Barry McCann explains the history of a northern tradition that dates back centuries and illustrates it with some of photos from this year’s celebrations. Mayor of Preston in Guild Hall Procession There is a saying in Lancashire that goes “Once every Preston Guild” which is probably unfamiliar to anyone outside the county....

One of the highlights of my blog trip travels so far has been the cruise on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth maiden voyage to Norway.  From the lively and moving Southampton ‘Sail Away’, via a mill-pond smooth North Sea crossing to the fascinating Norwegian sites of Stavanger and Lysefjord, the Flåm rail trip from Sognefjord and the...

“Found it!  Oh no, maybe not …” “It’s over here …” “That’s not it. Look. The mountain’s in the wrong place.” “If I lean over the river I think I’ve got it …” Rydal Bridge – photo by Zoe Dawes This was the conversation ricocheting around the Cumbrian fells as...

For the 3rd of the Challenge Zoë activities for Cumbria magazine The Kendal Courier, I was invited to tackle a climbing wall.  Although I live near some of the best mountaineering sites in the country, I’d only tried climbing once before and am a bit nervous of heights. So, with a touch...

The journey from Gran Canaria airport to the south is via a drab, grey volcanic landscape, interspersed with occasional prickly pear plants.  Not the most prepossessing of starts to a holiday, so we were delighted when we arrived at the luxurious timeshare Holiday Club resort of Sol Amadores.  Our huge,...

Although Spanish cuisine may vary by region, one thing always remains the same – that Spaniards adore their food and drink, and lots of it. You’ll need to bring a hearty appetite with you when visit Spain but to make the most of the fantastic local flavours, you should know how...

In the third of our series of interviews with Holiday Homeowners from around the world, globetrotting Italian traveller and entrepreneur, Antonio Bortolotti and his wife share with you their reasons for loving where their holiday home is situated,  best-kept quirky travel secrets and top tips for making the most of your stay. ...