The post Top ten grandest stately homes in the UK  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Analysis by South Western Railway reveals the top 15 grandest homes across the UK and the South West. 

• Blenheim Palace tops the research as the grandest stately home in the UK

• Hampton Court Palace has been awarded the grandest stately home in the South West

• Rangers House in Blackheath, London, stands out as the most affordable option, with entry starting at £18.10 for an adult and child – £41.90 cheaper than Blenheim Palace

Whether you’re exploring the British countryside or a bustling city, stately homes are never far away. Britain’s grand homes are basking in the “Bridgerton effect” after the popular Netflix series spiked interest in British heritage, leading to a 49% year-on-year increase* in Google searches for ‘stately homes.’ These grand estates, with their picturesque gardens and rich interiors, offer a glimpse into Britain’s aristocratic past. But with so many to choose from, which ones are must-sees?

South Western Railway has uncovered the UK and South West’s grandest stately homes in the UK. The research analysed factors such as Google Reviews, monthly search volumes, television appearances and pricing to award each home a score out of 100.

The 10 grandest stately homes in the UK

Rank	Place	Location	Number of 5 Star Reviews	Avg. monthly searches	Television Appearances	Cost of 1 adult and 1 child ticket	Overall score/100
1	Blenheim Palace	Woodstock, Oxfordshire	9,362	60,500	71	£60.00	95
2	Hampton Court Palace	Molesey, Richmond upon Thames	16,800	74,000	19	£45.00	91.1
3	Chatsworth House	Bakewell, Derbyshire	14,700	74,000	20	£45.00	88.2
4	Burghley House	Stamford, Peterborough	3,430	201,000	15	£26.00	87.8
5	Montacute House	Montacute, South Somerset	2,632	135,000	3	£19.50	74.4
6	Rangers House	Blackheath, London	99	165,000	1	£18.10	73.8
7	Hatfield House	Hatfield, Hertfordshire	1,200	33,100	46	£36	73.7
8	Bletchley Park	Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes	9,909	27,100	1	£26	72.5
9	Alnwick Castle	Alnwick, Northumberland	6,621	90,500	18	£31.30	70.1
10	Highclere Castle	Highclere, Newbury	3,083	33,100	28	£45	67.7

 

1. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace, the UK’s second-largest inhabited palace, tops the list. Built after the Norman conquest, it has been central to British history and film, from the War of the Roses to the ancient tree featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It boasts 71 TV and film appearances, including Bridgerton and Black Adder. Home to stunning art, gardens, and a butterfly house, Blenheim has over 9,000 5-star Google reviews and scored an impressive 95/100 in the ranking.

2. Hampton Court Palace, Richmond upon Thames

Hampton Court Palace, one of the UK’s most iconic royal residences, ranks second. Built in the early 16th century for Cardinal Wolsey, it later became a favorite of King Henry VIII. The palace features remarkable art, priceless artifacts, world-famous gardens, a hedge maze, and the magnificent Great Hall. With over 16,000 5-star Google reviews, it’s a must-visit for anyone eager to experience the grandeur of British history.

3. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Concluding the top three grandest stately homes is Derbyshire’s Chatsworth House. Built in the 16th century and still home to the Cavendish family, it has been a significant part of British history. Its stunning architecture and rich heritage have made it a sought-after filming location, featuring in productions like The Duchess and Peaky Blinders. Chatsworth boasts 14,700 five-star reviews, thanks to its exceptional art collection and expansive estate, which includes beautiful gardens, a farmyard, playground, and sculpture park.

 

The 5 grandest stately homes in the South West

Rank	Place	Area	Avg. monthly searches	Number of 5 Star Reviews	Television Appearances	Cost of 1 adult and 1 child ticket	Overall score/100
1	Hampton Court Palace	Molesey, Richmond upon Thames	74,000	16,800	19	£45	91.1
2	Highclere Castle	Highclere, Newbury	33,100	3,083	28	£45	67.7
3	Osborne House	East Cowes, Isle of Wight	33,100	5,323	0	£38.10	61.7
4	Kingston Lacy	Wimborne, Dorset	22,200	3,749	0	£28.50	59.1
5	Great Chalfield Manor and Garden	Melksham, Wiltshire	33,100	400	3	£19.50	57.6

 

1.Hampton Court Palace, Richmond upon Thames

Hampton Court Palace emerges once more in the research as the South West’s grandest stately home. Its impressive 91.1/100 score can be attributed to its 16,800 5-star reviews and 74,000 average monthly searches – making it the most searched for and highest-rated home in the South West.

2. Highclere Castle, Newbury

Featuring in second place is Highclere Castle, with an overall score of 67.7/100. This Berkshire estate boasts the highest number of TV appearances in the South West, with 28 as the primary filming location for Downton Abbey. It’s no surprise that Highclere earned 33,100 five-star reviews, as visitors flock from near and far to explore its opulent interiors, artwork, and impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts.

3. Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Rounding off the top three is Osborne House, earning a modest score of 61.7/100. Located on the Isle of Wight, this former summer retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert attracts 33,100 average monthly searches, making it the region’s second most sought-after home. Visitors can explore the house’s magnificent rooms, original furnishings, landscaped gardens, and private beach for a reasonable price of £38.10 for one adult and one child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Surfshark’s thought-provoking ‘naked people’ campaign highlights social media privacy concerns appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cybersecurity company Surfshark ran a thought-provoking campaign on the streets of London. The campaign featured individuals wearing signs instead of clothes, urging social media giants to prioritise privacy and stop leaving their users feeling ‘naked’. The signs read “Don’t strip users of their privacy” and “Don’t leave your users naked”. The campaigners visited several busy areas across London, including the offices of major tech companies, to amplify their message.

‘Naked People’ raises awareness about social media security practices and the exploitation of user data. Surfshark’s mission is clear: safeguard individuals’ online identities and empower them to regain control of their personal information.

Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was expected to change invasive data collection practices with strict regulation and high fines. However, the huge increase in fines given to top social media platforms for GDPR violations shows that user data protection is still a pressing concern.

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other big platforms — all fined for mishandling user data

“An analysis of GDPR fines shows that the Media, Telecommunications, and Broadcasting sector is the most heavily fined sector overall. Notably, the top social media companies, which are the largest data collectors, have also received the highest fines,” says Goda Sukackaite, Privacy Counsel at Surfshark.

“Such penalties demonstrate the imperative to hold major social media players accountable for their data handling practices, ensuring that the privacy and safety of all users is given the utmost consideration and care.”

To highlight these alarming statistics, London’s vibrant and influential landscape offered the perfect setting to spark critical conversations around privacy and challenge the current norms in the tech industry.

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Mulia Hotels presents its enhanced guest-friendly website appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mulia Hotels announced the launch of its newly redesigned website which offers an enhanced and user-friendly experience for guests seeking extraordinary stays at The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali, and Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta. 

The new platform reflects the sophistication and exclusivity of the Mulia Hotels brand, while delivering a seamless and convenient online journey for planning the perfect getaway or business stay.

This revamped website showcases the best of Mulia Hotels’ two iconic destinations, from the serene beachfront luxury of Mulia Bali to the vibrant city elegance of Hotel Mulia Senayan in Jakarta. 

Guests can now explore the full range of services, accommodations, dining options, and event venues with ease, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the Mulia experience, before even arriving.

The new website not only embodies the elegance of Mulia Hotels but also provides a more accessible and enjoyable experience for guests. Whether planning a serene escape at The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali, or a sophisticated stay at Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta, the new platform ensures that the luxury experience begins from the moment they visit the website.

A range of excellent features

The redesigned site enables users to browse and compare both Mulia properties with clear categories for accommodations, dining, wellness, and events.

Enhanced visuals also contribute to a better site browsing experience. Breath-taking imagery and high-definition videos capture the essence of each property, from the tranquil private pool villas in Bali, to the luxurious suites and grand ballrooms in Jakarta.

The new website also boasts of a streamlined reservation system that allows users to book their preferred rooms, view special offers and select tailored packages with ease, ensuring a smooth booking experience.

For event planners and even soon-to-weds, there are now comprehensive sections for weddings, meetings, and events. These enable guests and planners to find inspiration and information effortlessly for hosting extraordinary occasions at both properties.

Finally, for those on the go, they’ll find that the site was redesigned with mobile users in mind. Indeed, the mobile site offers a smooth and responsive experience across all devices, allowing guests to explore and book their stays anywhere.

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The post Could agricultural ecotourism boost Vietnam’s tourist revenues? appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With its rich agricultural heritage, Vietnam is considering the promotion of agritourism and ecotourism as the next step in its tourism promotion initiative.

The Southeast Asian country boasts of verdant agricultural landscapes, as well as villages specialising in crafts that have been around for generations. But while such assets promise a boon for the country’s tourism sector, they also pose a number of challenges.

Promoting agricultural and ecological tourism in Vietnam remains challenging as there is a notable lack of viable methodologies as well as structured development plans.

While small private groups have attempted to push agritourism and ecotourism, their attempts have been characterised by a lack of both professionalism and infrastructure.

In which case, what can Vietnam do to come to the fore in terms of agritourism and ecotourism within the region?

Potential solutions

To develop measures for both agritourism and ecotourism whilst modernising the Vietnamese countryside, the country’s local governments need to review their existing tourism modalities. At the same time, there is a need to connect local destinations with others in different provinces, and develop agricultural tourism appropriate to local landscapes and agricultural production.

Showrooms where travellers can sample products of local agriculture and craft villages will also be necessary. However, managing these will also need to do something about preserving, revitalising, and improving traditional farming practices and crafting methods in order to draw travellers in.

At present, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has already approved a list of 20 pilot agricultural and rural tourism models. Implementation of these models will run well into next year. for implementation until 2025.

Local governments are also promoting tourism resources linked with agriculture and rural areas. There is also a move to diversify the products of agricultural and rural tourism in order to meet the evolving demands of both domestic and foreign visitors. While tours remain at the top of the list, authorities are considering more immersive experience to give travellers a true sense of Vietnam’s rich rural culture and traditions.

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The post Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office holds workshop for empowerment of women in tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) held a four-day digital skills training workshop for women working in the tourism sector.

Titled Enhancing Digital Skills for Women in Tourism Communities in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam – The Training of Trainers, the event was held in the Laotian heritage city of Luang Prabang from 24th to 27th September, and was done in cooperation with the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), and the Lao PDR Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

28 participants from both public and private sectors attended the event, and the in-person workshop addressed key issues such as digital marketing analysis and planning, promoting community based tourism enterprises online, and developing digital skills training for community-based micro and small tourism businesses such as homestays, guest houses, restaurants, handicraft outlets and local tour services.

Participants also conducted field visits to community-based tourism enterprises, assessing their digital needs as real-life case studies. 

The workshop also held sessions on effective resource utilisation, planning, budgets, and setting goals for digital marketing.

A need for stronger digital skills

ASEAN-Japan Centre assistant director Naoko Fujikawa said that digital skills were crucial for marketing tourism products to the world. However, not many women in the tourism sector had opportunities to develop their digital marketing skills.

Fujikawa said: “By empowering these women with the knowledge to connect their local tourism products to the global market, we are not only supporting their personal growth but also nurturing the sustainable development of their communities.

Likewise,  Phonemaly Inthaphome, director-general of tourism development for Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said: “Women have the potential to lead and innovate in tourism. By enhancing their digital skills, we are not just investing in individual capabilities, we are investing in the future of their communities.”

These sentiments were echoed by MTCO executive director Suvimol ‘Dee’ Thanasarakij who noted that women made up more than half of the tourism workforce in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. However, many were informal labourers with limited access to education and opportunities.

Thanasarakij said: “Through this training, we aim to empower women in local tourism communities with the digital skills needed to strengthen their businesses and gain greater exposure to the global market.”

Fujikawa added: “We believe these participants will become catalysts for change, passing on their knowledge and driving innovation in tourism across their regions.”

After the event, Thanasarakij concluded: “We hope this training will create a ripple effect, with participants passing on their knowledge and skills to others, fostering resilience and growth across the region.”

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The post Delta launches first-ever nonstop route from Salt Lake City to Seoul appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Delta is boosting its global footprint with the launch of its first-ever nonstop service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN) on June 12, 2025.

Delta is boosting its global footprint with the launch of its first-ever nonstop service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN) on June 12, 2025. This route—the only direct flight linking Salt Lake City to Asia—will provide seamless connections to key destinations across Asia for travelers throughout the Mountain West and Southwest U.S. regions. Customers will enjoy Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350, along with modern amenities at SLC’s recently upgraded terminal and the expansive Delta Sky Club, ensuring a smooth and comfortable trans-Pacific journey.

“The launch of Salt Lake City to Seoul service offers customers convenient access to Delta’s growing global network and ensures that virtually all U.S. demand is connected to Seoul via nonstop or one-stop service,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “As Salt Lake City continues to grow as a vital Delta hub, our strong joint venture with Korean Air allows us to offer unmatched connectivity between the U.S. and Asia, leveraging strong hubs on both sides. This ensures that customers, including those in the interior U.S., have access not just to Seoul but to key destinations across Asia.”

Delta’s leading position at Salt Lake City 

As Delta’s fifth direct U.S. route to Seoul, the new SLC-ICN flight joins Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Seattle in connecting U.S. travelers to Asia. With this addition, Delta—together with partner Korean Air—offers access to Seoul from 14 U.S. gateways, providing the most extensive reach across Asia through the ICN hub compared to any other trans-Pacific joint venture. This route also further solidifies Delta’s position as the largest long-haul foreign carrier at Incheon, enhancing its already unmatched reach across Asia.

Lee Hag-jae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, shared, “I’m confident that Incheon Airport will continue to grow as a global hub through our partnership with Delta Air Lines. Together, we aim to set the standard for airline partnerships, sharing a vision of leading the global aviation market as a top-tier airport and airline.”

This historic route solidifies Delta’s leadership in Salt Lake City, where it operates more flights than all other carriers combined. Delta’s robust presence includes nearly 250 peak-day departures to more than 90 destinations worldwide, featuring nonstop service to other international cities like Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Mexico City, among others.

 

 

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The post Europalco transforms into Portugal’s largest audiovisual network with the creation of the Empowerment Ecosystem appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

After 27 years of leadership in the audiovisual sector, Europalco announces a new phase of expansion and innovation with its transformation into a group of companies: the Empowerment Ecosystem. This strategic move aims to consolidate Europalco as the central brand of a dynamic and energetic ecosystem, with new companies strengthening its portfolio: New Audiovisuais, Rise, and Av Tech.

With these partnerships, Europalco enters a new era, marked by synergies between entities that bring their own legacy and identity, but now operate in an integrated and systemic way. The Empowerment Ecosystem is not just a group of companies; it is a collaborative system that enhances talent and innovation, establishing itself as Portugal’s largest audiovisual ecosystem.

Europalco as the foundation of the system

At the heart of this new system is Europalco, which takes on the role of empowering all the companies in the group. The Empowerment Ecosystem is built on a differentiated systemic narrative, where Europalco drives the growth and expansion of its companies, always focusing on the people who are part of this universe.

The creation of the Empowerment Ecosystem is a natural step in Europalcos evolution. We believe the synergies between New Audiovisuais, Rise, and Av Tech, backed by Europalcos expertise, will ensure sustainable growth while reinforcing our commitment to talent and innovation in the audiovisual sector, says Pedro Magalhães, CEO of Europalco.

This ecosystem promotes diversity and inclusion, respecting the individual legacy of each company while aligning them with a shared vision. Europalco aims to create a collective awareness among its companies, ensuring that their people, talents, and values are respected and valued within this new group.

The largest talent aggregator in the audiovisual sector

The Empowerment Ecosystem not only positions Europalco as a leader in the audiovisual market but also reinforces its role as the largest aggregator and promoter of talent in Portugal. By joining forces with the new companies, Europalco fosters the union of talent from across the country, creating a network of expertise that will continue to attract and retain top professionals in the market.

The transformation of Europalco into an ecosystem of companies brings new energy to the audiovisual market in Portugal. More than a group of companies, we are a living and dynamic system where peoples talent plays a central role in our strategy for growth and innovation, adds Pedro Magalhães.

With this transformation, Europalco strengthens its leading position in the sector and creates the conditions for the growth and development of its companies and employees. The Empowerment Ecosystem provides a solid, integrated structure for innovation, talent retention, and the development of new projects, positioning itself as a key reference in the audiovisual market.

Since its founding 27 years ago, Europalco has continued to stand out as a hub for attracting and retaining talent. A great group is not built just on the names of its companies, but on the unique talent of all the people who have come together to create the largest audiovisual ecosystem in Portugal, concludes Pedro Magalhães.

 

 

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The post Delta launches direct flights from Austin to business and leisure hotspots appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Delta is continuing to position itself as the airline of choice for customers traveling to and from Austin with the introduction of five new routes from the Texas capital. Starting in March 2025, Delta will add daily nonstop service to Panama City, Fla. (ECP). Additionally, the airline will add new, nonstop service to Indianapolis (IND), Memphis (MEM), San Francisco (SFO) and Tampa (TPA), providing Austin customers more options than ever before.

“Delta has made its commitment to Austin known, and these new routes and the 55 peak-day departures planned for Summer 2025 reaffirm that,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s S.V.P. – Network Planning. “This is on top of the already 20% seat capacity increase we put into service in April connecting Austin to new destinations in major corporate and leisure markets both within Texas and outside the state — onward throughout our global network.”

“We continue to listen and respond to what Austin needs as it grows, and we have a dedicated corporate sales team at the ready to get all customers to, from and through this crucial tech and business destination,” said Scott Santoro, V.P. – Sales.

March additions: Spring break & Mardi Gras 

Starting on March 9, customers can enjoy nonstop service to Panama City (ECP), perfect for Spring Break travel to the white sand beaches of the Florida panhandle. This daily flight will be operated by Delta Connection carrier SkyWest on an Embraer ERJ-175 equipped with First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. This flight joins the recently announced service from Austin to New Orleans (MSY), launching Feb. 27, just in time for Mardi Gras and Spring Break.

May additions: Only nonstop Aus-Mem Service 

Delta’s service from Austin to Memphis — the only nonstop link between the two cities — and Indianapolis will begin May 7, providing seamless connections to two key business and cultural travel destinations. Customers traveling to Memphis will enjoy quick access to iconic Beale Street and can decide for themselves which city has the best barbecue, while the route to Indianapolis creates additional opportunities for business travel. In addition to being popular with business travelers, these new routes will also provide greater connectivity for customers in Memphis and Indianapolis looking to travel to Austin. Both daily flights will be operated by Delta Connection carrier SkyWest on an Embraer ERJ-175 equipped with First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.

June additions: Bicoastal delights 

On June 8, Delta will round out its latest expansion with new, nonstop service to San Francisco (SFO) and Tampa (TPA). The route between Austin and San Francisco will unite two of the largest and most influential tech and innovation cities in the country. Meanwhile, the Austin-Tampa route will give Austin customers more ways to access Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast and one of the nation’s growing business destinations.

These daily flights will be operated on Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A220-300 aircraft equipped with First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. The A220-300 aircraft is set up in a 2×3 configuration, meaning there are 50% fewer middle seats. Additionally, the aircraft has large windows and expanded overhead bins. SkyMiles customers traveling onboard this aircraft will also have access to fast, free Wi-Fi onboard. Together with seat back in-flight entertainment, this aircraft is perfect for business travelers who want to be productive, as well as customers who want to sit back and relax and enjoy 1,000+ hours of entertainment content.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Eschuri Vung Bau Golf offers forest-to-sea golfing in Phu Quoc appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The 18-hole Eschuri Vung Bau Golf course on the island of Phu Quoc has become one of Vietnam’s most popular sporting attractions.

Located next to the stunning Vung Bau Beach, one of the prime spots in Phu Quoc Island, and boasting of a dreamy sunset view, it is not surprising that it has become a destination of choice for avid golfers from within and beyond the region.

Designed and built in collaboration with Sun Group and IMG, the world’s leading golf course design and management company, Eschuri Vung Bau Golf blends the cultural essence of Vietnam with the paradise-like beauty of Pearl Island, stretching a total area of 7,508 yards long and over 65 hectares wide.

Eschuri Vung Bau Golf is considered one of the golf courses in Vietnam that is placed in an ideal location, offering a unique forest-to-sea golfing experience across 18 holes that lead from dense old-growth forests to the beachfront.

Adventure by design

The first nine holes on the course are designed to capture the wild beauty of Phu Quoc’s primaeval old-growth forests, where all of the ancient trees surrounding the holes are preserved. 

The golf greens are subtly undulating but are highly unpredictable. Without guidance from experienced caddies, Eschuri Vung Bau’s local guides, players might find themselves caught in unseen traps.

Leaving the jungle behind, Eschuri Vung Bau Golf takes golfers on a journey from hole 10 to hole 18. Here, players encounter the pristine white sands and picturesque waves of Pearl Island. There is less in the way of ancient trees as the fairways and greens widen and stretch out, giving the feeling of strolling along an untouched beach. These last nine holes feature more undulating greens, presenting a challenge akin to surfing the waves of Pearl Island: difficult yet exhilarating.

A venue for mastery

In addition to its challenges, Eschuri Vung Bau Golf offers opportunities for players to master their skills.

Hole 14 offers a direct view of the sea, making players feel as though they are hitting the ball towards the horizon while enjoying the fresh air of Phu Quoc Island. Those lucky enough to play in the late afternoon will witness a breathtaking sunset over the sea.

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