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latest travel and lifestyle posts
Where classic meets boutique.
We were lucky enough to stay at the Great Northern Hotel @gnhotel for Tom’s birthday. The rooms evoke the magic, charm and sophistication of the heyday of the railways, brought right up-to-date to delight today’s guests. Beautifully designed to emphasise space, comfort and the character of the building. It’s the original railway hotel site since 1854; this hotel in the heart of the vibrant King’s Cross area didn’t disappoint.
Last week I was invited to the beautiful Middle Eight Hotel in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. In the basement is a fabulous live music venue, @qt_coventgarden, with a bar and restaurant. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, there are two shows by Leo Green @theleogreen and his talented band. Leo is an incredible Saxophone player. The atmosphere was electric; we all got up, danced, and enjoyed a drink and the delicious small plates.
Last week was a double first: the first time I’d ever been to the ballet and the first time I’d stepped into The Royal Opera House, in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
The South West Coast Path offers (SWCP) 630 miles or 1,014 km of stunning coastal walking around the entire South West peninsula. Depending on where you start, you cover the Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, North Devon and Exmoor coastline.
This book is packed with helpful, clear, pictorial information, including maps. The book describes the Highgate to Hampstead walk as "a long hilly walk across London's Northern Heights." It's about 7 miles. Our copy is outdated as it mentions shops, buildings and roads that no longer exist!
I feel so fortunate to live near Richmond Park. Since 2020, I have visited the Park almost two or three times a week, either my walking or cycling or with friends and family. It’s the best therapy, and it’s free.
The iconic Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station @batterseapwrstn opened in October 2022, and the architecture didn’t disappoint. So much so the architect took to stroking the bricks! It’s free and worth a visit, and do book somewhere to eat and the Lift 109 in advance.
If you are in Richmond, I highly recommend visiting Petersham Nurseries @petershamnurseries. It’s about a 15-minute walk along the River Thames. It’s beautiful throughout the year. I took my in-laws, and they loved it as they enjoy gardening and a cuppa with cake!
Tucked behind an iconic location - Buckingham Palace, The Guardsman Hotel @theguardsmanhotel is a beautiful 60-room boutique hotel. The interior design is exquisite yet cosy and warm. The ground-floor lounge leads you down a beautiful spiral staircase to the basement restaurant.
We recently had a two-night stay at @thefigrye The Fig is an independent, lively café with four beautiful rooms. The focus is on fresh, vibrant healthy food. The grub is utterly divine, we wiped our plates clean every time. We’d go back in a heartbeat just to eat at The Fig. No chips or ketchup but the teens devoured every dish.
Enjoy an unmissable after dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Wisley @rhswisley this festive season.
A few ideas to help you dress your table for any occasion