'I felt like Thelma and Louise': Judy Murray on her favourite travel experiences
Tennis coach and mother to Jamie and Andy, Judy Murray reveals her favourite hotels in Britain and Ireland, the country that surprised her the most, and the time she felt like she was in Thelma and Louise.
Just watching Jamie and Andy is not enough for me
For years I just used to see the hotel, the airport and the tennis centre, but now I make sure I get out and about in the area.
My favourite venue is...
...the Australian Open in Melbourne. I’ve been going to the city since 2006 so I know it very well. The Botanical is one of my favourite restaurants.
Charleston is fascinating
I was there for a day trip after travelling to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. It is an old colonial city, famous for its architecture. We had a horse and carriage guided ride around the city, which was lovely.
Singapore is one of cleanest places in the world
I was impressed by how there wasn’t a piece of litter in sight when I visited last year. I stayed at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, which has an infinity pool at the top and a good restaurant. We took a boat around the harbour.
Getting away from everything...
...and being able to escape somewhere really helps me recharge my batteries.
I enjoy the great outdoors
I try to get out as much as I can, such as to Courchevel where I went skiing in March, which was terrific fun. I try to fit in at least two holidays a year, but I travel a great deal for my tennis work.
solo travel adventures
I need peace and quiet after Wimbledon
Last year I escaped to the Simply Healing Detox Retreat in Sussex. During the grass court season, life is full-on and you end up eating at strange hours. But at the retreat, I enjoyed spa treatments and a good diet.
I get bored easily
I'm not one for lying on the beach for hours on end. While I love sunshine, I am unlikely to go on a beach holiday.
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Travelling through Europe at 17...
...was tough as back then there were no mobile phones, cash machines or the internet. I accessed money from the post office when my parents wired it to me. My purse was stolen on a bus in Barcelona and I had to go to the British Consulate.
I spent a night in a changing room in France
This was during my three months in the country while I was doing my degree studying French. I went with a friend to the south of France over Easter and we played in tennis competitions.
We were offered a mansion stay...
...by a local in return for tutoring his children in English. Up until then we only had a basic little tent.
Budapest was surprisingly engaging
I visited for my 50th birthday and spent five days walking around and exploring.
I felt like Thelma and Louise...
...on a road trip in America for my friend’s 50th birthday. We wore sunglasses and headscarves and drove a red convertible, just like in the film.
We stumbled upon a ghost town
We discovered Calico on our drive from Las Vegas, before driving through the Joshua Tree National Park. We spent three nights at The Venetian in Las Vegas, where we did the casinos, shops and shows.
Not worrying about food or transport...
...and having my visits to different places arranged for me was relaxing when I was invited to join a Strictly Come Dancingcruise.
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Whenever I go home to Perthshire...
...I like going up to Gleneagles Hotel. It has a wonderful spa, swimming pools, great gym and exercise classes you can drop in to.
One of my favourite hotels...
...is the Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin. I love the décor and the vibe. Of course, Andy’s Cromlix Hotel, surrounded by gorgeous countryside, is wonderful, with great food.
You can’t beat London for nightlife
I am a huge fan of musicals, so I love the West End, and also going to see shows on Broadway. New York just buzzes night and day.
In the bag | Judy Murray's favourite travel accessories
Never trust the weather
I’d recommend taking a waterproof with you at all times, wherever you are. Hair straighteners are another must.
I like psychological thrillers
Authors such as Val McDermid are my favourite. I always have a book with me wherever I travel.
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A safari break is at the top of my bucket list
I’d also love to see Vietnam, as so many friends have recommended it. After Wimbledon, I’m running a tennis camp in Quinta do Lago, Portugal, while later this year, I’m looking to do a cookery holiday with friends in Italy.
'Knowing the Score: My Family and Our Tennis Story' by Judy Murray is out now in paperback (Vintage; ￡8.99)
Interview by Roz Lewis