For many years, Hestercombe has been one of those “must go there one day” destinations. You know the kind of places: you drive by the signpost fairly regularly but have always got somewhere else you must reach and so it’s another “next time” moment. Well, a couple of weeks ago, my family and I thought [...]
One of the guarantees about visiting Madeira is that you’ll never be short of things to see and do. In fact, chances are a return will probably be on the cards to experience some of the attractions missed first time around. Here at Travellowdown, we recently enjoyed a five-day break on this beautiful sunny island. [...]
Despite measuring just nine miles by five, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands as well as the archipelago’s southernmost isle. A self-governing dependency of the UK, it has much to offer visitors this autumn, whether you’re a daytripper or planning a week-long break. Known for, among others, its splendid beaches, rugged coastline, myriad [...]
Overlooking the Bristol Channel near the coastal village of Porlock Weir is a delightful three and a half-acre garden brimming with beautiful flowers, rare plants and where you’ll always receive a warm welcome from the affable hosts. Greencombe, situated along the sheltered wooded slopes of Exmoor, is a north-facing garden surrounding a 1940s house built [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
There are many reasons why you’d choose to stay at the Edgbaston Park Hotel, which celebrates its third anniversary in 2022. One reason is its convenient location: adjacent to the A38 in the heart of Birmingham it may be, but it’s within a short distance of both the M6 and M5. Similarly, its proximity to [...]
If you want an open-top bus ride you’ll remember for the rest of your life, jump aboard the Exmoor Coaster. Running from the harbour town of Watchet to picturesque Lynmouth, via Minehead and Porlock, you’ll be treated to some of the best coastal views around as you arrive at the top of Porlock Hill and [...]
Thanks to the Young Driver programme, you don’t have to wait until you’re 17 to learn to drive. You can get behind the wheel from the age of ten and learn to drive at one of myriad specialist centres scattered around the UK. With government-approved instructors alongside to guide you every step of the way [...]
