In these straitened times, it's reassuring to know that you can still visit a fab destination, such as the Isle of Wight, without needing extremely deep pockets when it comes to visiting attractions, taking the kids out for the afternoon and so on. Recently, we spent a long weekend on the isle and searched out [...]
Packing for holidays, even if it’s just a long weekend away, can be tiresome, especially when it comes to choosing which toiletries to take. Flying, of course, brings the added headache of ensuring that any liquids or creams are kept in containers not exceeding 100ml. Well, RINGANA, a highly-respected Austrian company specialising in vegan skincare [...]
Luxury Lodges – the name says it all. Superb, attractive, self-catering properties located in such delectable locations as Cornwall, the Lake District and Carmarthenshire. And it’s not all lodges, either. I was fortunate enough to sample a Troutbeck Cottage, one of many on offer at Whitbarrow Village. Nestled in the northeastern corner of the Lake [...]
It's time to be honest now. When we're thinking of organising a holiday, we wouldn't automatically consider Leicestershire - well, that was the case before we visited the county during the summer. That short break opened our eyes to how interesting and beautiful the county is. Not only do you have the city itself, but [...]
If you fancy a delicious vegan burger - or any kind, for that matter - I’d recommend heading to Hub Box. I had the pleasure of eating at the Exeter branch a few days ago and wasn’t disappointed. Sat outside watching the world go by while I munched through my tasty burger and scrummy fries [...]
This charming private garden is set in a peaceful valley just a few miles from Barnstaple, Devon. It was created by the late Dr Jimmy Smart who, after being a ship’s doctor during the Second World War, purchased the land in 1949. By 1980, he was a full-time gardener and quickly recognised for his contribution, [...]
For most people, like us, pasta is a staple part of one’s diet. So, when we’re planning a self-catering break, pasta is a “must” on our shopping list. Everyone likes to try something different from time-to-time and that’s how we discovered ZENB’s range of pasta made from yellow peas. Founded by the Mizkan Group, ZENB [...]
This book is advertised as a “light-hearted and informative guide to all kinds of walking” and it’s certainly that. Boasting a staggering 1001 tips, this beautifully produced volume is divided into categories – everything from navigation and staying safe to walking long distances and clothing. Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a dry, bog-standard [...]
The authors, Helen and Paul Webster, have lived on Skye for five years and written – among others – 15 Scottish guidebooks so it’s safe to say that they know their way around Scotland. Their latest book makes you realise just how beautifully dramatic the Isle of Skye is, not that I needed reminding. [...]
Whenever we head off camping or on a self-catering break, we always pack plenty of plant-based drinks. Being a family of vegans and vegetarians, they’re a staple part of our daily diet and we’ve enjoyed trying out all the various options – oat, soya, pea, almond, oat & barley, rice and so on. Must admit, I [...]
