This summer, PoB Hotels has launched its biggest seasonal programme of the year. Called Blooming Britain: Fashion, Film & Flowers, it runs across the collection of independent British hotels until late summer. The line-up brings together foraging walks, garden workshops, fashion partnerships and a handful of cinematic stays. In short, PoB Hotels has shaped a slow, expressive take on the British summer.
What is PoB Hotels’ Blooming Britain programme?
In practice, Blooming Britain unfolds gradually through the season. PoB Hotels has built it around events, partnerships and activations that shift as the months pass. Even so, the theme stays consistent throughout. Flowers, film, fashion and outdoor escapes anchor every stay.
What is ‘The Wild Larder’ foraging experience?
The season opened with The Wild Larder: A Foraging Walk & Lunch. Forager Thomas Radford leads guests along the coast and through the countryside. Along the way, he points out wild plants and ingredients most walkers miss. Each walk then ends with a three-course lunch that features the morning’s finds. The series began at Bovey Castle in early June. Next, it moves to Thurlestone Hotel on June 23, with further dates to follow at Calcot & Spa and Gilpin Hotel & Lake House.
Also Read: GAIA Saint-Tropez: Born in Dubai, now on the Riviera
Where can guests enjoy flowers and gardens?
To begin, gardens take centre stage across the collection. At Grove of Narberth, florist Amelia hosts flower workshops on July 25. She also runs garden tours on July 4 and September 26, each ending with cream tea or a three-course lunch full of homegrown ingredients. Meanwhile, at Gravetye Manor, Head Florist Sharon Coote leads intimate workshops using blooms cut straight from the estate.
Travel features too. Firstly, Hebridean Princess departed Oban on May 26 to explore gardens and estates across Argyll and Antrim. Additionally, in Edinburgh, Fingal offers wildflower meadows and a kitchen garden that feeds directly into The Lighthouse Restaurant. Elsewhere, Palé Hall stages sculpture trails against the backdrop of Eryri (Snowdonia), while Cromlix adds floral embroidery and watercolour workshops.
Also Read: Jabal Akhdar Resort: Luxury, Wellness, and Family in the mountains
Which properties have appeared on screen?
A few properties carry screen credentials; however, one stands out. In Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa presents its curved Georgian frontage, familiar from Bridgerton, Persuasion, and The Seven Dials Mystery. Additionally, in Scotland, Glenapp Castle sits close to Outlander filming locations, and its concierge can arrange bespoke tartan and cashmere experiences. Finally, on the Jurassic Coast, The Priory pairs landscape-led art by Laura Medcalf with the Purbeck Film Festival, which marks its 30th anniversary this year.
How does fashion feature in Blooming Britain?
Style runs through the programme too. In partnership with Bicester Village, PoB Hotels presents A Blooming Good Break, a multi-stop escape across Sopwell House, Hartwell House & Spa, Whatley Manor, and Ellenborough Park. Furthermore, collaborations with Shrimps and House of Bruar add a stronger fashion edge. In Sussex, meanwhile, Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa places guests near Glorious Goodwood and Goodwood Revival, where dressing for the occasion remains part of the spectacle.
Also Read: The best of both worlds: The Dolder Grand in Zurich
When does Blooming Britain run?
The programme runs from now until late summer. Dates roll out gradually, so the line-up grows as the season unfolds. Ultimately, Kalindi Juneja, Chief Executive of PoB Hotels, says the season highlights Britain’s seasonal rituals through the character of each hotel, from countryside foraging and garden visits to long, unhurried lunches.
Also Read: Swissôtel Resort El Quseir: What the new resort offers
