Ljubljana 🇸🇮

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A super early flight landed us in our fifth new country of the year, descending through thick fog that didn’t lift even as we boarded the bus into Ljubljana. The city stayed wrapped in mist when we arrived at the hotel, where an extremely enthusiastic receptionist welcomed us with a map, a full city explanation, and—most importantly—a much needed coffee and a croissant.

Once in the room, we discovered the shower was housed in a giant glass box right in the middle, which we thought was an interesting choice! Luckily the toilet was behind a door. 

After settling in, we headed out to explore. We strolled along the river, crossing several of Ljubljana’s many bridges before reaching the iconic Dragon Bridge, its statues looming out of the fog. The castle remained almost hidden from view, swallowed by the mist.

Ljubljana is often described as a fairytale city, and at first we were a little confused by this. To us, “fairytale” looks more like Tallinn from our February trip. Ljubljana initially felt a bit run-down, with what seemed like every building covered in graffiti. By the end of the trip, though, its character and charm had won us over, and we found ourselves genuinely loving the city despite those first impressions.

We always like to seek out a local brewery, so a visit to Loo-Blah-Nah felt essential. It did smell unmistakably like a toilet at first, but we quickly became nose-blind. Unfortunately, a group of lads lads lads soon arrived, and before long one of them vomited on the floor. What followed was a spectacular outburst from a very unhappy bar lady—five solid minutes of shouting, table-kicking, door-slamming, and even throwing the culprit’s scarf in it! Honestly, I felt so sorry for her. Nobody deserves to end their shift cleaning up someone else’s puke. Due to the location and size of the bar, the toilet was in a shared space under one of the bridges. As I sat down to empty my bladder, I noticed a poo in the bin…

We recovered from the recent chaos with a Christmas market sausage by the tree, its lights glowing faintly through the fog—a much calmer and more fitting end to the evening.

The second day dawned just as foggy as the first, the city once again wrapped in a soft grey haze. We started the morning with a peaceful walk through Tivoli Park, the trees fading into the mist and the paths quiet and calm. This would definitely be the place to be in the summer.

From there, we headed towards Metelkova. The area was bursting with colour—vibrant street art, alternative sculptures, and works made from recycled materials everywhere you looked. It was very obvious what deals and activities occur.. We even witnessed it. The vibe was undeniably sketchy, but never threatening. We just let people get on with whatever they were doing, and as long as you don’t bother or photograph them, they don’t bother you. Although Mark did capture the moment I realised man had dropped his trousers and injected his groin.. It reminded us a lot of Christiania in Copenhagen.

We took the funicular up to the castle hoping for views over the city, but the fog had other plans. With nothing to see beyond a wall of white, we opted for mulled wine instead, which felt like the correct decision. After heading back down, we wandered more of the streets, stopping frequently for Christmas market food. There are also 100s of vintage shops, which I dragged Mark around, and they were actually very reasonable. 

As always when we travel, Newcastle happened to have a game on, and with it being against Sunderland, Mark absolutely couldn’t miss it—although by the end, he probably wished he had. I endured the first half, but while there was still some daylight left, I left Mark with his pint and headed off to explore more of Ljubljana on my own. I headed the opposite way down the river, and it was this way that led me to the ‘cute’ streets we had read about.

I managed to sniff out a craft beer bar serving burgers, where we had a delicious meal. A special shout-out also goes to Skrbovin’ca, a lovely shop where every item is handmade by individuals with intellectual disabilities and other challenges. Naturally, I couldn’t leave without treating myself to a few more tree decorations.

Seville 🇪🇸

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After our winter sun trip to Porto last year, we decided to catch some November sunshine again, this time in Seville. We had an early morning flight from Luton, and by 14:30 we were checked into our hotel and ready to explore the city. Over the next two and a half days, we walked nearly 12 miles each day, and despite some weather related disappointment (it wouldn’t be a me holiday without it!), we saw most of what Seville has to offer.

Plaza de España One of the most popular spots in Seville, Plaza de España was built in 1928 and underwent a major restoration in 2010. Its sweeping semi-circular design symbolizes Spain embracing its former colonies, and the canal represents the ocean connecting Spain to the Americas. Normally, you’ll see people lazily rowing boats along the water, with gorgeous reflections dancing everywhere. Unfortunately for us, they drained it for cleaning, so we were left with concrete and duck poo. Despite that, stunning detail covers almost every inch of the plaza, blending Moorish, Renaissance and Spanish architectural styles. You can easily spend hours here listening to musicians and watching Tiktokers in the wild.

On our second day we had a huge downpour, but that meant we could return and use the remaining rainwater to capture some beautiful reflections. 

Maria Luisa Park It’s not just about Plaza de España, there are so many other things to see in the park.

  • Gustavo Adolfo Becquer Monument – representing the different aspects of love. Locals and tourists leave love letters, prayers, dreams, and poems in the marble bookshelf.
  • Plaza de America – featuring neo-Gothic, neo-Mudejar, and neo-Renaissance buildings. There are also a few cafes at this end of the park.
  • Jardín De Los Leones – pretty walkways and water features, as well as the Gurugú Mount Waterfall.

Flamenco Seville, and especially the neighborhood of Triana, is considered the birthplace of flamenco, so seeing a show here is basically non-negotiable. There are loads of options, from casual street performances to intimate shows in dedicated flamenco venues. We chose Baraka in Triana because it had lots of 5* reviews and, crucially, included a glass of sangria.

The performance was incredible. The dancer is accompanied by a singer, a guitarist, and sharp, rhythmic clapping. No microphones, no amplifiers, just pure, powerful sound and emotion. Even though we couldn’t understand the lyrics, the story of love, loss, and longing came through so clearly. At one point a group of people started talking, and the guitarist literally stopped mid-performance and stared them down until they went silent.

We also caught some flamenco performers at Plaza de España, which is a great option if you’re short on time. Just make sure to throw a few euros their way.

Real Alcázar The Real Alcázar is the oldest royal palace in Spain that’s still in use today, and it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It’s one of Seville’s most popular attractions, so pre-booking tickets is essential.

Think stunning gardens, water features and peacocks roaming the grounds. Unfortunately, on the day we visited, there was a storm forecast for later in the afternoon, so they decided to close the entire garden area. They also didn’t mention this until you were already inside, and the only notice was a sign on an A4 sheet of paper. Cue many bewildered and mildly furious visitors. And because tickets were sold out for the next five days, most people didn’t have the option to come back.

Even so, there’s still plenty to explore inside, and you can access some outdoor courtyards. Which makes the garden closure even more confusing, especially since the rain didn’t show up until much later.. Palace politics! I thought I’d try my luck with a cheeky complaint to Get Your Guide, and they very kindly gave us a partial refund.

Cathedral  Seville Cathedral is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to the iconic La Giralda bell tower.

We started our visit by climbing La Giralda, and to our surprise, it wasn’t the usual endless spiral staircase. Instead, it’s a series of sloping ramps leading all the way to the top. This design allowed the muezzin, who once called the faithful to prayer, to ride up on horseback. A much more dignified way of arriving than being sweaty and out of breath.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find the remains of Christopher Columbus, the vast main chapel with the largest altarpiece in the world, an orange tree courtyard (although not actually orange for us), and the Royal Chapel where Spanish monarchs are laid to rest.

There’s also a strict dress code, which is why we were very baffled to see someone wandering around wearing a t-shirt with “The F Word” printed boldly across the back.

Setas de Sevilla

Nicknamed the mushroom of Seville, Las Setas opened in 2011 and is the largest wooden structure in the world. On top, there’s a winding walkway and terrace that offer panoramic views across the city, making it one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

We timed our visit so we could see the skyline in daylight, then at sunset, and finally at night during the Aurora light show. The only hiccup was actually finding the entrance, which turned out to be -1 level, and not level 1 as the ticket suggested. We ended up wandering around the plaza in circles and nearly missed our time slot.

Our hotel was right next to Las Setas, so we got to admire the giant shroom every day.

Get lost Like most European cities, the best way to experience Seville is simply to wander and get lost in its maze of streets. You’ll find picture-perfect cobblestones, tapas bars on nearly every corner, murals painted on shuttered shop fronts, and balconies overflowing with flowerpots. Always remember to look up.

Because we were there on a Thursday, we were able to explore the local flea market. It was genuinely painful to be travelling with only hand luggage, because we could have bought so much. And if flea markets aren’t enough temptation, Seville is packed with vintage shops too, each one luring you in with that distinctive smell and window displays.

Food and drink  Seville has so many tapas bars that trying to recommend specific ones feels impossible. We ended up in one right opposite Las Setas, and another tucked away in a small square. Both were great… aside from the “sucking lamb” ravioli, which unfortunately looked like the chef had chewed it first and then lovingly spat it back in. The flavour was intensely lamb-y. I didn’t mind it, but Mum gagged.

We also enjoyed chocolate and churros, and found some lovely cafés for coffee, cake, and brunch. You’re truly spoilt for choice here. There are food markets too, where we grabbed an outrageously cheesy pizza, and rooftop bars perfect for sipping cocktails while taking in the city views.

Kent Day 5 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

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For our last day, we enjoyed a lovely birthday breakfast for Mum before packing up the car and heading home via Chartwell and Hever Castle. Unfortunately, our visit to Chartwell was brief (definitely not just to collect a National Trust stamp for the passport), so we couldn’t explore the inside of Winston Churchill’s family home. However, the gardens were stunning and truly reflected his love of landscape and nature. It’s definitely a place we would love to return to when we have more time.

We arrived at Hever Castle, as always, just a the heavens opened. Luckily it was just a quick downpour, and we were treated to glorious sunshine for the rest of our visit. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn is somewhere I have wanted to visit for a long time, and it didn’t disappoint. Although it was smaller than I had imagined, it was beautifully crafted in Tudor architecture and covered in ivy.

I recommend grabbing an audio guide to explore the castle. You can step into the room where it is believed Anne decided to marry King Henry VIII, as well as the room where he slept during his visits to Hever Castle. Due to his fear of being assassinated, he even brought his personal locksmith to install a special lock for his bedchamber.

The gardens are beautifully designed and well-maintained. We saw many dedicated gardeners throughout the area, meticulously tending to the plants to ensure everything looks its best. William Waldorf Astor designed the garden between 1904 and 1908, and it is now recognized as one of the world’s great gardens. The landscaped grounds include a formal Italian garden, a historic Tudor garden, and a large lake, as well as mazes to explore. Spanning 125 acres, the estate also showcases a herbaceous border and a rose garden, offering visitors a diverse and enriching experience in nature.

The drive home was long ,thanks to multiple crashes and diversions, but we really have had a fantastic week exploring Kent, and hopefully these blogs have given some inspiration for your own trip there.

Kent Day 4 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

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Day 4 was all about Chatham, but we decided to have an en route stop at Aylesford, because Mum read they had a cute bridge. This tiny village is indeed picturesque and is said to be one of the oldest in England. The free car park, which offers views of the Grade I listed bridge, is an added bonus! As usual, it was raining, so we walked up the road to The Friars Café at Aylesford Priory for some shelter and a flat white. Fortunately, after our quick stop, the blue sky returned, which made for a much nicer backdrop for our bridge photos.

Part of Mum’s birthday present was a the Call the Midwife Tour at Chatham Docks, but before we joined that, we were able to explore some of HMS Cavalier – a CA-class destroyer. Launched in 1944, she saw service in the Arctic, Western Approaches and British Pacific Fleet before finally paying off at Chatham in 1972. 

As Santa has absolutely no interest in CTM, he went off on another tour of HM submarine Ocelot, where he learnt that water was rationed, particularly if they were going on a a spying operation, as they never knew how long they would be gone. The crew had only a small bowlful of water per week for washing and shaving, and each man had just two pairs of pants. You can only imagine the smell with 70 men living in such close quarters!

We met with our group and Irene, who was our guide for the CTM tour. The tour focuses on the exterior locations of the series, specifically the streets and buildings that make up the tenements of Poplar. Some locations were instantly recognizable, while others required photos to show how they were transformed for the scenes. Irene was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, referencing specific episodes that were filmed in those exact places and providing insights from the production process.

The tour concluded with a secret location, accessible only to tour participants. We entered through a locked door, behind which was an exclusive exhibition featuring many original artifacts and props from the show.

We finished off the day with a quick swing by Rochester, because who doesn’t love a whip round Cathedral and a Castle, especially when they’re both free (Cathedral to everyone.. Castle to EH members) After that, we headed back to Whitstable for another sunset and an absolutely delicious Thai meal. 

Kent Day 3

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We decided this morning to spend a bit more time exploring Whitstable, and hunting down the street art by ‘Catman’, whose work can be found dotted around on buildings all around the town. When you think of Whitstable, you think of a working harbour and oysters. There is absolutely no way you would ever get me eating an oyster.. So we decided to check out the fishermens boats. It was still low tide however so incredibly minimal boating activity, but Santa did get an idea for another trip to Whitstable – join a boat tour to the Maunsell Forts. These can be seen on a clear day, along with all the wind turbines! 

For the rest of the day, we decided to explore the Thanet district, starting in Margate, then heading to Broadstairs, and finishing in Ramsgate. Naturally, it rained for most of the day. 

Margate is the largest of the three towns and has undergone significant regeneration, featuring independent and vintage shops, coffee shops, and artistic hubs. However, there is still noticeable neglect in some areas. We went for some shelter in The Old Kent Market, the site of the old Parade Cinema. It houses a range of stalls selling food and crafts, but unfortunately, most of the businesses were closed. We also mooched around the old town, which is where you will find a lot of the independent shops and cafes. 

I don’t think the weather helped, as the place felt almost deserted, with only a few people loitering in the streets with their tinnies. I imagine that during dry summer days and weekends, the town is vibrant and lively, but unfortunately, it just didn’t do it for us today. Despite the weather, we still appreciated its general seaside charm, the people in the shops were super friendly, and I bet that Dreamland would be a joy to visit in better weather!

For the drive to Broadstairs, Santa requested Chas and Dave – Down to Margate. Turns out Mum thought they were singing Downham Market 👍 Once we arrived, the rain gave us a brief reprieve, and we made our way to the sandy Viking Bay. It was completely deserted, a stark contrast to how it would have looked a few weeks ago during the school holidays. Nevertheless, we truly believe Broadstairs is the jewel in Thanet’s crown.

After enjoying a lunch at the Charles Dickens pub, we strolled along the promenade to our next destination, Stone Bay. The wind picked up, allowing Mum to take plenty of photos of the crashing waves! Stone Bay is a stunning and tranquil spot, surrounded by chalk cliffs and colorful beach huts. We spent a lot of time here, simply taking in the calmness and beauty of this blue flag beach.

 Before heading off to Ramsgate, I made sure we had a quick sesh in the arcade, and Santa made sure he had a drink in The Royston – East Kent Pub of the Year 2024.

By the time we arrived in Ramsgate, it was pouring rain, so we took shelter in the UK’s largest Wetherspoons, which can accommodate up to 1,500 customers! We were eager to explore, so while the rain lightened up, we stepped out for a walk along the UK’s only royal harbor and admired the boats bobbing around in the water.

Another interesting fact about Ramsgate is that it has its own Meridian Line and “mean time,” which is 5 minutes and 41 seconds ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Unfortunately, the clock tower is currently undergoing renovation, and it’s unclear when it will reopen. There’s so much to see and do in Ramsgate that, in hindsight, we wish we had visited here first and saved Margate for later.

Since we still had a bit of daylight and we love cramming everything in, we decided to take a walk to Kingsgate Bay and Botany Bay. These locations feature stunning sections of the coastline, known for their chalk cliffs, chalk stacks, and several caves. Given the time of day and the weather, we practically had the beach to ourselves, except for a photoshoot that was taking place. Once again, we found ourselves wishing we had more time to fully explore the caves and rock pools.

As it was super late when we arrived back to Whitstable, there was only one thing left to do – small plates at Spoons! Set in an old cinema, it’s also full of film memorabilia, and obviously perfect for people watching. 

Kent Day 2 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

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The day began at the strange yet fascinating Dungeness – a uniquely desolate shingle headland often referred to as the UK’s only desert, even though it isn’t technically one. It is an important conservation area because of the plant and wildlife that reside there. It is a National Nature Reserve, a Special Protection Area, a Special Area of Conservation and is considered to be a site of special scientific interest.

The area has an apocalyptic and eerie feel to it, reminiscent of some of the odd American towns we have visited—places with tiny populations where people rarely leave. The shingle beach is strewn with abandoned old boats and remnants of a narrow-gauge railway line that was once used by fishermen to transport their catch from the sea to the shore for distribution.

There are two lighthouses located in Dungeness: the old lighthouse and the new one. Over the years, there have actually been five lighthouses in total. The current Old Dungeness Lighthouse, which is the fourth to be built, opened in 1904 but was retired in 1961 when the newest lighthouse was constructed. Visitors can climb to the top of the old lighthouse; however, it was closed when we visited 🤣

It’s the end of the line of The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway. It runs for 13.5 miles (27.1km) across Romney Marsh to Dungeness. Opened in 1927, it is billed as the world’s smallest public railway. More importantly, the cafe and toilets are located here!

It’s also home to Prospect Cottage – the former home and sanctuary of artist, filmmaker, gay rights activist, and gardener Derek Jarman. After a successful campaign to preserve the cottage, visitors can now explore the home and workspace of one of Britain’s most iconic creative figures.

Finally, the main event, the two massive nuclear power stations creatively named A and B, dominate the landscape and skyline. The current owner, EDF Energy, is in the process of dismantling them due to significant technical challenges discovered during the maintenance shutdown in 2018. 

Dungeness offers a wealth of photographic opportunities, not only because of the power stations and boats but also due to its unique buildings and converted railway carriages. The place can be described with many words—eerie, bleak, wild, and stark—but it is definitely a spot you should add to your list of places to visit. I dread to think how many photos Mum has taken!

We then headed to Folkestone, and I was excited to check out all the independent shops along the creative quarter. Unfortunately, the majority of them are closed on a Tuesday.. But I was still able to buy the obligatory postcard.. The weather continued to be on our side as we strolled around the harbour, which has undergone significant renovation, making it a vibrant seaside town. 

If you are an art lover, then the Folkestone Triennial is the perfect event for you. This open-air exhibition runs for three months, from July to October, and features a free art
trail showcasing contemporary works from 18 artists representing 15 countries. Each artist has created new commissions that are displayed along the waterfront and throughout the town.

One of the highlights of the exhibition (although from 2017) is Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Time,’ which is designed to “bear witness to what it is like to be alive and alone in space and time.” Another notable piece this year is Dorothy Cross’s ‘Red Erratic.’ This giant red stone is positioned quietly between land and sea, with feet carved into its surface. It serves as a striking reminder that nothing remains static—not people, landscapes, or history.

As previously mentioned, with it being a Tuesday, most of the food and drink establishments along the Harbour Arm were closed. This was probably a good thing for my bank account, as I would have been tempted to buy all the street food! Fortunately for Santa, Brewing Brothers was open, so we sat outside enjoying the sun while he savoured a beer.

The final stop for today was the White Cliffs of Dover, and as it was getting late, this meant a max time of hour and half to explore before the car park gates closed. The towering chalk cliffs rise 50 feet high and stretch 16 miles in length, approximately 8 miles on either side of the town of Dover. As it was a clear day, we were able to see France across the Channel, and even managed to watch an Irish Ferry pretty much make its entire journey over there. Unfortunately, you do get a Welcome to France message, and that meant for me, I was charged £2.59 roaming.. It also meant I had a slight twitchy arse moment when I thought we were late for the car park, only to realise my phone time had skipped an hour ahead. You definitely need a lot longer to explore here, especially if you want to get over to South Foreland Lighthouse, or down onto Langdon Bay – the white cliffs beach by ladder.

We finished the day with a delicious Fish and Chips, and Santa enjoyed his 12% can I brought him back from Poland.

Kent Day 1 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

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It’s Mum’s birthday week, and she has chosen to base ourselves in Whitstable to explore the delights of Kent. We loaded the car with all our bags (you’d think Mum & Dad were going away for a month by the amount they’ve got) and began our journey to our first stop—Hever Castle. Unfortunately, after a brief stop at the services, I noticed a strange ‘clonking’ noise coming from the wheel. This meant we had to pull over to the bright yellow refuge area on the side of the M4. Thankfully, Nick from the AA came to our rescue, and got us back on the road, although this did involve closing the inside lane to get us back on the motorway.. Awks.

This slight hiccup meant that we wouldn’t have time to go to Hever Castle, so headed to Scotney Castle instead – a medieval ruin on an island in a small lake. We obviously needed to stop by the café first, but the wasps quickly took a liking to Santa’s Tango, meaning we needed to dash inside for shelter. We then got a stamp for the National Trust passport. Unfortunately, the lady stamped it right on top of another stamp, and then wrote the wrong date! Obviously Mum was fuming 😂 

Walking around the site feels like being transported back in time. The castle was built in the late 14th century and has undergone several changes over the centuries. Eventually, it was partly dismantled and became a garden feature. In addition to the castle, there is also a mansion known as Scotney New Castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area from the lake.

We arrived at our Airbnb and were delighted to find Prosecco and cakes left as a welcome treat. We unloaded the 1001 bags and headed out to explore Whitstable. It was unusually quiet, but this meant there was nobody about to get in Mum’s photos! We walked down to Tankerton bay, where unfortunately there was a school trip, getting in all of Mum’s photos 😂 Tankerton is known for its charming, painted beach huts and the gently sloping grassy banks that lead down to a shingle beach. A quick Google search shows that some of the huts can sell for as much as £60,000! But who wouldn’t want to sit on the veranda of one with a glass of wine and watch the world go by. 

We strolled back to Whitstable and found a lovely spot to sit and watch the sunset – luckily for Santa it was a watering hole selling Whitstable Oyster Brewing, and he enjoyed an Oyster Country Stout. 

Gower 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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What to do when I have 2 days off? Have a 24hr adventure obviously! After finishing nights and having a few hours sleep, we packed up the car and headed to Swansea for a night in a cheap Travelodge. We dumped our bags and headed out for some food and a pint at Sessions by Mumbles Brewery. Unfortunately, the chef decided he fancied the day off, which meant no pizza. Luckily, the friendly staff offered to whip up a couple of delicious paninis for us instead. Santa was especially thrilled to hear it was Happy Hour, and got his second pint for free! We then returned to the car, ready to catch the sunset at Three Cliffs Bay.

We parked at the Southgate National Trust car park and embarked on a scenic cliff top walk toward Three Cliffs Bay. The natural light was beautiful, and after about 40 minutes walking, the peaks emerged before us. The seclusion of the area, thanks to the relatively lengthy walk, added to its charm, and there were very few people around. 

I took Momma and Santa down a steep and rocky path leading to the beach, which of course they were thrilled about! The golden sands and blue waters, complete with rock pools and steep cliff edges, created a perfect natural setting, untouched by cafes or shops. 
As we strolled across the beach and ventured through the triangular gap in the rock, we remained mindful of the tide gradually coming in.

After some exploration, we returned to the cliff walk to catch the sunset. It was stunning, with the colours changing every moment. Leaving was difficult, as we wished to linger and fully soak in the atmosphere and picturesque views.

The following morning, after a breakfast at Spoons, we headed back to Three Cliffs Bay, but this time parking at Gower Heritage Centre. Here you can stock up on coffee, cake, ice cream, cider and all sorts of other treats – much needed to fuel a walk to the beach. Starting the walk from this point not only provided a fresh perspective of the beach but also allowed us to take in stunning views of Pennard Castle, and a go on the stepping stones along the way.

We then headed to Rhossili Bay – a consistent favorite in Wales’ Top 10 Beaches. 
It’s backed by dunes and overlooked by 200-metre-high hills and jagged sea cliffs. There’s a large National Trust car park on the clifftop, which of course is free for NT members. As we strolled along the coastal cliffs towards the old coastguards station and Worms Head, we encountered wild horses and their foals grazing peacefully. For those who can plan their visit carefully, it’s possible to cross the causeway to the Worm, but this requires timing it within the two and a half hours surrounding low tide. Since we weren’t able to time our visit for that crossing, we took the opportunity to relax a bit and enjoy the stunning scenery in the sunshine.

Walking back along the cliff, we continued to admire the expansive three-mile beach before stopping by The View for lunch. We were fortunate to secure a bench with, as the café’s name suggests, an incredible view. The
food was absolutely delicious. Momma is already thinking about planning a trip to The Worms Head Hotel to capture the sunrise and sunset—ideal moments for photography!

We had initially planned to visit The Mumbles, but in our quest for adventure, we decided to seek out Whiteford Lighthouse, the only wave-swept cast-iron lighthouse in Britain. Measuring 13 meters tall, this decommissioned lighthouse was constructed in 1865 and is situated at the northern tip of the beach. Whilst we knew reaching the lighthouse would be a challenge, we didn’t anticipate just how much of an effort it would require. We parked in Cwm Ivy and set off through the woods, alongside the salt marsh. This area was reclaimed from the sea in the 17th century for farmland and has been protected by a sea defense that has evolved in size and strength over the years. However, in 2014, the sea wall breached, allowing the waters to reclaim the land and transforming Cwm Ivy from a freshwater marsh into a salt marsh.

We knew we would eventually need to traverse the sand dunes, and we spotted a stile that led into them, which seemed like the logical route. However, we encountered several barbed wire fences along the way. Fortunately, many had been flattened in spots by previous walkers, allowing us to navigate through. We made our way through the spiky Marram grass and finally reached the beach, which was completely deserted. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was still some distance away, and access varied depending on the tide, so we decided to take advantage of Momma’s super zoom for a closer look before we searched for a better route back to the woods. After tackling a few more fences, we ultimately found our way back to a proper path.

Once we made it back to the car, we decided that it would be ambitious to try to fit anything else into our day, so we decided to head home, reflecting on a wonderful 48 hours spent exploring Gower.

Yorkshire 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

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Get ready for our adventure in stunning North Yorkshire! We set out to uncover charming new towns and picturesque beaches, alongside some favourites we’ve visited before. Join us for another action-packed itinerary and share our top recommendations for a reet good getaway!

Brodsworth Hall & Gardens Since it was a long drive, we decided to take a break and stretch our legs at this stunning English Heritage site. The country house is well-preserved, and the gardens are beautifully manicured, with seasonal flowers on display. Fortunately, during our visit, we were treated to a vibrant sea of tulips. The site first opened to the public in 1995, and extensive work has been done since then to create the beautiful attraction you see today. There are gardeners everywhere, meticulously tending to the plants and lawns and ensuring that all the bushes are perfectly trimmed. We chose to skip the inside of the house (though I’ve heard it’s worth a visit) and instead enjoyed the tea room, where I must say, we had one of the best coronation chicken sandwiches we’ve enjoyed in a long time! If you’re an English Heritage member, this is definitely a perfect stop on your journey.

Staithes This quiet and charming fishing village was the childhood home of Captain James Cook. Parking is available only at the top of the hill, so be prepared for a steep walk down and an equally long and sweaty walk back up. Take a stroll along the high street, where each side street offers another opportunity for great photos. At the end, you’ll find the harbour, which is sheltered by rugged cliffs. Be sure to visit the Cod and Lobster, a perfect spot for a well-deserved pint with relaxing views. Additionally, this village is home to Dog Loup, one of the narrowest streets in the UK, measuring just 45cm wide.

Saltburn-by-the-sea This is where we chose to base ourselves for the next three nights, in an Airbnb just a stone’s throw away from the beach to the left, and the shops to the right. It perfectly captures the essence of a British seaside town, featuring colorful chalets, fish and chip shops, and a pier, but without the overwhelming number of arcades (although I do enjoy a slotties sesh) and other typical tourist tat. One of the main events in Saltburn is the cliff lift – it uses water to move the two carriages up and down, and is the oldest cliff lift of this type operating in the UK. The other is its pier – its Grade 2 listed and is the last remaining pier in Yorkshire!

Unlike our usual adventures, we decided to spend an entire day exploring the local area without using the car at all! We began the day with a stroll along the beach to Marske-by-the-Sea, where we stopped at ‘In the Dog House’ for coffee and cake. At first glance, the place looked a bit questionable, but the coffee was excellent (and I always appreciate a complimentary biscuit), and the staff were incredibly friendly. After our break, we took a different route back along the cliff walk to get a different perspective of Saltburn. We walked through fields with very inquisitive cows, maneuvered over a few challenging stiles (which were a bit tricky for Santa and his hip), and ventured into the wooded valley of Hazel Grove. From there, we visited the viaduct and Saltburn Gill before making our way back into Saltburn itself—it turned out to be a delightful 8.6-mile walk.

We then headed to The Ship for a much-needed drink, and Santa was thrilled to discover that they had Old Peculiar on tap! The pub boasts a large beer garden, which served as the perfect vantage point to watch the surfers while Momma snapped away with her camera. Next, we took a walk along the pier, had a quick go at the 2p machine (where we sadly won absolutely nothing 😩), and admired the colorful chalets. Finally, we returned to the beach for some fish and chips and a bottle of wine.

Rievaulx Abbey  This monastery was one of England’s most powerful Cistercian establishments, founded in 1132 by just 12 monks. At its peak, it was home to around 650 residents until its dissolution by King Henry VIII in 1538. Following this, it transformed into an iron forge, where the lay brothers at Rievaulx produced their own tools, nails, and cutlery. Eventually, the forge closed down, and the land passed through generations of the landed gentry before being designated a historical monument in the 1900s. Visitors can utilize audio guides and will find plenty to explore in these remarkable ruins, easily spending hours immersed in their history. We arrived here just after opening, so had the abbey to ourselves for most of our visit, much to Momma’s delight!

Helmsley From quiet to absolutely packed, we secured the very last spot in the car park! Helmsley is the only market town within the North York Moors National Park, featuring charming old sandstone buildings that host a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Thanks to the fantastic weather, the square was bustling with motorbikes, much to the irritation of the owner of the cafe we chose! After enjoying our mandatory coffee and cake, Momma took some time to explore The Ginger Bear, while Santa savored a beer at the brewery. Our final stop in Helmsley was the impressive castle, boasting over 900 years of history—marking our second English Heritage site of the day.

Thornton-le-Dale This pretty little village kept popping up during our research, so decided to swing by to check it out. The car park is huge, but the adjoining toilets were absolutely filthy (I just love seeing turd smeared all over the walls). Whilst the village has its appeal, a drive-through would have sufficed. However, we did enjoy a sandwich and sausage roll during our stop!

Whitby Whitby is an incredibly popular destination, and as an added surprise, it was the Goth Weekend! This event has been taking place since the mid-’90s, attracting people dressed in gothic attire and showcasing other alternative subcultures. While many attendees wore steampunk outfits, the variety of costumes was impressive and contributed to a unique atmosphere. We climbed the 199 steps leading up to the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which sits precariously on the windswept cliffs, often battered by the elements. Founded in the 7th century, this Abbey fell victim to King Henry VIII, resulting in the nearly complete demolition of its south side in 1539. Not only does the Abbey possess a rich and vibrant history, but it also served as inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

After exploring the Abbey, we visited Whitby Brewery, located in the shadow of the Abbey. Santa enjoyed a Black Death stout, and we all indulged in some delicious pizza. Afterward, we strolled over to the Whalebone Arch, erected in 1853, which frames a stunning view of the town below as well as the Abbey. To finish off the day, we headed to the East Pier to catch the sunset. The streets were now empty, allowing us to admire the old cobblestones and shopfronts on our walk back to the car.

Runswick Bay Runswick Bay is a hidden gem on the Yorkshire coastline, offering a picturesque village filled with charming atmosphere. Cue more red-bricked roofs and winding streets huddled together beneath dramatic cliffs. With the tide out, we had the opportunity to explore the stretch of coastline, although we unfortunately didn’t find any fossils. However, a young family enjoying the rock pools did discover a large lobster – I think the whole of Yorkshire heard her screaming “We’ve found a lobster”. We really enjoyed Runswick! We ended up staying longer than we thought we because it was so relaxing. We would highly recommend a visit here.

Robin Hood’s Bay Another popular destination, the steep hill from the top of the village provides views of the surrounding coastline. This hill leads down to the lower part of the village, a maze of narrow, cobbled alleyways lined with charming houses at every turn. Picture Yorkshire stone houses adorned with brightly painted doors and, of course, red rooftops. Momma was in her photography element, until we got to one of the iconic houses and it was covered in scaffolding..

Historically, Robin Hood’s Bay was a hotspot for smugglers. The police would frequently raid their contraband, only to indulge in the rum and brandy themselves. It often resulted in the officers falling into a deep, drunken sleep, allowing the smugglers to reclaim their goods!

During our visit, we stopped by a little hut near the beach to grab some sandwiches to enjoy at the top of the hill while taking in the views. Unfortunately, Santa’s tuna sandwich turned out to be a cheese sandwich instead. Of course, this didn’t phase him, and he still gobbled the whole thing up. We ended our day with a drink at the Victoria Hotel, which held a bit of nostalgia for Mum and Dad as it was where they stayed during their last visit.

Flamborough Head The last place we visited before heading home was Flamborough Head, a chalk headland known for its sheer white cliffs. It features two lighthouses: one built in 1669 and the other in 1806. The color of the water here was incredible—something you would expect from a tropical island, not the windy coast of Yorkshire. The photos truly don’t do it justice. 

In addition to being an important site for seabird colonies (making it a hotspot for migratory birds), Flamborough is also home to a large population of seals. It was delightful to watch them play and lounge around the Drinking Dinosaur rock formation. If you’re a wildlife lover, this place is absolutely for you. We wrapped up our lovely few days with the most delicious ice cream before embarking on the long drive back to the Midlands.

Helsinki 🇫🇮

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We arrived late in the evening after the ferry ride from Tallinn. The ferry was huge, with plenty of bars and shops, as well a live band and karaoke! We jumped in a Bolt to our last hotel of the stay – we knew it was close proximity to the station, but didn’t expect to look out the window straight onto the train platform. So for the 2nd hotel of the trip, complimentary earplugs were supplied. That being said, we weren’t disturbed by them at all!

Breakfast was a rowdy affair, as this hotel was much bigger and busier than any we had stayed in for the last week. But there was still plenty of options, and we took advantage of all the freshly baked breads and pastries, ready for a day of exploring.

We started by getting a ferry over to Suomenlinna – a must see when in Helsinki. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s made up of a group of eight islands that together form a sea fortress.  We got off the boat, grabbed a map from the visitors centre, and headed out to see what the island had to offer.  One of the first things you come to is Suomenlinna church, which also functions as a lighthouse, making it one of the only dual purpose churches in the world. The rest of the first section of the island we found quite underwhelming, and it would definitely look better with a bit more green on the trees. Once we got to the Kustaanmiekka sand banks and artillery however, the scenery became a lot more intertesting, and definitely worth coming for. Most of the cafes on the island were shut due to being out of season, but I can imagine Suomenlinna gets absolutely rammed during the summer months. 

Helsinki Cathedral – The church is built in the shape of a Greek cross and the central dome of the Cathedral rises to more than 80 metres above sea level.

Uspenski Cathedral – Considered to be the largest Orthodox temple in Northern and Western Europe. The central cupola of the cathedral is 33 meters high. 

Old Market Hall – Relatively small inside, but full of local produce, and is perfect for those who love fish. Also check out the Market Square – look out for the orange tents (which are heated in the winter months). It sells produce, treats, crafts and souvenirs. It is opposite here that you catch the ferry to Suomenlinna.

Sibelius Monument – Perfect to pop by on your way to Regatta Cafe. It resembles large church organ pipes and is dedicated to the Finnish composer – Sibelius. 

Regatta Cafe – The ‘must visit’ cafe.  The traditional red cottage cafe has brought a part of the Finnish countryside to Helsinki, and is famous for their cinnamon buns and hot chocolate. We tried both, and have to say they were delicious. Expect a queue as its very popular. We were lucky and were able to get one of the few seats inside. 

Temppeliaukio Church – Built directly into solid rock, it’s also known as The Rock Church. Very interesting to see the architecture, but at €8pp it was way too expensive for what it was. I was expecting guides and access to a toilet – unfortunately you don’t get either.

We finished off our day in Helsinki with yet another Newcastle game. We found a sports bar, got settled in, and then they changed the game for NHL instead 🤣 the next nearest option was an Irish bar. It was smelly and sticky, with dirty glasses (we were told that’s all they had 🤷🏼‍♀️) and strange people.. but it had the game on, and that meant Mark got to see them beat Blues. A perfect end to the trip!

So, was Helsinki worth it? We definitely wouldn’t recommend it as a stand-alone trip. However, the flights here can be super cheap, so it is a perfect place for 24 hours before going onto Tallinn. Being Finland, it’s obviously a lot more expensive. We went to another bar after the Irish Bar, and a pint & 2 packets of crisps cost €18!! There’s certainly no ‘old town vibe’, it’s just another busy and modern city.