Category Archives: Western Europe

Dog-Friendly Weekend in Bury St Edmunds: Suffolk’s Pooch-Perfect Escape

Suffolk’s Pooch-Perfect Escape

Some towns are worth visiting for their history alone – but what if you could enjoy centuries of stories without leaving your dog behind? That’s exactly what I found in Bury St Edmunds, the UK’s most dog-friendly town. From Magna Carta connections to the smallest pub in Britain, Bury, as its fondly known, is a […]

A Dog-Friendly Stay that Delivered: The Swan Hotel, Lavenham

Swan Hotel

Not every overnight stay comes with timber beams older than Shakespeare and World War Two graffiti carved by American airmen – but The Swan Hotel in Lavenham does. This half-timbered beauty has stood proudly for over 500 years, and today it’s not only one of the most historic hotels in the UK, but also, wonderfully, […]

The Canoe Trip in Sweden: Midsummer Magic

Canoe Trip

If Midsummer on Sweden isn’t on your bucket list… it should be! But forget the maypoles and floral crowns, for those of us who prefer their solstice with a ray of activity and a dose of off-grid adventure that won’t cost the earth, I’ve discovered the perfect Scandinavia summer experience. The Canoe Trip by Travelbase […]

Skip Tourist-Saturated Stonehenge: Ancient Avebury is the Ideal Antidote

Avebury, Wiltshire, UK

“Can you believe this place is older than Stonehenge?”, whispers our trusty guide, Steve. “It pre-dates it by almost 1000 years”, he adds reverently, laying his hands gently on the huge stone next to him, “so you’re standing on incredibly ancient and sacred land”. Where I’m standing, is in a glorious green field in Wiltshire. […]

Top London Eye Facts + All You Need Know Before You Ride

London Eye

It’s hard to miss the London Eye when you’re exploring London! At a whopping 135m tall, this giant observation wheel sits right on the South Bank of the River Thames and offers one of the best views of the capital. Opened in 2000 as a temporary structure (spoiler: it wasn’t that temporary!) the London Eye […]

Sheffield City Break: 2 Fab Days in the UK’s Underrated City

Sheffield 2 Day City Break

If you’re planning a city break in Sheffield, and not quite sure what to expect from one of the UK’s most overlooked cities, look no further! Tucked away in South Yorkshire, this former steel city isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind when seeking a UK city break destination. But after just 48 […]

Swiss Alp Splendour: Bucket List Ride on the Bernina Express

Bernina Express Bucket List

  It had been a very last minute decision. After all, must people plan their Bernina Express journey months in advance. And sensibly so, because as soon as tickets are released for this world-famous scenic train ride, they sell out, and fast! But luck of the travel blogger must have been with me as, much […]

Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Perfect Bernina Express Trip

Complete Guide for Catching the Bernina Express, Switzerland

There’s something effortlessly romantic about gliding through the Swiss Alps scenery that is hard to put into words. Crested mountain peaks peer down on flowing glaciers, as historic viaducts slide past in a glorious spectacle that feel like something out of a movie. And if you ask me, that’s what travel is all about! The […]

Top 10 Things to Do in Chur: Switzerland’s Oldest Town

Top Things to Do in Chur, Switzerland

The first things that surprises about Chur is the name. A small city found at the foot of the Swiss Alps, Chur is actually pronounced “Kour” if you’re up to speed on your standard German dialect. Confusing enough for a monoglot like me, but add in the local Grisonian German dialect, and suddenly the town […]

Vienna to Bratislava by Boat: Tickets, Timetables & More

Vienna to Bratislava by Boat

If you are visiting Vienna for more than a couple of days, there’s a good chance you’ll be searching for activities outside the city, or even beyond Austria, to enjoy. A fantastic option you shouldn’t miss is a side trip to Bratislava, the capital of neighbouring Slovakia. Few capital cities are as close to each […]