• 101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Bournemouth Bus Rally

    101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Bournemouth Bus Rally

    Bournemouth Bus Rally is an annual celebration of all things bus which takes place in Kings Park, Boscombe on the outskirts of Bournemouth. There are around 50 vehicles in attendance for visitors to admire, plus heritage rides around Bournemouth and stalls selling mainly bus related products. How to get to Bournemouth Bus Rally Kings Park…

  • 101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Pier to Pier Swim

    101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Pier to Pier Swim

    As Bournemouth has two piers just 1.4 miles apart, a popular challenge is to swim from one pier to another – either just for the sake of it or as part of an organised event. Each year, the British Heart Foundation puts on the Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim. Billed as one of Europe’s biggest…

  • 101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Self Guided Walking Tour of Christchurch

    101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Self Guided Walking Tour of Christchurch

    The Saxon town of Christchurch is steeped in history. Nestled between the coast and the New Forest, and between the Rivers Avon and Stour, it is a pretty town with plenty to explore, including a 1000 year old priory, Norman castle, picturesque harbour and even some medieval instruments of torture. I love to visit Christchurch…

  • Nazareth in 1 Day

    Nazareth in 1 Day

    Nazareth, the largest city in northern Israel and Israel’s largest Arab city, is steeped in rich biblical history. Famous for being the home town of Jesus, this vibrant hillside city is a must-visit destination for pilgrims and travellers alike. How to get to Nazareth Nazareth is 90 miles north of Jerusalem up Route 6/65. We…

  • Jerusalem in 3 Days

    Jerusalem in 3 Days

    We visited Jerusalem as the starting point for a two week trip around Israel. We based ourselves here for four days, spending three days exploring the city and the fourth on a tour of Palestine. We had a great time in Jerusalem, except for the hotel, which is to be avoided. I have mentioned the…

  • 101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Shake & Stir

    101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Shake & Stir

    Shake & Stir is a two day music festival with a vintage theme, which takes place annually in the Bournemouth suburb of Southbourne. Although Shake & Stir bills itself as a vintage music festival, there are also vintage vehicles, vintage and artisan craft stalls, food and drink and fairground rides. In 2024, the festival drew…

  • 101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Poole Old Lifeboat Museum

    101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Poole Old Lifeboat Museum

    Poole has a long and colourful maritime history, which is in evidence as you walk along the Quay. There has been a lifeboat based at Poole for over 150 years, with the current and former lifeboat stations located at either ends of the Quay. On the eastern end, sits Poole Old Lifeboat Museum. The building,…

  • 101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Boscombe Arts Trail

    101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Boscombe Arts Trail

    Most people come to Boscombe for the beach. And why not? It’s a beautiful beach. But there is more to Boscombe than just the seaside. If you can be tempted away from the golden sand, take the half a mile walk up the hill into the centre of Boscombe. This will bring you past the…

  • Israel 2 Week Road Trip

    Israel 2 Week Road Trip

    We spent two weeks in Israel, starting with 4 days based in and around Jerusalem. Then we picked up a hire car to drive a 600 mile circle taking in some of Israel’s top attractions, plus a couple of days side trip to Jordan from Eilat. Note: We took this trip a few years ago.…

  • Berlin in 4 Days

    Berlin in 4 Days

    We spent 4 days exploring Berlin on our European road trip. Way back in 1988, I spent a semester at university in what was then the German Democratic Republic. I’ve only been back once since unification and it’s rather a weird feeling – how much a place, particularly one with such a turbulent history, has…