United Kingdom
October - November 2013
The United Kingdom is made up of so many cities, but as we were heading to it's darkest and coldest days we only managed a small visit before heading back to the warmth of our eternal summers.
We first entered the UK on our Ireland road trip when we headed north through the Republic of Ireland to visit the Giant's Causeway. After that it was a quick stop in London to visit a whole bunch of friends and family Erin had made there during the year she lived there back in 2001.
July 2014
We stopped in London for a few weeks in order to get out of the Schengen area and for a house sitting assignment.
November/December 2014
London was the start and end point for our epic Wales road trip, one of our favourite road trips of all time.
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5 Days in London: Best Museums, City Icons & Discount Attractions Pass
United Kingdom
Planning a short vacation to the UK’s mega metropolis, London, will inflict decision anxiety even on the most ruthless traveller. How do you trim down a mammoth wish list of attractions into a mere 5-day itinerary? I’ve expertly crafted these 5 days in London to combine a discount pass with a generous sprinkling of free museums, galleries and city icons.
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6 Best Walking Tours in London
United Kingdom
Most international tourists choose to book a London walking tour to discover the city through the eyes of a savvy local. But choosing the right walking tour is harder than it sounds. I’ve narrowed down hundreds of potentials to 6 of the best walking tours in London, covering history, pop culture, street art and food.
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3 Days In York: Long Weekend Itinerary For English History, Culture & Ghost Stories
United Kingdom
York’s backstory had no shortage of drama, and the modern city celebrates its past, warts and all, creating a charming fusion of classical and quirky that’s ripe for exploring. My itinerary for 3 days in York feels like a living history book filled with tall Roman walls, Norman castles, quaint medieval buildings, Victorian railways, and narrow cobblestone streets... and even a ghost story or three.
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17 Tips To Plan The Ultimate UK Road Trip
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a road tripping paradise - windy roads, scenic vistas, rolling hills, majestic mountains, meandering rivers, quaint towns, castles and history galore. Every great travel adventure starts with an equally great plan. So, I’ve put together my best British driving and planning tips to help kick off your own epic UK road trip.
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5 Things To Do With Kids In Mid Wales
United Kingdom
Find out where we stayed in Machynlleth, as well as 5 fun places to take your kids on your next holiday to Mid Wales. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we did.
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Facing My Fears Deep Inside The Earth At Bounce Below, Blaenau Ffestiniog
United Kingdom
Bounce Below is the world’s first subterranean playground and luckily for us, it is located in north Wales within the Llechwedd Slate Caverns not far from where we were staying. Consisting of massive bouncy nets, chutes and passageways, this is an underground adventure for kids and adults alike that you can’t find anywhere else.
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Drayton Manor: Theme Park Treat & A Presidential Suite
United Kingdom
It’s difficult to find birthday treats for people like us who travel permanently. But I knew my energetic 6-year-old would love nothing more than celebrating their birthday at a theme park like Drayton Manor. And I also received a “suite” surprise when we checked-in. Find out the details...
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I Didn’t Know Holiday Cottages In Pembrokeshire Looked Like This!
United Kingdom
Living in the big city had worn us down. While we love London we were eager to get away. So eager in fact, we made the 6-hour drive to west Wales in one trip. Now we were in the heart of Pembrokeshire, and ready for our luxury cottage… I mean “barn”.
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Don’t Read This Post About Wolfscastle Country Hotel In Wales (Unless You Want To Ruin Your Keyboard)
United Kingdom
Little did I know but we were about to visit one of the best restaurants we’ve dined at in the last 3 years. We’ve eaten at close to 1000 restaurants across 50+ countries in recent years and this one ranks in my favourite 5. So when I heap praise on this fine establishment located in rural Wales, please understand it’s no small feat and certainly not something I do every day.
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How To Spend 24 Hours In Liverpool With Kids (In Winter!)
United Kingdom
With only 2 nights and 1 day up our sleeves, find out our favourite winter-friendly attractions in the centre of Liverpool, UK.
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Photography Tour Around Cardiff Bay, Wales
United Kingdom
Cardiff Bay provides everything a family needs for a fun day out. Take a walk around this modern urban re-development in the centre of Cardiff and feel the vibe of the Welsh capital.
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The Ultimate Welsh Road Trip: How To See Wales In 30 Days (PLUS a bit of England)
United Kingdom
If you’re thinking about a road trip in the United Kingdom, follow our driving adventure around Wales and I’m sure you’ll be inspired. Just jump in your car and discover the food, history and natural beauty of this enchanted country within a country.
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London Pass: Best Way To See Tower Bridge & Tower Of London
United Kingdom
We picked up the London Pass and found that it included a walk on the new glass-floored overpass of Tower Bridge. And since we were in the neighbourhood we figured we should couple it with a visit to the Tower of London. Also find out more about the apartment we stayed at just around the corner.
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The Tower Of London Poppies: History In The Making
United Kingdom
We almost discovered the magnificent display of poppies at The Tower of London by accident, but we were glad we did. 888,246 handmade ceramic flowers symbolised British individuals who had fallen in World War I. My 5-year-old daughter gazed over the sea of crimson and said something that I’ll never forget...
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Athenaeum Hotel: Family-Friendly Luxury AND Social Media Savvy-ness
United Kingdom
During our stay at the Athenaeum in London, we received a surprised knock on the door at 8:45pm on a Saturday night. What happened next shocked us.
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Everything Is Awesome: Legoland Windsor
United Kingdom
When the kids heard we were going to meet Emmet at Legoland Windsor, well, everything was awesome. Tips and tricks to spending a day at Legoland Windsor.
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Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World: The Most Sacred Place For Any Toddler
United Kingdom
The most sacred place in the world for any toddler, without a doubt, is Peppa Pig’s house. And when Peppa and George come to visit you have a recipe for frenzied screams loud enough to rival any One Direction hormone-laden teenage crowd.
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Getting from London to Amsterdam with Eurostar
United Kingdom
We looked at different options for getting from London to Amsterdam – air, rail and sea. When we weighed up the benefits and disadvantages, rail came out on top. It was faster (total journey time), more convenient and a much more all-round pleasant experience. Here's how it happened.
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5 More Things To Do In London
United Kingdom
Last year we wrote a popular post on 10 things to do in London with kids. This year we are adding to it. Some of these things aren’t necessarily ideal for little kids, but the big kids will absolutely love it. Includes theme parks, London Dungeons, Harry Potter World and more!
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Harry Potter Studio Tour: A Dream For Potter-holics And Those Of Us Less Potter-fied
United Kingdom
If you enjoy the Harry Potter books or movies, then a visit to the Studio Tour in London sounds like a wizardy wonderland, doesn’t it? Find out how I got there, got around and weather you should try drinking Butterbeer, and if so, how many.
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Melia White House: Sophistication In London And The Smart Elevator
United Kingdom
An elevator with no buttons, but can take you wherever you want to go. Now that’s smart. Either that, or I’m in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Find out what it’s like inside the luxurious hotel, Melia White House in central London.
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Qbic London: Quirky, Fun And Eco-Friendly
United Kingdom
When you walk into Qbic London there is a note on the floor “Oh no, not you again!” And somehow the sarcasm, in a strange and quirky way, makes you feel right at home. But one particular decoration in this hotel will stick in my mind forever.
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Brockham Bonfire: The Best Night Out For Burning Guy Fawkes
United Kingdom
We found the largest Guy Fawkes bonfire celebration in England at Brockham Village thanks to an invitation from fellow bloggers. This event has it all - villagers with fired torches, roasted pig, mulled wine and a massive fireworks display. What else would you want on a chilly November evening? Join us along with 20,000 other people discovering the charm of Brockham Village.
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I Can No Longer Say “In 15 Years Of Travel I’ve Never Missed A Flight”
United Kingdom
It started like any travel day. The cab was on time at our house at 5am for our transport to Stansted airport in London. It was dark and cold. We coasted through the city and down the M11 motorway. With 2 miles to go it looked like we would even be early for our check-in.
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What Do You Mean Exciting Food In London?
United Kingdom
We heard about the Eating London Food Tour she organised in the East End and I wondered if it could really be possible. When I thought of British food, I thought of bland flavours, plain dishes and an overall lack of excitement. I never thought of doing a food tour while we were in London. So we went along to see if 2 fervent food lovers could be impressed with classic British fare.
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Peeling Back The Layers Of Mystery Around Stonehenge
United Kingdom
In the days before pen and paper, before the wheel, before recorded history dating some 5000 years ago, someone with passion and strength beyond measure, created Stonehenge.
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10 Things To Do In London With Kids – 5 Of Them Free!
United Kingdom
I had never considered London as a children’s destination and was not prepared for the lows (trying to carry a double stroller down underground train stairs) or the highs (two hours in a toy store). Check out our top ten and better yet 5 of them are free!
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Checking Into London & The Majestic Flemings Mayfair Hotel: A Monopoly Player’s Dream Come True
United Kingdom
Visiting London after 6 years. Here you can find train prices from Gatwick, where to get your SIM card real cheap and where to stay if you are looking for a luxury family hotel, in the heart of Mayfair.
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The Heavens Open Up At Giant’s Causeway
United Kingdom
The low, menacing clouds drifted overhead as we arrived at the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, Giant’s Causeway. The visitors centre was unlike any other tourist attraction we’d seen in Ireland. Uber modern and sleek, it didn’t quite fit into the natural, country cottage feel of the other sites we saw. But we didn’t mind, we just wanted to get out of the rain.
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Cliffside Capers At Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
Wet, slightly slippery wooden planks, swaying in the wind over shark infested waters. How could I deny the adventure out into the biting cold rain in order to go where no Bender had gone before?