Emm in London

The Bernina Express: A Panoramic Train Through the Swiss Alps

2026-04-19T16:24:35.049+01:00

I’ve found my new favourite rail journey. In November, we travelled on the famous Bernina Express, a panoramic train that runs from Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, to the Italian Alpine town of Tirano. It’s an incredible experience offering uninterrupted views across the Swiss Alps, from glacial landscapes and snow-dusted peaks to winding viaducts and tiny Alpine hamlets.

Our train departed Chur at 8.17am on a freezing cold November morning. We were relieved to be allowed straight on board on arrival. The toasty interior was a welcome shelter from the cold, and our jackets were quickly relegated to the coat racks.

Within moments of departure, we were transported to a winter wonderland as the train travelled past snow-capped pine forests in misty valleys.

My goddaughter Keira and I had been excited for our journey on the Bernina Express, but nothing quite prepared us for the jaw-dropping vistas or outstanding beauty. Our mouths and eyes were wide open for much of the journey, and we had to actively stop ourselves from taking too many photos so we could simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.

We were allowed off the train at Alp Grüm. It was the first time Keira had seen so much snow and she couldn’t resist making snowballs.

I wish I could bottle the experience of breathing in that crisp, pure Alpine air, its clean scent cleansing the soul, and gazing upon those timeless mountains. These are the scenes I bring to mind now when I retreat to my happy place.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a recent convert to cold-weather activities, only convinced after our trip to Bergen in December 2023 that I could survive subzero temperatures. It will come as no surprise to winter-activity enthusiasts that I enjoyed this Alpine experience so much I’ve started planning a beginner ski trip.

All too soon we returned to the train for the next leg of our journey as the Bernina Express winds its way into Italy.

We passed countless tiny villages and marvelled as the train travelled down the helical viaduct at Brusio.

Tips and Tricks for Journeys on the Bernina Express

Before booking your journey on the Bernina Express, definitely visit the excellent blog by The Man in Seat 61. In it, he shares tips on how to save on train tickets by booking from Germany, as well as the importance of making a seat reservation on the Rhätische Bahn website if you want to travel in the panoramic carriages. All reserved tickets sell out early, so book as soon as you can, especially if you want First Class Tickets.

Mandy’s Top Tip

If I had to do this again (and I hope to one day do the journey from Tirano back to Chur), I would choose carefully which side of the carriage to sit on. If you are journeying from Chur to Tirano, the iconic viaduct views will be on the right-hand side of the train, so the best seats are window seats on the right of the carriage, facing forward. If you are travelling from Tirano to Chur, the viaduct curves to the left, so the best seats are forward-facing seats on the left of the carriage.

Pack sunglasses. You won’t believe how sunny it can be in the Alps. I had pale, pink-tinted sunglasses that were perfect for wearing inside the train and helped prevent headaches from the glare.

Take Your Time

Consider lingering longer. It is definitely possible to fly into Zurich on one day and out of Milan the next day, with a day spent on the Bernina Express. But in my next post, I will tell you about our six day itinerary and my inspiration for both taking the trip and for slowing it down.

Hot Air Balloons & Spa Days: 36 Hours in Bath

2026-04-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

Oh, for the love of an August bank holiday weekend! With a long weekend stretching ahead of us, and the satisfaction of meeting a major deadline on Wednesday, Stephen and I couldn’t resist the allure of a short escape. On Thursday morning, we set off bright and early for two nights in Bath. It was the type of perfect timing with enough of a getaway to recharge, yet two extra days to rewind when we returned home.

Two days in Bath is never quite enough, but this was not our first visit, and we made sure to make the most of every moment. So, come along with me as I recount how we spent 36 hours in this beautiful city.

An Afternoon Walk Through Bath

Arriving in the late afternoon, we freshened up quickly before taking a leisurely walk into Bath. Our walk took us past Sydney Gardens and onto Great Pulteney Street, before turning towards St Michael's Church and on to Broad Street.

In the photo above, to the left of St Michael's Church, you can see the Old Post Office, which will be the new home of the Fashion Museum Bath. Don’t plan your trip just yet though, construction only begins in 2027 with opening planned in 2030.

Dinner at the Coconut Tree

We were spoilt for choice when it came to dinner options but chose the Coconut Tree as neither of us had sampled Sri Lankan food before. We had the most superb meal with fantastic service, and are now wholeheartedly converted to Sri Lankan food. (Excellent timing too as two Sri Lankan restaurants have opened in my hometown of Dartford).

My favourite items were the Negombo Fish Curry (a delicate white fish wrapped in a coconut leaf), Devilled Prawns, Cheesy Colombo, and Egg Hopper. Described as a ‘must-have for first timers’, this last dish is a bowl-shaped coconut-milk pancake served with an egg and Sri Lankan condiments.

A Twilight Walk Through Parade Gardens

The light was beautiful when we emerged from the restaurant and we decided to take a nice, long walk back to our hotel through Parade Gardens. I was quite taken by Newbury Abbot Trent's Angel of Peace memorial to King Edward VII.

Bath was celebrating 250 years of Jane Austen last year with events throughout the year, leading up a Yuletide Jane Austen Birthday Ball in December. Fear not if you missed out, there is an annual Jane Austen festival that runs every year throughout September.

Looking down the river Avon towards North Parade Bridge. I'd love to stay on one of those houseboats.

I wondered why there is a statue of Mozart as a young boy in Bath's Parade Gardens. Mozart never visited the city, but the statue was commissioned following the deathbed wishes of one Mrs Purnell. The statue was created in bronze and Bath stone by David Backhouse to honour her music-loving son Mark Purnell who passed away in 1985. These days, an annual Mozartfest is held in Bath each November.

Finally, the crowds dispersed a little and we were able to get a glimpse of our reason for visiting the gardens: the famous Pulteney Bridge. Very few bridges with buildings on them remain in England, or indeed anywhere in the world. The bridge itself doesn't look like much when you're on it (hence the lack of photos), but seeing it from a distance gives an idea of its charm.

As we emerged from the gardens, we looked up to see hot air balloons in the sky around Bath Abbey.

We took one last look up the river Avon towards Pulteney Bridge, again admiring the river boats, before making our way across North Parade Bridge.

As we continued past the cricket and rugby grounds towards the hotel, we spotted the hot air balloons high in the sky above Bath.

A Spa Day at MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel

After a leisurely lie-in the next morning followed by breakfast, we made our way to the spa for a Signature Spa Day. We were delighted to discover an outdoor area where we could lounge beneath giant parasols, a first for me on the British Isles where it usually wouldn't be warm enough for such a treat. From time to time we relaxed in the al fresco hydrotherapy pool, enjoying gentle massages from the heated water jets.

At noon, we made our way to the treatment rooms where we each enjoyed a one hour massage and a half hour facial. The treatments were superb and Stephen really enjoyed his first facial experience. The relaxation area in the spa also notably calm and soothing.

Afternoon Tea at MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel

Our afternoon tea was scheduled for 3pm and we stepped into an elegant space with high ceilings, classic furnishings, and soft, natural light filtering through tall sash windows.

We ordered our teas from the large selection, Birchall's red berry loose leaf tea for me to cleanse my pallet ahead of the sweet treats to come.

I'm usually a fan of the savoury part of an afternoon tea, but on this occasion, the warm, fluffy scones stole the show as did the top tier of sweet treats. All the desserts were beautifully balanced in sweetness. The Victoria sponge was light and fluffy, the chocolate fudge cake was rich and deeply chocolatey, and the cherry tart was simply divine.

Following our afternoon tea, we returned to the spa to enjoy the last few hours of sunshine and warmth. I managed to finish an entire book that day, and so it felt just like we'd been on holiday!

Staying at MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel

I don’t often dwell on hotel interiors or experiences on this blog, but the aesthetic at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel was too charming to ignore. Elegant spaces with classic English furnishings, polished wood, ornate vases and a curated collection of paintings give the place a refined yet welcoming feel. We began planning our next visit to a spa hotel in the MacDonald group that very evening. Blissfully relaxed and revitalised after our lovely day, we returned to our room for an afternoon nap. What a perfect couple of days!

Life Is What Happens...

2026-03-19T07:59:00.034+00:00

… when you’re busy making other plans.

Well that was unexpected! The past six months have been some of the most challenging and rewarding, but they've also been fairly all-consuming. I’m always conscious that I landed my dream job but I do have to balance that with how relentlessly demanding it is.

On top of that, the last quarter of last year included some pretty incredible travel experiences with four countries visited in three months!

Even I can admit that burning the candle on both ends is on brand for me

Before I knew it, six months had passed and I hadn't posted on this blog. The longer I left it, the harder it felt to explain the gap. I've even had a fully written post about our time in Bath sitting in my drafts all this time.

It feels like I’ve been trying to catch my breath for months but I’m happy to say things are finally starting to settle down.

So I’m easing myself back into writing and exploring again, and I’m really looking forward to catching up on everyone else’s adventures. I’ll do my best not to disappear again.

First, though, a little glimpse of what I've been up to all this time.

August

A long weekend in Bath & Salisbury

September

Twelve days in Nea Vrasna in Halkidiki, Greece.

October

A weekend in Budapest.

November

Six wonderful days where we travelled from Zurich to Tirano on the Bernina Express before spending time in Milan.

December

Spending lots of time with family and seeing Ebony Scrooge at Sadler Wells in Stratford.

January

A six mile walk from Gravesend to the Higham marshes and back to Gravesend for the winter lights festival.

February

Catching Tessa Campbell Fraser's Whales at Rochester Cathedral.

March

A visit to the Historic Dockyard Chatham to catch the Call the Midwife tour.

Let me know what you’d most like to read about and I’ll post about that first!

Gardens of Villa Melzi: A Lake Como Treasure

2025-08-24T17:44:00.003+01:00

I've tried many times to compose this post in my mind but struggled each time. How do you express that you visited the most exquisite gardens in Italy when you know that you cannot do them justice? Known in English as the Villa Melzi Gardens, i Giardini di Villa Melzi d'Eril are located on the shore of Lake Como in Bellagio and feature a neoclassical villa, acres of carefully appointed gardens, and an impressive selection of sculptures.

Nothing is accidental in this whimsical location. As you enter, you’re handed a pamphlet and encouraged to track down over 60 plants and trees, along with 19 locations filled with sculptures and statues. Join with me as we wander through the gardens together, and I’ll point out some of my favourite sights. I’ll also tell you a little bit more about the history of the villa.

Moorish Pavilion with Sculptures

As we entered the gardens, we spent some time wandering amongst the trees, admiring the Japanese cedar tree and California redwood, before joining the shore again and heading for the Moorish Pavilion.

Busts of Ferdinand I & Josephine Barbo

I love the photo above, showing Monti’s bust of Ferdinand I of Austria as he gazes across Lake Como. Or perhaps his gaze falls on Tadini’s bust of Josephine Barbo?

Comolli's Monument to Dante and Beatrice

We visited on a beautiful summer’s day but I couldn’t help but imagine what it must be like to visit the gardens at night.

I imagined fairy lights and violins, prosecco and chatter.

Della Porta’s Statue of Apollo

The gardens have a timeless feel and I imagined what it must be like to exist as a statue, looking over the waters of Lake Como.

Comolli’s Lions in the Egyptian Style

I was most impressed by how stylistically different Comolli’s Lions were to his monument of Dante and Beatrice pictured above, yet both are beautifully realised.

Water-Lily Basin & Fountain

Della Porta’s Statue of Meleangro

Meanwhile, Della Porta’s statue of Meleager and his hunting dog is similar in style to his statue of Apollo pictured above.

Lake Landing

I could have sat in the shade watching this scene for hours.

As it was, we took a moment to drink some water and collect our thoughts before moving on.

We admired some of the buildings overlooking the property. If my reading of the map was correct, these are apartments. How marvellous to have such a view!

This wall of bamboo inspired me to start my own tiny bamboo section in my garden at home. It’s currently standing at two feet high and nowhere near as impressive as this.

The Villa Melzi

Having explored much of the gardens, we began to approach the main villa. The villa itself is private but we did get to learn a bit about Francesco Melzi d’Eril, statesman and vice president of the Italian Republic under Napolean.

Built in the early 19th century in a refined Neoclassical style, the villa became Melzi's summer residence.

The gardens were designed to mirror the splendour of Lake Como and complement the peaceful aura of the surrounding mountains.

Villa Melzi and gardens are privately owned by the Gallarati Scotti family, descendants of the original Melzi lineage through marriage. Lodovico Melzi d’Eril’s daughter Luisa married Giancarlo Gallarati Scotti in the 19th century.

Today, Lodovico’s grandson Prince Fulco Gallarati Scotti takes care of the estate, ensuring that proceeds from visitors are carefully reinvested into maintaining and enhancing this historic gem in Bellagio.

The Museum in the Old Orangerie

Searching for the public conveniences, we found the small museum located in the old Orangerie.

I was quite fascinated by this old mural.

With one last wander along the avenue lining the shore of Lake Como, we began to make our way back to the ferry terminal in time for our ferry back to Lecco.

We loved our visit to Villa Melzi and felt that it was worth every cent of the €10 entrance fee.

Location: Via Lungo Lario Manzoni, 22021 Bellagio, Italy

A Saturday in London: Just for One Day: The Live Aid Musical

2025-08-12T08:03:00.007+01:00

Last Saturday, we planned the quintessential London day. We took a stroll down Oxford Street, had lunch in Soho and spent an afternoon watching Just for One Day: The Live Aid Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

It was a lovely day, the perfect day for wandering about, and it was thankfully cooler than it had been earlier in the summer.

The Tusk Turtle Trail

We met Myrtle the Hawksbill Turtle outside Tottenham Court Road Station. Designed by Sadie Williams, realised by Toby Williams and hand finished by Ralph Steadman, Myrtle is part of the Tusk Turtle Trail which runs until September. I will definitely need to plan a day out on this trail!

Lunch at Inamo Soho

Our next stop was lunch at Inamo Soho. There are so many good restaurants in London that I don’t often go to the same place twice but Inamo was worth a second visit to sample their vegan ‘salmon’ sushi. It’s been 20 years since I developed an allergy to salmon and I’m delighted to say that this vegan ‘salmon’ tastes just like the real thing. It’s honestly too good to share.

We had a great meal at Inamo and received 50% off our bill thanks to the First Table app which my friend Stacey introduced me to. See the comments below to see how it works.

Walking from Soho to the Shaftesbury Theatre

After lunch, we took a leisurely walk from Soho to Shaftesbury Avenue. We passed the former Henry Heath hat factory with its preserved Victorian frontage. The factory closed in 1930 and was redeveloped into eight swanky loft-style apartments in 2012.

We walked through Soho Square Gardens with its faux-half-timbered hut. The hut was built in 1925 and houses the electricity substation. It was also used as a bomb shelter during the Blitz.

No visit to Tottenham Court Road is complete these days without stopping in to see Outernet, a free and eye opening visual display of constantly revolving art, live performances and interactive experiences. We saw the Mirrored Cube by Hannah Nijsten which was an incredible piece of optical illusion.

We also stopped to catch Enchanted Forest: The Melody of Spirits by borabora studios.

Moving on, we walked through St Giles Square and spotted this mural. I believe the artist is David Speed.

Just for One Day: The Live Aid Musical

The afternoon was all about seeing Just for One Day: The Live Aid Musical. I’d been wary of seeing the musical – we were taught all about Live Aid and Band Aid as cautionary tales in university, with warnings about how not to do international aid and how funds and resources did not reach their intended targets.

The performance itself was fun and energetic, with a lot of great performances of 80s tracks. There was a story to it too, with a young Gen Z school leaver raising exactly the same concerns that I did.

It was good to see how the concert came about and how they raised record amounts of money but it definitely gave us a lot to think about, especially in light of the challenges we are facing today.

With daylight to spare on a glorious summer day, we emerged from the theatre and pottered about some more.

The Bombed-Out Church of St Luke’s, Liverpool

2025-08-02T09:06:00.013+01:00

I’ve always wanted to visit the bombed-out Church of St Luke’s in Liverpool but it was pouring with rain every time I went. Added to that, it wasn’t always possible to get inside due to closures or scaffolding. Our time finally came this year when Stephen and I found ourselves with an hour to spare before we met my cousin at Lime Street Station.

The entry fee is just £2 each but the site is so well maintained and the staff so friendly that you’ll probably want to donate a little more. Once inside, I took a deep breath, thrilled to finally be inside the place that has been on my wish list for over 20 years.

A Haunting Reminder of Liverpool’s wartime scars

My dad was born in 1945 but he grew up with stories of how Liverpool was devastated during the Blitz, stories which he then passed on to me. St Luke’s was bombed during the Blitz of 1941 and the church was never rebuilt, with the city choosing instead to preserve it as a solemn memorial to the lives lost during the Second World War.

An Oasis of Calm in the City

Like London’s St Dunstan-in-the-East (also known as My Favourite Place in the Whole of London), St Luke’s Church is a place of peace and reflection in the heart of the big city, sitting at the top of Bold Street where we later enjoyed brunch at Bamboo. Standing within those walls, I could just hear the whispers of the past above the distant sounds of traffic and revelry.

Over 100 Years of Service to Liverpool

The story of St Luke’s goes back to 1791 when the land was donated to the town of Liverpool by the Earl of Derby, on the condition that a church be built there. After legal disputes and a delay in beginning construction, the church was built and finally consecrated in 1831. It served the city for over 100 years before that fateful day when, just after midnight on 6 May 1941, the church was struck by an incendiary bomb.

The church’s clock stopped at 3.36am

Gothic Grandeur Amidst the Ruins

Even though it stands in ruin, you can still appreciate the impressive architecture of St Luke’s with its tall Gothic arches, delicately carved stone and imposing tower. It is a testament to the church’s construction that the tower still stands. Stephen pointed out to me that you can still see traces of the fire that ascended the tower on that dark night, causing several of its bells to fall to the ground.

By the dawn of the following day, as the fires died down and the smoke cleared, all that would remain of St Luke’s was its masonry shell while the roof and interior were almost completed obliterated.

Art Installations at St Luke’s Church

Pictured at the very top of this post is the ‘All Together Now’ statue by Andy Edwards, also known as ‘The Truce Statue’. It commemorates the 1914 Christmas Truce, when British and German soldiers laid down arms to share a moment of peace which included shaking hands, sharing food, singing carols and playing a game of football in No-Man’s Land.

The statue depicts two men shaking hands with a football on the ground between them. They are standing in a field of poppies from the ‘Poppy Garden Project 2024’, a project where over 1000 poppy flowers were made by local school children using upcycled plastic bottles which they then attached to bamboo flower sticks.

A Taste of Bellagio: Lunch and a Stroll by Lake Como

2025-07-23T19:30:00.004+01:00

It's strange how travel myths can shape our perceptions. I always believed the grand Italian lakes were only for the wealthy and famous, not for someone like me. As it turns out, nothing could be further from the truth. On my third day in Italy, my friend and I travelled to the delightful village of Bellagio, perched at the tip of the promontory dividing the two southern arms of Lake Como.

While we didn't have lunch with George Clooney, we enjoyed the most perfect day

Our journey that morning had taken us first by train to Lecco and then by ferry across the lake to Bellagio. As we stepped off at the ferry terminal, we were immediately swept into the hustle and bustle of the village. Without any real plan, we found ourselves drawn up this flight of stone steps.

It was just around lunchtime, and we’d fully expected to spend a fair bit of time searching for somewhere to eat. But then we turned and spotted the unassuming Trattoria San Giacomo at the top of the steps.

We received a warm welcome and soon found ourselves sipping chilled water and nibbling on antipasti as we watched the world go by outside.

One of the culinary highlights of my trip, recommended by my lovely friend, was the laziale dish cacio e pepe, a beautifully simple combination of black pepper, pecorino romano and spaghetti. The version at Trattoria San Giacomo was superb.

After lunch, feeling content and well-fed, we set off to explore the village. We paused for a moment at the top of the steps to glance back down Salita Serbelloni towards the lake, then turned and wandered further into the heart of Bellagio.

Everywhere we looked, there were winding paths and narrow passageways, each one tempting us to see where it might lead. Occasionally, we caught glimpses of the lake shimmering between the buildings.

Some of the houses were quite magnificent, beautifully kept and picture-perfect.

Before long, we stumbled upon another set of old stone steps and followed them downwards towards the lake.

At the bottom, we came across the most delightful little Italian pavement café, situated along the edge of the narrow lane.

Soon we were back at the lakeside, gazing out across the shimmering teal water to the majestic mountains beyond.

We turned and began walking south along the shore of Lake Como. As we strolled, we passed the derelict Grand Bretagne hotel which is being restored and will reopen as the Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio in 2026.

The lakeside path was especially lovely, lined with elegant trees, climbing roses, vibrant flower beds and classic lampposts.

We were making our way towards the Giardini di Villa Melzi, a place so enchanting it deserves a post of its own. With one final look towards the Lido di Bellagio, we stepped into the peaceful beauty of the gardens.

A Visit to Gerberoy, the Village of Roses

2025-07-13T16:14:00.003+01:00

When planning our trip to France, I quickly realised that the drive from the Eurotunnel terminal in Calais to our hotel in Poissy, just outside Paris, was far longer than I’d expected. I went in search of a charming, photogenic spot for lunch and struck gold with the storybook village of Gerberoy.

Gerberoy is officially one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, a title reserved for the most beautiful villages in the country. The village is famous for its roses, which bloom in abundance every June and spill over walls, archways and cobbled lanes.

Visitors must leave their cars in the car park at the entrance to the village, which is just as well because Gerberoy is the kind of place you’ll want to explore on foot, even with temperatures soaring into the high 30s as they did on the day we visited.

The painter Henri Le Sidaner fell under Gerberoy’s spell in the early 1900s, and the beautiful gardens he created still flourish to this day. We weren’t able to visit them on this occasion, as we had a timed entry for Monet’s garden later that afternoon, but I know in my heart that I’ll return one day. Still, we took a peek into the gardens and then continued down the hill where we encountered the city gate above.

As we continued further down the hill, we turned around to see the view above, looking out of the village through the city gate.

Gerberoy has been fortified since the 11th century, and traces of its medieval ramparts and half-timbered houses still remain.

We decided to turn right, past the half-timbered house and down the country lane.

We stopped to admire the flowers lining both sides of the lane.

With fewer than 100 residents, Gerberoy feels like stepping into a storybook, quiet and utterly timeless.

We walked past L’Atelier Gourmand de Sarah, where we would later stop for lunch. Doesn’t it look inviting?

We continued on to the centre of the village, where the Tourism Office was located (closed on Mondays), as well as an art gallery and public conveniences.

Soon we were on the path back to the city gate, and back towards the restaurant. I was pleased to discover roses looking as wilted as I felt.

We admired the buildings and views…

… and stopped to smell the roses, of course.

Soon we were in the shade of rose-pink umbrellas at L’Atelier Gourmand de Sarah. The host was so welcoming and gave us ice cold water to enjoy while our food was prepared.

I enjoyed a cheese tarte, served with a lovely salad filled with local ingredients. The rose-shaped pastry on the bottom right was a delicious savoury pea muffin.

We took a long, slow walk back to the car after our meal. I spotted the forest scene opposite the entrance to Les Jardins Henri le Sidaner. Again, I would have loved to have more time in village to explore.

We took a long moment to admire the views before climbing into the car for the next part of our journey. Gerberoy was lovely and I do hope to return one day.

The main parking area for Gerberoy is located at 8 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jean, 60380 Gerberoy, France and offers free, daytime parking.

L’Atelier Gourmand de Sarah accepts credit cards but not all restaurants in the village do, so you might want to draw cash before you reach the village.

The following map shows the location of Gerberoy in relation to Calais and Monet's Garden in Giverny. From Calais, it is just under 3 hours to Gerberoy and then another 75 to 90 minutes to Giverny.

Celebrating Summer in England

2025-06-30T14:02:00.003+01:00

Summer is truly spectacular in England this year. We've had weeks of hot, dry weather and it looks to continue well into August. We've been out and about a lot and the time has finally come for our short trip to Paris. See you on the other side!

Photos are of the Eynsford Riverside on a hot summer day and the nearby St Martin's Church.

Lavender Fields and Calm at Castle Farm

2025-06-20T14:05:00.027+01:00

Summer has finally arrived in England and it's lavender season! As temperatures eased towards 30°c this weekend, we took advantage of the blue skies and sunshine and headed out to Castle Farm in Kent.

Castle Farm, a family-run farm near Shoreham, hosts its annual lavender season each year from mid-June to late July. The first time I visited Castle Farm, I took the guided tour and learned all about the distillery process and the difference between lavender and lavandin.

On this occasion, we opted to simply explore the lavender fields and lose ourselves in their tranquility.

I certainly needed it! May was a very difficult month for us here in Kent. My 18-month old cat Poppy went missing for 21 days and it was only after a relentless campaign of posters and leafleting that I managed to track her down again. Thank goodness for my local community who kept me updated with sightings of her!

It's strange how mental health works though. I seemed to cope just fine while Poppy was missing, only to fall apart when I got her back. She was very thin after losing a third of her bodyweight but a visit to the vet told us she was miraculously okay otherwise.

Visiting the lavender fields and taking a moment to breathe it all in really helped.

There is nothing quite like connecting with nature to soothe the soul and heal our hearts.

That feeling of breathing in deeply and taking a long, controlled breath out is like nothing else.

And relax...

The scent of the lavender is so heady. It is not overpowering, unless you're a drunken bumblebee in which case it certainly is!

Poppies for my Poppy.

After pottering about in the field and gazing into the distance, we headed back to the Castle Farm shop to buy a lavender gin and tonic. We also bought some lavender products to take home including lavender cookies, lemonade and sleepy time tea.

Having worked up an appetite, we drove through to Eynsford for lunch at the Plough restaurant. Being such a lovely day, it was no surprise that the Eynsford riverside was full of families enjoyed picnics and paddling in the ford.

In the mood for more Bloom Scrolling? You might also enjoy reading about my first visit to Castle Farm.

Did you know that Poppy and her pack are on Instagram? You can follow Pebbles & the Chaos Kittens for cuteness and feline escapades!

Frolicking with Goats at Buttercups Sanctuary

2025-06-10T14:49:00.003+01:00

I’m delighted to tell you about one of my favourite experiences ever, the day I spent with Billy and the kids at Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats in Kent.

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Boughton Monchelsea, near Maidstone, the sanctuary spans over 40 acres of ancient parkland.

This idyllic setting provides a peaceful retreat for over 140 resident goats, with an additional 120 cared for in foster homes.

The first thing you realise when you enter the enclosure is that goats are not shy! They come barrelling right up to you which can be slightly daunting at first. After the initial surprise, you learn that these confident, friendly creatures just want a good ear scritch and maybe some special goat-friendly treats.

The sanctuary's name, "Buttercups," is inspired by the golden flowers that carpet the fields each May.

We visited the sanctuary as part of the “Buttercups and Daisies” walk for the Heart of Kent Walking Festival. This was my second year joining the festival, following last year's Augustine Camino walk. I love that this festival combines three of my favourite things: Kent, walking and nature.

How majestic are these creatures?

Buttercups Sanctuary began in 1989 when Bob and Valerie Hitch agreed to care for two unwanted goats from the RSPCA. This compassionate act soon blossomed into a full-fledged sanctuary as more goats in need found their way to the couple. By 2003, the sanctuary had grown significantly and was granted charitable status, becoming the UK's only registered charity dedicated solely to goat welfare .

Buttercups steps in and rescues goats for a number of reasons, including abandonment, neglect, and situations where they need a more spacious environment or the company of other goats.

There are so many ways to get involved in the sanctuary. You can adopt a goat for £25 year and contribute to the care of a chosen goat. Alternatively, for £25 a month, you can become a guardian and have the opportunity to visit and bond with your chosen goat throughout the year.

Buttercups also accepts applications from carefully vetted foster homes in the nearby area.

The sanctuary welcomes visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, with opening hours varying by season. From May to October, it's open from 11am to 4pm, and from November to April, from 11am to 3pm. Visitors can enjoy feeding the goats (feed available for £1 per bag), relaxing in the tea room, and exploring the serene surroundings.

Our walk leader for the day was Michael Harden of Walk Wild, a passionate advocate for inclusive outdoor experiences. As co-director of Wild With Wheels, he leads accessible nature walks across Kent, ensuring that individuals with disabilities and impairments can enjoy the beauty of the countryside. My mum would have loved that!

Did you know that female goats, also known as does or nannies, can have horns? Their horns are often smaller or thinner than those of their male counterparts.

Conversely, some goats (or breeds of goats) are born without horns, a condition known as being “polled”.

Depending on their collars, you could tell which goats were available for adoption and which were a bit spiky and therefore to be avoided. Imagine my surprise when a to-be-avoided goat demanded a neck scratch!

Speaking to staff at the sanctuary, we learned that they really suffered during lockdown. Not only did they not receive visitors, but people weren’t able to buy manure from them which is a vital service in cleaning up the site. While I often avoid activities that bring you in contact with animals (due to concerns for their welfare) I really appreciated that at Buttercups, it’s the goats who seek you out. Visitors play a vital role in keeping the sanctuary going, and there’s a lovely sense of connection between the sanctuary and the local community. It’s a brilliant day out for little ones too!

Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
Wierton Park, Wierton Road,
Boughton Monchelsea,
Kent, ME17 4JW

Postcards from Windermere: A Quiet Escape to the Lake District

2025-05-31T13:43:00.002+01:00

We spent four days in Windermere in March and it was a lovely, relaxed visit. We pottered about a lot, ate more than I would have ever thought possible, and explored the surrounding countryside. It was our second visit to the Lake District and I almost want to say that the weather was better in Spring than in June, mainly because we expected it to be soggy and bitterly cold. We stayed in a little B&B in Bowness-on-Windermere and took long walks into the village each day.

Take a walk with me through winding streets and alongside the marina for a tiny bit of Cumbrian charm. I’ll be back soon to tell you all about what we got up to in our four days in the Lake District.

A Brief Interlude in the National, Edinburgh

2025-05-21T09:35:00.026+01:00

On our whirlwind, 36-hour visit to Edinburgh, we realised at one point that we needed to somehow slowdown and take a moment to collect ourselves. We took a walk in East Princes Street Gardens, past the Scott Monument, and spotted the National (formerly known as the Scottish National Gallery). With free entry, we quickly agreed that this was a perfect place to while away some time.

The National boasts an impressive collection of fine art, featuring masterpieces from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, all housed within a grand neoclassical building. These were my favourite pieces in the gallery.

Robert Burns (1869-1941), The Hunt (previously known as Diana and Her Nymphs)

Not to be confused with the poet Robert Burns!

First to catch my eye was this vibrant 1920s panel which depicts the Roman goddess Diana in an exotic, jungle-like setting filled with wild animals and rhythmic energy, highlighting her role as the goddess of hunting.

William Johnstone (1897-1981), A Point in Time

Next was this abstract painting which features natural, light-infused forms and mysterious cavernous spaces, possibly inspired by the landscapes of the Scottish Borders. If you look closely, you can spot me in the reflection (I did not realise at the time that I captured more reflection than artwork!).

William Crozier (1893-1930), Edinburgh (from Salisbury Crags)

I liked this Edinburgh cityscape by Crozier which reflects his Cubist influences, using geometric forms and dramatic lighting inspired by his travels to Italy and studies with André Lhote in Paris.

Waller Hugh Paton (1828-1895), Entrance to the Cuiraing, Skye

Painted from memory with the aid of a pencil sketch, this dramatic landscape by Paton captures the awe-inspiring Quiraing on Skye, dominated by 'The Needle' and vast natural elements. The lone, kilted figure is dwarfed by the scene, reflecting the artist’s 1866 visit and his sense of the site’s sublime power. Can you spot the figure?

The view from inside the National – looking towards the Scott Monument and the Balmoral Clock Tower

John Duncan (1866-1945), Saint Bride

Next to catch my eye was this depiction of Saint Bride’s journey to Bethlehem, with angels carrying her across a seascape inspired by the Outer Hebrides. It is believed that the tiny clown (or holy fool) on the leading angel's robe was a self-portrait of the artist.

William Dyce (1806-1864), Francesca da Rimini

I loved this painting of the doomed lovers Francesca and Paolo from Dante’s Inferno, with its lingering hint of their tragic fate symbolised by the disembodied hand of Francesca’s murderous husband, Gianciotto. (Can you see the hand?)

Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-1873), The Monarch of the Glen

This beautiful painting caught my eye from across the room, with its striking portrayal of a majestic twelve-point stag standing proudly in the Scottish Highlands. Landseer’s The Monarch of the Glen, one of the most iconic Scottish works of the 19th century, became a symbol of Scotland’s natural grandeur and has been reproduced on everything from whisky bottles to biscuit tins.

Arthur Melville (1855-1904), Egyptian Interior & George Henry (1858-1943), Geisha

By this time, we'd worked up quite an appetite for a cup of tea and some cake. My final stop was these two paintings with their beautiful detail.

On the left, is Melville's Egyptian Interior, a serene composition inspired by his 1881 Cairo sketches. Intricate mashrabiyya woodwork and subtle light effects highlight his fascination with decorative detail, balanced by the calm presence of a seated figure.

On the right is George Henry's Geisha, where the rich patterns and sparkling details of the geisha’s attire, hair, and fan are set against a stylized Mount Fuji and patterned screen. These elements reflect his deft brushwork and the influence of an 1882 Glasgow exhibition of Oriental art.

The National
National Galleries of Scotland
The Mound
Edinburgh
EH2 2EL

Open daily, 10am–5pm
Free admission | Charges for some exhibitions

A Burst of Spring Colour at Tulleys Tulip Festival

2025-05-11T15:44:00.002+01:00

On Sunday morning, in the spirit of continuing our monthly outdoor adventures, we drove to Surrey to visit the Tulleys Tulip Festival. It was my birthday weekend and our visit to this blooming great extravaganza reminded me why I love the month of May so much.

I couldn't possibly narrow down my selection of photographs so prepare for a botanical overload as I share my favourite sights of the morning.

Tulleys Tulip Festival is highly Instagrammable and we began our journey by walking past the windmill and through the Secret Garden.

If you're one of the many people who weren't able to visit Keukenhof Gardens this year, I guess this might make you feel a bit better.

We met some unicorns along the way. The festival must look beautiful at twilight or night, but I think we chose the perfect time to go (first thing in the morning, before the crowds).

Suddenly, we were out in the famous field of tulips.

I'd never been to Tulleys Farm before but we enjoyed ourselves a lot and have decided to return for the annual Pumpkin or Halloween festivals later in the year. I was most impressed how many different kiosks there were to buy food or drink.

After we finished exploring the tulip fields, Stephen offered to take me on the Big Wheel. This was awfully nice of him, seeing that he is scared of heights.

The views were lovely and I liked that the wheel went around a couple of times to let you really appreciate the sights. You can see that the tulip fields are fairly small but there were further fields to the right of the photo too. We unfortunately couldn’t get to Tulleys in March or April, which is the best time to see the tulip fields at their best.

After our tour of the tulip fields, we went to the nearby Wiremill Restaurant in Lingfield for a delicious breakfast with a view. I had the vegetarian breakfast and have officially been converted to vegan sausages!

If you enjoyed this post, you will definitely enjoy our visit to the Pashley Manor Gardens Tulip Festival too.

Liverpool Pier Head at Dusk

2025-04-27T16:39:00.002+01:00

We were back in Liverpool earlier this month, 43 years to the day after we left. I don't come back as often as I used to, but leaving never gets easier.

"It's not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me // But my darling when I think of thee" - The Dubliners

We ate an exceptional meal at Cargo Seafood Restaurant & Bar on our first night, and took a long, sunset walk along Princes Parade afterwards.

We looked across the Mersey river when we emerged from the restaurant to see the sun setting over New Brighton.

I don't think I will ever not be in awe of the Liver Building. Built in the Edwardian Baroque style, the Liver Building has two clock towers, topped by copper Liver Birds (Note, Liver is pronounced lie-ver, unlike Liverpool which rhymes with river).

The sky began to glow ever more orange as we made our way back towards Albert Dock.

We saw brand new buildings that I had not seen before, these near to the new Isle of Man ferry terminal.

I should probably mention at this time that I'm an Everton supporter and went to see the brand new stadium earlier in the day. I predict that the derelict area between the Isle of Man ferry terminal and Bramley Moore Dock will be completely redeveloped within 5-7 years.

We watched skateboarders show off at the old Pier Head while the sky burnt orange behind them.

We stopped to admire the Beatles statue at the old Pier Head. I said to Stephen that I didn't know who they were but they must be famous as so many people were taking photos with them, which elicited several gasps and stares from the crowd of tourists.

The Ornate Ironwork of Crossness Pumping Station

2025-04-17T08:00:00.002+01:00

I love hometown tourism, the idea that we don't need to travel far to discover hidden treasures. Despite my lofty aspirations, it took me far too long to visit Crossness Pumping Station, which is practically located in my back garden.

The pumping station has been hailed as a "wonder of Victorian engineering" and was built in the 1860s by Sir Joseph Bazalgette. Before Bazalgette’s system, raw sewage flowed directly into the Thames, contributing to outbreaks of cholera and the infamous Great Stink of 1858. The pumping station helped move waste from the city out towards the Thames Estuary. Of course, we are now in a new era of public sanitation crisis but Crossness stands as a testament to Victorian ingenuity and design.

We began our visit in the main engine house. With its ornate ironwork and beautiful restoration, it is easy to see why the pumping station has acquired the nickname “Cathedral of Sewage".

It's quite simply breathtaking inside.

The central hub of the station is known as "Octagon", which is undeniably its most photogenic feature. It was mesmerising and I managed to take one or two (dozen) photos of it on the day.

In yet another example of thoughtful Victorian design, the eight-sided structure is crowned by a cupola that allows the Octagon to be flooded with natural light, further enhancing its cathedral-like quality.

One of the highlights of our visit was seeing the Prince Consort engine up close and being able to see (and hear) it in operation. (See the enormous flywheel below). Look out for special Steam Days if you would like to see this part of the tour.

Beyond the engine house, there’s plenty more to explore. The Boiler House exhibition taught us all about John Snow, an anesthesiologist, who worked hard to identify the source of the cholera outbreak in 1854, ultimately discovering that it was a contaminated water pump on Broad Street. This was a crucial step towards better sanitation in London and the work Bazalgette did to prevent future outbreaks. There is also a display of Victorian-era toilets which was most entertaining.

Completed in 1865, Crossness Pumping Station turns 160 his year and is celebrating with special events throughout the year. Open days sell out quickly so be sure to visit the Crossness Pumping Station website to secure your ticket.

Walking the Darent Valley Path from The Chequers to Dartford

2025-04-07T10:00:00.004+01:00

Here's a little known fact about me: I get inordinately excited when planning walks and adventures. It makes sense, because I subsist on the memories of those adventures for days afterwards until I can start planning the next one. I was very busy with work in the week before we walked the Darent Valley Path from The Chequers pub back to Dartford, but dreaming of my upcoming walk got me through the week.

This sunny, late winter day is still making my heart sing.

We began by catching a taxi to The Chequers pub in Darenth. They were extremely busy inside with the Sunday lunch rush but we took a seat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed some shandies while soaking up the sunshine.

On leaving the pub, we turned left and walked a short way until we saw the signs for the Darenth Valley path. Once on the path, we followed the river Darent for a while. The path is well-kept but certainly wild.

We suddenly encountered a very boggy field with a well-worn path leading to the M25 underpass. We found we had to take a fainter route farther from the Darent to avoid the mud. Thankfully, my hiking boots survived the ordeal.

The underpass was one of my favourite parts of the journey. I loved the imaginative and bold murals decorating what would otherwise be a grey space.

I have no idea what Helch refers to but I'm sure it's of great importance.

Just before the path lead us back onto Hawley Road, we walked through this pretty little arch. I imagine it is quite beautiful in summer.

Once on Hawley Road, you turn right and need to walk under the A2 before joining the path again. Luckily it is well-signposted.

We really did pick a good day for it and wide open spaces like this make my heart soar.

There were distinctive Darent Valley Path signs along the way.

Soon we were walking alongside the Darent river again, with all its walkways and charm.

We finally arrived at Brooklands Lake, one of my favourite places in Dartford and where I take my walks and runs. (More walks now since I gave up running for Peloton training).

We met a pair of Canada Geese. These types of geese are very common after being introduced to the UK about 300 years ago.

We took the long path up from the lake to the main road. By this stage, the only thing keeping Stephen going was the promise of a pint at the end of the walk.

We stopped by the Ivy Leaf; this is such a lovely, friendly pub and is very dog friendly. We then stopped at The Rose on Overy Street. Sadly, their beautiful rose garden was still one week away from its spring opening. We sat on the patio, looking out over the beer garden, and enjoyed our drink while patrons inside enjoyed their Sunday lunch.

After 2.5 miles, we were back home, just in time to enjoy the stew I’d left bubbling away in the oven. I do love a longer walk, but if I want Stephen to join me next time, I’ll need to find a route with more pubs along the way. Here's hoping spring decides to show up for our next adventure!

If you're looking for a GPX file of the full 19 mile stretch of the Darent Valley Path from the bank of the River Thames at Dartford to Sevenoaks, I can recommend the Walking Englishman who has uploaded a file on his Darent Valley Path page. I downloaded and then saved the file to Garmin Connect - Training & Planning - Courses and can then use it for future walks along different stretches of the route.

A Bookish Afternoon in Montevecchia

2025-03-28T10:43:00.005+00:00

I want to share one of my favourite days in Italy last June - though, to be honest, every one of those five days felt like a favourite - but this one was especially good.

After a morning of food prep, we headed into the Montevecchia hills for a book club. In a stunning home overlooking an orchard and mountains, I met women from Canada, South Africa, England, and the Netherlands. Conversation flowed effortlessly, as if we were old friends - many of them actually were - but they welcomed me warmly. Over a shared feast, we talked about everything and, at some point, books. My friend even left with a copy of Yellowface.

Sadly, all good things must end, so we left for the little village of Montevecchia in search of gelato. Montevecchia means “The Old Mountain” and this beautiful village exudes charm.

There were flower pots in the windows of old stone homes…

…and beautiful views looking out onto the valley below.

As we enjoyed our gelatos – I chose a double scoop of chocolate and pistachio – we walked around admiring the piazza.

It was a grey, rainy day but quite a welcome break from the heat of Lombardy in June.

We discovered a community library nook, which continued the bookish theme of the day. These lovely book nooks are located all over public spaces in the region.

It was a quiet Friday afternoon just before schools broke for the summer, so most of the residents were at school or work. Thank goodness the gelato shop was open!

Imagine how glorious it must be to ride up to the top of Montevecchia, and then to be able to free-wheel down again! After nearly two years of Peloton, I am hoping to go on an actual outdoor bike ride this summer too.

A Sunday Morning in Westerham

2025-03-18T10:34:00.020+00:00

If you’re searching for the perfect brunch spot in Kent, you really can’t do better than the charming town of Westerham. Quintessentially English and steeped in history, this little gem is full of big names and fascinating stories.

Westerham proudly claims James Wolfe, the British Army officer famed for his role in the Battle of Quebec, as one of its own. His childhood home, Quebec House, is open to visitors during the summer months. Helena Bonham Carter was also born here, adding a touch of Hollywood flair to the town’s legacy. But perhaps most notably, Winston Churchill’s beloved home, Chartwell, sits just outside Westerham. Operated by the National Trust, it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

For me, however, Westerham holds a more personal significance. It was my first home when I returned to England in 2007. Back then, I found it less than welcoming, but I’m pleased to report that the town has since warmed up considerably.

Our visit began with brunch at the rather aptly named Brunch in Westerham.

Stephen opted for poached eggs and bacon with avocado, while I went for scallops and bacon. Both were delicious, but we couldn’t help eyeing Sarah’s crab on sourdough with a touch of food envy. The team at the restaurant were really friendly and managed the Sunday morning rush admirably.

After brunch, we decided to take a walk through the village. I'd always liked this little shopping arcade.

I pointed out the flat where I once lived—the four bottom-left windows in the building above were my uncle’s.

Looking up Vicarage Hill towards the green.

The facade of Westerham Evangelical Congregational Church.

We strolled along the narrow side streets, admiring the little shops and interesting sights.

I loved the combination of stone and red brick in this cottage, with its tidy cream front door.

I liked this Georgian red brick building with its black doors and white windows too.

Doesn't this shopfront make you want to buy - and eat - your body weight in chocolate?

I took so many photos around St. Mary's Church that I'm going to have to dedicate an entire post to it. The churchyard was very quaint.

We all agreed that we need to return one day to have afternoon tea at the Tudor Rose Tearoom.

On this occasion, we opted for pints in the Grasshopper on the Green Pub, which Sarah's father told her was the best pub in Westerham...

... probably on account of their excellent pies.

How sweet is this statue? Unmistakably Churchill. I'm so pleased we finally make it back to this little town. We'd been wanting to for years and we had a lovely morning out.

Ghosts & Secrets: Edinburgh's Haunted Vaults Tour

2025-03-08T10:15:00.001+00:00

On a crisp June evening, we embarked on Auld Reekie Tours' Vaults & Graveyard Tour, delving into Edinburgh's shadowy past. Our guide led us through the historic Greyfriars Graveyard and the eerie corridors of the 17th-century vaults, sharing chilling tales of body snatchers and restless spirits. Based in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Auld Reekie Tours has been captivating visitors since 1995 with their unique tours.

Since university, my friend Sarah and I have been fascinated by ghosts and the supernatural. As goths—or "coffin kids"—we explored haunted corners of Johannesburg and the eerie depths of the London Dungeon. My interest in Edinburgh’s ghostly side stemmed from Victoria Schwab’s Cassidy Blake series and T.L. Huchu’s Edinburgh Nights, so when we planned our whirlwind 36-hour visit, a ghost tour was a must.

We met our guide on Lawnmarket and made our way to Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the statue of Greyfriars Bobby stands in tribute to the little dog who kept watch over his master’s grave for 14 years.

The eastern side of Greyfriars Kirkyard is bordered by the buildings on Candlemaker Row.

Inside the cemetery, we saw iron cages known as mortsafes, designed to deter body snatchers, not trap the undead as I had initially guessed. We learned about Burke & Hare, the infamous murderers who sold their victims to the city’s medical schools.

The tour took a darker turn with the history of the Covenanters. Imprisoned in Greyfriars Kirkyard during the Killing Times under Charles I, they endured horrific conditions, and the ruthless Sir George "Bloody" Mackenzie earned his terrifying reputation. Even today, tales of the Mackenzie Poltergeist persist, adding to the graveyard’s chilling atmosphere. That is his tomb in the photo above.

As we left, we saw another Greyfriars Bobby statue, his nose worn down from visitors it for good luck.

We continued down Cowgate, named after the medieval practice of herding cattle to the market, and entered the South Bridge Vaults.

Though I knew the vaults were hidden within the arches of South Bridge, seeing an illustration helped me grasp their eerie layout. Much of City of Ghosts is set here, making this part of the tour especially exciting. Originally built to connect the Old Town’s High Street with new developments, the vaults soon became home to the city’s poorest and a rumoured hotspot for crime, including bodysnatching.

Our first stop was a chamber used by a coven of Wiccans. The group had abandoned their original room after their leader experienced something so disturbing that they built a stone circle to contain its negative energy.

The guide dared us to step inside the circle while warning us not to—only a few brave souls took the challenge.

But for me, the real allure lay in the empty vaults and echoing corridors. The lives that had passed through these darkened spaces over the centuries were almost tangible.

Too soon, the tour ended, and we stepped into the surprising daylight. With one last look at South Bridge, we set off in search of dinner and a pint.

We loved our tour with Auld Reekie Tours and highly recommend it. It was the perfect mix of Edinburgh’s dark history, scandal, and spine-chilling moments.

Striking Street Art in Shoreditch

2025-02-26T21:30:00.000+00:00

The best thing about visiting the East End is that it is a haven for street art and you will always spot new art on each visit.

We spotted these pieces on the day we went to Lost in Light exhibition. I think Cept’s “I Love the Smell of Spray Paint in the Morning” is perhaps my favourite street art of all time.

I love this avian art by Nush Poke.

Not strictly street art, but I had recently watched Nosferatu.

I’ve always loved the tube trains and “Let’s Adore and Endure Each Other” art. Now there is a fascinating set of murals below – click on the image to see the detail. It’s quite exquisite.

The Whimsical World of Tim Burton in London

2025-02-15T09:00:00.002+00:00

On a crisp January afternoon, Stephen and I ventured to the Design Museum in Kensington to explore "The World of Tim Burton" exhibition.

Running until April 21, 2025, this captivating showcase delves into the fantastical realms crafted by Burton, featuring over 600 items from his personal archives, including early drawings, iconic costumes, and set designs from films like Edward Scissorhands and Batman Returns.

As I wandered through the displays, I was transported into the whimsical and gothic aesthetics that define Burton's unique storytelling. This exhibition is a must-see for fans and art enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into the creative mind of a cinematic visionary.

The Owl Clock from Tim Burton’s first live-action film Hansel & Gretel

Burton designed the Crush Litter sign for Burbank's refuse vehicles while still in school

Early pen and ink drawings of the waiter and waitress from Trick or Treat

Tim's actual notebooks!

Frankenweenie puppet and 'film set' maquette

Posters from the films that inspired Tim Burton

A pen and ink drawing

The napkin series of illustrations

Devil Dog

Puppets for early stop-motion tests for Mars Attacks. Stop motion was eschewed in favour of computer animation for budget reasons.

Christina Ricci's dress in Sleepy Hollow

Mia Wasikowska's dress in Alice in Wonderland

Johnny Depp's hands from Edward Scissorhands!

Johnny Depp's costume from Edward Scissorhands

Jenna Ortega's outfits from Wednesday

An Alice in Wonderland-esque hallway through the exhibition

Monster trees

Blue Girl With Wine (1997) painting

Horrifyingly beautiful carousel

Robot Boy from The World of Stainboy

From The Killers "Bones" video

The exhibition was very busy! I expected the timed entry would help keep things manageable, but it still felt crowded, and the lack of clear direction made navigating a bit of a challenge. That, combined with the surprising absence of much Beetlejuice content, left me a little underwhelmed. Still, I’m glad we went - there’s something magical about stepping into Tim Burton’s world, even amidst the chaos!

The Cosy Kentish Town of Appledore

2025-02-01T10:00:00.019+00:00

One of my New Year's resolutions this year was to explore Kent more. Who am I kidding? My New Year's resolutions every year is to explore Kent more.

This year I've undertaken to visit twelve villages or towns that I have either never visited before or at least haven't been to for a decade. The promising news is that I've managed to interest both Stephen and my local friends in this endeavour.

Our first outing of the year was to the historic village of Appledore, which we discovered on Visit Kent's Most Instagrammable Villages. Tucked away in the countryside near Ashford, Appledore is a picturesque village that perfectly captures England’s rural charm.

The first thing we noticed when we stepped out of the car was how beautiful the fresh air smelled. It was crisp and clean, with faint traces of woodsmoke drifting through the breeze. No doubt, the fireplaces in the village were in full use - it was a bitterly cold day, with temperatures staying below 4°C throughout our visit.

The Black Lion pub, Appledore

It is no surprise that we opted to head straight to lunch in the Black Lion before exploring the village.

It was the Black Lion’s first weekend open after their January break, a time when many Appledore businesses pause to recharge after the festive rush. Despite being busier than expected, the lovely server found us a cozy table overlooking the patio.

Stephen ordered the seafood chowder for starters. I love fish soup but sadly this had salmon in, which I'm allergic to. I opted for a delicious plate of whitebait instead. For main course, I chose the chicken escalope, panko crumbed and pan fried with linguine, red pesto and leeks. Stephen chose the pie of the day which was lamb and mint. The crust was perfect!

Exploring Appledore

After our meal, it was time to take in some fresh air and explore The Street and beyond. Appledore's quiet, winding streets are lined with half-timbered houses and red-brick cottages, many of which date back to the 14th century.

At the top of The Street and next to the Black Lion is the St. Peter and St. Paul Church of England Church. It is a 13th-century building and the churchyard is home to several Commonwealth War Graves.

Located in the 300-year-old blacksmith's forge, The Old Forge Emporium is home to a collection of traders in antiques and curios.

A half-timbered house with distressed wood and moss on the roof.

Friends I made along the way.

Miss Mollett's High Class Tea Room. We will definitely stop here on our next visit.

The Wesleyan Chapel in Appledore has been controversially redeveloped into a holiday let, sparking debate over the balance between preservation and progress in the village. I loved the church’s quiet, timeless charm far more than the modern townhouses down the road, which felt out of place in such a quaint village.

We just missed the fair on the day we were there, so we decided to turn around and take a short countryside walk instead.

Walking Old Way, Appledore to the Royal Military Canal

This is the walk I would have liked to take if I wasn't wearing my inappropriate footwear. On this day, we headed down to the end of Old Way and took the public footpath to the Royal Military Canal. I still managed to ruin my shoes!

We followed the Royal Military Canal back to the village. The area is immaculately kept, though I hope they embrace No Mow May, which allows wildflowers to flourish, offering essential sustenance for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Appledore once thrived as a bustling port in the medieval wool trade, where its riverside location made it a vital hub for exporting England’s prized wool to Europe. The river was later transformed into the Royal Military Canal, built to defend against Napoleon’s forces during the 19th century.

We returned to The Black Lion for one last drink before the long drive home. After the barman’s happy mistake earlier - serving us bitter shandies instead of lager - we decided we loved it and ordered two more Romney Best Bitter shandies from the nearby Romney Marsh Brewery.

Back outside in the bitter cold, we paused for one last look at this red brick house before heading home.

The Black Lion
15 The Street
Appledore
Ashford
TN26 2BU

Staving Off Darkness: Squidsoup's Lost in Light Exhibition

2025-01-18T14:31:00.042+00:00

Chasing bright lights and illuminations has become one of my favourite winter pastimes in England as we seek to stave off the long, grey winter. Following on from our adventures at the Gravesham Light Festival, the Tonbridge Winter Light Trail and the Canary Wharf Winter Lights, we decided to head off to the "Lost In Light" exhibition in Shoreditch this year.

"Lost in Light" is an immersive digital art exhibition that invites visitors to step into a world where light, sound and technology converge to create an otherworldly experience. Curated by the innovative collective Squidsoup, the exhibition explores the boundaries of perception and interaction, offering a series of stunning installations. This ethereal, multi-sensory adventure blurs the lines between art and technology, providing an experience that is both introspective and awe-inspiring. The venue was previously an illegal rave venue in Shoreditch.

There were five rooms, each with a different theme and vision, and each kitted out with bean bags and places to sit so that visitors could spend as long as they wanted, just gazing at the lights and relaxing. It was a very trippy experience!

Circular Echoes

"A circle is a symbol of completeness, wholeness, the centre… but it can also be a boundary"

This room featured a series of glowing, elevated orbs arranged in a circle around people lying on beanbags in the centre.

Infinite

"Infinite presents a spatial orchestra, constructed from a composition of notes scattered around the space in illuminated clusters of light"

This was one of my favourite rooms. The wall murals were impressive, the shiny floor reflected the lights,and there were distorted mirrors on the walls too.

Three Volumes

We went into this room twice and it was a lot of fun. It was a triptych of three suspended cubes of pulsating lights that were illuminated at different times, the effect of which was a different landscape every few seconds. Stephen lay on a beanbag beneath the closest cube and had to practically be dragged out of there.

Sola

Sola creates a shifting, radiant environment that evokes the energy and movement of the sun itself. It felt very 1989 watching what looked like a wall of televisions.

Submergence

"Submergence places us directly inside a matrix, reminiscent of the middle of an exploding screen".

This room was huge and proved to be most people’s favourite.

"Lost In Light" is an fantastic experience and photos cannot do justice to the synergic effects of the pulsating lights, electronic music and overall ambiance. Highly recommended.

The exhibition is running until 2 February 2025 and tickets are £12.50 plus booking fee for adults.

118 Curtain Road
Shoreditch
EC2A 3AY

Festive Lights and Moody Skies at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

2024-12-26T15:51:00.002+00:00

Seasons Greetings! Merry Christmas! Hanukkah Sameach! We are in Johannesburg and visited the famous Christmas lights at Melrose Arch to see what the fuss was about. After days of increasingly hot temperatures, the weather finally broke, and it began pouring with rain as we emerged from the underground parking.

Summer is the rainy season in Johannesburg, so it becomes uncomfortably hot and sticky when it's not raining, to the extent that it was all we could talk about for days. Once the rain had passed, we began to explore the illuminations.

When the rain stopped, we noticed that the sky began to glow with very interesting reds, oranges and pinks.

None of these photos have been touched up or filtered, so you can see how eerie the sky was.

We visited the March Hare. I enjoyed seeing Melrose Arch as it was the last place I worked before leaving South Africa in 2007. I was property manager for the fancy apartments there.

Once the rain stopped, people began to pour out of the many restaurants and coffee shops to explore the lights. It's the height of summer here, so most people were dressed in short sleeves and summer clothing.

I couldn't resist capturing Santa and his sleigh, flying across that Christmas-red sky.

I sat by this star for some time, chatting to my nieces, while their dad arranged a bumper order of handmade ice creams.

We paid a visit to see Rudolph, waiting patiently in line for a photo because he is a very popular reindeer.

After enjoying an iced-coffee at Paul, we took a final walk along the lights, people watching and taking in the sights.

I liked this bauble-shaped illumination, see here the top corner of the display as we looked down the Christmas lights trail.

This fairy-shaped illumination was my favourite light of all. I loved the petal details in her skirt.

As we began to walk towards the car, I remarked that we'd timed our visit perfectly because it was starting to get very busy indeed.

We took a last look at the giant boot and tried to work out if we were seeing lollipops in a top hat.

With a final look at the lights, we escaped the crowds and muggy heat for the air-conditioned comfort of our car.

The Melrose Arch Christmas Lights run from mid-November to early January each year.

Melrose Arch
22 Crescent Drive
Johannesburg
2196