10 Free things to do in Cardiff all year round

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a fantastic city to explore and is packed with history, culture and great food. It is also the perfect destination for families, and there is plenty to see and do all year round that is free of charge. All of the places mentioned in this post are within easy reach of public transport.  1. National Museum Cardiff This is one of the more well-known free attractions in the city and for good reason, with an array of galleries to explore, from contemporary art to dinosaurs, Monet to Mammoths, there is something for everyone. This has always been a firm favourite with my kids, and it's both interactive and informative.  2. Cardiff Story Museum, The Hayes Another favourite of ours and not to be mistaken for the National Museum, Cardiff Story is smaller but very engaging and is a wonderful museum that tells the story of the city and the people who live and work within it. My son loves the interactive city planner board and the downstairs hub, which ha......

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How to spend a day in and around Hay-On-Wye

There are many reasons why people flock to the Town of Books year after year. Not only is it charming and quaint streets packed with over 20 independent bookshops but with an array of independent eateries, a restored castle, quirky shops and gorgeous countryside walks, there is more than meets the eye. I feel very grateful to live around 1hrs drive from Hay which makes it a great day trip town for my kids and I and I wanted to share some of our favourite ways we spend a day in and around Hay-on-Wye. 1. Visit the restored Hay Castle Sitting in the heart of the town, the castle opened to the public in 2022 after years of restoration & is full of history and folklore waiting to be explored. The lawn, shop & cafe are free to enter, but I do recommend paying to explore the castle, where you can explore from the cellar up to the castle tower which offers amazing views across Hay. Entry to the full castle is £7.50 for adults & free for under 18’s. The ground floor & cafe is d......

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How Bradford Is Faring After Its Year of Culture

A year of culture offers twelve months’ worth of combined chances for a city to make its mark on the national map, but it can be a challenge to maintain any touristic momentum that comes from that. Bradford is at exactly that point now, and the district is considerably more interesting than the coverage suggested at the time. Let us take a big-picture look to start things off. The region of West Yorkshire welcomed 73 million visitors across 2024 – making for a rise of 3 per cent – and record visitor spend across West Yorkshire ,   reaching £6.26 billion. As per the reporting, tourism and hospitality now support 54,000 jobs in the region, up 2.6 per cent. Though this trendline predates Bradford's year as the United Kingdom’s City of Culture, it was a good wave to ride heading into this showpiece highlight. What Remains After a Year of Culture The Peace Museum was relocated to more suitable premises and saw annual visitors climb from around 3,000 to more than 50,000. Ilkley Playhouse......

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Why Coach Hire Is a Reliable Choice for Group Travel in Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant city known for its culture, nightlife, universities, sporting venues, shopping areas, and strong transport links. Whether you are arranging a corporate event, school trip, wedding, airport transfer, or group day out, organising transport for several people can quickly become complicated. Coach hire offers a practical solution for groups that want to travel together comfortably, safely, and efficiently. Instead of coordinating multiple cars or relying on public transport, passengers can enjoy a smoother journey in one organised vehicle. The Benefits of Coach Hire Coach hire is one of the most convenient ways to manage group travel, particularly when punctuality and organisation matter. Easier Group Coordination Keeping everyone together helps reduce confusion and delays. There is no need to manage several drivers, different routes, or separate arrival times. This makes coach hire especially useful for events with fixed schedules. Better Value for Money Travelling ......

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Why Last-Minute Holidays are perfect for Scenic Escapes and Culinary Delights

Recent years have seen many holidaymakers in the UK shift noticeably toward last-minute breaks. By waiting until the last possible moment, it can sometimes be possible to pick up flights or a room in a high-end hotel at a considerable discount.  Last-minute holidays are on the surge in popularity , thanks to a few important factors worth considering. Why Spontaneity Wins: Trends Driving Last-Minute Bookings The Travel Trends Survey from PwC revealed a considerable rise in impromptu trips and identified the availability of planning apps and AI tools as a primary driver behind them. These tools have been used by holidaymakers to easily plan trips and sketch out ideas. There are also lots of comparison sites that allow travellers to compare prices and research destinations in a time-efficient way, and allow tourists to book with confidence. Top European Destinations for a Delicious, Scenic Weekend Escape A number of destinations in the Mediterranean hold a special kind of appeal for ......

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The benefits of using public transport in the UK

I'm a big believer in using public transport even when it's not all plain sailing I feel the pros outweigh the cons and using public transport in the UK offers a range of advantages for individuals and communities alike. From lowering environmental impact to reducing travel costs, public transport provides a more sustainable way to get around. It can also help to ease congestion on busy roads and reduce the chance of any road traffic accident claims occurring by decreasing the number of cars in use. Keep reading as we explore the key benefits of public transport and how it supports a safer, greener transport network.   Environmental benefits of public transport It’s well known that cars are a huge contributor to climate change. In fact, road travel was responsible for around 91% of the UK’s 99 million tonnes of carbon emissions. This is a huge number, driven primarily by the vast amount of cars and personal vehicles on UK roads. While personal vehicles offer convenience, publ......

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3 Stylish Destinations in the UK

Exploring Manchester Whether you prefer modern architecture, historic streets, or vibrant shopping scenes, there’s no shortage of stylish destinations to explore. Each city brings its own unique blend of culture, style, and atmosphere, making it perfect for those who appreciate both fashion and design. It’s not just about shopping or the way people dress, either – the locations themselves are full of visual appeal, from street art to innovative public spaces. Manchester Manchester has become the Northern fashion hotspot in its own right. Known for its grunge and alternative style, it’s a place where creativity thrives, particularly in the fashion scene. This vibrant city features a mix of indie boutiques, high-end designers, and everything in between. Whether you’re strolling through the edgy Northern Quarter , with its independent stores and art galleries, or enjoying the sophisticated vibe of Spinningfields, Manchester offers something for every taste. The diverse areas within Manche......

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The Best Road Trips in the UK: How to Choose the Right Car for Your Journey

The UK can be a fantastic place for a road trip with many incredible routes to follow, areas to explore, and sights to behold. Road trips can also be a thrilling way to travel and provide a real sense of adventure. However, you must always ensure that you have a vehicle that is right for your journey. In this guide, we will look at a few of the best road trip experiences in the UK, how to prepare your vehicle, and tips for maximising comfort on long journeys. Top Road Trips to Experience in the UK The UK offers some of the most scenic and diverse road trips in Europe, from coastal drives to mountainous routes. This means that it can be hard to choose, but a few of the most popular road trips include North Coast 500 in Scotland, which takes you through the dramatic north coast scenery, and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, which allows you to discover the incredible coastal scenery and rich natural history of the region. The Lake District is another popular place for road trips with its wi......

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Checklist For a First Campervan Holiday with Kids

A campervan can provide a tremendously rewarding way to spend a holiday as a family, it's something I've done a few times with my kids and not only is it a fun adventure but also a great way to bond and have some quality family time. If this is going to be your first campervan holiday, however, then you’ll want to take a few preparatory steps before you embark as it's not like a normal holiday and can take a few adjustments to get comfortable.  By getting the planning stages right, you’ll minimise the likelihood of something going wrong, and give yourself the best chance of a memorable, enjoyable experience. Selecting the Right Campervan With so many options out there today it can feel a little overwhelming but there are plenty of companies that offer campervan hire, which is an affordable way to try it out before investing in a camper yourself & also lets you see what works and what doesn't for your family. If the vehicle you choose isn’t appropriate for your famil......

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Did you know these 10 interesting facts about Wales

Whether you’re looking for an end-of-year break or planning your staycations for 2025, Wales is one place many have on their ‘need to visit’ lists and for good reason. I feel very grateful to live in beautiful Wales as it has so much to offer and it's a place I love to share with my readers.  A land of folklore, dragons and stunning countryside, there is so much to discover in Wales. With this in mind, I wanted to bring you ten interesting facts about the land of the red dragon that you may not know. Whether you share these facts with your family during your road trip to one of the many activity holidays UK Wales offers, or you want to stun your friends with your random facts during a pub quiz, here are ten facts about Wales… 1. Did you know… Wales is home to seven cities? The capital is Cardiff, followed by Wrexham, Newport, Swansea, Bangor, St Asaph and finally, St David’s. 2. Did you know… there are estimated to be over three million people living in Wales. According to the 202......

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The Benefits of Choosing an Active Holiday

Planning your next holiday? Whether you’re going solo or you’ve been saving up for a family retreat, an active holiday could be more rewarding than you’d expect. From cycling through peaceful vineyards, kayaking down rivers or getting fiercely competitive on the tennis courts, there are so many reasons to ditch the sun loungers. Personally, I really struggle to sit still, even on holiday, being active brings me a lot of joy and is has positive impacts physically and mentally as well as the social benefits of keeping active on holiday as it opens up opportunities to meet like-minded people. Physical health benefits When you’re taking a break, it’s important to spend time relaxing and stepping away from things that cause you stress in your daily life, however, this doesn’t have to mean lounging by the pool all day, as nice as that is the novelty can wear off and you can also strike a good balance by both chilling out and getting active. Swimming, hiking, and cycling are usually easy to ......

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How we enjoyed Oxford on a budget

While Oxford is known for being an affluent city with world-renowned Universities, you may have the impression that it's an expensive place to visit, but this simply isn't the case, with an array of amazing free to visit museums, outdoor spaces and historical sites. There is also plenty of cafes, street food and the covered market is a great place to find a family-friendly bite to eat. This walkable city is a great place for a budget day out, in fact one day isn't enough to see everything.  I visited Oxford for the day with my two children, while staying at Mollies , 25mins from Oxford and this is how we made the most of this fantastic city on a small budget  The History of Science Museum This free museum houses a variety of collections and displays to do with science and also has a children's trail, but its real pulling power is Einstein's blackboard from when he gave a lecture at the University in the 1930's which is impressive and appreciated by all ages. The......

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