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I’ll see you at the bookshop!
Inside Heywood Hill Bookshop in Mayfair, London
Located in the heart of London’s Mayfair, Heywood Hill is a prestigious literary establishment that first opened in 1936. Named after the founder, Heywood Hill, the shop is spread across two floors of a Georgian townhouse, with the ground floor open to the public for browsing.
I first came across the bookshop while writing an article for Sail Away Magazine about cruise ship libraries.
Tylney Hall Jane Austen Afternoon Tea & Hotel Review
Here’s my full review of the lovely Tylney Hall Hotel in Hook.
Set amongst 66 acres of land, Tylney Hall is a grade two listed building with more than 100 bedrooms. There’s so much to explore here - with sprawling gardens, multiple lakes and enchanting woodland walks, as well as stunning interiors and a dreamy outdoor pool.
Owned by Elite Hotels, I was excited to stay after being impressed another of their properties, the Ashdown Park Hotel earlier in the year.
Review: My Writing Retreat at Write Within, Machynlleth
For many writers, an essential part of the creative process involves filling up their own creative cup. This is certainly the case for me, so I was delighted when Julia from Write Within reached out to invite me for a retreat at her Writers’ Cabin.
Located in the small welsh town of Machynlleth, just a short drive away from the coast in mid-Wales, the cabin was custom built close to Julia’s own home.
Jurassic Properties Cobb House Full Tour & Review
Here’s my full review and tour of Cobb House in Lyme Regis, hosted by Jurassic Properties.
As a leading holiday accommodation company, Jurassic Properties host a number of beautifully renovated homes in the Dorset seaside town Lyme Regis. I was super excited when they reached out and invited me to stay in their gorgeous new cottage, Cobb House, which is located right by the seafront.
My very first visit to Lyme Regis, I was excited to be staying right in the heart of the town and just a few minutes walk away from the beach.
Viator - Best Paris Tours & Day Trips
Here’s my guide to the best Paris tours and day trips available on Viator.
You’ve booked a trip to Paris! Congratulations, you’re going to have the most amazing time.
There’s so much to see and do in the city - from climbing the Eiffel Tower and touring the Palace of Versailles to taking part in food tours and sailing down the Seine river.
Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland - A Complete Guide
Planning a trip to Zurich? Here’s my complete guide to hotels and accommodation in Switzerland’s largest city.
Located in the north of Switzerland, Zurich is a beautiful city that’s rich with Swiss culture. There’s so much to see; from the delicious Lindt Chocolate Museum and charming Old Town to the trendy nightlife and fondue eateries, there really is something here for everyone.
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club Review
Here’s my full and honest review of the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club - located in the home of Pooh Bear.
I knew that the Ashdown Park Hotel was going to be grand, but pulling into their long driveway and catching a glipmse of the beautiful manor house still caught me off guard.
One of a collection of period properties owned by Elite Hotels, my sister and I were excited to stay for the night after exploring the local area’s links to Winnie the Pooh.
Pooh Corner, Hartfield - Full Review
Here’s everything you need to know about the adorable Winnie the Pooh themed cafe in Hartfield, England.
As a big fan of Winnie the Pooh, I’ve long wanted to visit the birthplace of the stories. Residing in Cotchford Farm in East Sussex, A. A. Milne (also known as Alan Alexander Milne) penned the first book here in 1926 for his son Christopher Robin Milne.
The Pooh Corner cafe is located on the edge of Ashdown Forest, just a short journey down the road from A. A. Milne’s home.
Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel Review
Here’s my full room tour and review of the Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
I couldn’t quite believe my luck when Viking Cruises emailed to ask if I’d like to join them for a two-and-a-half week trip around Southeast Asia. I replied almost immediately - yes please!
We embarked the cruise in Bangkok, after a brief pre-extension at the stunning Shangri-La Bangkok hotel. After spending an additional few days docked in Laem Chabang, we departed for Cambodia, Vietnam, and finally, glittering Hong Kong.
My first ocean cruise with Viking, I found that I loved the Viking Venus and am manifesting another trip onboard one of their ships soon. Interested in seeing what it’s like? Here’s my full Viking Venus ship tour and review.
The Royal Garden Hotel Review, Hong Kong
Here’s my full review of the Royal Garden Hotel in Hong Kong.
Our ship docked in the Ocean Terminal, surrounded by glistening sky scrapers and the promise of a new city to explore.
After spending a night docked in the harbour, we disembarked and checked into the Royal Garden Hotel in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, which we used as a base before travelling to the airport that evening.
Viking Venus Ship Tour and Review
I couldn’t quite believe my luck when Viking Cruises emailed to ask if I’d like to join them for a two-and-a-half week trip around Southeast Asia. I replied almost immediately - yes please!
We embarked the cruise in Bangkok, after a brief pre-extension at the stunning Shangri-La Bangkok hotel. After spending an additional few days docked in Laem Chabang, we departed for Cambodia, Vietnam, and finally, glittering Hong Kong.
Viking Venus Cabin Tour and Review
Here’s a full tour of my Deluxe Veranda Stateroom onboard the Viking Venus.
When embarking on a long trip it’s important to have a clean and comfortable base to rise in each morning and return to each night.
That’s exactly what I had on my recent cruise around Southeast Asia, sailing on the lovely Viking Venus, and residing in stateroom 4035. I have fond memories of my time spent in this cabin - although I have to admit, this is the tidiest I kept it during the whole trip.
Where to Stay in Hamburg, Germany - A Complete Guide
Here’s my guide to the best accommodation in Hamburg, featuring options for all budgets.
Located in the north of Germany, Hamburg is a large port city with more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London combined.
Here you’ll find the world’s largest miniature railway (which is much more impressive than it sounds), the oldest opera house in Germany, and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Take a cruise along the harbour, visit the historic warehouse district and learn about Hamburg’s history in one of the many museums - there’s even one all about chocolate.
Inside Waterstones Piccadilly - Europe’s Largest Bookshop
With over eight miles of shelves, six floors, two cafes and a bar, Waterstones Piccadilly is officially Europe’s largest bookshop.
More than just a bookshop, Waterstones Piccadilly stocks more than 150,000 books, runs events with world famous authors and even hosts its own annual book festival.
I used to visit regularly while living in London in my early twenties - affectionately referring to it as ‘the mothership’ amongst my friends.
Is the Livraria Lello the Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World?
I explore Portugal’s historic bookshop, Livraria Lello, which is frequently named the world’s most beautiful bookstore.
Established in 1906, the Livraria Lello is a bookshop and publisher known for its stunning neo-gothic interiors.
The shop takes its name from founder Jose Pinto De Sousa Lello, who opened his first bookshop in 1881. The Livraria Lello came along 25 years later, opened in collaboration with Jose’s brother.
Where to Stay in Bucharest, Romania - A Complete Guide
I recently travelled to Bucharest as part of my 30th birthday celebrations and had an absolutely fantastic time.
The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a vibrant and bustling city of more than 1.75 million, with a further 2.3 million living within the surrounding metropolitan areas.
While I was initially drawn to the area by Bucharest’s viral spa and water park, I was lured into its old town by the beautiful architecture, modern vibe and abundance of restaurants and bars.
Inside Daunt Books, Marylebone, London
One of London’s most recognisable bookshops, Daunt Books has occupied its iconic premises in Marylebone since it was first opened by Richard Daunt in 1990.
The shop now forms part of one of the largest independent bookshop chains in the UK, with ten branches located across London and the south of England.
Inside Waterstones Gower Street in London
Here’s my review of London’s historic branch of Waterstones on Gower Street in Bloomsbury.
Known to be the second largest bookshop in Europe that sells both new and used books, Waterstones Gower Street is based in a beautiful grade two listed building in Bloomsbury.
Here you’ll find five miles of books to browse, spanning across five floors - four of which are non-fiction. There’s thought to be around 200,000 titles available in the shop as well as records, board games and art supplies.
The Book Elephant - Bookshop Review
I visited Elephant and Castle’s brand new bookshop, The Book Elephant.
Opening for a soft launch in January 2025, The Book Elephant is located in Elephant and Castle, making it the first bookshop in the area since The Kennington Bookshop closed in 2015.
Is Lucky Claw in Birmingham Worth the Hype?
I visited during a trip to Wolverhampton after seeing the arcade explode in popularity on TikTok.
I’ve loved arcades since I was a small child, when my dad would try to win me soft toys from the crane machines while we were on holiday.
My adult claw machine attempts have so far been less satisfying, and last year I spend £20 on Brighton Pier while attempting to win myself a prize from one of their many machines. Sadly, I left empty handed as the machines would not grip the toys properly, dropping them unceremoniously after every well aimed plunge of the claw.
Welcome to the Viking Skaga - one of Viking Cruises’ noble river ships. She takes her name from an ancient Norse myth, where the Valkyrie Skaga rode into battle and escorted the dead to Valhalla, before preparing them to fight in the epic battle of Ragnarok.
A relatively new ship, the Viking Skaga only entered the fleet in 2020. At just 410 feet and carrying 168 guests and 48 crew, she was built specifically to sail down the Seine in France, although the specific itinerary will vary depending on the time of year. I was fortunate enough to join the ship for her week long Christmas on the Seine cruise, which starts and ends in Paris, calling at Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Honflour (via an excursion) and Les Andelys along the way.