United Kingdom
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The Perfect Weekend in South Derbyshire: Top Attractions & Tips
We’ve enjoyed numerous lovely weekends away in Derbyshire’s Peak District so for a change we decided to explore South Derbyshire which is noted for its gently rolling countryside and characterful villages. Follow my suggested itinerary for the perfect short break. Day 1: Getting to South Derbyshire We planned to base our trip in the historic…
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Wotton House Hotel, Dorking, Surrey Review
Hotel Review Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Surrey Hills countryside, Wotton House Hotel is a historic 17th century country house hotel set within 13 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The hotel was originally the centre of the Wotton Estate and the birthplace of the diarist and landscape gardener John Evelyn, who constructed the first Italian garden in England…
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The Crown Hotel, Harrogate Review
Hotel Review Harrogate is a spa town in North Yorkshire noted for its beautiful parks, gardens, elegant buildings, Turkish baths, high class shops and tearooms. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the town and staying at the beautiful The Crown Hotel. Location: The Crown Hotel sits in the heart of the beautiful town of…
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How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in the Durham Dales
Our short break in the north east of England was centred around the southern border of County Durham. This part of the county is noted for its stunning scenery, splendid cultural attractions and attractive small towns. It was our first visit to the area and I looked forward to our short break. Day 1 –…
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The Milner Hotel, York Review
Hotel Review The Milner Hotel started life in 1853 during the early days of the the British railway era under the ownership of the North Eastern Railway Company. This grand old station hotel was sold off from the railways in 1982 and after varied ownership its latest rebrand as The Milner took place in October…
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Hewn Yorkshire, Luxury Glamping Review
Accommodation Review Hewn Yorkshire is an adults only escape from hectic daily life. Sheltered from the wind in a historic quarry are 12 luxurious cabins offering wood fired wellness and authentic Finnish sauna bathing. It sounded just my sort of place so off I went to experience it for myself. Location: Hewn Yorkshire sits at…
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Weetwood Hall Estate, Leeds Review
Hotel Review Location: Weetwood Hall Estate is a luxurious four star country house hotel set within nine acres of parkland on the outskirts of Leeds, West Yorkshire. The estate has been built around a 17th century Jacobean Manor House and is steeped in history, with parts of the property dating back as far as 1540.…
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voco Winchester Hotel and Spa Review
Hotel Review The former Holiday Inn Winchester was rebranded to voco Winchester Hotel & Spa in October 2024 following a complete refurbishment programme which took 8 months and a cost of £2 million. Voco Hotels is IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand and as we hadn’t stayed in one previously we looked forward to the opportunity of being invited to review a stay.…
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Moxy Manchester City Centre Review
Hotel Review Moxy Manchester City is part of the Marriott family of hotels offering a fun vibe combined with affordable luxury. The previous year I’d had the pleasure of staying at Moxy The Hague so I was interested to find out how Moxy Manchester compared. Location: Moxy Manchester opened in early 2022 and is located…
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Four Counties Ring – Part 4 Completing the Circle
On entering the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal at Autherley Junction the character of the waterway changes once again. First, Pendeford Rockin, a narrow cutting with passing places through a rocky outcrop, then meandering with evenly spaced locks. We found this section of the canal to be very attractive with its many arched bridges. Slightly further on we came across…
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The Four Counties Ring – Part 3: Cheshire, Shropshire and the West Midlands
Continuing our canal boat holiday around the Four Counties Ring from Nantwich, the Shropshire Union mainline canal journeys south leaving Cheshire after Audlem and then follows the Shropshire/Staffordshire border to the outskirts of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. The Shropshire Union Canal (affectionately referred to as the Shroppie) was completed in 1835 and played a…
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Narrowboating on The Four Counties Ring – Part 2 Cheshire
Shortly after our passage through the Harecastle Tunnel we left Staffordshire behind and continued into Cheshire. It was to be a busy day as we approached the summit of Heartbreak Hill which is aptly named as the canal descends from the summit via 31 locks over 12 miles, meaning lots of work for us boaters!…
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Narrowboating on The Four Counties Ring – Part 1 Staffordshire
Day One: After enjoying short break boating holidays over the previous two years we were definitely hooked and ready for a bigger challenge. The idea of following a ‘ring’ appealed to us instead of a ‘there and back’ boat trip where you need to turn the boat round and retrace your steps mid-way. A ring…
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The Old Police Station at Montgomery House, Leeds Review
Hotel Review The Old Police Station at Montgomery House has just opened its doors in the vibrant suburb of Headingley, a ten minute drive from Leeds city centre. The former police station had been abandoned for almost twenty years and was in a poor state of repair until Alex Ball, his partner and a couple…
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How to Spend a Day at World of Wedgwood: Tours, Workshops & Afternoon Tea
World of Wedgwood is an award winning tourist attraction set in 240 acres of countryside in the village of Barlaston, Staffordshire. The area is known as ‘The Potteries’ and is home to the world famous Wedgwood brand, a company is steeped in rich heritage. Spanning over 260 wonderful years, Wedgwood continues today to be renowned…
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Exploring RHS Harlow Carr Garden in Autumn: What to See and Do
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Harlow Carr Garden is one of five public gardens run by the RHS and is located one and a half miles from the centre of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Getting there: We arrived by car, with ample free parking available. For visitors using public transport there are regular trains to Harrogate from both…
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Dinner at Hotel du Vin, Harrogate Review
We were recently invited to experience the Hotel du Vin’s taster menu with wine pairings at its stylish hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The hotel is located on an elegant Regency terrace in the centre of the spa town and overlooks the Stray which is one of Harrogate’s best known landmarks. The Stray covers 200…
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Exploring Sunny Bank Mills Museum: Leeds’ Hidden Textile Heritage
Sunny Bank Mills is a former woollen mill that has found new life as a cultural and commercial destination near Leeds, West Yorkshire. Established in 1829, the mills have been regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners to create a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture. Last year marked 10 years of…
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School Lane Hotel, Liverpool Review
Hotel Review: Location: School Lane Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel housed in an 1850’s building located along a quiet lane just steps away from the heart of the Liverpool One shopping district with its many high end shops, bars and restaurants. Getting there: Liverpool is well connected by road via the M6, M62, M58…
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Twr y Felin Hotel, St. Davids, Wales Review
Hotel Review Twr y Felin Hotel (translated from Welsh to mean Mill Tower) started life as a windmill built in 1806 and is perfectly positioned on the Pembrokeshire peninsula to harvest the ever-blowing winds. It operated for 100 years before the sails fell off and then became a temperance hotel. Today it is Wales’ first…
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The Falcondale Hotel, Lampeter, Wales Review
Hotel Review The Falcondale Hotel is a 150 year old Italianate style villa situated just outside the university town of Lampeter in mid-Wales. Being only 30 minutes drive from the coastal villages of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the area. Location Take the M4 and follow…
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Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, Llandudno Review
Hotel Review Location: Bodysgallen Hall is a Grade 1 17th century manor house that has been sympathetically restored by Historic House Hotels Limited since 1980 and was given to the National Trust in 2008. It is one of the three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust and is located in over 200 acres of parkland two miles…
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Roch Castle, St. Davids, Wales Review
Roch Castle is a luxury hotel located nine miles from St. Davids in Pembrokeshire. The castle dates back to the late 12th century having been built by Adam de Rupe, a Norman knight and is just one of a few inhabited castles of its age in the United Kingdom. It was later re-built as a…
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Great Yorkshire Show 2024: Family Fun, Farming, and Entertainment Guide
One of the highlight’s of my summer calendar is to spend time at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The four day event celebrates agricultural excellence and attracts a sell out audience who snap up all the tickets during the weeks prior to the show’s opening. The showground covers a whopping 250 acre…
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