I recently spent an evening of total captivation immersed in Carmen at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. It was the Barrie Kosky production and it’s an opera I’ve always wanted to see performed professionally.
A bit of background, because I have a guilty little secret that relates. I used to be a thespian and tread the boards at our local amateur drama group. There was also an operatic group based at the theatre and I used to go and see their productions. It was there I saw Carmen for the first time and fell in love with the music and passion of Bizet’s best-known opera.
Since then it’s been a dream to see Carmen performed professionally. The dream came true at London’s Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. I really don’t know why I left it so long…
Sussex Bluebells are out in their full glory across the county from early April until the end of May. Want to take a bluebell walk in Sussex and breathe in that heady scent? Read on for some of the best bluebell woods in Sussex and step into the blue…
One of the highlights of springtime for me is a bluebell walk in our local woods. The sound of birdsong fills the air, dappled shade is pierced with shards of sunlight and swathes of fragrant bluebells carpet the woodland floor. A bluebell walk will give you that feel good factor for the rest of the day.
Half the world’s bluebell population can be found in the UK and Sussex bluebell woods are some of the best in Britain. Here’s where you’ll find some of the best bluebell walks in Sussex…
A tour of London’s iconic neighbourhoods to seek out the city’s sweet treats is the perfect antidote to a wet winter’s afternoon. Sampling delectable desserts and feasting on fabulous chocolates whilst listening to tales of the rich and famous turned a dreary afternoon into a sugar rush full of fascinating facts, fun and the sweetest of surprise endings. Come with me on a luxe London dessert tour of the city’s sweet spots with Urban Adventures.
Battle, East Sussex is the heart of 1066 country and every year in October there’s one hell of a fight. We’re invaded by Normans and there’s a big hoo-ha on the battleground behind the Abbey. This year the invasion is going to be even bigger because it’s the 950th anniversary of The Battle of Hastings.
Despite the name, the clash between the Saxons and the Normans didn’t actually happen in Hastings. It took place six miles away in Battle. Yes, our town ended up being named after the famous spat that took place there in 1066. Battle Abbey was built by William the Conqueror after the conflict as penance for the blood spilled on the battlefield. It dominates the High Street and the grounds are the meeting point for the annual re-enactment clash of the Saxons versus the Normans.
Rathfinny Wine Estate and Sussex Sparkling. If you’ve not heard of them yet you soon will because Sussex is the future of English wine production. With award-winning wines spilling out of the county it won’t be long before you’ll be toasting your celebrations with a glass or two of Sussex Sparkling. Rathfinny, near Alfriston in East Sussex, is the state-of-the-art vineyard that’s on course to become England’s largest single-site vineyard. I dropped by to find out what all the fizz and the fuss is about.
Lavender fields have been calling me ever since I clapped eyes on a gorgeous photo of Provence in France. Row upon row of plump purple haze paled into the horizon on a misty summer’s dawn. I was instantly enchanted and knew I’d have to see them for myself one day.
But did you know you don’t have to go to France to see them? There are plenty of lavender fields in England. Read on for my list of the best lavender fields and lavender farms in England with all the info you need to help plan your visit.
©2018-2019 ROH | Photographer: Bill Cooper
