A cozy winter YHA retreat at Grinton Lodge in the Yorkshire Dales

Leaving behind the hustle of work and school, we embarked on a journey to the north, continuing our quest to explore the charm of hostels during the winter months. This particular adventure led us to Grinton Shooting Lodge, a gem nestled above the a valley on the edge of the moors in the Yorkshire Dales, …

RSPB Local Group day at Attenborough Nature Reserve

Stepping out of the car into the mist of an early morning at Attenborough Nature Reserve, we were immediately enveloped in a world of anticipation and wonder. This nature reserve, transformed from its past life as gravel pits, stood ready to reveal its secrets to us. The visitor centre, cafe and shop, emerging like a …

London Trip to Kew Gardens and Design Museum

Our arrival in London, via train, marked the beginning of what was to become an unforgettable weekend. The city promised a perfect amalgamation of its bustling urban life with serene natural escapes, setting an exhilarating tone for our visit. The excitement was particularly tangible among the kids, who were eager to dive into the capital’s …

Green Light Adventure: A Journey Inspired by Duffy and the Little Red Train

There’s a certain magic in spontaneity. A thrill that comes from embracing the unknown and setting off without a detailed itinerary. As the kids grow older and move past those fabulous, well-illustrated books, I’ve been keeping a few of my favorites. One of these is Benedict Blathwayt’s Green Light for the Little Red Train. This …

My Journey with 30 Great Runs in London

For those seeking an opportunity to truly experience London, running offers a unique lens through which one can explore the city’s multifaceted beauty. During my work assignment in London in 2010, I chanced upon an enthralling book: 30 Great Runs in London by Chris Downham, Rebecca Trowbridge. It covers runs in zones 1 to 3 …

Exploring the Hidden Gems of England: From Sissinghurst to Hughenden

My love for travel and exploration has taken me to various corners of the world. But it’s often the hidden gems in our backyard that hold the most charm. Over the last few trips driving across to the continent, we’ve started a delightful tradition: an overnight stop on our return journey from Dover. This gives …

Vineyards to Forests, Our family journey to Vosges and Black Forest.

The excitement in the air was palpable as we loaded our luggage into the car. With Dover as our first stop, we hoped to catch some rest at the Premier Inn before embarking on our European adventure. While planning the trip, we discovered that we needed stickers for France and Germany and the emissions zones …

Exploring the Peak District with Stagecoach Peak Sightseer

IntroductionIf you’re like me and love exploring beautiful places using public transport, the Stagecoach Peak Sightseeing hop on and hop off bus is a fantastic opportunity to experience the stunning Peak District in a sustainable and exciting way. Key Features of the ServiceThe Stagecoach Peak Sightseer offers a one-way circuit of the Peak District with …

A Father-Son Adventure through Roman Britain at Hadrian’s Wall

We embarked on our journey full of excitement and curiosity, eager to unravel the mysteries of the Roman era along Hadrian’s Wall. Unfortunately, we soon found ourselves amidst heavy traffic, an unforeseen setback that delayed our arrival. Nonetheless, this delay couldn’t dampen our spirits. After all, great things come to those who wait! When we …

An Enthralling Day at Middleton Lakes RSPB Nature Reserve

Initially intended as an outing with the RSPB Chesterfield Local Group, the postponement of the group trip due to the rain, led to a spontaneous decision: it was time to immerse ourselves in the wonder of the reserve, come rain or shine. So we found ourselves venturing down a seemingly unusual route towards the RSPB …