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
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
Gunwharf Quays is Portsmouth’s big draw for eating out and the queues of cars into the city pay testament to this reputation – who can resist a spot of retail therapy followed by a meal out and a glass of wine, all while overlooking the sea? For a more bohemian, off-the-beaten-track experience, head to Southsea. It’s where you will find most of the locals eating … Continue reading Southsea – a feast of the world
For those happy campers who are brave enough to battle some elements for a stunning view, there can be few better places to stay than Highlands End At Eype near Bridport in Dorset. Continue reading Family and dog-friendly break in Dorset
Burley Manor in the New Forest National Park is currently offering a three-course lunch with complimentary Prosecco for just £25 – so we headed off for a little midweek indulgence. This is a special seasonal menu being offered by this relaxed restaurant with rooms, a Grade II Listed manor house dating back to 1852 which was fully refurbished three years ago. We started our morning with … Continue reading New Forest Manor lunch and Prosecco offer
My 92-year-old mum is disabled so a visit to The Tower of London’s ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ wasn’t an option. Today we headed off with her to Portsmouth to the Royal Armouries’ Fort Nelson to see Poppies:Wave, the last stop on the #PoppiesTour. Wave is the sculpture which was the key dramatic element of the 2014 Tower installation. An arc of crimson flowers which, … Continue reading Fort Nelson Poppies at Portsmouth
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
Thailand’s wildest, happiest – and wettest – festival takes place in April – and a luxury spa in the New Forest is helping to bring the Thai new year in style. Continue reading A Thai festival in the New Forest
