MAKING THE MOST OF Summer

VISIT AN ENGLISH VINEYARD

English wine and sparkling wine producers have been proliferating and producing award-winning wines, with 2018 reaping a record-breaking harvest and 15.6 million bottles. There are now 500 commercial vineyards in the UK, and WineGB (winegb.co.uk) – the promotional body for the industry – is reporting that sales doubled last year, both nationally and globally, and predicts the planting of two million additonal vines nationwide. A tasting tour at a vineyard is a perfect way to discover more. Vineyards to visit include: Sharpham Estate Vineyard in Totnes, Devon; Three Choirs Vineyards in Newent, Gloucestershire; Chapel Down in Tenterden, Kent; Camel Valley in Bodmin, Cornwall; and Nyetimber in West Chiltington, West Sussex.

ENJOY A CREAM TEA

Scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream impart a holiday flavour to any occasion. Tiptree Little Scarlet strawberry jam is said to be the Royal favourite (once the homemade Balmoral variety has run out). It was also James Bond’s preferred conserve. The English Home’s Editor-in-Chief is partial to Fortnum & Mason’s Strawberry & Rose Petal Preserve.

Serve afternoon tea on daintily decorated plates to lend an Alice in Wonderland feel to proceedings. Natural World Plate, Humming Bird, £14 Anthropologie

SWING IN A HAMMOCK

Settling back with a good book, feet up, head back, gently swaying in dappled light beneath a tree is a lovely way to spend an hour or two. Those who prefer an elegant seat to share might look to the swing seats by Sitting Spiritually or Odd Limited to while away