For a truly delightful Norwegian experience visit the Utne Hotel in the Hardanger region. From your first glimpse of the hotel with its quaint clapboard exterior and white picket fence you will be enchanted. The hotel dates from 1722 and the interior is furnished in traditional Norwegian style with painted woodwork, antique furniture and old paintings. Sitting in the drawing room is like visiting a private house. Then complete the experience with afternoon tea served in miniature teapots with chocolate and apple cake accompanied by ice cream and starfruit. It is almost impossible to choose between the beautiful views of the fjords, the exquisite furnishings of the room and the presentation of the cake, an art work in itself. A gem in a beautiful country! While there also visit the Hardanger Folk Museum to learn all about the area and its customs and music.

www.utnehotel.no/
Utne Hotel, NO-5779 Utne
+47 53 66 64 00
Google map: bit.ly/oyUGZF

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Tucked away in the most unexpected location of the London Borough of Croydon, is the former Archbishops's Palace now a highly regarded school.The building dates from the 12th century and on appointed days in the school holidays or heritage days in September you can take a tour of the 15th century Great Hall, Guardroom and Chapel plus tea in the Norman Undercroft and a chance to see Queen Elizabeth the First's bedroom. This beautiful building is hidden away minutes from the high street and Surrey Street market and is a relatively unknown treasure except for those of us who were fortunate enough to spend our school days there and learn about history in truly historic surroundings.

The Old Palace of John Whitgift School
Old Palace Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1AX
+44(0)20 8680 0467
Nearest station East Croydon Station
Google map: bit.ly/hqzkUK

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