~ UK adventures ~
Exploring the House of Vans for the VC London takeover
Set in the atmospheric tunnels beneath Waterloo Station, the VC London takeover of the House of Vans was an electrifying collision of two empowering worlds: the rebel spirit of VC London and the creative energy of the House of Vans.
Finding Tommy near Durham
Created by artist Ray Lonsdale, the Tommy Statue, officially titled "1101," is a striking war memorial located in Seaham, County Durham, England.
Exploring the incredible Dover Castle
Often referred to as the "Key to England”, Dover Castle, located in Kent, England, is one of the most iconic and historically significant castles in the UK.
Experiencing the grandeur of an empty Windsor Castle in winter
Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, England, is the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle, serving as a royal residence for over 1,000 years and remaining an official home of the British monarch.
Seeing the remarkable Royal Observatory Greenwich in Central London
The Royal Observatory Greenwich, located in London, England, is a historic site of immense scientific significance.
Locating Shackleton’s boat, the James Caird, at Dulwich College
The James Caird, a 23-foot lifeboat, is one of the most significant artifacts from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1914–1917 Endurance Expedition to Antarctica.
Finding the Robert Burns (aka 'The Bard') statue in central London
Robert Burns, born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, is celebrated as one of Scotland's greatest poets and lyricists, and his significant cultural influence is commemorated with a statue on Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Exploring the stunning Barbican Conservatory (like a movie set!)
The Barbican Conservatory in London is a hidden oasis nestled within the brutalist architecture of the Barbican Centre, one of the city's most renowned cultural landmarks.
Marking the 100-year anniversary of Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance on the 1924 Everest expedition at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS)
With a few days in London, I decided to make a trip the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) to catch a special exhibition showcasing photographs from the ill-fated Everest expedition of 1924 where George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine sadly disappeared.
Whilst having a huge interest in mountaineering and Everest, I didn’t know much about the early Everest expeditions not least the 1924 one.
Seeing the Longest Johns live in Bristol
If you’ve not heard of them, ‘The Longest Johns’ are a vocal group from Bristol, that came together through a shared passion for folk music, sea shanties, and maritime rock. Comprising Andy Yates, Dave Robinson, Jonathan “JD” Darley, and Robbie Sattin, the quartet began their musical journey by performing traditional songs and their own original compositions.
Seeing the Bolt’s Law standing engine, near Rookhope, in Weardale
The information plaque mounted nearby highlights that it was made in 1846 by the Weardale Iron Company and was part of the Bolt's Law Railway Incline, the highest standard-gauge railway in the UK at the time, designed to transport iron ore and limestone from Rookhope to Tow Law Ironworks.
Exploring the stunning Crag Lough
Crag Lough is a picturesque lake nestled within the Northumberland National Park in Northumberland, England. It's renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by rugged crags and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers, climbers, and birdwatchers.
A stroll around the stunning Cawfields Quarry
On my way to find the Haughton Green bothy, I stumbled upon the stunning Cawfields Quarry, a former limestone quarry within the Northumberland National Park.
In addition to its calming atmosphere Cawfields Quarry has historical significance.
The site contains remnants of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD to fortify their northern frontier in Britain. Hadrian's Wall runs along the northern edge of the quarry, and visitors can explore the remains of the wall and the nearby milecastle.
Seeing the Sycamore gap tree remnants
Seeing the Sycamore gap tree remnants was a truly sad experience.
Checking out ‘HR4K’ in Hereford
HR4K is more than just a shop, gym, cafe, or hangout space; it's a vibrant lifestyle brand that brings together individuals who share common interests and values.
Founded by Ben Garwood, a former 22 SAS operator, HR4K serves as a community-focused hub where good people come together to connect, collaborate, and cultivate strong networks.
National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is a poignant and tranquil space dedicated to honouring the memory of those who have served and sacrificed for their country. Located near the village of Alrewas, the arboretum spans 150 acres (about 85 football pitches for context) of beautifully landscaped grounds, offering a place for remembrance, reflection, and commemoration.
Seeing the ‘Angel of the North’ up close
If you’ve never heard if it before, the Angel of the North is a massive contemporary sculpture located in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England.
It was designed by the British sculptor Antony Gormley (Sir Antony Mark David Gormley OBE RA to use his full title!), it stands at an impressive height of 20 meters (66 feet) with a wingspan of 54 meters (177 feet). The sculpture was completed in 1998 and is situated on a hill overlooking the A1 and A167 roads, making it a prominent landmark visible to travellers passing through the area.
Seeing Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most iconic literary landmarks in the world. It's the house where William Shakespeare, arguably the greatest playwright and poet in the English language, was born and spent his childhood. The house is located on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque town in Warwickshire, England.
Stepping aboard Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast, in central London
In April 2024, I was lucky to be invited aboard the decommissioned Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast to see and experience a ‘pusser’s grey’ for the first time since I left the Royal Marines.
I you’ve never been aboard, this is fascinating physical journey through history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the legacy of this iconic warship. As you explore her nine decks (yep, nine!), each step echoes with the stories of courage and sacrifice of those who served aboard her.
Experiencing the Duke of York pub in Devon, where ‘WarHorse’ came to be
During a trip to explore Dartmoor, I got to visit the Duke of York pub located in the village of Iddesleigh in Devon, renowned its association with the acclaimed British author Michael Morpurgo, who often frequented the pub.
The Duke of York pub holds a special place in the history of "War Horse" as Morpurgo reportedly got the idea for the novel from a veteran he met in the pub who shared his experiences of World War I and the role of horses in the conflict.