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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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Dresden in 2 Days
We spent a weekend in Dresden in order to combine some sightseeing with a German parkrun. Dresden is an excellent destination for a weekend city break. In fact, we opted to tag it onto a road trip round Poland. Which is also an excellent idea. I have visited Dresden once before; in 1988 to attend a…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Harry Paye Day
Every June, Poole Quay is awash with pirates whilst the sound of cannons and sea shanties drifts across the harbourside for the annual celebration of Harry Paye Day. Around 10,000 visitors descend upon the quay annually, many in fancy dress, to enjoy the festivities and maybe partake of a rum or two. The day starts…
