UNITED KINGDOM
Carmen at the Royal Opera House London
Review: Barrie Kosky ditched the cliche’s in his production of Carmen at the Royal Opera House in London. Superbly contemporary and totally captivating…
A Festive Day Out – Christmas in London
Christmas in London – a glittering day out in London exploring the best of Christmas markets, festive lights, skating rinks and Christmas trees.
Burning the Clocks, Brighton
The winter solstice on 21st December is the date that Brighton lights up the shortest, darkest day of the year with its unique ‘Burning of the Clocks’ winter solstice festival.
A Weekend Break in Rye, East Sussex
Rye, in East Sussex, is one of those pretty little market towns that time seems to have passed by. Read on to find out what to see and do and where to eat and stay on a chilled weekend break.
A weekend break in Suffolk – beach huts, piers and boutique hotels
A weekend in Suffolk exploring Southwold Pier and a night at the hip Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich.
Eastbourne Trails and Coastal Walks
From piers and fortresses, great food and coastal walks there are so many things to do in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Read on for my top picks..
The Best Sussex Bluebell Wood
Brede High Woods in East Sussex is be one of the best bluebell woods in Sussex. It’s the perfect place for a bluebell walk in spring time.
A Luxe London Dessert Tour – Reviewed
A tour of London’s iconic neighbourhoods sampling delectable desserts and feasting on fabulous chocolates is the perfect antidote to a wet winter’s afternoon…
Battles and Bonfires in 1066 Country
Battle, East Sussex is the heart of 1066 Country and this year is extra special as we celebrate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
Rathfinny Wine Estate – Home of Sussex Sparkling
Sussex is the future of English wine production and 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. I visited Rathfinny, near Alfriston in East Sussex, to find out what all the fizz and fuss is about.
An Isle of Man Weekend Getaway
My first visit to the Isle of Man this month showed me that this little island in the Irish Sea is the perfect destination for a UK weekend break – and it’s not just for TT petrol heads.
Visiting English Lavender Fields
I’ve always wanted to visit the lavender fields of Provence. But English lavender fields are popping up all over the UK so I paid a visit to a home-grown version. If you haven’t visited then you should – here’s a list of UK lavender farms to help plan your visit.
One Aldwych – A Winter Wonderland Weekend Break
One Aldwych is a gem of a boutique hotel located in London’s vibrant theatreland. We stayed for a night in December to soak up London’s Christmas atmosphere and kick-start that festive feeling. Thing is, once we’d stepped through the welcoming doors of One Aldwych we really didn’t want to leave…
241 Passport Super City Savings + Giveaway
If you’re planning to visit a city and discover that you can get amazing reductions on attractions, dining, leisure and spas you’d be a tad interested wouldn’t you? Let me introduce 241 Passport a fabulous money-saving app on the best city activities, restaurants, excursions and spas and win one of five free passports to try for yourself…
Autumn Tasting Menu at The Ambrette, Rye
Rye, in East Sussex, is one of the prettiest and best-preserved medieval towns in England. It is also the venue for a contemporary Anglo-Indian fusion restaurant. The Ambrette…
Hong Kong Cooking Class at School of Wok
An evening at School of Wok learning the art of Hong Kong cuisine with chef Jeremy Pang. Chinese dumplings, chicken clay pot and Hong Kong noodles were all on the menu with a large measure of fun.
The UNI Masterclass – Sushi, Ceviche and Pisco Sours
Sushi. Deliciously delicate and oh so pretty. I’ve always been partial to those little bite-sized gems and recently spent a fun afternoon discovering how to make them for myself. UNI is a Japanese and Peruvian fusion – ‘Nikkei’ – restaurant in London’s Belgravia offering sushi making master classes.
Review: Tregenna Castle Resort, St Ives
Tregenna Castle Resort is set high on a hill with stunning views over the tiny fishing harbour of St Ives. The grade II listed building is imposing with its castellated roof, turrets and granite walls but the welcome we got as we checked-in couldn’t have been warmer.
The Tower of London Poppies
Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, the art installation at The Tower of London, will be completed on 11th November when the last of the poppies are set in place. The poppy installation, by Paul Cummins, commemorates the centenary of the start of the First World War in 1914.
St Ives, Cornwall – Beaches, Boats and The Old Green Door
St Ives is a captivating Cornish town built around a small crescent harbour with more than its fair share of beautiful beaches. Quaint fishermen’s cottages, pubs and restaurants are just a cobbled saunter from the granite quayside.
Cornwall – Britain’s Wild, West Coastline
A mini road-trip in Cornwall – The coastal route from Lizard Point to Land’s End
A Sussex Walk – Seven Sisters Country Park
A Sussex walk to the Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex which is part of the South Downs National Park. Scenes from the film Atonement and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves were shot in this beautiful area near to Eastbourne, East Sussex.
Travel Theme – Tilted
I love to travel far away from home but I'm also a bit of a backyard tourist and love discovering what's on my doorstep. Last month I was driving home from work and spotted a distant flash of crimson across the South Downs at the back of Brighton. I took a detour...
The Meeting Place, St Pancras Station
The Meeting Place is a 30ft statue, by artist Paul Day, which stands under the station clock at St Pancras railway station in the International Eurostar terminal. The piece is intended to reflect the romanticism of train travel and is reminiscent of a scene from the film Brief Encounter.
The View from The Shard
London’s skyscraper, The Shard, designed by architect Renzo Piano is also an amazing visitor attraction. ‘The View from the Shard’ on floors 69-72 is the only place where it is possible to see all of London at once. The 360 degree panoramic takes in the Tower of...
A walk in Battle Great Wood, East Sussex
Sunday morning dawned crisp, fresh and bright. Since we probably won't get too many more days like this before winter we pulled on our boots and took a walk in nearby Battle Great Wood. The ancient woodland, managed by the Forestry Commission, is over 200 acres and...
Travel Theme – Sunset
Ailsa from Where's my Backpack? and host of the Travel Theme has chosen 'Sunset' as this weeks subject. I first saw it on Mahdu's sunset post from The Urge to Wander and a comment struck a chord with me - no matter where in the world we might be we all watch the same...
Collective Spirit – Afloat with Memories
Collective Spirit the wooden boat created for the London Olympics from treasured wooden objects donated by the public.
The Diamond Jubilee and a very British Street Party
How one little street in the South East of England celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubiliee with a traditional British street party.
Gordon’s – the Oldest Wine Bar in London
There’s a fabulous little wine bar in Villiers Street outside Charing Cross Station and it’s supposed to be the oldest wine bar in London. Gordon’s Wine Bar.
Vintage Train Travel with Orient Express
The umber and cream liveried carriages of the iconic British Pullman calmly drew into the bustle of London Victoria. The chatter on Platform 2 grew measurably louder, a sense of anticipation filling the air as smiling stewards, in crisp white uniforms alighted and...
Jack in the Green – Hastings Old Town
Jack in the Green, Hastings is a festival of fun, frolics and foliage, celebrating the coming of summer. The Green Man festival takes place in Hastings Old Town over the first weekend in May and culminates in a bizarre procession through the town on Bank Holiday Monday.
Has Battle Lost its Marbles?
Every year the people of Battle in East Sussex dress up, turn out and cheer on teams as they spin off in the Good Friday marbles competition. Up to 20 teams take part in this springtime event which has been running in the town for over 60 years.