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Bootham bar with York Minster behind

York City Walls Walk – Step back in time

Travel, UK Destinations Gratsiela

The historic city of York has barely changed throughout the years. During this time, the York City Walls have remained in a remarkable condition, almost intact centuries after they were first built. And they can now be walked, free of charge! Taking a stroll along the York Bar Walls (you’ll get to know more about this peculiar name later) is a must for both locals and tourists. And of course, a great way to get to know more about the rich history of York.

The York Walls stand as the longest medieval town walls in England (they’re 3.4km or 2 miles long!), and also the best preserved. They can be accessed through four main and two secondary gates. But before we dwell on these, let me tell you all about the amazing history of the York City Walls.

Jump to the bottom to see the York City Walls Trail.

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Singl-end Garnethill interior

Singl-end Garnethill, the best brunch in Glasgow | REVIEW

Around the World, Food and Drink Gratsiela

I’ve said it before but when it comes to brunch, it’s absolutely no secret that I’m a pretty big fan. After doing a bit of digging for the best brunch in Glasgow (where we recently stayed for a long weekend), we came across Singl-end and what was a serious calling of delicious vegetarian and vegan meals and freshly baked loaves – all under one roof! Naturally, we wasted approximately zero minutes in heading to the Singl-end Garnethill. Before we knew it, we had a table for two ready to give us the energy we needed for our little explore around the city.

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Tulips at Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands

Visiting Keukenhof: the world’s largest tulip garden

European Destinations, Travel Gratsiela

The arrival of spring in the Netherlands is made official by the bloom of hyacinths, daffodils and of course, the world-famous Dutch tulips. There’s something very charming and quaint about these vibrant flowers. And the pride the Dutch feel about them is hard to miss, especially in this time of the year. From wooden versions in souvenir shops and cellophane wrapped bouquets in supermarkets to postcards and their depiction on a multitude of renaissance paintings, it’s safe to say the once known as “tulip mania” is now a deeply rooted Dutch tradition.

My second visit to the Netherlands had a quick day trip to the tulip countryside in store for us. Venturing a little further out of the city of Amsterdam, we finally made our way to Lisse to explore the most beautiful tulip garden in the world – Keukenhof! And honestly? I can’t believe it took us this long to get us out there.

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Dugald Stewart monument on Calton Hill

The 10 best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland | TRAVEL GUIDE

Travel, UK Destinations Gratsiela

When it comes to travel, one of my favourite things is familiarising myself with the trendiest spots, cultural musts and most exciting places to eat in whatever our next destination is. As someone who is constantly on the lookout for new places to add to my little travel book, I can’t bear lazying around. I absolutely have to visit as many different spots as humanly possible! A control freak, I know.

There aren’t many cities that I fall head over heels for at first sight. But I have to admit Edinburgh won me over from the very beginning. Having never been to Scotland before, I was really excited to see bagpipers in person – something that had been on my travel bucket list for quite a while! Thankfully, they were far better than Ross’ bagpipe performance in Friends! That being said, how could I possibly not include a bunch of recommendations to make your time in the Scottish capital far more enjoyable? Shall we go ahead with my best things to do in Edinburgh?

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Toucan at the Orchid Festival, Kew Gardens

Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens: Celebrate the colour of Colombia

London, Travel Gratsiela

The unexpected (but very much welcome) sunny weather in London last weekend had me truly wanting to soak up every beam of sunshine. I couldn’t have been happier to have clear blue skies. Plus, the regrettable coat choice weather was well above the usual crisp degrees this time of the year. So obviously, we did what every Londoner does when the sun emerges from behind the clouds. We packed up a picnic and invaded the nearest park. Or in our case, Kew Gardens (aka Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

Coincidentally, the annual Kew orchid festival was on. This time it was showcasing the world’s most biodiverse country and bursting with surprises in every corner. From February 9th to March 10th, wonderful colours fill the Princess of Wales Conservatory in celebration of Colombia’s remarkable biodiversity and vibrant culture, where orchids represent a key part of its ecosystems. Naturally, walking into the conservatory was arguably the easiest decision I had to make (especially when the entry is included in your pass!).

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Lily Vanilli Bakery miso butterscotch toasted peanut and chocolate tarts

Lily Vanilli, a dreamy bakery in London

Around London, Food and Drink Gratsiela

Tucked away in a little brick courtyard on Ezra Street, just off the hustle and bustle of Columbia Road, lies Lily Vanilli, one of the daintiest little bakery gems in town. This captivating little spot could easily go unnoticed if it wasn’t for the hundreds of recommendation lists it keeps on popping up on. This, of course, was more than enough to make me stop by after a busy Sunday morning battling the crowds on Columbia Road Flower Market in search of the perfect pot plant and seasonal blooms. Any excuse for a slice of cake and a cuppa…

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Bath Abbey from the Roman Baths

Things to do on a weekend in Bath | TRAVEL GUIDE

Travel, UK Destinations Gratsiela

Bath is one of the most picturesque corners in the UK. Located in the county of Somerset, in the southwest of England, Bath somehow evokes a mix between a metropolitan, urban feel and an idyllic English countryside atmosphere. Being an hour an a half train ride from London and an even shorter drive from Bristol, it’s become a preferred destination for those seeking a natural spa treatment, a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke and quite charmingly, Christmas markets lovers.

From the Romans to its world class Palladian and Georgian architecture, honey-coloured Bath stone buildings and winding cobbled streets, it’s no wonder the whole city is a UNESCO Heritage site. Its rather small size also means you can easily see it in a day or two. And yes, I mean by foot! Who needs public transport when you have 2,000 year old Roman Baths waiting to be explored?

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