Getaways - Machado Gallery, Barford, Warwickshire

A recent work trip involved a stay away from home and we were lucky to find this great place in Barford.

The Machado Gallery is run by ceramicist and sculptor Sue who not only runs the B&B but also art courses in the adjacent gallery.

Her own breads served up at breakfast proved so popular that guests kept asking her how she made it and so the idea of running courses in the art of breadmaking was quickly hatched.

Sadly our visit didn't allow us the chance to kneed some dough, but we enjoyed the cosy warm fire (can't believe we needed it lit in May, but the weather was against us) and the spacious lounge full of books, paintings, ceramics and sculpture. 

We stayed in one of the three bedrooms, all of which are kitted out with pretty white cotton linen and all the things you need for a restful night away.

Breakfast was lovely and Sue was up and about making fresh pancakes with fruit or little brioche type cakes as well as her infamous bread.  Everything that had that extra special yumminess turned out to be something she had made -the marmalade, the syrup, the bread, .....bliss.  We're sure you'd enjoy a stay here too.

Getaways - Langford Court, nr Cullompton, Devon

To B&B or not to B&B .... need not be the question if you stay here.  All the luxury of a holiday let, but with the ingredients for a full English delivered every day, so you could enjoy a hearty breakfast at your leisure.

Langford Court South is an amazing wing of a medieval manor that's mentioned in the Domesday Book and is still a working dairy farm today.  

With room for up to six people, We were greedy and it was just the 2 of us so we could pick the bedroom we wanted.  In the end we went for the gallery bedroom you can see above.  The en-suite has a roll top bath!  Luxury!

We were disappointed to have been there in June as we couldn't take advantage of the woodburner, but we made good use of the snooker table and comfy sofas to watch DVDs and catch up on some reading.

However we could take advantage of the deck and garden, enjoying the view of the lake with its rowing boat.  You can fish here too if you like. 

But if you do prefer not to make your own breakfast, you can stay in the B&B in the North wing with it's lovely lounge.

Everywhere you look there are lovely artefacts and trinkets.  And it became a quest to find something in the wing they hadn't already put there.  Cotton buds, sewing kits, torches, games, DVDs, picnic blankets, ..... we lost.  We couldn't think of anything they hadn't already thought of!

Oh yes, there welcome basket is difficult to better too.  An amazing lemon drizzle cake and restocked basics like milk, bread, butter.  You will not be disappointed.

Days Out - Laugharne, Wales

I've managed to sneak a weekend off.  Having explored many parts of Wales, I've never been to Laugharne, home of Dylan Thomas and the village on which he based his poem Under Milkwood, calling the place Llareggub (read it backwards!

The boathouse where he lived for the last four years of his life with wife Caitlin and children is now open during the summer months and has been reinstated to look as it did when he was alive.

A little further along the path is the writing shed where he did his work and again this has been left as it would have looked when he worked there.

And Laugharne itself is pretty too.  You can walk around the foot of one of the many castles in Wales and enjoy the view of the estuary.

 

And if you're going to make a weekend of it, why not try The Cors for dinner.  The old rectory has been transformed into a restaurant, with local specialities such as salt-marsh lamb served in a herb crust on the menu.

Surf's Up - for those who love travel

HSBC has a great blog called expatexplorer which they describe as a hub for expats but we love it because it gives great insights into cities around the world, perfect for tips if you're planning a holiday somewhere.

Dublin : Source: Flickr

Guest bloggers living in the city ensure that the information is up to date and written by a well-informed newcomer to the area, so they don't miss any of the obvious out, but also know some less well-known treasures.

Siena : Source: Flickr

So whether you want to know more about life in Europe, Asia or Africa, it may be worth checking out this site.

Hong Kong : Source : Flickr

 

Getaways - Escape to the Country

I spent 5 years at school in picturesque New Forest. And when an old school friend's family opened a bed and breakfast there a couple of years ago I knew it was time to re-visit.

So if you're looking for somewhere relaxing, welcoming and stunning to stay, I can highly recommend my secret destination ... Daisybank Cottage B&B on the outskirts of Brockenhurst and in the heart of the forest.

Daisybank has already won awards and it's not difficult to see why.  Owners Cheryl and Ciaran are meticulous with their attention to detail and a night at Daisybank is like a night in a 5 star hotel (even better in fact).  They've featured in several travel guides including the Independent and Sunday Times.

There's plenty to do and Cheryl and Ciaran are more than happy to suggest places to visit, eat, walk and explore.

Take a trip to the pretty village of Beaulieu and discover some lovely boutique shops.  Visit the motor museum and then take a short stroll along the estuary to Bucklers' Hard.

Getaways - London City Break

A rare escape to the capital meant a little indulgence was in order.  We treated ourselves to lunch in the Oxo Tower where we enjoyed a set lunch (3 courses) for £36.50. We treated ourselves to a few extras but were also treated to fantastic views over London including nearby St Paul's Cathedral.  The food and service were amazing.

As we browsed through some previously unexplored parts of the city and agreed that Borough Market on the South Bank is great for foodies. Lots of artisan bread and cakes, fresh fish and other produce as well as lots of cooked goodies, ready to eat, too.  Ironically I brought quails eggs fresh from the West Country which is exactly where they’ll be returning to when we head home.

So pleased to see that all the museums in London are free and there are some great less well known ones too.  We went to the National Army Museum and were just in time to see the exhibition about the book and film War Horse which has sadly finished.

And for a final bit of indulgence where better than the flicks.  And Electric Cinema is just fab. Brilliant for couples -  huge leather sofas.  All very glam.