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Great seaside walks with spots to stop
For great seaside walks, whatever the weather, few places in Hampshire can beat Stokes Bay. Its stone beaches look out over the Solent, across to the Isle of Wight and free parking right on the water’s edge makes for a perfect picnic on the beach or a lovely spot to read a book from the warmth of your car. At one end is Browndown, these … Continue reading Great seaside walks with spots to stop
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A lazy Sunday afternoon at The Bell Inn
It’s always a bit of a lottery, going out for a Sunday roast. It should be such a treat, but I’ve picked half-heartedly at too many lacklustre vegetables, hard roasties, and over-cooked beef. And it’s always a bitter pill when you have to pay for something you know you could have done so much better at home. So to find a pub that serves a … Continue reading A lazy Sunday afternoon at The Bell Inn
D-Day anniversary
The D-Day 75 event at HMS Daedalus attracted a crowd of thousands to this coastal airfield which played a key part in World War II. Hundreds of families spanning the generations headed to Lee-on-Solent. For the children, there was old-fashioned fun, but for those old enough to know about or remember 6 June 1944, there was an appropriate nod towards that historic and momentous day. … Continue reading D-Day anniversary
100 years of glory at Exbury
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the spectacular 200-acre Exbury Gardens near Beaulieu in the New Forest. World famous for its Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs, Exbury is celebrating its big birthday with some impressive new projects and a series of special events. A new ‘secret centenary garden’ and ‘stream’ of spring bulbs opened to the public in … Continue reading 100 years of glory at Exbury
Dorset cafe worth hunting out
Hidden away down a leafy lane in West Dorset is Down House Farm, a quirky garden cafe with the most delicious of home-cooked food. Mostly it’s walkers on the coastal path between Eype and Seatown, who stumble on the delights of Down House Farm, from signposts directing them on a short walk inland. Honestly if you drive down the lane you can’t help but question … Continue reading Dorset cafe worth hunting out
Happy Camping
We’ve been camping and touring in our sensational south for many years. Here’s a little insight into where we’ve parked our home-from-homes.
We’ve been camping and touring in our sensational south for many years. Here’s a little insight into where we’ve parked our home-from-homes
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Hidden away, the Salt Cafe
Portchester, on the outskirts of Portsmouth is famed for its English Heritage castle, but it is also home to a little-known café, hidden away at the Wicor Marina Yacht Haven. It’s definitely one to hunt out if you’re a fan of sourdough toast, good coffee and amazing cakes – all served up with a coastal view. There’s an outdoor balcony where dog-walkers with their mutts, … Continue reading Hidden away, the Salt Cafe
A cheese lovers’ paradise in Hampshire
There’s a certain joie de vivre that comes with tasting different wines and cheeses. The French have got it down to a fine art, so with that in mind I headed to Cheese and Cheers in Southsea. A cosy venue in Osborne Road and with the decorative touches of an Alpine cabin, this quirky restaurant has cheese, cheese, and more cheese. Emmental, Beaufort, Saint Marcellin, … Continue reading A cheese lovers’ paradise in Hampshire
Boutique stay at Spitbank Fort
The Solent, renowned for its warships, cruise liners and yachts, is also home to a stunning, if a little eccentric boutique hotel which gives ‘getting away from it all’ a new, and distinctly nautical perspective. Spitbank Fort is a mile off shore between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Built in the 1860’s with the threat of a French invasion, she played a role in … Continue reading Private: Eccentric boutique stay at Spitbank Fort
Family bike ride on the Hayling Billy Trail
Every family should cycle together. It’s a liberating and bonding experience to ditch all the distractions, pack a rucksack with drinks and snacks, stick the bikes on the back of the car and drive to a scenic spot for an afternoon trundle. As a self-confessed MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra), my solo two-wheeled expeditions take me 40, 50 miles and more on the road, … Continue reading Family bike ride on the Hayling Billy Trail
