A Fun, Free & Easy Activity for Kids: We're Going On A Nature Hunt

It may be cold out, or warm - who knows?! The weather is so temperamental these days! It is also an expensive time of year - with back to school and dare I say it? Christmas is on the horizon! That said, it doesn't mean that you are stuck in the confines of your home - there is so much that you can do that is FREE. Noah and Ava climb the walls if they are stuck indoors so we are always out and about - no matter the weather!

There are countless free and exciting things you can do with your children, right on your doorstep. A favourite of ours is an activity that I like to call "Nature I spy" and although it's pretty self-explanatory I decided to write about it as it was very popular on my Instagram stories on the day.

This activity is suitable for most children as it's easy to adapt it to your child's age and what level they are at - you know your own children and their capabilities. For example, Noah had written words and mathematical questions, whereas, Ava had simple hand-drawn pictures with tick boxes. I chose to use cardboard that was in our recycling bin as I like to reuse where I can, however, I'm sure others would prefer to print lists from the internet. You can also make this into a quick activity, or make a whole day of it.

So, all you need is a few bits of cardboard, a couple of pencils, your wellies, hats, gloves and coats and you are ready to go. It's a quick, easy and free activity - one which is fun, educational, and ideal for all the family. It can add more excitement to regular walks, is great for stretching your legs, getting fresh air, and creating fond memories with your children.

How To Pack For Your Family Stress Free

This is a PR collaboration.

Having just come back from a holiday I thought I would post an article about one aspect all parents dread prior to travelling; packing! Packing is one of the most stressful aspects of travelling with children. How many clothes do we have? Can they stay entertained with all the activities? Having everything in place so you have everything covered is the temptation - but this isn't always the best option! Holiday packing needn't be overwhelming. In case anything does go wrong, we've crafted some great tips for keeping stress levels low. Check out these family travel packing tips: Take Only What You Need, Don't Pack Too Much You probably won't because you are very unlikely to change your mind. Prepare everything you plan on packing, then take out half of what you planned on packing. Do not overpack - you are unlikely to wear everything you bring. Furthermore, if you are going somewhere with laundry facilities, why take along baggage you will not need? If there is anything you forget to bring, such as an extra T-shirt, just remember you can just purchase it on-site if you need it.

Get Your Children Involved 

As we understand, packing (or anything!) might take a little longer for young children, yet providing them with their own rucksacks in which they can accommodate their favourite toys and colouring books can make them feel more involved and useful. I know my children love their personalised T-shirts and I order theirs from Rarecustom. Be Aware Of Your Luggage Weight Allowances Before You Travel

Each airline clearly states its luggage size and weight limits. You may end up having to pay extra fees if you arrive with luggage that exceeds the carriers' limits even slightly. You can avoid surprises at the airport by double-checking your luggage before you leave. Of course, if you are travelling within your own country, you don’t need to worry as much about the weight of your bags. Make Sure There Is Some Extra Space

Your case is filled with a few spaces even though you packed light. Don't rush into filling them in! You may want to bring some souvenirs back home as gifts to friends and family, or even for yourself. Let them back in some space. Have A Spare Pair Of Childs Clothing In Your Carry-on 

The suitcase is not the place to store all of your child's clothes. It is not uncommon for accidents to happen and the only thing you are likely to need if they do is a spare set of clothing. A limited emergency kit including spare clothes, baby wipes, and some nappies if your baby uses them should always be kept in your hand luggage.

Pack Accessories

A single outfit can be transformed into several different looks by adding different accessories. Packing small accessories such as beads, hats, and scarves is easier than packing many outfits. As well as taking up less space! Pack Each Day Separate 

Whenever possible, pack an outfit a day for each child in individual ziplock bags. It is true that it may seem like more work, but it really saves you a lot of time and hassle when trying to put together outfits for all your family members, especially if your family is larger than average. Also, ziplock bags are also a great way to pack away dirty laundry without having to worry if it gets mixed up with any clothes you're going to bring back from your trip. Pack A Basic First Aid Kit

Being prepared for travel with children is always beneficial, so remember to pack a first aid kit that includes plasters, antiseptic cream, bug repellent, infant paracetamol suspension and child ibuprofen. Remember, it is always better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. Pack Something The Kids Haven’t Seen Before

When your children start getting bored or restless, pull out a few new toys and games from your hand luggage. A few great ideas are card games, magic writing boards (they feature an easy-to-clean screen and a pen attached that won't roll away from the screen like regular pencils), reading books, and travel games. You won't have to worry about them taking up much space either. Make Sure Pack Appropriately

Unless you plan on hiking, you can leave the hiking boots at home if you do not plan on hiking. Additionally, look at the weather forecast before coming to your destination, and make sure that you are adequately equipped to cope with what you will encounter. Have a look at travel blogs before you go to help you pack more sustainable items on your family holiday if you would like more information on that. Always Plan Ahead 

Make a list of the things you need to do. It is always a good idea to keep a mobile device handy so that you can make a note. Make a list of things you need to do and email it to yourself. It doesn't matter what you do, do whatever you find works for you, and start as soon as possible. Even if you are very careful, you are almost guaranteed to forget or overlook something when packing at the last minute, especially if you are running behind a camera with excited kids hovering in the background. Don't wait until the last minute to start planning. Make sure you give it a try, you will be pleased with the results. 

This short guide should help you to pack for your family holiday easily and stress-free. Do you have any other tips that could help? Please share them in the comments below.

Top Tips For Travelling Abroad With Children

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Travelling is a big part of our life, especially when it comes to going abroad - it's one of our favourite things to do as a family. I have fond memories of visiting different countries as a child (although I never went anywhere exotic) so it's always been something I wanted to be able to experience with my own children - create our own memories in new places.

Noah and Ava have been fortunate enough to go on holiday numerous times already, both abroad and locally. Noah was two years old the first time he went on holiday and Ava was just 12 weeks old - everybody wanted to cuddle her on the plane! We had planned to take them abroad with us every year but of course, 2020 has been a write-off. When COVID struck we knew it wouldn't be on the cards for us this year, like many other travelers, and that was ok. There's always next year or the year after. We've already been pricing up holidays to Spain with Voyage Privé - it's something to look forward to.

I know that many people feel anxious about the thought of traveling abroad with young children - so much so that some of my friends have vowed to wait until their children are older, or refuse to even entertain the idea. Personally, I've found travelling abroad with babies and children relatively easy and it shouldn't be something that needs to be shied away from. With this in mind, I decided to put together some of my top tips for traveling with children.

Prepare everything in advance.

This is a no-brainer, but preparing everything in advance is the key to making travelling a no-stress zone. Weeks before we travel I create numerous lists; items I need to buy, things I need to pack, points I need to remember, and so on. I pack all of our cases at the same time and make sure that everything is ticked off before I zip up those suitcases. The night before we travel, I have the buggy and the suitcases lined up by the door and the passports, money, documents, and tickets secured in my hand luggage. I cannot sleep unless I have done this - travelling is perhaps the only time that i am this organised! I also recommend weighing your suitcases and hand luggage before you go so you don't have to reorganise your belongings at the airport.

Keep them awake at the airport.

We usually book flights for 6am as they tend to be cheaper and it means we don't lose a whole day due to travelling. The early flight times mean that we have to be up and out the door for 2am and although it's very tiring it adds to the excitement - the kids love it! We then attempt to keep them awake during the transfer and while we are at the airport so they have a nice sleep on the plane. It's usually quite easy to do because they are so excited to be going on holiday! 

Pack a flight bag for your child.
Speaking to fellow parents, I know that the flight itself is the part of travelling which they worry about the most. They hear and read stories about children screaming the entire time and them having to be seated next to complete strangers (honestly, just prebook and pay for designated seats for peace of mind.) In all the flights we've taken together as a family we've never had either of those problems and we haven't witnessed other children have them too. It's quite easy to keep children entertained and preoccupied even when in a plane, high up in the sky. My top tip is to simply pack a flight bag for your child - fill it full of new and old surprises for them to discover on your journey. Noah and Ava both have their own little rucksacks that they use every time we travel. I fill them with blind bags, books, stickers, play-doh, toys, snacks, and a favourite cuddly toy or two. I also make sure to take an iPad with me too but more often than not it's not needed as they often fall asleep mid-flight. When they do finally fall asleep, enjoy a gin or a cup of coffee - you deserve it. 

Do you have any tips that you would like to share?

A Visit To Santa’s Fantastical Post Office - The Mall Blackburn

AD - We were gifted tickets and paid for our time, however, all opinions are my own. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - everywhere you go! It really is, and we couldn't be any more excited if we tried! We have so many festive activities and days out planned for over the next few weeks, and our recent visit to Santa's Fantastical Post Office at The Mall in Blackburn has really set us up on the right foot. It's truly a magical experience and has added even more excitement towards this festive period.

Santa's Fantastical Post Office is located in the heart of The Mall, across from the 'Ask me' desk - it's very easy to find, however, booking is essential and you can do so by visiting the website. Prior to this, we had a spot of coffee at Costa, while the kids wrote out their Christmas lists - I'd advise you to prepare this before you arrive unless there's another opportunity to do so before you go inside.

The attention to detail is evident as soon as you spot the red door of the Fantastical Post Office and from then on you are in for a real treat. It's a live-action, interactive show which lasts 15 magical minutes - you won't want it to end.

Once inside the post office, you are greeted by the Post Master Elf who speaks to each child individually, takes their letter, rolls it up, and sends it to Santa through a magic shoot - they are then given a stamped letter to take through to Santa. The room looks magical, decorated to the nines, and there are a few surprises in store - ones that I don't want to spoil for you. 

Children are paired up in small groups for this experience, however, the elves and Santa speaks to each child individually. I think having a group of children together makes it even more exciting as they really bounce off one another's energy. Each child gets to walk the red carpet to Santa, is spoken to in a very gentle and kind demeanor, and presented with a gift. Noah and Ava left the room with the biggest smiles on their faces. It was priceless.

Santa's Fantastical Post Office costs £9.95 per child, it opened on the 23rd of November and will remain open up until Christmas Eve - select dates only. Visit the website to check dates, times, and most importantly, to book your session - it's certainly not to be missed.

Planning Your Stay In Greece - Where To Go

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If you think Greece is only its summer, its sun, islands, and lacy beaches, you are (almost) mistaken. The beauties of this country are inexhaustible, from end to end, giving you the opportunity to explore and discover places that meet all your desires. Greece is the ideal country to plan your vacation, whether you are a fan of the mountain, the sea or the countryside. Prominent and lesser-known places are waiting for you to discover your next vacation, which will undoubtedly remain forever etched in your memory. So let's find out together those suggested places that guarantee fantastic memories for you and your loved ones:

Athens: Take a walk in its retro neighbourhoods

It does not mean to live in the capital (or to have visited it) and not to have got a taste of old Athens. Stroll for breakfast in one of the oldest districts of Europe, Plaka, and get lost in the markets of Monastiraki. Ideally, start from Dionysiou Areopagitou to reach Plaka. Feel its aura, immortalize something from ancient history that is reflected in the Monument of Lysicrates, the Clock of the Lord (Winds), the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. Go up to the Cycladic neighbourhood of Anafiotika, have a coffee in the picturesque shops perched on Mnisikleous street's steps, and then have a taste of good food in the tiled taverns until you complete strolling through the beach.

Monemvasia: A magical castle-city

Are you ready to become the fairy tale heroes in the ultimate romantic two-day event for two in the only inhabited Castle City of the country? Take your partner and give yourself a trip to the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese to be left on the paths of Psychos! The towering rock of Monemvasia hides a charming stone state with wild and, at the same time, attractive beauty. The ascent to its cobbled streets and the stones carved by time unfolds step by step the tangle of its history, while at the same time the picturesque house inside the castle, which lives in its own rhythms with hostels, and small taverns.

Pelion: In the place of 4 seasons

Few Hands can accommodate exceptional travel challenges all seasons of the year! The summer residence of the gods and homeland of the Centaurs, Pelion, with the combination of mountain and sea to become its strongest paper and the colours of nature to paint its 24 villages with unique touches in each season, becomes love at first sight. For romantics, for nature lovers, for adventure lovers, for lovers of relaxation, for avid swimmers, from the tourist Tsagarada and the impressive Agios Lavrentios or the picturesque Milies, the beautiful beaches from Kato Lechonia, Nefra and Fakro, Overlooking the Pagasitikos and the Aegean, everyone puts their own little stone in this earthly paradise.

Serifos: The Cycladic island of castles

Serifos is an island in the western Cyclades, known for its ancient towers, castles, monasteries, and the capital of Chora with its whitewashed buildings at the top of a hill. The island has a total of 72 beaches. Among the most popular are Psili Ammos, Genema, and Livadakia.

Some of the remarkable buildings on the island include an island, including the Monastery of Taxiarches, built in the 14th century. You may want to visit the White Tower, the remains of an ancient observatory, at the top of a hill. The island is famous among divers, and several companies offer diving.

We could list endless fantastic destinations in Greece to visit all year round, but this article would be pretty extensive. So you have the opportunity to discover all the above incredible destinations, visiting places that will certainly not go unnoticed. Now, suppose you are looking for accommodation options that will save you money and time. In that case, all you have to do is use the hotel search engine of hurrygreek.com to discover all those accommodation options that cover all the important and remarkable areas of the country.

Visiting The Bricklive Paw Patrol Brick Trail in Blackburn

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August is an expensive time of year, the kids are off school and want to be out and about, spending money, here there and everywhere. To try and cut down on costs I like to look out for free days out and activities and I know many other parents do too.

The World’s first Paw Patrol brick trail is a free activity, brought and presented to you by BRICKLIVE in different venues around Blackburn town centre. I think it's a great idea for all the family. Young children will enjoy finding their favourite Paw Patrol characters, whereas older kids will like being in charge of the search and deciphering the clues.

There are three trail maps to choose from; A Paw Patrol quiz and map of the locations, a brick trail map quiz, and a pamphlet of riddles to help find the six mischievous kittens hidden in Blackburn Market. You could tackle them all on the same day, or spread them out over the week and take your time.

The pup models range in sizes from 75cm to 120cm high and the trail also features the Paw Patrol Lookout Tower which stands at 2m tall. There are lots of other Paw Patrol characters to find but I won't spoil the surprise for you. Each of the 21 models has a fun facts sheet and if you scan the QR codes you’ll be in for an extra treat.

Collect trail maps and quizzes from the Ask Me Point in the Mall and in various shops and locations in the town centre. Once finished, return the completed forms to the Ask me Point for your chance to win £100 in high street vouchers.

Bring the family to Brickburn town centre between Friday 23rd of August and 1 st of September to take part. We visited today and had a fantastic time. It probably took us around two hours to complete as there was lots of walking involved, it was great! Visit Blackburn BID for more information.

My Holiday Essentials For Children

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A few weeks ago we jetted off to southern Spain for 11 nights and I'll be honest, we didn't want to come home! Traveling abroad with young children isn't as daunting as it sounds, it's all about being prepared for the journey and for your stay. A simple way to do this is to start your travels off in a relaxed and organised manner. Easier said than done right? Well, if I can do it then you can too! I like to prepare them a flight bag each, full of goodies to keep them entertained and make sure to pack essentials (nappies, suncream, etc) in our suitcases. This blog post has been put together with gifted products, all which we took abroad with us and used every day.

1. Trunki Toddlepak Rucksack & Drink Bottle - £19.99 & £7.99
The first items on my list are the rucksacks and drink bottles from Trunki. Both the bags and bottles come in an array of different colours and designs, all of which are funky, bright, and cheerful. I let the kids choose which ones they'd like. Noah chose the orange tiger design and the blue bottle, whereas Ava opted for the green dinosaur backpack and the pink bottle. Both items have the design and aesthetic quality that I expect from Trunki so they are certainly worth the cost. I'll be dedicating a full review of them in the next week so do keep an eye on the blog if you'd like to read more about these products.

2. Slipfree Shoes - from £14.95
I was gifted these in exchange for a social media post but I love them so much that I had to include them in this post. Slipfree shoes are designed to be worn around the pool, in the pool, at the beach, on holiday, at home, everywhere! They come in lots of different designs and after much deliberation chose the flamingo design for Ava and the shark print for Noah. They quickly became an essential for us on our holiday, and I noticed that the kids would prefer to wear them over their sandals. They took a matter of seconds to get on their feet, gave them extra confidence in and around the pool and dried within minutes too. I cannot recommend them enough and will be buying them new ones once they have grown out of these.

3. Cuddledry Sun Protection Poncho Towel - £27.99

Cuddledry is a brand that I've adored for years so I was delighted when I was offered their sun protection poncho towel to try out on our holiday. With Cuddledry's signature blend of bamboo and cotton, it's just as soft and lovely as their regular towels, however, it offers something extra. It provides SPF50+ protection, which makes it ideal for taking on holiday, both in this country or abroad. Ava liked to wear it after being in the pool or the sea. I'd simply pull it on over her head, make sure the hood was up, fasten the underarm poppers and she was good to go. Take a look at the images on my Instagram page if you would like to see the sun protection towel in all it's glory.

4. Organix Goodies Snacks - from £2.00
I've worked with Organix for years and their snacks often end up in my trolley when out shopping, courtesy of the kids. I don't mind though. Their products are organic and contain zero junk, they are a no guilt treat for them to indulge in. Organix kindly sent Noah and Ava some snacks for them to enjoy on the plane and whilst on holiday. They received a couple of their all-time favourites; two boxes of Organix Goodies Gingerbread Men and four packs of Organix Goodies Soft Oaty Bars. I made sure to pack a couple in their flight bags and the rest went into our cases because I always find it comforting to take familiar from home just in case they refuse to eat much else.

5. Orchard Toys Games & Sticker Colouring Books - from £3.00
Okay, so this post has turned into a favourite brands type post too. First Trunki, then Cuddledry, Organix and now Orchard Toys! We have amassed quite the collection of Orchard Toys games and puzzles over the years. They are something we like to do together as a family and can often be found in Noah's room playing with them. Orchard Toys sent us a couple of their products for our trip, the first being two games; Match and Spell, and Let's Go Lotto. I packed both in our cases and we enjoyed playing both poolside or on our terrace. Match and Spell was a great game to play to keep Noah's brain engaged whilst off school and Let's Go Lotto provided lots of fun for all the family. The Sticker Colouring books were just the right size to pack in their flight bags. We were 40,000 feet in the air, colouring, writing and sticking and the kids didn't make a peep! In fact, the couple in front of us made a point to tell us that they didn't even realise children were sat behind them.

Which of these products do you like the sound of the most?

Our Holiday At TUI Family Life Islantilla

- This is not an AD. We paid for the holiday ourselves.

You may, or may not have noticed that I've been AWOL the past couple of weeks, hence the three Sunday Photo's in a row. The reason for that is that we've been on holiday and just got back this weekend. We spent 11 glorious nights in southern Spain and the weather has totally spoilt us, coming back to the dreary British weather has been torturous! I'm hoping that we get a real summer this year because I'm missing the sun so much already.

We stayed at a four-star hotel in Islantilla called TUI Family Life Islantilla. We paid for it all ourselves, so this isn't an ad by the way. It's a beautiful hotel, situated in a quiet, non-tourist area in Spain. It's so far south that TUI actually fly guests to Portugal/Faro airport rather than Spain/Malaga as it's nearer. It was a 2 and a half hour flight, then a 1-hour transfer to the hotel. All in all, with transfers to and from, and airport time we were traveling for a good 9 hours which is long enough with two little ones.

As mentioned previously the hotel was stunning, full of palm trees, bright flowers, and greenery. The grounds are maintained to a high standard and it really pays off. It has numerous pools, all with a different feel. We found a nice spot near a quieter pool that we favoured and tended to visit every day. Noah and Ava loved dipping into the shallow pool, then cuddling up on the sunbeds together to warm up, usually with an ice cream in hand. Sometimes Nick would take them back to the room for a break from the sun, or to the play park, or games room and I would have some time to myself. It was total bliss to lay beside the pool, with a book and Pina Colada in hand! It made me remember what holidays were like before children.

The hotel is right on the beach too which makes a nice change from being around the pool. The sand contains lots of shells so thankfully I packed suitable footwear so we didn't hurt our feet. The kids liked collecting the shells and making sand castles and I swam in the ocean a couple of times.

The entertainment team, TUI kids club staff, and reps were amazing during our stay and are a credit to the hotel. They were upbeat, friendly, approachable, yet professional. Noah has always suffered from separation anxiety yet he felt comfortable enough with them to attend their Kids Club on a few occasions and even made a friend or two. The hotels Captain T and Bamse mascots were very popular with all the children at the hotel and it was lovely to be able to buy teddies of them to take home with us, real souvenirs to remember the holiday by.

We've only been home for a couple of days and we are already longing for another holiday! I've been thinking of trying to book a last-minute deal during the summer holidays, perhaps find a bargain? Has anyone had any luck doing this before? I'd love to hear about it!

Belle Vue Sizzling Pub & Grill - Blackpool

Last weekend we were invited to dine at The Belle Vue Pub & Grill over in Blackpool, Lancashire. We arrived about 30 minutes early of our booking time of 5.30pm but were courteously taken to our reserved table without a problem. The staff member immediately noticed we had a young child with us and didn’t hesitate to provide us with a high chair, some crayons and colouring paper, which was greatly appreciated. The manager introduced himself to us and let us know that if we needed anything just ask our waiter and he will sort if for us. This was our first time visiting Belle Vue but noticed it had been renovated recently, everything looked fantastic and clean. We spent quite some time looking through the menu as there was a really great variety of meals, it was very difficult trying to decide what to have. We noticed the prices seemed really fair for both drinks and food, which is great when dining as a family. We finally settled on a chicken fajita sizzling skillet, a tandoori chicken burger and 2 kids chicken nugget meals with chips and corn on the cob. One thing to note with the kid's meals is that they offer two different portion sizes, one for under 5’s and one for over 5’s. We didn’t have to wait long at all for our food to come which was surprising as it was quite busy and we were relieved as we were ready for some good food after spending the day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. When the food arrived the first thing we commented on was the generous portion size, great value for money! The fajita skillet was sizzling away and looked so appetising. It included succulent pieces of chicken breast on a bed of grilled peppers and onions accompanied by 4 small flour tortilla wraps, sour cream, salsa, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese. I’ve had fajitas at Mexican restaurants which cost considerably more than at the Belle Vue and I can honestly that this was easily on par, if not better. It was full of flavour, the chicken was juicy and tender, the tortillas were soft and warm and the whole thing came together to create a mouth-watering, very satisfying meal. My partner opted for the Tandoori Chicken Burger meal which consists of chicken tandoori marinated chicken fillets, topped with onion bhajis and minted sour cream with a portion of curly fries on the side. When it arrived, it was literally a tower of a burger, he was so impressed. It was well seasoned, tender and held together well considering the amount of food sandwiched between the bun. The bhajis were crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. He said that it tasted fantastic and he would definitely order it again. Noah and Ava were more than happy with their chicken nugget meal, both of them diving straight into the corn on the cob. Included in the kid’s meal was a dessert of their choice. They both love ice cream, so we went for the “Build your own Sundae" which consists of 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream with little pots of Cadbury’s buttons, Aero chocolate, fresh strawberries, and chocolate sauce. I think this is such a great idea for children as it encourages them to get involved in creating their own dessert and they really enjoyed doing it though they both had a different approach. Noah put ALL of the toppings on straight away and dived in. Ava, on the other hand, added her strawberries and chocolate sauce but ate the buttons separately. However, they were similar in the fact that they both cleared the lot. The dessert menu was impressive and featured classic cakes, pudding, ice cream and more. We could not resist ordering our own and decided to go for the Chocolate Fudge Cake and a Belgian Chocolate Brownie. Both were served with ice cream and the brownie is served warm. We tried one another's dessert and both agreed that the brownie was superior. Our experience at the Belle Vue was nothing but positive. We could not fault the quality of the food in any way and really felt that you get great value for money too. The staff are attentive, polite and helpful, ensuring your time here is as relaxing and comfortable as possible. As frequent visitors to Blackpool, there is no doubt that we will definitely be visiting again. Head to their website to view the Sizzling Pub & Grill menu or to find your local grill. Disclaimer: We received this meal free of charge for the purpose of this review, however, all opinions are my own.

5 Extraordinary Places To Live Or Visit In The UK

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If you have a love for all things cool and interesting, then chances are you might like a town or city that shares your passion for knowledge. You might expect the first cities to be listed as Cambridge and Oxford, but anyone who loves all things nerdy already knows that they have plenty to offer. In fact, they’ve taken the spotlight a little too long – so where else could become the home of museum lovers?

London - The National Archives

This one might take more than a one-day visit, and if you’re lucky enough to live in London, this is an absolute go-to for a trawl through. The Domesday Book, Henry VIII’s divorce papers from Anne Boleyn, the Treaty of Versailles are all housed here. History lovers rejoice: your new home has been found!

Bristol - The Clifton Observatory and Caves

This Bristolian observatory and caves sit above the Avon Gorge and showcase incredible views of Clifton Suspension Bridge as well as a bird’s eye view of Bristol itself. The observatory was first built as a windmill in 1766, which was then owned by William West in the mid-1800s. He converted it into an artist studio and installed a camera obscura, which still works to this very day. Through this vintage contraption, you can see a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. Bristol also has an abundance of independent shops, bars, and cafes, which all make for great places to read and meet like-minded people. If you’re looking at relocating, finding a Bristol based solicitor is your first step.

Powys - Spaceguard Centre

Did you know: between 100-150 tonnes of space materials hit the Earth’s atmosphere every day – some of which turns into shooting stars! The Spaceguard centre has one big aim, which is to “provide timely information to the public, press, media, and education about the threat of asteroid and comet impacts, and the ways in which we can predict and deal with them.”

Jodrell Bank - Cheshire

This place provided the backdrop to BBC’s Star Gazing Live, and for a good reason. It is home to the Lovell Telescope and, as a result, is now a hub for world-renowned scientists. It is currently housing a project that links six other British radio telescopes, all into a dish spanning 217km.

Lacock Village - Wiltshire

If you’d love to see the estate of the Bennet family estate, then you can actually go and see the real-life Meryton of Pride and Prejudice, and not to mention Godric's Hollow from Harry Potter. Card-carrying enthusiasts will be pleased to know that this is National Trust site, complete with its own medieval village.

If you’re someone who’s looking to find a like-minded town to live in, then hopefully we’ve got you covered here. Even if it’s just a day trip, exploring towns that truly enjoy their history is great fun. Towns and cities that embrace their history tend also to host other activities which make for a good hometown; such as great bars, good book-reading cafes and arts events. Whether you visit for an estate agent or just the museum has yet to be seen.

Where are your favourite places to visit in the UK?

Porto: The Enchanting City Of Portugal That You Will Love

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Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal that you will definitely love, as it has a more traditional and authentic atmosphere. Also, the size of the city makes it ideal for spending an unforgettable weekend, enjoying the lively culture, amazing food and stunning architecture.

In Porto, colourful houses are built on top of each other on the banks of the Douro River. Ruined buildings and churches in medieval towers seem to be gaining ground in the city's picturesque Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this unique city, you will also find great restaurants and some of the top boutique hotels. A trip to Porto is not complete without trying the drink that bears his name in one of the beach cellars in the port.

The highlights of Porto

Wine: The fortified wine that took its name from the city is ubiquitous in Porto. With cellars dedicated exclusively to this drink, and some of the world's top varieties to try, one can spend an entire weekend simply trying this excellent drink. Wines from the Douro Valley are also a great way to accompany a wonderful dish.

History: With Celtic, Roman and Moorish history, Porto has a strong heritage. At the mouth of the Douro River, the settlement at Portus Cale (present-day Vila Nova de Gaia) gave its name to the country that developed around it. Its ability to produce some of the finest and most exclusive wine varieties and its important historic centre make Porto a great destination for short trips.

Culture: Despite being relatively small, Porto is one of the most culturally significant cities globally. A former European Capital of Culture features a Romanesque cathedral, world-renowned museums, and one of the world's most prestigious architecture schools. Also, the bookstores here have great importance in the cultural life of the place and will enchant every bookworm and not only.

What to do in Porto

Due to its geographical location in the north of Portugal, the weather in Porto is a bit colder than the rest of the country, so the best time to visit it is between May and October. A good time is during the São João festivities, and enjoy one of the most exciting and big parties in Europe. Cross the river with a wooden private rabelo boat. You will pass under the Dome Luís bridge and visit exclusive riverside cellars. It is an experience not to be missed!

The best way to explore the city is by walking. The city has several hills; however, it is small, so most attractions are very close to each other. Also, the city is full of hidden diamonds that will surprise you in every corner: places with a unique view of the river, tiny shops with handicrafts and puppet restaurants with superb local cuisine. These diamonds can be discovered using a car, which can take you from one city monument to another in a short time.

And because you usually travel without your personal car, the ideal and economical solution to your travel problem is to hire a car. Among dozens of car hire companies in the country of Portugal, the one that stands out is the company Enjoy Travel not only for its offers but also for its vast variety of passenger cars.

The legendary symbol of the city is the Torre dos Clerigos, a baroque tower of the church of the same name. It was built in the 18th century and was at that time the tallest building in Portugal!

Right in front of it you will find the recently renovated Passeio dos Clerigos, a shopping street with a manicured garden and olive trees. The BASE sets tables outside and is a fantastic place to enjoy a drink or coffee. The Livraria Lello Library is housed in a building that is a work of art in itself and is the oldest bookstore in the world. Even if reading is not for you, just enter to experience the spectacle with its impressive wooden ceilings and magnificent crimson art nouveau staircase.

Tiles are a traditional art throughout Portugal, but Porto maintains the tradition in the best possible way, decorating beautiful galleries with them. Inside the train station of Sao Bento and the church of Igreja do Carmo, you will find stunning examples of this unique art.