Bird watching is a funny old game. Birders love nothing better than to count the numbers of birds they’ve seen every year. The more species the better, the rarer the birds, the greater the satisfaction. I’m not immune to the challenge of counting birds. This year, I’ve managed […]
It’s hard to imagine that the sleepy town of Aldborough was once on the front line of the mighty Roman Empire. Today, it’s a charming but sleepy backwater in north Yorkshire, by-passed by motorists who zoom past on the A1 on their journeys to bigger places. But back in the 2nd Century, Aldborough was […]
Fancy a trip to The Jitties? It’s an odd name. A jitty sounds like a bad case of stomach ache or an anxiety attack. Or perhaps a type of boat? But you’d be wrong. Actually, they are hidden alleyways bursting with history, lying off the beaten track in deepest Shropshire. ‘The Jitties’ are a maze of […]
Looking back over the last 12 months, I was struck my how many great breaks I’ve enjoyed in the UK. I’ve not had the chance to get abroad much this year so short holiday trips close to home have been a treat. From the wilds of Dorset and the craggy coasts of Cornwall […]
Northumberland is one of Britain’s most beautiful counties, but this wild and wonderful place is also one of the least visited. It’s on my doorstep so no surprise that I’m its biggest fan. With fabulous beaches, historic castles and a stunning coastline, it’s a shame that more people haven’t discovered its […]
Saltaire is a strong contender for the title of ‘coolest day out’ in Yorkshire. It’s a fantastic place for anyone who loves that heady mix of heritage, culture and retail therapy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of my favourite places in northern England – and winter is a great time of year […]
Abstract Expressionism is one of the biggest art movements of the 20th Century so it’s no surprise that the Royal Academy’s juggernaut show in London is big box office. It’s the first major exhibition of Abstract Expressionism in six decades – and with around 150 painting and sculptures from around […]
Autumn has arrived finally, and I’m dreaming of booking a cosy getaway to the English Lake District to lift my spirits. The Lakes are the perfect place for an autumn or winter break. The summer crowds have long gone and there’s a more relaxed feel to one of England’s busiest tourist destinations. Add to this […]
Art is often at its best when it’s fun, playful and entertaining. Ticking all those boxes is Jeff Koons’ ‘Now’ show at London’s Newport Street Gallery with its giant inflatables, pop creations and familiar household objects. This is Pop Art at its giddy best. From giant lobsters to […]
Fancy a weekend break in prison? Shrewsbury Prison is the place to get locked up behind bars if you’re excited by the idea of spending time inside the clink. Shrewsbury’s latest tourist attraction, the Dana Prison Jailhouse, runs special visits, overnight stays and jailbreak events. You can even try to escape over […]
Alternative Travel » Adventurous Life
Casual observations & photo gallery of people, places, innovation and creativity discovered on the road . . . somewhere in the universe
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Mad about hills, hares, ravens, barn owls, hen harriers and home.
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Language, spin & the state we're in... apolitical verse and the odd song from Martin Craig
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