Keen to get some mud on my new Dubarry Boots…

I set off to visit three hotels within easy reach of London

wearing an Alice & Co moleskin coat

The Feathers in Woodstock is…

a great place to drink gin, they have more than 170 in the bar! It’s well worth doing a tutored tasting, after which you will never drink a bog standard G&T again.

The restaurant is a snug, wood-panelled affair with a delicious five-course tasting menu, while upstairs there are 16 rooms that mix antiques with splashes of colour.

After that, walk it all off in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace which is just around the corner. Perfect boot stomping territory…

Find out more at www.prideofbritainhotels.com/The_Feathers

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Shopping watch:

William Powell in Banbury is tucked away in a modern block on the edge of town but is well stocked with everything for huntin’, shootin’ and fishin’.

Including Dubarry boots in all styles and colours. These are called Clare

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Hartwell House near Aylesbury is…

owned by the National Trust with 30 rooms and extensive grounds and a fascinating history. Louis XVIII lived here in exile for a while, and it’s not a bad place to be holed up.

It has a crazy staircase, if you look closely you can see carved statues of Winston Churchill and GK Chesterton

Here’s me flouncing up it wearing a multi-patterned silk suit from Alice & Co.

And in the front entrance trying to look like the chatelaine.

In the grounds there’s a rather splendid Gothic revival church.

You can’t go in it but it makes a good backdrop for a bright outfit,

like these quilted trousers and silk shirt made by Alice & Co.

There’s also a spa with this elegant pool.

Find out more about Hartwell’s history and it’s 30 sumptuous bedrooms at www.prideofbritainhotels/hartwell_house_and_spa

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Shoppingwatch: not far away is Bicester Village.

Generally I prefer the high street to the mall but I spent a happy afternoon at Bicester Village where you can browse more than 130 top brands in the clapboard outlet shops and snap up a bargain in a cheerful friendly atmosphere.

Here’s my tips on getting from the best from your visit:

1. Go there wearing something that makes you feel good and only buy what makes you feel even better.

2. For extra discounts get a VIP card from your hotel.

3. Don’t struggle under a weight of carrier bags, use the Shopping Collection service.

When you’re all shopped out…..

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Luton Hoo, close to but not in sight of Luton Airport, is…

a grand five-star hotel that used to be the home of a diamond merchant, so you might want to bring your bling

… or keep it simple with an Alice & Co taffeta kilt paired with a green top and tights, both picked up at a bargain price from Wolford in Bicester Village

Luton Hoo is a very popular place for afternoon tea, you’ll need to book.

Here I am drooling over the menu when I should be working.

That’s a Knomo Lola bag, just right if you must bring your laptop.

They come in lots of colours including orange, check them out here.

If you’re feeling guilty about all those scones you can do some laps in the airy pool.

Or indulge in a spa treatment before dinner.

Find out more about Luton Hoo at www.prideofbritainhotels.com/luton_hoo_hotel_golf_and_spa

Luton Hoo also has good walks – ask the concierge for a map. There’s even one called ‘High Heeled’,  if you don’t fancy getting mud on your new Dubarry boots!

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If you like any of the outfits on this post please contact  alice@aliceandco.com to discuss what we could make for you.

 websites : www.aliceand co.com for contemporary made to measure and made to order stretch dresses and raincoats

www.madametralala.com for vintage inspired made to measure outfits