The spotlight’s shining on Canada more these days and it’s easy to see why. It’s got everything going for it; vibrant cities, lively cultural scene, superb food and drink, stunning landscape, impressive wildlife, fascinating history, friendly people and relaxed lifestyle. In other words, Canada’s a country that satisfies your Mind,...

Sweden is an intriguing blend of stunning scenery, lively cities, modern design and cool style. I visited the Skane region of this attractive country a few years ago. Its beauty and crisp coastal drama left a lasting image in my travel memory bank. One day was spent a day around...

Lake District Gifts for Christmas When looking for an extra-special present, whether it’s for Christmas or any other occasion, it’s sometimes difficult to choose. I’m fortunate to live near the Lake District, which is home to a huge number of creative businesses, producers of top quality food and drink, plus...

Winter is coming … The mornings have been thick with frost, the car takes a while to warm up, fields are covered in hoar frost and my woolly scarf is unravelled from the drawer of winter things. It’s getting colder as the inevitability that winter is coming becomes a reality....

Barrow-in-Furness from Walney Island When you think of Cumbria, you may well conjure up charming images of the Lake District, sheep grazing on the fells, mighty mountains and quaint villages within this beautiful Lake District World Heritage Site. You may not think of Barrow-in-Furness, an industrial power house with a...

Of all the seasons, Autumn is my favourite, with its vibrant colours, last days of heat and hint of winter. It’s a great time to go Leaf-Peeping as the Americans call admiring autumnal foliage, and of course we have Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night to look forward to. Hallowe’en is synonymous...

The sunset is luminously peaceful, the water of the pool reflecting the umbrellas, sunloungers, tables and chairs now empty as guests get ready for dinner. But they are missing one of nature’s most beautiful shows, as the sun sinks slowly behind the dusky islands outlined across the sea, which is...