Is Lisbon Portugal’s Hippest City?
Whether you want to party in the buzzy bars of the Barrio Alto or eat your way around the city, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon. Situated on the northern banks of the River Tagus (Rio Tejo), Lisbon is one of the best European cities to visit, any time of the year. Best hotels in…
4 Reasons Why You Should Visit Slovenia
I’m tempted not to share my Slovenia tips because the country is so surprisingly lovely I want to keep it all to myself. If you’re thinking about planning your summer trip, Slovenia should be high up on your list of places to visit. This teeny country, sandwiched between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, is so small,…
Alternative Guide To Manchester, UK
There’s much more to Manchester than football and the Northern Quarter. This buzzing northern city is famed for its music, nightlife, food scene, architecture, shopping and fascinating history. In the 1800s it was one of the UK’s most important industrial power houses, known globally for its cotton trade. Take a walk around the city and…
3 Of The Best Christmas Markets In Europe
Christmas markets have always held such an allure for me. When I was in Berlin reviewing the 25 Hours Hotel, we visited the Christmas market at Breitscheidplatz, overlooked by the stunning Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. As we sipped gluhwein and ate gingerbread in cosy wooden huts it was hard not to get into the Christmas spirit.…
Top 3 Low Cost European Ski Resorts
Autumn is a time when thoughts turn to skiing and searching for the best places to ski in Europe. Every year I go through the same process: look for a snow sure resort that’s close to the airport (or around eight hours from Calais if we’re driving), research the cost of ski passes and cost…
Best Places To See The Northern Lights
The lure of witnessing the elusive Aurora Borealis is strong, particularly as winter approaches. I’ve always wanted to travel to Scandinavia for a chance to see them but still haven’t quite made it – one day. But I have found the best places in Europe where you might just glimpse them. Inari, Finland The Northern Lights are…
Review: Gunton Arms, Norfolk, UK
Set in a magical 1,000-acre deer park near Cromer in Norfolk, The Gunton Arms is a very special place. Owned by art dealer Ivor Braka, with interiors by Robert Kime, ex Mark Hix chef Stuart Tattersall heads up the kitchen at this sublime country pub. After years of decline, the park was bought in 1982 and…
Paris Rediscovered
OK, I’m going to say it. I’ve never particularly liked Paris. I’ve always found it a little over rated. But as I wandered the streets in the sunshine last week, going nowhere in particular I discovered a newfound love for the city. I also uncovered parts of Paris I didn’t even know existed, maybe because…
Review: The Rose, Deal, UK
I set off for a solo road trip up the Kent coast, starting in Sandgate, making my way through Folkestone, Deal, Ramsgate, Botany Bay, Broadstairs and Margate. After a day exploring the delights of the Garden of England, I couldn’t wait to spent the night in Deal, staying at The Rose. This 200 year old…
Postcard From Folkestone, UK
Most people who live in the south of England have probably been to Folkestone. Either to get on a ferry or take the Eurotunnel to France. But how many have ever actually stopped off to explore? And what are the best things to do in Folkestone? There’s been a lot of investment in Folkestone in…