I was surprisingly, unsurprised when I received a text one afternoon simply saying "I'm hoovering Hogwarts". The sender of the text was indeed referring to the school of witchcraft and wizardry from the magical world of Harry Potter, brought to life by the pen of J K...
There are plenty of great things to do in Brighton on a girl’s getaway or day out, from strolling along the lovely seafront and shopping in The Lanes to a luxurious spa treatment followed by an indulgent afternoon tea.
Love it or hate it, you can't ignore it, in Athens graffiti is everywhere from simple tags, saying 'I was here' to sophisticated, commissioned murals, that have clearly taken time, as well as real talent, to create. One sunny morning I joined a walking tour of Athens...
What do you see when you visit a city like Athens? The grime and dirt, the scrawling graffiti, the homeless man with his bedding spread out in a shop doorway? Or do you see the pretty lilac-coloured flowers of the jacaranda trees that line the avenues, the lively bars...
Colourful flowers, drapes of exotic material, antiques, bric-a-brac (and a little cheap tat) as well as a covered farmer's markets can all be found at the vibrant Marché de Wazemmes, in this ethnically mixed quarter of Lille. When I visited on a sunny Sunday...
Our guide to finding the best traditional Marrakech food from the barbeques of the Djemaa el Fna at dusk to a homemade Moroccan tagine.
Having had a wonderful time in Lille last summer I was delighted to be invited back again, this time to celebrate Eurostar's 2oth birthday. And so, last weekend, I boarded my train at London's St Pancras Station, enjoyed a light breakfast (and free...
As well as lots of delicious cooking, and of course eating, during my recent trip to Tuscany, my host Flavours Holidays included not only a wine tasting trip but also a day out in Florence. After all, it would be a crime to visit this part of Tuscany and not see both...
Cagliari (or Casteddu in Sardu meaning castle) on the south coast of Sardinia, is the island's capital and was once the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia. It is an ancient city, known to have been inhabited as long ago as the Neolithic period, over 5,000 years ago....
Having recently visited the world-renowned department store, Fortnum and Mason, in London's Piccadilly, let me take you back in time... The shop's story began way back in 1705, when royal footman, William Fortnum, opened a shop in St James Market with his landlord,...
Dazzling Christmas lights, spectacular ice-skating shows, Wittamer hot chocolate, a glass of Delirium or two, not to mention the beauty of Grand Place decked out in its festive finery, there are many reasons for visiting Brussels in December.
I love Covent Garden at Christmas. There's always a lively atmosphere, the buildings are decorated with festive garlands and baubles, there's a huge Christmas tree and of course the usual excellent street entertainers; it's the perfect place to pick up some unusual...
Just say the word 'Harrods' and images of stylish luxury fill my mind from Yves Saint Laurent couture to Steiff teddy bears, not forgetting, the famous food halls of this, the largest department store in Europe. Covering over 4.5 acres, spread across 5 floors and with...
One day last summer, while wandering along the lovely porticoes of Bologna, I found myself in the Piazza Santo Stefano and saw the Basilica of the same name, peeping through the pillars. This was a church I'd been meaning to visit so I stepped inside and I am so glad...
I recently spent a wonderful weekend in London staying at the smart, Millennium Gloucester Hotel in South Kensington. You can read my review of the hotel, which I loved, on the Boutique Travel Blog but I'd also like to show you more about this lovely area of London...
I'd heard good things about the Natural History Museum in South Kensington in London, so when we arrived to find a long queue I wasn't too worried, thinking it would be worth the wait. And boy, was it worth it. Even without a single exhibit inside this is a must see...
If ever a town has mastered the art of reinvention it has to Roubaix on the outskirts of Lille in northern France. Where else can you dine at a garage or foundry, admire magnificent sculptures and paintings in an art deco swimming pool and sleep in a bubble or an...
Last year when I visited The Christmas market at Winchester, I took the opportunity to look inside the cathedral and I am so glad I did. Never before have I walked into a building and literally gasped out loud! In the heart of the historic city of Winchester, the...
Brick Lane, in a part of East London once known for its slums and Jack the Ripper, has long since been famous for its Indian restaurants, markets and the biggest Bangladeshi community in London. Brick Lane Market The best time to visit Brick Lane is without doubt on a...
Camden is one of my favourite parts of London. Full of life throughout the day and late into the night there's plenty to see and do there whether you're looking for interesting shops, great inexpensive restaurants, lively pubs, superb live music or simply fancy a spot...
