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Travel diaries providing inspiration for planning the perfect trip

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  • Snowy trees in Poznan, Poland

    Festive Fun in Poznań: Christmas Market and Must-See Museums

    After a hearty breakfast in our hotel we took Tram 3 to Citadel Park in the Kmieca district, just north of the city centre.  There had been a light sprinkling of snow overnight which had given the park a winter wonderland like appearance.  The park sits on Winiary Hill covering 89 hectares and was a…

  • Poznan Christmas Market

    Explore Poznań in Winter: Christmas Markets, Culture & Cosy Cafés

    To coincide with the introduction of Ryanair’s new route between Manchester and Poznań we decided to check out another of Poland’s city break destinations.  Poznań is the capital of the Wielkopolska region and noted for its Renaissance Town Hall as well as being being home to Poland’s oldest cathedral.  Our flight the previous afternoon departed…

  • Derby Guildhall

    A Festive City Break in Derby: Christmas Markets, Museums, Pantomime & Local Charm

    A surprise invitation dropped into my inbox inviting me to enjoy a festive break in Derby on the weekend before Christmas.  It’s always fun to visit somewhere new and with the prospect of some sightseeing, shopping, eating, drinking and a night at the panto it took me less than a minute to decide to say…

  • Manchester Christmas Markets

    Manchester Christmas Market and Pantomime: The Perfect Festive Combo

    It wouldn’t be a proper Christmas for me without a visit to Manchester as it’s a city that knows exactly how to put on the Yuletide cheer.  Christmas markets are to be found all over the centre and when darkness falls the charming little wooden huts take on even more of a magical charm with…

  • Christmas Baubles

    Getting festive at the Jet2 City Breaks Christmas Event

    A few weeks ago I was excited to receive an email from the lovely people at Jet2 inviting me to attend their bloggers Christmas party and before I knew it the day had arrived.  All glammed up with party dress on, I caught a train into Leeds and found my way to Headrow House located…

  • Views of Lough Erne from the Magho Viewpoint

    Visit Lough Erne & Castle Coole: Hidden Gems of Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

    The final day of our road trip had come around much too quickly, a sure sign that we’d been enjoying every minute.  Going down for breakfast at Belmore Court & Motel was one of the best as we started with cereals, fresh fruit, cheese, pastries and yoghurt. If this wasn’t enough we then moved onto…

  • Enniskillen Castle

    Northern Ireland Outdoors: Marble Arch Caves and Hydro Biking in the Fermanagh Lakelands

    Staying overnight at the Yeats Country Hotel had been a good option for exploring the Sligo section of the Wild Atlantic Way.  Breakfast was served in the restaurant and seated at a window table we were able to take in the sea views whilst setting ourselves up for the day. After bidding our farewell to the…

  • Strandhill Beach, Sligo

    Discover Sligo: Oyster Tasting and Rejuvenating Seaweed Baths

    Starting the day in Strandhill, Sligo we drew back the curtains to beautiful views across the bay and after enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet we checked out of Strandhill Lodge and Suites.  Leaving there, we took the car the short distance down to the beach where we were pleased to find free parking. It was…

  • Slieve League Cliffs, Donegal

    Discover Donegal Town, Handmade Hanna Hats & Breathtaking Slieve League Cliffs

    We slept soundly in our beautiful suite at the Abbey Hotel and feeling refreshed,  headed downstairs for breakfast in their Market House restaurant.  After being tempted with an array of hot and cold dishes we were ready for the day ahead and a morning stroll around the attractive small town of Donegal. Our walk took…

  • Glenveagh National Park, Donegal

    Exploring Glenveagh National Park and Letterkenny in Donegal

    After enjoying a traditional Irish breakfast at the Dillons Hotel in Letterkenny we explored the town.  The hotel is located along Main Street, reputed to be one of the longest in Ireland and is lined with a varied collection of shops, cafes and bars. In the market square we viewed four life size bronze sculptures entitled…

  • Giant's Causeway

    Giant’s Causeway and Ballycastle Boat Tour: Must-See Attractions in Northern Ireland

    After staying overnight at The Causeway Hotel we started the day with a hearty breakfast in the hotel’s elegant dining room to ready ourselves for an action packed day exploring the Giant’s Causeway and surrounding coastline. After returning to our room and checking out we didn’t have far to go as The Causeway Hotel is…

  • Binevenagh mountain, Northern Ireland

    From Mountain Views to Handmade Chocolates: Binevenagh and Chocolate Manor

    We awoke refreshed at The Willows after sleeping on such comfortable mattresses in our delightful Aspen bedroom.  Drawing back the curtains we were dismayed to discover it was raining heavily, not a good sign for a planned hiking trip! To lift our spirits we wandered down to the dining room to be greeted by the cheerful…

  • St. Eugene's Cathedral, Derry

    Exploring Derry Guildhall and the Historic Bogside, Northern Ireland

    We started the day with a leisurely breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Derry~Londonderry.  After checking out of the hotel and leaving our bags to collect later in the day we walked across the Peace Bridge as we had only viewed it after dark the previous evening.  Since it’s opening in 2011 the bridge has…

  • Derry Peace Bridge and Centre

    Exploring Derry, Northern Ireland and Enjoying a Derry Girls Afternoon Tea

    This is the first in a series of posts on our recent 10 day road trip across Ireland – starting in Derry/ Londonderry before travelling along the Causeway Coast and then down the Wild Atlantic Way – I hope you enjoy reading. We arrived into City of Derry Airport the previous evening, flying with Loganair…

  • Brighton Pier

    Discover Brighton: A Complete Travel Guide

    Brighton – What to see and do British Airways i360 Start by visiting the i360 viewing tower, opened in 2016 on the site of the old West Pier.  Over 25 minutes the large glass capsule rises to a height of 450ft (138m), offering great views both along the coast and inland across the South Downs.…

  • Bridgewater Canal Basin, Manchester

    Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Manchester

    MANCHESTER – WHAT TO SEE AND DO Manchester Town Hall Located in Albert Square and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.  It’s a fine example of Neo-Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom.  Constructed in 1877 at a cost of £1m and containing more than 14m bricks it’s a joy to behold.  The…

  • Top Free Things to See and Do in Helsinki

    In addition to a large selection of world renowned museums, galleries and attractions for which an entrance ticket is required, there are many inexpensive ways to enjoy a short break in Helsinki.  Listed below are my suggestions for some really lovely free things to see and do. Helsinki City Museum – located on the corner of…

  • Cafe Kampela, Helsinki

    Where to Find the Best Seaside Cafes in Helsinki

    Finn’s love their coffee, consuming the most per capita in the world.  As you might expect, there’s a vibrant coffee culture and to experience the best that Finland has to offer you really need to try an authentic cinnamon bun (korvapuusti).  Versions of these buns have been around since the 18th century and it has…

  • Helsinki Market Square and Cathedral

    Making the Most of the Helsinki Card: Attractions, Transport & Savings

    A three day Helsinki Card might at first glance seem expensive as it costs €74 but as it covers a wide range of attractions and scenic boat trips that can cost at least €20 each then it’s possible to make substantial savings whilst using the card.  It is also valid on public transport including trams,…

  • Visit Helsinki Sign

    Helsinki Weekend Break: The Ultimate Guide to Explore the City

    Visiting Helsinki, Finland’s beautiful capital city is a delight at any time of year.  Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, the Helsinki archipelago consists of over 300 picturesque islands and wherever you are in the city, it is never far from the sea. Getting there: Helsinki International Airport is located in the…

  • Prom Cafe at Pier Approach, Bournemouth

    A Leisurely Walk from Bournemouth to Westbourne: What to See Along the Way

    Continuing my series of walks in and around Bournemouth, we recently took a 3.5 mile looped walk along the promenade, through Alum Chine to Westbourne and then returning through the Central and Lower Gardens.  The scenery is varied and there are some lovely cafes along the way to stop off for a bite to eat…

  • Christchurch Priory

    A walk around Christchurch, Dorset

    The picturesque riverside town of Christchurch lies a short distance from its larger neighbour Bournemouth on the south coast of England in beautiful Dorset.  The town is easily accessible as it is on the main rail line between London Waterloo and Weymouth and is well connected to nearby larger towns by regular bus services. It…

  • Canal boat on the Kennet and Avon, Newbury

    Newbury Canal Walk to Speen Moors: A Scenic Nature Trail

    We decided to spend the day in the attractive market town of Newbury which lies in the heart of West Berkshire.  The town is approximately 30 minutes drive from Oxford and around an hour by train from London.  We left the car in the Newbury Goldwell car park beside the leisure centre on Northcroft Lane…

  • Regent's Canal, London

    Regent’s Canal Walk: From King’s Cross to Paddington – A Scenic Urban Stroll

    This 5 mile walk along the Regent’s Canal passes through some of London’s best kept secrets including Regent’s Park and Little Venice whilst avoiding the congestion and crowds of life in the capital. Our walk started outside King’s Cross station from where we wandered around the corner to Granary Square and the vibrant Coal Drops…

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