Peak District Walks with Steve & Micahela

What an absolute delight our holiday was.  Our cosy log cabin was nestled right amongst the beautiful trees in Darwin Forest - the perfect base for the week.

 

 

 

 

Our first walk led us on winding paths through Darwin Forest.  We meandered through the valleys and we loved being amongst the greenery and wildlife!

 

 

We took a wonderfully scenic walk to the outskirts of Castleton, one of the most beautiful villages in the Peak District.  We visited the Peaks museum and went down to the Speedwell Caverns. Once we were at the bottom, we were treated to a boat ride through the old lead mining tunnels - amazing!

 

 

 

We had a wonderful day at the stunning Chatsworth House and had heaps of fun at the Alice in Wonderland exhibition! 

We took delight in the Christmas market and ambled around the stalls looking at the goods on offer.   We all egged Steve on to dress up!

 

 

We visited the famous town of Bakewell where we had a truly scrumptious cream tea and walked along the cobbled streets in and out of the charming old fashioned shops. 

 

 

We did a spot of souvenir shopping in the lovely town of Matlock before walking the high peak trail to the Black Rocks and took in some of the most beautiful views in the Peak District. We enjoyed a picnic lunch there.   Then it was off to the National Stone Centre and admired the different stones and fossils.  That evening we went to Castleton to watch the Christmas lights being switched on - we even saw Father Christmas on his sleigh!

 

 

We drove across the Peaks to Buxton, a historic spa town.  We had a cracking guided tour of the Poole's caverns and had a brilliant experience among the streams and pools, marvelling at the rock formation that took millions of years to form! 

 

We took a wonderful walk at Buxton country park where we strolled through the woods and walked the high peak to Solomon's temple.

 

 

What a very special holiday it was - thank you to everyone who made it so brilliant!

 

 

London Theatre & Sightseeing with Phil & Netty

Our senses came to life on our wonderful holiday and wherever we went we were infused with excitement.  We all agreed that it really must be the best city in the world!

 

We stayed in an amazing hotel in Russell Square and were perfectly located to explore the city to its fullest extent!

 

 

We watched the AMAZING Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at the wonderful Drury Lane Theatre.  We were taken on Charlie's exciting journey and we watched in wonder at the astonishing special effects!

 

 

We were very touched by the sight of the poppies at The Tower of London and we were very moved.  What a sight it was looking down over the sea of poppies.

 

 

 

 

 

We had an exciting river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich and back again, taking in the impressive city sights all around us!  We marvelled at Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and St Margaret's Church.  We had a fabulous ride on The London Eye and we all loved looking out across London.

 

 We went inside Westminster Abbey and wandered around in amazement at the beauty.  We learnt about Kings and Queens of bygone days and revelled in its rich history.  We watched the Horse guards Parade at Buckingham Palace - but we didn't get an invite to tea from the Queen!

 

 

 

We spent a fantastic afternoon in the Natural History Museum - what a brilliant place!  We learnt about prehistoric animals and met a terrifying T-Rex!  We went into the Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery and discovered a world of massive mammals!

 

 

 

We went to The Albert Hall and to Harrods, where we did a spot of shopping! 

 We were in awe of the sheer size of the store and were wrapped up in its magical pre-Christmas atmosphere!

 

 

We even caught a glimpse of Prince William in his private police escort - what a treat!

 

 

Blackpool with Phil & Tini

Watch out Blackpool......

~ JollyDays are back in town! ~

 

 

 

And what a cracker it was!  We had a marvellous time taking in the sights and sounds of Blackpool.  Fresh walks along the promenade left us feeling invigorated and full of life!

 

 

 

 

We spent a fantastic morning in Madam Tussauds meeting all of our favourite stars and having our photos taken with them!  We saw One Direction, Cheryl Cole, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, the Royal Family, Bruce Forsyth, The Beatles, Keith Lemon and many many more! What fun!

 

 

We went up, up, up  in the lift to the top of the tower!  We braved the glass bottomed floor and looked riiiight down below us - what a long way down.....!   

 

 

 

We sat and watched the dancers twirl around the beautiful dance floor, soaking up the music and wonderful atmosphere.  We had a thrill in the 3D cinema where we got splashed and rocked!  We dared the tower dungeon tour and learnt all about the medieval forms of torture....scary stuff!

 

 

 

We watched the tower circus which took our breath away!  The acrobats and stunt artists were awe-inspiring and we clapped and cheered with all of our might!

 

 

Our trip to the Sea Life Centre was loved by all.  There were beautifully colourful fish, gigantic crabs, mighty big lobsters, gliding sting rays and sweet little starfish!

 

 

 

 

We watched the most incredible firework display and delighted at the exploding colours before our eyes!  We warmed ourselves by a huge crackling bonfire.  And of course, we saw the amazing Blackpool illuminations - they stretched right along the beach and gave us a dazzling display!