Swans were top of the lavish banquet menu at Abbotsbury Monastery during Tudor times. They were the favourite food of monks and monarchs. But how times have changed… today thousands of nature lovers come to celebrate this fabulous British bird rather than feasting on it. Hundreds of Mute Swans nest at Abbotsbury during the spring and […]
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Britain. It was once the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire and covers 84 miles of rugged countryside from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend on Tyneside. Today this is spectacular walking country, whether you’re a serious walker or a casual visitor […]
Everyone loves otters. These gorgeous creatures are a delight to watch in the wild, if you’re lucky enough to spot them. But if you can’t get see these elusive animals in the countryside, why not take a trip to the Washington Wetlands’ otter enclosure, a great example of conservation […]
Cornwall boasts the most gorgeous gardens in Britain so I was thrilled to discover a new addition to its great outdoor attractions. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is hidden in a lush valley with woodlands, a stream and dramatic vistas which provide the setting for contemporary art installations. International artists such as James Turrell and David […]
Cornwall’s popularity as one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations received a boost after starring in the TV drama Poldark this year. Tourists have been flocking to the area after watching the hit TV show in which romantic hero Aidan Turner captured the heart of the nation. Could it have been down to […]
Shaftoe Crags with its sweeping panoramic views across one of England’s best-preserved rural landscapes takes you back to Northumberland’s ancient roots. On a clear day you can see forever – well, as far as the Northumbrian coast and across to the dark silhouettes of the Simonside Hills. This remote area has changed little […]
It’s bird bonanza time on the Farne Islands as migrating birds flock onto the islands for the summer season. This makes the Farnes one of my top summer holiday trips. For our feathered friends, this is more than a bird vacation. They are here for romance and – let’s be […]
What’s your favourite holiday destination? One of mine is Wyoming in the United States which boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. If you’re looking to book a vacation this summer, why not head to the ‘big sky state’ with its wonderful wildlife and wilderness landscapes? Here are five reasons to love […]
In winter there’s nothing better than the sound of wild geese honking overhead. Barnacle Geese are incredible flying and honking machines. Every winter they make a 4,000 mile round trip from their home in Svalbard near the Arctic Circle to the Solway Firth. These long distance travellers are remarkable […]
Have you ever wondered how you go about weighing a seal pup? It’s an odd question which I found myself asking when I visited the Seal Rehabilitation Centre in Holland. Every year, dozens of seals are abandoned or become sick on the Dutch coast as a result of pollution or getting trapped […]