In Pictures: UK Point-to-Point races

They make movies about toffs in country houses and TV shows about vicars who solve mysteries in villages, but in my opinion to capture something indelible about Britain they should make a film about the British point-to-point races — steeplechases so-named because they would take place from one church steeple to another – from oneContinue reading “In Pictures: UK Point-to-Point races”

Point to Point horseracing: An American’s guide

There are things that every American wants to do when they visit England, with good reason. Everyone should see Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London tour is a don’t-miss and you have to take tea somewhere of course. But outside of London, during spring, there is another activity that I’ve done with several American friendsContinue reading “Point to Point horseracing: An American’s guide”

Review: Trentham Monkey Forest, Staffordshire

They scamper, they play, they consume a massive amount of fruit. In the event your own little monkeys would enjoy meeting their animal kingdom counterparts, swing over to Trentham Monkey Forest, just outside Stoke-on-Trent. It’s a must-visit activity in Staffordshire.       We visited Trentham Monkey Forest with two tween girls, who loved every minuteContinue reading “Review: Trentham Monkey Forest, Staffordshire”

7 reasons to visit Aerial Extreme, Staffordshire

  Maybe it’s inspiration from the Monkey Forest next door, where 140 Barbary macaques run unfettered, scrambling through trees and doing their monkey thing, but the Aerial Extreme ropes course in Trentham Gardens stands apart from run-of-the-mill versions — with its location, its professional and high-spirited staff and its pure thrills.     The logistics: UnlikeContinue reading “7 reasons to visit Aerial Extreme, Staffordshire”

Trentham Gardens: Kid-friendly & full of life

  I don’t know if Trentham Gardens has a slogan, but it should, and that slogan should be, “Keep ON the grass”. These gorgeous extensive gardens in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire fairly thrum with life from the visitors enjoying the grounds. You don’t simply wander round admiring the plants — although I always find this restorativeContinue reading “Trentham Gardens: Kid-friendly & full of life”

Review: Barbury Shooting School for kids

I come from Texas, so really I’m supposed to know all about guns. But since I won that riflery award at summer camp age 12, my shooting prowess has largely been on the wane. Don’t get me wrong — I love shooting (I did say I’m from Texas, right?), but the opportunities to practice don’tContinue reading “Review: Barbury Shooting School for kids”

Surrey: Family geocaching at Polesden Lacey

“Do you know what geocaching is?” I asked my 11-year-old, as we drove to Poleden Lacey. “You find things using a GPS. It’s boring,” she replied, staring out the window in the back seat. “How do you know? Have you done it before?” “I used a GPS once. It’s better if it’s just a map.”Continue reading “Surrey: Family geocaching at Polesden Lacey”

Review: The Milestones Museum, Basingstoke

As another British summer arrives, the imploration on every parent’s lips is the same: I need rainy day activity ideas! We’re constantly on the lookout for interesting outings, especially as our teenager and tween are long past enjoying soft-play. We recently visited the Milestones Museum in Basingstoke and discovered a great afternoon’s outing that’s educationalContinue reading “Review: The Milestones Museum, Basingstoke”

Hampshire: Exploring Hillier Gardens with kids

  There are few things more glorious than an English garden in fine weather. Before I moved to the UK I had no real understanding of how passionate the English are about gardening. They feel about gardening the way so many other people feel about food or sex or myriad other things-not-gardening. I would recommendContinue reading “Hampshire: Exploring Hillier Gardens with kids”

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