If I were to describe November in three words they would be: festive, fun and ouch. Yes, Christmas did start early for us here in Devon with lots of seasonal events towards the end of the month. All-in-all November was a fun month, and not overly busy which gave me plenty of time to reflect…
Bristol and I have unfinished business. During the past four years I’ve made four visits to this fabulous city of industrial history and apples. But none for more than 24 hours. My fleeting stays have been for an annual work event and each year I kick myself that I haven’t found time to return at…
The voices of the past echo loud at Pendennis Castle at Falmouth in Cornwall. The barracks at this Tudor fortification were manned for more than four centuries before it was finally decommissioned in the 1950s. Indeed the cliff top observation station and air raid shelter appear to have only recently been vacated by the troops…
It’s not hard to understand why Sir Francis Drake bought Buckland Abbey as his home after liberating the Spanish of a haul of booty. This Tudor renovation project is located on the edge of beautiful Dartmoor in Devon, not far from Drake’s birthplace of Tavistock, and within easy reach of Plymouth. It was from where…
Norfolk is famous for its 125 miles of lock-free waterways that make boating holidays extremely popular in the region. When we visited in the summer we were staying in our own trusty caravan, but couldn’t resist the opportunity to hire a boat for a family day out on the Norfolk Broads. Here’s some of the…
France is a destination I was able to introduce my girls to this year. For myself it is the country I have visited the most. The first time when I was not much older than my two are now. But what is it that keeps drawing me back? I’ve strolled the streets of Paris, kayaked…
The Eden Project in Cornwall really is an epic all-year-round attraction that will wow you whatever the season. We’ve tended to visit outside the summer holidays which comes with the benefit of smaller crowds. However, the events happening on the site of the world’s largest indoor rainforest continue to impress regardless of the time of…
A family weekend at Moorland Garden Hotel on Dartmoor in Devon. What to expect from the rooms, food and facilities at this 4-star hotel
Sample some of the capital’s amazing vistas in under two hours with these tips for seeing the best views of London when you’re short on time
During our recent day out on the Round Robin in South Devon we were invited to eat at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel in Totnes. If you’ve ever visited the bohemian market town of Totnes you’ll know you can’t miss the Royal Seven Stars. It’s in a prime location at the bottom of the high street…