Over the years, working as a travel journalist and editor has meant I’ve been lucky enough to experience some fine hotels. Just two, however, have stolen my heart: one is situated on the island of Jersey while the other is the sublime VidaMar Resort Hotel in Madeira. I’ve stayed several times at the VidaMar and, [...]
Here at Travellowdown, we’ve recently returned from one of our best family holidays. Our destination was sunny Madeira, a beautiful island I’ve got to know so well over the years. Its bright colours, abundance of greenery, pleasant people, spectacular mountain ranges and myriad other delights make it an ideal destination for all ages. When it [...]
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 [...]
The largest of the Channel Islands offers visitors myriad eateries, everything from shacks on the beach to top-end restaurants where deep pockets are recommended! Having just returned from yet another visit, here are some suggestions for anyone looking for somewhere to eat or drink… OCEAN RESTAURANT The Atlantic Hotel is, by far, my favourite hotel [...]
It was my last morning at the Atlantic Hotel, my favourite place to stay on Jersey, and a couple walked past as I headed to the restaurant. Pulling a hefty suitcase, the wife turned to her husband, saying: “Oh dear, I guess all good things come to an end!” Sadly they do, as I discovered [...]
My first experience of staying with the Inn Collection dates back some five years or so when the Travellowdown team explored Northumberland. Back then, the company comprised of inns largely in the northeast. But soon after, an expansion programme saw them venture west to the Lake District where they quickly added a handful of [...]
Spotting throngs of excited tourists jostling for position at the quayside, we half-expected to see an A-list celebrity pulling up in their million-pound yacht. But the cameras were primed to catch sight of a more important visitor in this part of the world – George, the loggerhead turtle. Kefalonia, the fourth largest Greek island, is [...]
I’ve always enjoyed reading Christopher Somerville’s numerous travel articles, usually about walking, in various national papers. Now, of course, he’s The Times’ walking correspondent. So when I heard about his latest book, I was keen to grab a copy. Walking the Bones of Britain is, as the cover details, a three billion-year journey from the [...]
Quorn’s aim is to tempt more people into eating vegetarian and vegan meals. To help achieve this, the Yorkshire-based company - founded in 1985 - has created an extensive range of delicious, healthy meat-free products. Taste, health and sustainability are at the heart of the company’s philosophy and here at Travellowdown we became converts years [...]
Cobblestones, bridges, palaces, parks and countless attractions, Prague will delight those seeking a city break immersed in old-fashioned charm. With its uniquely preserved historical centre - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 - this rich city oozes impressive architecture, breathtaking views and plenty of fabulous monuments waiting to be explored; and with flying time [...]
