The heavenly scent of deep pink roses weaves around me every time I pass the front gate. In the summer months, these small, compact blooms scent the air in a way no other flower can. My mother absolutely loved these beautiful flowers, growing many different varieties and spending hours pruning...

Lancaster Canal in Carnforth It’s such a joy coming home after a trip away. In my job as a travel blogger, I get about a lot, both in the UK and around the world. I very often go by train, either heading off to an airport or to get to...

Washington Dulles International Airport – photo Joe Ravi What’s the worst airport disaster you’ve had? Hopefully nothing TOO serious but I bet quite a lot of you have lost luggage, missed flights or been stuck at the airport due to a strike or major delay. These days, just getting through...

Festive snowmen at Dunster Christmas Shop Christmas decorations bring simple joy and delight; if you don’t agree, BAH HUMBUG to you! Unpacking the boxes of colourful baubles, bells, angels, stars, Father Christmas, candles, tinsel, fairy lights and wreaths is a magical experience. Many objects bring back memories of childhood, family,...

Apples at Snowshill Manor APPLES by Helen H. Moore Apples, apples, what a treat, sweet and tart and good to eat. Apples green and apples red, hang from branches overhead, and when they ripen, down they drop, so we can taste our apple crop. Helmsley orchard and castle As memories of...

In this occasional series of articles, The Quirky Traveller Object is something I’ve brought back from my travels over many years. It usually has a strong personal meaning and invariably brings back happy memories of the wonderful people and places I have visited around the world. Italian Espresso Coffee Pot from...

Enjoying Menorca This photo was taken by my brother, who lives on Menorca in 2007, during a very happy holiday with my son. Every year from when Alex was four months old we went out to stay with Graeme on this lovely Mediterranean island. We stayed in Es Castell, outside...