Woodland walks, crunchy leaves and breathtaking views at Otley Chevin
One the the best things about autumn has to be walking in the woods. The crunch and rustle of leaves of a dry, sunny day, or the squelch of mud on a wet one, I love it all. And that earthy smell of...
View ArticleBracing walks amid the dramatic scenery of Cuckmere Haven near Lewes
Whether it’s dark and foreboding or a crisp clear day, Cuckmere Haven is a delightful place at any time of year, in any weather. Most weekends you’ll find my family wandering around the sloping grass...
View ArticleA weaving woodland walk through the snowdrops at Rode Hall in Scholar Green
On a glorious February winter’s day, with spring tempting us from her slumber with the promise of snowdrops, we ventured to Rode Hall. Standing grandly in a small, sleepy parish surrounded by the...
View ArticleWoodland walks and winter picnics in Abbots Wood near Hailsham
Back in the 12th Century, when King Henry I bestowed Abbots Wood upon Battle Abbey, the management was under the responsibility of its abbot, hence the name. Filled with Hazel and Hornbeam trees and...
View ArticleSuperb outdoor play at wonderful Lyme Park near Disley
We had a fabulous day at Lyme Park, a 1300-acre National Trust estate, noted for acting as Pemberley in Pride & Prejudice – where Colin Firth went for a dip – and whose aristocratic history dates...
View ArticleSweeping pinewoods and dramatic sand dunes at Formby beach
Formby is the National Trust’s northern coastal haven, home to sweeping beaches and deep pine woods. The latter is one of the last strongholds of the red squirrel, and the reason I decided to venture...
View ArticleSpring sunshine and wartime nostalgia at Dunham Massey House and Gardens
The sunshine and daffodils were out in full force on a recent weekend visit to the National Trust’s Dunham Massey, where a current exhibition sees the property transformed back to its previous life,...
View ArticleWalls steeped in adventure and history at Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe
Sudeley Castle is a place where the very walls are steeped in adventure and history, not to mention bloodshed; it’s replete with tales of kings, queens, intrigue and betrayal. My children were...
View ArticleSweeping views and enchanting history at Greenway house and gardens near Brixham
Positioned on a sweeping hillside beside the beautiful Dart estuary is the National Trust’s Greenway house and gardens. With a long and fascinating history, this gorgeous Georgian mansion most notably...
View ArticleA refreshing, windswept walk to the horizon along beautiful Brean Down
A walk on Brean Down is a bracing one. The best way to enjoy the whirling sea air is by climbing the steps that bring you up the sheer side of the cliff. Then, the wind of the west coast will take you...
View ArticlePicnicking, swimming and flower-gazing at Brockwell Park in South East London
London has a whole host of wonderful parks but Brockwell is up there as one of my favourites. Boasting plenty of space for summer picnics, a re-vamped children’s play area, sports areas, a lido and...
View ArticleA tropical bubble in the heart of the Devonshire countryside at Canonteign Falls
Fifteen minutes from Exeter and we’re all squashed inside the car debating a possible move back to London. But as we begin tunnelling through the trees and dappled light of the Teign Valley, we’re...
View ArticleA riot of colour at Ness Botanical Gardens on the Wirral Peninsula
Ness Botanical Gardens: a jewel on the Wirral Peninsula; bold, bright, and a feast of horticultural delights. We visited the gardens in summer, but they are a place for all seasons, with a stunning...
View ArticleAn autumnal walk in Wytham Woods on the outskirts of Oxford
To the west of Oxford, beyond the city’s dreaming spires, lie Wytham Woods. This expanse of ancient woodland stretches above the pretty village of Wytham with its thatched cottages and cosy pub. There...
View ArticleOut of season delights at the Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey
Towards the end of the year, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are ablaze with fiery colours and wonderfully quiet. It’s a great time to visit, as autumn’s glory gives way to festive fun. There are lovely...
View ArticleVast skies and discarded treasures at Theddlethorpe Beach
When you think of sandy beaches, blue skies and waves softly lapping the shore, the Lincolnshire coastline doesn’t usually spring to mind. Leave behind the tourist trail though, and you’ll find hidden...
View ArticleBlowing away the cobwebs on top of Pendle Hill in Barley
Breathtaking and imposing, and just a fraction short of a mountain, the 557-metre summit of Pendle Hill stands watch over East Lancashire. It’s an atmospheric peak, shrouded in tales of witches covens,...
View ArticleViews on a grand scale at Monsal Head in the Peak District
I’m always amazed at how feats of great engineering can still take my breath away. Especially when you can get up really close and blow your mind at the grand scale of it all. Monsal Head in...
View ArticleIn search of a bluebell spectacular at Ashridge Estate in the Chiltern Hills
Making a special expedition in search of bluebell woods is one of our annual family traditions. This time, we hopped in the car and were duly rewarded with one of spring’s most delightful sights at...
View ArticleA springtime walk through Bodlondeb Woods near Conwy
On a sunny spring day we head off in search of bluebells in Bodlondeb Woods, near the historic seaside town of Conwy. We follow the path from the quay, where a row of terraced dwellings boasts the...
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