United Kingdom

July 12-18, 2025

“There is nothing quite like the English countryside for stirring the soul and soothing the heart."

-Winston Churchill

Set in a charming historic manor house, between the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, and just a stone’s throw from Warwick Castle; you will discover the land of Shakespeare and Churchill, of quaint villages frozen in time, where winding country lanes take you to cozy pubs, working artisan farms, and vibrant markets.

The entire estate is yours, including a historic 16th-century Manor House, once a secret meeting place for the Gunpowder Plot conspirators led by Guy Fawkes in 1605. The gracious owners are eager to share its fascinating history with you. The restored barn with vaulted ceilings serves as our teaching and dining hall. The manor grounds include an outdoor kitchen, an herb garden planted just for our use, a tennis court, and a serene natural swimming lake. As we sip our Pimm’s Cups, our nearest neighbors will be a rare breed cattle farm, as well as geese and turkey farms, adding to the rural charm.

We've done all the research for the curated culinary adventure you've come to expect, with lessons led by the expertise of Chef Olivia, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and London, and worked for multiple Michelin starred restaurants in England. She has been on the ground scouting your excursions, to help you discover all the deliciousness that England has to offer; from pub fare to high tea, and everything between.
Come take a gander!

Discover what’s included

  • Accommodations

    Experience the charm of a 16th Century manor house nestled in the English countryside. The estate boasts beautiful grounds featuring an outdoor kitchen, a dedicated herb garden, and woods. Take a dip in the spring fed swimming pond followed by a rest in the hot tub. The entire estate is ours!

  • All meals and beverages

    Be pleasantly surprised by the delightful flavors of English cuisine, when traditional dishes are crafted with a fresh, modern twist. All meals and beverages (alcohol and alcohol-free) are always all inclusive, including gratuities. Relax and enjoy!

  • Cooking Classes

    Experience hands-on cooking classes where we'll lean in to all things local... breads, meats, pies, game, high tea, and pub fare. You'll be amazed by the vibrant flavors sourced from bustling markets and artisan farms. Master the skills to recreate these delightful British dishes at home, always the perfect souvenir!

  • Make new friends

    Olivia is eager to introduce you to her local culinary friends in the region... visiting charming bakers, cheese makers, a colorful butcher, and gin distillers. We'll wave to our friendly neighbors—prized cattle, sheep, and turkeys— as we stroll to a nearby pub. Best yet, the owners of the Manor House will be available to share its rich history and surrounding beauty with you.

  • Explore the Countryside

    You'll be perfectly situated between Stratford-upon-Avon, land of Shakespeare, Warwick Castle, and the Cotswolds, recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Every drive is a beauty!

Explore Rooms

A delicious journey to the land that shaped Shakespeare and Churchill.

As you traverse the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, you will soak in the beautiful pasture land that surrounded the life and works of legendary Brits. Known for rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and local farm-to-table experiences, the Cotswolds is a foodie’s paradise, and of course home to Churchill. Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, adds further cultural flair with its traditional pubs, artisanal markets, and centuries-old culinary traditions. Together, they create an ideal setting for a gourmet journey, where local ingredients and historical flavors come alive with a modern twist.

sip on gin & whisky

is london calling?

time for high tea

Led by Chef Olivia Clulow

RecipeKick Chef Olivia has been cooking professionally for over ten years after training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and London. She has worked for multiple Michelin starred restaurants, most notably spending two years at the Ledbury restaurant in London when it was ranked 11th in the world. She then went on to oversee the opening of a multi dimensional restaurant in South London, called Upstairs, where she worked as head chef for two years. After working in cooking schools in London and with a number of small food businesses she moved back home to Florida. She now runs Bayview Melrose, a B&B that hosts supper clubs, catering, meal planning and teaches local cooking classes. Olivia continues to summer in the UK with her British husband and family. She is passionate about seasonality, circular food systems, and dispelling the stereotypes of bland English cuisine.

Destination highlights

This isn’t your Olde England boiled beef. Prepare to savor the new and unexpected!

Stay in a Historic Manor House

One of our favorite aspects of RK Adventures is bringing you to unique properties that are historically meaningful, foster community, and connect you to the land—places you wouldn't have the chance to experience in your own travels. Here the history and food heritage run deep, and conversations often linger into the night. Join us!

Modern English Gastronomy

If you've experienced bland food in England before, this trip will completely change your perspective. England gastronomy has transformed with its vibrant farm-to-table movement, artisan products, and unique local dishes that celebrate its culinary heritage in a modern, elevated way.

Market Outings

Few things are more local than visiting one of the vibrant markets where we will source our ingredients for our cooking lessons and meals. Pick your favorite produce, artisan breads, and regional cheeses, all crafted by local farmers and makers who bring the heart of the countryside to our table.

& if you Fancy a Pint…

You will be within walking distance of delightful pubs, perfect for a countryside Pub Ramble, a quintessentially British experience. After a lovely walk across the countryside, there's nothing better than pulling a pint at the local pub (or sipping a tea), surrounded by local characters. Modern British pubs have evolved into vibrant culinary hubs, offering elevated dishes that go beyond the classics.

FAQ

  • Everything but flights. All of our trips are all-inclusive, from when you arrive until you depart, we will take care of you in style! You are responsible only for getting yourself here and home. We take care of all the accommodations, meals, drinks, tours, gratuities, transportation, cooking lessons, and excursions; with lots of laughter to boot.

    *A 50% non-refundable deposit reserves your spot. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the experience.

  • You’ll book your flights in and out of Birmingham Airport (BHX).

    Arrival. Plan to arrive early afternoon 12-3pm on arrival day, or let us know if you will already be in England and want to take a train out to us.

    Departure. We wrap up in the morning, so book a departure flight that leaves in the early afternoon of departure day (noon on). We will need to drive 30 mins to the airport, plus you’ll need time to be there 2-3 hours ahead for international travel.

    Extending your Travels? Many guests like to plan a few days of travel either before or after our culinary week. If you'd like to explore London, the villages around us, or other England destinations, we are happy to pick up/drop off at the local Warwick ParkwayTrain Station which offers direct lines to/from London and other English cities.

    Travel Insights. Please reach out to Anna@okay-perfect.com to help with any travel questions and suggestions for pre/post travel.

  • We will meet you at the Birmingham Airport (BHX) or Warwick Parkway Train Station and take care of you from there!

    If you will be renting a car for your travels, we will provide the address for your arrival. Remember they drive on the other side of the car and the other side of the road! Fun!

  • Whatever brings you joy! We will only have 1 or 2 times where you might want something nicer than your usual day clothes, a nice meal or evening out, for example.

    As always, be sure to leave room and weight available for packing treasures you may find in the markets. Gin or honey in glass containers can get heavy!

  • The average temperatures in the Cotswolds/Stratford for that time of year are a high of 72F and a low of 54F. Such a great time of year for a visit!

    Rainfall is always possible in England, so bring a waterproof layer for rain and something warm for evenings.

  • This retreat may not be suited to participants with low and limited mobility, as there will be cobblestones and country walking. None of the walking should be overly exerting, mostly flat, but the pub walk could be 1.5 miles of lovely countryside. We are happy to accommodate however possible.

    The Manor House, like most European properties, has all bedrooms upstairs. You should be able to navigate stairs to the 2nd or 3rd floors (see each room description for location). Of course, we will carry your bags for you!

  • We say “tentative schedule” as one of our principles is to surprise and delight you during your stay. All travel anxieties, worries, or woes are removed and your only “job” is to enjoy yourself.

    One of the joys of these adventures is the nightly reveal of what we are doing the next day! If you have particular concerns for what the trip entails, please reach out to Anna@okay-perfect.com who can inform. We are here to help!

  • Yes to both! We typically do a winery or distillery day, but there will always be non-alcohol options available as well. The sober-curious movement is on the rise and we enjoy providing fun alternative beverages at all meals. The distillery visit will still be fascinating and beautiful, for the landscapes, history, food, and artisan process.

  • We are able to accommodate almost any dietary restriction or preference. Once your booking is confirmed, we will be communicating with you and will ask about any dietary restrictions.

  • All that's required to secure your booking is a 50% non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot.

    The remaining balance is due 120 days before the experience.

    *If a guest wishes to cancel a trip, no monies that have been paid will be refunded but can be transferred to another person of their choosing to go in their place. We highly recommend that your purchase travel insurance. For a quote on travel insurance, please click here to go to Allianz to see their packages & rates.