272 Charles St : 6331 4150

:: Black Cow Bistro : Cnr Paterson & George Sts : Open 7 nights for dinner : 6331 9333 : For fabulous steak and the loveliest service : bookings essential

:: The Terrace : Open for dinner 7 nights : Country Club Tasmania, Country Club Avenue, Prospect Vale : 6335 5777 : email

:: Mud Bar & Restaurant: 28 Seaport Boulevard Launceston : 6334 5066

:: Relax : Check out the gorgeous Mud Club Day Spa : 29 Seaport Boulevard : 6334 0033

:: Wine Tasting : Tamar Valley - Follow the Tamar Valley Wine route : tel 6332 9300 : An absolute must is lunch at Daniel Alps at Strathlynn : 95 Rosevears Dr, Rosevears : 6330 2388 : Join a wine tour with Valleybrook

:: Markets

Homespun Market : Every Saturady 10am - 3pm : Pilgrim Uniting Church, 34-36 Paterson St :: Farmers Market : 8.30am - 12pm every 2nd Sunday : Launceston Delicacy car Park 35 Canning St :: Fresh produce & bric-a-brac from 10am every Sunday at Round House Pavilion, Inversk :: Evandale : pretty 19th-century village lined with antique shops and galleries : Sun market from 8am-1pm in Falls Park on Logan Rd

:: Don't forget to stop off at The Raspberry Farm Cafe : Bass Highway, Elizabeth Town : Tel 63622186 : Open 7 days 7am-5pm

:: Don't drink too much : Visit the Boag's Brewery if your beer lover : 39 William St : for guided tastings and brewery tours : book online or call 6332 6300

:: Don't pig out : hard not to with the gorgeous Ashgrove Cheese shop open 7 days and grab gourmet foods from Davies Grand Central Station : 86-96 Wellington St : 6331 9422 : a 24-hour corner store where you can pick up Martelli pasta, superior olive oils, Ferron carnaroli rice, flavour-rich organically grown local fruit and vegetables, artisan bread, Boks bacon, Heidi Gruyère, 41 Degrees South hot-smoked baby salmon and house-made pies and a good range of Tassie wines.

:: Swansea : 90 min drive from both Launceston (and Hobart) airports :: Stay at Avalon Coastal Retreat : spectacular design & views over the Tasman Sea : Sleeps 6 : From $660 per night : 1300 361 136 :: or 3km Sth of Swansea is Piermont retreat : 6257 8131 : fr $255-$525 w/ amazing views overlooking Oyster Bay and Freycinet Coast :: Breakfast & lunch at Bark Mill Tavern & Bakery : 96 Tasman Hwy or Trellis Cafe for good coffee and fine wine w/ lunch : 26 Franklin St : 6257 9095 :: Dine at award winning Piermont Restauarant : 12990 Tasman Hwy : 6257 8131 or Banc Restaurant : Cnr Franklin & Maria Sts : 6257 8896 : gorgeous food in a former bank :: Note: 45mins north is Freycinet & 45mins south is Maria Island ferry terminal

:: Devonport : 45 mins North West of Launceston : Steele Street is all about interiors and fine coffee and its all under one roof at Mason & Mason. This is worth making a special trip for. While you're there don't forget to visit the Devonport Regional Art Gallery in Stewart Street displaying a diverse collection of contemporary paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics and sculpture.

:: Wilderness Walks : Bay of Fires - 4 day Bay of Fires walk with accommodation at Bay of Fires Lodge & 3, 4 & 6 day walks with accommodation at Cradle Mountain Huts

See also Hobart

images top row L-R: Quamby Estate; Terrace Restaurant;, Vintage Rose; Cataract Gorge

bottom row : L-R: Strathlynn via; accommodation at Rosevears; Red Feather Cooking School; Red Feather Inn

:: Bourg Tibourg : In the heart of Marais, little sister to Hotel Costes, this hotel has a beautiful soul and a fabulous breakfast, with windows overlooking the Parisian streets below and is surrounded with lovely bars and restaurants : 19 Rue de Bourg-Tibourg : fr. 230 euros (180 euros for a single room w/ bath)

:: Hotel de Petit Moulin : Try this Christian Lacroix beauty, book early and get in before the fashionistas : 29/31 rue du Poitou, 4e : Tel : 01 42 74 10 10 : email : Metro: Saint Sébastien Froissard or Filles du Calvaire (line 8) fr. 190 euros

:: Hotel Belle Juliette: In the heart of St Germain is brand new and has its own spa and restaurant : 92 Rue du Cherche-Midi : 01 42 22 97 40 : fr 300 euros

If you want to stay in Montmartre then Mama Shelter (20e) and Hotel Particulier are the best picks. Walk in the footsetps of Amelie in this artists quarter begind the incredible Sacre Coeur.

:: The Collection : 33 rue de Poitou, Marais (4e) : Tu-Sa 12-7

:: Merci : 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais 3e: Tel 0142 77 01 90 : Open Mo-Sa 10-7

:: Le Petit Atelier de Paris : 31 rue de Montmorency, 3e : Tel 01 44 54 91 40 : Open Th-Sa 1-8 : blog

:: Eiffel Tower : Open 7 days 9.30am-11pm : & Notre Dame : 6 Place du Parvis Notre Dame

:: Gardens : Tuileries (1st) or Luxembourg Gardens (6th)

:: Hire a bike and discover something a little bit different : La Cite or the Institut du Monde Arabe & Mosque for a Moroccan salon de the experience 7 days 9-11.30am

:: Le Café Marly : Take café and patissiere by the Louvre's magnificent glass pyramid : 93, Rue Rivoli : 01 49 26 06 60

:: Bread & Roses : 7, rue de Fleurus, 6th : 01 4222 0606 : All-day dining M-Sa

:: Laduree : Take tea & macarons in one of their gorgeous salons : Champs Elysee (there is a bar there as well) : 16 Rue Royale 8th (nr Pl de la Madeleine) : another in St Germain : 21 rue Bonaparte : open 7 days)

:: Musee d'Orsay : 1, rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 7th : closed Mon : open til 9.45pm Thu : stay for lunch in the most beautiful room in Paris

:: Hotel Le Meurice : 228 rue de Rivoli : Tel 01 44 58 10 10 : Try the set menu for lunch at Le Meurice Restaurant or relax in the bar for a light meal at Restaurant le Dali, this hotel is a sight to behold

:: Cafe Constant : 139 rue Saint-Dominique, 7th : Tél 01 47 53 73 34 : 8.30-10.30 closed Mon :: or try a cave a manger - wine shop restaurant. Nearby is another winner in St Germain (6e) the ever popular Le Comptoir : get there early for lunch and book for dinner : 9 Carrefour de l'Odéon Saint Germain : 01 43 29 12 05

:: Georges : See the sparkling Eiffel Tower from the roof of the Pompidou Centre : Modern Art Museum by day and killer views by night : Place Georges Pompidou : Tel 01 44 78 12 33

:: Cristal Room : Galerie-Musée Baccarat : 11 place des Etats-Unis : Tel 01 40 22 11 10 : email : M-Sa : L & D

:: Chez Julien : 1 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe : Tel 01 42 78 31 64 : it's adorable, you'll love it

:: Shop at Le Bon Marche : don't miss the Grande Epicierie (the food hall on the ground level)
38 Rue de Sevres, 7th : M: Sevres Babylon

Museums : You have to see at least one : My pick is the Musee Rodin (7th): see the thinker and the lovely gardens : 79 Rue de Varenne : closed Mon & free on Sunday

Markets : weather food or flea : Rue Mouffetard (start at Rue de l'Epee de Bois) 5e : Tu-Sa 8-1 & 4-7 : Su 8-1 :: Marche Raspail (Organic Market) : Blvd Raspail b/w rue Cherche-Midi & rue de Rennes, 6e : Su only and the best flea markets are Clingnancourt (Les Puces de Saint-Ouen) 18e : 48 rue Jules Valles : Sa,Su,M 7.30-6 and Vanves (Marche aux Puces de la Port de Vanves) 14e : Sa & Su : Ave de la Porte de Vanves and surrounding streets (don't be disheartened when the market looks like fakes and cheap clothes, keep walking til you find the real deal, you'll know when you get there.

Go to a museum without checking the opening hours, many are closed on Monday

Queue for hours : buy a museum pass

Go in August : everything is closed as Paris empties and Parisians are away on their summer holiday, September marks the 'return' of everyone into the city

Chateau du Versaille : Tel 01 30 83 78 00 : open fr. 9am : closed Mon : take a picnic and bask by the river : take the train or take join a tour

Chateau Robert : sleeps 18 : b/w Bordeaux & Biarritz & comes with a chef that cooks organic food from the gardens : yoga retreats are held here as well

Giverny Gardens - Claude Monet's waterlilies come to life : 60 min train ride out of Paris or book through the excellent France Tourisme tours : Open Apr-Nov : 02 32 51 28 21



Arrondissments:
Louvre (1e)
Bourse (2e)
Temple (3e)
Le Marais (4e)
Latin Quarter (5e)
St Germain (6e)
Eiffel Tower (7e)
Champs Elysee (8e)
Opera (9e)
Gare du Nord (10e)
Bastille (11e)
Montmartre (18e)
Belleville (20e)

If I did one thing when in Hobart, it would be to eat at cool wine bar & restaurant Garagistes : 103 Murray St dinner Wed-Sat no bookings : you can book for Sunday lunch. & you can't leave without visiting MONA.

:: The Islington : 321 Davey St : 6220 2123 : small, luxe hotel with a delightful garden : 11 rooms: fr. $300 - $550. If you are after more of a country feel, vist their sister hotel, The Priory Lodge, a beautifully restored 4 bedroom tudor house 1hr out of Hobart

:: Henry Jones Art Hotel 25 Hunter St : 6210 7700 : Request Oriental Suite : Mt Wellington views + spa : Located on Hobart’s Victoria dock : 56 rooms most with water views : fr. A$220

:: Self contained accommodation options are 5* Sullivans Cove and gorgeous European inspired & architectural heritage awarded The Last Villa (6kms from the CBD in Sandy Point - I love the Barcelona room fr $285) and The Hobart Cottage, a 5 minute walk into Hobart's centre : fr. $145 - $165. Stock up on fresh food at The Hill Street Grocer : 109 Hill Street, West Hobart : the way a grocery stores should be

:: Macquarie St : Ruby's Room childrens shop @ 127 : Store & Co @ 130 : Open Mon-Sat is really gorgeous

:: Luxe : fashion fix : 134 Liverpool St : 6236 9902 : Open Weekdays 9:30am-5:30pm; Sat 9:30am-4:30pm

:: Love & Clutter : 31 Murray St : 6224 2222 : on the same st (up the other end) is the excellent Cupping Room @105 Murray St for a latte (next door to Garagistes) cross back to visit Inside at 90 Murray St & The Depository in the adjacent laneway

:: Salamanca Market, Salamanca : for art, craft, fresh produce & food every Saturday between 8.30am and 3pm : rain, hail or shine. Check out nearby Hobart Bookshop : art, design books : 22 Salamanca Square : 62231803 : Another all hand made Tasmanian store : The Maker: Shop 5, 77 Salamanca Place, Battery Point : 6223 4949 The Maker : (the crafty cavernous corner near Tricycle café) : just up the street is Warwick Oakman Antiques packed with eccentric & rare ephemera : 62 Sandy Bay Rd Battery Point : 6224 9904 : also on Sandy Bay rd is Yeltour @ 159 : Mini @143b

:: Tricycle Cafe & Bar : 71 Salamanca Pl : 6223 7228 : for Hobart's best scrambled eggs

:: Dev'Lish Espresso (Breakfast & Lunch) 137 Macquarie St Great coffee, tarts and sandwiches (tiny little place which donates $ from every coffee to help save the Tasmanian devils)

:: For a quick coffee don't miss cosy award Winning café : Villino : 30 Criterion St :6231 0890 or Yellow Bernard : 109 Collins St

:: Pigeon Hole: 93 Golbourn St, West Hobart: 6236 9306 : Open Tue-Sat 8:30am -4:30pm: Panini, bread & pastries

:: For low emissions tapas head to Ethos @ 100 Elizabeth St 03 6231 1165 (for coffee, lunch or dinner – a real highlight) from Tues - Sat 7.30am - late & Sun-Mon 7.30am-3pm

:: In North Hobart you'll find Sweet Envy : open 8.30-6 closed Sun: a gorgeous patisserie at 341 Elizabeth St : 6234 8805

:: Smolt : L&D : 2 Salamanca Sq : 6224 2554 : Fresh & modern or walk a few steps further (out the front of a little kids play set) to popular Machine Laundry Cafe : 12 Salamanca Sq : 6224 9922 for great coffee & cafe fare

:: Feeling like some fancy French? Marque IV* : Lunch Wed-Fri and Dinner 7 days : Elizabeth St Pier: 6224 4428 : try the 10 course degustation or Remi de Provence : 252 Macquarie St : 6223 3933

:: Piccolo : 323a Elizabeth Street : 6234 4844 : wine bar/restaurant : booking essential: Open lunch & dinner Tue-Sun. Licensed

:: Prefer fine wine: Tavern 42 Degrees South (T42) : Elizabeth Street Pier: 6224 7742 : Cool place for a bev on the waterfront: Open 7.30-late 7 days or try Grape Bar & Bottleshop : 55 Salamanca PI : 6224 0611 : Open 10.30-late 7 days perfect for wine and antipasto platter

:: MONA (Museum of Old & New Art) : Opened Jan '11, free entry, world class : 55 Main Road Berridale, Hobart 6277 9900 : a 15 minute drive from Hobart or pre-book the ferry : behind the museum is the incredible Moorilla Estate winery where you can stay in stunning pavillions overlooking the Derwent river : take swimmers for the heated pool : try their Moo Brew beer or Muse wine at the cellar door

:: The Agrarian Kitchen : A sustainable farm-based cooking school situated in a 19th century schoolhouse at Lachlan (pronounced ‘Laklan’), 45 minutes from Hobart in the Derwent Valley. Book early!

:: Relax : down at the Pier try some of Australia's best fish & chips @ Fish Frenzy : Lunch & Dinner : Elizabeth St Pier, Sullivans Cove : 6231 2134 : Open 12-3pm & 5.30-9pm M-F & 12-9pm weekends and public holidays :: Breathe some of the world's freshest air : Check out Discover Tasmania for more :: Get pampered : Jillian Hale 2 hr Classic treatment: foot & leg massage + facial: 131 Macquarie St : 6224 5955

:: Don't be disspointed : call ahead to book as lots of places close in winter and those that are open get busy

:: Don't forget about the kids : check out the Cadbury Factory and watch chocolate being made : 100 Cadbury Rd Claremont

:: Don't forget to rug up - its chilly in Tassie and make sure you try lots of their beautiful wines

:: Port Arthur (90 mins out of Hobart – first 30 mins will get you to the airport) is beautiful and historic

:: Bruny Island :: Take your car on the ferry (no bookings, takes 15 mins) : Ferry terminal is a 35min drive south of Hobart to Kettering : or take a 3 hour eco cruise around Bruny Island. Don't miss a taste test at the Bruny Island Cheese Company : shops on island open 7 days : On your way to Bruny Island, explore the eastern shores of the Huon River and D'Entrecasteaux Channel spend some time in Cygnet: be sure to stop for a country lunch at Red Velvet Lounge at 26 Mary St, Cygnet : 6295 0466 : The Coal River and Huon Valleys are an easy drive from Hobart

:: Most people make the drive from Hobart to Launceston : if you're one of them be sure to stop off at Coco Blue for some gorgeous homewares : 80 High St Campbell Town : 6381 1150 and pause for lunch at the Companion Bakery at Oatlands : 106 High St Oatlands : 6254 0088 : when you get to Launceston (ABH guide here) check out the wine regions of the Tamar Valley (north of Launceston) and the Derwent (well worth the trip is 15 min drive to Meadowbank Estate for lunch) :: or take a trip along the the sunny East Coast (map), the highlights are (from top) are the natural beauty of the Bay of Fires & sample wines en route to Freycinet and Wineglass Bay on the sunny east coast stay at the super luxe Saffire Lodge : do the : Maria Island Walk (pronounced ‘Mariah’) award winning tourism : 4 day walk departing Hobart 3x a week from Oct-Apr: Max. 8 guests

images from L-R : MarqueIV, The Agrarian Kitchen, The Islington's gardens, Maria Island Walk

:: St John Hotel & Restaurant : 1 Leicester St, WC2H 7BL : +44 (0)20 3301 8020 : bustling location in the between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus : take the Long Room for a 3 bedreem space perfect for families : email

:: Montagu Place Hotel : Marylebone : 2 Montagu Place London W1 : T 020 7467 2777 : fr. £200 : divine village atmosphere, wander Marylebone High Street's gorgeous stores like Brissi, Paul Bakery, Conran, La Fromagerie, the farmers' markets on Sundays: walking distance of Madame Tussauds, Regents Park, Hyde Park and Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regents Street for shopping and easy access to the City of London, West End theatres : 5 mins by cab to Paddington station for direct access to the airport on the Heathrow Express

:: The If an apartment would better suit you, check out the lovely options at B&B Belgravia
Not on a budget? For more divine places to stay - just drop us an e-mail

:: The Shop at Bluebird : 350 King Road Chelsea SW3 : T 0207 351 3873 : books, food market, furniture, mens womens fashion, home and beauty : Mon-Tues + Fri-Sat: 10am-7pm, Wed-Thurs: 9am-7pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm

:: Top Shop : Oxford Circus : 36 Great Castle St (just off Oxford Street) W1 : Mon-Sat 9am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm : the ultimate shopping experience, levels of womens and mens clothing including lingerie, vintage, swimwear, shoes, make up...it even had its own radio station. There are smaller TopShops all around London including in awesome department store Selfridges (Bond Street).

:: Dover Street Market : Classy quirk in a fabulous area : 17-18 Dover Street W1 : 11am-6pm Monday to Wednesday : 11am-7pm Thursday to Saturday : pop up to Rose Bakery on Level 4 for lunch or a coffee and wander down the street to Sketch (see below) for the most amazing high tea (don't forget to visit their amazing bathrooms)

:: Portobello Markets : follow the crowds from Notting Hill Gate tube : two beautiful shopping streets on the way are Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Rd : continue to Portobello Road : Tea and Coffee Plant has the best latte in London : do a loop of the best side streets from Elgin Cres : Grocer on Elgin for brunch : Kensington Church Street for Coco Ribbon : Blenheim Cres for The Travel Bookshop (of Notting Hill fame) and Books for Cooks: then back on to Portobello and if you walk all the way to Golborne Rd you will come to much loved vintage store Rellik

:: Burrough : Farmers' Market (where Jamie Oliver shops) : on Thu-Sat : London Bridge tube : Lunch at Roast : voted London's Best Breakfast : The Floral Hall, Stoney Street SE1 : T 020 7940 1300 : breakfast + dinner Mon-Sat : lunch Mon-Sun :: 10 mins away is Anchor & Hope : voted London's Best Gastropub (no bookings) : 36 The Cut SE1 : T 020 7928 9836 : open Tue-Sun

:: Columbia Road : Flower markets on Sunday 8am-2pm : get the tube to Bethnal Green : grab a builders tea and cupcake from Treacle : 110 - 112 Columbia Rd E2 : T 020 7729 5657 : Sun 9.30 - 3.30:: Old Spitalfields : Artisan market : 105a Commercial Street E1 : the best day is Sun 9am-5pm + Brick Lane for vintage : early Sunday morning-2pm : gorgeous design stores at nearby Cheshire Street : if you want to stay in the trendy East Town Hall Hotel is amazing

Art/Museums:
:: The Tate Modern : Bankside London SE1 : Sun-Thur 10am-6pm (Last admission into exhibitions 5.15pm) : Fri-Sat 10am-10pm (Last admission into exhibitions 9.15) : Getting there : Free Admission

:: V&A Museum : Cromwell Road SW7 : T 020 7942 2000 : 10am-5.45pm daily and 10am-10pm Fridays : Free Admission

Tourist attractions
:: Big Ben :: Houses of Parliament :: Buckingham Palace - changing of the guard daily 11am (all in Westminster) :: St Paul's Cathedral (there's a great restaurant underneath for lunch or high tea) : you have to see at least once

:: 202 : 202-204 Westbourne Grove W11 : shop Nicole Fahri and and sip in style : T 020 7792 6888 : Sun 10am-5pm, Mon: 10am-6pm, Tue-Sat: 8:30am-10:30pm : breakfast until 12pm & brunch until 4pm

:: Flat White : 17 Berwick St (Soho) W1 : T 020 7734 0370 : Mon-Fri 8am-7pm : Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

:: The Wolseley : 160 Piccadilly W1 : T 020 7499 6996 : Open breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days Mon-Fri fr. 7am : Sat & Sun fr. 8am : Grand European café : email
Anytime :: Best coffee on the run : PRET or Caffe Nero

:: Petersham Nurseries : Richmond: Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond Surrey, TW10 7AG : : Lunch only Wed-Sun : book exactly one month ahead to secure a reservation in the cafe : T 0208 605 3627 : email

:: Ottolenghi : 287 Upper Street N1 : 020 7288 1454 : fabulous breakfast, lunch & dinner : Mon-Sat 8am-11pm : Sun 9am-7pm : outlets in Notting Hill, Kensington & Belgravia also

:: La Fromagerie : 2-6 Moxon Street W1 : Open Mon-Sun for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & pre-theatre supper : gorgeous cheeseroom and tasting cafe with communal table

:: Club Gascon – Lunch Mon-Fri (go to Cellar Gascon) and dinner Mon-Sat : 57 West Smithfield EC1A : 020 7796 0600 : check out SoS nearby for a bev beforehand

:: Hakkasan : 8 Hanway Place. London W1 : T 020 7927 7000 : Ling Ling bar pre & post : Lunch Mon-Sun : Dinner Mon-Sat

:: River Cafe : Thames Wharf Rainville Rd, W6 T 0207 386 4200 : Lunch 7 days : Dinner Mon-Sat : Order the fig pasta + chocolate nemesisMore of a bar hopper than a dinner go-er? Let us built the hotspots into your itinerary.

A-Z: Get yourself a London A to Z, its a handheld street directory and will get you from A to B with ease. Buy a day pass at the tube station as its valid for 24 hours on the tube and buses : cars avaiable for £5/hr @ My Street Car, but do you really need the hassle of parking? or even better hire a bike, rides under 30 mins are free, cycle maps here.

Walk & Shop: Tube stations are very close together, it doesn't take long to walk between tube stations in the city. Hop off at Baker Street (to shop in Marylebone), Islington, Notting Hill Gate, Sloane Square (to shop in Chelsea), St James' Park (to shop around Mayfair), Oxford Circus or Picadilly Circus to shop in Liberty on Great Marlborough Street and Carnaby Street : refuel w/ designer dim sum @ Ping Pong : 45 Great Marlborough Street W1 : T 020 7851 6969 : Mon-Sun from 12pm or at Cha Cha Moon : 15-21 Ganton Street W1 : T 020 7297 9500 : breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days, Knightsbridge to shop in Harrods and Harvey Nichols and Bond Street tube to shop in Oxford Street and Selfridges - just wander and you are guaranteed a fabulous day
High Tea: An absolute must-do is Sketch : 9 Conduit Street W1 : T 0870 777 4488 : Mon-Fri 8am-6.30pm.

London's Top High Tea's here

:: convert currency, just forget about the exchange rate and have fun, its too painful otherwise
:: don't forget to see a show in the West End (email us for what's on and where to dine nearby) or at least catch a flick at Electric

:: don't leave without having a fab pub meal, I love the Ladbroke Arms : 54 Ladbroke Road W11 : T 0871 258 9632: Holland Park tube. Drink red wine by an open fire in winter and Pimms and lemonade in summer
:: Fat Duck : Bray : one of the best restauarnts in the world, a meal here is every foodies dream

:: Babington House : 2 hrs from London and 12 miles south of Bath : Babington near Frome Somerset BA11 3RW : T 01373 812266 : private memebrs club and house in Somerset : fr. £195

:: Paris : just 2hrs 15 mins away on the Eurostar : dine at the champagne and oyster bar at St Pancras while you wait for departure


Colour Code:
:: Knightsbridge & Belgravia (SW1)
:: Kensington (SW7)
:: Chelsea (SW3)
:: Soho + Mayfair + Marylebone (W1)
:: Notting Hill (W11)
:: City (EC)
:: East London (E1 & E2)
:: Islington (N1)
:: London Bridge (SE1)
images top row R-L: Dover Street Market; Ottolenghi; Petersham Nurseries
bottom row L-R: Petersham Nurseries; Kate Moss for Top Shop; La Fomagerie

Let us customise an itinerary for you. We'll make all the bookings and provide you with any maps and information you require. We'll let you know the best tim to visit, festivals and shows on when you're there and arrange transport and transfer tickets and bookings. Whether you're into antiques, art, car boot sales, food & wine, vintage finds, design or architecture - we can design your days around where you are based and send you to places we know you will love.

London :: High Tea

Afternoon Tease

:: Volupté : 9 Norwich Street EC4A : nearest Underground Station Chancery Lane - Central Line : Show & Tea Tickets: £35 in advance by calling 0207 831 1622 or email (includes entry, a table for the afternoon, entertainment and a beautiful Afternoon Tea and a glass of champagne : 2.30pm – 5pm : also open from 5pm Tue-Sat for drinks : dinner from 6.15pm : Dress code: "You don't have to dress up, but most guests take inspiration from the 1920s to the 1940s...think flapper - beads, corsets, seamed stockings etc for ladies. Gents, be as dapper as you can! No trainers, jeans or sportswear"

Prêt-à-Portea

:: Caramel Room @ The Berkeley Hotel : Prêt-à-Portea : Wilton Place SW1 : T 020 7235 6000 : daily 1-6pm : Book online or T 44 020 7201 1619 : fr. £35 : feast on a collection of cakes and fancies in the colours of the fashion season and in the style of the world’s finest designers : if you’re after a drink afterwards, the Blue bar is lovely

Floral Garden Tea

:: Athenaeum Hotel : 116 Piccadilly Mayfair W1J :T 0207 499 3464 : Laduree Pink Afternoon Tea inspired by their Patrick Blanc created vertical garden : orange blossom scones with Devonshire clotted cream, bird cookies, iced floral tea cakes, rose-scented meringues, fairy cakes with sugar flowers : served daily from 2pm – 6pm : £26.50 per person or £33.00 including a glass of Rose Petal Champagne : Booking essential : awarded Top London Afternoon Tea 2009 Award of Excellence from The Tea Guild

:: Parlour, Sketch : 9 Conduit Street W1 : T 0870 777 4488 : The decor is eclectic, think grand velvet seats and yellow perspex shelves w/ Pierre Gagnaire pastissiere served on delectable patterned china : Tea served until 11pm : walk in, no bookings

:: Bob Bob Ricard : Retro inspired WALLPAPER Magazine 2009 Global Design Award Winner : serves tea and cakes all day : 1 Upper St James St W1F : T 020 3145 1000 : email : Piccadilly Circus tube : around £10 per person : served Mon-Fri 7am-1am : Sat 10-1am : Sun 10am -12am

:: Yauatcha : dim sum & stunning patries : 15 Broadwick St, W1F : T 020 7494 8888 : Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus or Tottenham Court Rd tube : from £22.50 per person : served 12.30-6pm daily : an amazing restaurant to visit anytime: open Mon-Thurs: 11am-11.30pm Fri-Sat: 11am-11.45pm Sun: 11am-10.30pm (dim sum served from midday)

image from kensington blue

:: Orangery : Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 : T 020 7376 0239 : from £12.50 per person : cream cheese and cucumber sandwich, scone and the signature Orangery cake : High St Kensingon tube : served 3-6pm daily

:: St. James, Fortnum & Mason : 181 Piccadilly W1A : T 020 7734 8040 : served Mon-Sat 2pm-7pm : Sun 12-4.30pm : from £22 - £30 per person : reservations T: 0845 602 5694. Don't leave without seeing the food hall

:: Nicole's : basement of Nicole Farhi’s Bond Street boutique: 158 New Bond St, W1S : T 020 7499 8408 : ‘Miniature tea set’ £16.50 : bite-pretty little macaroons, tiny orange madeleines, cherry muffins, blinis with smoked salmon and mini open sandwiches or ‘Saintly tea’ w/ gluten-free, 97 per cent fat-free chocolate cake and goji berries, paired with Puer tea for £6.95 : served 3.30-5.30pm Mon-Fri : 4-5.30pm Sat

:: Brumus, Haymarket Hotel : 1 Suffolk Place, SW1Y : T 020 7470 4000 : Piccadilly Circus tube : from £17 per person : served 3-5pm daily : email : Award of Excellence by the UK Tea Council 2009 Best Afternoon Tea in London awarded by the UK Tea Council 2008

:: Bea’s of Bloomsbury : 44 Theobald Rd, WC1X : T 020 7242 8330 : Holborn or Chancery Lane tube : served from 2.30 Mon-Fri : from noon on Sat : £8 per person : a proper scone, clotted cream and jam, signature cupcakes and a mini Valrhona brownie, Belgian Blondie and meringue + a pot of Jing tea : Sun : £13 as tea sandwiches are included : Reservations recommended : opening hours : Mon - Fri 8am-7pm : Sat 10-6pm : Sun 12-6pm

:: The Hummingbird Bakery : 133 Portobello Rd W11 : T o2o 7229 6446 : Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm : Sun 11am-5pm : also at 47 Old Brompton Rd SW7

:: Miller Harris : perfumier with Fragrant Tea Room at rear of store : 21 Bruton St W1J : T 020 7629 7750shop open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

:: Maison Bertaux : 27 Greek W1D : gorgeous French cakes and coffee: Mon-Sat 8:30am-11pm : Sun: 8:30am-9pm : head into the basement for secret discount designer fashion, basics and vintage : Shop At Maison Bertaux : open Mon-Sat 11am-6.30pm : Closed Sun : blog

:: The Ritz : 150 Piccadilly W1 : reservations T 020 7300 2345 : online : book at least 12 weeks in advance : 5 sittings a day : fr. £37 : try the chocolate lover's afternoon tea

:: English Tea Room @ Brown’s hotel : Albemarle Street W1S : £35 : Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm : Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm : Reservation T 020 7518 4155 : Awarded Top London Afternoon Tea 2009 by The Tea Guild

:: The Wolseley : 160 Piccadilly W1 : T 020 7499 6996 : Open breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days Mon-Fri fr. 7am : Sat & Sun fr. 8am : Grand European café : email : book online

:: Knightsbridge & Belgravia (SW1)
:: Kensington (SW7)
:: Soho + Mayfair + Marylebone (W1)
:: Notting Hill (W11)
:: West End + Covent Garden (WC)
:: City (EC)