europe – the wandering darlings

Iceland Tales- The Lava Tunnel

Looking for a unique experience close to Reykjavik to see to the inner workings of a volcanic eruption? Then this is the tour of The Lava Tunnel is for you!

Have you ever been inside a lava tunnel?

To be honest, before I went to Iceland I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a lava tunnel. I always thought the lava burst up out of the ground and not flow underground like a huge fire breathing river. The things you can learn whilst you are travelling!

There are so many geological experiences to enjoy in Iceland and I must say this was one of my favourite activities that we did whilst we were there. Actually walking where lava once flowed! Not many people can say they have done that!

We came across the Lava Tunnel a little by accident (or luck you may say) and even luckier still got there with a minute to spare before the next tour. We thought we might just get to see an opening of the tunnel but no we quickly discovered they did two tours. One standard and one extreme. We opted for the standard as it was an hour tour and touted that it was easy walking. The Extreme tour is 5 to 6 hours long and for the more adventurous and go further into the tunnel. Maybe one for the next trip.

The tunnel is 1.4k meters long and was formed due to the path of the lava from the Leitahraun eruption over 5,000 years ago. This lava tunnel is considered one of the longest lava tubes in Europe. They have restored it well especially as it was only opened officially in Summer 2017. Initially, you could make your own way in however over time it was becoming more unstable and ended up being a bit of dumping ground with lots of rubbish being left in the tunnel. It was then strengthened with footbridges and lights and added knowledgeable guides that can talk you through the history of the tunnel. We had a really insightful guide who gave us so much information about the rock formations, how you can see what temperature the lava got to in places and also answered lots of questions about the geological makeup of Iceland and just Iceland in general.

At the beginning of the tunnel, there are skylights where the cave has collapsed had let the snow in so formed huge big snow dunes. They allow the light to shine in and show just how expansive the tunnel is. Leading into the chamber you are also treated to a huge display of Icicles. There were so many and they were the tallest I had ever seen. We were told that in winter they are even taller and larger. They looked so magical and it just shows even further that Iceland really is the land of fire and ice.

At the end of the standard tour, there is a part of the tunnel where they turn off the lights and you can see how dark it is as there is no light from anywhere coming in. It really plays with your eyes. You truly feel underground and so close to the centre of the earth. It’s an unnerving experience in a way as it’s not often we ever get to experience true darkness.

The Lava Tunnel is located 30 mins from Reykjavik and is open from 10 am – 5 pm daily all year round. With your ticket for the standard tour, you get free hire of a helmet and helmet light. It does get chilly in there so make sure you are dressed warmly and definitely have sturdy footwear (it can be a little slippy in places). As with anything in Iceland, it’s not cheap but it is worth the expense for a truly interesting experience. The standard tour without transport is 6,400 ISK per person (as of June 2018) with the Extreme tour it is 19.900 ISK per person.

To see more about this tour or to book click here or for more inspiration on what see and do in Iceland click here

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Where in the World Wednesday- Stockhill Woods

Where the wild things are

I’ve only recently discovered this area which considering its only 20 minutes down the road from where I have lived for 11 years is pretty bad form on my part.

Stockhill Woods is located in the Mendip Hills just outside of the village Priddy and city of Wells and is a great place to explore if you want to get out and enjoy the natural landscape. It reminds me of a pine forest we have behind our property in Australia and as soon as we got into the tree line I automatically felt transported home.

The Mendip Hills can be found in Somerset in England and and have been named as an Area of Outstanding Beauty. THis is largely due to the stunning landscapes that you can find with the gorges, limestone outcrops, hilltops, lakes and and the grasslands that make up this beautiful area.

Stockhill Wood fits within this description and even more so when you learn of its past. This is what happens when an industrial wasteland becomes an area of outstanding natural beauty.

All over the Mendip Hills there is remnants of the 200 years of Lead mining that went on in the past. Over the years with every new technology advancement the mining took on a different shaped and in turn has shaped the landscape to what you see today. The rises, gullies and trenches haven’t just happened as nature intended they were set in motion by our forefathers looking to industrialise the nation.

It really is so hard to imagine what it was in the past, when what’s been left is a mystical and picturesque landscape. You feel like fairies should be buzzing around or that Snow White and the seven dwarfs will go marching by. The sun streaming through the canopy, birds singing, and hidden delights on what you will discover with the next step. It’s a very peaceful place and whilst every time I’ve been there has been a car park full of cars I’ve only ever bumped into a handful of people walking the trails.

There are soft trails meandering through the trees or dirt tracks if you want something more solid to walk or cycle on. It does have a sign saying no horses but dogs and bikes are certainly allowed. Just make sure you pick up any dog mess. No one wants to step in that!

There is a large car park and picnic area perfect for a sarnie and drink after your walk. It is an easy walk but if you go on the soft trails you will need to go steady. Definitely make sure you’ve got wellies or boots on as it can get pretty muddy.

You may have seen on our Instagram that we’ve recently added to our fur family with a sweet and lively little pooch called Ozzy. With this it has meant that we have a whole new type of adventuring and if these are the types of places we can start discovering I can’t ruddy wait to find more!!

You can find other great pleaces to explore in Somerset here

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10 Photos in London

Welcome to our new series, 10 Photos in…

To kick off our first destination we are heading to London. There are probably over a million photos taken of London every week (or even day!) but we have 10 photos from bloggers and Instagrammers who want to share the best places, different views, a new side to popular landmarks and their favourite photos of this wonderful city.

As a lover of photography and travel one of the first things I do when I’m going somewhere new is google images, peruse Pinterest and stalk every possible hashtag or location tag I can on Instagram. I want to know where to go and what looks great.

With this series hopefully, you’ll get photographic inspiration, learn about some new places and meet some new bloggers.

This is London

Ezra Street, By Meandering WildLondon takes on a magical feel at night and even more so when you explore the back streets and alleyways that are still lit by gaslights. Columbia Road in Bethnal Green is well known for it Flower Market. On most Sundays, a longstanding market, which attracts flower buyers from across London fills the street with colour and fragrance. Halfway along Columbia Road is The Royal Oak, a public-house rebuilt in 1923 sitting on the corner of Ezra Street.

This little street is still cobbled and holds a magical charm all of its own. Sometimes forgotten by its larger and bolder Columbia Road neighbour this street can compete with many of London’s more famous locations. Walking onto Ezra Street is like being transported back in time. The cobbles remain and the shops keep their 1930’s feel with a solitary lamp lighting the street. During the day this is a busy café with chairs and bustle but at night when no one is around you can easily imagine London from the Victorian era and beyond. It may seem familiar and that is because it has been used extensively for wartime and 1950’s movies. Most notably ‘The Kray’s’ and Guy Ritchie’s ‘Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ as well as being the pub in the TV series ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’.

It may be a small corner of London but it gives an insight into the old and ‘normal’ London that millions of people once knew.

You can find Meandering Wild on Facebook here

The British Museum, By Two Traveling Texans

I chose this picture of the new British Museum roof to share because it is a perfect example of one of the things that I love about London – the mix of the old and the new. The British Museum was built in 1852 (it has been expanded several times since) and the new roof was added in 2000.

There are so many new buildings going up in London now and I love that they all have fun nicknames. Some of my favourites are the Walkie-Talkie, the Shard, and the Gerkin. The new buildings are in stark contrast to the older buildings like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s, yet to me, they compliment each other.

The British Museum should be on your list to see in London. They have a vast collection of historical pieces there are impressive. You won’t want to miss seeing the Rosetta Stone, artefacts from Ancient Greece and Egypt, the treasures from Sutton Hoo, and much more. If possible I would recommend allowing at least 3 hours for your visit. You won’t be able to see everything but you should be able to cover the highlights. Just like many other museums in London, admission to the British Museum is free.

The Elizabeth Tower & Westminster Bridge, By Travel Stories and ImagesThis is one of my favourite photos of my brief visit to London a few years ago. I chose it because it’s so iconic. The Elizabeth Tower (commonly, but incorrectly, referred to as Big Ben) is arguably the most recognizable symbol of London and represents the heart of the country’s tradition and its government.

The photo also captures Westminster Bridge, which is the primary thoroughfare between the Westminster and Lambeth districts of London. While it’s an important route through the city, it also holds more sombre significance for Londoners: it was the site of a terrorist attack in early 2017 that killed four and injured 50. Memories of this attack will not soon be forgotten.

The photo is a long exposure, meaning that my shutter was open for several seconds. This is why both the water of the Thames and the clouds above the Tower and Parliament buildings appear so smooth. I also chose to render the final version in black and white. This gives the photo more of an antique, timeless look that, to me, echoes the fact that London is a timeless city – always growing and changing, but ever rooted in thousands of years of rich history and culture.

You can find Travel Stories and Images on Pinterest here

London Cobbled Streets and Pretty Houses, by The Glittering Unknown

Though my address may say Paris, my first city love was London. At fourteen upon my first visit, I decided I would one day live there, and consequently, I love the looks of all the different residences around the city. London is beautiful because it’s so different and diverse- the people, the mix of cultures, the architecture.

I love wandering through each quiet little nook I find, relishing the fact that it’s possible to find a calm spot in such a huge city. These mews streets always have the cutest details, from the bikes out front to the picnic tables to the vines snaking over the multi coloured facades. It’s so easy to become wrapped up in a picturesque moment and forget that there are real people who dwell behind those doors until the red-jacket-clad postman comes rolling down the cobblestones and into your photo. To tell the truth, I’m not sure if I’d love or hate to live in one of these houses given how popular they are with photographers! But they are a good reminder that behind every picture-perfect facade lies something raw and real, which I think is a notion that encapsulates London as a whole- beautiful, gritty, and always something new to discover.

You can find The Glittering Unknown on Instagram here

Skygarden, By Travel Hacker Girl

Skygarden is my favourite place in London. Whenever I have friends or family in the city I make sure to take them there. I have visited Skygarden 5 times and each of my visits has been different. You can get a great view of London and the best part is it is all free. However, you need to book tickets ahead on their website. Tickets are released every Monday and you need to book about 2-3 weeks ahead. One of the most special visits was when I witnessed a rainbow above London. It is also a good idea to plan your visit to watch the sunset. This was really great because we got to see the city with the lights on after darkness as well. Skygarden is not just famous for its stunning 360-degree views over London, but also of its lovely garden that is located on the top floor. You can see many different plants. You can also find a restaurant as well.

You will need to book ahead if you want to dine there. I am sure it is a great experience to enjoy your meal with such amazing view. Another option is to have a little nibble or a hot drink in the cafe that is also located on the top floor.

Find Travel Hacker Girl on Instagram here

St Pauls Cathedral, By The Wandering Darlings

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of my favourite places in London. It’s just such a commanding building and just being in its presence you can feel its greatness. The delicate detailing of the interior, the huge dome, the history that lies in every brick it really is a must visit on any trip to London. On a recent trip, we climbed to the very top to see the views of the city. If you are visiting I would recommend you do this, London should be viewed from above as much as possible.

You can find The Wandering Darlings on Instagram here

Queen’s Guard By My Suitcase Journeys

Find My Suitcase Journeys on Instagram here

Greenwich, By Where Jo Goes

Greenwich, London, is famous for being the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the prime meridian. This unique claim to fame is explored in detail at the Greenwich Observatory where you can find out how timekeeping here changed the world. Stand with one foot each in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres!

But Greenwich is so much more than the birthplace of GMT. A world heritage centre, it is home to three more royal museums. The National Maritime Museum houses such historic treasures as the coat Nelson wore when he was fatally wounded, cannon balls from the Battle of Trafalgar and artefacts from hundreds of years of Britain’s maritime history. Head to the Cutty Sark to find out why this tea clipper was the fastest ship of its kind, see the collection of figureheads and watch actors bring to life this iconic vessel. The Queen’s House, regarded as the first classical building in Britain, presents art and architecture and the royal history of Greenwich. Christopher Wren’s Royal Naval College is famed for its celebrated painted ceiling, book a tour if you want to climb 60 feet for a close-up look or visit the chapel and visitor centre.

Greenwich has a flourishing market – a great place to grab lunch from the many food stalls or a locally made souvenir. The park that spreads out beneath the Observatory is a wonderful spot for a stroll. From Greenwich, you can catch a boat down the River Thames and see London’s iconic sights by the river. Directly across the Thames from is the O2 and the Emirates Airline cable car.

Greenwich has more to offer than you could pack into a single weekend from the modern to the historic, from the royal to the relaxed, it truly is one of London’s gems.

London Scenes by Emily Fedorowycz

The London Eye, By The Wandering Darlings

Yes, it’s totally touristy but you can’t go to London and not see the London Eye. Even if you don’t go up it makes for a picturesque view of the South Bank of the Thames. If you can stomach the line and the ride up (it’s not scary I’m just not good with heights) then I would 100% recommend you go up especially at dusk. You get the best views of London and as it is goes very slowly you get the time to take it all in and honestly you can see for miles!

You can find The Wandering Darlings on Facebook here

And that is our 10 Photos in London. Did you discover somewhere new or is there somewhere you would have liked to have seen? Let us know in the comments below.

Coming up we have Barcelona, Paris, New York and Marrakech if you would like to be involved then get in touch! We’d love to have you involved

The beauty of Glastonbury Abbey in pictures

Glastonbury Abbey has long been one of my favourite places in the UK. As soon as you walk into the abbey grounds you just get the feeling you are in very serene and special place. Maybe its the connections to King Arthur and the legend that he’s buried here, maybe it’s the many stories the ruins hold or maybe it’s just that its a place of worship.

Located in the town of Glastonbury, Somerset (more popularly known for its ties with Glastonbury Festival) the Abbey is a popular visitor attraction. The Abbey buildings date back to 688 and whilst they are now ruins, they are still just as beautiful as what you would imagine they were back in their heyday.

The buildings are Grade 1 Listed and set in within 36 acres of parkland which is all immaculately preserved so that history lives on and that visitors can learn about the history and myths of this tranquil area. Whilst visiting you can see what is believed to be King Arthur and Queen Guinevere’s final resting place, Lady Chapel, St Patrick’s Chapel, the Holy Thorn, Cider Orchard and Abbot’s Kitchen. The museum helps answer any questions that you may have about the area and in the summer months, there are even costumed guides walking around sharing information about the ruins.

There are so many stories both historic, legendary and mythical within these ruins and parklands. Including that it is considered the earliest Christian Foundation in England and linked to Joseph of Arimathea and the Holy Thorn, ties to the Saxons, Romans and Normans, it’s been raged by fire and rebuilt and has considerable connections to the legend of King Arthur.

To visit the Abbey the admission price is £7.34 per adult if bought online (slightly higher if paying at the gate) and there are student, over 60 and family tickets also available. For less than a tenner it is well worth the entry price and with so much to see and do its a great (and educational) day out for all the family.

You can also visit the Abbey for plays, gigs, workshops and other events so do check out the events page of their website here for what is coming up.

It’s a mystical and mythical place that I have visited several times and is one place that I could visit a thousand times more. Take in the beauty for yourself with these serene pictures of the majestic Glastonbury Abbey.

Where in the world Wednesday- St Nicks Market, Bristol UK

Where in the world is this little alleyway?

Those familiar with Bristol in the South West of England will be well aware of St Nicholas Markets and also would only refer to it as St Nicks. It’s one of Bristol’s historic hot spots for food and shopping with over 60 independent traders.

One of the oldest and most adored markets in Bristol it has been a huge part of Bristol’s past and is still located in the heart of the old city. Established in 1743 it now brings the old Georgian style architecture together with the new fashions, handicrafts and world food cuisines. It’s the perfect mix with just the right ambience that makes it the perfect place to meander around whilst visiting the city.

St Nicks is home to the Indoor Market and on certain days is also home to the Bristol Farmers and Producers Market, Street Food Market (Tuesday and Friday) and The Nails Market out on the adjoining pedestrian streets- Corn Street and Wine Street.

You will notice outside the Exchange Hall several big brass pillars. These are referred to as ‘Nails’ and are where traders would settle their deals in the past and is where the phrase ‘Paying on the Nail’ came from. There are inscriptions on the nails that date right back to the sixteen hundreds and are a great reminder of the historic past of St Nicks and market trading in Bristol.

I can 100% recommended the Street Food Market which is every Tuesday and Friday. Most workers within the city centre have had their lunch from this diverse market. They honestly have the best range of cuisines from the Old Smokey Belgium Donut Chimneys, to Indonesian Nasi Goreng, to Italian sausage you can get whatever you desire and it all tastes amazing.

Within the Indoor Market areas, there are three areas- Exchange Hall, Glass Arcade and Covered Market. The Exchange Hall is an open planned trading area and it’s MASSIVE. The mix of items to buy is so eclectic you’ll find something you never even realised you needed. The Glass Arcade is home to the eateries and you will be in awe of how many unique options are available. Some stands even have seating so you can sit and take in the buzzing atmosphere. The Covered Market consists of small alleyways and independent retailers to further fill your bags and empty your purses at. It’s a great place for finding a really original gift.

The markets are open Monday- Saturday 9.30-5pm. Do check for bank holiday opening times and also for the speciality outdoor markets. You can find St Nicks here Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ. It’s very centrally located and easily accessible from central hotels, the bus and train station.

For more information please do check out this link

Bristol is a great place to explore and whilst visiting you should also visit The Lido and visit during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta

To see Where in the World we were last week check it out here.

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15 Reasons to Visit Paris (like you need them!)

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and is often included in most people’s bucket lists but what is it about that city that makes so many long to explore its beautiful streets. Is it the romance of the city? Or the history? Or the art? Or more importantly the food? Whatever it is this city has a draw to it like some kind of huge magnet. Maybe that is what the Eiffel Tower is made of??

When you think of Paris you think of style, sophistication and class. Just thinking of the city conjures up romantic images in your mind and not the just standard romance it’s the romantic ideals of the city. With its architecture, it’s quaint side streets, the stylish people sitting outside cafes drinking coffee, the hidden and not so hidden love stories that inspired the paintings inside the galleries and the photographs that locals and tourists still capture just transport you into a French dream-like experience.

Audrey Hepburn was so right, Paris is always a good idea.

If you are exploring simply for the weekend or for a longer period there is more than enough to experience and leave you wanting to come back for more. To help you either work out what to see and do or to just fuel even more wanderlust for this stunning city here are our top 15 reasons to visit.

You can see some awesome art

A lot of the worlds best art and artefacts can be found in the museums and galleries of Paris. Some of them even have a day where they are free to visit so do check out if you are travelling on a budget. There will be queues but it is worth the wait to see these artworks with your own eyes. Obviously, the Louvre is a must visit but you should also visit the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, Petit Palais and the grass-covered exterior of Musee du Quai Branly.

You can marvel at the Eiffel Tower

There is nothing more magical than seeing the Eiffel tower lit up glittering at night. This is one landmark that should really have more than one view on your trip. Sunrise, during the day, sunset and then at night. Whatever the angle whatever the weather it’s a magnificent place to be.

A bird’s eye view is the best view

There are several vantage points where you need to get up high and witness the city from a bird’s eye view. Climb the stairs at the Sacre Cour for breathtaking (once you get your breath back from climbing) view of the city with the river and Eiffel tower or climb the Effile tour to see the view of the city streets. If ever there was a city to see from above it has to be Paris.

You can meander along the River Seine

Lazing by the river in the summer sun, or cruising along under the many bridges on a boat tour- Paris is yet another city that should be viewed from the water.

You can eat alfresco

The cafes take up just as much space on the pavement as they do inside. You’ll notice that the chairs are usually all lined up looking out to the street. It’s the perfect place to order a drink and people watch to your heart’s content.

You get all the history

With so many historic buildings and monuments, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to see and do. There is Notre Dame Cathedral that dates back to 1163, The Arc de Triomphe (just don’t try and drive around it! #confusing), the Sacre Coeur Basilica (one of my absolute favourite places in Paris) to the Ile de la Cite where Paris was born in 300B.C Paris has had many different rulers and all of these have their mark on the city which makes it a like a history book that you can step inside and explore.

You can appreciate true style

Fashion and Paris are synonymous with each other. The best shopping and the best style can be found on the streets of Paris. It’s not showy or gaudy it’s all just classic. Maybe keep the credit card locked in your hotel safe if you are out shopping.

You get a whole lotta bridges

Paris is no Venice when it comes to bridges but it does have a staggering 37 bridges spanning the river Seine. All are designed differently and all beautiful a couple of our favourites are Pont-Neuf, Pont Alexandre III and Pont de l’Alma

You can pack a picnic and get the grass between your toes

For all the amazing things to see inside the museums, galleries and historic buildings you’d be forgiven for not even thinking that there are parks to relax and unwind in. There are so many perfectly manicured gardens across the city to enjoy. You should check out Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg and Le Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil.

It’s almost wrong not to be a tourist

The age-old debate of being a traveller or tourist. In Paris, it is almost wrong not to be a tourist. Who goes to Paris and doesn’t go to the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower and Arc Triomphe? People who don’t really want to see Paris that’s who!

You can explore all the neighbourhoods

There are 20 arrondissements within Paris and sometimes just trying to work out where to say, go out and explore can be a little intimidating. Each has its own charms, vibe and areas to be a little wary of. So your research and try to experience at least 3 of them on your travels. Montmartre in the 18th arrondissements is a firm favourite of ours as the 1st arrondissement due to the picturesque views and of the course, the Keira Knightley Chanel adverts were filmed there.

You can get those steps up on your Fitbit

An abundance of walking tours focusing on different aspects of the Parisian life or do what I do and walk until your lost and then just see what gems you can find along the way. It’s an easy city to walk around and whilst there is public transport it would almost be a sin to use it and miss some of the best street scenes in all of Europe.

You can fall in love

Maybe with a local but more likely, it will be with the city itself. Paris is always referred as one of the most romantic cities in the world and once you are they you will melt to its romantic charms. The art, the history, the music all were fueled by love and lovers in the city. Even the simplest of things just sounds and feels more romantic in Paris. Drinking a coffee in a cafe on a Parisian street, walking the side streets in any weather, lazing in the park or sitting along the banks of the river enjoying a croque-monsieur.

You can eat all the food

French cruise is an art form and where better to indulge than in the capital. From rich meat dishes to simply a warm croissant n the morning from the boulangerie, there are so many dishes you need to devour. Macaroon’s, and crepes are also must for a sweet treat. As with most places try to find some smaller cafes and restaurants and not the usual touristy ones the food will be so much better.

You can escape the city for the day

From feeling like French royalty at Versailles to taking in the water lilies Monet style in Giverny to witness and reflecting at the poignant rows on rows of white crosses at Normandy. There are so many places close to the city to take in more of what France has to offer.

What’s your favourite thing about Paris? Have we left anything off? We’d love to hear your suggestions below in the comments.

Want to see more reasons to visit other great cities, if so be sure to check out our Copenhagen, Marrakech and Venice posts.

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Being Brunel- A new must visit museum in Bristol

Visiting Bristol and need something to do? Then you must visit the new Being Brunel Museum at the SS Great Britiain

Do you know this man?

A few hints

– He is the reckless engineer

– He was quite partial to a top hat and cigar

– He built bridges, railways, ship and tunnels

– He is a big name in British history

– He was a change maker

– He’s got a pretty awesome name

Guessed it yet?

It’s Isambard Kingdom Brunel and this is a 3D statue of him at the new museum Being Brunel In Bristol. It has only just opened at the site of one his spectacular ships the SS Great Britain. It’s a must-see attraction if you find yourself in Bristol or the South West.

The museum opened in March 2018 and houses a fantastic range of artefacts from Brunel’s life. It’s taken a few years to build and once you get there you’ll understand why. There are 6 galleries which include a moving replica of a train carriage, a huge display of letters, sketched and photos, a massive mural of his life, a video show with smells and sounds to put you firmly in the past. You can see his office in London and Bristol as well as his Shakespeare dining room and the dockyard. Everything is so detailed and you can tell that it’s been built with passion and respect for the forwarding thinking legend.

The crowning glory is the gigantic statue of Brunel’s Head in the middle of the main gallery. You can see he commanded attention when he was alive and this statue is no different. It’s also very clever as you can literally walk inside his mind and experience a 6 min film of his personal thoughts (from letters and diary entries) of key points within his life and career. Most of the scenes were filmed on site and once you have seen the video you can then walk around and put yourself in the picture.

History has to be engaging these days to capture people and to teach them that we are where we are now due in the past. Both from the failures and the successes. We have access to all the news and all the information, so I really enjoy it when I see a museum or historic attraction use such interactive ways to draw in both children and adults. All of the galleries at Being Brunel allowed you to open draws, test out an old-fashioned train carriage, look at drawings, interactive video games, see how they used to make 3d pictures and even put a top hat on. In this day and age, you wouldn’t have an engineer celebrated like Burnel was and is. It’s great that children can have access to people in our past like this and not just the celebrity culture dominating the news headlines.

To see the drawings, letters and even newspaper articles of the past was amazing to get an insight into how some of the bridges and railways that are in my day to day life were first conjured up and then went from an idea to a reality.

As a photography lover, I enjoyed discovering a new contraction. They also had these great viewfinders which when a picture has been inserted it would show as a 3D image. They were really cool and I just loved the vintage photos.

My other half has long held Brunel in the highest regard so it was a must for us to visit but I can guarantee even if you have no idea about who Brunel was before you entered you would be sure glad you learnt who he was. This new museum is a wonderful celebration of Brunel and his life’s work and also a great insight into the man behind the top hat and cigar.

As Being Brunel is housed within the SS Great Britain you can also explore the majestic ship and the dry dock it’s housed in. I’ve not yet posted this yet (I promise it will be live soon!) so you can learn more about it here

Where – Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY

Prices (as per their website in April 2018) – All tickets are for a year and you can go back and explore as many times as you like within that period.

Adult £16.50
Students and Seniors £14.50
Under 4 Free
5-16-year-olds £9.50
Companion or assistant (alongside a disabled paying visitor) FREE
Family £45

Check out their website here for more details and to book tickets http://www.ssgreatbritain.org/

Have you seen the London from the Thames? Well you really should

So many great cities are always said to be seen best from the water. I’ve seen Venice, New York, Paris, Sydney all from the water so I have no idea why it took me so long to see the majestic London from the long and winding River Thames.

This week I righted my wrong.

The opportunity came along with some of my work colleagues as a change from the standard after work drinks. So instead of heading to a pub, we hot-footed it down to Westminster Bridge to go on the City Cruises Sundowner boat.

Now I didn’t really know what to expect. Obviously, a boat, that it would be touristy AF but also hopefully some insta worthy shots and a nice way to see the city. I certainly wasn’t expecting fizz on arrival, one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen or that we would be up dancing to the onboard performer on the boat. Just wait for more on that later.

We were booked with City Cruises and they do cruises throughout the day. The one we went on, however, was the Sundowner Cruise. Tickets cost £32 per person (adults and children are the same prices). You can generally get a deal on Groupon so do check there first. The cruise departs from Westminster Pier which is easily accessible from Westminster tube station. You depart at 6.15/6.30ish and are then on the water for 2 hours so getting back to Westminster in time for dinner and drinks. There is fizz/soft drink on arrival and canapes severed throughout. There is also a bar if you want to have further drinks throughout the cruise. If that wasn’t enough they also provide an entertainer who performs throughout the journey. Mainly pop songs but also covers all eras to cater for the mix of ages. The lady we had was brilliant and she had our group and some others up dancing around during the cruise. The processco may have also helped with the dancing. I swear some of the other guests probably thought they had boarded with a group of crazy ladies but most of them got involved with our shenanigans. We did get to make friends with one of the guests they were over from the US and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I’m sure when they booked their cruise they were expecting to be dancing around with us to Bruno Mars’s Up Town Funk.

The rain from earlier the day decided to disappear just as we boarded however it did mean that it was wet up top so for dry seating we did need to sit downstairs. The inside of the boat has lots of tables and its group seating. Had we not been such a large group we could have been sat and been able to chat with other guests. What we could do however was stand up top and take some photos (and drink some fizz) and watch the sunset then head back down below deck for some nibbles and a dance.

From the boat, we got to see so much of London and it truly is such a remarkable city. At the start of the cruise the London Eye was contrasted against the grey sky and by the end, it was a luminous red orb. Tower bridge looked postcard perfect before and after the sunset. You could see the Oxo Building, The Shard, St Pauls, Big Ben, red buses going over the bridges along the river, Londoners out on their evening runs, Canary Wharf and the super expensive homes along the banks of the river. I don’t think I’ve ever seen London look as beautiful as I did that evening.

The sunset decided to set just as we went under Tower Bridge making it the perfect silhouette against the sky. So quintessentially London. Seriously what is more London than watching the sunset behind the landmarks of the city, while on the Thames with wet puddles from the day’s rain around you and a Pimms in hand? If you are visiting London or even if you live in London I would 100% recommend doing a cruise like this and if your not sold yet then have a look at some of my snaps for further encouragement.

For more information on the crusie we did then check out this link below
http://www.citycruises.com/london-thames-experiences/evening-cruise

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17 Reasons to Visit Copenhagen

I first visited Copenhagen when I was 16 which was a loooong time ago and mainly my memories are of the vibrant Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid and feeling pretty ill after going on a few of the rides at the magical Tivoli Gardens. So when the opportunity arose ( I took my other half with some of our friends to go see Guns and Roses for a birthday treat. Yes obvs the best fiance!) to return to this city I jumped up the chance to rekindle my past memories and discover new places.

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and a must visit Nordic city. It can be a bit pricey but really aren’t most capital cities. It’s a beautiful old city that has a wonderful mix of old world buildings with new modern Danish architecture. Copenhagen is often considered in the top 10 for the happiest city and with their green living ambitions, quirky cafes and bars, colourful houses and beautiful surroundings it’s a must a visit destination. If you’ve not heard of the Danish concept of hygge then you would also understand why they are a happy city. The word Hugge has no English translation and is a word used to describe the feeling of being cosy and special and most important just being in the moment. This is how you should experience Copenhagen – take in the moments, put down your phone and marvel at the buildings, try to avoid getting knocked down by a bike and enjoy getting to experience this amazing city.

And if the above hasn’t sold you to get on the next plane to Copenhagen then here is my top 17 reason to visit Copenhagen.

It’s a green city
Bikes everywhere, green gardens, clean and clear harbour water, wind farms it is clear that Copenhagen is a green city. They are actually working to become carbon neutral by 2025. You can tell how serious they are with all the roads built to accommodate bikes and encourage its residents to get on two wheels instead of 4. I think it’s a fantastic goal for a capital city to strive for.

Canals and havns

As Copenhagen was originally a Viking fishing village there is lots of water around and there are canals throughout the city. It’s no Venice but it means that you should not only see the city on land but you should also get onto a boat tour to see it from the water. There is, of course, the picture perfect Nyhavn but there is also lots of pretty water areas in Christianshavn and even along Kobenhavns havn you can find Islands Brygge Harbour Bath. These baths are man-made swimming areas in the shape of a boat on the harbour allowing locals and tourists to cool down in the hotter months. They say that the water throughout the canals and harbours in Copenhagen is so clean you can drink it.

Coloured houses

Nyhavn is the picture perfect harbour in the middle of the city and instantly recognisable as Copenhagen. The vibrant colours stand out and it just wouldn’t look the same if they were normal buildings. Now the coloured houses of Copenhagen aren’t just limited to this area. They are across the city. Rich oranges, bright blues, ravishing reds, stark whites and dusty pinks can be found on most streets. Those on Instagram- it’s like you’re in Instagram heaven.

Fairytales
The best fairytales were written by Danish author Hans Christian Anderson and as he lived in Copenhagen there are signs of him all over the city. You can find three of his residences in Nyhavn, several statues of him (one opposite Tivoli and one in the Kongens Have) to one of the most famous statues in the world which is also one of his characters. There is a Hans Christan Anderson Fairytale house that again helps bring some of his lesser known fables to life.

Marble Church

Fredericks Church or more commonly known as the Marble Church is captivating building. It is free to enter and I would suggest going in as it is just as beautiful inside as it is on the outside. You do need to be quiet when entering as it is a place of worship. When we went in another traveller hit his toe on one of the benches which created such a racket. Knowing we needed to be quiet after hearing this huge noise we then erupted into a fit of giggles. Mature as always. I love visiting cathedral and churches when in foreign cities and could have sat there in silence (after the giggles subsided) for hours.

Flat flat flat
Pretty much all of Denmark is flat which is partly why they love their bikes so much. I’d ride my bike if I didn’t have hills to ride actually who am I kidding.. push up the hills. However, when visiting this city it’s also great as it makes it really easy to walk around.

Europes longest pedestrian street

The Stroget in a pedestrian street through the centre of Copenhagen. At 1.1km long it is said to be one of the longest in Europe. It had a mix of high-end and chain stores. You’ll find lively buskers, street performers and bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to stroll along and part take in some retail therapy.
Theme park in the middle of the city

I loved Tivoli! I mean a theme park in the middle of the city! Not many places can say they have that. Tivoli is said to have inspired Walt Disney to build Disney Land due to its magical feel. The gardens are beautifully manicured, the rides have a good mix of the scardy cat people (like myself) to the more adventurous thrill seekers. There is ponds, gardens, an aquarium, carnival style games and an air of magic that makes for a very fun day. There is also a statue of Hans Christian Anderson looking across the road like he’s taking inspiration for his fables.

Palaces

We learnt while we were in Copenhagen that Denmark has the longest reigning royal family. Also fun fact the current heir to the throne Crown Prince Frederick is married to an Aussie -Princess Mary. They met in Sydney many yeas ago and I remember it all in the news as it was like a modern day fairytale that an Aussie girl could become a princess. I’m still waiting for Price Harry to notice me. There are several palaces in Copenhagen that you should visit these include Rosenborg Slot, Amalienborg, Christianborg place. All show a different stage and part of Denmark royal heritage. You should also try and witness the changing of the guards at Amalienborg.The guards walk through the centre of Copenhagen leaving Rosenborg Slot at 11.30 and reading Amalienborg at 12 pm. We were lucky to catch them on their walk through and fun fact they even have to stop at the red lights.

Bikes

You will never see so many bikes in one place. The only place that I think might challenge Copenhagen to bike/person ratio would be Amsterdam. You need to be careful crossing the roads as although they are on only two wheels the bikes could defo knock you over. On all roads, there is always a separate lane for bike and you will often find them lined up against any surface. There are lots of bike hire places so that you can get involved in the cycling we, however, were a little scared.

Hotdogs
I’m not much a hot dog eater but get me to Copenhagen and I basically have to have one every day. There are lots of food trucks around the city so you can get one on the go. My only piece of advice would be they nee to make the buns a big bigger so the end doesn’t stick out. Maybe it’s a just the Danish architecture way.

The Little Mermaid

Yes she is tiny, yes it’s a bit of a walk out to see her, yes there is always lots of people there when you are trying to see her and yes she is often voted as the most underwhelming tourist attraction but in my eyes, it is still a must see. While you are out seeing her you should also walk around the Kastellet which is a star-shaped fortress.

Parks & Gardens

As mentioned above Copenhagen is a very ‘green’ city both in its ideals but also in colour. There is so much green space within the city. Park and Gardens or Have’s as they are called in Danish are scattered throughout the city. We were fortunate to stay just of Kongens Have which is a beautifully manicured park that also houses Rosenborg Slot. We also spent some time Faelledparken which is more of an athletic park with games of football, frisbee, boot camps all going on around us. After a long day of being tourists, there was nothing better than having a beer sat in the sun enjoying the park.

Street food market

This is a must if you like food or are looking for a cheaper lively night out. From The Copenhagen Street Food Marker is located on Papiroen (Paper Island) and accessible over a pedestrian and cycle bridge at the top of Nyhavn. There is so much option for food and drink and has an outdoor seating area so you can take in the harbour views. We absolutely loved it. I posted more about this place here

Freetown Christiania
I have read a lot about Freetown Christiania but we didn’t go and explore this interesting place however it is somewhere that I would like to go on our next visit. It is a small Freetown within Copehenhaegn that started back in the 70’s when squatters took over an old military base. It is a community of creative people who wish to live their life differently to rest of Copenhagen. You can’t take photos in there due to the selling of illegal substances.

Architecture

Danish architecture will always get a big thumbs up from me considering the Sydney Opera House was designed by a Dane. You can see examples of the Danish architecture style all over the city. The Black Diamond, the Royal Danish Opera House, The Royal Danish PlayHouse, M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark and the colourful Superkilen park. There is also a Danish Architecture Museum to discover even more gems within the country.

Sweden
Bit weird to mention another country when trying to big one up however I couldn’t miss it off the list. Malmo in Sweden is super close to Copenhagen only 40 min away by train or car across the spectacular Oresund bridge. Sadly we didn’t get a chance to do this trip on our recent visit but will certainly do it on the next time we are there.

Have you been to Copenhagen? What was your favourite thing to do in the city? or have we missed anything off this list? Do let us know in the comments.

Why you need to visit Papirøen when in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is expensive there is no denying that. But foods food and girls gotta eat. Almost every blog I read prior to coming to Copenhagen mentioned Papirøen so naturally, this was something firmly on the ‘to visit’ list. There had to be something behind the hype.

Papirøen (Paper Island) is a small island in the harbour and once was where the Procurement Association of the Danish Process used to keep their paper storage. So the name Paper Island is rather fitting! With these big halls empty over the years the concept of the Copenhagen Street Food came into fruition in 2014. And what an awesome idea it was. In the last few years, a bridge has been built linking Paper Island to both Christianshavn and Central Copenhagen.

It’s a beautiful spot in the harbour opposite The Royal Playhouse and Nyhavn and next to the Opera House. It’s in very good creative company. Within the old halls and smaller buildings, there is a creative space which has a current exhibition from Yoko Ono, offices, cafes and The Copenhagen Street Food. Whilst the Street Food opened in 2014 and they had to wait till 2016 for the bridge linking it to central Copenhagen to be completed. The bridge like most of Copenhagen has a cycle lane so make sure you are walking in the right place so you don’t get mowed down by the cyclists!

The main pull for Paper Island is the street food and trust me it’s well worth a visit. The place is huge! There is a substantial selection of food covering all cuisines from the four corners of the globe. You can get main meals, selections of sides, the naughtiest of sweet treats, great beers, cocktails and juices.

There is a nice outdoor section which would be bliss on a beautiful sunny day overlooking the harbour. The beaches and tables outside are all communal and there are shipping containers which double as eating areas and seating platforms. Some of the seating areas are also positioned around huge fire pits which on the day we visited were much needed! Even being a chilly day with the sky threatening to rain the outside areas were packed with tourists and locals alike. It is the place to be.

As soon as you walk into the big factory shed it’s like walking into a travel food heaven. There is more communal benches inside and even some ‘restaurant’ style set ups with tables that you actually book in advance. We opted for the communal benches and some poor chaps had us staring (sorry salivating) at their food while we were trying to decide if we go Chinese, Thai or Mexican. Playing on the industrial feel there were rooftop style areas built upon shipping containers, benches and tables made out of old oil drums and milk cartons, some handy work was made with pallets and they were fashioned into tables and benches. Danish Architecture at its finest.

All of the food stalls had such brilliant designs. My favourite was this pancake stall. The roof was made of old egg cartons! All of the designs worked well together to create fabulous space.

Some of what we eat and drank included below and spoiler alert it was all DELICIOUS

Chicken Penang
Chicken pad Thai
Pizza slices
Nachos
Burrito
Raspberry mojito, passion fruit mojito and strawberry mojito- maybe we had a few too many mojitos
Whisky sour
Apple cider and beers
Decadent chocolate mousse

And the things at the topped it for the boys was .. a delicious creme brûlée doughnut. They are still talking about how amazing it was!

The easiest way to reach is across the Inderhavnsbro bridge at the end of Nyhavn or if you are in Christianshavn then it’s only a short walk from the canals.

If you’re not hungry (and trust me you will be once you get there and the smells hit you) it’s still worth a visit to see what it’s all about and take in the views around the harbour. We didn’t find it overly pricey but it’s still Copenhagen so expect to pay more than you would in the UK.

More details including opening times and the specific food stalls can be found here

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