3 days in Napa with the family

“We’re going to Napa!” I enthusiastically told one of my Bay Area friends, intoxicated by the thought of long afternoons picking out favourite wines in one of California’s most famous sun-kissed counties. “You’re leaving the girls with your parents, right?” she asked cautiously. She wasn’t the first to question my intentions. It seemed to …

Do I need a license to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) in the UK?

If you are like me, you may have enjoyed paddleboarding on holiday, but never tried the activity in the UK. With the recent focus on staycations and people holidaying closer to home, sales of paddleboards have exploded! There are a few things you should know before you head out onto …

Favourites: Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, Huntington Beach

There are few hotels I call favourites. The ones you remember fondly, where everything just falls into place and allows you to enjoy family time with no distractions. I visited the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa 6 years ago on a press trip – and the kids are STILL talking …

9 Things to do in Norfolk with kids

  I fell in love with Norfolk a few years ago. I’m not sure why it took us so long to make that first trip to East Anglia! Living in Oxfordshire, the West always seemed easier to access. What I like about Norfolk, especially the North Coast, is its ruggedness …

Family Guide to the French Ardennes

  In the north-east corner of France, between Champagne and Belgium, lies France’s greenest department! The Ardennes is all about nature – a third of the Ardennes is covered in forest. Plus the gorgeous Meuse and Semoy Valleys and their rivers make a natural outdoor playground. The Ardennes is perfect for …

22 things to do in Capitola with the family

  Looking for things to do in Capitola in California? I’ve visited this quaint beach village in Santa Cruz County for years. I was originally attracted to it because the gentle waves at the beach were good for the girls to play in when they were young. As they got …

Insider’s guide to walking over the Golden Gate Bridge

  Can you walk the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito/Marin County? The answer is a resounding YES! If you are going to San Francisco you MUST set aside a few hours to walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge (which is painted red btw, not gold). It’s a wonderful way to experience the …

San Francisco: Family hike on Devil’s Slide Trail

Did you know you can walk on a portion of California’s famous Highway 1? It’s true! Devil’s Slide Trail is a 1.3-mile stretch of road converted from a  decommissioned segment of Highway 1. It gives unprecedented access to the rocky heights above the Pacific Ocean, and more importantly, the views! I’ve wanted …