What’s New
Anna Maria Island – Still secret after all these years
While sitting on immaculate, white-sugar sand, I’m surrounded by sea birds – common gulls, oyster catchers, sandpipers, orange-billed royal terns – all apparently watching the horizon. As if on cue, a pair of dolphins leap across the horizon and a pelican dives for fish.
Discover the V&A Dundee
A London institution heads north. £80 million spent on a new Tayside landmark by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Does the new museum, the V&A’s first branch outside of London, live up to its billing?
Secret Greenwich: The Fan Museum
Greenwich, southeast London’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, has so many headline attractions, it’s easy to overlook this little museum full of treasures. Take a break and spend a peaceful hour exploring here, then linger over a cream tea.
Two Auld Wifies, Dundee – A painting with a secret
At the McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, there are many stories but perhaps none as remarkable as this one.
Where to stay in Suffolk – The Brudenell
Hotel review of the Brudenell, Aldeburgh – Lovely sea views and handy for Snape Maltings.
Where to stay in Suffolk – The Swan at Lavenham
Hotel review of the Swan at Lavenham – Picture perfect “Olde” England in Lavenham, a picture perfect Medieval village.
Destinations
Athens Street Art: The Murals of Psyrri
This edgy area is one of the best for enjoying Athens 21st century explosion of street art.
Seven great reasons to choose Pas de Calais for le Weekend
Just across the English Channel yet so often overlooked. Discover the pleasures Northern France in Pas de Calais
Dog-friendly short break in Tewkesbury
Lulu the Westie and I, along with some canine and human pals, head for Tewkesbury, where we find everything we need for the perfect dog-friendly break.
Cauterets: a kingdom of water
The sound of rushing water is everywhere, spring and summer in this historic ski resort in the French Pyrénées.
Travel Tips & Itineraries
25 Perfect Hotel Room Essentials
Tried and tested tips from experienced travellers.
Oh Poo! Where’s the Loo?!
Don’t be caught short. Here’s where to find public restrooms around the world where you’re free to go.
London Blue Plaque Chelsea Walk
Take a self-guided tour of Chelsea to see where the creatives of the past found inspiration.
How to fight travel boredom and sightseeing fatigue
Can’t look at one more pile of rocks that someone calls a castle? One more ancestor portrait? One more stick of old furniture? Help is at hand.
Food & Drink
Miss Virginia’s Shrimp ‘n’ Grits
A classic Southern recipe from a Charleston,S.C, cook that you can make at home.
Pudding, pie or tart – So what’s a Bakewell?
The one thing you can’t get in Bakewell, Derbyshire, is a Bakewell Tart. On the other hand, Bakewell Puddings may be the real deal.
Bangers and Mash – A British pub classic to cook at home
The British way with sausages is a pub standby and, in these days of healthy eating, a great guilty pleasure you can make at home.
Delicious dishes from Santorini you can make at home
Santorini’s indigenous dishes are different and delicious. And so easy to make yourself.
Features & Special Places
Strawberry Hill: London’s Little Suburban Castle
An 18th century dandy’s house is a masterpiece of eccentricity – a mini-castle amid the suburban semis.
Bachelors and Spendthrifts – The History of Attingham Park
An entertaining visit to the beautiful house of a family so dysfunctional that generations of them could have populated a 19th century saga.
Tower Bridge’s glass walkways – Part of (not so) hidden London
An almost secret attraction that has been hiding in plain sight
The indescribable Snape Maltings
From its strange sounding name to its creative miscellany of art, music, retail and the great outdoors, Snape Maltings defies categorization. I guess you just have to go see it for yourself.
101 Things
101 Best things to do in Europe in 2019
It’s always a great time to start planning – or at least thinking about – your next vacation or getaway. No pressure, just a little idle day dreaming to get you through the workaday world until your next escape.
Two Auld Wifies, Dundee – A painting with a secret
At the McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, there are many stories but perhaps none as remarkable as this one.
