For immediate release

January 2015

INDULGE IN SOME CARDINAL PLEASURE WITH A WOLSEY LODGE BREAK THIS SPRING

As we revel in the rich costumes and splendour of the court of Henry V111th with the TV serialisation of Wolf Hall, one of the key characters, Cardinal Wolsey, King Henry's trusted advisor, has an anniversary this year. It is 500 years since he commissioned builders to lay the foundations of Hampton Court Palace, one of Britain's best-loved treasures. Cardinal Wolsey certainly had plenty of experience of grand houses, and he was the inspiration for another of our best-loved treasures,Wolsey Lodges, the ultimate in luxury B&B.

The Cardinal was reputed to tour the realm, expecting to receive generous hospitality at suitable country houses on his journey. His outriders would travel in advance to inspect the accommodation and ‘make a reservation' but this has already been done for you if you choose to stay at a Wolsey Lodge! A collection of the finest private homes, where the standard of hospitality, the location and the individuality of each house and host, has earned its unique place as a Wolsey Lodge to provide the ultimate in bed and breakfast.

In order to join this not-for-profit organisation, its members have to meet stringent criteria. They also share an uncompromising ethos of exceptional hospitality where guests are entertained as family and friends. Some Lodges offer the option of an evening meal, by prior arrangement, but where this is not possible hosts are happy to advise where to eat locally and will usually be able to make a table reservation.

Wolsey Lodges vary from very grand country houses, castles, Elizabethan manor houses, Georgian mansions, Victorian country rectories, to lovingly restored cottages and town houses. Bedrooms can rival some of the best hotels and always have en suite or private facilities. Breakfasts are always superb; they often include locally sourced ingredients and home made preserves and breads.

Business travellers too are discovering the benefits of staying in a Wolsey Lodge. They appreciate the homely atmosphere and welcome offered and a number of Wolsey Lodges have regular business traveller guests, often those travelling alone.

Prices start from around £45 per head for B&B and dinners start from around £30. There are Wolsey Lodges across the UK and also some in France.

So what could be more apt this spring than taking a leaf out of the Cardinal's good book and discovering one of the travelling cognoscenti's best-kept secrets for yourself.

For further information check out the website wolseylodges.com

ENDS

Photos show:Long Crendon Manor(Bucks),Cardross, (Scotland)Cresselly House(Wales).

For further information, high resolution images or to discuss a review visit please contact Alison Jee on 020 8744 0744alison@alisonjee.co.uk