Things to see, do, eat and drink in Sherborne, Dorset
From great pubs and restaurants to the best things to see and do, here’s my guide to the historic town of Sherborne, Dorset.
Eastbury Hotel and Spa, Sherborne, Dorset
Winner “Best Value Hotel” for the Condenast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2023, The Eastbury is an elegant, luxury hotel with a wonderfully quirky spa with a great range of accommodation options.
Seaside Holidays in the UK – The Beach Huts Suites
If you are looking for a seaside holiday in the UK, the Beachcroft Beach Hut Suites make a stylish choice for couples or families of four.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to make the perfect Christmas pudding
Christmas pudding traditions date back over one hundred years at the medieval hotel, The Spread Eagle in Midhurst, West Sussex. I recently spent a fabulous day there learning how to make the perfect Christmas pudding.
Make it a Red Letter Day with an experience gift this Christmas
Most of us have far too many ‘things’ in our lives, so this Christmas why not give an experience gift instead from Red Letter Days. I opted for a luxury spa day but what would your ultimate experience gift be?
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.
Top 10 things to do in London at Christmas
Famous department stores decorated in festive bling, twinkling lights draped above the streets as bright red double-decker buses pass by and sparkling Christmas trees of every size are plentiful. Wine is mulling, chestnuts are roasting and a rosy-cheeked, white-bearded Santa seems to be everywhere at once — how does he do that? — there really is no place like London at Christmas.
Best places to visit in October in the UK and beyond
One of my favourite times of year for travel is October, as the days grow shorter and the weather becomes cooler. Both in the UK and throughout the rest of Europe there’s less demand for holiday packages and hotel rooms, so prices drop and popular locations are less crowded than in the summer months. Here are my top 10 choices for October holidays in the UK, Europe and beyond and my tips for getting the most out of your travels.
Autumn walks around Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve
Each autumn across the English countryside, there’s a soft light that’s particularly lovely early in the morning or late in the afternoon, casting long shadows and an ethereal glow across the landscape. One of my favourite places to enjoy autumn walks in this ‘golden hour’ is around Pagham Harbour in West Sussex.
Celebrate autumn — 5 outdoor activities for all the family
With summer nearly over here are five fun autumn activities ideas to inspire you to get off the computer and outdoors with family or friends.
Great London Restaurants: Social Wine and Tapas
Stylish, sleek and atmospheric, I immediately loved the vibe at Social Wine and Tapas. Being part of the Michelin-starred chef Jason’s Atherton’s group of restaurants (which can be found around the world, including 9 eateries in London alone), I was expecting good...
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...
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.
5 Steps to the perfect weekend in Swanage, Dorset
Swanage is the perfect choice for a weekend break by the sea, any time of year. There’s plenty to do, see and eat – you definitely won’t leave disappointed.
Join a Cotswolds Mystery Tour and discover quintessential England
Travel from grey London to the villages of the quintessentially English countryside on The Cotswolds Mystery Tour, and prepare to be enchanted.
Where to find the best Christmas lights in London
Christmas in London is just magical. And the annual Christmas lights display, in particular in Regent Street this year, is not to be missed. Follow my self-guided walking tour to see the best of the festive displays.