Westonbirt Arboretum is a trail-covered Victorian landscape with an internationally significant tree and shrub collection - 15,000 specimens, and 2,500 species of tree from all over the globe. There are 600 acres and 17 miles of hard and grassy paths, allowing visitors to spend an entire day exploring. There are also guided walks, workshops, and even a 5-day music festival held on the grounds, so do…
At the end of Playa Mermejita is an unassuming cave entrance: It doesn't take long for it to get pretty narrow.. and once past that only a small area opens up, with nothing more than a hole to crawl through, if you dare. But why am I talking about his pretty insignificant caving experience? Because, living here is a colony of bats. You may see some…
One of the attractions of Rinconcito is the turtle releases. The primary type of turtle released on Rinconcito Beach in Mazunte, Oaxaca, is the Olive Ridley sea turtle (locally known as tortuga golfina). Although the Oaxaca coast also hosts black (brown) turtles, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles. The releases are part of a community-based co-operative aimed at protecting eggs from predators and poachers, with the Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano…
I don't normally include exhibitions here, but this one made the cut. Entheon, by Alex and Allyson Grey, is a sanctuary of visual pleasure. An immersive journey into the realms of humanity and spirituality through visionary art 'Entheon room': A Place to Discover the Creator Within. A 360° immersive experience of psychedelic visions, introducing visitors to Entheon's immense interconnected faces. 'Progress of The Soul' room. Set…
Built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright, Cromford Mill is the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. Today, the mill buildings house a variety of independent shops and a small museum, all of which are free to explore. To visit, there is (paid) parking on site (53°06'34.5"N 1°33'17.2"W)
St Fagans National Museum of History is one of Europe's leading open-air museums. The Museum stands in the grounds of St Fagans Castle and Gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948. It allows you to take a walk through history (for free) with over 50 historic buildings dismantled from all over Wales and re-built…
Skyeskyns is Scotland’s only sheepskin tannery. They give free guided tours and teach about the historic craft of leather-making in their traditional working exhibition tannery. After the tour, you can browse the wide selection of sheepskins, bespoke throws and beanbags, as well as some contemporary knitwear. We had a great time here, and the bell tent cafe with gorgeous views finished off the visit nicely. To…
The weather was abysmal during our visit, meaning we didn’t enjoy the outside areas as much as we otherwise could have. But it was still an enjoyable day. The Dinosaur Park and Iron age village The whole park is littered with dinosaur models, which was fun for the little one. The 'iron age village' was frankly disappointing, especially with the large tv screen smack bang in…
This was without a doubt one of the best bird experiences any of us have ever had, it far exceeded our expectations. Well worth a visit, just a shame none of us had better cameras! This was the only time during this trip that we stayed in a camp ground. For obvious reasons, we chose the adjacent Black Mountain caravan park. This small family-run site also…
The journey takes you through Pontsticill and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservior before climbing to Torpantau in the Brecon Beacons and the summit of the original line. At the main station in Pant you can visit the Workshop where the Steam Locomotives and Carriages are repaired, there is also a cafe and gift shop. Trains travel nonstop from here to Torpantau. Returning…
The owl sanctuary at Festival Park was established in 1998 for the rehabilitation and care of injured, abandoned, and uncared-for wild owls, hawks and falcons. The main aim is to care for these animals until they can be released back into the wild. Unfortunately, some of the birds cannot be released due to being bred in captivity, being non-native species, or being injured in a way…
Chine is a word used only in the Isle of Wight and Dorset and means a deep narrow ravine with water running down to the sea. Carved by nature over thousands of years, the gorge cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade below. If you are looking for excitement or a big wow factor you won’t find it here but,…