Summer. A time for lazy lunches. Basking on river banks. Leaping into lakes. Seeking out quiet pockets of nature, however urban the setting. To squeeze out every last drop from long days outside, we’ve been tapping into the local knowledge of land&water friends.
Revealing a secret garden deep in the city, an artist’s favourite walk around a tidal Welsh island, the prettiest pub courtyard in the Wiltshire countryside for sating post-hike hunger, and paddleboarding adventures across Britain’s second largest lake, we share a handful of summer adventures – should you find yourself in these delightful corners of the island we call home…
Read on, and discover more land&water friends over on our stockists page.
The Perfect Pub Lunch
We asked Ethan Davids, co-founder of the Chickpea Group and keen foodie, for his top country pub pick. His choice? The history-steeped Grosvenor Arms in Hindon, Wiltshire.
“It’s a real beauty and was a former coaching inn for travellers making their way to and from London,” he says. “Set in the thick of the Wiltshire countryside, the nearby hilly byways with rolling hills are the perfect spot for a long walk before a hearty lunch in the pub’s pretty courtyard garden.
“Hindon itself is a pretty village with a historic high street, a charming church, and two pubs sat opposite one another, which are very much the heartbeat of the village. As you get to the top of the village you're met with a view overlooking the high street and a perfectly straight walk out west and round back to the other side of Hindon. It feels so remote and exposed, which I like, but really only takes a few minutes to get to.
“The Grosvenor Arms serves a brilliantly old school prawn cocktail, and our Brixham Monkfish with clams and butter sauce is great at this time of year – as is our lamb loin and belly, which comes direct from the fields beside the pub… No fresher lamb to be had locally!”
The Secret Garden (pictured above)
Next time you find yourself in central London, flagging in the city heat, retreat to the tranquil 25 Cannon Street Gardens designed by Tom Stuart-Smith.
Chosen by land&water partners The Rookery Hotel as their favourite green space to connect with nature in the city, this garden is a hidden gem.
A dramatic reflection pool sits at the garden’s centre, acting as a glassy mirror for St Paul’s Cathedral above, as grasses and wildflowers sway in the breeze.
But if these gardens are too busy (word spreads fast!), try Postman's Park – another garden tucked away near The Rookery, that’s another of the team’s favourites.
The Tidal Island
Charting a path through ancient forest, a vast sweep of sandy beach, and a tidal island complete with two lighthouses and a romantic church, the circular walk around Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island) is a must-do if you find yourself in this picturesque corner of Wales – as recommended by artist and Anglesey lifestyle store owner, Janet Bell.
“There are few people who only do this walk once,” says Janet. “It’s far from the most adventurous or challenging walk that North Wales has to offer, but to take in all the diversity of the landscape, the incredible beauty of the area, and a piece of Welsh culture and history, it’s really incomparable.
“It’s a great walk to do as a family, as there’s so much to look at, and the chance to turn it into a day at the beach,” she continues. “Keep an eye out for red squirrels, ground-nesting birds and the ponies that keep the island’s plant life in check.”
Janet’s recommended Ynys Llanddwyn route
“Starting from Newborough forest car park, follow the path to the right into the forest itself. The path runs parallel to the beach and the trees are a great shelter from heat or (more often) the wind. Along the way, you’ll see lots of wildlife, hopefully including red squirrels.
“When you emerge onto the beach at the end of this path, it just takes your breath away. There’s a huge sweep of sandy beach, Ynys Llanddwyn to the left, and beyond that, the most incredible view of Snowdonia.
“It’s well worth checking the tides, because you’ll want a low enough tide that you can reach the island, but high enough that you can go for a swim, which I highly recommend.
“Once you reach the island, via a little wooden gate, you’ll step straight onto the path that takes you in a loop via the Pilots’ Cottages, two lighthouses and, of course, Dwynwen’s church, which the island is named after. Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of love – we celebrate her on 26 January, and it’s the equivalent to a Welsh Valentine’s day. So it’s an incredibly special place and very romantic.
“As you walk around the island, you’ll see historic landmarks, little coves for swimming, and stunning flora and fauna. Dogs are welcome, but they need to be kept on a lead and on the public footpath, as there’s a lot of ground-nesting birds and the island is a protected site.
“When you reach the gate again, walk back along the beach. You can paddle along the way and keep soaking in that mountain view all the way back to the car.”
The Lake
Diving in, floating along, paddling across: our rivers and lakes provide endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.
Another Place, The Lake, is set in 18 acres of private lakeshore on Ullswater in the Lake District National Park.
Golden days hiking in the fells and paddleboarding across the lake have poured ample inspiration into land&water’s philosophy, lifestyle and culture since the very beginning.
Experience a cinematic journey across Lake Ullswater by paddleboard, in Michael Lazenby’s immersive short film.
Be transported to Another Place’s private jetty, pick up your paddle, and glide along the glassy surface, exploring bays and inlets as the last of the morning mist lifts and the sun beams down…
Standup paddleboarding on Ullswater from Another Place on Vimeo.
