Blushrougette
Follow

UK Destinations

Fellow Glasgow residents - red squirrel, deer and fox graffiti, Glasgow city centre mural trail

Glasgow Mural Trail guide and map

Travel, UK Destinations Gratsiela

As the largest city in Scotland, Glasgow couldn’t be more different to the winding cobbled alleys, green cliffs and medieval architecture of its eternal rival Edinburgh. Once heavily industrialised, the Scottish city has long forgotten its grey past and has completely transformed into the blooming cultural hub that it is now. It will come as no surprise that Glasgow was recently named the top cultural and creative centre in the UK by the European Commission.

One of the creative initiatives by the Glasgow City Council that provides an excellent way to explore the city is the Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail, an unmissable display of graffiti works by local and international artists that bring to life the once empty façades. This is perhaps one of the most attractive ways of discovering Glasgow’s buzzy charm.

Jump to see the Glasgow Mural Trail map.

Continue Reading “Glasgow Mural Trail guide and map”

York City walls and York Minster in the distance

Best things to do in York | TRAVEL GUIDE

Travel, UK Destinations Gratsiela

Looking for the best things to do in York? Then look no further. This northern city had been high up on my places to visit in the UK for a very long time. Naturally, it was only a matter of time before Sam and I ticked it off. With a quick train ride from London to York, we soon found ourselves strolling around the narrow cobbled streets, marvelling at the medieval buildings and getting lost in the quirky shops and museums. Don’t worry, I’ve put together a little itinerary so you know all the best things to do in York. You’ll be happy to hear many of York’s attractions are relatively close to each other. This makes it really easy to walk around and soak up as much of the charm of the city as possible!

Here are our top things to do in York.

Continue Reading “Best things to do in York | TRAVEL GUIDE”

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.

Continue Reading “York City Walls Walk – Step back in time”

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?

Continue Reading “The 10 best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland | TRAVEL GUIDE”

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?

Continue Reading “Things to do on a weekend in Bath | TRAVEL GUIDE”

Terracotta Warriors - Terracotta Army, Liverpool

Visiting the Terracotta Army exhibition in Liverpool | REVIEW

Travel, UK Destinations Gratsiela

More than half a century since its accidental discovery, the Terracotta Army is still one of the most important archaeological findings in history. And I am not surprised at all. Who would’ve thought that there was a hidden 76m tall underground tomb in a remote area of China? Sounds bonkers, right? Unsurprisingly, visiting the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor has always been on my travel bucket list. I often find myself astonished at this wonder. How is it possible to build an underground city filled with thousands of warriors to serve and protect the self-proclaimed First Emperor of China in his afterlife? The perseverance of humankind never ceases to amaze me.

Naturally, when I learnt that the World Museum in Liverpool was temporarily exhibiting part of of the collection of this archaeological complex, I immediately had to add it to my Liverpool itinerary.

Continue Reading “Visiting the Terracotta Army exhibition in Liverpool | REVIEW”

Bath Christmas Market, Bath Abbey with Christmas tree

A guide to Bath Christmas Market

Travel, UK Destinations Gratsiela

Undoubtedly, Christmas markets are one of the best things to get you feeling festive in the build up to Christmas day. I, for one, have a seriously soft spot for all things jolly. Also, the festive period is my favourite time of the year. When the weather outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful, I am far from a Grinch and more of a Buddy and want to surround myself with all things Christmas.

There’s nothing better than a great Christmas Market to help feed one’s festive appetite. The best part? You don’t need to travel to another country to find a good one (if you live in the UK, that is!). Just an hour and a half train ride from London, Bath is home to the ultimate Christmas Market. And guess what? The Bath Christmas Market is considered one of the best in the UK and perhaps even in the world!

Continue Reading “A guide to Bath Christmas Market”