Tag: Architecture
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Shugborough Estate: A family-friendly day out in the Staffordshire countryside
Some National Trust properties are all about the house. Others are all about the gardens. Shugborough Estate offers a little of everything, making it an excellent choice for families who enjoy exploring at their own pace. We visited as a family with our 14-month-old daughter, Elanor, during a short break in Staffordshire, combining it with a visit to Boscobel House and an overnight stay at Hurst Stable in Wheaton Aston. Even without stepping inside the mansion, we comfortably spent between…
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Boscobel House and the Royal Oak: Where a King Hid in a Tree
Some historic places impress through their scale. Others through the stories they hold. Boscobel House, tucked away in the Shropshire countryside, falls firmly into the second category. This is the place where the future Charles II hid following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. With Parliamentarian soldiers searching the surrounding area, he spent part of a day concealed high in the branches of an oak tree before taking refuge inside Boscobel House itself. The escape became one…
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The Unexpected Magic of Livorno: Tuscany’s Most Overlooked City
Most people arrive in Livorno with one plan. Leave. Cruise passengers pile onto coaches towards Florence and Pisa almost immediately, treating Livorno as little more than a transport hub. After spending time there ourselves, that honestly feels like a mistake. Livorno has character. Real character. It feels lived-in, creative and proudly coastal in a way that some polished Italian destinations no longer do. It is scruffier around the edges than Florence, certainly less conventionally beautiful than Siena, but there is…
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The Surprisingly Beautiful Day Trip to Ajaccio, Corsica
There are some places that feel built for a long stay. Ajaccio is not really one of them. And oddly, that is part of its charm. The capital of Corsica feels relaxed, walkable and easy to understand in a single day. You can swim in the sea, climb through Napoleonic history, eat extremely well, wander quiet streets lined with faded Mediterranean buildings and still feel like you have properly “done” the city before dinner. For us, Ajaccio worked best exactly…
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Barcelona: Frantic, Free, Fantastic, Never Finished
Barcelona is one of those places we’ve both been to several times, and for good reason. Some cities are “once and done” – but Barcelona always draws you back, whether it’s for a weekend or a longer stretch. Every trip feels a bit different, even when you’re revisiting the same sights. The city has a way of feeling instantly recognisable. We arrived just off Las Ramblas in spring, bags dropped, windows open to street noise below, and it already felt…
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Exploring Northumberland’s Wild Edge
Northumberland is an incredible part of the world, never mind the UK. We recently took a multi-day road trip to see some of the best of what it has to offer! Leaving the Peaks for the Kingdom of Castles We set off from the Peak District before dawn, the kind of road trip where the mist hangs low and the boot’s filled with waterproofs, walking boots, and mild optimism. Northumberland has always sounded slightly mythical – a land of windswept…
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Marseille Uncovered: Warmth, Waterfronts and a City with Grit
Marseille…this one was just Elliot – no Kirsty – on a quick solo hop (well, with a cricket team) from Manchester. The flight’s only about an hour and forty-five minutes, barely long enough to finish a podcast before landing in Marseille, where the air instantly feels warmer and saltier than home. Even at the end of September it was properly mild, the kind of warmth that makes wandering on foot a pleasure. Hotel Centre La Juliette We stayed at the…
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Zagreb: Heartbreak to History in Croatia’s Capital
Most people seem to skip Croatia’s capital for the coast, but we thought it deserved a stop. What we found was a city with some real charm, a few surprises, and a fair bit of sweat – mainly thanks to August heat and an air-conditioning unit that didn’t work. Museum of Broken Relationships The headline stop was the Museum of Broken Relationships. Elliot knew about it through work and we weren’t sure what to expect, but it’s genuinely worth it.…
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Exploring Prague Castle Complex: History, Majesty, and Iconic Landmarks
The Prague Castle Complex is a sight that defines the city – an architectural masterpiece perched above the Vltava River, casting its shadow over the heart of the Czech capital. Not only is it the largest ancient castle in the world, but it’s also one of Prague’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. The Prague Castle complex is a vast area full of impressive buildings, royal history, and artistic treasures. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city, whether you’re…
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Conwy Castle: The Heart of a Fortified Town
We visited Conwy Castle during our tour of North Wales and would say it’s definitely worth a visit. As English Heritage members, entry was free, which was a nice bonus. We spent about an hour exploring the site, and it was definitely worth making a stop for it. Wall Walk The wall walk was definitely the standout feature – you get stunning views of the town, the surrounding countryside, and the castle itself. What’s particularly cool is that the wall…
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Inside the Charles Bridge Towers: Myths, Legends, and Stunning Views
If you’re wandering through Prague, there’s no way you can miss the Charles Bridge – it’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. But what many people miss is the opportunity to visit the Charles Bridge Towers themselves, perched on either end of the bridge. These towering structures, which have stood guard over the Vltava River for centuries, are not just architectural wonders – they’re steeped in history, myths, and amazing dropping views. Through Time and Legend We decided to…
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Klementium Prague: Baroque, Books and Stunning Beauty
If you’re looking for a place in Prague that combines history, beauty, and a touch of mystery, the Klementium is a must-see; though be aware, you’ve got to book. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this former Jesuit university and library complex is more than just a building—it’s an experience that will transport you back, while offering some of the best views in the city and probably the best library ceiling you’ll ever see. Don’t say we don’t…
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Prague Astronomical Clock: Timeless Old Town Treasure
The Prague Astronomical Clock (or Prague Orloj) is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, drawing crowds from all over the world to the city’s Old Town Hall every hour. It’s a masterpiece of medieval engineering—a blend of timekeeping, astronomy, and art. If you’re in Prague, standing in the Old Town Square to watch the hourly show is a quintessential experience. Here we look at the clock’s history, and how it works, in a bit more detail. Brief…
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St. Vitus Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece at the Heart of Prague Castle
St. Vitus Cathedral is undoubtedly one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, and it stands as the crowning jewel of the Prague Castle complex. It’s visible from pretty much anywhere in the city and is quite handy as an orientating point! With its soaring spires, intricate carvings, and breathtaking stained-glass windows, it’s not just a place of worship, but a story of some of the Czech Republic’s and Bohemia’s rich history, artistry, and architecture. Apparently there’s been atleast three distinct buildings…
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One Day in Verona: Romance, History, and Hidden Gems
Verona wasn’t originally high on our list – we were basically looking for somewhere to spend a day between Bologna and Venice as part of our 10 night Italian train trip. But, after spending a day here, we wished we had more time. It’s a city that blends ancient history with charming streets, offering everything from Roman ruins to scenic hilltop views and fantastic food (Amarone Risotto!). Though often overshadowed by Venice or Milan, Verona has a lot to offer—so…
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The Clam-Gallas Palace: Prague’s Amazing Baroque Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the heart of Prague, the Clam-Gallas Palace (Klam-Gallasovský palác) is one of the city’s quietest and most underrated attractions. During our visit, we were the only ones there, which was a refreshing change from the usual crowds of tourists flocking to the major sights. And trust me, this hidden gem is one that deserves much more attention. A Brief History of the Clam-Gallas Palace The palace had existed for many years before it was brought together through…
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Bologna’s Sanctuary San Luca: Is It Worth It?
If you’re wandering the streets of Bologna, you may notice the Sanctuary of St. Luke (Santuario di San Luca) sitting majestically atop the hill. With its stunning views, rich history, and the grand Portico di San Luca, the sanctuary is more than just a religious site—it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Bologna. Our visit to San Luca was a surprisingly worthwhile experience, which showed us more of the city and rewarded us with some great views! If you’re planning a…
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Basilica of San Petronio – Massive Masterpiece in Bologna
When you step into Bologna’s vibrant Piazza Maggiore, the towering Basilica of San Petronio immediately demands your attention. Its massive scale and intricate design make it one of the most impressive churches in Italy, apparently among the ten largest in the world and largest brick gothic church (however, we felt it feels smaller and less imposing than the Duomo in Florence!). But San Petronio isn’t just about its size—it’s a treasure trove of history, art, and unique features that make…
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Bologna: Discover Italy’s Beautiful, Delectable City For The Soul
Bologna—often overshadowed by the likes of Rome and Florence—turned out to be a truly delightful surprise during our recent Italian road trip. Nestled in the heart of Italy, Bologna feels like a city that hasn’t been overly polished for tourists. It has a welcoming, authentic charm, with layers of history, art, and food that completely captivated us during our short stay. Where We Stayed: Urbanicooh Azzoguidi – Torre Asinelli View We couldn’t have asked for a better location than the…
