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AWAY from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Room2 Chiswick is greener hotel spaces, with chic and trendy comfort.

Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.

Where is the hotel?

Found right next to the greenery of Chiswick Common, in West London,  this hotel is difficult to miss with its sustainable and contemporary exterior, inspired by the arts and crafts movement.

The hotel is just a 5 minute walk from Turnham Green station.

What is the hotel like?

A cosy modern hotel just off the high street of London’s well heeled Chiswick.

There’s a big emphasis on sustainability and Room2 claims it is the world’s first carbon-neutral hotel- or ‘hometel’, as it calls itself.

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The apartment style rooms are suited to short stays as well as longer ones.

What are the rooms like?

Our pastel-toned studio room was fairly compact, but the clever layout meant that there was still enough room for a sofa.

I particularly liked the decorative ornaments, most of which were from local artists and designers.

Every room has a kitchenette and mini dining table for whipping up your own meals.

Thoughtful touches include a glass bottle for fresh milk that you can fill at the bar.

Snug rooms are available starting from £97 per night.

What is there to eat or drink there?

Winnie’s, the in-house bar and cafe, relies on local and seasonal ingredients.

The menu is largely geared towards brunch – we tucked into a hearty full English breakfast with sourdough bread and juicy Cumberland sausages. 

Make sure to sample the ‘zero-waste’ cocktails with the hotel’s homemade coffee liqueur or honey, all served and made at the rooftop bar.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

With Chiswick as a base, the banks of the river Thames are within walking distance, and make for a great morning stroll during the spring months.

The local area is bursting with independent shops and restaurants, all at your doorstep, it would be a shame not to explore.

Additionally, Chiswick Flower Market is a popular attraction, with its local authenticity and stunning flowers.

On the Room2 website, there is a feature in which you can input your interests and details about your trip before it generates suggestions of local gems and attractions tailored to your specific wants and needs.

Is the hotel family friendly?

Yes, the hotel welcomes all including families, with the suggestion of a Lounge, Suite or Studio room as to allow for a comfortable amount of space. 

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Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, the hotel is accessible as it is compliant with the guidelines on their website. For other inquiries you are encouraged to contact the hotel.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

I love pretty market towns, historic buildings, boutique shops and cosy pubs — so do lots of other people

I’m a market town girl at heart. I adore cute villages with historic buildings, meandering rivers, boutique shops, and cosy pubs. The Cotswolds are stunning – but almost year-round their honey-coloured villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Lower Slaughter, are packed with coachloads of snap-happy tourists.

According to Gloucestershire Live it’s “free-for-all chaos” complete with noise, litter, and traffic jams. Even TikTokkers can’t resist. A councillor recently lamented that visitors were “exploiting the destination’s heritage for clicks”. Bourton-on-the-Water, aka the Venice of the Cotswolds, has apparently become the ultimate backdrop for selfies and reels.

“This kind of visitor has little interest in heritage, culture, or nature,” councillor Jon Wareing told the BBC. “They’re the ultimate hit-and-run tourist.”

So, while the Cotswolds may be Instagram-famous, I found a quieter, prettier escape. And it didn’t require elbowing my way past twirling huns living their best life in selfies. Instead, I went to The Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean, which offer a tranquil and picturesque alternative to the Cotswolds.

Bordering England and Wales this area of outstanding natural beauty features similar rolling countryside, attractive market towns, and hiking trails but with fewer crowds. It’s especially beautiful in the autumn for ‘leaf-peeping’ when the trees show off a dazzling array of colour.

The market towns and villages of the Wye Valley also offer a less crowded alternative to the busy Cotswolds blending historical buildings, local culture, and proper pubs. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.

Market towns

One of my favourites is Chepstow. Known as the “gateway to Wales” it gets its name from the Old English ‘chepe stowe’ or ‘market place’. The name still fits. Chepstow keeps its historic feel with cobbled streets and a strong line-up of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs.

One of the big draws here is the surprising range of walking trails with four long-distance walks converging on Chepstow. The Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke head north on either side of the River Wye offering hikers a circular loop between Chepstow and Monmouth.

Dreamy views of romantic ruins

Strolls around Tintern offer dreamy views of the romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey, especially from the Devil’s Pulpit viewpoint. Walks along the Angidy Valley reward history lovers with the valley’s industrial heritage.

A gentle riverside path from St Michael’s Church to Tintern Old Station and the old railway line to Brockweir offers an easy, family-friendly amble.

If you fancy a flutter Chepstow’s got you covered. The town’s racecourse is a huge deal in the horseracing world and home to the Coral Welsh Grand National. It’s been hosting race days since the late 1800s and still draws a lively crowd whether you’re a seasoned punter or just there for the buzz and fancy hats.

And if horses aren’t your thing you can swap the saddle for a nine-iron. Just outside town the St Pierre Marriott Hotel and Country Club boasts one of the most scenic golf courses in the country.

Independent shops

Over the border Ross-on-Wye is another charming town. Its 17th-century Market House now houses Made in Ross, an artisan cooperative that showcases local crafts. The town’s streets feature a mix of independent shops, antique stores, cosy coffee houses, and pubs such as The Man of Ross Inn.

At the confluence of the Rivers Wye and Monnow, Monmouth has a rich history with landmarks like the 18th-century Shire Hall, which is now a museum. The town’s vibrant streets are lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic pubs.

Over in England the market towns in the Cotswolds, such as Cirencester, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden, are equally charming but suffer from significant overcrowding during peak tourist seasons.

Cirencester, known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” features a lively market, Roman history, and a variety of shops and cafés. Stow-on-the-Wold, with its historic market square and antique shops, often experiences heavy tourist traffic making it less serene.

Chipping Campden, famous for its beautiful High Street lined with historic buildings, also faces similar issues with overcrowding and limited parking.

Historical sites

Symonds Yat can be less crowded and is known for its hand-pulled ferries and impressive views from Symonds Yat Rock. It is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing. The Wye Valley is rich in historical sites that rival those in the Cotswolds. Goodrich Castle and Tintern Abbey are standout landmarks.

Exploring on foot can help you discover the industrial and historical heritage in the Wye Valley ranging from the Iron Age construction of hillforts to the Romans who came, saw, and conquered the Wye and the building of Offa’s Dyke – the longest archaeological ‘Keep Out’ sign in Britain.

For history lovers the tiny town of Tintern is also worth a visit. It is home to one of Wales’ greatest monastic ruins, Tintern Abbey, which is found on the banks of the River Wye and was only the second Cistercian foundation to be built in Britain.

It was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks and has had a long history including the dissolution of the monasteries, which led to the abbey slowly turning into a majestic ruin. Today you can visit this important heritage site in Wales and marvel at the scale of the roofless abbey and the British Gothic architecture. Tickets can be bought on arrival at the visitor centre and there is also a selection of guidebooks that can help you learn more about this beautiful abbey.

Chepstow Castle is another must-visit. It is Wales’ oldest surviving post-Roman castle dating back to 1067. This beautifully-preserved Welsh castle proudly stands atop a limestone cliff above the River Wye. For more than six centuries Chepstow was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages.

Earl William Fitz Osbern, a close friend of William the Conqueror, started the building in 1067, making it one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. In turn William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk), and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester) all made their mark before the castle declined after the Civil War.

The oldest building is the Norman great tower but construction continued well into the 17th century as stronger, musket-friendly parapets replaced medieval battlements.

Today visitors can learn more about this historic site that Cadw now manages by visiting this impressive castle on a day trip or booking one of their special events. The site has a range of facilities including a gift shop, bike access, and parking.

Meandering river

Along with pretty towns and history one of the area’s biggest draws is the flowing River Wye. This meandering river begins in Plynlimon in mid-Wales and flows south, becoming part of Wales and England’s border and eventually meeting the Severn.

The River Wye is a long and very accessible river with plenty of paddle spots and waterside pubs. Canoeing through the Wye Valley offers a unique way to explore its scenic villages and countryside – an experience you can’t replicate in the Cotswolds.

Several outdoor companies in the area offer guided canoe and paddleboard trips down the River Wye. Many trips include camping or visiting riverside villages.

You can also hire a canoe and captain your own vessel on a river pub crawl or camping expedition. Waterside pubs along the River Wye are welcome rest spots if you’re paddling up the river on an epic canoe or kayak trip. The Boat Inn and the Anchor Inn offer local ales and river views.

Eating, drinking and sleeping

One of the best spots for a pint by the water is the Saracens Head Inn. This historic riverside inn has stood for centuries in its spectacular position on the east bank of the River Wye where the river flows into a steep wooded gorge.

Here you’ll find rooms as well as award-winning food and local ales. Their flagstone-floored bar and rustic pine tables provide a traditional pub feel as you sip on a pint of local real ale.

If you prefer dry land there are many ambitious hiking routes for a scenic stomp and shorter walking trails can help you discover the beauty of the Wye Valley on foot.

If you want a longer walk in this area opt for the Wye Valley Walk – a long-distance national trail that follows the course of the River Wye.

You can choose various sections of the trail for day hikes and weekend hikes or opt for a full walking holiday and do the lot. One of the best day hikes on the Wye Valley Walk is the Chepstow to Tintern Abbey section.

It’s a scenic five-mile walk that takes you up ancient stone steps and through ethereal forest paths. There are plenty of photo and picnic spots along the way and you’ll also find some viewing points where you can gaze at the winding River Wye.

Autumn is the best time to attempt this trail: when the leaves change their colours it becomes one of the prettiest hiking trails in the UK. Pack a picnic to round out the countryside experience.

Food-wise you’ll be spoiled for choice in the Wye Valley with plenty of cafés and restaurants to rival the swanky Cotswolds. The area is a surprising gastro hotspot and there is a thriving dining and foodie scene to be discovered.

You can criss-cross seamlessly from Wales into England and easily explore the well-heeled area and its many restaurants, cafés, and producers.

Take a gastro journey through the valley and you’ll find locally-raised lamb, smoked eel, craft ales, and honey-infused mead. Local breweries include the small microbrewery Lydbrook Valley Brewing Company, which produces a 4.2% IPA, and the Wye Valley Brewery, which makes a decent range of craft ales.

The Wye Valley even has its own vineyard, White Castle, where visitors can buy high-quality Welsh wines and take a tour.

Over in Chepstow the Beaufort Hotel’s award-winning restaurant offers guests a fabulous à la carte menu featuring traditional British and international dishes using Wye Valley and Welsh produce where possible.

Tell me Wine is a wine merchant and French bistro lounge that offers delicious French dishes, wine tastings, and live music events. Family-owned Stone Rock Lodge serves Wales’ best pizza and you can get a banging Sunday lunch at St Pierre.

With one Michelin green star and four AA rosettes dining at the Whitebrook is a must for serious foodies. Fresh local ingredients and foraged findings from the valley are at the heart of the food at this highly-acclaimed restaurant with rooms.

Set in five acres of landscaped surroundings chef Chris Harrod draws culinary inspiration from his bountiful surroundings.

You can expect hand-foraged garlic, bittercress, wild onion, and hogweed from the valley, which connect diners to the immediate locale and enrich the carefully crafted menu.

Harrod has a knack for turning locally-foraged ingredients into extraordinary creations. His dedication to using the best of the region’s offerings earned The Whitebrook a Michelin star, a Michelin green star, and four AA Rosettes. It’s regularly included in the Top 50 list of restaurants in the UK and deservedly so.

The seasonal tasting menu is a culinary journey showcasing the best of the season with expertly chosen wine pairings of local Welsh and English wines including several from Monmouthshire-based White Castle Vineyard. Each small but perfectly-executed course explores the region’s rich flavours presented with precision and artistry.

Typical plates include Orkney scallops, Huntsham Farm Ryeland hogget with young leek, turnip, and ramsons, and day boat hake with hen of the wood, parsley root, pickled pine, mushrooms, sauce, and wild chervil.

If you’re looking to stay longer in the area the Wye Valley has an impressive range of swish properties, guest houses, and hotels to suit your travel style and budget.

Airbnb and Booking.com offer unique stays in the Wye Valley with everything from bougie guest houses and cosy holiday cabins to luxury glamping and yurts.

One of my favourite places to stay is the charming Tudor Farmhouse. This boutique hotel is a former working farm that has been stylishly converted into a country getaway with rooms, cottages, and suites. Prices depend on the type of room booked.

You might not have heard of the idyllic lake surrounded by a forest, but it has been named the best walk in the country

North Wales is a hotspot for stunning walks and breathtaking vistas – and there’s one hidden haven that offers a tranquil atmosphere in a place you might not expect.

Located in the Snowdonia National Park, Llyn Elsi is an incredible, peaceful spot perfect for a walk. You’ll have to earn the views though, as it’s located amidst the mountains that this area is famed for.

The reward is without a doubt worth the effort, as the Llyn Elsi circular route has been deemed the best walk in the country according to online fashion retailer Damart. The “easy” two-hour stroll around the picturesque mountain reservoir within woodland provides vistas across to Snowdonia.

Situated above the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed, Llyn Elsi is a lesser-known reservoir within Gwydyr Forest that emerged from two smaller bodies of water, Llyn Rhisgog and Llyn Enoc. In 1914, with consent from Lord Ancaster, a 20ft dam was constructed to supply water for Betws-y-Coed in Eryri National Park.

Despite this, the lake only has a maximum depth of nine metres. A path round the lake provides excellent views towards the mountain ranges of the Carneddau and the Glyderau, reports North Wales Live.

On the lake itself, a small island provides a breeding ground for its most notorious residents, black headed gulls, once blamed for polluting the local water supply. The spot is so secluded, journalist Liam Ryder came across it by accident during a holiday in the area.

He said: “Llyn Elsi is an incredible spot that my partner and I actually found by complete accident. When in holiday in North Wales, we set out with the aim of climbing Yr Wyddfa itself.

“But of course, a lack of planning on my behalf meant I’d overlooked the need to book the Snowdon train up the mountain. I’d also managed to get us in the complete wrong place thanks to a mixture of ignorance and naivety, so we settled with a shorter hike and make the most of an entirely avoidable situation.

“In some ways, it worked out for the best. While Snowdon remains on our bucket list as adults, we’ll never forget climbing and walking through the clearing to see Llyn Elsi and the surrounding peaks in all their glory.

“Despite visiting Eryri in the peak of the school summer holidays – which meant the weather while climbing was absolutely punishing – the place was deserted. It made for the most tranquil, peaceful experience of my life to date.”

Hikes typically starts from behind the Grade II-listed St Mary’s Church in the village, with a dog-friendly path that features benches and woodland streams. It’s a bridleway, so it’s suitable for cycling, although some parts can be steep.

The 6.5km (4 miles) circular walk to and from Betws y Coed has racked up 1.7 million Google searches and 63,073 Instagram hashtags. With a 4.4 rating on AllTrails, the route is considered “easy”, making it “ideal” for hiking and mountain biking.