There is something about a seaside spot as autumn kicks in. Whilst windy walks are spectacular, there are still those days in October when, if the sun is shining it’s warm, the light has a special quality and the kids can still be out in the fresh air, albeit with a big jumper. So, if the forecast looks okay at any point over the next … Continue reading Autumn magic at Mudeford
The unique quality of early morning light, a canvas of sand and sea and two horses leaving a sun-crested wake as they move through the shallows. It’s undeniable that we live in a stunning part of the British Isles. These images are of West Beachlands at Hayling Island near Portsmouth, a sheltered stretch of the south coast with direct beach access from the car park which … Continue reading A canvas of sand and sea
Porthcothan is a little-known village with a stunning, quintessentially Cornish Bay with grassy dunes, a huge swathe of sand and fantastic rock-pooling at low tide. Despite being close to the tourist draw of Padstow, it has a ‘step back in time’ quality reminiscent of the beach holidays we had as children. Ruddy cheeks, flip flops and sandy picnics. It’s idyllic for body boarding and water … Continue reading A quintessentially Cornish break
There’s something about water, especially when there’s lots happening on it, that is both therapeutic and time-wasting. So, if you’ve got a couple of hours to spare and fancy a pint of real ale or a speciality gin, whatever the weather, then head to the Still & West at Old Portsmouth. This is a very old Grade II listed pub which sits right on the … Continue reading A long leisurely pint with a changing harbour view
On the South coast, between Southampton and Portsmouth, is a short stretch of beach which is perfect for walking, bird watching or just feeding the ducks. Hill Head is a harbour dotted with small yachts by the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, a twitchers’ paradise covering more than 350 acres of the Meon Valley. Walks around the reserve are perfect for nature lovers and children who can be tempted to … Continue reading Quaint harbour, nature reserve and pub with a view
There are few days outs that have mass appeal to all age groups, but Monkey World sits in that category. Where else can you get within feet of our closest living relatives? There’s no experience with primates in the south of England that has quite this kind of ambiance, where great apes almost feel within touching distance. My mum and I have been venturing to … Continue reading Mother and son trip to Monkey World
One of the many beauties of The New Forest is its accessibility. On the train it’s just 90 minutes from London and in the car, just a few minutes after you leave the motorway you cross a cattle grid and enter another world. That makes it a perfect spot for a short break, but equally great for a Saturday spree. Why not Sunday? Well because … Continue reading Saturday market spree at Lymington
An early walk and a cooked breakfast
There’s nothing quite like an early walk on a Sunday morning. Lovely in the summer but invigorating in the autumn and windswept winter months when the promise of a cooked breakfast, a latte and the Sunday papers makes you walk just a little bit faster. Continue reading An early weekend walk and breakfast
