The Scallop: artwork on the Suffolk Coastline

On the pebbled shores of Suffolk’s coast, a bright, metallic, sculpture arcs into the sky: the Scallop. Situated on the beach in Aldeburgh, Maggi Hambling’s Scallop glistens, reflecting the water’s radiance and sky beautifully. The Scallop, a sculpture to celebrate Benjamin Britten, has stood tall on the beach since 2003, in an area that is…

The Fragrant Lavender Fields: Mayfield Lavender Farm Surrey UK

Walking through the wonderfully fragrant lavender fields at the Mayfield Lavender Farm, Banstead, Surrey is a gentle overwhelming sensory experience. Waves of lavender subtly seep into your airwaves as you tread softly through the lilac vegetation, and dancing bees dart busily between the plants accompanying you on your walk. These 25 acres of vibrant purple…

USA Road Trip in California: heading east through Shasta-Trinity National Forest, across to Lassen Peak and down to Lake Tahoe

During the third chapter of our California road trip we left the sun-kissed Pacific coast behind as we travelled east through Shasta-Trinity National Forest, passing Redding, Anderson and heading further inland to the dense snow covered Lassen Volcanic Park, before continuing on a chilly southbound journey where we eventually arrived at a picturesque Lake Tahoe. With each…

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

USA Road Trip in California: Route 1 to Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Route 101 north on the Redwood Highway

The second stretch of our California road trip offered more stunning scenes as we travelled further north along Route 1 to Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Our attractive coastal companion faded, transforming to cities and urban landscapes as we headed out of San Fran east to Sonoma, then back up to Route 101 where deep valleys and the…

California's Big Sur and Mountainous Coast Line

USA Road Trip in California: Route 1 along the Pacific Coast Highway

Endless sunshine, smooth roads with mountainous terrain either side and plenty of vista points dotted throughout to achieve the best perspectives across the pacific ocean and beyond, these scenic destinations boast much natural beauty, character and some incredible man-made structures too, making a road trip exploring California’s rugged coastline a truly memorable one. Here are some…

Helsinki

Things to do and places to see in Helsinki: My Visit to Finland

This year Finland celebrates its 100th birthday and is hosting an array of events and festivals to mark the occasion. We spent a few quiet days visiting the Nordic country’s capital, Helsinki glimpsing the cultured city’s life in early spring between it’s busy winter and summer tourist seasons. Upon our arrival at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport we were…