I lived in Leeds for 10 years, I went to university there then stuck around after graduation. I have very fond memories of the city where I spent my student days, for its huge variety of shops, bars, restaurants and nightlife. However, it is only recently I have come to appreciate the cultural side of Leeds, perhaps it is old(er) age which is driving me to explore the other attractions in the city, like Kirkstall Abbey. Where is Leeds? For…
I went to university in Leeds, and lived in the city for about ten years before I started my nomadic, wandering lifestyle. When I come back to visit, as I frequently do, I usually stay with friends, but this time I fancied a change. When I was looking for Leeds budget hotels and hostels, I realised that there isn’t a wide range of budget accommodation in Leeds, so when I read about the Art Hostel Leeds, I knew I had to…
York has been hailed as Britain’s most beautiful city, and the place where most people want to live in the UK. It certainly is a special city – its small, but crammed full of beautiful buildings, and more boutique shops, restaurants and cafes than you can shake a stick at. History seeps from every brick, wood beam and cobblestone, and it’s hard not to imagine legions of Romans or hordes of Vikings roaming the streets. York is one of my…
York is a beautiful historic city in Northern England, and is well worth visiting in its own right. But if you can time your visit with one of its fantastic festivals you are in for an extra treat. York has a year-round calendar of events, and with so much going on you are sure to find something to suit every taste! These are special festivals which bring together the very best of York’s talent and history, offering a unique insight…
Afternoon tea is the quintessential British treat. Contrary to popular belief outside the UK, not all English people “take tea” in the afternoon. I don’t even drink tea myself, but I’m pretty sure that the most extravagant thing most people have with their cup of tea is a chocolate biscuit. However, when I recently visited York, a beautiful historic city in Yorkshire in the North of England, I wanted to see what I was missing out on! I sampled two…
In the heart of Yorkshire’s countryside in the north of England lies the beautiful historic city of York. A gem in Britain’s glittering crown, I have many fond memories of visiting York as a child, and was thrilled to go back and revisit this incredible city. It is a popular destination for tourists, both home-grown and from abroad, so I was worried it was going to be expensive. However, I was relieved to find there is plenty to see and…
Every year in September, York is taken over by food and drink lovers in a 10-day long celebration of all things food related. I was invited by Visit York to come and see what is on offer at the York Food and Drink Festival for its 20-year anniversary, and as a foodie I couldn’t resist! The 2016 festival is currently running until 2nd October, so you still have chance to visit and try it out for yourself! I previously lived…
Liverpool is the musical jewel in the crown of English popular music, being the home of the biggest pop band ever, The Beatles. For most people, a visit to the Beatles Museum, the home of John Lennon or a visit to the Cavern Club is a must. But for those who aren’t fans of the Fab Four, there are still plenty of options to keep you entertained. Here are some ideas of what to do In Liverpool if you hate…
The UK isn’t the cheapest destination, but recent fluctuations in currency thanks to the ‘Brexit’ vote, means this is the perfect time for many people to visit my home country. And there are a few tricks that can help your hard earned cash go even further to allow you to explore more of the UK during your trip. Here I have put together some tips for how to travel around the UK on a budget: Travelling to the UK on…
So many people I meet have been to England, and not left London. When I tell them I’m English their eyes light up and they eagerly tell me they visited the London for a few days, but nowhere else, or occasionally some went to Brighton or Cambridge or another town close by. Of course, London is a great destination, but there is plenty more to explore outside our vibrant capital. If you have the time to venture outside the city…