We arrived in Banja Luka on a warm March weekend, the pleasant sunshine powering us through our two-night stay. We found it to be a charming city, with centuries of history tucked into every corner. But among everything Banja Luka had to offer, one place kept drawing us back: the ancient Kastel Fortress. We were … Read more
If you have ever searched for images of Jajce, one of the most charming towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ve undoubtedly encountered one iconic view that appears time and time again: cascading waterfalls plunging dramatically against a backdrop of terracotta rooftops and an ancient fortress atop a hill. Lush greenery frames the scene, often illuminated … Read more
Malta is the perfect long weekend destination. We visited this charming island for five nights in November, seeking a final dose of Mediterranean sunshine before winter set in across Europe. Although we spent most of our time hopping between towns, villages and ancient temples, we based ourselves in Valletta and quickly realised that, even if … Read more
The sleepy dog looked up wearily, raising his head from the warm, dusty rock to take a tired glimpse in our direction. He held our gaze for a few seconds before letting out a resigned sigh and flopping back to the floor. We stepped gingerly over his flailing limbs and through a narrow gap in … Read more
In August 2024, we took part in an action-packed overland adventure from London to Tirana, with one of the most memorable legs being the train ride from Budapest in Hungary to Timișoara in Romania. It proved to be a perfect cross-border adventure through Central Europe without resorting to hectic airports. Travelling from Budapest to Timișoara … Read more
A short bus journey along Turkey’s stunning Aegean coast from the popular city of İzmir, Urla captivates visitors with its world-class vineyards, mouthwatering restaurants and tranquil seaside neighbourhoods. For those who want to enjoy Turkey at a slower pace, this alluring town offers a perfect respite from city life. Most overseas travellers don’t rent a … Read more
Autumn is a time of transformation, and there are few better places in North Yorkshire to embrace the changing seasons than the Bolton Abbey estate. At the height of summer, thousands of visitors enjoy the woodland trails and riverside walks that crisscross the landscape. As these holiday crowds fade, the estate’s winding paths take on … Read more
We puffed and panted as we made our way up the muddy path. A few raindrops splattered on our jackets, knocked from the trees above our heads by a sudden gust of wind. The sky was dark and brooding, although a few distant breaks in the clouds gave us hope that conditions may improve. We … Read more
Rothwell Country Park is one of our favourite under-the-radar walks near Leeds city centre. Matt first discovered it during lockdown, when a long walk down the canal led him to stumble, accidentally, upon the park. At that time, he didn’t see a single soul as he meandered southeast along the towpath of the Aire and … Read more
Sandwiched between the historic city of York to the east and the spa town of Harrogate to the west, Knaresborough is one of North Yorkshire’s most popular destinations for daytrippers. The town has plenty to offer and is steeped in history – from ancient caves and chapels to the ruins of Knaresborough Castle, where a … Read more
Lake Bled is one of our all-time favourite photography locations. Everything about it is special – from the world-famous island in the middle of the sparkling waters to the dramatic mountains that loom large in each photo. We’ve got very fond memories of exploring Bled and its surroundings during a recent trip to Slovenia. We … Read more
In August 2022, the UK experienced a rare summer heatwave, with temperatures reaching over 34°C. I had booked a weekend in Eryri National Park – also known as Snowdonia – to enjoy some hiking in the Welsh mountains. I would be staying at the YHA hostel at Pen-y-Pass, under the shadow of Yr Wyddfa – … Read more