Category: United Kingdom

Staying relaxed... with a staycation

Staying relaxed... with a staycation

We’re all familiar with the travel giant Expedia and how it serves as a one-stop shop for booking flights, hotels, car hire and package holidays. It’s led the way in online travel since before the millennium, having originally formed in 1999. But did you know that Expedia also has a dedicated staycation section on its
Tipsy history of Lake District country estates

Tipsy history of Lake District country estates

‘Tis soon to be the season to be merry, so we thought we’d take a look at the history behind some of the Lake District’s best country estate attractions where music, wine and good food would have flowed. From brewing families to gin merchants, we have found a merry tale or two indeed! Join us
London's 5 most interesting eating experiences

London's 5 most interesting eating experiences

London has come a long way when it comes to food over the last 15 years. Not only has it escaped its previously terrible reputation for dreadful food, it is now home to some of the top restaurants in the world. One of the latest trends in London food has been to turn eating into
Short stay: The Rosebery Aparthotel, Clerkenwell, London, UK

Short stay: The Rosebery Aparthotel, Clerkenwell, London, UK

When attending the World Travel Market, I stayed in a studio apartment at The Rosebery from Supercity Aparthotels. Situated on Rosebery Avenue in Clerkenwell, the accommodation is within easy walking distance of two Underground stations – Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan lines) and Chancery Lane (Central line). This meant I could get to
Top 5 spots for afternoon tea in Edinburgh

Top 5 spots for afternoon tea in Edinburgh

Though the Scottish capital city is brimming with all manner of things to see and do, after a lengthy day of exploring, there’s sometimes nothing better than savouring a cup of tea and a scone with your feet up! Whether cute and cosy or luxurious and decadent, these tried and tested afternoon tea offerings have
Video of the week: The Loch Ness watchman

Video of the week: The Loch Ness watchman

The Loch Ness Monster is one of our most enduring myths. People have sought to uncover ol’ Nessie’s secrets for 1,500 years. But only one man has devoted his life to learning the truth… and living alone in a van by the loch to do so. Meet Steve Feltham, Nessie’s full-time watchman since 1991.
Short stay: Chestnut Cottage, Arbor Holiday and Knightcote Farm Cottages, Warwickshire

Short stay: Chestnut Cottage, Arbor Holiday and Knightcote Farm Cottages, Warwickshire

Our latest stay was at Chestnut Cottage close to the wonderfully-named village of Bishops Itchington – a VisitEngland 5 Star Gold Award property located just a short distance from the M40 motorway in Warwickshire, and listed on the Premier Cottages website. Premier Cottages’ collection features almost 1,000 four and five-star self-catering cottages across the UK.
Top 5 Lake District treks

Top 5 Lake District treks

Treks around the epic mountain and lake scenery of England’s largest National Park, the Lake District, continue to be the feature as well as inspiration for blockbuster movies, novels and famous artworks. From Star Wars to the soon-to-be-released live action remake of Peter Rabbit by Sony Pictures, the Lake District is a hotbed of cultural
5 of the world's best serviced apartments for the business traveller

5 of the world's best serviced apartments for the business traveller

Travel around the world on business a lot? If you do, you’ll no doubt appreciate the comfort of a good quality, long-term base when you travel – something that gives you more independence and privacy than a traditional hotel stay. We spoke to our friends at Vision Apartments to identify five luxury apartments that you
Edinburgh: a city that thrives in winter

Edinburgh: a city that thrives in winter

As records prove, Edinburgh is not a warm city. Not even the most ardent festival fanatic will claim that the weather, as well as the laughs, are incredible in August. So don’t deny or ignore the cold – embrace it. Because Edinburgh is built for it, Edinburgh thrives in winter: It’s built for short days
The world's most exciting city? A compelling debate

The world's most exciting city? A compelling debate

In partnership with The Platinum Card® from American Express® You may recall that I was planning to attend an event hosted by 1843 Magazine and The Platinum Card from American Express recently – a debate in which five different cities, proposed by five different panellists, were put forward as contenders for the title of the
5 reasons to celebrate Christmas in Edinburgh

5 reasons to celebrate Christmas in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is at its most magical around the festive season, which is why it continues to draw visitors who are captivated by the variety of experiences the city has to offer. Here are just five reasons to celebrate Christmas in Scotland’s capital. Light up the town For the past two years Edinburgh’s street of light
The most exciting city in the world?

The most exciting city in the world?

In partnership with the Platinum Card® from American Express® Inspirational, intriguing cities are dotted all over the world offering visitors enriching experiences, brushing with fascinating eras of history, embracing different cultures and enjoying delicious culinary creations. I have been lucky enough to visit some of the world’s most iconic cities, as well as some lesser
Top 5 outdoor activities in the Lake District

Top 5 outdoor activities in the Lake District

The Lake District is one of the top outdoor adventure playgrounds in the world. Its World Heritage Status and National Park protection means her natural beauty of over 200 mountains, 16 lakes and 26 miles of coastline, is protected and made accessible for all to enjoy. All contained within 2,362 square kilometres, it is really
Short stay: Whatley Manor, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, UK

Short stay: Whatley Manor, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, UK

Whatley Manor, situated three miles from Malmesbury in a sleepy corner of Wiltshire, was purchased in 2000 and painstakingly restored and brought back to its former glory by the Landolt family. This traditional country house hotel was converted from a 19th century farmhouse and opened in 2003 with a commitment to make it a destination
48 hours in Plymouth, UK

48 hours in Plymouth, UK

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve visited Plymouth now, but this historical, marine city by the sea just keeps giving me new experiences. Here are my top picks for a weekend visit: Walking the Hoe Firstly, blow those cobwebs away and get yourself oriented by taking a breezy saunter along the seafront, known