31 May 2022

Extraordinary Journeys Of Discovery

Bentley Motors has curated and launched an extraordinary journey of discovery. A once-in-a-lifetime road trip experience offering the chance to drive a Bentley through stunning British landscapes, including the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Cairngorms. The breathtakingly scenic route begins at the home of Bentley Motors in Crewe, Cheshire, and finishes at The Macallan Estate in Scotland’s protected Speyside region. Last year, Bentley Motors and The Macallan announced a major brand partnership, and this will be the first time customers are able to experience the homes of both brands together.

Sustainable, seasonal and locally-sourced produce will be served to guests throughout the programme of culinary experiences. Nature, history, arts and culture, well-being and relaxation will all form a part of the trip.

The unforgettable driving programme spans five days of epic, scenic driving, with four nights in unique, luxury accommodations, creating the ultimate Extraordinary Journey.

Guests are able to access usually private and exclusive experiences, which can only be offered by Bentley, including a dinner within the Bentley factory itself. There will be provision for a private car to travel from Cheshire to Scotland; a chance to drive a Bentley perhaps for the first time, or for existing customers to experience new models, in a unique driving-led experience. The Bentley Event team will offer a full concierge service looking after guests’ every need along the way.

An overview of the itinerary is as follows:

Day One
Arriving in Cheshire, guests from around the world will be greeted by the Bentley team at the brand’s flagship CW1 House showroom in Crewe. A private lunch will be served before guests are transferred to the heart of Bentley: the factory. Following a unique opportunity to tour the site, an intimate, private dinner will take place in the factory, with each ingredient sourced within a 26-mile radius.

Day Two
Guests will drive in convoy, in Bentley’s latest models – the Continental GT, the Flying Spur and the Bentayga – towards the Peak District National Park. With a short break at the historic manor house, Fischer Barlow, the group will continue north towards the ‘Dark Peak’ region. Lunch at the Northcote by chef, Lisa Goodwin Allen, will be accompanied by a private tour of the aromatic gardens of this Michelin-starred restaurant. Set within the Yorkshire Dales, Georgian country house hotel Middleton Lodge will play home for the evening, offering lovingly home-grown and locally-sourced seasonal produce for dinner.

Day Three
An optional, private guided yoga practice will help to balance mind, body and soul for guests as they wake at Middleton Lodge. The convoy continues into the North Pennines and Northumberland National Park, offering some of the world’s most spectacular roads. Passing Hadrian’s Wall, drivers will head into the Scottish Borders for lunch at an Edwardian manor, nestled in the Tweed Valley.

The spectacular journey continues through rolling hills, passing spellbinding abbeys, awe-inspiring stately homes and castles before arriving at The Treehouses at Lanrick. A hidden gem offering true escapism within a secluded woodland setting and bordering the Trossachs National Park, this truly-green accommodation does not compromise on luxury. As night falls the group will gather to meet their chef for the evening, the renowned Tony Singh. An al fresco dinner with local, seasonal produce, will be followed by a guided stargazing experience with Scotland’s Astronomer Royal, Catherine Heyman.

Day Four
Heading northeast toward The Cairngorms, guests will stop for refreshments at the peerless Fife Arms in Braemar, a 200-year-old Scottish lodge. A pioneer in recycling and upcycling, the hotel is home to a collection of over 16,000 antiques and curios, and artworks – from Picasso, Freud, Bruegel, to watercolours by HM Queen Victoria and HRH Prince Charles.

The journey will then continue on to The Macallan Estate, set in 485 acres of Speyside countryside and home to the brand’s award-winning distillery, designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability. The unforgettable immersive experience will feature a meal in the breathtaking surroundings, tutored tasting, and private Distillery experience. The final destination in the journey celebrates the partnership between Bentley and The Macallan, sharing an insight into the process, production, people and passion that make their single malt whisky so special. A farewell for guests will culminate in a private, specially curated dining experience at the Elchies Brasserie, before moving on to stay at the magnificently restored Rothes Glen.

Day Five
After a final breakfast, chauffeurs will transfer guests to Aberdeen International Airport to travel onwards home. Alternatively, the Caledonia Sleeper from Inverness can be arranged, offering the iconic railway journey to London.

The exclusive extraordinary journey of discovery will be limited to just five couples within each group, with the programme running throughout mid to late 2022. All accommodation, food, drinks and activities throughout the five day programme, and the use of a Bentley are also included.