From time to time I get asked “What are the best places to visit in the UK?". How can anyone possibly answer that? A) It depends on what interests you have and B) There are so many other things to see and do and experience it’s hard to tease out the pick of them. In any event any "best … [Read more...]

I'm no expert on the best UK gardens. I love to visit them, but I really don't have the skill-set to tell a great British garden from merely a very good one. I am, however, a very good information miner so I decided to hunt out the opinions of experts on the best of British gardens. The only … [Read more...]

British castles are a major tourist attraction these days, but in the prime of their time they were built to impose power, to intimidate, to let the locals know who was in charge. And York Castle,  dominating the city's skyline, was a pre-eminent example of that mindset. Also known as … [Read more...]

Scotland is a beautiful landscape just made for self drive touring.  That’s why, in my road trip planner, I’ll give you several touring routes reaching from the Borders to the Highlands, taking in some of the country’s most historic sites and scenes. Find out more here. In a blog post on the … [Read more...]

You don't have to have the income of an Arab sheik to stay at a good London hotel. Of course, it does depend a bit on your definition of "good".  For me - because for me it's just a place to grab some sleep - all I want is have a clean room with a comfy bed and a hot shower. I don't need room … [Read more...]

Visiting the stately homes of England is an absolute must on any UK road trip. One thing is for sure:  You are spoiled for choice when considering the Stately Homes of England. There are hundreds open for public viewing at one time or another. Because "hundreds" is not on your range of options. … [Read more...]

Today we take it for granted that Stonehenge is a precious historic monument that must be protected at all costs, but in fact, for centuries visitors would chip pieces off as souvenirs. In a blog post on Atlas Obscura, Jocelyn Sears says that such behaviour was not only common but … [Read more...]

Here's BnB accommodation with a difference -  stay in one of the University Colleges at Oxford. During the university vacations when students clear their rooms, you can book into one of these historic facilities. But don't think they're just grotty student squats. The rooms are cleared and … [Read more...]

Got a nasty surprise from Qatar Airways on my last long-haul trip home from Rome. Arrived at the check-in counter at 2pm for our 4.40pm flight to be told we had missed our flight earlier that day.  The one that left at 8.20am. I couldn't understand it. I am obsessive about travel itineraries … [Read more...]