BLOGGER OF THE YEAR | British Guild of Travel Writers 2017

Hello, I’m Kathryn, a travel photographer and blogger. While the world has been turned on its head and our wings may have been clipped, I’m still travelling with my mind.
Join me for some armchair travel, perhaps try one of my recipes, enjoy my photography, learn about animals you’ve yet to see or places you’ve yet to visit. But above all, stay well, and for now at least, stay home.
Hot chocolate around the world | Best hot chocolate recipe
Join me on my search to find the best hot chocolate in the world, try my favourite recipe and celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day.
Where and what to eat in Manila, Philippines
From rickety street stalls to fine dining, here’s my insider’s guide to where and what to eat in Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines.
Goan cuisine | A guide to the food of Goa
The feel of the cool sand on my bare feet, the sound of the waves lapping the shore mingled with laughter and music, the smell of spices carried on a salty breeze and the taste of Goan fish curry on my lips. I have very fond memories of Goa and Goan cuisine, but my...
Top ten things to eat in Nagoya and where to find them
Our guide to food in Nagoya you will love and which restaurants you should visit to try them.
Bite Away Review | How to treat insect bites and stings
Find out why I recommend Bite Away, a natural and easy to use treatment that relieves the pain, itching and swelling of insect bites and stings.
My favourite walks in the South Downs National Park
Learn about the history and folklore of Sussex on a guided walk through the lanes, villages and hills of the South Downs National Park.
Jacara Shoes Review | Insect repelling, waterproof shoes from Craghoppers
Smart, insect-repellent, waterproof shoes – I’ve spent 3 months testing them out in various conditions and found they tick all the boxes.
The wildlife of Borneo and the Kinabatangan River
A low-lying mist hangs over the water. The sun peeps above the treeline as a family of long-tailed macaque monkeys explore the lower tree branches along the riverbanks. Adults sit surveying the scene as youngsters jump from bough to bough before pausing to select a...
Top 7 things you must see & do in Canada in the spring
Whether I’m dreaming of a sparkling white winter wonderland or yearning for some outdoor adventure in the sunshine, memories of springtime in Canada keep calling me back to this magnificent country. Snowshoeing, whale watching, kayaking, maple syrup and craft beers,...
Island hopping with Tao Philippines
All you need to know about an island hopping adventure with Tao Philippines and how they are supporting local communities around the Palawan Islands.
Kabile Manor Winery | Discovering Latvian wine in the quirkiest of settings
As I climb the stairs of Kabile Manor, I wonder how this grand building must once have looked. Today, the brickwork of the facade is slowly crumbling, and mere scraps of paint cling to the front door. Panes of glass are missing from the windows. As I gaze upward, I...
UNESCO World Heritage | Exploring Old Town Graz, Austria
A self-guided walking tour of Old Town Graz leading you around the top 20 things to see and do in this beautifully preserved historic city in Austria.
Summer in Alpbach, the prettiest village in Austria
As I pass one picturesque wooden chalet after another, each one overflowing with red geraniums, I feel as if I’ve been transported into the pages of a fairy-tale picture book. Alpbach is said to be the prettiest village in Austria but, as I discovered on a recent trip...
Lemon Spaghetti Recipe | A taste of the Amalfi coast with Travelsphere
Lotte Duncan, from the BBC Good Food Show, discovers the Amalfi coast and a deliciously simple pasta dish, Amalfi lemon spaghetti.
Lakeside log cabins with hot tubs in the Cotswolds
Log House Holidays Review | Eight secluded lodges with hot tubs by a stunning lake in the Cotswolds, England. The most relaxing place I’ve ever been to.
The ultimate spa weekend at Foxhills Country Club, Surrey
Picture a historic stately home set in 400 acres in the Surrey countryside. Roaring fires, wood panelling, an outdoor hot tub and fluffy robes and slippers, not to mention cocktails to die for. Foxhills Country Club & Resort was the perfect location for my spa weekend with the girls.
Secret London, unusual places to visit in London
No matter how many times I visit London, there is always something new to explore. A new restaurant or exhibition and now, with the help of a rather wonderful little book, I am discovering another side to the city, one that had been here all the time, unnoticed by many, including myself. ‘Secret London – An Unusual Guide’ is opening a whole new world to me.
Cheddaring cheddar cheese in Cheddar Gorge
All you ever need to know about Cheddar Cheese – How to store it, what drinks to pair with it and how authentic cheddar cheese is made and matured in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England.
24 hours in the New Forest and a stay at the historic Bell Inn
As a small herd of donkeys cross the road in front of us we stop the car. I wind down my window and as the group wanders by, one sticks it head in to say hello. We’re nose-to-nose. He’s completely unfazed by our giggling and cooing but soon moves on when he realises...
37 top tips for first-time visitors to Japan
From translating Japanese menus to using public transport, never blowing your nose in public to navigating your way around a high-tech toilet, here are 37 top tips that I’m sure will be invaluable to anyone travelling to Japan for the first time.
Park House Hotel and Spa, a well kept Sussex secret
The Park House Hotel and Spa is an absolute gem, tucked away in beautiful Sussex. The stunning restaurant, fabulous spa and grounds make it well worth a visit.
Hendrick’s Cucumber and Black Pepper Gin Cocktail at the Goodwood Hotel
Perfect for a chilly evening or a hot summer’s day, here’s a simple recipe for a Hendrick’s Cucumber and Black Pepper gin cocktail, from The Goodwood Hotel
24 hours in Eastbourne – fish ‘n chips, kayaks and plenty of sea air
With just 24 hours in Eastbourne on the south coast of England, we went kayaking, enjoyed coastal walks and the stunning scenery, and ate some delicious food.
The Wildlife of Canada’s Clayoquot Sound
From the tiniest and most colourful life forms, to some of the biggest mammals on earth, the Clayoquot Sound has it all. Explore this wonder of unspoilt beauty with me, as I visit the wildlife of the Clayoquot Sound.
Get off the beaten path and unwind in The Gambia
As a gentle sea breeze brushes my face, I arch my back in the cat pose. Moving from one yoga hold to another, I unwind and the stresses of life slip away.
Saving the marine turtles of West Africa | Interview with a poacher
Speaking to Landing, a former turtle poacher, I began to understand why people hunted the turtles, despite their dwindling numbers and it being illegal.
The Best Things to See and Do, Eat and Drink in Belfast
From the magnificent Titanic Experience to fabulous traditional live music and some seriously good food, beer, whiskey and of course Guinness, there are plenty of reasons to visit Belfast, one of my favourite European cities.
Top 15 Things to See, Do and Eat on Santorini
For many years I had dreamed of going to Santorini, from what I had seen it seemed like the most photogenic island in the world. I too wanted to capture iconic 'picture postcard' images of Santorini, the kind that would look at home in a travel magazine or the glossy...
A memorable night glamping by Lake Bled
Glamping by Lake Bled at the foot of the Julian Alps, in cosy wooden huts, each with their own hot tub. The perfect setting for a romantic break for two and my favourite place to stay in Slovenia.
A taste of Sicily
From the sun dried tomatoes of Ispica to the chilli chocolate of Modica, I recently spent a fabulous week discovering new flavours and meeting the wonderful people behind a delicious assortment of food in Sicily.
My Favourite Things to Eat in Dubai
With around 200 nationalities living in Dubai it’s no surprise that the choice of things to eat here is diverse.
This exciting city, as I found out earlier in the year at the Emirate’s annual food festival, is fast becoming a popular gastronomic destination. There’s a plethora of first-rate restaurants, serving a huge range of cuisines and catering for every budget too; not every meal will leave you in your credit card’s bad books (although some most definitely will).
Having met with a number of chefs, talked to locals and visited a wide range of venues, here’s my guide to all my edible favourites in this exciting city.
A night on the river in Makasutu Forest
As I lie in bed I can feel a gentle movement in the decking beneath me or is it my imagination. I listen to the creaks and groans of the wood... splashes of water... silence... another splash. Getting out of bed I draw back the muslin curtains and catch my breath. A...
The ultimate tourist guide to Croatia
From glorious untouched nature and crystal clear seas to colourful urban culture and stunning Game of Thrones locations, Croatia, and its eclectic attractions, are waiting to be discovered. In the last 10 years, this fascinating country has been the fastest-rising...
Cool camping gadgets for your next outdoor adventure
Right now, the only option we may have is camping in our back garden, if we’re lucky enough to have one. But these restrictions won’t last forever, so now is the time to dream and plan your next adventure large or small. In the meantime, if you do have a garden and the weather is warm enough why not set up a tent and have a mini-adventure in your backyard. The kids will love it!