Hello, I’m Kathryn, a travel writer and photographer based on the south coast of England. Join me exploring the most beautiful places in the UK or indulge in some armchair travel discovering new cultures, countries and cuisines through my vast archive of articles from around the world
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How to spend the perfect day in Durham city centre
As the train pulled into the station the view across the rooftops of Durham immediately caught my eye. The sun was sinking low in the sky bathing the cathedral spires, castle walls and swathes of green trees in a golden light. I longed to hop off the train to explore...
Where and what to eat in Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula
Bracing walks along a windswept, yet staggeringly beautiful coastline, romantic evening strolls, remote country pubs and the freshest of seafood. A recent trip to Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula in South Wales was a wonderful mix of fresh air, stunning vistas and...
Ice swimming | Would you take the Polar Plunge?
What is ice swimming, is it safe and where can you do it? Would you be brave enough to take the polar plunge?
Aloha from Hawaii and the islands of Maui, Molokai and Oahu
Palm-backed beaches, exotic wildlife and awe-inspiring mountainscapes, Hawaii in the North Pacific Ocean, conjures up so many wonderful images in my mind, although I've never been. Travel writer and photographer, Richard Atkins, however, is no stranger to the...
What to wear cold water swimming
It's December. The air temperature is 6°C and the water is about 10°C. I'm swimming in the sea under a clear blue sky, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face. Although the cold water stings my legs and arms, being in the sea is bliss. It's invigorating and...
Gaining body confidence for a saucy sea swimmers’ calendar
My story about gaining body confidence enough to join in a saucy sea swimming themed calendar, raising money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
Craft ales, beer bites and street art in Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne
With quirky craft breweries, exceptional art galleries and some superb places to eat, the Ouseburn district of Newcastle upon Tyne was recently named as ‘one of the coolest places in the world’. Join me as I drink, eat and laugh my way from one excellent establishment to another!
Where and what to eat and drink in Newcastle
Craft ales, fine wines, succulent oysters, Mumbai street food and more await you as we guide you around the streets of Newcastle one tasty treat at a time.
Wonderful waterfalls for wild swimming
Whether it's in the hills of Scotland or a jungle in Bali, floating on the water with a clear blue sky above you and the sound of a waterfall nearby is my idea of heaven. Anywhere I can swim is my happy place but add in the beauty of a waterfall and it really can't be...
7 unique thermal spas around the world
People have been enjoying the benefits of thermal spas, bathing in the water from natural hot springs, across the globe for thousands of years. Floating in the mineral-rich water as steam rises up around you is a pleasure I'd highly recommend. One of my first...
Gorilla’s eco-friendly changing robe review
An eco-friendly changing robe made from recycled plastic – the perfect choice for keeping you warm while changing out of your wet swimwear.
20 fabulously quirky places to swim around the world
From a red wine onsen in Japan to a stunning underground cenote in Mexico, here’s our guide to the quirkiest places to swim in the world.
The benefits and risks of cold water swimming (and why I love the Bluetit Chill Swimmers)
Earlier this year I started swimming with a local group of cold water swimmers known as the Bluetits. I’m hooked! But what are the benefits (and risks) of cold water swimming?
Our guide to the prettiest villages in England
Where are the cottages too charming for words? Here’s our round-up of the prettiest villages in England with an interactive map to help you plan some wonderful day trips, your next weekend getaway or a road trip around England’s loveliest villages.
Where to find the most beautiful places in the UK
In our eagerness to see the world, it’s all too easy for travel addicts like me to ignore what’s on our own doorstep. However, I’ve found that I don’t have to journey far to discover some fabulous places. From magnificent waterfalls to majestic seascapes, exotic...
Where to see the best of England’s flower fields this summer
Picture the scene, it's a glorious summer's day, with a clear blue sky overhead, the sun sinks low in the sky and casts a golden glow over the seemingly neverending rows of sunflowers. you might think you were in Provence but no this is Sam's Sunflowers on Hayling...
The best beer gardens and alfresco dining in London
Where to find the best beer gardens and alfresco dining in London, from riverside fine dining to quirky craft breweries.
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.
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...
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 best bars in Belfast
Whether you’re looking for great local craft beer, traditional music, the finest Irish whiskey, or the perfect pint of Guinness, here’s my guide to the best bars in Belfast.
The best restaurants in Belfast
From a superb steak house to fabulous vegan dining, here’s my guide to the best restaurants, cafes and coffee shops in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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.
25 Top Travel Tips: How to get the most out of your next great adventure
Whether you’re planning a long weekend in an exciting city with your partner, a week in the sun with friends or a solo round-the-world-adventure, here are my top travel tips that I’ve picked up over thirty-plus years of travelling and more than twenty years working in the travel industry. These simple hacks will help you get the most out of your travels, from how to prepare before you go, what to pack, where to find the best places to eat and how to make the most of your time while you are away.
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...
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.
Top 15 things to see, do and eat in Eastbourne
From its stunning Victorian pier and art deco bandstand to the cosmopolitan marina complex, an award winning contemporary art gallery or fabulous cliff top walks, there’s no end of things to see and do in Eastbourne.
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.
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...
Photographing the Red Squirrels of Brownsea Island
Sitting on a log in the dappled sunshine I catch a glimpse of rust dashing passed out the corner of my eye. The next moment he’s right there beside me, just a foot or so away. It’s such a joy to finally see one of the many red squirrels that Brownsea Island is famous for.
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.
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...
