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Explore some of the amazing opportunities and experiences that VIP Escapes provides.
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W elcome to VIP Escapes, Great Britain and Ireland’s boutique, luxury experience company. Our
goal is simple; to celebrate the very best of everything that is British, and to create lifetime memories out of extraordinary moments and experiences.
The British Isles are rich with exciting, unique, opportunities and we aim to bring these alive in a way that will open your eyes to a new wave of truly great British travel.
Our business is built around a promise of delivering the best-in-class for all aspects of your trip - from the venues and escapes created to the excellence of service provided. With over 25 years of experience we have built up a reputation for the quality of our work, and our ability to provide privileged access to unique experiences
and opportunities throughout Britain.The following pages will give you an insight in to the types of luxury experiences we can offer - from playing some of the world’s best golf courses, alongside your sporting idol, to experiencing Britain’s rich history and heritage in ways you never thought imaginable. The only limitation is your imagination. So if there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t know how to do it, or you are after some inspiration for your next trip away, please get in touch and let us start planning how to turn your dreams in to real life experiences.
Billy GammonCEO & FounderVIP Escapes Ltd
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Introduction
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” Miriam Beard
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Meet T
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Billy GammonCEO
Sasha HowardDirector
Billy started out in the advertising industry as a strategic media planner, working at a number of top London agencies. A seven year stint in New Zealand followed where he played a lead role in launching the VIP Marketing programme for SKYCITY Auckland; creating and implementing a business strategy focussed on the luxury and VIP sectors. Harbouring a long term plan to transfer his skills to the sports arena, he then joined New Zealand’s premier horse racing destination, Auckland Racing Club.
Billy returned to the UK in 2010 as a Director of the Mercedes-Benz
golf strategy team - which included activation of the Open Championship sponsorship programme and development of an international VIP hospitality programme. VIP Escapes was launched in 2014 to capitalise on his knowledge, understanding and passion of delivering best-in-class, once-in-a-lifetime VIP experiences.
A keen golfer, sportsman and motivational speaker Billy has also developed an appetite for the great outdoors and, in particular, raising significant sums of money for charities through expedition work. These include skippering the ‘Rowing For Prostate’
crew in the inaugural Indian Ocean Rowing Race (2009), achieving a world first as a crew member of ‘Old Pulteney Row To the Pole’ expedition to 1996 Magnetic North Pole (2011) and, most recently, completing the Marathon des Sables in 2014.
Billy’s ultimate British experience would be a helicopter tour of Britain’s greatest golf courses with friends (and maybe a certain Mr Rory McIlroy!), whilst staying in the most spectacular lodges, castles and hidden retreats, complimented with fine wine and the very best local cuisine cooked by our own private chef, Mr Heston Blumenthal!
Sasha is a Mandarin speaker living in London but has lived in China on and off since 2008. She was educated at Marlborough College in Wiltshire and graduated from Leeds university with a degree in Chinese language and culture and a diploma from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. After university Sasha embarked on a career which fed her interest in the growing relationship between the UK and China. This started with a position on the languages team at the London 2012 Olympic Games chaperoning Chinese athletes and interviewing them in front of the worldwide media as they stepped off
the podium. Sasha has also worked in the luxury industry in both Britain and China, including two years in the studio of renowned fashion photographer, Mario Testino setting up his events in China and London. In 2013 Sasha attended the Shanghai Debutante Ball and ‘came out’ as a Debutante in a very traditional British ceremony at the Peninsula Hotel and in 2014 she helped organise a polo match between Britain and China in Beijing.
Most recently Sasha has been working for the British Government and Foreign Office on inward investment to the
UK. In her spare time Sasha writes travel articles for Chinese publications and enjoys travelling and discovering new culinary hot spots in London. Her ultimate British experience would be a day at the races followed by dinner in a country pub!
“I have been fascinated by Chinese culture and language for many years. When I was living in China I was treated with such friendly hospitality by my Chinese friends that through VIP Escapes I would like to extend an invitation to Chinese visitors to Britain so I can show them Britain at its best!”
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“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt
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At VIP Escapes we promise to deliver a brand of luxury travel, and a level of service, that surpasses your expectations and unlocks experiences that will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Just as no two individuals are ever identical, so no two VIP escapes are ever the same. Our difference lies in our ability to access unique opportunities, as well as deliver inspirational moments to capture the imagination.
Our promise to you.
The following pages aim to provide a sample of the areas in which we operate in the hope they will stimulate some thoughts, ideas and dreams which we can help fulfil.
There’s never been a better time to escape to Britain.
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GolfBritish SportsCountry SportsBritish History & HeritageFim and TelevisionFood and DrinkGoing OutSample VIP Escapes
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“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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T he UK and Ireland boasts some of the finest golf courses in the world, with no fewer than 32 of the world’s top
100 rated golf courses! Making the pilgrimage is essential for any serious golfer – the rugged shores are strewn with world-renowned links courses that offer experiences like none other anywhere else in the world.
The exact origins of golf are hotly disputed, although there’s no disputing the game as we know it dates back to 1400s in Scotland. A popular story is that Scottish shepherds knocked stones down rabbit holes to ease their boredom as far back as the 12th century! The site of those early golf-like games is thought to be the very same place that now hosts the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), in Fife.
There is a strong connection between the rise of golf and former kings and queens, many playing a crucial role in the game’s early development - with the likes of James I, James II, James IV, James VI and Mary, Queen of Scots often mentioned in relation to their appetite and enthusiasm for the game.Many of the world’s finest golf architects originated in Britain and whose footprint
stretches the length and breadth of the British Isles and their influence has been instrumental in helping to grow the game internationally. With such a rich, diverse, portfolio of courses, including links, heath-land, parkland and resort venues a golfing escape to the British Isles will be an experience to remember.
From the dramatic scenery in Ireland, to the historic sites of Scotland and unique terrain in England a new brand of luxury golf experience awaits you here in Britain. Follow in the footsteps of your golfing heroes and tee it up on the world famous Open Championship and Ryder Cup venues, or explore and discover the abundance of other highly acclaimed (and sometimes well hidden) golfing gems.
Let us take you on a once-in-a-lifetime tour, taking in some of the world’s most stunning golfing vistas and courses steeped in history like no other golfing destination.
VIP Escapes Tip: Make any golfing escape that bit more special by teeing it up alongside your golfing idol.
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The Old Course, St Andrews
“I fell in love with it the first day I played it. There’s just no other golf course that is even remotely close” Jack Nicklaus
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Golf in Ireland
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I reland is home to two-thirds of the world’s links courses. With no fewer than six of the world’s top fifty rated courses,
complemented by some of the finest luxury castles, lodges and hidden retreats, not to mention the world famous Irish hospitality, it’s little wonder so many choose Ireland as their golfing destination of choice.
Add in a selection of world-class fishing, an abundance of cultural and historical sites and landscapes and you have all the ingredients for the ultimate VIP golf escape.
Ireland is one of the finest golf destinations on the planet, offering an experience like none other, which might help explain the age long love affair that has endured between the world’s top professionals and the Emerald Isle.
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“It is a course on which golf architects should live and play before they build a golf course.”Tom Watson
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Golf in Scotland
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T he undisputed Home of Golf has close to five hundred spectacular and beautiful courses, including no fewer than ten of
the world’s top one hundred.
Be it the Old Course, St Andrews, where you can almost see the ghosts of the past marching down the wide, undulating fairways; or Prestwick, the birthplace of golf ’s most prestigious prize, the Open Championship; or the great Open courses of Muirfield, Turnberry, Carnoustie and Royal Troon; or the splendour of Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Loch Lomond, there is no finer country in which to play golf.
Golf ’s origins are not all that defines a golf experience in Scotland. The jaw dropping landscapes and vistas are enough to warrant a visit but, when combined with some of the world’s finest country sports, historic luxury estates, whisky distilleries and culinary landmark destinations you have all the ingredients for a very special golfing escape.
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“There is nowhere lovelier” Donald Steel, golf architect and writer.
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Golf around Britain
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W hilst Scotland and Ireland will deliver two equally inspiring, yet very different, golfing experiences,
a luxury tour of Britain’s most prestigious golfing venues will deliver memories to last a lifetime. From the dramatic scenery in Ireland, to the historic sites of Scotland and unique terrain in England a new brand of luxury golf experience awaits you here in Britain.
Follow in the footsteps of your golfing heroes and tee it up on the world famous Open Championship and Ryder Cup venues, or explore and discover the abundance of other highly
acclaimed golfing gems. With so many of the world’s great courses, matched by some incredible venues, diverse experiences, terrains and landscapes the British Isles will deliver a golfing escape to remember.
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Royal St. George’s Golf Club, Sandwich
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“My idea of heaven as is to be attained on an earthly links” Bernard Darwin
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T he British influence is credited with having played a significant role in the birth of a number of modern day sports,
including golf, badminton, cricket, lawn tennis, snooker, rugby and football to name but a few. Britain’s impact on the global sports map cannot be overstated having introduced no fewer than fifteen modern day sports.
From Mary, Queen of Scots keen interest in golf, to Henry VIII’s enthusiasm for real tennis, Tudor games of cricket and the formation and role of the MCC as the custodian of the laws of cricket, sport has played a huge part in British history and continues to play a pivotal role at the heart of everyday modern life.
With such a deeply entrenched sporting history and heritage it is little wonder these Isles play home to some of the world’s most famous sporting events and iconic, landmark stadia, such as Wimbledon, Lord’s, Twickenham, Wembley, Silverstone and Badminton House. So whether it’s touring around the Scottish Highlands in an iconic British motor car, sailing the 2012 Olympic course, stepping out on to Wimbledon’s Centre Court or visiting the original badminton rackets at Badminton House Britain offers a wealth of unique sporting escapes.
VIP Escapes Tip: Live out your sporting dream with a day in the company of your sporting hero.
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Centre Court, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon
“They act like they’ve got the biggest tournament in the world, and they’re right, they do” Pete Sampras
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British Super Cars
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B ritain is the proud home of many modern day super-car brands, including the likes of Aston Martin, Jaguar Land Rover and
Bentley. Here’s your chance to meet the designers and get up close and personal to some of the world’s most luxurious motor brands.
Experience the thrill of driving across Britain’s unique landscapes and breath taking scenery, visiting some of the country’s most revered castles, country estates and whisky distilleries. Driving through the British countryside is one of life’s true pleasures - add in some of the finest super cars on the planet and you have an
unforgettable, high octane experience. From the dramatic vistas of the Scottish Highlands and the spectacular scenery of the Lake District, to the captivating coastal drive along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, Britain is rich with some awe inspiring drives. Take in the quaint villages, ancient castles, picture perfect lakes, mountains and coastal backdrops and explore some of the most dramatic drives anywhere in the world.
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“Experience the thrill of some of the world’s most luxurious motor brands.”
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Horse Racing
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D ating as far back as the Romans, horse racing in Britain has a long and distinguished history. Its strong links
to the Royal Family and British aristocracy help explain why the sport is often referred to as the ‘Sport of Kings’. With its equine superstars, world-famous racing festivals, picturesque courses and rich history it’s no secret why Great British racing claims to be the best in the world.
As the second largest spectator sport, horse racing provides many of the highlights in the British and international sporting and society calendars - heralded as the place to be seen, where pomp and circumstance combine in such perfect harmony. Steeped in tradition and ceremony, race tracks come alive with an abundance of colour, as ladies parade their extravagant hats and men are dressed in Savile Row’s very finest top hat and tails. It’s these same traditions, combined with the sounds of champagne corks popping and crowds cheering that make a day at the races such a unique, and quintessentially British affair.
With so many prestigious festivals it’s little wonder the great and the good from all over the world descend on English race tracks each year.
Leading the way is the Cheltenham Festival, which embodies everything that is great about racing, including the deafening sound of the famous Cheltenham Roar, the Irish ‘craic’ and the picturesque backdrop of the Cotswolds. The Grand National follows shortly afterwards, a race that has become the most famous and valuable Chase in the world. As we drift in to summer the Royal Ascot meeting steals the show, widely respected as the jewel in the crown of the English flat summer season, mixing top-class racing and high fashion in a glittering social occasion. Then follows the Derby at Epsom, famed as one of racing’s greatest spectacles. and known as the Blue Riband of the Turf. Finally Glorious Goodwood closes out the season, an event that has retained the quintessential British charm and noted for its ‘relaxed chic’ fashion, where Royal Ascot’s top hats give way to the Panama hat.
VIP Escapes Tip: Experience what it feels like to race your own horse and let us arrange for you to be an owner for a day.
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Parade Ring, Royal Ascot
“Let us open your eyes to a racing experience you never dreamt possible…”
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Iconic British Sporting Events
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B ritain plays home to some of the world’s most famous sporting events and iconic, landmark stadia, such as Wimbledon,
Lord’s, Twickenham, Old Trafford, Silverstone and Royal Ascot.
From the deafening silence on the first morning of the first day of a Lord’s Ashes Test Match, to the impassioned roars reverberating around Old Trafford and the shrieks, sighs and cheers from Wimbledon’s Centre Court, it’s hard to beat a day in the company of the world’s best athletes at venues revered around the world.
Offering some of the finest VIP hospitality in world sport, let us create a once-in-a-lifetime experience to help make your sporting dreams come true.
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“Watch the action unfold in the company of your sporting hero”
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with VIP EscapesCountry Sports
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S ince the reign of Queen Victoria Scotland has been a magnet for sporting parties when friends and family gather to shoot
grouse, fish for salmon and stalk red deer. Today’s Royal family are well known to enjoy country sports and often shoot pheasants and stalk deer on their estate in Balmoral, Scotland.
Hunting and gathering is one of our most ancient instincts and tapping back into this primeval trait is something quite special. Your senses will become heightened and you’ll see wildlife in a way like never before. This long and distinguished history of country sports can be seen right across Britain with an abundance of sporting estates, lodges, castles and burns - all with their own very unique tales from the past and anecdotes from the present!
The British Isles is revered internationally as a mature sporting destination that offers visitors outstanding sporting experiences amongst
stunning and dramatic landscapes. From high birds in Yorkshire, grouse shooting in the Scottish highlands and salmon on the fly, Britain is rich with some of the finest sporting opportunities.
Traditionally the preserve of the privileged few, let us take you to some of Britain’s most exclusive sporting estates. Immerse yourself in a mixed sporting week to include salmon fishing, shooting and stalking and, who knows, you may just get the opportunity to achieve the famous ‘MacNab’!
A country sporting escape offers you an unforgettable experience to visit some of Britain’s most unique, and in some cases remote, locations.
VIP Escapes Tip: Make your Scottish sporting escape even more special by having your own tartan and/or tweed designed and tailored for you.
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Savile Row, London
“Dress to impress with your own VIP bespoke experience on London’s Savile Row”
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Shooting
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I t was the Normans from France who introduced the pheasant to England, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that it became
king of the game birds. A high flying pheasantis considered by many to be the ultimate sporting challenge.
Shooting birds has been the British country gentleman’s winter sport of choice for hundreds of years, boasting some of the very finest pheasant, partridge and grouse shoots anywhere in the world, spanning the length and breadth of Britain - from pheasant shooting on the South Downs, England, to grouse shooting in Scotland and partridge shooting in Wiltshire.
With such a vast amount of choice, our experienced team of experts will help select the shoots best suited to your needs. So whether you
are a complete novice looking for some expert guidance and tuition, a seasoned campaigner after something a little bit special, or you are somewhere in between, our team can help tailor the ideal shooting programme for you.
From your pick up to your departure, our VIP host team will ensure a seamless day of high octane fun on some of our most exclusive estates and grouse moors. Working with only the best shoots in Britain, whatever your ability we will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
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The British Isles are blessed with some of the finest game shooting in the world.
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Fishing
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With its striking scenery and abundance of rivers, Britain boasts some of the best and most exciting fishing in Europe.
Scotland’s fishing heritage has produced a class breed of ghillies like no others - their skill and knowledge having been passed down from generation to generation. The country is also blessed with an incredible number of lochs and ‘lochans’ – over 30,000 of them, plus around 21,700 miles of rivers!
Across the borders and the seas there lies yet more world class fishing in Ireland, England and Wales, found amongst some of the most beautiful
and unspoilt landscapes in the United Kingdom today.
With such rich supplies of salmon, trout, grayling, Arctic char and coarse fish, to name but a few, as well as commercially stocked waters, there can be no doubt that Britain represents some of the greatest freshwater and sea angling on offer anywhere.
Staying at some of Britain’s finest lodges, castles and luxury retreats let us put together a fishing experience to remember.
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Fish on the best, most exclusive, beats in the spiritual home of the ‘king of fish’.
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Stalking
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S talking is the pursuit of deer on foot in order to keep levels of deer in the United Kingdom under control. Intrepid
sportsmen, under the direction of a local guide, venture out into the countryside in search of deer. This is a tradition dating back hundreds of years, most notably in the Scottish Highlands, and has long been a popular past time of the British aristocracy.
Care is required not to disturb the deer, hence the term ‘stalking’, and sportsmen are often required to crawl on hands and feet to keep out of sight
and sound. A pony is often used to carry the stag home as the terrain is too treacherous for vehicles to pass.
Aside from the thrill of the chase it is an opportunity to witness some breath taking scenery and to learn from an expert about Britain’s unique nature, fauna and countryside.
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Experience the thrill of stalking wild deer across some of the most challenging terrain during an adrenalin filled test of stamina and skill.
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with VIP EscapesBritish History and Heritage
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T here is no shortage across Britain of historic monuments, royal palaces and some of the world’s most famous
museums and iconic landmarks. You only have to take a look in any book shop, library or film archive across the world to see just how much literature, time and space has been devoted to Britain’s long, rich history - one that has been shaped by turmoil between its nations, and tension between state and church.
Modern day Britain is the result of long periods of historical significance, including Roman Britain, Norman Britain and the Tudors right through to the periods of Civil War, Victorian Britain and, more recently, the Great Wars. Learn about this long and distinguished history in some of the world’s most highly acclaimed museums. Venues such as the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Design Museum can justly lay claim to being the best in their field. Those apart there await many lesser known gems spanning the length and breadth of the British Isles.
Take in a bespoke VIP tour of Britain’s towns, villages and cities which remain alive with stories of heroic battles, beheadings and other momentous dates in history - often sign posted by dramatic palaces and castles. Britain is renowned for its opulent country houses, stately homes and estates and at VIP Escapes we not only know the best, but also have access to the most exclusive.
Architecture apart Britain is home to many of the world’s great sites and attractions, including 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - from sites of extraordinary natural beauty, such as Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, to the many cultural riches to be found in the Tower of London, Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall.
It’s this combination of history, architecture and sites of special interest that makes Britain such a fascinating place to visit.
VIP Escapes Tip: Experience what it’s like to live as the Lord and Lady of the manor by taking over your own historic castle.
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Experience 1000’s of years of British history with unique access to some of our most historic sites and landmark venues
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Museums
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L ondon alone is home to over 200 museums, with an enviable list including many of the world’s most highly
acclaimed names. Venues such as the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Design Museum can justly lay claim to being the best in their field.
The sheer diversity of museums in Britain is staggering - from the well known national collections to other more secret gems off the beaten track. Let us arrange for a private viewing at the museum of your choice so you can
immerse yourself in your passion. Learn all about the world of money, finance and economics at the Museum on the Mound, Edinburgh, or celebrate all things 20th century at Stella Mitchell’s National Museum in Shropshire.
There’s an abundance of world-famous museums and other, lesser-known and smaller-scale museums, which together cater for even the most inquisitive of minds and special interests.
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“All roads to understanding the history of world civilisation start at the British Museum.” Marie Robert, editor of M&H Magazine.
The Reading Room, British Museum
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Castles and Historic Country Homes
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W hen William the Conqueror invaded Britain in 1066 he set about building castles to protect the lands he had
seized. In a matter of time there were over 4,000 castles in Britain. Castle design grew in sophistication and style and were built all over the United Kingdom and there remain at least 3,000 castles still standing today.
Many have been restored to their former glory with the addition of modern luxury facilities, but no matter what their state of ruin or repair each remains full of its own, unique, tales of years gone by.
Let us put together your ultimate castle escape, taking in some of Britain’s most infamous sites and grandest locations. Step back in time and experience the history, mystique and sumptuous luxury in the surrounds of some of the most staggeringly beautiful landscapes. Whether as part of a luxury experience, or as a stand alone venue from which to host special friends and guests, we will create moments and memories to stand the test of time.
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Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
“Explore and discover Britain’s most spectacular castles…”
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B ritain is one glorious, gorgeous movie set and has been the back drop to many Hollywood block-busters and television
classics. The landscapes are alive with familiar scenes and landmark venues which have been immortalised on the big screen.
The film and television industries are booming, with names such as the Da Vinci Code, Pride and Prejudice, Braveheart, the King’s Speech, Harry Potter, James Bond and Downton Abbey placing Britain at the forefront of global cinema and television audiences. Take a power boat trip past MI6, get your very own tailored 007 suit, cry ‘Freedom!’ on Mel Gibson’s trail in the Scottish Highlands, live like Lord and Lady Grantham at Downton’s Highclere Castle or grab your
broomstick and explore Alnwick Castle, the Bodleian Library in Oxford and Durham Cathedral to live out the Hogwarts experience.
With VIP Escapes we’ll make you the star of the big screen. Immerse yourself in the action with exclusive access to some of the most memorable silver screen moments, venues and experiences.
VIP Escapes Tip: Recreate the gilded life of Lord and Lady Grantham in your very own Downton Abbey experience.
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Recreate the gilded life of Lord and Lady Grantham in your very own Downton Abbey experience.
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F rom the age old tradition of afternoon tea at the Ritz, to dinner in London’s ultra modern Shard, food and drink has
played a major role in the British social scene for hundred of years. Still at the forefront of culinary innovation, the UK is home to many of the finest, most hotly sought after venues in the world. Its reputation for quality cuisine has attracted many of the most decorated, award winning chefs which has put Britain at the forefront of the global gastronomic revolution. Whilst London continues to lead the way, across Britain an explosion of outstanding venues is well underway, serving a diverse range of cuisines in some truly breath taking locations. From Ireland’s food capital of Kinsale, to Scotland’s Isle of Skye and deep in to the English countryside visitors from all all over the world come to taste, and experience, the quality and diversity of British dining.
With no fewer than 168 Michelin star rated restaurants, catering for a smorgasbord of international tastes, it highlights the richness and variety of the UK restaurant scene.
Scotland, and to a lesser extent Ireland, is renowned as the birthplace of whisky and serves as the quality benchmark of whisky making. Today there are 114 active whisky distilleries and, as the country’s national drink, no trip is complete without first paying a visit to one of the many landmark distillery sites dotted across the Scottish landscape.
This ever growing epicurean love affair has encouraged the launch of a number of food and drink festivals across Britain - from the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival, Kinsale Food Festival and the Whitstable Oyster Festival to the Great British Beer Festival in London. With so many of the world’s most recognised chefs, restaurants and festivals right here in Britain, let us introduce you to a new brand of gourmet indulgence, luxury and culinary excellence.
VIP Escapes Tip: Enjoy a bespoke, private dining experience with one of Britain’s most highly acclaimed chefs for you and your friends.
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Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye
Let us take you on a journey to explore and experience some of the world’s great drams and whisky distilleries…
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B ritain has many great cities, towns and villages, each with their own unique character, history, secrets and
experiences. Witness the famous Northern Lights from the isolation of Scotland’s Orkney Islands, experience the outdoor, coastal theatre of Cornwall’s Minnack Theatre or immerse yourself in the high octane city vibrancy of Edinburgh, Dublin, Cardiff and London. Whatever your taste, whether it be castles, theatres, restaurants or shopping there’s a feast of amazing things to do, see and experience.
London has grown a global reputation as one of the most popular destinations by travellers from across the globe and is arguably the most eclectic city on earth. In addition it was the birthplace of democracy and has been the home to Kings and Queens for many centuries.
Formerly a vibrant trading port London is now the playground of the rich and famous and the epicentre of global business. There is history at every turn and culture and entertainment to suit every taste. Innovative and award winning
restaurants, bars and hotels are in abundance and an influential fashion and arts scene attracts the young and hip for events such as London Fashion Week and the Frieze Art Fair. Quite simply if there’s an exhibition worth seeing, play worth watching or music performance worth experiencing you can guarantee it will have landed in London!
A visit to Britain will set the pulse racing, and whether your passion lies in art, culture, fashion or food the VIP Escapes team can provide you with privileged access to unique experiences and opportunities.
Step out in Britain and explore!
VIP Escapes Tip:Let us make you look and feel a million dollars with your own, private, shopping experience at a secret Lon-don location, in the company of a top London designer and stylist. Follow this with a private shoot by one of the leading fashion photographers, who will make you look and feel like a magazine cover star!
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“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Samuel Johnson
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Theatre, Opera and Dance
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B ritain is a nation of theatre lovers and in the land that brought you Shakespeare, you’ll never be far from some of the
best and most varied performing arts in the world. London especially is recognised as one of the world’s most celebrated cultural centres, with iconic venues such as The Royal Opera House, home to two of the world’s great artistic companies (The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet), staging some of the world’s most beautiful operas and ballets. The ever vibrant West End plays home to some of the most celebrated musicals, such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘The Lion King’ and modern day classics Billy Elliot and Matilda. The Royal Albert Hall, in all its Victorian splendour, is another of London’s landmark venues hosting global rock, pop and operatic stars whilst the National Theatre plays home to many award winning plays and musicals.
Elsewhere, The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, housed in a spectacular former
Cotton Exchange building, is known for first-rate classic and modern productions, while Birmingham’s REP theatre is fully deserving of its reputation as a centre for excellent drama.
Scotland’s capital is best known for the explosive arts jamboree that is the annual Edinburgh Festivals, as well as some world-class theatre at some of the UK’s best venues.
The British Isles is spoilt for its quality and diversity of venues and performances, from Edinburgh’s explosive Fringe Festival to the unique experience offered at Cornwall’s Minnack Theatre, perched high above the cliffs. Other must see experiences include the stunning ballet performances at Sadler’s Wells and the magical Glyndebourne Opera, in Hampshire, arguably one of the most anticipated, exclusive, social events of the year.
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Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 the Royal Albert Hall is one of the UK’s most treasured and distinctive buildings.
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Arts and Antiques
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W hilst London headlines Britain’s art and antiques scene, hosting internationally acclaimed
exhibitions including the Frieze Art Fair and Masterpiece Art Fair, the works and influences of famous artists, past and present, can be felt throughout the British Isles. From ancient sculptures to modern-day masterpieces and large-scale installations, and from household names to new fledgling artists there’s a wealth of amazing experiences to embrace.
Historic galleries, such as the Royal Academy and the Tate Britain, promise elegant surroundings and world famous art, contrasted with modern favourites such as the Saatchi Gallery and Tate Modern. With Britain attracting some of the world’s great artists and collections VIP Escapes will provide you with exclusive access and insight in to the very latest exhibitions and experts in the field.
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“The Tate holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art”
Tate Britain
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Luxury Shopping
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B ritain has built up a strong reputation for the quality of its shopping with all of the world’s major brands having a presence
on the high streets throughout the major cities. Nowhere can boast a fashion scene as eclectic as London, complete with its iconic buildings, exclusive shopping streets and London Fashion Week, which attracts sartorial Royalty from across the globe.
Don’t miss landmark department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason as well as the unique British outfitters dotted throughout Mayfair and St James’. The timeless
craftsmanship of Savile Row, frequented by Royalty, can be opened up for you by VIP Escapes for your own, private, tailoring experiences.
If you’re looking for the next big fashion designer, or for something a little unusual, we can help with that as well. Or, if you’re looking for the ultimate gift for that special person, who has everything, we know where to find it!
Let VIP Escapes take you behind the scenes of the British fashion industry for private viewings, a private session to be styled like the stars, or gain VIP access to the very best fashion shows in town.
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“London has many of the world’s most revered fashion brands, designer outlets and department stores.”
Harrods, Knightsbridge
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“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on
their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”
Henry David Thoreau
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No two experiences we create are ever the same and some are simply too private to publish!
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However here’s a selection of our favourite escapes to help whet your appetite. Whatever your wish, no matter how wild and crazy it
may seem, please get in touch and let us show you how we can make it happen.
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A golf trip to either country will be an experience to remember, but one that combines the two must surely be on every golfers dream bucket list!
Make your way down Ireland’s spectacular west coast before transferring over to Northern Ireland to take on the mighty Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. Then hop over to the
dramatic Scottish Highlands to experience the breath taking scenery and unique golfing landscapes.
Add in some iconic, luxury retreats, whisky distilleries and other world class outdoor pursuits and you will understand why so many of the world’s greats have fallen in love with these two
outstanding golfing destinations.
Golfing Escape to Ireland and Scotland
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There can be few places on this planet offering so many world class golf venues - so many you’re spoilt for choice!
Start the trip in Ayrshire & Arran (with a private dinner at the exclusive Dumfries House, owned by the Prince of Wales) before taking a helicopter up to the Highlands, a strikingly different landscape famed for its breath taking scenery and dramatic courses. Finally head
down to St Andrews, the Home of Golf, and experience the gems that await in the Kingdom of Fyfe.
No Scottish golfing escape would be complete without exploring the majestic castles, landscapes, distilleries and Scottish traditions which make this nation so unique.
Golfing Escape to Scotland
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Test yourself against the best and take on the ultimate Open Championship challenge. Follow in the footsteps of the golfing greats and create your own piece of golfing history and test
yourself at these world famous Open Chanmpionship venues.
The Open Championship Challenge
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Start off with your own bespoke Royal Ascot fitting in London’s historic Savile Row before heading off to Newmarket, the home of British horse racing. Visit The Jockey Club Rooms, one of Britain’s most exclusive members’ clubs and take a behind the scenes tour of some of
the most successful studs in the world. VIP Escapes will provide you with a unique insight into the world of owning and training race horses, learning from the best and rubbing shoulders
with key industry figures from the British horse racing scene.
Stay in the finest, luxury retreats and immerse yourself in two headline days of racing at one of the world’s greatest racing festivals. You will be escorted to Ascot via a private, vintage
horse drawn coach driven by former pairs World Champion. Setting off from Windsor Castle you will be driven through the Windsor Great Park’s famous Long walk, past the Crown
Estate houses, up Ascot high street to your own entrance at Ascot racecourse.
Witness the action unfold from your own private box, including entry to the Royal Enclosure. With exclusive behind the scenes access this unique racing escape will set the pulses racing.
Escape to Royal Ascot
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Start the day with golf at one of the UK’s top ranked courses. Take a return helicopter transfer to a sporting occasion of your choice. Watch the action unfold in the company of your
sporting hero from your own private box and enjoy exclusive, behind-the-scenes access. End the day with a private dining experience at a landmark venue.
VIP Hospitality... with a difference
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Transfer by private helicopter to one of Britain’s most recognised shooting estates. Learn all about the gun making process with a behind-the-scenes experience at Britain’s oldest gun
manufacturer. We’ll even arrange for your own bespoke ‘country’ outfitting so you look the part.
Spend the morning learning from the experts before setting off on your first game drive. After an exhilarating day you’ll be taken to the main house for a lavish dinner with your host, the lord of the manor…and we could even arrange for a special game cookery class from one of
Britain’s top chefs so you can learn how best to serve what you have shot!
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Britain is blessed with some of the very finest rivers. In the company of your own ghillie, let us take you on a luxury multi day experience to fish some of the great beats on some of the
world’s great rivers. Stay in a luxury lodge or private estate, complete with your own chef and dedicated host team.
Fishing Escape
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Britain has 168 Michelin star restaurants, including many of the world’s premier fine dining establishments. Let us help plan the ultimate gourmet escape - from organising your very own
private chef experience to a once in a lifetime helicopter tour of the landmark venues and most celebrated chefs across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Michelin Star Tour of Britain
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Experience this great British rowing institution like never before, with exclusive, behind-the-scenes access and the very best in VIP hospitality. Experience the race proper in the company of a rowing legend, as you get up close and personal to witness the Oxford and Cambridge
crews battle it out on the Thames.
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Here’s your chance to meet the designers and live out your motoring dreams in the company of some of the world’s most luxurious motor brands. Get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of driving on some of Britain’s most dramatic roads, taking in the breath taking
scenery and awe inspiring landscapes. Stay in some of the most revered, historic castles and country estates and take in the many sites of special interest.
Super Cars in Scotland
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Avoid the crowds and indulge your inner most shopping desires with your own private shopping experience at a secret London location. Immerse yourself in the world’s top fashion
brands in the company of a top fashion stylist, before returning to your hotel where your own hair stylist and make up artist will be there to pamper you in preparation for a dining
experience at one of London’s top restaurants.
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Get away from the stresses and strains of daily life and check yourself in for a week of total body and mind relaxation. Immerse yourself in a world of meditation, relaxation and yoga with world class class instructors, chefs and all the luxuries to be found in your own private
castle. You’ll feel completely recharged after a week of low tech indulgence and recuperation!
Mind, Body and Spirit Escape
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Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
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From Bond to Braveheart, Downton to Da Vinci, immerse yourself in the action with exclusive access to some of the most memorable silver screen moments, venues and experiences. Learn how the movies were shot or let us help you live out the dream.
Be The Star of the Silver Screen
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Attend the hottest parties and events in one of the world’ds most vibrant cities.
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Enhance your knowledge and ignite your passion with a private gallery viewing in the company of an art expert, followed by a one-on-one lesson. Get rare access to their work
space and enjoy a compelling behind-the-scenes glimpse into their artistic processes.
The Arts
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From jewellery to high fashion, let us arrange for you to meet your favourite designer. Step inside the hallowed walls of the Hatton Garden jewellers for a private viewing and complete
the experience with an exclusive design workshop to create your very own masterpiece.
Design Your Own
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Take over a luxury castle or country house and let us roll out the red carpet in a location to take your breath away. You’ll have your own dedicated team of VIP hosts, butlers and chefs to
wait on your every need.
Arrive in style by air, sea or luxury limousine to be greeted by your team of country sports experts. Depending on your appetite for activity let us arrange for shooting, fishing and/
or golf. Dine with the Lord and Lady of the manor…and we’ll even arrange for your own bespoke tailor so you dress to impress!
Live Like a Lord and Lady
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Unlock the competitor inside and let us take your performance to a whole new level. From golf to tennis, polo to football let us arrange for you to learn from the best…in the venue
of your dreams.
Play Like A Pro... with a Pro
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Play with your sporting idol.
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Test your skills and nerve with a polo lesson at Cowdray Park from one of England’s leading players.
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Combine the best golf, whisky and fine dining…does life get any better?! Tee it up on some of Scotland’s finest highland links courses, take a heli-tour of the famous island whisky distilleries
and experience some of the most revered, exclusive and remote restaurants…all in the company of some truly breath taking landscapes, whilst staying in the most luxurious lodges,
castles and private retreats.
The Perfect Blend
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Experience the magic of Ballyfin - a place of unimaginable luxury, set in the heart of Ireland.
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Whisky tasting and sight seeing on the stunning Island of Arran.
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Combine your favourite sporting pursuits across Britain’s world famous venues. From game shooting at our highly acclaimed estates, horse racing at Britain’s iconic festivals, fishing our
finest beats or golfing at some of the world’s top rated courses, let us put together the ultimate multi sporting escape.
Multi Sport Escape
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Do you have a favourite chef ? Is there someone whose food makes your taste buds tingle with joy? Whether as part of an escape, or a stand alone experience for you and your friends, let us arrange for your own private masterclass with your kitchen idol. Learn all the techniques in
the company of the best in the business.
Food Glorious Food
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Let us take you to some of Britain’s most exclusive sporting estates. Immerse yourself in a mixed sporting week to include salmon fishing, shooting and stalking as you attempt to secure
the bragging rights by achieving the much sought after ‘MacNab’!
Challenge McNab
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Play seven of the world’s top 20 golf courses. Follow in the footsteps ofyour golfing heroes and tee it up on some of the world’s great Open
Championship, Ryder Cup and, other, iconic golfing venues.
Golf Escape Around Britain
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Start your day with a private tour of Westminster Abbey with an expert art historian and access parts not usually open to the public. From the Abbey walk through St James’ Park
and past Buckingham Palace up to Apsley House where you will enjoy a private, behind the scenes, tour of the home of the Duke of Wellington. Take lunch at a London landmark before
a private tour of the British Museum with exclusive access to rooms out of the public gaze.
Private tours of Britain’s art galleries and museums are a great way to bring these treasure troves alive through the insightful knowledge of our experts.
Explore, Discover and Experience Britain’s History and Culture
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Take your own early-morning private jet to Paris and tee it up on one of France’s most exclusive, private golf courses. You will then be transferred to Roland Garos to witness the
drama unfold at the French Open (tennis) from the luxury of your own VIP hospitality suite. At the end of an exhilarating day in Paris we’ll transfer you back home to the
comfort of your own bed.
Game, Set and Match
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Saving arguably the best until last…and it simply doesn’t get any bigger or better than this! As you step on to your private jet for the first time you will be embarking on a golfing journey
like none other ever completed before. Over the course of just 99 days you will play the world’s top 100 golf courses, travelling to all four corners of the world and, in so doing, will
become a life member of a very unique club.
Club 100
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“Twenty years from now you will be more
disappointed by the things you didn’t do
than by the ones you did do. So throw off the
bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain.
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VIP Escapes invites you to come and explore Great Britain. We look forward to hosting you.
Sasha: +44 (0)7920281789 Billy: +44 (0)7711504661
VIP Escapes Ltd , 8a Lower Grosvenor Place, London. SW1W 0EN
www.vipescapes.com
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