MSH Backup

Up until quite recently, I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t seen all that much of the UK, but 2018 so far has been a year of considerably more exploration than I've previously been used to. After visiting Devon for the first time back in July , August saw in another adventure in the shape of a trip to Oxford, primarily for a very exciting visit to Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace. However, with an hour or so to while away in the city, I found myself with the perfect opportunity to make an introduction to this most photogenic of locations: As someone who grew up reading His Dark Materials , I found myself exploring this beautiful historic city with my eyes permanently protruding, eager to take in as much as I possibly could. I by no means saw everything (offering the perfect opportunity to make a return visit), but what I did see was absolutely glorious. Densely packed with history, every corner has something new to draw you in, and with more magical architecture than I've seen...

The week before last, I found myself heading somewhere completely new for the first time- Birmingham! Making use of a day off of work, I braved Euston (perhaps the most stress-inducing station known to man!) to catch the 10:03 train to Birmingham New Street. The purpose? Other than attempting to channel some Peaky Blinders inspired attitude, I was catching up with my lovely friend Kate, who I don't get to see nearly as often now she's living in Liverpool. Opting to meet more or less halfway between our two home cities, we settled on Brum- something of a no-brainer to be honest, as it gave us the chance to visit their wonderful Christmas market too: Although it was a truly chilly day weather wise, it was wonderful to visit somewhere I'd never been before- and I can't quite believe it's taken me quite to so long to discover this beautiful city. A quick peek inside the Bullring had me eager to book a return trip to suss out the shopping situation proper, and it was gre...

In an effort to explore some corners of London which I'm yet to visit, over the last year or so I've been heading away from my usual well beaten track, seeking out those places which I've yet to encounter in the capital. It' always really refreshing to do something different, and I always tend to forget just how many hidden treasures London is home to. Much like my trip to Kenwood House last autumn, a few weeks ago I ventured north of the river to take in the spectacular surroundings of Regent's Park: First and foremost, exploring somewhere on foot on one of the hottest days of the year isn't the wisest of ideas, but on a sticky June Saturday the shaded surroundings of the park were very welcome! I've whizzed through the area on my way to London Zoo once or twice before, but on this occasion it was lovely to have the luxury of a little bit more time to take in the peace and tranquility of such lovely surroundings. Needless to say that I fell head over heels...