“Looking for inspiration beyond Essex? Here’s where I share days out and short breaks that have taken me further afield. From neighbouring counties to the occasional bigger adventure. These are the places I’ve loved exploring and think you might enjoy too.”!
Ely - Cambridgeshire
Ely was such a lovely surprise when we recently visited. It has a beautiful cathedral which was stunning inside, so worth a look around it. It is located in the centre of the city so is easily seen from afar. Walking around the city and seeing all the history in the buildings was really interesting. We will definitely be going back again in the warmer months, to check out more of the place.
Bury St Edmunds - Suffolk
Bury St Edmunds is such a lovely town. I’d forgotten just how much I like visiting it. The houses are all so beautiful and it is a well looked after town. It has a new shopping area with a good selection of shops as well as the high street with more independent and boutique type shops. There is a castle (more than one in fact) and the Bury St Edmunds Abbey Gardens are worth a visit as well as Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Southwold - Suffolk
Southwold is an absolute favourite for us. We visit and stay a few times a year. I personally love it, it has everything I'd want from a short stay or a week away. A great place to chill and relax and the home of the Adnams Brewery.
Gainsborough House - Sudbury (Suffolk)
Gainsborough House and Gallery is well worth a visit. We visit 2 or 3 times a year to see various exhibitions. Gainsborough House is part of the gallery experience and a fascinating place to visit to see where he grew up and painted as an artist. The house is like stepping back in time to his era and so interesting to wander room to room.
Clare - Suffolk
Clare in Suffolk is a beautiful little town with historic buildings, cosy cafes, independent book shops and interesting gift shops. I love to wander and look at the houses, many are centuries old.
Blackheath - South East London
Blackheath in South East London has a family friendly village feel with trendy pavement cafes, lovely shops and a vast common area. The large imposing georgian houses around the edge of the heath and along the affluent side streets, makes it a pleasure to visit. I would recommend a visit if you have not been before. We have family living nearby, so any excuse to visit is a treat!
La Rochelle - France
We try to visit La Rochelle once a year, it's such a beautiful city. It offers a fantastic lifestyle for those living there or visiting . A beautiful historic harbour and port, great restaurants, boats, history, culture, shops (my favourite shop Zara is here too), pedestrianised streets with cycle lanes to encourage cycling or walking around the city. We love it!