Behind the scenes as Chester Zoo prepares to re-open to visitors
June 12, 2020The moment the gates swing open on Monday morning is one staff feared they would never see. “We were three weeks away from closing down,” says Jamie Christon, Chief Operating Officer, pulling up the collar of his Chester Zoo fleece against a sudden downpour. “I went through the four stages… Read more
Daily Mail Travel Trends under lockdown: Not a handshake but a namsate
May 31, 2020* This story was first published in the Daily Mail. Prince Charles, arriving at the Prince’s Trust Awards in March, was about to go for the handshake. But, mindful of the new social distancing rules, he quickly improvised an off-the-cuff alternative. He was then seen offering Ant and Dec, amongst… Read more
How I Found My Voice At The Singing B&B
May 25, 2020An early-spring trip to Mid Wales came with a purpose. Voices are joined in unison to mark St Davids Day in the ‘Land of Song’ each March — but I have always been out of key. That is, until I spent a few days at Cwm Moel, the singing B&B… Read more
Why the first place I’ll head to after lockdown is Portmeirion, North Wales
April 26, 2020This weekend would have been the 43rd Prisoner Convention at Portmeirion. But, instead we’re under lockdown. Here’s a feature I wrote for The Sun about my favourite place to return to in North Wales. Portmeirion looks like it has stepped out of a fairytale — yet it’s right on our… Read more
A visit behind the scenes at Witley Court, Worcestershire
January 29, 2020A winter trip behind the scenes at one of England’s great stately homes brought a touch of Downton to January. I was on assignment for Discover Britain magazine and here’s a preview of the feature in a forthcoming issue: It was one of the great British country estates. Set in… Read more
Why you should visit Lyon’s new foodie hub
December 11, 2019My final travel assignment of the year was a return trip to Lyon. France’s foodie hub is one of my favourite French cities for food and culture. While my main commission was based around the Lyon Light Festival, I also had a look behind the scenes at the newly opened… Read more
How to spend a cultural weekend in Galway, Ireland
November 5, 2019I’m just back from a weekend in Galway, the southern Irish city that will be next year’s European Capital of Culture. The west-coast city has always been something of a cultural hub with its annual summer arts festival. It’s also known, of course, for its traditional pubs [pictured above] and… Read more
How a Liverpool children’s home inspired a Beatles classic
September 23, 2019Strawberry Field, the childhood refuge of John Lennon, re-opened to the public last weekend. I attended a preview a few days before, writing an article for iTravel. Here’s a preview of my feature: The former Salvation Army children’s home, made famous in the 1967 Beatles song, has re-opened with a… Read more
How to visit the most historic harvest festival in North Wales
September 13, 2019North Wales today hosts the annual Conwy Honey Fair, a historic harvest festival dating back to the reign of King Edward I. I was in Conwy last week to preview the event and find out more about the walled city with its Unesco-listed castle. I also visited the National Beekeeping Centre… Read more