In my weekly regular blog post feature, with thanks to Country and Townhouse, here are a few ideas of things to do this week in London:

The man who can fly you home in a hurry, and is this Italian painter the Beyoncé of art history?

With lockdown 2.0 upon us, it’s time to turn my attention to telly. This half-term, I’ll happily settle down with the kids to watch the latest incarnation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved The Secret Garden, starring Dixie Egerickx, Colin Firth, and Julie Walters, alongside some gobsmackingly gorgeous National Trust gardens. Win a year’s Sky Cinema subscription here. There’s also a new airing for Roald Dahl’s The Witches, with Anne Hathaway taking on the gruesome Grand High Witch. But tonight, I’m tuning into BBC1’s political thriller Roadkill, written by David Hare with the brilliant Hugh Laurie playing a Tory MP with a popular touch. Sound familiar?

Have a great week.

Lucy

FIVE THINGS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

A Siberian tiger hugging a tree was the winning picture in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards, now on display at The National History Museum’s annual exhibition. Image Credit: Sergey Gorshkov/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

We’re all about celebrating life’s small pleasures right now – and what better way to brighten up a grey afternoon than with a slice of cake? Particularly when it comes from The Connaught’s pretty new patisserie. We’ve got our eyes on the chocolate tonka tart.

While international travel opportunities remain limited, get your zen fix closer to home at Wild Wellness: the new nature-based retreat at Gleneagles. Think scenic yoga, boat rides on the loch and foraging from the rich Scottish landscape. More wellness retreats here.

2020 has been incredibly tough for the arts world, so it’s heartening to see theatres getting back on their feet. Sadler’s Wells has just announced its new autumn season, which kicks off with a programme of world premieres from five contemporary choreographers. Book here. Image Credit: Johan Persson.

It may not be the most exotic fruit on the scene, but there’s a lot to be said for the humble apple. Give it some love at The Newt in Somerset, which is hosting a series of apple-inspired events to coincide with Apple Day on 21 October – from apple pressing to themed menus.

WHAT’S GETTING US THROUGH THE WEEK

CALL MY AGENT

There’s a scene in Episode 2, Season 2 of the wonderful don’t-miss French comedy series Call My Agent, where head of the Parisian talent agency, Mathias, is lying in the bath after a particularly gruelling day, Bluetooth headphones on, listening to Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga from the composer’s first London opera Rinaldo. I won’t tell you what comes next but I have emulated this scene every night this week (minus the uninvited guests) – not only has the music/bath combo been the most wonderful balm for the soul, but the whole series has been too.

A HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY

With lockdown part of current daily life, the desire to move out of the city shows no sign of abating, and it’s no surprise that the Cotswolds is still a huge draw. Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds Property Specialist, told us, 'Demand for country properties has been relentless since mid-May. People are looking for space, somewhere suitable for working from home, fresh air for a healthier lifestyle and access to good schools in the case of young families.' We love the look of Rambler’s Cottage, on sale for £825,000, but check out our constantly updated guide to our favourite country houses for sale.

A PRIVATE JET, MAYBE

If you get caught on the holiday hop when the government does a sudden U-turn on travel advice, and you’ve got cash to burn, Simon Burrows is the man whose name is spoken of in hallowed tones by the jetocracy. You can drop $10 million for a 12-seater or $75 million for the flagship Gulfstream G700 or a Bombardier Global 7500. They have beds, showers and Michelin-starred catering aboard, plus oodles of leg room (social distancing means only four to six passengers are allowed on board) and a pristinely sterilised environment. You can even fly from London to Australia without stopping to fuel. More on private air travel here.

Enter now to be in with a chance of winning a two-night stay at Cult Hotels’ latest opening, The George.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE UP TO

Ed Vaizey on Artemesia, the Beyoncé of art history, at The National Gallery

Georgie Bentley-Buckle ups the fitness anti at No 1 Bootcamp

Wallow in the world’s most beautiful hotel bathrooms, says Rebecca Cox

Caroline Phillips pits an electric bike against a £17,000 pedal bike

STAYING IN? WE'VE GOT ALL YOU NEED

TRUST...

If this post-truth world, you need to check your facts. Fullfact.org is a UK-based website of independent fact-checkers fighting against misinformation