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  • Moxy Manchester City Centre

    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…

  • Tixall Lock, on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal

    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…

  • Norbury Junction on the Shropshire Union Canal

    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…

  • Black Prince narrowboat in Cheshire

    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!…

  • Black Prince Canal Boat

    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…

  • The Gomerino Hotel, Valletta, Malta

    The Gomerino Hotel, Valletta, Malta Review

    Hotel Review Malta is a small Mediterranean island that’s popular for its pristine beaches and guaranteed sunny weather between Easter and October.  It’s also perfect for a winter break with temperatures averaging 18 degrees.  In December, Malta transforms into a wonderland full of festive events, dazzling Christmas lights and plenty of seasonal cheer for all…

  • Fazer Experience

    How to spend a layover at Helsinki Airport

    With time on your hands at the airport why not check out my suggestions of attractions to visit nearby. One can easily be reached on foot while the other two can be visited by public transport or by taking a taxi from the airport. Finland’s capital Helsinki is beautiful but it’s also interesting to discover…

  • Motel One, Hamburg Airport

    Motel One, Hamburg Airport Review

    Hotel Review Motel One is a design hotel chain, founded in Germany and to be found throughout Europe with one hotel in New York City.  Don’t let the name ‘motel’ put you off as the chain is far removed from the motel concept offering affordable, stylish hotel accommodation. Location: Motel One Hamburg Airport is situated…

  • 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…

  • General Grant National Monument, New York

    Experience the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Explore Morningside Heights, NYC”

    Morningside Heights Our day began with a subway journey to Morningside Heights, a district located between Upper West Side and Harlem. It’s the home of Columbia University which was founded in 1754 and an affluent neighbourhood with some architectural gems. Columbia University We explored the beautiful university campus with its grand old buildings standing proud…

  • Long Island Signs at Gantry Plaza State Park, New York City

    Explore Little Island and Gantry Plaza State Park: NYC’s Waterfront Gems

    Little Island Little Island is an award winning park located at Pier 55 within the Hudson River Park. Lying close to New York’s Meatpacking district and Chelsea neighbourhoods of Manhattan. The nearest subway station is at 14th Street/ 8th Avenue. The pier was created from the remains of Pier 54 which served as a port…

  • View from the Top of the Rock, New York

    How to Visit Top of the Rock and Discover Brooklyn in One Day

    Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center We woke to a bright, sunny morning which couldn’t have worked out better for our planned visit to the observation deck at the Top of the Rockefeller Center. It was only a short walk from our hotel but if you are staying further away the nearest subway station is…

  • View from the Top of the Rock, New York

    Empire State Building and walking the High Line

    Empire State Building After grabbing breakfast close to our hotel near Times Square we hopped on the subway to Penn Station so that we could visit one of New York City’s most iconic attractions, that of the Empire State Building, standard admission €44 (£34.82). Substantial savings can be made by purchasing a New York CITYPASS…

  • Grand Central Terminal, New York

    How to Spend the Perfect Day in Manhattan, New York City

    We started the day by taking a B train to 81st Street in the Upper West Side, an upscale neighbourhood located west of Central Park. This leafy, residential district is categorised by its four and five storey brownstone townhouses built between the late 19th and early 20th century. American Museum of Natural History After popping…

  • Statue of Liberty, New York

    Visiting Liberty and Ellis Island and riding the Roosevelt Tramway New York

    We drew back the curtains to a bright, sunny morning, just perfect for our planned excursion over to Liberty and Ellis Islands.  The nearest subway station is at Whitehall Street – South Ferry just a short walk from the ferry terminal in Battery Park. Fortunately, we didn’t have to join a lengthy queue to purchase…

  • New York City Skyline

    New York City: Exploring the Financial District

    Day 1: It had been more than eight years since our last visit to New York City so we were overdue a return trip. We had booked flights with British Airways to JFK with a connecting flight from Manchester to Heathrow. Since last travelling long haul with British Airways they have upped their game with…

  • The World of Volvo, Gothenburg

    The World of Volvo, Gothenburg

    A treat lay in store for our last full day in Gothenburg as we had been invited to visit the newly opened World of Volvo exhibition centre located close to the Liseberg Amusement Park. We boarded a tram to the nearest stop at Liseberg Södra from where it was just a short walk to the…

  • Gothenburg, Sweden

    What to See and Do in Gothenburg: A Complete Travel Guide

    After enjoying a delicious Scandinavian buffet breakfast at the Scandic Gothenburg Central we strolled along to the nearest tram stop to get us into the spirit of exploring a tram museum. Gothenburg Tram Museum is housed in an old tram depot not far from the city centre. We have a special affection for transport museums…

  • Gothenburg

    How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Gothenburg, Sweden

    With low cost flights on offer to Sweden’s second city, a city break to Gothenburg was very tempting and so on a recent Friday evening we boarded a flight from Manchester airport over to western Sweden. I’m a big fan of the Nordic region and after enjoying visits to Stockholm and Uppsala, I felt certain…

  • World of Wedgwood

    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…

  • Autumn at RHS Harlow Carr Garden

    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…

  • Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

    Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Review

    Hotel Review Location: Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is linked via a covered walkway to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and with the city centre being only 20 minutes away by train, the hotel is ideally located for a city break or overnight layover. Arrival and check in: After arriving into Schiphol Airport on board a KLM flight…

  • Hotel du Vin, Harrogate

    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…

  • Sunny Bank Mills Museum, Leeds

    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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