Oxford may claim the title of dreaming spires, but after exploring Cambridge from land, stream and air, there’s no doubt in my mind that the university towns are equals when it comes to beauty. I arrived on a beautiful late spring Sunday with a few hours set aside to explore before a picnic with friends studying in the town. I was spoilt for choice of direction and ended up following my nose, with great success!
York makes the perfect weekend away – packed full of history to fascinate, cute alleyways to explore, and some delicious food and drink for sustenance! And if you’ve got an extra day, like we did, you can visit some of the beautiful countryside nearby – ideal! [Read more…]
I love to visit places where you feel like you can reach out and touch the past. York’s amazing history is literally around every corner, from historic churches to the walls that ring the city centre. Clifford’s Tower was haunted with gory tales, while the Minster, sited on Roman ruins, has seen hundreds of years of history. It was fascinating to explore!
900 years ago, 13 monks came to a quiet green valley by the River Skell, seeking a new home. The abbey they founded there became one of the greatest in England. Jump forward 600 years and the monks are long gone, but their abbey remains. Around it are created incredible water gardens, the finest of the Georgian period. Today, we are lucky enough to be able to wander in the footsteps of both the monks and the Georgians and enjoy their gorgeous creations at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park in York. I had heard that the site was impressive, but my visit to this beautiful place blew me away. [Read more…]
