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UK Staycation inspiration

January 3, 2021

UK Staycation wishlist blog post

More of us are looking at destinations for a UK staycation following restrictions on overseas travel due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Here is my UK staycation wishlist.

This is the similar post to one with the same I first published but was lost after a server update.  If you have read this before you will find the content changed slightly.

I may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post as I am an affiliate. This does not incur any cost to you and I only recommend companies and products that I use and trust

Pinterest UK Staycation

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We are fortunate enough to have a couple of overseas trips each year. Our favourite destinations are Corralejo in Fuerteventura and Cavtat in Croatia. We do regularly have short breaks in the UK. The Lake District is our favourite place to visit. . We enjoy walking and love the peace and tranquility it provides. And following the easing of lockdown we visited Harrogate. Since then I have however been drawing up a wishlist of other places we would like to see in the UK. Here is my current UK staycation wishlist.

Whitby

Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast is a destination we visit quite regularly too. It is on my wishlist again as we have a short 3 night break booked for next month. It is a traditional working fishing town with all the sights, sounds and smells! The lobster cages can be seen stacked on the quayside and the fishing boats continually sailing in and out of the harbour. There are fabulous walks in the area. Our favourite is the stretch of The Cleveland Way that runs along a coastal path from Whitby to Robin’s Hood Bay. This is around 7 miles and takes 2-3 hours. Quite an undulating strenuous walk but very enjoyable. There are some tricky parts though so be prepared!

Whitby seen from The Abbey UK staycation

Whitby seen from The Abbey – own photo

Lobster crates Whitby Harbour

Lobster crates Whitby Harbour – own photo

Walking Whitby to Robins Hood Bay

Walking Whitby to Robins Hood Bay own photo

Oxford

I visited Oxford for a morning many years ago on my way to the Hampton Court flower show. I was really captivated by the little I saw and have always promised to return for a stay. I have recently celebrated my 60th birthday and we had a short break in Oxford planned as my treat. This was cancelled due to the current restrictions at our tender age I did not want to travel by train for that length of time and motorway journeys heighten my menopausal anxiety.  Another reason for my love of Oxford is that I am a huge fan of crime drama’s and have watched every episode of Inspector Morse many times and then progressed to Lewis and Endeavour, all set in Oxford and based on the novels of Colin Dexter.  The scenery and architecture looks magnificent. I want to enjoy a drink too in the bar at The Randolph Hotel.

Oxford UK Staycation

Bridge of Sighs Oxford  -Google images

 

Oxford UK Staycation

The colleges of Oxford University – Google images

Jersey

Mr Fitz and I had a weeks holiday in Jersey around 20 years ago and promised to return. This seems the ideal time to visit again. Again as we are mature we do not want to spend any length of time on an aeroplane if we can help it but Jersey is less than an hour away and we still get the thrill of an airport trip. Even though I have a terrible fear of flying I still do it and thinks the holiday starts at the airport. Jersey has many fabulous beaches, sights and restaurants. As we are huge foodies we often plan trips around dining options.  It tends to have a warmer climate than mainland UK.

Jersey

Jersey

Isle of Man

Famous for it’s TT races and cats with no tails the Isle of Man is another place on our UK staycation wishlist. Again it is a place I visited when I was 17 – my first holiday away without family. In fact it was on that trip that I heard on the radio of the death of Elvis! Mr Fitz has never been and is intrigued by it, especially as whenever he watches the weather forecast on TV, which is often!, he always comments that the weather is good. This is somewhere that can be reached as foot passengers by rail and ferry. Although during the Covid 19 Pandemic it was totally closed to visitors.

Isle of Man UK Staycation

Laxey Wheel Isle of Man

Cromer

We love being by the sea and Cromer in Norfolk is believed to have some of the best beaches. The only downside to this is that it is quite a long distance and journey from Manchester. I would probably break the journey up with a night’s stay on the journey. There are also plenty of other lovely towns to vist nearby. It is also famous for its Cromer crab dishes. Crab is Mr Fitz’s favourite food to eat on any menu.

Cromer Beach Norfolk

Cromer Beach Norfolk

London

No UK staycation wishlist is complete without a trip to the capitol. We paid our visit for a stay only about 6 years ago. We instantly fell in love with the buzz of the vibrant City. So much to see and do. We plan to make another visit soon. I have some BuyAGift vouchers that I can use to fund a hotel stay. These vouchers are excellent gifts especially to mature relatives and friends. They are our ideal gift to receive. We have seen may of the landmarks but one thing I wish to do is see the crown jewels in the Tower of London, we have walked through the grounds but never been inside the exhibition. My interest is stimulated after visiting the Queen Victoria exhibition at Kensington Palace where some of her jewels were on display. I love anything that sparkles. My last trip away prior to lockdown was a theatre trip to London. I am a big fan of the theatre and love to see a show during any stay there. Tickets for all shows can be booked via London Theatre Direct website.

Tower Bridge London

Tower Bridge London  -own photo

 

02 London

02 London and Emirates Air Line -own photo

Queen Victoria's Jewels

Queen Victoria’s Jewels Kensington Palace – own photo

I hope I’ve provided you with some inspiration. Have you got a UK Staycation list or some new suggestions for mine. Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for popping by today

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Travel, Travel and Things to Do Tagged With: Covid 19 Pandemic, Cromer, Isle of Man, Jersey, London, Staycation, UK Staycation, Whitby

Visiting Harrogate A stay at Artists Cottage

July 15, 2020

Harrogate A stay at Artists Cottage

Harrogate is in North Yorkshire and Artists Cottages are a selection of cottages, 5 in total, perfect for a self catering stay.

I was lucky enough to win a 2 nights stay for a winter break at the end of 2019 from a Facebook competition for myself and Mr Fitz. My stay was originally planned for February 2020 but due to family circumstances and then the worldwide Covid 19 Pandemic my stay didn’t take place until the accommodation had been allowed to reopen again after Government advice.

Our stay was a Monday and Tuesday at the beginning of July, 2 days after it was open again for business. Before I proceed further I must state that writing this review was not a requirement for our stay. As a lifestyle blogger I love to share the things I do in retirement.

We enjoyed a lovely scenic drive from our home along the A59 through the Ribble Valley to Harrogate.

Artists Cottage

As I stated earlier Artists Cottages are a collection of 5 different places to stay, Artists House, Artists Loft, Artists Cottage, Artists Corner and Artists Place. All owned by the same team.

Our stay was in Artists Cottage. A 2 bedroom terraced cottage a short walk away from the centre of Harrogate, approximately 10 minutes.

We were met by Marie-Therese, one of the team and given a warm welcome, all socially distanced, due to the challenging times we are in.

The cottage had been empty during lockdown and had been given a thorough clean by staff who had been specifically trained and provided with Corona Covid-19 Certification.

There was hand sanitiser in the utility room as you entered the property and of course we brought our own supply too.

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Accomodation

Downstairs it comprises of a kitchen, a lounge, a utility room and a bathroom. Leading from the kitchen is a steep staircase up to 2 double bedrooms.

The lounge is compact and cosy with a sofa and 2 armchairs all comfortable. There is a chest containing the garden seating cushions that doubles as a coffee table. Along with a TV and a vintage style record player. A small selection of vinyl records was provided.  On the walls in the lounge are a selection of paintings from local artists to promote their work and are available for purchase. Most of the images were of local Harrogate scenes or Yorkshire landmarks.

Harrogate Artists Cottage

Lounge Artists Cottage

The Kitchen is very well equipped with everything you would need for a boutique stay, including a coffee maker. As a welcome we were provided with milk, tea, coffee, local delicious Harrogate shortbread biscuits and a fabulous bottle of Rioja. Everything is high end from the kettle to the cooker.

Kitchen Artists Cottage

Kitchen

Artists Cottage

Kitchen

Outside of the kitchen is small yard with a table and chairs for outside dining.

The bedrooms were similar in size and both contained a double bed, a wardrobe and a dresser. A hairdryer, towels and fans were available.

Front Bedroom

Front bedroom

We chose to sleep in the rear bedroom and the bed was so comfortable.

Bedroom Artists Cottage

Rear Bedroom

As we were only on a short break we ate takeaways and didn’t choose to cook anything for ourselves – lazy I know but it was such a treat to be away from home after lockdown when we’d had ample opportunities to cook!

Visiting Harrogate

As I said it was short walk into Harrogate and that’s what we did both days of our stay. It was quiet when we were there pubs and restaurants had only been reopened 2 days.

We took the opportunity to walk around the town looking at the buildings and sites. It was a our first visit for many years and we wanted to familiarise ourselves plus we love admiring buildings and architecture. Amazed at how they were built and decorated without modern day techniques and equipment. There are many fabulous buildings to admire. Particularly the houses and properties around Swan Road close to the magnificent Swan Hotel. The Swan Hotel is famous as being the hotel the famous novelist, Agatha Christie fled to during her mysterious 11 day disappearance in 1926.

The Montpellier area is very picturesque and I loved the tree sculpture to commemorate the visit of the Tour De France in 2014.

Tree Sculpture Harrogate

Tree Sculpture

We also walked around the shopping area. I visited the Rigby and Peller store – I have always promised myself one of their bra’s, however when I was inside browsing I wasn’t blown away by what was on offer. The products did not look any different from other brands but at extortionate prices. I was offered a fitting but declined. I didn’t see anything that I thought was worth the £100-£200 price tag. I also visited the Slingsby gin shop, a local Gin, after a recommendation from a friend. As you may have read I have been a gin drinker before it was fashionable.  There were many fabulous Slingsby gins on offer and I was able to try 2 free samples. Oh yes please!

Betty’s Tea Room is one of the iconic places to visit in Harrogate, it was open with restrictions and under normal circumstances we would have enjoyed a visit or visited the shop to purchase a takeaway treat. As there was a need to queue we decided to give it a miss but it will be a must for our next visit.

We love pubs so we had a couple of drinks on both days in the Montpellier, the landlord was so friendly and welcoming with great social distancing measures in place. Also we visited All Bar One, where again social distancing measures were in place. I enjoyed a lovely Aperol Spritz as part of their 5 0’clock cocktail offer.

Aperol Spritz All Bar One

Aperol Spritz All Bar One

No visit to anywhere is complete for us unless we’ve visited the local Wetherspoons. Mr Fitz and myself are big fans of the pub chain. Harrogate has a large pub based in the site of the historic Royal baths.  We love how Wetherspoons convert old historic buildings into pubs and hotels retaining the character and original features.

Wetherspoons Harrogate

Wetherspoons

Harrogate is close to many beauty spots and sights but due to the times many events had been cancelled for the year due to Covid 19.

Summary

In summary we enjoyed a pleasant 2 night stay after staying home for 3 and a half months. Harrogate is a lovely town and somewhere we will revisit again as it is not too far from home.

The accomodation was lovely, the biggest plus was the decor. Each room was painted the same colour, which I understand from the owner was custom mixed to match the Laura Ashley fabric on the bedroom headboards. It was a subtle shade of greeny blue, taking on different hues in different times of the day. I would best describe it as a pale peppermint green. It was a very calming, peaceful colour.

The things that caused us problems was the heat – the heating was on and Mr Fitz and myself do not like to feel too warm. Our first nights sleep was broken by being too hot. The windows were original sash window and could only be open a small amount. We are used to having 2 windows open in our bedroom regardless of the time of year or outside temperature. The second night we had found the fan and cooled the room down before retiring for the night.  Also the radiators had individual thermostats so we were able to bring the temperature of the house cooler to how we prefer it.

The bathroom and toilet being downstairs was a bit of a problem too – the stairs a re very steep with narrow treads. I had to leave the bathroom and utility room light on at night to enable us to see our way to the bathroom during the night. I have arthritic knees and Mr Fitz has size 10 feet too which added to the challenge.

But overall it was a lovely accommodation with luxury touches.

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Product Reviews, Travel and Things to Do, Uncategorized Tagged With: Agatha Christie, All Bar One, Artists Cottage, Harrogate, Places to visit, Self catering, Stay in UK. Staycation, Wetherspoons, Yorkshire

Wimbledon a visitors experience

June 28, 2020

 

Wimbledon a visitors experience

Wimbledon is The annual tennis event. A fabulous social occasion watching the World’s best tennis players. The setting is The All England Lawn Tennis Club, (AELTC), in Wimbledon London SW19.

It runs for 2 weeks each year and the tournament begins on the last Monday in June or first Monday in July and I have been fortunate enough to attend on 2 occasions. Both times they were as a result of competition prizes, one won by myself and the second where I went as a gust of a friend who was the prize winner. Entering competitions is one of my main hobbies and passions after watching football. Here are 10 random facts about me

Getting tickets

Obviously you don’t have to be a competition winner to obtain a ticket. You can apply to The AELTC to be in the Public Ballot. The Wimbledon Public Ballot, first launched in 1924, is intended to be the fairest means of obtaining tickets for The Championships. Entry into the Ballot does not automatically entitle applicants to tickets, but to a place in the draw. It is not possible to request tickets for specific days or courts, as the day and court offered are chosen randomly by a computerised selection process.

The Wimbledon Public Ballot is comprised of two compulsory phases: Registration – open from 9 September to 21 October, followed by Application – open from 1 November to 30 November.

I have applied this way and was unsuccessful the first occasion and the second time the tournament was cancelled due to the worldwide Coronavirus outbreak. Hopefully better luck next time.

Getting to Wimbledon

Once you are in central London there are a few ways you can travel to the Lawn Club. Buses run at a reasonable price. I used this method the first time and we picked up the bus close to Euston Station, once you’re on its a pleasant trip but it is a long journey over an hour and it was very hot and sticky.

Other ways are to use the overground and underground transport routes. You need to research the route most suitable for you. Myself and my friend used a tube from London Euston to Vauxhall and then the overground to Wimbledon. A swift journey under an hour. Once you arrive at Wimbledon Station there is a slick system to get you to the Club as quickly as possible. There are marshals who funnel you into a queue for cabs if you don’t wish to walk. They group 4 passengers into a cab and there is a set fee per passenger.  Easy and stress free, plus the opportunity to meet new people on the way. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.

Inside Wimbledon

If you are collecting tickets you usually have to produce photographic ID such as your Drivers license or passport.  Once inside I found it to be such a fabulous venue. I have been fortunate enough to ahve visited many top sporting events, such as Cheltenham Races, The Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Ascot races and numerous Cup Finals.  This in my opinion has the best organisation.

Looking at it from outside it can give the impression of being very formal and stuffy. There is a certain set of rules in place, such as only being able to enter the stands to your seat during breaks in play. However you can take in drinks bought from the bars and picnic food brought with you from home. On my visit myself and my friend took a cool bag and our own food.

Enjoying a Pimm's watching tennis

Enjoying a Pimm’s watching tennis

Take your own food to wimbledon

Our own food

When I have been to other venues trying to get served for food or drinks has been really difficult and slow. At Wimbledon it is so slick and there are few queue’s. Fabulous considering there can be 42,000 spectators within the ground on any one day. Prices were not extortionate, as well as beers on tap they also had Pimm’s on tap which was very enjoyable.

Pimm's and Beer on draught

Pimm’s and Beer on draft

A bowl of the strawberries and cream, which Wimbledon is famous for is around a fiver, which I know is expensive but I did expect it to be more. n 2017, fans consumed 34,000 kg (33 tons) of English strawberries and 10,000 litres (2,200 gallons) of cream.

Hospitality

On my second visit hospitality was included in the prize she had won. The hospitality was just outside the grounds and we were transported from the venue to the courts by golf buggy.  The hospitality was fabulous we had a buffet lunch with wine. The food on offer had plentiful choices catering for everyone’s tastes. We were also treated to afternoon tea, which we could make our way over for when it suited us during play. If you ever get the chance to enjoy hospitality you would not be disappointed.

Wimbledon Hospitality menu

Wimbledon Hospitality menu

Afternoon tea at Wimbledon

Afternoon tea at Wimbledon – we’d eaten half before I took the photo!

The grounds are beautiful with so many floral displays and ample places to sit. The area known as Henman’s Hill or latterly Murray’s Mound is a fabulous space.  Spectators can sit and relax and watch play on a large screen.

Henman Hill at Wimbledon

Henman Hill at Wimbledon

There are tickets available where you can have access to the grounds without a seat in a court.

Play can continue quite late into the evening so when you are leaving you can hand back your ticket at the gate and they are then resold at a much reduced rate for charity. Therefore if you live in London you can visit in the evening perhaps after work to spend a few hours.

When you are ready to return to the train station again there are points to join in a taxi queue and again Marshals are present to divide people into groups of 4, the queue’s move quickly and you are soon back on your way home.

Experience a day out at Wimbledon

I thoroughly enjoyed my visits. I have described the venue without even mentioning the fabulous quality tennis on display. I like tennis but it is not my main sport, however once in your seat watching you soon get caught up in the match and the atmosphere. Cheering on your favourite.  One thing I hadn’t really noticed when watching on TV is the training of the line judges and ball boys/girls.  Their movements are coordinated and acted out with precision. Everyone makes the same move at the same moment. Such discipline to help everything move forward fluently.

View from my seat Wimbledon

View from my seat Wimbledon

Fred Perry statue at Wimbledon

Fred Perry statue at Wimbledon

Have you ever been to Wimbledon Tennis tournament, if so what were your opinions? Or is there another sporting event you have found to be a fabulous occasion.

Plus if you have any hints or tips about visiting please share with me as I would love to learn more. If you enjoyed this review you may want to take a look at my review of a trip to London for a Theatre break

Thanks for popping in today.

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I’m Elaine a Neonatal Nurse who retired from the NHS at age 55. I’m loving the 3rd age of my life – Retirement is the best job I ever had. Being married for 35 years I am lucky to have someone to share life with.

I’m a foodie who enjoys travel, football and my home.

I love to share over 50’s lifestyle tips including age appropriate beauty reviews, coping with the trials and tribulations of the Menopause, weight gain around the middle, fashion, travel and food including recipes and restaurant reviews.

I want to challenge the myth that life ends at retirement.

Feel free to get in touch earlyretirementrocks@gmail.com

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