The stretch of coast just north of Newquay has given rise to a collection of some of Cornwall’s – if not the UK’s – most stylish family hotels. But which one is the best? We’ve stayed at all three, so here’s my guide to how to choose the one that’s best for you. Here’s my … Read more
St.Ives has been on my bucket list for years – the idea of a charming artsy surf town is one that obviously beckoned. But it took until my fourth decade to finally get there. Thankfully, the long wait was worth it. Parking issues aside, it’s a dream of a holiday destination for adults and kids … Read more
At Bridges and Balloons, I’m always searching for places to stay that feel as magical as the trip itself. And over the years, I’ve found some brilliant family-friendly stays in France – places where design and comfort meet treehouses, farm animals, water slides and chateaux. As always, this isn’t about soulless resorts or places designed … Read more
To my shame, before I went to the Dordogne, I’d somehow labelled it as “boring”. It’s popular with British retirees, so I think that had somehow muddled my perception. Regardless of where I got it from, I was wrong. With golden-stone villages, turreted castles, gorgeous rivers and fields of sunflowers, the Dordogne feels like stepping … Read more
Puy du Fou is one of the most impressive and bonkers places I’ve ever been. Voted the best theme park in the world several times, it’s one of France’s most popular attractions, drawing over 2 million visitors a year. It’s an immersive world of spectacular live shows where history, myth and theatre collide on a … Read more
The words “all inclusive” have come to suggest a certain vibe – huge resorts with every bell and whistle you can think of. While convenient, I’ve never heard one described as charming. But this one-of-a-kind boutique family resort in France is exactly that. It’s re-defined what all-inclusive can look like – and I don’t think … Read more
The Dordogne is France at its storybook best – a land of medieval villages, turreted castles, golden-stone towns, and a river that winds through it all. It’s one of those places that feels almost too perfect, like stepping into a fairy tale. Add canoe rides, lively markets, and countryside brimming with sunflowers, and you have … Read more
I’ve wanted to try a Collection Rivages campsite for ages. I love the branding and the style of their cabins and campsites. But did the reality match the expectations? Here are my thoughts after our stay at Sauvage Quiberon… First of all, my experience was somewhat tainted by a mistake that was partly on my … Read more
It’s been a while since I fell head over heels for a city, but Bordeaux had me at first sight. Elegant, creative and bursting with charm, it reminded me of a French versionof Barcelona – with grand boulevards, ornate architecture, and a seemingly endlesssupply of indie boutiques, cafés and restaurants. But what surprised me most … Read more
Costa Rica is a dream family holiday destination and perhaps one of the most memorable adventures you can have as a family. Think sloths in the trees, jungle hikes to waterfalls, ziplining through the canopy, days on the beach, and plenty of time to relax. It’s fairly easy to travel around, and there’s a huge variety … Read more