Historical holidays with Red Carnation Hotels
A medieval Irish castle and a hotel that endured the German occupation during WWII are among our top stays for history lovers.
05 Sept 2019
Beautifully restored properties set in richly storied locations, Red Carnation Hotels’ destinations are each blessed with as much substance as style. Family owned and run, we endeavour to safeguard each hotel’s heritage and legacy. From a medieval Irish castle to a retreat that’s a stone’s throw from ancient cave paintings in the South African wilderness, every place has plenty to inspire history buffs. Here, we explore our most captivating historical holidays.
The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, Guernsey
During the Second World War, Guernsey was occupied by German forces, with the invading troops docking in St Peter Port on 14th July 1940. The Old Government House Hotel served as a military headquarters before its role changed to a ‘Soldatenheim’ where German officers spent their leisure time. A stay at the hotel, built more than 160 years ago, is an opportunity to uncover the secrets of this incredible historic era.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, South Africa
Moments from the heart of Cape Town, The Twelve Apostles offers visitors easy access to a wealth of cultural attractions. The city puts on festivals and cultural events aplenty, while historical landmarks and museums await exploration year-round. Take a trip to Robben Island to walk in the footsteps of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela, who was held captive here for 18 years of his 27-year sentence.
The Egerton House Hotel, London
Itself a beautifully renovated London townhouse, The Egerton is ideal for absorbing a sense of the British capital’s artistic character. Pop into world-famous museum, the V&A, which was founded by Queen Victoria in 1899. Its immense stores are evidence enough of the city’s enduring passion for all things creative.
Hotel d’Angleterre, Geneva
Prestigious watchmakers have long been equated with Switzerland’s reputation for precision. Furthermore, it has historically been a place of political neutrality and Geneva is home to the world’s second-largest United Nations office. Whether it’s keeping peace or keeping time, Hotel d’Angleterre puts culture buffs in prime position for a historical holiday like no other.
The Rubens at the Palace, London
The Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace is the view that greets guests at The Rubens at the Palace, a luxury hotel in London Victoria. Its prestige is not all in its immediate environs, though. The hotel is an easy jaunt from a multitude of London’s blockbuster historic attractions, including the Tower of London and London Bridge.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Delightfully regal and replete with an air of historic importance, Ashford Castle promises a legendary travel experience. The building was erected by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family in 1228 and was home to the illustrious Guinness family between 1852 and 1939. Follow in the footsteps of former guests such as George V and US Senator Ted Kennedy when staying here.
Bushmans Kloof, South Africa
The Bushman tribes first inhabited South Africa’s antediluvian mountains roughly 120,000 years ago. These ancient people painted the rocks with depictions of their world, and Bushmans Kloof now serves as a custodian of their extraordinary artwork. Visit more than 130 remarkable cave art sites nearby, as well as The Heritage Centre, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts.
Stay at any one of Red Carnation Hotels’ beautifully preserved heritage properties for a historical holiday to remember. and digging sticks.