Archive
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Silver-studded blues at Dorset nature reserve buck bad year for butterflies
The National Trust said populations of the silver-studded blue at Studland heaths in Dorset, which the charity cares for, had seen a bumper year. During counts on the peninsula, the team recorded 1,714 and 430 silver-studded blues along two transects
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Staying at a 14th century pub in Exmoor
It really doesn’t matter what time of year, or how cold it is; on nearly every occasion I’ve been to Lynmouth, I’ve stopped off at the The Rising Sun to sit outside with a drink. It’s a popular spot, outside this thatched 14th century pub; there
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A stylish Sussex country manor staycation with a spa
A handful of what feels like sand is being rubbed across my back. It’s not an unpleasant experience but it is more akin to days spent at the beach before I could afford a sun lounger than a spa treatment. Now my neck and shoulders are being massaged
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A luxurious weekend taking in the Ribble Valley and Lake District
The Ribble Valley She can be difficult – the M6 motorway out of Cheshire. And she was in a horrible mood on a Friday afternoon, and then again on a Thursday a few weeks later, when the destinations were both intended as and breathe girls' getaways
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A short break at Ambleside’s boutique hotel and restaurant
Rothay Manor is a very rare and special find, hidden in the heart of the Lake District, yet within easy reach of Windermere and the fells beyond. Ambleside’s boutique hotel and restaurant has wonderful charm and history, with the beautiful interiors
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Festive escapes accommodation in Dorset
These properties are part of the Dorset Hideaways portfolio which has over 200 properties of all shapes and sizes, in a variety of locations across this beautiful county. All Views: Perfect for large families Sleeping 12, and offering glorious
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Family glamping holidays at Port Lympne’s Bear Lodge
Last week, I found myself feeding a giraffe and stroking a rhino. When I posted a picture on social media, the inevitable question was, 'Where are you?' With my usual playfulness I replied, 'Africa,' and to my amusement, some even believed it (
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A family break in the New Forest that sounds too good to be true
Enjoying a luxury, family friendly stay in a stunning setting which also offers free childcare may sound too good to be true, but it exists and we've found it at the newly refurbished New Park Manor New Park Manor, sitting on the outskirts of Brockenhurst
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Slumber in style in a Grade I listed building in the centre of York
I’ve always walked past Judge’s Lodging with a curious longing to snoop inside - I think it’s ever since some friends spent a honeymoon there – many, many years ago. Generally, I have passed it en route to something else in this fine city, but
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Staying inside Norfolk's secret castle
For much of its 600-plus years history, Middleton Castle has been cut off from visitors as the home to various noble families. But now it is welcoming guests as one of Norfolk's most unique - and grandest - holiday homes. There can't be many which
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A luxurious foodie break in Lancashire's Ribble Valley
We had just started on the fish course – native lobster roasted over coal with foie gras, sea buckthorn and thermidor sauce – when the texts started to come through. “I’ve run out of food.” Then, in true ‘Kevin and Perry’ teenager style: “We’re
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A luxurious two-day get-away in Bath and the Cotwolds
The famous Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa in Bath, our first destination on a two-day get-away, has more than 250 years of history and charm and from the moment we arrived, the concierge greeted us, took our bags and handled the valet parking for our
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Couple take on stone and zinc family home in brand new Grand Designs
Everyone's favourite architectural show - Grand Designs is officially back on TV screens as Kevin McCloud travels around the UK meeting new ambitious individuals building their dream homes. Channel 4's Grand Designs marked its 25th anniversary
