“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing” – Alfred Wainwright

Category: Uncategorized

  • 30 Hours in Poznań, Poland: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

    30 Hours in Poznań, Poland: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

    If you’re looking for a short, inexpensive yet fulfilling European city break, Poznań, Poland, is an excellent choice. With its blend of history, culture, and fantastic food, it’s perfect for a 30-hour getaway. Here’s our ideal itinerary for making the most of your time.

    Getting to Poznań

    Take the first flight out of Luton on Saturday morning and arrive in Poznań bright and early. From Poznań-Ławica Airport, you have several transport options to the city centre. The easiest and most budget-friendly option is the public bus. Take bus number 159, which will get you to the main train station in about 25 minutes. Here, you can hop on tram 6 or 18 for a direct route into the Old Town. If you prefer a more comfortable and quicker ride, taxis and rideshares like Uber are readily available.

    Where to Stay in Poznań

    We enjoyed a comfortable and well-located stay at Dom Prestige Suites. It is an excellent choice, situated close to the Old Town. As well as being very affordable this hotel offers spacious and clean rooms. We particularly enjoyed the varied breakfast buffet, offering a selection of hot and cold dishes, including fresh pastries, pancakes, eggs, meats, and cheeses.

    Morning: Poznań Walking Tour with Walkative!

    We started our trip by joining a walking tour with Walkative!—a fantastic way to get an introduction to Poznań. Tours run at 10:45 AM , departing from Freedom Square (Plac Wolności). It is an easy walk and the tour covers key sights, including:

    • Freedom Square – A historic site symbolizing Poland’s fight for independence.
    • Royal Castle – Once home to Polish kings, now a museum and cultural centre, where you can get great views of the city from the top of the tower.
    • Poznań Basilica – The oldest cathedral in Poland, with stunning Gothic architecture.
    • Old Town Square – The heart of Poznań, featuring colorful merchant houses, bustling cafes, souvenir shops and a variety of restaurants.
    • Goats at the Town Hall Clock Tower – At 12:00 PM and 3PM, don’ t miss the famous mechanical goats butting heads above the clock tower—a quirky tradition dating back to the 16th century. Legend has it that a cook burned a feast prepared for the mayor and, in desperation, stole two goats. They escaped to the clock tower, where they began fighting, amusing the towns people so much that they became a permanent fixture of the clock.

    Lunch: Pierogi at Pierozak

    After working up an appetite, we headed to Pierozak, a popular spot freshly making and serving delicious pierogi (Polish dumplings). Choose from a variety of savory and sweet fillings, such as traditional potato and cheese, duck or chicken. Alternatively opt for a sweet option like cherry or raspberry with sour cream.

    Afternoon: St. Martin’s Croissant Museum

    No visit to Poznań is complete without experiencing the St. Martin’s Croissant Museum. This interactive demonstration showcases the history and art of making the famous St. Martin’s Croissant (Rogal świętomarciński), a sweet, buttery pastry filled with white poppy seeds and nuts. This croissant has protected regional status and at the end you get some to try!

    Explore Stary Browar

    Mod afternoon we walked to Stary Browar, a unique cultural and shopping complex housed in a former brewery. This architectural masterpiece combines shopping, art exhibitions, and dining, making it an excellent spot for a mid-afternoon visit.

    Evening: Drinks & Dinner at Bamberka

    Return to the Old Town Square and enjoy a pre-dinner drink in or outside, one of the many cozy bars. Next, we headed to Restaurant Bamberka, a historic eatery specializing in traditional Polish cuisine. Located in a charming old building in the square, Bamberka serves classics like żurek (sour rye soup), pork with red cabbage, and chicken roulade.


    Sunday Morning: Cathedral Island & Śródka District

    We woke up early for breakfast and then enjoyed a peaceful morning walk through Poznan to Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski), home to Poland’s first cathedral. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum, which is free on Sundays and provides fascinating insights into the city’s early history.

    Stop for a coffee at Dynx, a trendy café known for its great brews and cozy atmosphere. Just across the river we visited Śródka District, famous for its stunning 3D mural, which depicts a scene from the neighborhood’s past and is a great photo opportunity.

    Lunch: Polish Milk Bar Experience

    We walked back into the main city and before heading to the airport, visited Pod Arkadami a classic Polish milk bar (bar mleczny). These traditional eateries serve very affordable, home-cooked Polish food. We enjoyed schabowy (breaded pork cutlet) with mash potato and coleslaw.

    Departure

    After lunch, catch a bus back to the airport for your late afternoon flight, wrapping up a fantastic 30-hour adventure in Poznań.

    Are you looking for other city break ideas? Read our posts on Prague, Bruges and Athens. Alternatively Check our other blog posts!

  • What to do This Month – March 2025

    What to do This Month – March 2025

    Looking for what to do next month? A holiday, a daytrip or an evening out? March is packed with plenty of celebrations including St. David’s Day, Pancake Day, Mothers Day, International Women’s Day and St. Patricks Day. Read on for suggestions on how to celebrate these events, along with other ideas on how to make the most of this month. Spring is on the way, the daffodils are making an appearance, lets get out and about and enjoy the month of March!

    Read on for weekend, day trip and evening out ideas. Remember ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing’.

    St David’s Day
    1st March 2025

    St David is the Patron saint of Wales. Visit wales has information on where there are events going on. For a little bit of fun bring out your inner Welsh and try one of these random acts of Welshness which they have published on their website.

    Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)
    4th March 2025

    In the UK, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated by making and eating pancakes, often served with sugar and lemon or other toppings. Many towns also hold pancake races, where participants run while flipping pancakes in a frying pan, a tradition believed to date back to the 15th century.

    Making your own pancakes? Here are some great ideas.

    MAybe you would rather enjoy pancakes out and about. There are plenty of options but there us a cafe in Durham I am looking forward to returning to to try their pancakes – the look amazing. Check out the Riverview Kitchen here!

    A couple of UK Pancake day Events

    Every Shrove Tuesday, Olney Pancake Race sees local women, dressed as ‘traditional housewives’, race through the town, with their frying pans and pancakes

    Played annually, every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, is Ashbourne’s Royal Shrovetide Football game. Forget 90 minutes, this football match is played over two eight-hour periods with very few rules. And goals are placed three miles apart!

    Lichfield boasts an annual Shrovetide Fair

    International Women’s Day
    8th March 2025

    This years theme is ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’. More information on this can be found here.

    There are a number of events going on around the country and some London specific ones can be found on Secret London website.

    St Patrick’s Day
    17th March 2025

    St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17, honors Ireland’s patron saint and is marked with parades, festivals, and the wearing of green. It is widely observed in Ireland and around the world! There are parades throughout the world. Details of parades in Britain, along with more information can be found here.

    Not intending going out? Why not celebrate the day with a traditional dinner of Irish stew and soda bread. Don’t forget to washing it down with a pint of Guinness! Recipes and more Irish food ideas can be found here.

    Mothers Day
    30th March 2025

    Looking for ideas around London then click here

    Looking for a day out? How about a visit to an English Heritage site!

    Take a day trip to Cambridge, Stratford on Avon, York, St. Albans or one of the many other great towns or cities for a day out.

    Take a walk in the park, visit the woods, walk along a river or take a trip to the beach.

    The Six Nations Rugby Continues

    The Six Nations Rugby gets into full swing this month. More information can be found here. If you haven’t got tickets, what better way to spend a winter Saturday afternoon than at home or in the local pub, watching the match!

    Crufts

    Crufts is the world’s largest dog show, featuring over 200 breeds and various competitions such as agility, obedience, and flyball. In 2025, it will be held from March 6 to 9 at the NEC in Birmingham, with the Best in Show final taking place on Sunday, March 9.

    London Brick Festival (Lego)
    Glasgow International Comedy Festival
    Swansea Street Food Festival
    29th March – 1st Apr

    Looking for food, entertainment and family fun? Check out this years event here!

    Where to find the best Spring Blossoms

    March is a great month with many blossoms coming into bloom. Check out the National Trust website for suggestions of the best places to visit !

    Manchester Marathon
    29th March 2025

    For more information on the Manchester Marathon click here

    What to do next Month – Visit a Museum
    Tank Museum

    The Tank Museum in Bovington, UK, houses over 300 armored vehicles and offers exhibits on the history of tank warfare, with tickets priced around £15–£20 for adults and discounts for children and families. Visitors can experience interactive displays, live tank demonstrations, and see rare tanks like the running Tiger 131.

    Imperial War Museum

    The Imperial War Museum in London offers free general admission, with special exhibitions priced around £10–£20, showcasing the history of conflict from World War I to today. Visitors can explore artifacts like a Spitfire, a V2 rocket, and immersive wartime exhibits.

    National Coal mining museum

    The National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield offers free admission and provides a deep dive into Britain’s coal mining history, with optional underground tours costing around £5. Visitors can explore original mine shafts, interactive exhibits, and historic machinery to experience the life of a miner.

    Transport Museum

    The Coventry Transport Museum offers free general admission and showcases the UK’s largest collection of historic road transport, with special exhibitions costing around £10–£15. Visitors can see iconic vehicles, including the world’s fastest car, vintage bicycles, and classic British cars

    Bletchley Park

    Bletchley Park, the historic World War II codebreaking site, offers admission for around £25 for adults, with discounts for children and families. Visitors can explore the famous Enigma machines, interactive exhibits, and the stories of the codebreakers who helped shorten the war.

    What to do next month – Weekend and Day trip ideas

    If you fancy a city walk then download this Chester City Walls leaflet, which was originally downloaded from visitchester.

    Take a trip to the beach.

    If you are staying in Wales longer then consider a trip to Cardiff or work your way further along the coast line to the beautiful Tenby.

    What to do next month – Consider Booking Your Next Holiday or Weekend Break

  • What to do this Month – February 2025

    What to do this Month – February 2025

    Looking for what to do this weekend or later this month? February is here, with Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year and of course February Half Term. Nature is waking up, so look out for snowdrops and other signs that spring is well and truly on the way!

    Read on for weekend, day trip and evening out ideas. Remember ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing’.

    Valentine’s Day
    14th Feb 2025

    Continue reading trough the post for some great ideas of days out and activities which would be great for Valentine’s day.

    If your looking for a place to eat then check out some of the deals below, the list will be updated regularly

    Enjoy a steak then try out the Valentine’s menu at Miller and Carter or Ember Inns.

    If pizza is your thing then try the Valentine’s menu at Ask.

    More ideas will be added as the Valentine’s menus are released.

    Alternatively, stay in and get yourself a supermarket Valentine’s Day meal deal. Details can be found here.

    Chinese New Year
    29th Jan 2025 with most celebrations the first weekend in February.

    Chinese New Year (Year of the Snake)is on 29th January 2025.

    London’s Chinese New Year main parade will take place on the 2nd of February 2025. There are other events that weekend and details can be found here.

    Other UK cities with Chinese New Year Parades include Liverpool, Southampton, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and Edinburgh

    Snow Drops

    The National Trust suggests visiting these properties for the best displays, With it being half term The National Trust have many activities on for kids which are great if you are a member, as it cuts down the cost.

    RHS makes these suggestions

    Checkout your local woodland and you bound to find the a snowdrop or two! Heartwood Forest near St.Albans has an easy to follow map, enabling you to explore the forest. This is a free option as are many of the UK’s woodlands!

    National Pizza Day
    9th Feb 2025

    Valentine’s day is not for you? Don’t worry it’s National Pizza day so besure to make the most of it. Time for a trip to pizza express, Franco Manca, Zizzis or Prezzo. Look out for special offers nearer the time!

    Recommendations for great pizza from our uk travels include Stable Pizza who have 8 branches country wide, mainly towards the South West. Our experience in Cardiff was delicious pizza, great beer and cider with a fabulous atmosphere and a great night out. For other Cardiff ideas, check out our blog post on 5 Great Reasons to Visit Cardiff.

    Another great pizza place is Dough, who have 2 branches in Bath. Their varied and different toppings on their specials were a joy to the taste buds! However, if you are a traditional pizza eater you can get those too!

    If you happen to be on a day trip to Bruges then to not miss Otomat Pizza. They have 5 locations in Belgium including Ghent and Antwerp. Amazing pizzas and amazing toppings all washed down with a Belgian Beer. Perfection! For other ideas of activities in Bruges see our blog post 10 great reasons to visit Bruges as well as Chocolate.

    Alternatively, enjoy an evening in with a takeaway or home cooked pizza! Pizza day is for everyone!

    Six Nations Rugby

    The Six Nations Rugby gets into full swing this month. More information can be found here. If you haven’t got tickets, what better way to spend a winter Saturday afternoon than at home or in the local pub, watching the match!

    Kew Gardens Orchid Festival
    1st Feb – 2nd Mar 2025

    Enjoy a winters day at Kew Gardens and visit the Princess of Wales glasshouse to view the spectacular orchids. More details and ticket information here.

    Battersea Winter Lights
    Thu 23rd Jan – Sun 23rd Feb – FREE
    National Parks Dark Skies Festival

    National Parks remain some of the darkest places in Great Britain and they celebrate our star-studded skies at Festivals throughout autumn and winter. Check out the Dark Skies Festival website for more details on the February dates in the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, South Downs and Welsh National parks activities

    Fort William Mountain Festival

    The 2025 Festival is packed with outdoor guided events, speakers and films. More information about the Fort William Mountain Festival can be found here.

    Jorvik Viking Festival – York
    17th – 23rd Feb 2025

    With living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances, this event is organised by the Jorvik Centre. More details can be found here.

    If you are visiting York for the weekend or are looking for other York activities, then read our latest York post.

    Wakefield Rhubarb Festival
    21st – 23rd Feb 2025

    For something a little different why not enjoy a weekend in Wakefield at the Rhubarb Festival.

    What to do next Month – Visit a Museum
    Science Museum

    Throughout the ages people have studied and watched the skies. The Science Museum has a huge astronomy collection spanning from the 10th century. The science museum books up quickly so be sure to get your free ticket online.

    Greenwich Observatory

    At the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, At the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, you can stand astride the Prime Meridian line, explore the historic Flamsteed House, and view the Great Equatorial Telescope. Don’t miss the interactive exhibits on timekeeping, navigation, and astronomy, as well as the daily drop of the iconic Time Ball. Book a show at the Planetarium to add to your visit. Ticket prices for all activities are on the websites

    Winchester Science Centre

    Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is an interactive science and discovery center located near Winchester. It also boasts a state-of-the-art planetarium, offering immersive shows about space, astronomy, and the natural world. For further information, tickets and booking check their website.

    Glasgow Science Centre

    Glasgow Science Centre offers an array of space-themed experiences, including its cutting-edge planetarium, where you can explore stars, planets, and the wider cosmos through immersive shows. It also features interactive exhibits and activities that delve into the mysteries of astronomy and space exploration, making it a hub for stargazers and science enthusiasts. More information is available here.

    Jodrell Bank

    Visiting Jodrell Bank offers a chance to marvel at the impressive Lovell Telescope, one of the world’s largest radio telescopes, and learn about groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy. Its interactive exhibits, beautiful gardens, and engaging events make it a grear family destination. Find out more about tickets and visits here.

    What to do next month – Weekend and Day trip ideas

    Take a trip to the beach. A winter visit to the beach is always a great option for a day trip at February half term. Brighton is perfect as even if it is a little chilly then there are alternative activities and places to warm up. The city and its beach offer a serene charm in winter, with more peaceful strolls along the pebble shore. After a coastal stroll, visit to the pier and of course fish and chips, the city’s vibrant cultural scene thrives year-round, so include a shopping trip to the Lanes, and on to the city centre. Alternatively check out the sea life centre, spend time in the arcades on the pier or take a trip to the Royal Pavilion.

    What to do next month – Consider Booking Your Next Holiday or Weekend Break

    Closer to home, Europe and its resorts are waking up, its campsites are beginning to come to life and spring is definitely in the air. Read our posts on Verona, Italy and Side, Turkey which have been amongst our favourite destinations for an Easter break.

  • What to do this Weekend – This Months Top Picks and Tips – January 2025

    What to do this Weekend – This Months Top Picks and Tips – January 2025

    Looking for ideas on what to do this weekend? Planning to maximize your daytrips or make the most of your annual leave? Look no further than this regularly updated blog, packed with picks and tips for fun day trips, a weekend break, or longer holidays. Discover insider tips on snagging the best travel deals, clever money-saving hacks, not to mention up-to-date sale dates for all things travel-related. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice, we’ve got you covered!

    Battersea Winter Lights
    Thu 23rd Jan – Sun 23rd Feb – FREE
    Canary Wharf Winter Lights
    Tue 21st Jan – Sat – 1st Feb

     The Canary Wharf winter light trail will take you on a journey through 12 spectacular temporary installations, as well as the ever-popular permanent light artworks. 

    Winter Lights at Southbank Centre London
    Wed 8th Jan – Sun 2 Feb 2025 – FREE

    More information at the Southbank centre website

    Bristol Light Festival
    Tues 21st Jan – Sun 9th Feb – FREE
    Burns Night – 25th Jan

    Burns Night, celebrated on the 25th of January, honors the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Many restaurants as well as bars now offer special Burns Night menus or host events featuring traditional Scottish fare and entertainment. A quick online search can help you find a Burns Night Supper near you.

    Looking to save money? Firstly, pick up a haggis from your local supermarket and then invite friends over, and host your own Burns Night celebration. Check out this guide from Visit Scotland for creative ideas to make the evening unforgettable.

    Not in the mood to host? Use this festive occasion as the perfect excuse for an evening walk before a couple of whiskies at your favorite local pub!

    Hogwarts in the Snow
    Until 19th Jan 2025
    What to do this Weekend – Visit a Museum
    Science Museum

    The Science Museum in London showcases cutting-edge technology, scientific achievements, and interactive exhibits, including the iconic Apollo 10 command module and Wonderlab gallery. Best of all entry is FREE

    Techniquest

    Techniquest in Cardiff is Wales’ premier science discovery centre featuring over 100 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and live science demonstrations designed to inspire curiosity and learning in visitors of all ages. Entry is £13 for adults and £11 for children.

    Railway Museum

    The National Railway Museum in York is a captivating museum celebrating the history of rail transport, featuring iconic locomotives, interactive exhibits, and the world’s largest collection of railway artifacts. Entry is FREE, but it is worth booking in advance. For more ideas (mainly free), read our latest post on York.

    National Space centre

    The National Space Centre in Leicester is an interactive museum dedicated to space exploration, featuring exhibits on space science, satellites, and rockets, as well as the UK’s largest planetarium. Book online and prices a £20.95 for adults and £19.95 for children.

    CERN Geneva

    Fancy a science weekend away, them try CERN in Switzerland, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and home to the Large Hadron Collider. A visit to CERN is free, but check the website for details on guided tours. Flights to Geneva are reasonable and there is a decent youth hostel near the centre of town. If you stay in the city accommodation then public transport is free. Driving from the UK is also an option and you could combine it with the European Space Centre near Brussels. Read more in our Science, Chocolate and Mountains post.

    What to do this Weekend and Day trip ideas

    Take a trip to the beach. If you are stuck for what to do this weekend then what better way to blow away the cobwebs and get rid of the Christmas calories than to take a walk by the sea. While options in the UK are endless, but this month’s recommendation is Whitstable, a charming seaside town in Kent. It is renowned for its fresh oysters, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque harbour. Enjoy fish and chips by the sea at our favourite place the lobster shack. With amazing beach views and lots of outdoor seating, the Lobster Shack is the perfect destination for seafood and a pint of local beer or a glass of local wine. The cosy log burner undoubtedly makes the restaurant suitable for all weathers! Please note that it is closed until January 17th

    What to do this Weekend – Consider Booking Your Next Holiday or Weekend Break
    What to do this Weekend – Check Flight and Travel Sales

    Book your next trip or weekend break with trainline – 50% sale from 15th January