London and rest of U.K - Travels for Taste

Lordington Lavender Farm Visit

July 16, 2024 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Summer, Glorious Summer is here!

We have had our first heatwavetoo, with the mercury hitting a sorching 30 degree’s celcius. Now though that might not seem much to my family and friends back in Mumbai and Pune but here in the Northern Hemipshere the effcet of temperateures reaching 30 degrees are comparable to a socrhing Indian Summer.

But no matter what, am truly garteful for the sunshine, longer days and everything else that summer brings with it is a welcome change.

Of all the lovely outdoorsy things to do over summer, visiting a Lavender Farm is a great idea.

A few years ago, my friends and I visited Lordington Lavender and to date I cherish the memory of that beautiful sunny day. Spread across 10 acres in the South Downs, these fields grow a french Provencal variety called Mailette Lavender. Home to a family business that is known for their fragrant lavender essential oil they also produce a whole range of products. This wildlife haven supports wildlife and follows fertilizer and pesticide free farming.

By the end of our visit, I was comfortable enough walking in the lavender fields to relax (read ”lie down and doze off” – Yes that happend) and not mind the cute bees buzzing around. Don’t get me wrong, I love bees and will never ever think of hurting any cute creepy crawly or any other living being, but I do have a proper fear of being stung! That’s just ol’ me! Does anyone else relate?

The year we visited, the website for Lordington Lavender had a lady with a lovely red umbrella posing amongst the stunning fields. Luckily, I had a cute red umbrella that needed a bit of fixing. So off we went and used the umbrella as a prop for our photos and trust me when I say this we did click too many of them! By the end of it all though, my poor red umbrella had taken a beating and was in no shape or form ever going to be useful to serve it’s primary purpose. Sigh… I know, eye roll moment…

Visiting Lordington Lavender Fields

Every year they announce their open days on their website and there is a very nominal fee for visiting. People are encouraged to come and enjoy tehmselves, click pictures, enjoy a picnic and have a really wholesome day against the stunning backdrop of the beautiful lavender and the buzzing bees. They also have live music events and the venue can be booked for private events and weddings and private photo shoots too.

Getting There:

Living in Surrey, made it a very quick car drive for us. Lordington Farm is very close to Chichester.

Parking, Accessibility, Toilets

Parking is in a huge field close to the lavender fields and there is an accessible car park too. Blue Badge holders are assisted by the staff on site.

Toilets are available on site. Baby change facilities and accessible toilet is in the car park area.

Freebies

There is a free tractor ride available from the car park to the fields and is highly recommended if you have little ones with you! Even more fun is the free Hay Play. Adults can join in for twice daily free Lavender talks.

Photography

Camera’s are welcome and most people make the most of their visit by clicking away. You can also hire a professional photographer when visiting during the open days

Dogs are welcome too!

It is a wonderful experince for everyone if you are going with freinds or with family and even for the elderly.

To those who cannot make it to Lordington Lavender on their open days fear not there are other locations to go and enjoy equally breathtaking views.

There are many beautiful lavender fields around Surrey, Hampshire, Kent and Hertfordshire that you can choose to visit. All these farms are not too far from the capital city and offer a great opportunity for a summer’s day out admiring these vibrant blossoms.

London also has it’s very own gardens where these bee-friendly plants thrive and bloom. Amongst them Kew Gardens and Vauxhall Park are very popular destinations with peole thronging to admire the lavender during peak season. Kennington Park too has it own little spot where you can go admire this seasonal bloom.

*Not sponsored. As always all opinions are always my own. Unless otherwise stated all photographs are clicked and processed by me. Kindly do not replicate any text and/or images/photographs from this post or my website without my express written constent.

An Insider’s guide to London Bridge

February 28, 2020 by manjirichitnis 19 Comments

Discover the area around London Bridge

London Bridge is a bustling area is packed with so many attractions – Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Borough Market, The Shard, HMS Belfast, Southwark Cathedral and a plethora of amazing pubs, restaurants, farmers markets, street food vendors, theatres … the list goes on. If that has piqued your interest and you are curious to explore this area and tap into the some of the lesser-known gems then, read on!

About two years ago, DH surprised me with tickets to the viewing gallery at The Shard. I can never forget the breathtaking views from the dizzying heights of the viewing gallery and the feeling of falling in love with London all over again. Though I have explored most of the popular attractions around London Bridge and the Shard, in particular, I have always wanted to delve deeper into the offerings of this bustling city within a city. So when an opportunity to spend a day wandering around, drinking in familiar sights and sounds presented itself I found myself feeling as excited as a first-time visitor to London Bridge. For my fellow Londoners and anyone visiting from surrounding cities, it is a fairly straightforward journey into London Bridge station. In fact, the recently refurbished station is so well planned it is important to spend some time admiring how the existing parts of the station have been merged to create one big, airy, spacious fabulously modern station complex. London Bridge station has connections to overground lines and tubes. To tourists travelling into London, this part of the London Bridge area is a good choice to book your stay. An easy way to book is to look for hotels near the Shard, there is something to suit everyone’s needs. It is one of the most well-connected areas of Central London in terms of transport links and the neighbourhood has lots to offer everyone from young families to couples and even solo travellers.

I have put together a rough guide which is a mix of the most popular tourist attractions, some lesser-known spots and my pick of the best places to eat and drink at while near London Bridge.

Must-see attractions

Tower Bridge

Why did I wait so many years to experience this amazing marvel of engineering? No sensible answer to this question but it was the highlight of my day! I can never forget the feeling of gingerly stepping on the glass walkway and looking down into the deep waters of the Thames from such crazy height. One of London’s favourite icons, this bridge was celebrated its 125th last year.

It was only when we saw some toddlers and teenagers walking on the glass walkway and clicking selfies that we dared step on it 😉 It also makes one realise who fearless little ones really are, how their minds just absorb everything new around them and they embrace it so quickly and without hesitation… food for thought..

Don’t forget to also check out the stunning engine rooms and walk around and read about the very first team of people that worked around the clock to keep this busy moving machinery working at its best.

Tower of London

Whether you want to go admire the crown jewels or dive into a 1000-year-old rich historical background, this World Heritage site is a must-see. Don’t forget to pose and grin near the Beefeaters – uh-uh not the gin, these uniformed guards have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times.

Borough Market

This burgeoning market has been a part of the rich tapestry of Southwark for the past 1000 years. Home to thousands of vendors selling everything from fresh organic produce, artisan cheese, preserves, fresh seafood, exotic meat to many stalls selling exotic world cuisine. It truly is London’s largest, most popular and amazing food market.

Read my post about why you simply have to visit the historic Borough Market a fabulous foodie destination

Southwark Cathedral

This architectural beauty has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows dating back to the 19th century. The building also has been witness to its only Royal wedding dating to 1423.

Winchester Castle Ruins

Not to be missed, the ruins of this once very grand castle are to be found right behind Borough market. In its glory days during medieval times, it was one of the largest and most important buildings.

Admire the stunning rose window and marvel at the architecture of an era gone by. Entry is free but restricted. There is a beautiful medieval-style garden in the remains of the Great Hall.

Hop aboard The Golden Hinde

Perfect little ship to explore with little explorers, this was the first-ever English ship to sail across the world. For tour and other available experiences head here

Theatres and Galleries

Shakespeare’s Globe: If Music is the food of love….. An absolute must-see is the iconic Globe theatre. Dating back to 1599 this wonderful building is a cultural hub celebrating the life and works of Shakespeare.

Bridge Theatre: Home to a huge 900-person capacity auditorium, this modern building caters to contemporary audiences.

London Bridge area is home to many amazing galleries showcasing amazing artists and works of art. Some of them are London Glassblowing, Science Gallery, Bermondsey Project Space and the White Cube Gallery.

St. Katherine’s Dock

St.Katherine’s Docks is a secret little gem. It is also Central London’s only marina and is tucked away right next to Tower Bridge. The picturesque docks form the perfect background for a plethora of cafes and newer office buildings.

Home to a vibrant community this landmark exudes an old-world charm which adds to the tranquil vibe of the marina. The Dickens Inn is a charming 18th-century warehouse which now houses the famous pub, restaurant and inn and is a sight to behold especially in the spring and summer months when the flowers dotting its facade are in full bloom.

HMS Belfast

Witness to D-Day, it is said that HMS Belfast fired one of the first shots of D-Day itself. This now decommissioned battleship is the last remaining vessel of her type – one of the largest and most powerful light cruisers ever built. At the peak of her glory, she was equipped with the most advanced radar systems of the time. Highly recommended for a very engaging visit for young children and parents this national museum and one of London’s favourite Landmark celebrated her 80th anniversary in 2018.

Sky garden

London’s highest public garden, this building offers panoramic views of London city. The best part is one can enjoy these views for free. Mind you the free tour tickets get booked up pretty quickly. Keep an eye out on their website and very actively updated social media for booking details and timings. They also have two all-day drinking and dining spaces called the Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar.

London Bridge – a riverside destination where Historical Landmarks like Tower Bridge sit next to the tallest building in the country. Home to one of London’s best and biggest food market, this neighbourhood has some of the coolest bars, restaurants, theatres and even a quiet marina.

Where to Eat and Drink around London Bridge

Breakfast at Borough Market

With a mind-boggling variety of fresh fruit juice vendors, artisan coffee and all manner of baked goodies available here, it is the best place to head for a delicious breakfast. The market opens at 10 am so get there early. After getting some breakfast I would suggest going to the Southwark Cathedral, followed by wandering past the ruins of the Winchester castle and admiring the Golden Hinde.

Then make your way to the Tower Bridge for their self-guided tour, tickets can be booked online for slightly cheaper than at the venue. Hopefully, you will have worked up an appetite by this time so head to one of the many fabulous restaurants.

Vivaat Bacchus: I booked us a table at this beautiful restaurant because they are known for their range of wines. They are South African by origin and the menu heavily features rare breed meats. They also have a beautiful cheese room stocked with a wide variety of cheese.

I picked a steamed sea bream for my main paired with a Merlot from their Lunch deal meal deal, available at their London bridge branch. Priced at £12.95 it was very delicious, light yet filling option. My husband chose the open steak sandwich. This whopper of a sandwich is made up of 125gm of Surrey Hills aged sirloin steak served on sourdough bread with triple cooked chips and lots of juicy caramelised onion.

Work off the lunch by strolling across Hays Galleria, admire the tall ceiling of this covered market, enjoy riverside views of tall glass building including the walkie-talkie building – home of the Sky Garden. Then you can pick from a tour of the HMS Belfast or the Tower of London.

Take a break after admiring the crown jewels by relaxing with a pint or two at the beautiful Dickens Inn at St. Katherine’s Docks.

After enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the marina, head to Sky Garden. Watch the sunset while you enjoy a cocktail at the Sky Pod Bar.

Work off the fatigue by getting some caffeine at the Rabot 1745 overlooking the Borough Market which will have shut by then but the surrounding bars and restaurants will be coming to life.

Enjoy a walk by the riverside or take your pick from the many shows at the local theatres. We decided to walk by the river and then headed to Waterloo which is a short tube ride away. Taxis are easily available too. We walked along the Waterloo Bridge, one of our favourite things to do and take in the beautiful views of the London Eye and Southbank on one side and the stunning St.Pauls Cathedral on the other bank.

Dinner was a hearty Cuban meal at a vibrant restaurant called Cubana behind Waterloo station. The brightly coloured walls are full of posters depicting the countries history, mix and match metal filigree chairs and rustic wooden tables huddle together for space. But no one complains because the martinis are flowing and they are the stars at Cubana. Mock guns and other bric-a-bac adorn the walls around us while the bar area and covered outside seating seem to be overflowing with hungry folks.

We left for home, exhausted but happy, feeling like we had just headed home from a day trip outside London.

If you want a more relaxed day out why not consider a trip to Denbies Vineyard? Read my post about my day trip here.

Also, find some great ideas for family days out find my Top 5 picks of some amazing places of outstanding natural beauty in and around London.

*Disclaimer: The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own

Boutique Apartment Hotel – The Halycon – Bath Spa – a review

December 9, 2019 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Luxurious Boutique Apartment Hotel Located in the heart of the town centre at Bath Spa, England

Visiting the Roman Baths in England is on every tourist’s wishlist, which is why picking the right kind of accommodation for your needs is important. The Halycon is a collection of sophisticated self-catered Boutique Apartment Hotel located centrally for the main tourist destination – the Roman Baths. The 1700’s Georgian townhouse has been tastefully done to very high standards. Location-wise, there is a wide selection of restaurants and eateries located in and around the apartments, leaving one absolutely spoilt for choice.

What kind of a traveller are you?

We picked this Boutique Apartment Hotel because of its central location. We were travelling with elderly family members and our main criteria were to ensure ease of getting to the main attractions, on-site kitchen to rustle up a homely meal, transport links, and of course comfortable accommodation. Not only do these Boutique apartments cover the basics they also offer so many more amenities.

Halcyon Apartments are an ideal choice for:

Perfect for a romantic getaway for couples
Families
Older travellers
Solo female travellers
Group of female travellers

Facilities at The Halycon – Boutique Apartment Hotel

Kitchen

Modern fitted kitchen with high-end appliances. Fabulous coffee-maker and the most important thing for us – a good kettle and a good choice of teabags. The kitchen was spotless. We shopped at a local supermarket and I made a quick pasta dinner for all of us the first evening. The fridge-freezer came in handy as we also picked up milk, eggs, and ice cream. Everything that would need to dine-in is available to use right from basic cutlery to kitchen knives, plates, wine glasses, etc. If you choose to and cook on-site there is a stive-top, oven, dishwasher.

Bathroom

Again, spotlessly clean, the bathroom comes equipped with high-end toiletries and soft bath towels. The laundry cupboard in the second bedroom had spare towels, an ironing board, iron, a baby high-chair, extra bedding and pillows too.

Bedrooms

Most important – Very comfortable beds.

The fabulous interior decoration theme continues upstairs into the bedrooms. The bedding, light fixtures, and wardrobes all beautifully synchronised and matched. Lush! The whole apartment is an interior decorator’s dream and so very insta-worthy!

Other amenities include Free wi-fi, a flat screen TV and comfortable and stylish seating with complete black-out blinds throughout. We found a fabulous independently run pizza place and a bar right outside our accommodation and enjoyed a great takeaway in the living area.

Overall Experience

Stunning boutique Hotel Apartment, well-equipped and extremely clean. Unbeatable location and loads of options for food and drink very close-by. Very safe and secure accommodation, ensuring peace of mind. Top tourist attractions nearby. Extremely easy to follow and clear instructions from the host for check-in and check out. The owners are very prompt to reply and can be reached easily.

The only thing that we were not too happy about during our stay which happened to coincide with some of the hottest summer days, was that the table fans and one tall fan don’t really do much in extreme heat. We did crack open the windows but the U.K dry heat and no breeze kind of weather did not help either. Why not air conditioning you might wonder, well the Halycon is housed in a period Georgian townhouse and is a listed building, that’s why. Also, considering this sort of heatwave is rare in the U.K, it is not really a deterrent.

There was some noise from morning deliveries to an establishment right in front of the apartment which faces this loading bay, so yes no view but again, this is not something that bothered us in the least.

We also had the shower malfunction in the early hours of the morning so by the time we called and asked for someone to be sent to check this out, my parents had already had their breakfast and left for seeing the Roman Baths. They wanted to reach the Roman Baths really early, which they did. This enabled them to avoid the majority of the tourist rush that starts coming in around mid-day. And considering we only stayed two nights, it was disappointing we had to deal with something like this. Although top marks for the speed at which this issue was sorted and how smoothly it was all handled.

Would we book again? Definitely.

Quick checklist and summary of why to book these gorgeous apartments:

Location – short walking distance from The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and The Circus Bath
Great variety of restaurants, cafes, shopping mall, and supermarkets
Transport links

Summary:

Location: Henry Street Bath
Website
Nearest attractions: The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and The Circus Bath
Walking distance from the Railway and Bus station
Official Bath tourist website

Looking for travel inspiration within the U.K? Have a look at my other posts:

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all tourist attractions. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

The Five Bells Hotel, Aylesbury – Review

July 9, 2019 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Sometimes the best remedy to break the monotony of a hectic work schedule is a quick, short but relaxing break.

When I was invited by the folks up at the Happy Eggs Farm in Tring, it gave me an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of London if only for a short while.

For my overnight stay, I was put up in a classic B&B style hotel called The Five Bells in Weston Turville, Aylesbury.

Travel from London was supposed to be simple a journey on the Thameslink train via Blackfriars but of course, on that particular day the train was delayed and I had to make my way to St.Pancras and board the train to Luton from there. From Luton station, a cab journey and finally I made it to the hotel.

Nestled in picturesque surroundings the rustic Five Bells oozes rustic charm. The check-in area is at the bar which has a very warm and welcoming vibe. The pub boasts of a well-stocked bar, lots of seating and a huge beautiful fireplace too. They also have loads of beautiful outdoor seating and plenty of parking is available.

My room for the night was cosy and clean, the bathroom though small was spotlessly clean and the room came equipped with a T.V, writing desk, wi-fi and tea /coffee making facilities. For a one night stay, this was just apt.

Later that evening, I settled into a comfy chair by the fireplace and enjoyed a relaxed drink and a chat with the lovely Jane, friend and fellow food blogger. The staff was really friendly and the pub was full, with a good mix of locals and visitors. Dinner was really delicious and I enjoyed a really comforting and homely meal. The fresh seabass was served on a bed of buttery mash. And I certainly don’t regret having a very generous portion of the warm apple pie with custard!

After that hearty meal, I am glad I turned in early as I had an early start the next day to get to the Happy Eggs farm on time.

I had a brilliant day at the farm, you can read all about my adventure here

Travelling to Aylesbury? The Five Bells has now undergone what looks like a fab refurbishment. I wouldn’t mind going back to see it in person.

Disclaimer: With thanks to the Five Bells Inn, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire for having me as a guest. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated monetarily for this post.

Two-night stay with Premier Inn, Southampton

November 27, 2017 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Exploring the food scene in Southampton was on the cards when I planned a short two-day trip to Southampton. Every year I explore new places when I go to events like blog camp, this is a great way for me to explore the food and local culture. With lots of things planned during our two-night stay, I wanted to ensure a comfortable and rested evening with a clean and well-equipped room. Premier Inn has two locations in Southampton and my friends Heidi, Nayna and me stayed at the one in City Centre.

The other branch is at West Quay. Southampton offers lots of options for stay as it is home to one of U,K’s top-ranked universities. Naturally, like most other university towns, lots of good budget stay and food options are available. So an opportunity to review Premier Inn for our short-stay was great as it ticked most of my must-haves.

These are my basic Budget Hotel must-haves:

Comfy clean bed
Spotlessly clean bathroom
Close to transport links
Safe, quiet and with easy access to local eateries
Breakfast options
Free wifi
Easy booking options online

I wanted something close to the railway station, within walking distance from the city centre and ideally not too far away from the harbour as we were to spend the day aboard a luxury cruise liner called Msc Preziosa.

Premier Inn guarantees a good night’s sleep or your money back and with their luxury king-size Hypnos beds am sure they fulfil this guarantee.

Check-in was a breeze and our rooms were all cleaned and ready for us to move in. After setting the temperature to a toasty 19 deg, I sat down to enjoy a much-needed cuppa. The room comes with a kettle and some basic tea and coffee making facilities.

We did have the option to get the generous Premier Inn breakfast but decided against it as we had an early start the next day.

My double-room came equipped with a king-size comfy bed, a sofa and massive table with all sorts of plug points. This made coming back after a long day and checking emails over the free 24/ 7 wifi, very easy. I normally carry my DSLR camera and along with my phone and battery pack, need to charge all of them. No problem there, as the room was well-equipped with all modern day amenities and several plug-points.

The bathroom with a bath-tub had a basic shower gel and was spotlessly clean.

Extra fluffy pillows, a toasty duvet, the luxuriously comfortable bed and the blackout curtains ( to leave the outside world – well- outside) ensured I slept through the night, both nights and woke up re-energised.

Premier Inn is a great budget option, especially for short stays. You cannot fault the good night’s sleep promise and the other basic amenities are exactly what you would need. They are certainly a popular choice and have won many awards in the mid-range category and come with a high ranking on TripAdvisor too.

What is it that you look for when you book short stays or business trips? I would love to know your thoughts and I always read and reply to comments with suggestions, queries and tips, besides I love hearing experiences from fellow travellers.

Why not check out what Heidi thought of her stay in Premier Inn, Southampton by having a read of her review post here

*With thanks to Premier Inn for offering a complimentary two-night stay. As usual, all opinions expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was offered for a positive review.

Christmas Lunch at River Cottage

November 30, 2016 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Winter at River Cottage

River Cottage is an experience and after the power-packed day, I spent there last year with Foodies 100, I couldn’t turn down an invitation to go back this year.

Thankfully, my friends and I managed to find rooms at the same gorgeous B&B which we stayed at last year, Millwater House run by Tim and Ruth. This year in addition to maintaining very clean rooms, a stunning reception, and dining area, and a massive back garden complete with a green-house they also built a makeshift disco in a barn and kept the signage as a memory and a huge rack to grade and store the excess supply of apples from the many fruit-laden trees that dot the driveway.

Last year thanks to Heidi’s husband the very kind Mr. R, we ( Tina, Nayna, and I ) managed to go see the beach at Lyme Regis and explore the beautiful town and even have a fabulous dinner at one of the best sea-food places in town.

This year though we spent our extra day off, window-shopping and shopping for props.

Unlike last year, when we had brilliant sunny weather and had a farm tour, kitchen garden tour, a fabulous baking session in the superb teaching kitchen and not to mention some cracking blogger training sessions, this year gave us an opportunity to really connect with other bloggers. We had a brainstorming session where everyone shared their tips – everything from increasing social media following to scheduling blog posts and collaborating.

The main hall at River cottage was decorated with pretty flowers and pumpkins of all shapes and varieties of adorned tables. It could have been a setting for a dreamy country wedding.

We were given an insight into brining of meat and vegetables and I managed to learn a few great tricks.

Though I did enjoy spending some time in the huge yurt and loved how toasty and warm it is inside with the fireplace, of course, the best part was the fantastic festive dinner.

We started off by enjoying eating some of the fantastic sharing platters with pork and leek croquettes with tamarind and green tomato chutney, goat’s cheese, beetroot, honey, and fennel on impossibly thin crispbread, mussels served with a scattering of finely chopped red onion and a few other gorgeous dishes.

For starters, we were served celeriac ravioli with wild mushrooms and leaves – what an absolutely satisfying dish this was. I craved an extra portion …alas, it was not to be 😉

River Cottage brines and cures their own meats of course, as they use natural ingredients versus the nitrates used in commercial varieties. For my main course, I enjoyed some succulent ‘fall off the bone soft’ River Cottage pork, brined in cider served on a bed of carrot puree, fried savoy cabbage, and braised beans. Probably the only time I have felt like asking for helpings of cabbage;)

The dessert was a perfectly formed honeycomb crème brûlée served with apple puree, the puree had a really sharp taste though. The best part was of the dessert were these divine wafer-thin apple crisps.

Crème brûlée at the River Cottage Christmas Blogger Lunch

I am so glad I wore layers and purchased a fab new pair of warm gloves before we made our way to the farm. It was a very cold evening and a crazy tractor ride to and fro to the farm was just one of the things that made the evening really fun.

I am not entirely certain whether I feel brave enough to cure or brine meat on my own though, but I am certainly hoping I can go back to River Cottage sometime soon to pick up some more kitchen skills.

This wonderful experience also reminded me of the past events organised by Foodies 100 and one such was a Blog Camp at Birmingham. I was only in Birmingham for a day but would love to go back and properly explore the city, especially the food scene there. Meanwhile, my fellow blogger has written an interesting blog post about her visit to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre with her children, do check it out if you need ideas of day trips ideal for families.

Looking for Travel Inspiration around London or other parts of the U.K, then have a browse through my travel posts below:

*With thanks to Foodies100 for organising such a Christmas Lunch and the talented team at River Cottage for an unforgettable experience. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own. No incentive was provided for a positive review.

Behind the scenes at a free range Happy Eggs Co farm

August 19, 2016 by manjirichitnis 15 Comments

Happy Eggs – Behind the scenes at a free-range farm in rural England

Scrambled, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, poached, in an omelette, in a frittata – whichever way you like your eggs, they are an unbeatable source of protein and unsurprisingly, a much-loved way to kick start the day with a power-packed breakfast. I have always loved eggs especially runny scrambled ones like the ones my Baba makes for breakfast. It was hard for me then, to say no to a tempting invitation by Happy Eggs to come visit their farm up in Tring.

Travelling to Happy Eggs farm from London

Having read so much, about how Happy Eggs Co like to have their girls roam around freely, this was a chance for me to experience things firsthand. So on a perfectly fine summer afternoon, I set out from London to the Hertfordshire. Arriving from London on the day would have been a nightmare, so I decided to stay one night in the village nearby the farm.

After a rather nightmarish re-routing of my otherwise straightforward journey to Luton, I finally managed to get there only about two hours late, thanks to cancelled and delayed trains. Thankfully, after that bit, it was a just quick drive from Luton station into the picturesque countryside.

No better way to recharge my batteries than a quick getaway out of London city limits. After I checked into the Five Bells Vintage Inn, I met lovely Jane who writes at The Hedgecombers for a quick drink and dinner. It was absolutely fabulous catching up with her after months. Jane is just one of the many amazing bloggers I have met at FBC and over the years we all have become really good friends. While Jane went back to her cute camper van for the night, I settled in early to ensure I got to the farm on time.

120 acres of space at the Bulborne Happy Eggs Co. Farm

Feeling Egg-tastic at the Happy Eggs farm at Bulborne

Breakfast at the B&B with Jane was a quick affair and I even got to ride with her to the farm in that camper van – Woohoo!!! – quite a treat for a city like me! We lost our way a bit and after driving around in circles for a bit we finally made our way to Bulborne farm. We were greeted by a big bunch of bloggers and the Happy Egg co team.

It was a good that we had an early breakfast then, as we missed the morning treats laid out for us. After a quick introduction we all donned fresh blue overalls and sipped into wellies – I have NEVER walked for so many hours in wellies before but it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

Happy Eggs Farm at Bulborne is an Organic farm spread across 120 acres of open,lush green space

Farmer JP of Bulborne farm is one of the many farmers who work with Noble Foods, the company that owns the Happy Egg brand. Bulborne Farm houses 14,000 girls as the hens are known or VIBS – very important birds in a space spread across 120 acres. This farm is a fully organic farm which means it is audited by bodies such as Organic Food Federation or Organic Farmers & Growers. This is in addition, to being certified and audited by the BEIC Lion Code.

All the Free Range, Barn and Organic farms that Noble Foods works with are also certified and audited by the RSPCA Freedom Food Scheme – a scheme to ensure hen welfare giving them not just wide open spaces to roam around freely but also to ensuring that they have access to dust-baths and specially designed activity kits, exactly like the one you see in my photo below.

Activity Kits for hens at Happy Eggs farm

Specially designed activity kit at Bulforne farm for Hen welfare

The focus on hen welfare and production of free-range eggs is given so much importance that they even sponsor research into work that how to create and maintain a stress free environment for the girls and keep them happy. After all Happy Hens produce Happy eggs!

Happy hens at Bulborne Farm - Happy Eggs

At the hen-house, ( no pun intended!) we saw the hens run outside to enjoy the sunshine, all the while, clucking away very happily. As we stood and took in what Farmer JP told us about a typical day in the life of an egg farmer, the hens roamed around freely around our group, not in the least perturbed by our presence.

While one part of our group went inside the hen house to look at how it is designed and what facilities are provided to ensure the hens are healthy and happy and feel safe while laying eggs, we took turns holding these handsome birds. The naughty hen I held tried to peck at my hand and escaped from my hands before I could pose for a decent picture – naughty girl!

Happy Hens posing for our cameras - Happy Egg farm at Bulborne

Did you know that a hen lays an egg every 26 hours? Or that hens need dust to keep themselves clean and well-groomed? Hens are very intelligent beings and quite inquisitive by nature. To ensure that they get to satisfy their natural curiosity, each farm ensures that at least 20% of every open area must have trees planted on it.

Space aplenty and lots of trees and foliage at Happy Egg farm in Bulborne

Farmer JP explained that he understands the difference between a happy clucking and would know of his girls were unhappy instantly. One of the indicators as I already mentioned is that the hens are fearless around humans, also the hens at his farm have a very healthy and shiny set of feathers.

Now that we have established that these eggs truly are free-range, how do we differentiate between the taste of eggs laid by happy hens versus caged hens? Farmer JP told us that the happy state of mind and healthy living conditions of his Happy hens results in tastier eggs. Also, fewer eggs with defects are found. These defects include a thin shell or wrinkled eggshell, which are indicators that the hens are under stress.

Jp explains why Happy Eggs are tastier because they are free range

Ergonomically designed housing for hens at Happy Eggs farm

As I walked into the e hen house, I steeled myself for an assault on my olfactory senses – what with all the pee and poo of hens, but honestly I was quite pleasantly surprised. There was dust flying around, thanks a bunch of excited hens who were jumping around in their dust-bath and cackling loudly as if exchanging some juicy gossip.

JP explained that the feeders, waste management system and egg collection areas are designed to ensure that hens are well-fed, their living space is kept clean, all this also designed to provide privacy for the hens when they want to lay eggs.

On being quizzed about an article in the Daily Mail about hens being caged, we were informed that those hens were being treated for an illness and the article was factually incorrect. A claim that was backed by RSPCA. Sadly, as the article was not fact-based, it was followed by an apology later. Unfortunately, bad news spreads like a virus and this affects all the farmers who strive to maintain high standards. I speak from my personal experience of my visit to Bulborne farm which I can assure you, was very clean. To maintain the level of hygiene we witnessed on the day, I am positive that there is a lot of work hard involved backed by careful consideration towards hen welfare. Happy Egg farms at Bulborne contribute to research and have performed better than expected during all their audits, yes, even the ones that happen unannounced and when least expected.

Picking eggs at the Happy Eggs farm

We then picked some of the freshly laid eggs and had a look at the area where the eggs are stored before being shipped out. The stamping of the eggs is a manual process and the unique codes help identify exactly which farm they originate from. The eggs are graded by size and packed into the trademark cheery yellow cartons that are so easily recognisable on supermarket shelves.

Famished after all that hard work we headed back to the base where a freshly prepared four course meal awaited. Chefs from Jackson & Rye restaurants in London cooked us a feast of smoked devilled eggs as canapes’ sprinkled with chives and a taste of delicious mayo, creamy avocados and spinach in Eggs Florentine.

This was followed by a massive portion of the classic Mexican treat – Huevos Rancheros – loved the perfectly poached eggs on top oozing golden yolk and the fresh tomatoes and guacamole. Dessert was a Pecan tart which I wolfed down at lightening speed.

To truly understand the meaning of free range and how gold standards are achieved and maintained one must experience at close quarters how a Happy Egg farm is managed. By no means, an easy task, the passion that the whole team here has towards hen welfare is evident from the love they have for these birds.

Recipe inspiration from my kitchen

While I have you here, can I interest in you in some of my egg-tastic recipes? Have a gander and leave me a comment (or two) if you rustle up any of these dishes :

Indian Masala Egg Omlette
Egg curry – Anda curry – easy recipe for Uni students
Turkish Poached Eggs – Cilbir
Eggs baked in pots with smoky chorizo and chives
Soft boiled eggs and asparagus soldiers – one of my Dad’s fav recipes
Vintage Frittata recipe

I was so egg-cited to meet some of my fellow food bloggers who came along for this farm visit. They were egg-cellent company! Alex Ryder writes at The Gingey Bites Heidi Roberts blogs at Kitchen Talk and travels

Visiting Tring? Have a look at my review of the beautiful Five Bells Vintage Inn here.

Disclaimer: With thanks to the Happy Eggs co for having me as a guest at Tring and Bulborne Free Range Happy Egg Co Farm. Many Thanks to Farmer JP and his team for a fabulous day out. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated monetarily for this post.

A week in North Wales – my Travelogue Part 2 – South Stack Lighthouse and Cemaes Bay

January 5, 2015 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

Exploring Ceames Bay

A travelogue is my way of documenting an online diary. Also, hopefully, a guide to future visitors to Wales to use this as a guide for their travels. So why not browse through Part 1 of my travelogue about Holyhead.

After a fabulous day spent walking and lazing on a sandy beach, we had an early start the next day, highly excited that we were off to see a lighthouse. Now for this excursion we booked a cab as that’s the only way to get there of you do not drive, or you could take bus no 22 from Summer Hill in Holyhead town to the RSPB South Stack Cliffs bird reserve housed inside the delightful Elin’s Tower.

An interesting memory from the day at beach before I tell you all about South stack – The previous evening (Day 2 – 28th July’13 -Sun) we went looking for a place to get some dinner and chanced upon a cute little Italian place on the tiny high street called Graces Bistro which is now closed, I’d imagine it would have had issues surviving because even when we went there, they were out of many things early in the evening and the wine was overpriced. I must admit though that the food was delicious – an Indian – Bangladeshi place called Saffron is now open in its place.

We also had an interesting time at a place called The Edinburgh Castle – The EddieBar, – which is just opposite the ferry line and was packed on Day 2 – Sunday – 28th July’13 – we had a very satisfying lunch of Spaghetti Bolognese and Burger and chips, the way the locals were there in great numbers and enjoying the roast I’d say we missed some brilliant Sunday Carvery…

This also reminds me that the day we reached Holyhead (Day 1 – 27th July’13 – Sat) we found only one pub open close to LIDL near the railway station – The Boston Arms, very welcoming, we were served hot food and decent beer even late in the afternoon, nothing makes me happier than good fish-n-chips after a long train journey – wouldn’t you agree?

Day 3: Major Sightseeing – South Stack Lighthouse – A 19th-century gem

There is a 400-step stone stairway that leads to a suspension bridge over a dead drop that leads to the lighthouse. A mixture of fear and awe-filled me while walking this stairway – fear of being on a bridge that is the only support – a sturdy one – not to worry – that leads to this stunning 28 m structure across a chasm and awe for the aluminium bridge that was rebuilt and opened to people in 1997. In the early days an aerial hempen cable ropeway to bridge the deep chasm between the rock on which the lighthouse stands and the mainland – a hempen cable which was 21 metres above sea level (!!!) was used along which a sliding basket was drawn which carried a passenger or stores- brrrr (shudder – shudder!) finally replaced by a sturdier iron suspension bridge in 1828 – this was replaced in 1983 but replaced by the new aluminium one for safety reasons.

Built in 1808 to facilitate better navigation in the area of the surrounding waters. The lighthouse is now automated and remotely controlled and monitored from the Trinity House Operational Control Centre in Harwich, Essex.

(In the photograph above, notice the white aluminium bridge like a closed cage)

We took a guided tour of the lighthouse, where we were given a peek into the history and fascinating facts were shared. We also climbed up a very narrow stairwell as far as visitors are allowed to go and I was the last to go down this one – praying hard – while giggling kids stood downstairs wondering why I was making such a fuss 😉

After a relaxed walk down 400 steps we strolled to Elin’s Tower which now doubles up as an RSPB information centre and an awesome place for bird watching – for several breeding seabirds, including puffins – we even spotted one – bobbing about on the water, what a treat it was spotting it with the help of the staff and their binoculars- loved it! And a great spot for amazing views of the lighthouse. It also has a cute tourist shop and cafe where we sat outside and ate some food. Much-needed sustenance I’d say – if you sit outside watch your food like a hawk or one of the many naughty birds is going to steal it before you can say the word hello!

Its good to know that: Ellin’s Tower and the Visitor Centre are open all year, with viewpoint, are wheelchair and pushchair accessible and a network of footpaths provides access to the whole reserve.

( In the top left-hand side of this collage – check out the wings of the seagull as it is flying away after robbing someone’s lunch – naughty bird!)

Hubster and I were really feeling adventurous so after the cab dropped us back at Holyhead we boarded bus no 61 to Cemaes Bay. I was really not sure if it was wise to do this considering the buses back are not very frequent after 6 pm and we were really cutting it very close.

But again we have done this thing before, not the journey I mean literally but yes hopping onto a bus going pretty much anywhere, it’s mad thrilling especially if it’s late evening – sometimes in various places we just wait for the bus to turn back and drop us off into town close to our place of stay for the night. But we have ALWAYS met very chatty and fun locals, including the bus drivers, have seen the most amazing spots like when we took a bus into the villagey part at Brighton, it was mad fun, we saw rolling hills and the setting sun and that part of Brighton which is away from the madness of peak touristy places – it is always fun and totally worth it! 🙂

The bus dropped us close to a lovely beach at Bull Bay, Amlwch Port, we walked along the quiet beach and drank in the stunning views…..few families swimming, walking along the fabulous beach and admiring the pretty little harbour in the distance.

A long dreamy walk along the Anglesey Coastal Path later, as we made our way to the bus stop, located on a quiet street, all shops shut for the day, very quiet and with no sign of anyone about we chanced upon a fabulous cafe – Coffee Cups- at the Cemaes Heritage Centre, run by a very friendly couple, who happened to have lived in Surrey at some pint, what fun, and while they made us a really quick cream tea, I went crazy with my camera taking pictures of the lovely cafe and well-maintained back garden. Both husband-wife duo -Carole and Roy Kearey – knew the area well and shared many tips with us, even offered us a ride back into Holyhead if the bus didn’t show up, that was so kind of them. But most importantly they saved me from a rather persistent BEE that insisted on joining in our little tea party – humph… we took cover indoors and managed to finish our Welsh tea, locally made cones, fresh jam and clotted cream with yummy strawberries – in peace.

Did I mention I fell in love with the china they used too? 🙂

Safely back in Holyhead by the trusty bus service that arrived right on time, we spent the evening strolling around the Maritime Museum, watching the sunset and listening to the noisy seagulls…amazingly in that quiet setting their screams were part of the calm…

Of course dinner was fish and chips – fresh and delicious – most fun I had was saving my meal from the seagulls…

Stay with me as I take you to the beautiful Llanberis, home to the tallest peak in England and Wales – the majestic Snowdon.

References

Wiki
Anglesey Holidays
Anglesey Visitor
Wonderfully Wild Wales

**All hyperlinks in the post lead to information websites – check out bus routes before planning a journey. All information is correct to my knowledge but would advise anyone using this post as a guideline to please check for updated information.

A week in North Wales – my Travelogue Part 1

January 4, 2015 by manjirichitnis 2 Comments

In and Around Holyhead – Day 1 and 2

It’s never easy to try and summarize all the wonderful feelings one goes through on vacation especially in such a scenic place like the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. The many lakes, mountains, nature trails, and remains of many magnificent castles make it difficult to not only go visit the best ones but also to do justice to the travelogue by giving useful information to anyone else trying to plan a trip. I don’t promise to live to these expectations I have and as a reader am sure you will to but I shall try my very best.

Hubby and I both gave serious thought to how we should see Wales and decided to start with North Wales to satiate my desire to see beaches and his to see the mighty Snowdon. I love that we could do both in one trip. Since it was pretty much a last-minute trip I had like a few hours to research, call the BnB’s that I had shortlisted, book, and draw up an itinerary. Thankfully all the honest and helpful reviews on TripAdvisor and the many listings on sites like Booking.com helped me plan our trip.

Will try and share as much of our experiences our this week back in 2013 as I can, I am loving seeing our photos and chatting with my husband about how amazing this trip was – as I write it up – makes it all the more enjoyable revisiting a week of fabulous sightseeing and an unexpected achievement!

Day 1: Arriving from London to Holy Head by train: Euston – Chester – Crewe – Holyhead

We boarded a Virgin Train from Euston- these super fast electric horses that take you to your destination in a flash! I love that as it allows for one to use the rest of the day quickly settling in and walking around familiarizing oneself with the new place and basically collecting brochures, finding a good place to eat and just getting a good local ale from a local pub – always a pleasure in Wales as the Welsh locals wherever we went were very warm, welcoming and chatty.

After 3 train changes ones getting that familiar feeling that … of being well out of London city limits. The First Great Western Rail -a charming 3 coach train journey that whizzes past brilliantly beautiful beaches from Crewe to Holyhead.

The evening we arrived we went to a local pub which is very to Travel Lodge – and a Black Sabbath tribute band called Electric Funeral played some really cool numbers. Love the unexpected I say!

After our unexpected beer evening at The Blossoms where we were swinging away, we could only find emergency food, late at night,at the Globe Cafe next door, it a small little place but very – VERY busy on weekend evenings – try their curry sauce it’s weirdly yum after lots of beer 😉

Day 2: Trearddur Bay

Day 2: Spent eating, drinking beer, walking around Trearddur bay…sand under our feet, the sea breeze in our hair… and just chilling – the days of doing nothing without guilt – umm – how rare are these days…

I am truly a sailor’s daughter and the allure of miles of sandy beaches with views like that … I find simply irresistible. We met a fit couple who were walking the coastline of Wales, having just sent off their youngest out in the world, they finally had taken off for themselves – I love bumping into people like that, always very interesting and at times highly inspiring.

Rockpools abound, one can walk along the beach or go on boating and fishing trips or even scuba diving. Enthusiastic people can even get walking all the way towards South Stack and the stunningly beautiful old lighthouse and RSPB Reserve.

Bus service from Holyhead to the beach is available, the bus service is not great but dependable, we left around 4 pm and had to wait for less than 15 mins for a ride back into town, not bad huh? Check bus time-tables here.

In my next post I shall share some photographs of our walk along with South stack where we had breathtaking views of the sea and the walk up to the lighthouse, a visit to a quiet secluded beach, and an unplanned visit to a quaint tea shop in Cemaes Bay.

We stayed at Travel Lodge while in Holyhead, as their ad’s claim the beds are very comfortable, it was exceptionally warm. as we went there in the last week of July. Don’t bother taking their breakfast deal, go out and discover the village, you will find a decent breakfast place or two in the smallest of towns – only advice – wake up early – after 11:30 am scope of getting scrambled eggs on toast is bleak.

Inspired to Travel and discover Wales for yourself? Here are a few tourist information sites you might find useful:

P.S: This is from my travel diaries back in 2013, have been meaning to share my travel tales forever now, finally shall share all my adventures so far in the coming months!

Family days out – Top 5 spots around London

June 16, 2014 by manjirichitnis 8 Comments

Planning family days out made easy

The Great British Summer is here and the weather is brilliant, sunny and perfect for days out in the park , at the beach or out exploring with the family on a weekend. There are many brilliant places that you can go to on a budget even if you don’t drive and have a really fun day out in the sun with the family.

My top 5 places to visit in and around London in the summer

Last year my 5 favourite day out spots were places where we did one day trips using public transport and carried a few essentials, there is always scope to go in groups and stay overnight in one of the quaint English Bed and Breakfast places – O.D on the morning Full English for breakfast and generally have a blast .

Recommendations for family days out in summer, in and around London

So here’s my list of my Top 5 picks for best places to spend a day out in the Great British Summer 2014, not too far from London,easy on the pocket,family friendly options and easily approachable by public transport! Let me know what you think :

Pebbled Shores of Brighton

This is trip down memory lane for me now, seems like yesterday though. my very first spring in the U.K and on a fine morning we set out for Brighton. Sun, fish and chips and noisy seagulls yes, sandy beach – no! But there is nothing a comfy deck chair can’t solve.

Family days out - Top 5 spots around London - Brighton Pier — Family days out – Top 5 spots around LondonFamily days out – Top 5 spots around London

We hopped onto a 45-minute coastal cruise. The most enchanting view on the cruise was of the skeletal structure or what’s left of the West Pier. Something very fascinating and mysterious about this relic.

Family days out - Top 5 spots around London - Remnants of West Pier Brighton — West Pier Remnants – Brighton

Ideal for a family days out in summer

Walked past the Brighton Marina to admire the many beautiful yachts.Many bars and restaurants along the quayside we choose a rather cosy looking one and had a leisurely drink watching the yachts bobbing around on the water the bright late evening sunlight bouncing off yatch decks.

Family days out - Top 5 spots around London - Stunning Views — Stunning Views – Brighton

We stumbled upon the extraordinary palace the Royal Pavilion built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV. This royal ‘pleasure palace’ is remarkable for its exotic chinoiserie style. It was revered by fashionable Regency society and is still a distinctive landmark for vibrant Brighton & Hove today.

Family days out - Top 5 spots around London - Royal Pavilion, Brighton — Royal Pavilion – Brighton

Fishing, Sailing, or taking a journey on the oldest electric train from the smallest station I’ve seen yet – Marina Station, there are loads of fun activities to do with the family on a day out. Just after we hopped off our bus to the station and on an impulse we took another bus into beautiful the coastal village of Saltdean. Whatever you do, don’t go away from Brighton without seeing Saltdean if only you do it on a plus bus journey like we did, especially since there is a road called Marine Drive at Saltdean, reminded me of Bombay it did.

Day out for 2 at Brighton will cost you approximately under £65 if you had to really budget yourself ***

Train Tickets: £20 if booked in advance via The Train Line
Plus Bus: £3.30 adult ie.£6.60
Boat Ride: £8.50 adult
Fish and Chips: Approx £5 each at The Regency Restaurant
Sundry (Ice Cream, Water, using public loo’s): £15

Soft sandy beach at West Wittering

To me a beach always meant soft white -brown sands and warm waters to splash around in , well that was until I visited a pebbled beach of course. So after Brighton , I was aching to go to a beach where I could just spread a blanket ,lie down and snooze off with the sound of waves in the distant background- ermm yes yes that sounds lazy , but heck thats me! Just walking along the soft sandy beach of West Wittering in West Sussex is very calming and watching kids screaming as they run into the bearably cold water, dogs digging busily into the sand and people generally soaking up the sun and hoping to tan evenly 😉

Family days out - Top 5 spots around London - West Wittering Beach — West Wittering Beach

Sandy beachs makes for the perfect family days out

West Wittering Beach is one of these 4000 beaches and marinas in 48 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean that has cleared the strict criteria dealing with Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, and Safety and Other Services and is therefore a BLUE FLAG BEACH. So not only is this beach a highly picturesque place of natural beauty,wildlife and birds to enjoy but very safe too.

Family days out - Top 5 spots around London - West Wittering Beach during summer — Family days out – Top 5 spots around London – West Wittering Beach

With beautiful views of the Chichester Harbour and the South Down its a great place for adventure sports like windsurfing or kitesurfing.

After a long stroll along the beach and having clicked a few pictures especially the beautiful and colourful cabins at the back where we spotted a huge family gathering having fun around a tempting BBQ and lots of chilled beer – perfect! Ice cream at the beach is customary and after we got ourselves some at the beach cafe – braving a long queue we decided to just sit down n enjoy the sights and sounds. To find a quieter spot we walked past the area full of families and hyper excited kids and went to the area where pets are allowed, relatively fewer people and a spot just perfect to lay down a picnic blanket ! Before we knew it we were dozing and I think I dreamt I was part of Tintin’s adventures in Sussex- oh , well don’t you remember he snowy and he headed there in ‘The Black Island‘ .I have been a huge fan of Tintin ever since I first read Herge’s adorable imaginary whodunits as a kid ! I have spent endless summer holidays snuggled up in bed in the afternoon reading Tintin with my cousins or seated in a corner of my local library – such pageturners I tell ya!

How To get there: Train, Road, Bus, Cycle
Toilets Available: Yes
Food and Drink: Beach Cafe
Parking: Minimal charges ranging from £1 to £8 apply depending on what time of the year you visit.

Family days out - Top 5 spots around London - West Wittering Sandy Beach — Sandy Beach at West Wittering

Family days out - Top 5 spots around London - Beautiful beach huts at the Sandy Beach, West Wittering — Beautiful beach huts at the Sandy Beach, West Wittering

Trekking Near Box Hill

Have climbed the Snowdon last year with my husband it might seem that trekking up Box Hill amounts to no effort, but don’t be fooled! It is a fairly good exercise getting up to the top of Box Hill and people enjoy this as its makes for a good climb with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Salomons Memorial (viewpoint) offers views up to 26 miles away including Chanctonbury Ring and Devil’s Dyke, Sussex, also towards the Gatwick airport and the South Downs.

Family days out - Box Hill Trek — Box Hill

Family days out - Stunning View from atop Box Hill, Surrey — Stunning View from atop Box Hill, Surrey

If you are a trigger happy camera aficionado then this place offers huge scope for taking some great shots. If your a history buff then check out the Box Hill fort built in 1896 ,similar to 12 forts in the south east of England.There’s also an upside down grave where Major Peter Labellière was buried upside down in the belief that the world was ‘topsy turvy’.

Exercise and fresh air on family days out

Another interesting tidbit about Box Hill is that it was home to the inventor of the television!John Logie Baird, the inventor of television, lived at Swiss Cottage on Box Hill from 1929 until 1932. He carried out his initial experiments by sending a TV signal from the top of the hill to the valley below,he also conducted experiments using his Noctovisor an infra-red viewing device.

Family days out - Trekking up Box Hill, Surrey — Trekking up Box Hil

You do do one of the many walks around Box Hill, there is even a trail suitable for toddlers where you can be sure to fire their imagination and get plenty of exercise and fresh air ,who knows they might just discover some interesting flowers,birds or creepy crawlies! There is also a Butterfly trail but the most amazing walk is the superb stepping stones walk which we did.Its something out of a picture pop up book and there is great scope for me time as you walk past the River Mole on a 2 mile circular walk which will take you under 2 hours. Lined by Apple and Cherry trees the stepping stones dating back to 1841 were destroyed in WWII and reinstated in 1946.

Family days out - Stepping stones at Box Hill, Surrey — Family days out – Stepping stones at Box Hill, Surrey

This is Broadwood’s Folly – built-in 1815 for the piano maker Thomas Broadwood.

Family days out - Broadwood's Folly at Box Hill, Surrey — Broadwood’s Folly, Box Hill, Surrey

Due to its historic importance and stunning natural beauty Box Hill is a site protected by the National Trust. Once is not enough, Box hill is the kind of place that draws you in and you want to go back for more. One lazy Sundays when I don’t feel like walking too much we do a mini picnic tea with a thermos, a blanket and our imagination for company – the views are strangely relaxing and I suspect its the clean mountain air and the exercise that is relaxing.

Family days out - Sunset at Box Hill, Surrey — Family days out – Sunset at Box Hill, Surrey

Walk and relax at Richmond Park

The biggest enclosed space in London ,Richmond Park is largest of London’s eight Royal Parks.It is a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation in south-west London. It is also where I saw first set eyes on freely roaming deer – something I shall never forget. We were dozing (again!) on our picnic blanket in a nice little woody nook in the park and I had dozed off over a book when hubster urgently jabbing his fingers into my rib – ouch in an attempt to draw my attention to a curious bystander – a huge Red stag! Its massive antler had us awestruck and a bit worried at once. It just gave us a stare and then settled down on a patch of grass munching on something -Phew! Wide awake now, we packed our things as quietly as possible and went for a stroll ….

Family days out - Richmond Park - Deer roaming freely — Family days out – Sunset at Box Hill, Surrey

Surrey’s best finds for family days out

With over 650 red and fallow deer roaming freely one must always bear in mind that though they are immensely beautiful they are wild and we must respect their space.

Family days out - Richmond Park — Family days out – Richmond Park

Entry: Free
Cafe: Yes
Toilets: Yes
How to get there: Interactive Map

Caves at Reigate in the Historic town of Surrey

Thinking of a fab day out with the family under £15? This is the place to go. Ammunition storage during WWI and air-raid shelters during WWII these caves have seen it all. Local folklore has it that the barons held a secret meeting at the Barons’ cave on their way to Runnymede to sign the Magna Carta.

Add some adventure to your family days out

These are actually old sand mines which include the Baron’s Cave in the Castle Grounds and the Tunnel Road caves in the Western Caverns.The castle which is now long gone is only a mound overlooking Reigate town centre and is composed of soft sandstone and has been mined over several centuries.Many excavations of the castle still remain.For as low as £ 2 per adult and £1.50 per child you can tour the caves with an experienced guide who will share details about the history of the caves. Disabled persons can be accompanied by upto 2 carers who go free of charge.

Visit the official website of The Wealden Cave & Mine Society, a charitable organisation here. Read more on the Reigate History website here.

Barons’ Cave. Castle Grounds, Reigate, Surrey

Image credit :Howard Walden from The Wealden Cave & Mine Society website

Image credit Nick Catford from The Wealden Cave & Mine Society website