There is nothing more beautiful than the English countryside on a sunny day. We recently enjoyed a weekend getaway from London to Ickworth Castle. The former home of the infamous Hervey family and now a National Trust property, Ickworth has opened the family’s former personal living quarters into a most enjoyable hotel complete with an excellent restaurant. Best of all, it’s child and dog friendly. The estate is right out of a Gainsborough painting with English gardens, ponds and impressive architecture. Take a tour of the main building, full of Old Masters and antiques, have a leisurely lunch in the restaurant, then work it off by enjoying swimming, biking and hiking all within the confines of this large estate. Visit the nearby university town of Cambridge and enjoy the renowned architecture of Christ’s Church and King’s College as you go punting on the Cam.

Forget about the jokes about English food – the restaurants in the UK are now amazing. For an unforgettable dinner, don’t miss the nearby Tuddenham Mill restaurant. The critically acclaimed former chef at Ickworth has created an idyllic waterside restaurant in a 200 year-old mill. Save room for the innovative desserts, including “Memories of the fun fair” which includes a tongue-in-cheek take of Toffee apples, candy floss (or as we call it in the U.S., cotton candy), toffee popcorn and chocolate honeycomb. Yum!

[Photo from artorusrex via Flickr]