Back in the 1700’s and 1800’s when the city of London’s streets were often runnels of filth and the air thick with noxious fumes from coal fires, Hampstead Heath became a haven for the wealthy. For those with health ailments it was a place of refuge because of the fresh country air and medicinal water …
Kentwell Hall is not a “stately home”. But this large red brick manor, about 60 miles northeast of London, near the small Suffolk village of Long Melford, is one of the most interesting old English Tudor manors you’ll ever find. With unique Tudor architecture that, over the centuries has incorporated Gothic and Georgian classical influences, …
For my 21st birthday, my Mom treated me to my first trip to Europe.¨We can go anywhere you want,¨she said, spreading the continent out before me like a treasure map. Naturally, I could think of no place more exciting than Paris… and Santorini had always been a dream destination. So those were my top choices. …
London is an expensive city, so if you’re young and happy to go with the flow, staying in a hostel might be a great way to save your pennies, (or pence to be more accurate.) Here are our favorite London youth hostels Astor’s Quest Hostel – Inexpensive The Astor hostels, established in 1974 as the first independent …
There are endless possibilities for discovering London on foot, but this time I felt a need to indulge in an exploration of the macabre. Evoke before your inner eye the image of swirling London fog barely penetrated by the yellow light of gas street lamps. Imagine unsavory characters up to no good lurking in the depth …
The beauty of London is that which ever direction you walk, you will quickly find yourself in either one of its countless parks and squares full of trees, flowers and monuments; or on the banks of the mighty River Thames. The Thames, which meanders through central London, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and the emblematic Tower Bridge is it’s most well known …
Usually, the thought of a tasty, ice cold brew at the end of a long trek is what keeps even the most intrepid traveler fueled and focused when life on the road gets a little hard going. Thankfully, pretty much everywhere you go in Europe you’re up to your waist in world-class brew, and better …
For antique lovers and shoppers on a budget, few things are more exciting than digging for treasures from times gone by at European flea markets. From mid-century bowls to old photo albums, antique porcelain statues to vintage wall art, you never know what you might find. Each treasure holds a story, so as I inspect …
It’s not often you find museums depicting the home life and work of fictional characters, but that’s the case with The Sherlock Holmes Museum on London’s Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes is the memorable character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived at the fictional address, 221B Baker Street, London from 1881 to 1904 and …
London is not only about museums, monuments, cathedrals and palaces. It is also about markets, big and small, and many are sprinkled throughout the capital. If you are visiting London for more than just a weekend, I strongly recommend dropping by the Portobello Market. Running from Chepstow Villas to just under the Westway, it is a colorful, …