I love the Greek islands (and Corfu in particular) and I’m all in favour of staying in quirky hostels to experience great fun and also as a budget measure. Sunrock on Corfu is a great example of a backpackers’ hostel in a great location. Did you know that...
England abounds with eccentrics – people and buildings. And the Royal Pavillion at Brighton is so much a part of English culture that it’s only when I take a step back, and see it as a foreigner would, that I realise just how bizarre it is. Let’s...
There are many incredibly picturesque villages in France and Pont-en-Royans is an excellent example. You can see from the photographs how the brightly-coloured houses cling to the craggy cliff sides with the river running peacefully below. As you can see from the map...
Probably the most well-known waterfall in the world, Reichenbach Falls has a fictional hero to thank for its fame. For it is here that Conan Doyle’s detective, Sherlock Holmes, had his ‘fatal’ battle with his arch enemy, Professor Moriarty. It was...
Baywater is a lovely area of London with elegant terraces featuring delightful architecture. But next time you’re in London, it’s worth visiting Leinster Gardens because two of the houses there are not what they first appear to be. Numbers 23 and 24 are...
I was still at school when I found out about the Mouseman. The school, which was quite posh, needed new furniture for the teachers’ use during assembly. I recall that the headmistress was very proud because he had purchased the furniture from the Mouseman....
Imagine it … about a hundred feet below you, heavy waves are crashing onto jagged rocks. Seabirds swoop at you. The wind is high. The only way forward is to walk across a fragile rope bridge swaying in front of you. The walk won’t be a long one, less than...
The movie Inkheart tells a fantasy story that features an abandoned village that was revitalised. Here’s the trailer. The village actually exists and it is abandoned. The film gives us some idea of what the village would have been like before it was abandoned,...
It’s not only me who finds this building (above, left) perfectly awful. In 2015, the building won the Carbuncle Cup – which is awarded annually to the ugliest building in the UK. And it’s not just ugly, it also has a serious solar glare problem....
What does Trollstigen mean? In Norwegian, it means ‘Trolls’ Road’ and this twisty and narrow road runs perilously on the side of a mountain. It’s appropriately named as in Scandinavian mythology trolls are rather evil little goblin-like...
If you’re in the UK and travelling on the north-to-south M1 motorway, then it’s worth a small detour to visit the tiny village of Linby. I’m afraid that I don’t know exactly when the village was initially founded but the church dates from the...
Most of us know a little about the 1936 Summer Olympics that were held in the outskirts of Berlin. And even for those of us who know very little, the combination of Germany, 1936 and Hitler indicates very creepy undertones. As we can imagine, Hitler saw the games as...
One of the most famous buildings in Spain had its construction started in 1882. And it’s still not completed. It’s estimated that Gaudi’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona will finally be fully completed in 2026. Gaudi himself died exactly one hundred...
An astonishing place, the National Memorial Arboretum in the UK exists especially as the nation’s tribute to the men and women who have been killed, injured or afflicted by war and in the service of their country. It was conceived in 1988 and designed to be a...
You’ll remember Icarus from Greek mythology, right? To refresh your memory, he was the bloke who had wings made of wax and despite being warned not to do so, he flew too close to the sun. The result, naturally, was that his wax wings melted and he fell into the...
Wroclaw in Poland has a lot to commend it to the traveller. It has been the European Capital of Culture, the World Book Capital, it has hosted the European Film Awards and has several theatres, festivals, museums, sports facilities and plenty more. The...
How many hotels are there in London? I’m sure that Google would be able to tell me but the information would soon be out of date. There are faceless chain hotels, independent quirky hotels and then … there’s 40 Winks. It defies description –...
There are over 60,000 stolpersteine in various places throughout the world. If you’ve been to Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy … most of Europe … then the chances are that you’ve seen at least one. If your trip is in the future, watch out...
I imagine that in years to come, there will be an increase in American visitors to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle – thanks to the marriage of the UK’s Prince Harry to American actor Meghan Markle. Our two countries have a long history together...
I have just added this place to my bucket list and originally, it was simply because of the name. (Although the fact that it’s in the wonderful county of Yorkshire helps, of course. It’s in a great location – about ten miles away from York itself and...
Definitely falling into the category of dark tourism, Peenemünde is decidedly spooky. It is located on the island of Usedom in the Baltic and since the nineteenth century was a vacation venue for Prussian royalty and German nobility. But, in common with several other...
This is true but I can’t blame you for wondering how sausages could possibly save lives. Well, admittedly I’m going back a few hundred years here but the fact is that yes, a humble sausage saved hundreds if not thousands of lives. I’ll explain…...
Now that more and more visitors from other countries are realising that visiting Britain means more than just touring London, many other resorts are enjoying a new heyday. This means that some of the UK’s best – and most quirky – hotels are in the...
At the end of 2017, Airbnb published a list of destinations that were (and had been) trending. I was surprised to see the second on the list was the good old English seaside resort of Bournemouth. I lived near Bournemouth for several years – and worked there...
Visitors to Venice, or at least those who are in the know, often take a trip – even if just for a day – to the colourful island of Burano. It’s only a few kilometres from Venice itself and the water bus trip takes only about half an hour from St...
It’s one of those debates that crops up from time to time – which do you prefer to drink, still water or fizzy water? Whichever you prefer, the fact remains that the bottled water industry is enormous (and regarded by some as something of a con.) I...
It’s not often that anyone can use the phrase ‘you’ve seen the chair, now see the house’. But I really imagine that most of us know the chair. Look at the image of the house above – doesn’t it have familiar design features? The...
The idea of visiting monuments and cemeteries when you’re on vacation is a popular one today – from the historic graveyards of New Orleans to the grave of Victor Noir in Paris. Previous generations of travellers wanted to see how people in days gone by...
So, there you are exploring London and it’s time for lunch. (Or breakfast or dinner or a light snack). Of course, there are so many places you can go. But how about something a little different this time? Enjoy coffee in a crypt! In Central London, you’ll...
In the spring of 2017, it was announced that Antoni Gaudi’s Casa Vicens in Barcelona would be opened to the public as a museum later in the year. What wonderful news for those of us who have drooled over his other buildings in this fabulous city. We’ve...
Just over two hours away from Paris, you’ll find the Terra Botanica – the first theme park in Europe that is dedicated to plants. Yet this special place has someone for every member of the family. Because Terra Botanica offers so much more than a mere...
It bothers me so much that overseas visitors who travel to the UK see London as their main point of interest. There is so much to see and do in England (and Scotland and Wales) and although London certainly does have many attractions, the wise traveller will venture...
So few people want to stay in faceless chain hotels these days. And that’s why the Långholmen Hotel in Stockholm can provide you with a truly different accommodation experience. This is because the hotel is a converted nineteenth-century prison! It’s...
If you can imagine Hercule Poirot investigating a mysterious murder in the Art Deco interior of the Burgh Island Hotel, then it’s no surprise. For one of its illustrious guests in days gone by was Poirot’s creator, Agatha Christie, and several of her...
Love locks have a history that goes back to the First World War but the craze really started to take off in or around 2000. What is a love lock? A couple will purchase a padlock – normally of the common or garden variety – they scratch their initials on...
If this Bavarian castle looks vaguely familiar to you, that’s because it’s been used in several movies. Probably the one that used it the most was Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang and it was also used in The Great Escape. It’s also said to have been the...
Are you looking for somewhere to stay in the UK? Somewhere that’s incredibly peaceful, tranquil, historic and set in wonderful countryside? And if you’re a reader or book lover then Gladstone’s Library will be right up your street. Yes, it’s a...
Imagine – you’re on vacation on Paris and you wake up in your own luxurious apartment. You can see the Eiffel Tower from your comfortable bed. A few small steps take you out onto your balcony where you and your partner enjoy local croissants,...
Whitby, a coastal town in North Yorkshire, is a splendid place to visit as it can be like taking a step back in time. It grew from a tiny fishing village and has so much to offer the traveller. It’s a wonderful place for a traditionally English seaside vacation...
Prince Rainier of Monaco, who lived until 2004, was a well-known monarch. He is probably best known, in the United States in particular, for marrying American actress, Grace Kelly, in 1956. What is less known is that he was an avid collector of the finest automobiles...
Dublin is well known for many of the attractions if offers but for many people, it’s pubs are a major feature! Add to that the fact that there have been so many notable literary figures who have lived and worked in Dublin and you have the perfect combination...
Take a walking tour of many of the famous locations where films have been made in the fabulous city of Paris. Probably one of the most iconic movies made in Paris is Charade starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn and yes, you’ll see those locations and many...
England’s Peak District is a fabulous place to visit with a great deal to offer the tourist, especially those who appreciate natural beauty.A place I always enjoyed visiting was the Ladybower Reservoir. Why on earth would anyone want to visit a reservoir? Well,...
There are many great reasons to visit Leeds in Yorkshire. Art galleries, Victorian arcades, exceptional shopping, original architecture, sports facilities, museums, fabulous dining options and — plenty more. But increasingly visitors are heading to a warren of...
Since 1961 Justo Gallego had had just one aim and that is to build a cathedral in Mejorada del Campo in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Opinions are still divided regarding Justo – is he devout or simply a madman? He has no permit to erect the building and there...
Dobcross is a small village in the north of England, nestling in the South Pennine hills. Picturesque and featuring fabulous surrounding countryside, it’s always well worth visiting. This is especially the case if you’re a visitor from overseas and want to...
Maybe a tropical resort vacation is way beyond your means, especially if you live in Europe. But never mind, did you know that you can enjoy a tropical island stay in Germany? This is thanks to the Tropical Islands Resort at Krausnick. (See the map below). You can...
I’ve always loved Barcelona and if you want to stay there in style – in a wonderful historic building – then you’ll want to take a look at the Cotton House Hotel. You’ll see photographs and a video below. It’s certainly a luxury...
Restaurante Sobrino de Botín in Madrid claims to be the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. Wikipedia, on the other hand, begs to differ and cites an older restaurant in China but really, the argument is a moot one as the Guinness Book...
I hope it doesn’t seem strange to you that one of the most popular foodie experiences in England is that of learning how to create Indian dishes. Because for many years now, Indian food has been the most popular cuisine in the UK. (Did you know that Queen...
Stay in Cambridge and you’ll see fabulous architecture, experience real history and enjoy the atmosphere of this ancient university city. You’ll see breathtaking views, enjoy traditional punting on the river and see rolling countryside with cattle freely...
For a generation (or two or three) of women, Serge Gainsbourg was the epitome of French debauched sexiness. For musicians and music lovers, he was highly-acclaimed, especially in his own country. He died in 1991 but the house that he lived in from the late nineteen...
If you’re in England, especially in the Midlands, then it’s the ideal opportunity to visit a desi pub. For these pubs are a combination of two British traditions – and two very popular local experiences. They came about because of two factors....
What do you think? Which country is the most popular tourist destination in the world? Well, it’s not the United States although many people think that’s the answer to this question. In fact, the USA is in second place. But in first place — is...
If you’re visiting Florence, then the chances are that the Piazza della Signoria will be on your to-do list. This ancient piazza abounds with the most fabulous architecture, sculpture and history. Every day the piazza is bustling with travellers and locals who...
Stuttgart, in the Baden-Württemberg area of Germany, is an ancient city with so much to see and do for travellers. But if you’re keen on cars or if you’re a motorsport fan there are even more reasons to visit this fascinating place as Stuttgart is often...
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for history buffs, aviation fans and those who are interested in the history of the Second World War. At time of writing, there are only eight of these iconic WW2 Spitfires TR9s still in existence and yes, you can experience a...
Santorini is a small Greek island set in sparkling seas. It’s an almost magical place and one of he most popular and fascinating places on the island is Oia. And one of the best accommodation you will find there is the Katikies Hotel. Santorini is best known for...
If I told you that you could enjoy accommodation in London at a budget price but with the advantages of a luxurious swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, wifi and even breakfast you’d probably think I was joking. But it’s true. You’ll be staying in a great...
Bourton-on-the-Water is a village in Southern England – under a hundred miles from central London. Although the place is merely a village, there are several good reasons to visit but the one that excites me the most is the Dragonfly Maze, created by artist (and...
Why stay in an ordinary hotel when you could stay in a Trojan Horse with the most individual rooms? Located in the Luxembourg province of Belgium, this extraordinary bed and breakfast started life as a fantastic restaurant. And fantastic really is the word to describe...
Lying off the north-west coast of Africa, about 250 miles north of the Canary Islands, the Portuguese island of Madeira is a veritable oasis in the Atlantic ocean and is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful all-year-round travel destinations with one...
If you’re travelling to Budapest and like quirky accommodation at a budget price then add the Lavender Circus to your wishlist right now. It’s wonderfully located near the Danube and everything you’ll want to see. But the price and the amazing decor...
The island is located in the middle of Lake Bled in North West Slovenia and it has a charming story and legend behind it. It goes like this: The island was originally a the site of an ancient temple dedicated for local pagans to worship Ziva, the goddess of love and...
VIKINGS! That cry would have sent shivers of terror through the occupants of many a village about to be attacked by those medieval marauders who were famed for their ferocity in battle and their seagoing skills. Fortunate indeed would be the farmer, villager or maiden...
Which is the most beautiful country in England? Of course, it depends on who you ask. I’m from Yorkshire so naturally, I’m going to tell you that it’s England’s finest county in every respect, but I admit to loving Cumbria too. If you’re...
I’ve always been fond of Liverpool. There’s so much going on there and these days, it’s a popular tourist destination. This is an excellent thing because in days gone by, visitors from other parts of the world tended to visit only London. They missed...
Travel down a narrow lane from the village of Bantham in South Devon and you’ll find yourself at Bantham Beach – popular with surfers and families. This secluded beach is the home of the Gastrobus – and the food, music and events it offers. The...
Visit the banks of the Danube in Budapest and you might wonder why on earth there appears to be an untidy collection of old shoes just sitting there. But these are an art installation created as a memorial to people who were murdered in the Second World War. These...
You’ve heard of glamping, but what about champing? Well, before we get into the whys and wherefore, let me ask you a question. Wouldn’t you like to stay in an historic, beautiful and tranquil building in the south of England? Your own private (large)...
Amongst the many walking tours of Edinburgh available to visitors there is one which stands out from the rest. Gareth Davies has an advantage no other walking tour guide of the city has – a four-legged assistant! Edinburgh is a remarkably dog-friendly city and...
When i was a child we used to go to Cornwall (in the south-west of England) every year. It’s still one of my favourite places in the UK. Port Isaac is a picturesque fishing village which is typical of the area and has been used as the location for several films...
If you are on vacation in Scotland and are thinking of spending some time in Edinburgh taking in all the wonderful sights and sounds of this historic capital city then you will need somewhere to stay. You could, of course, book into one of Edinburgh’s many luxury...
This strange but totally fascinating place is a must when you’re visiting Oxford in England. There are so many things to see and do in the area and the Pitt Rivers Museum – which is hidden away – should definitely be on your list. The exhibits are...
If you’re looking for somewhere really different – and truly inexpensive – in Bonn, Germany, then take a look a Basecamp. It’s not a hotel, or a hostel or even a campsite. Basecamp consists of a selection of quirky accommodations located in a...
Lying at the head of Loch Awe, Scotland longest freshwater loch, you will find a most curious thing – a ‘hollow mountain’. Ben Cruachan, one of Scotland’s Munros (mountains over 3000 feet) is home to the only underground pumped storage hydroelectric power...
I don’t know about you but one of the joys of travelling – for me – is finding bars and cool places to eat. And this is particularly the case when those places have a history. Harry’s New York Bar in Paris is an excellent example. The...
If you ever have a money-is-no-object moment, then for the height of luxury look no further than the Hôtel Ritz Paris. You’ll be following in the footsteps of the rich and famous – and the infamous. This luxury hotel first opened its doors in 1898 and...
Oxford is an amazing place – and only about 60 miles from London – so if you’re looking for accommodation in the area it’s unlikely that you’ll beat staying in one of the university buildings there. These bed and breakfast accommodations...
If you’re looking for a different accommodation experience to add to your wishlist, then why not stay in a wine barrel? It sounds strange but it’s true. Barrels that one held 8000 litres of wonderful wine can now become your ‘hotel’ located...
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and the UK’s third largest (and once known as ‘the second city of the empire’), has many fine art galleries and museums but one of the most popular is undoubtedly Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum which houses one of Europe’s...
Have you heard about Jetsetter? It’s a completely free-to-join online travel club that offers its members some incredible deals on hotel accommodation throughout the world. Every day, new deals are added to the site offering great prices on various fabulous...
Do you love animals? Would you like to stay – free – in accommodations all over the world? Then it’s a great idea to check out Trusted Housesitters. This service specialises in introducing home & pet owners to people who will look after their...
The 1969 film The Italian Job is considered to be a classic. Some years ago, a scene that had been cut from the movie was discovered and included on the DVD. And it’s a wonderful scene that takes place in the middle of the famous car chase. During the latter...
In the summer of 1979, Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions came together to begin a project. They sent over 160 workers and huge amounts of construction materials to Anchor Bay – a small cove on the island of Malta. Within eight months the...
It’s just a few steps from the beach. The building has been meticulously renovated to the highest quality. The luxuriously furnished apartments have expansive views of the ocean. It’s located on an island on one of the most beautiful coasts in Europe....
If you understand basic French then don’t worry, I’m not suggesting that you visit a swimming pool. Well, not quite. La Piscine (meaning the swimming pool) used to be just that, having been built in the northern French city of Roubaix for the benefit of...
There are many reasons to visit the Lingotto Building in Turin. It houses a fabulous hotel, concert halls, a convention centre, theatres, shopping centres and more. But it’s also an incredible building – with a history. Construction of the building started...
Krämerbrücke means “Merchant’s Bridge’ and this particular bridge is more like a small village spanning the river Breitstrom. It’s located in the city of Erfurt – which still has much of its original medieval architecture. The original...
Monaco is one of the most glamorous and expensive places in Europe. This tiny principality is home (and tax haven) to the rich and many more see it as their luxury playground. So is it worthwhile or even possible for us lesser mortals to visit? It’s certainly...
If you are vacationing in Scotland and are thinking of visiting Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh (and what tourist doesn’t?) you may wish to include in your itinerary a visit to some of Edinburgh’s museums. The city has some wonderful museums but if you are of a...
Wouldn’t you, or someone you know, love to attend a chocolate masterclass and learn how to make the most delectable chocolate treats? At the risk of started the Third World War here I have to say that I think that the chocolate from the other side of the pond is...
The next time you’re in Portugal, I recommend that you stay in a hostel. Yes, that’s right, I said hostel and not hotel. The Tattva is a very special place though – it’s one of the new breed of design hostels and you can see from the...
It always surprises me that so many foreign guests to the UK visit only London. Bristol is an award-winning and vibrant city which is extremely well located. There is so much to see and do in the city and the surrounding area – fascinating history, extensive...
A vineyard in Italy has created a free wine fountain for those who are walking the Cammino di San Tommaso, a popular route for pilgrims. The Dora Sarchese winery commissioned the well-known Italian architect, Rocco Valentini, to create the fountain – which means...
In 1952, just after the death of her husband King George VI, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, better known today as ‘The Queen Mother’ bought a 450-year-old rundown castle in the far north of Scotland as a place to ‘get away from everything’. She oversaw the restoration of the...
Yes, there really is a genuine Frankenstein Castle and it is open to the public. It’s in Germany (as you would expect) and overlooks the city of Darmstadt. It was originally built in the thirteenth century and it’s thought that it provided Mary Shelley,...
So, what exactly is zorbing? Well, let me tell you that I’ve started writing about half a dozen introductory sentences to explain it — and deleted them all. That’s because ‘rolling down a hill in a big plastic bubble’ just doesn’t...
It’s true. There are over a thousand bed and breakfast establishments throughout Italy that are willing to offer you free accommodation. Some of these are in rural villages, some are in well-travelled towns, some are set on sparkling lakes. Others may be by the...
If you’re vegetarian and travelling to a country in Europe for the first time, how will you fare? The answer is that wherever you go, you can be sure to find plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. But as a non-meat-eater myself, I prefer to experience more...
