Be honest: when was the last time a motorway made a holiday feel magical? For most of us, the great British road trip starts with good intentions and quickly becomes a familiar blur of lane changes, service stations, roadworks and the red glow of brake lights. The sat nav says “fastest route”, so we ... Continue Reading
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British road trips – most popular or most spectacular?
(Notes on the Jurassic Coast are taken from my book Great British Road Trips.) Durdle Door in Dorset There’s a lot of chatter on travel pages lately about which is the best road trip in Britain. Scotland’s North Coast 500? Pembrokeshire Coast 200? Snake Pass in the Peak District?” Or, ... Continue Reading
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Britain?
I often get asked “What is the best time of the year to Visit Britain?” Well, right now is a great time to plan a visit to the UK. The Covid pandemic has meant that visitor numbers are way lower than usual and that means the big attractions are not crowded-out with “bloody tourists”. But […] ... Continue Reading
10 Places To Go On A British Road Trip This Spring
A recent study has revealed the 10 most popular British road trips. Scotland’s North Coast 500 was voted Britain’s best road trip and Scottish routes took the top two spots. A third of Brits say they’re happy to drive further than usual for a staycation. The study, by Euro Car Parts, asked ... Continue Reading
Brighton – A Great UK Road Trip From London
High summer. What a great time to take a UK road trip to explore the beautiful British countryside, lush in its verdant midsummer mantle, on a weekend road trip. Here’s an easy two or three day road trip from London to Brighton via Royal Tunbridge Wells. Good for a weekend, even better for a long ... Continue Reading
An expensive lesson on airline booking errors
Got a nasty surprise from Qatar Airways on my last long-haul trip home from Rome. Arrived at the check-in counter at 2pm for our 4.40pm flight to be told we had missed our flight earlier that day. The one that left at 8.20am. I couldn't understand it. I am obsessive about travel itineraries ... Continue Reading
New RAF Museum Opens in London
For aircraft buffs like me a visit to the new RAF Museum in North London is a must-do next time I'm in that great city. The best insight into the new display comes from 13-year-old Robert, whose dad writes the Family Travel Times Blog. Here's his summary of their visit: "There are three ... Continue Reading
10 Outstanding Stately Homes of England
Visiting the stately homes of England is an absolute must on any UK road trip. One thing is for sure: You are spoiled for choice when considering the Stately Homes of England. There are hundreds open for public viewing at one time or another. Because "hundreds" is not on your range of options. ... Continue Reading
Stay in one of Oxford University’s Colleges
Here's BnB accommodation with a difference - stay in one of the University Colleges at Oxford. During the university vacations when students clear their rooms, you can book into one of these historic facilities. But don't think they're just grotty student squats. The rooms are cleared and ... Continue Reading
London Hotels Don’t Have To Cost An Arm And Leg
You don't have to have the income of an Arab sheik to stay at a good London hotel. Of course, it does depend a bit on your definition of "good". For me - because for me it's just a place to grab some sleep - all I want is have a clean room with a comfy bed and a hot shower. I don't need room ... Continue Reading