“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.”!

Southwold - Suffolk
Jan Ibbott Jan Ibbott

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.

Read More
Gainsborough House - Sudbury (Suffolk)
Jan Ibbott Jan Ibbott

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.

Read More
Clare - Suffolk
Jan Ibbott Jan Ibbott

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.

Read More
Blackheath - South East London
Jan Ibbott Jan Ibbott

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!

Read More
La Rochelle - France
Jan Ibbott Jan Ibbott

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!

Read More