“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” ― Bill Bryson
One of the iconic western cities, London can easily fill an entire week of non-stop tourism. Read over any 48-hour guide and you’ll find glaring omissions, even after you’ve spent 2 days romping through Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the British Museum. Almost always overlooked are the day-to-day pleasures of palaces, parks, pubs, pints and pies.
But stick within city limits and you’ll miss the famous English countryside. Add to your trip the natural beauty of the white cliffs of Dover, the Cotswolds, the Peak District, Lake District and the beachfront in Brighton. Then add Britain’s historic little towns, from home of the world-famous Oxford University or Cambridge University to the home of The Beatles in Liverpool and Manchester.
Wrap yourself up with an overcoat and scarf, get a steaming cup of Glühwein between your mittens and soak up some Christmas cheer with a tour of London’s Christmas markets.
This 12th century abbey was once one of England’s largest and most prosperous. That is, until 1536 when Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Over the following centuries, Fountains Abbey was slowly reclaimed by nature.
On my road trip from England to Scotland, I spent a day in Kirkby Stephen - a tiny country town on the way to the Lake District. It was the most refreshing reminder of the importance of slowing down from time to time.
London is best explored by foot - slowly and with curious eyes. There are surprises around every corner, as my latest London walk confirmed. Beginning at Postman’s Park and ending at St. Dunstan in the East Church Gardens, I encountered many beautiful gardens and buildings along the way.
A visit to Kew Gardens is always a good idea! There is so much to see and do at these expansive botanical gardens - and you’ll love every moment of exploration - but be sure not to miss these highlights!
If you have just eight hours in Cambridge, you’ll only see a small portion of what this charming university city has to offer — but you can certainly get a good taste. Be sure to set your sights on these top things to do in Cambridge.
There's more than one way to spend a day in Bath. Whether you spend your day visiting museums or wandering through Bath’s Georgian-era landmarks, you’re sure to fall deeply in love with this picturesque city.
My mum made her first visit to London. Determined to show her how fantastic this city is, I put together the ultimate London itinerary. Two weeks in London with mum went like this...
Sitting on the 38th floor of the third tallest building in London, Duck & Waffle is a restaurant defined by its inability to be defined.
It’s not just the location that makes The Barge House so highly sought after. Famous for its ‘Breakfast in Bread’ brunch menu, the name (almost) speaks for itself.
Have something to celebrate? Put on your best dress and take up a booth at Bob Bob Ricard. And don’t forget to press for champagne.
An afternoon tea you won’t soon forget. Experience Sketch by David Shrigley before this ever-evolving venue transforms into something else entirely.
I almost missed my flight from Luton Airport to Amsterdam due to sheer carelessness. This leads me to introduce my latest guide: How to get to Luton Airport.
No preparations can save you from the hardship that is settling into the UK. Here’s a list of my hard-learned lessons.
I booked my first ever Airbnb - a private room. Immediately after, I booked my second - an entire place. If you've ever wondered about the benefits of a private room versus an entire place, this is my experience of both.
I'm a little slow to jump on board trends, which probably explains why in 2017, I booked my first Airbnb. I can now say that I am wholeheartedly converted.