Year: 2017

A Central National Trust Road Trip – Part 2

Charlotte Hallam
National Trust

With a few weeks left of the school holidays it’s likely you’re running out of ideas to keep the kids entertained. If you’re not, then you’re almost certainly running out of affordable ideas that won’t leave you broke come September. Anyway, we’ve got just the answer. National Trust days out are renowned for their great value, but if you or a family member have a membership, then it becomes even more affordable. Following on from part one of our central tour, here is part two…   Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and…

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Cultural UK Getaways for 2017

Charlotte Hallam
London UK getaways

Stay-cay, holiday, getaway. Whatever you like to call it, UK getaways are becoming more popular than ever. Since the cost of going abroad has continued to soar, the UK holiday scene has began to boom. So, where’s popular on the UK holiday map this year?   Hadrian’s Wall It might not seem like the most popular place to holiday, but if you’re the outdoorsy type then you’ll love this. If you love the great outdoors then there’s every chance you’ve visited Hadrian’s Wall before. However, this year, there’s even more…

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A Central National Trust Road Trip – Part 1

Charlotte Hallam
National Trust

Following on from our successful Northern National Trust road trip at the end of June, we thought we’d continue our journey down the country. However, as the Central region is rather large, we’ve had to split this one into two posts.   The Old Manor Starting our tour in Derbyshire, we’re heading to The Old Manor in Ashbourne. The Old Manor is close to Sudbury Hall and Kedleston Hall and was once the seat of the Fitzherbert family. Formerly known as Norbury Manor, it’s a rare, stone-built medieval hall built…

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The secret to mastering your very own she shed

Charlotte Hallam
She Shed

We’ve talked enough about man caves and cool bar sheds, so this week it’s the turn of the ladies. As we always say, nowadays sheds can do a lot more than storing your old patio set and bbq. Have you ever wished for a place to call your own? A getaway that doesn’t involve travel or spending money. Somewhere with no kids, no dog and no husband. A place where the phone doesn’t ring, the TV stays on the same channel – if you have one – and your cup…

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Make your shed cool again with a backyard bar

Charlotte Hallam
bar

An outdoor space renovation is a great excuse to finally get rid of those unused, dusty tools and trinkets that have been clogging up your garage, shed and other outside spaces. And, let’s face it, why would you not want to be part of the hippest trend of the century?! She sheds, man caves and even granny pods are new inventive ways to convert garages and garden sheds. Things have taken a step up the cool-scale lately, with the introduction of the bar shed! Forget garden hoses, patio sets and…

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THIS WEEKEND: RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Charlotte Hallam
RHS Tatton

RHS Flower Show is at Tatton Park this weekend and there’s so much going on. RHS Tatton started on Wednesday 19th July and runs until Sunday 23rd July and there’s still time to get tickets. Located at Tatton Park in Cheshire, the site is well signposted and just a few miles off the M6 motorway. However you plan to get there though, the RHS website has you covered with all the directions.   Gardens A flower show wouldn’t be a flower show without gardens, so you’ll be pleased to hear…

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Beautiful Gardens to Visit Around the UK

Charlotte Hallam
Dahlia

Whether you’re naturally green fingered or not, there’s something pretty relaxing about wondering around an impressive, well-kept garden. For some people, it might evoke garden envy. For others, it’s a distant appreciation and thankfulness that their own doesn’t take so much upkeep. There are so many amazing public gardens in the UK, it’d be impossible to include them all, so we’ve included just a few of our favourites.   Redhall Walled Garden Located on the west side of Edinburgh, Redhall Walled Garden isn’t like other public gardens. It’s a beautiful…

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A Northern National Trust Road Trip

Charlotte Hallam
National Trust

An affordable day out can be quite hard to find nowadays, but a National Trust membership makes it much less difficult. However, even if you were to visit without a membership, you’ll be surprised at just how affordable the prices are. There are so many fabulous National Trust sites dotted throughout the UK and, although we can’t cover them all, we’re going to cover as many as possible. Today, we’re starting our road trip in the North of England covering counties from Northumberland to Cheshire. Don’t worry though, we’ll be…

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Essential tips for erecting a new garden shed

Charlotte Hallam
garden shed

This is the time of year when people start kitting out their gardens with all things new and beautiful. One accessory no garden should be without at this time of year is a shed. The staple of many British gardens is a wooden shed, but we’ll bet that you, just like many others out there, end up replacing your shed every few years for one reason or another. Maybe it’s not weathered well; perhaps the floor has become damp or rotten; or maybe it’s started to bow. There are many…

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5 summer cocktails you simply must try

Charlotte Hallam
Cocktails

Following on from our colourful post on fruity summer smoothies, this one’s aimed more at evening entertainment and garden parties. Of course, we’re talking about summer cocktail parties and all things alcoholic, below you’ll find a list of tastiest along with their recipes. Pimms cocktail Of course Pimms is at the top, it is the drink of summer after all. But surprisingly, there’s more to it than throwing Pimms, strawberries, mint and lemonade into a jug. Yes, really there is. The proportions need to be just right. Luckily, we have…

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