Category: England

  • Best things to do in Bristol in Winter 2022/3

    Best things to do in Bristol in Winter 2022/3

    Bristol is my hometown and I love it. It is a great destination to visit at any time of year. In winter many tourists come to enjoy Christmas shopping and the regular German Market.  Whatever the weather Christmas in Bristol is never dull. I have put together a list of some of my suggestions for…

  • An autumn walk on Hampstead Heath

    An autumn walk on Hampstead Heath

    Hampstead Heath is less than four miles from the centre of London. It covers over eight hundred acres and has some of the best views over the city. Since the railway opened Londoners have been coming to the heath to swim, fish, picnic and fly kites. However the heath was nearly lost. During the 19th…

  • A day out in Greenwich

    A day out in Greenwich

    Last Sunday my middle son Richard and I joined other members of our walking group for a visit to Greenwich. Richard lives in London and actually took part of his PGCE teaching qualification at the University of Greenwich but for many of us it was our first weekend in London since lockdown. Although transport for…

  • Bristol Open Doors getting the keys to the city

    Bristol Open Doors getting the keys to the city

    Bristol Open doors festival gives both Bristolians and visitors a chance to discover more of the history of our city. For one weekend in September we are allowed to see inside fascinating and quirky buildings that are normally closed to the public. This year I was accepted as a volunteer and was able to appreciate…

  • Discovering Blaise Castle Estate Bristol

    Discovering Blaise Castle Estate Bristol

    Blaise Castle Estate is one of Bristol’s favourite parks. It has a large adventure playground for children, a small outdoor cafe and a free carpark. It also has a huge area of grass and woodland to explore. We visited several times when our children were small but spent most of the time near the playground.…

  • Glenside hospital museum a new use for an old chapel

    Glenside hospital museum a new use for an old chapel

    People find all sorts of unexpected uses for deconsecrated churches and chapels.  One Bristol church is even used as an indoor climbing centre.   But today I would like to take you through this door. You might find some surprises. Glenside Campus is now part of the University of the West of England. It provides training…

  • Escape to the Malvern Hills

    Escape to the Malvern Hills

    On Sunday a few members of our walking group met at Great Malvern station ready to explore this former Victorian spa town and to go for an October ramble in the nearby hills. Luckily for us organised outdoor activity is still permitted. The Malverns The Malverns are a range of low hills on the Worcestershire,…