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Flying Scotsman at Swanage, Dorset
In the autumn of 2022 the iconic steam engine, the Flying Scotsman, was loaned to Swanage Railway based in Swanage, a seaside town in Dorset. For several days residents and visitors to the town could enjoy the thrilling sight of the Flying Scotsman travelling along the line between Swanage and…
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Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife: My Highlights
The natural beauty of Puerto de la Cruz has been exploited by the work of César Manrique and it is not only the oldest resort on Tenerife but remains the most popular on the island. I set out to discover why this should be by visiting some of its major attractions including the seafront, fishing…
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The Enchanting Carey's Secret Garden in Dorset
Get away from the humdrum daily life and spend some time enjoying the calming ambience of Carey's Secret Garden. Revived after forty years of neglect this garden is surrounded by a Victorian Wall incorporating the Roundhouse Potting Shed and an old potato store that has been converted to the Secret…
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Laxey on the Isle of Man - from Waterwheel to Waterfront
The town of Laxey on the Isle of Man is home to the largest, functional waterwheel in the world known as the Great Laxey Wheel. The site includes the Mine Walk that informs visitors of the history of the mine as they walk past its ruined buildings. While in Laxey visitors can take a trip on the…
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Hanging out in Hampshire: Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway is a privately owned estate in the New Forest in Hampshire open to the public. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of riding in a steam train and a leisurely stroll through a mixture of gardens, parkland and wooded areas. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are very…
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Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Bloom
Looking down from the top of The Dell in the Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens all I could see below me was wave upon wave of brilliant coloured blossoms on the rhododendrons and azaleas for which these Grade 1 listed gardens are famous. Placed amongst the trees of these well-established woodland…
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How to Make Travel Memories Last Forever
If there's one thing that the pandemic has taught us all, it's that life is precious and should be lived to the fullest. What better way to accomplish this than by exploring the world? Seeing new places and learning different cultures can be a life-changing experience and one that you'll never…
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Exploring Port Erin on the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is just a short flight or ferry trip across the Irish Sea but it seems much further away and offers experiences very different from the mainland – take a steam train to Port Erin at its southern tip and enjoy delights such as visiting the Port Erin Railway Museum, walking through…
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Hotel Halvard: Outstanding Hotel on the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is a fascinating and unusual destination. Hotel Halvard in the capital, Douglas, is not only a good location from which to explore the island but also a very special hotel incorporating excellent customer service and the Hotel Halvard Restaurant which offers excellent, freshly…
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Christmas on the Isle of Man
This Christmas I wanted to go somewhere different and interesting and the Isle of Man seemed to be the ideal destination. We stayed in Douglas and had days out exploring the island. Christmas was a very relaxing day strolling along the sea front at Douglas - in gale force winds which was very…