A leading hotel in the west of Cornwall is running a walking weekend in May. Guests at Budock Vean near Falmouth will be strolling around spectacular Helford an area of the Lizard Peninsula. Budock Vean Hotel. Offering bracing sea air and an expert insight into Cornwall’s multi-layered history. Which will include the flora, fauna and its industrial past. Plus the chance to sample the stunning lands and striking coastal scenery of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walking Weekend In West Cornwall A series of guided walks during the first weekend in May using the Budock Vean, Country Hous ..read more

A famous haven for Red Squirrels the National Trust’s  Brownsea Island reopens this weekend. Springtime on Brownsea is a great time to look out for a number of key species including red squirrels, which can often be seen foraging for food to feed their young. Red Squirrel. Red squirrels usually have a first litter of three or four babies.  Called kittens, they are normally born in March. Bird song will also be filling the air, with males singing to defend their territories and attract a mate for breeding season. Many of the migratory species return to the island during Spring.  ..read more

Vienna has just announced its latest new museum as the ‘Wien Museum’ opens. Design model of Wien Museum, by Certov, Winkler + Ruck. Dedicated to the city, its people and its history. Plus it is ‘free’! Following the British model of not charging was a political decision by its left leaning politicians who had allocated around €108m on the project. Redesign of the building was done by an Austrian architectural team, Certov, Winkler + Ruck. They won the contract in anonymous architectural competition held back in 2015. The museum was full on my visit and queuing was essential. Charging for m ..read more

After many years of researching the Cerne Giant has been finally dated according to the University of Oxford. Two academics from the University concluded that the Cerne Abbas Giant was originally carved as an image of Hercules! Cerne Giant Dorset icon. With the purpose to mark a muster point for the West Saxon armies. Later reinterpreted by the local monks of Cerne Abbas as being their Saint Eadwold. Cerne Abbas Giant Dorset. However, research undertaken by Martin Papworth for the National Trust. Has showed that the Giant was carved in the Anglo-Saxon period. And not, as most people though ..read more

When it comes to a winter holiday escape list from the UK, who would put Peru on it? Well you all should! Having average temperatures in the country from Jan to April at a barmy and comfortable 23.3C. Plus with 8.3 hours of sunshine on average during the same period. Peru, offers a magical corner of South America. Which should be a perfect retreat for European travellers looking to escape winter somewhere different. Miraflores residential and upscale shopping district  Lima,  Peru. Certainly a fascinating history, with jungle adventures, all within a spectacular natural environment ..read more

A unique exhibition of work and an insight into the world of Dame Elisbeth Frink is currently on show in Dorset. The county where she created her last works has put on an informative exhibition about this leading light in the world of 20th century sculpture. On show will be over 80 sculptures, drawings and prints, that will explore her artistic process, personal life, and other influences. Elisabeth was a leading light and a highly gifted and respected female artist. Who’s life is remembered at the County Museum in Dorchester. Elisabeth Frink A View From Within Exhibition In Dorchester Where ..read more

Invergordon has literally drawn on its own history in order to create a marvellous mural experience in the town. Before their creation the biggest things around Invergordon were often the giant oil drilling rigs. Or perhaps cruise ships and huge wind turbines waiting for erection just off shore. Cruise ships tie up very close to the town in Invergordon. Although, the town has two local human hulks who are likely to the subject of any upcoming new creation. Celebrating now 20 years since the first one was painted. The Stoltman brothers Tom and Luke who live in the town have held World’s Stron ..read more

Pannage time in the New Forest is the period of year when the pigs are released to feast on millions of acorns produced by the numerous oak trees there! These ancient woodlands with their broad sweeps of open heath are also home to herds of grazing wild ponies, sheep and horses. Springtime New Forest. As well as hoovering up the acorns which the pigs absolutely love. They also have a role of protecting the other animals as acorns are poisonous to cattle and ponies. This feeding frenzy by the pigs also provides a delightful and tasty flavoured pork that is in great demand…Pannage Pork. Autum ..read more

At 10 years could this be the longest jigsaw puzzle in the world? As a group of aircraft conservators plan to rebuild an aircraft from the wreckage of three others at unique live museum event in the UK. Will Gibbs is just one of many conservators working on the project in public view. This remarkable project is to reconstruct a unique Second World War Fairy Barracuda (Serial No DP872) aircraft. This has now received a funding boost from the descendants.  A rear gunner lost at sea in this type of aircraft. The Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton in Somerset have set aside an area within t ..read more

Nestling in 72 acres of South Somerset is an animal sancuatury that only exists because of the second world war. The Ferne Animal Sanctuary is located in a beautiful & protected countryside area within the Blackdown Hills on the border of Devon/Somerset. Adopt a horse is possible. Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Chard Somerset. Ferne was set up by the late Nina, Duchess of  Hamilton & Brandon as she realised that with the up-coming second world war. There would or should be a need to also keep animals safe too. The late Nina, Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon. founder of the  Fern ..read more