After years of having Pompeii on my list, I finally made it to Naples. But oddly, as I was walking the streets and listening to the guide, I realised that I’d seen it all before at Ostia Antica, the port of ancient Rome (about 30km outside Rome, obvs). Not only that, but I’d also been to a surprising number of Roman archaeological sites in my travels. So, if you’ve done Pompeii and Italy, but still want to get your Roman archaeological fix, here are a few places you could visit. Nîmes, France In the South of France, near Montpelier and…

I’ve been a big fan of the Daisy Green Collection ever since I was introduced to them a few years back, so was super excited to discover they were introducing an Audrey Hepburn themed afternoon tea to their latest venue, Larry’s. I’ve visited several of their London-based cafes and restaurants, including Ziggy Green off Regent Street and Darcie & May Green just a hop, skip and a jump from Paddington Station, each with their own unique style, while managing to stay on brand. The former, you see, pays homage to the iconic David Bowie, while the latter is a colourful…

If you’re after a truly exceptional afternoon tea in Cheltenham, then look no further than Ellenborough Park. The setting is just as decadent as the afternoon tea itself, as you’ll be invited to enjoy your scones and sandwiches in the hotel’s 500-year-old Great Hall. This room is jaw-droppingly beautiful, with its plaster ceiling, oak beams and stone fireplace. I felt like I’d stepped into a Jane Austen novel! If the weather allows you also have the option to enjoy your afternoon tea out in the grounds, and I loved the look of their little outdoor ‘carriages’, but personally I think…

If you’re looking for a quick ‘n’ easy weekend getaway that won’t break the bank, then Nantes, France, is the destination for you. And now’s the time to go for maximum value and entertainment. Why? Because until the 8th September the city is hosting its annual “Le Voyage a Nantes”, a collection of artworks in public spaces, large-scale exhibitions and special events. Better still, it’s just a short 45 minute flight from London Gatwick and once you’ve landed all your planning can be done using the amazing [and great value] Nantes Pass, which gives you free access to 50 attractions…

Whether you want a weekend city break or a longer holiday, Lisbon is the ideal destination. You can expect to be greeted by fascinating history and culture, beautiful architecture, delicious food and drink, and wonderful weather (at the right time of year). Some people might like to explore a city by hitting all the big sights, but others would rather check it out at their own pace. If that second one sounds like you, visiting some of Lisbon’s top neighbourhoods is a good way to get a flavour of the city and what it has to offer. So where should…

North East Italy is dominated by Venice, and with good reason. The semi-aquatic city is unique, beautiful and soaked in history. However, its fame and fortune can overshadow many of its neighbours, which are just as alluring in their own ways. How do I know? I went and had a look. My six-day jaunt started with a flight from Gatwick to Verona but on this occasion I didn’t stop. Instead I made my way to the city’s railway station and headed off to Vicenza, a small but fascinating town that’s home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I knew I…

While Cornwall may be popular with those seeking a beachside escape, boasting breathtaking beaches, soft golden sands and sparkling aqua seas, there’s something enchanting about immersing in the Cornish coastal life with a stay in a picturesque harbour town. Cornwall is bursting with quaint fishing villages, nestled amongst the rugged coastline, where traditional cottages dotted along the harbourside make way for cobbled lanes and quiet back streets. These hidden gems are a timeless reminder of Cornwall’s unique maritime past, where you’ll find nods to fishing, smugglers and pirates of times gone by! The laid-back way of life makes for the…

I’ve experienced a few unexpected delights on my travels but few match the marvels offered by Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. The city was an absolute delight for so many reasons, not least that it’s great on the eye and there’s plenty of surprising things to do too. Also, because it’s quite compact, it’s all walkable making it perfect for a weekend visit… The most important thing to know about Santiago de Compostela is its religious heritage. The shrine of St. James in the city’s cathedral attracts more than 200,000 pilgrims each year, many having completed the Camino, a…

Did you know that one in three Brits suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that can be triggered by a lack of vitamin D that comes from the sun? For some it can be debilitating and they will need professional treatment, but for those who suffer from a more mild case of the ‘winter blues’ there are lots of things you can do to keep it at bay, including prescribing yourself a big dose of winter sun. During the heart of winter the UK gets just eight hours of sunlight (often fighting to be seen through…

Spring is a beautiful time to explore the UK, with the season bringing fresh blooms, greenery and warmer weather after a long winter. With a range of activities and attractions available, there’s something for everyone. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling cities, the UK has a lot to offer in the springtime. Here are some of the best places to visit in the UK in spring- updated for 2024! Top places to visit in the UK in Spring! 1 – Bath Bath is a beautiful city that’s perfect for a springtime visit. Known for its Roman…