Birdwatching in The Gambia, West Africa

Birdwatching in The Gambia, West Africa

With over 540 species of birds, The Gambia in West Africa, offers superb birdwatching opportunities. With its beautiful beaches, colourful culture, monkeys, markets and more, all just a 6-hour flight away from the UK, it’s a fabulous holiday destination for all.

Eastbury Hotel and Spa, 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.

How to spend the perfect day in Durham city centre

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

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...

What to wear cold water swimming

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...

Where to find the most beautiful places in the UK

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

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 wildlife of Borneo and the Kinabatangan River

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...

The best bars in Belfast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

A night on the river in Makasutu Forest

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...

Top 15 things to see, do and eat in Eastbourne

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

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.

The Best Things to See and Do, Eat and Drink in Belfast

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

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

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

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

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.

Travel more responsibly on an eco-chic holiday

Travel more responsibly on an eco-chic holiday

Would you like to travel more responsibly but don’t want to give up your creature comforts? If yes, I agree with you, that is my favourite way to travel too. Whether you are after a luxurious once-in-a-lifetime eco-safari in Africa, or a stylish European city break...

Wonderful waterfalls for wild swimming

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

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...

Our guide to the prettiest villages in England

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.