Oast houses are iconic buildings found in the Kent countryside, known for their distinctive cone shaped roofs. These agricultural buildings were first  early 16th century for the purpose of drying hops as part of the brewing process for making beer. Initially rectangular in shape when they were first built, these characterful buildings have evolved throughout the years, progressing to a square shape before becoming the pointed cone-shape we know them as today.   Oast houses were equipped with kilns, drying rooms, and cooling rooms, for the purpose of drying hops, ultimately to brew b ..read more

The Coast to Coast Walk is an iconic walk that takes you on a challenging but rewarding route across Northern England. Starting from the rugged heritage coast of St Bees in Cumbria, you’ll embark on a 192-mile hike through stunning countryside, finishing at North Yorkshire’s picturesque coastal town of Robin Hood’s Bay. Established by Alfred Wainwright, this long-distance walk across mountains, moorland, and meadows, allows you to see all different kinds of landscapes in the North of England.    An established tradition for walkers exploring the Coast to Coast Walk, is to start by we ..read more

Agatha Christie, born in Torquay in the 1890s, is a renowned English author and playwright, widely known as the “Queen of Crime.” Christie has created iconic and timeless crime novels like “Murder on the Orient Express” and “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”.  Till this day she is still one of the best-selling authors in history, and several of her books have been adapted into popular movies and television shows.  In this blog, we will explore a few of the locations that inspired her stories. Many of these places have since become filming locations in the adaptations of her books. We will ..read more

May marks National Walking Month, a month dedicated to encouraging everyone to explore the great outdoors whilst promoting the benefits that walking has on both your physical health and mental wellbeing. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve our health and stay connected to our community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated.   Devon is the ideal location for walking holidays due to its diverse landscapes, beautiful coastlines, and its many charming coastal towns. It truly is a stunning place for getting outdoors and enjoying walks whilst exploring the beautiful sights that th ..read more

In this blog we explore 8 beautiful pubs with accommodation found in the delightful county of Devon. Devon, in southwest England, is full of stunning coastlines, rolling hills and quintessential British villages. From the Jurassic Coast and Watermouth Bay to Dartmoor and Exmoor National, there’s so much to discover in this beautiful county, making it an ideal spot for a staycation.   During your stay, you’ll find a variety of activities to get stuck into. Find crabs and other sea creatures at some of the rock pools at Combe Martin Bay, cycle along scenic 26-mile route on The Exe Estuary T ..read more

Do you enjoy learning about history? Or participating in thrilling activities? Or do you just simply love to explore beautiful places? Both Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole are popular caves in Somerset which have fascinating histories and provide a unique setting to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities.   Caves have been formed over thousands of years by the erosion of rock, varying in size, shape and formation. Throughout history, caves have held significance for humans, serving as shelters, ceremonial sites and even as places of worship in some cultures. Today, the caves are ofte ..read more

Exmoor National Park is a unique landscape of rolling moorland, beautiful coastlines, ancient woodlands, and winding rivers. It’s one of 15 national parks in the UK and covers 267 square miles across Somerset and Devon.  The history of the national park goes back as far as the Ice Age, approximately 12,000 years ago, when the climate conditions allowed for vegetation to grow within the park. About 4,000 years later, Exmoor became predominantly covered in oak woodland. However, the national park’s landscape faced major changes when man began to settle in the region, as agricultural ‘techno ..read more

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key filming locations scattered throughout Oxford, offering a glimpse into the real-life magic behind the Harry Potter films.  The Harry Potter series is one of the most beloved book and film series of all time, reaching audiences around the globe. A lot of the scenes were brought to life in and around Oxfordshire, with Oxford’s historic buildings and panoramic countryside providing an ideal backdrop.  But the journey doesn’t end there – we’ll also share recommendations for nearby pubs with accommodation, as well as places to enjoy great food a ..read more

Located in Oxfordshire, Bicester Village is a popular destination for luxury outlet shopping. This retail village boasts over 160 boutiques of prestigious brands, offering shoppers an excellent selection of designer fashion, accessories, homeware, and more.  From iconic fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, and Burberry to renowned lifestyle brands such as Ralph Lauren and Ted Baker, the village showcases an extensive array of high-quality goods at up to 60% off retail price.  Beyond its impressive selection of boutiques, Bicester Village offers a range of amenities and services, includ ..read more

Wiltshire is home to a variety of beautiful National Trust spots, offering luscious gardens, ancient woods and cultural estates. The National Trust is Europe’s largest conservation charity, protecting nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy.  In this blog, we explore five Natural Trust sites found in Wiltshire, alongside recommendations for pub accommodation for you to enjoy a lovely stay in this idyllic region.   National Trust spots to visit in Wiltshire Stourhead  Stourhead has been ‘a living work of art’ since the 1740s and is renowned for its captivating landscape ..read more