What to do on a gothic fairytale day in Whitby with the family

Hello, fellow wanderlusters!

If you’ve been following The Inspiration Highway for a while, you know we have a total weakness for places where the veil between the real world and the storybook feels just a little bit thinner. Recently the highway led us to the salt-sprayed, cobbled, and delightfully moody shores of Whitby.

What to expect when you visit Beatrix Potter world in the Lake District

If you find yourself in the Lake District this Easter half term, I really recommend you seek out Beatrix Potter world for a true touch of Easter magic. 

Lifestyle: Yorkshire's hidden treasure trail that will motivate you to get fit

As a psychologist, people often ask me how to form a new exercise routine and make it stick. I believe you get far better results from making new habits easy, effective and fun. There is also an extra bonus if it is for a good cause, as it releases feel good endorphins and dopamine, plus you are accountable to others.

I'm a big believer in exercise, not just for the fitness benefits it provides but also for how it has the power to clear the mind and boost your mood. Not to mention the many long term benefits in preventing and improving the outcomes of serious illnesses. However, since becoming a parent and life being so busy, it has become harder to keep up with my old exercise routine. 

Lifestyle: Finding magic at Northwood Fairy Trail

With 18 months of isolation and craziness during the pandemic, we haven't been very far and I've really missed adventuring. This blog started as a journal for the things I love; travel, adventures, homewares, country life and food. The family adventure part was sorely missing of late but finally with a bit more freedom on the cards, we're back to what we do best, finding magic and adventure whereever we go.

48 hours in the New Forest...

First of all, if you don't like the countryside, horses and cosy country pubs, then you might want to scroll on by. Oh and do we even know each other?! If you're a regular visitor than I know this won't apply....

Family glamping at the North Star Club Yorkshire

We were always of the opinion that the world was too large and interesting to return to the same place twice and we held true to that until we became parents. Oh poor, missguided fools we were!!

Then all of a sudden the world seemed unknown and the risk of going somewhere unfamiliar amplified. Instead we have started to favour knowing what to expect on our family holidays and ease of taking everything a baby requires in our own car.  At least whilst the Milkivore is still so little anyway. As a result staycations have become our new favourite thing and why not, given that this country offers some of the most beautiful countryside and interesting attractions.

Visiting North Yorkshire: a review of Noelle's Cottages

Do you know when different paths collide and through a stroke of serendipity, you get to do two things you love at once? That’s what happened recently when we were invited to stay at the beautiful Noelle’s Cottages in Pickering. As if spending time in Pickering at a beautiful country cottage wasn’t enough, it just so happened that we also got to catch up with some lovely friends of ours.

What to expect when celebrating Summer Solstice at Stonehenge...

I've been fortunate to visit this fantastic piece of history twice now, including a recent trip, but the first time was a pretty different experience...being the flower child I am, I had always wanted to visit on the Summer Solstice and when I heard that each June 21st, on the solstice, the monument is still opened up to pagans, worshippers, revellers and curious bystanders to celebrate the longest day in the calendar year and watch the sun rise, I had to go along to take part.

Why glamping is awesome for henfests: part II

I've gotten a little sidetracked with the wedding season posts because it's been such a busy, exciting but also stressful summer. Do you ever feel your best intentions are thwarted by life's plans? I hope it's not just me.

Why glamping is awesome for Henfests

Despite it feeling like minutes, a little over a year ago I set off in trepidation and excitement for my hen weekend. Meticulously planned by my best friend and bridesmaid, I knew little about what to expect other than I needed a range of different clothing for outdoors, a bikini, and something dressy too. Quite an eclectic mix!

Lost Village Festival Review: Part III

After a long leisurely breakfast and a stroll in the sunshine around beautiful, historic Lincoln, we were ready to get back to the party. If you haven't caught up on our Lost Village antics you can read here, here and here.

What to see in Lincoln

The last day of any festival can go either one of two ways, you get your second wind and you really go for it, or you take a more chilled approach and seek out a more low key vibe. You haven't caught up on day one and two of the festival you can read here and here.

Lost Village Festival Review Part II

The morning after the night before I woke late with a slightly fuzzy feeling – everything blurred a little at the edges, as I remembered the surreal events of the previous night.

Lost Village Festival Review

As a busy work week crept towards a close and the hand inched around the clock, I felt the fluttering in the pit of my stomach that told me that something exciting was just around the corner.

North Star Club Review - A luxury Yorkshire retreat

I wished for the moon on a stick when I visited the North Star Club luxury glamping retreat and it’s exactly what I got.

All the festive feels at Chatsworth House: the sequel

I wrote before Christmas about a previous visit to Chatsworth House when the theme was The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe and showed you the utter magic that they create. It gives me all the festive feels going there at Christmas time and I just love looking at the decorations, not to mention the stunning house in its own right.

Why you need to visit Chatsworth House for all the festive feels

Just like the excitement when the circus used to roll into town as a kid, there is an event that happens every year that just has to be seen to believe the magic.

Why you should visit the V&A London & Berkley Afternoon Tea Review

An adventure taken by train is one of the best kind in my book. None of the burden of driving, none of the stress of airport logistics but all of the excitement of a trip!

How to make the most of visiting London

The London edition...

On the eve of another pilgrimage to the capital for a taste of culture, cuisine and maybe a wee bit of shopping....it reminded me of a trip I made to London about the same time last year. I often visit to see family, for work, or to see a particular show or exhibition, but last year we decided to make like tourists to get the full 'Big Smoke' experience.

What to expect from camping at Sand le Mere holiday park, East Yorkshire

The Littlest hobo's...

After a glorious week of sunshine, the girls and I wondered what to do for the weekend to make the most of it. What would involve BBQ's, sunbathing, swimming and a few cocktails? Hmm. Then it hit us. Inspiration, that is. We should pack up our napsacks, load the wagon and make like nomads to the coast. We're not talking riviera chic unfortunately, this was far too last minute. Instead we rocked up to Sand-Le-Mere on the rugged East Yorkshire coast line with a tent, food and more hooch than you can shake a stick at.