Launching to coincide with the UK’s National Year of Reading, Rocco Forte Hotels has unveiled the Great British Cultural Journey, a new literary and cultural experience created exclusively for Forte Suite guests booking the Great British Journey experience, which connects The Balmoral in Edinburgh and Brown’s Hotel.
Building on the original journey between the two properties, the enhanced experience offers literary encounters, cultural access and immersive storytelling inspired by the heritage of both destinations.
At The Balmoral, a two-night suite stay showcases Scotland’s rich storytelling traditions through a Dine Around Scotland experience with a literary twist, alongside a choice of private literary adventures exploring themes and characters ranging from Harry Potter and Muriel Spark to Sherlock Holmes. Guests may also enjoy an exclusive storytelling experience with award-winning Scottish author Sir Ian Rankin, offering unique insight into Scotland’s literary landscape.
Additional highlights include privileged access to some of Scotland’s leading cultural institutions, including The King’s Gallery, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland, home to treasures ranging from the Lewis Chessmen to Dolly the Sheep.
At Brown’s Hotel, guests can enjoy a private literary walk led by hotel historian Andy Williamson and a special Agatha Christie experience marking the 50th anniversary of the author’s death. A bespoke edition of At Bertram’s Hotel, thought to have been inspired by Christie’s favourite hotel, Brown’s itself, is included as part of the experience. Further highlights include martinis in Donovan Bar’s famed “Naughty Corner”, an evening at The Mousetrap, a private visit to Colnaghi Gallery and Champagne Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s iconic Drawing Room.
Inspired by the literary touches found throughout Rocco Forte Hotels, from the P.G. Wodehouse books found at Brown’s Hotel and across the collection to The Balmoral’s enduring connections to Scotland’s literary history, the Great British Cultural Journey celebrates the unique character of each destination through experiences that extend beyond the hotel itself.
Richard Cooke, Managing Director, United Kingdom & Northern Europe, Rocco Forte Hotels, said:
This offering celebrates two of Britain’s most storied destinations through the distinct character of Brown’s Hotel and The Balmoral. Together, they create an extraordinary British cultural journey, combining literary heritage, world-class art, exceptional hospitality and personalised experiences that connect guests with the spirit of London and Edinburgh.
The experience forms part of Rocco Forte Hotels’ Suites & Beyond programme, created exclusively for suite guests. Across the collection, suites are designed to reflect the individuality, history and craftsmanship of each destination, while experiences beyond the suite are shaped through longstanding local relationships, offering privileged access to cultural institutions, artists, galleries and authentic experiences that reveal the character of each city.
To experience the Great British Cultural Journey, guests can book a Forte Suite stay at Brown’s Hotel or The Balmoral via the hotels’ websites.
Package includes the following for any guest already booking The Great British Journey:
- Two-night suite stay at Brown’s Hotel, London
- Two-night suite stay at The Balmoral, Edinburgh
- First-class rail travel between London and Edinburgh
- Concierge welcome at Edinburgh Waverley station
- Agatha Christie commemorative experience led by Brown’s historian, Andy Williamson, and bespoke edition of At Bertram’s Hotel
- Martini in Donovan Bar followed by tickets to The Mousetrap
- Private tour of Colnaghi Gallery
- Choice of Royal Afternoon Tea at Brown’s or Champagne afternoon tea in Palm Court at The Balmoral
- Dine Around Scotland literary dining experience
- Choice of bespoke literary city experiences: Potter Trail, Muriel Spark Walking Tour, or Sherlock Holmes Tour
- Access and curated experience at the following leading Scottish galleries: The King’s Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of Scotland