Any preconceptions I had of Newcastle upon Tyne were instantly blown away having spent a weekend in the city.  I made the journey North to attend a conference but also took the opportunity to explore the city. I arrived on Friday afternoon to bright blue skies and a warm welcome.  I was staying in Gateshead […]

After reminiscing about Paris, again recently, I remembered I haven’t told you about the most delightful boutique hotel that we stayed in.  Our criteria for our stay, in Paris, was a central hotel that was either modern or had Parisian chic.  After a little online searching I came across the perfect independent boutique Parisian hotel, […]

With a day unexpectedly free I decided to make a trip over to Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds.  A place that I usually visit many times a year, it dawned on me that I hadn’t visited at all this year.  In fact the only time I have been to the Cotswolds this year was for […]

At this time of year I can’t help but think about New England and particularly Boston.  I, first, visited about eight years ago and spent a day discovering the City and drinking far too many spiced pumpkin lattes.  So, on my most recent trip to Boston, last summer I was keen to explore more of the […]

I hadn’t really made any firm plans for this summer, things just kind of happened.  But what a lovely summer it has turned out to be.  Family, friends and some me time, have all added up to make it a wonderful summer of new experiences and re-visiting old favourites.  What transpired were short breaks that […]

On my first visit to Paris we chose to make this trip all about the tourist sights. In Paris you are spoilt for choice with museums in abundance, amazing architecture everywhere, wonderful gardens and historic structures.  Not to mention the most amazing views.  Here were ten of my favourite places and spaces as a first time tourist […]

It always feels very decadent to take a day off mid week.  But that’s just what I did last Thursday and took a day trip to Lincoln.  On the agenda was a leisurely lunch at The Old Bakery Restaurant, visiting Lincoln cathedral and strolling around the Cathedral Quarter. One of the things that I love […]