Lakefest 2026
Lakefest 2026: Where the Cotswolds Know How to Have Fun
If, like me, the thought of being squashed in crowds, basic festival facilities and being knee deep in mud has always put you off, Lakefest might just change your mind.
Eccentric England is at the every heart of my blog. From the quirky and unusual Wakefield Rhubarb Festival and the fabulous Potfest in the Park to the most luxury accommodation like Hillside Huts and Cabins and the gorgeous brand new eco house Hemmel House in Northumberland. Check out walking suggestion in and around the North East like Seaton Sluice beach walk and the Lambton estate in Durham. Don’t miss my Scottish blogs like my cycling challenge around Arran or my Welsh trip to the beaches of The Gower Peninsula. Or why not try a visit on horseback to the impressive Castle Leslie in Ireland. Our country has so much to offer and I never tire of exploring new places and meeting new people who live in our awesome UK!
Cotswolds hotel – the Hyll Hotel
A Cotswolds hotel escape – the Hyll Hotel
There’s a certain honeyed light that seems to belong only to the Cotswolds. That golden glow cast across rolling hills, winding lanes, and picture-book villages. It’s the sort of light that softens everything it touches, turning even the simplest scene – a stone wall, a cottage garden, a curl of chimney smoke — into something quietly extraordinary.
Discover Bristol
Discover Bristol: Restaurants, Walking Tours, Nightlife & Cultural Gems
Planning a trip to Bristol? This vibrant UK city is packed with history, culture, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. From Michelin-worthy restaurants and boutique accommodation to pirate legends, Banksy street art, and world-class theatre, Bristol has something for every traveller. Whether you’re here for a weekend break, a longer stay, or just passing through on the Great West Way, Bristol will leave a lasting impression.
Stonehenge stone circle and the Great West Way
In his poem ‘Home thoughts from abroad,’ Robert Browning wrote, ‘Oh to be in England Now that April’s there.’ The long light nights of the English summer are arguably the best time to visit this special part of the UK.
Spring in England sees the roads come alive with frothy white May blossom. Hope for the perfect summer hangs in the air. Our recent road trip along part of the Great West Way, took us from sleepy historic Salisbury to the magical henges and white horses of Wiltshire, through to buzzing Bath and the best spa treatment I have ever experienced.
Affordable Getaways: The Eccentric Side of English Hospitality
Affordable Getaways: Embracing the Eccentric Side of English Hospitality Affordable accommodation options don’t have to mean compromising on comfort or convenience. For those longing for
Islay whisky island
Imagine a Scottish Island, caught in time like a magical whisky filled Brigadoon, and you will imagine Islay. This tiny off shoot from the ancient mainland, punches well above its weight in the world of tourism. The reason? Its famous expertise in whisky production.
Known as “Whisky Island,” this picturesque enclave in the Inner Hebrides is home to nine distilleries. Each contributes a distinct style to the island’s whisky identity. Two of its most iconic distilleries, Bowmore and Laphroaig, offer premium whisky-tasting experiences. These give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the island’s deep-rooted whisky-making traditions.