Author Archive for Judy Johnson

Review: Radisson RED Liverpool, UK

Review: Radisson RED Liverpool, UK

Whilst the Radisson RED Liverpool is brand new - just two months old when we visited - the building itself is Grade II Listed and was originally opened as the first railway hotel in the country, dating back to the 1800s.
Review: SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Kelso, Scotland, UK

Review: SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Kelso, Scotland, UK

The SCHLOSS Roxburghe has a long and interesting life and could tell many a tale of romance, war and uprisings since the 12th century, which include Bonny Prince Charlie and a white rose bush said to still bloom today.
An enchanted evening at Stoke Park

An enchanted evening at Stoke Park

Founded in 1908, Stoke Park is the perfect place to enjoy life in a five star and friendly atmosphere. They provide a unique combination of the traditions of an exclusive club and the best of today’s sporting, leisure, entertaining and hotel facilities in one of the most convenient locations in Britain. Stoke Park’s Country Club,
Combining golf with gourmet cuisine at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, UK

Combining golf with gourmet cuisine at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, UK

The last time I played golf at Stoke Park, I was only able to play four of the middle nine holes dues to a visiting party following behind us. On a recent visit I was therefore able to rectify this and played the full 1 to 18 holes. Stoke Park has 27 holes made up
A foodie break at Fishmore Hall, Ludlow, UK

A foodie break at Fishmore Hall, Ludlow, UK

Ludlow has for many decades been the Mecca for foodies in the UK and now it has another. Sitting just outside the town is the elegant Georgian house known as Fishmore Hall. This remarkable building has been lovingly restored and now operates as a 3 star boutique hotel and spa with fine dining. The 15
Specialist holidays with Authentic Adventures

Specialist holidays with Authentic Adventures

There appears to be a growing trend for travellers to look for holidays that match either their existing interests or hobbies or take up new challenges. I have just returned from one such holiday organised by Authentic Adventures who specialise in walking, singing and painting tours with specialist tutors in those fields. I travelled to
The perfect pre-cursor to Wimbledon: The Boodles, Stoke Park

The perfect pre-cursor to Wimbledon: The Boodles, Stoke Park

Anyone for tennis? These words are synonymous with Wimbledon but there is a new venue rapidly gaining recognition as THE place to warm up before the two weeks before the famous Championships. This is The Boodles at Stoke Park – a glorious setting for a wonderful event for the tennis fan but also appreciated by
A luxury golf break at Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire, UK

A luxury golf break at Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire, UK

Set high above the magnificent 18 hole Championship Ailsa golf course along the spectacular Ayrshire coastline overlooking the majestic Irish Sea and the bird sanctuary on the island of Ailsa Craig sits the remarkable Trump Turnberry Hotel. This is part of President Donald Trump’s portfolio of businesses. Whilst the President currently has matters of state
A luxury golf break at Stoke Park Country Club, Spa and Hotel, Buckinghamshire, UK

A luxury golf break at Stoke Park Country Club, Spa and Hotel, Buckinghamshire, UK

The estate of Stoke Park has a long history dating back over 900 years but it was John Penn – 1760 to 1834 – who was responsible for most of what you can see today. In the latter part of the 18th century James Wyatt, architect to King George III,  worked on the development of
Salamanca - a city of many pleasures

Salamanca - a city of many pleasures

Whether your interests are architecture, religion, art, history, music, education, food or sport Salamanca has something for you. I went as an independent visitor travelling from Segovia by bus having already visited Irun, Hondarribia and Toledo, all with ease and comfort either by train or bus. All the towns had some interest for me in
Top tips for a memorable weekend in Lincoln, UK

Top tips for a memorable weekend in Lincoln, UK

800 years ago, pilgrims travelling to Lincoln would have been able to see the distant tower of the cathedral long before they reached their destination. And today that splendid building can still be seen from afar. Visitors arriving by car will quickly find themselves down by the River Witham where there are modern developments and
Special feature: The Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course, Kelso, Scotland

Special feature: The Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course, Kelso, Scotland

The wonderful welcome from Robyn at reception is typical of the staff at the Roxburghe. Always at hand, always willing, yet never interfering. This wonderful Georgian house, owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, is situated on the banks of the River Teviot. This river, together with the Tweed where the Duke also has beats available
Special feature: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, South Africa

Special feature: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, South Africa

My husband and I were indeed fortunate and privileged to stay for three nights at Bushmans Kloof.   I had been hankering to stay there for many years as I had heard much about it and it certainly did not disappoint us in any way.   The beauty of the site is breathtaking – so
Special feature: Sheraton Bilbao Hotel, Bilbao, Spain

Special feature: Sheraton Bilbao Hotel, Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao is a vibrant city being brought back to life by the reconstruction of old shipyards into areas alive with walkways, parks and stunning architecture and sculptures. Nestled amongst this redevelopment is the Sheraton Bilbao Hotel – itself an individual piece of architecture – which was designed by the father and son team of architects