I have written a number of travel articles in Cotswold Style and Live24 Seven magazines. Many are written under the guise of Mrs & Mr Jones – a fictional couple who thoroughly investigate destinations for a little trip away, revealing vital tips for a glamorous getaway and the inside track to suit all tastes and wallets.
As well as the freelance articles listed below, I write the What’s On pages each month for Live24 Seven and The Cheltonian magazines.
Hotel & Restaurant Reviews
The Howard Arms, Ilmington, Cotswold Style magazine, January 2017
Rescued by two local families, who took the decision to give a fading pub a new lease of life, The Howard Arms has only recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment. Dating back to the 16th century, this pub with rooms overlooks the village green in the peaceful Warwickshire village of Ilmington. As we discovered, it’s a great location for exploring the north Cotswolds. The quintessentially beautiful villages of Broadway and Chipping Campden, and historic Stratford-upon-Avon, are all within 10 miles.
Read my review of The Howard Arms in Cotswold Style
Read my blog about The Howard Arms here
Travel Articles
Venice, Cotswold Style magazine, August 2015
Often described as one of the most romantic cities in the world, La Serenissima offers a tantalizing blend of East and West, thanks to its unbroken 1,100 years as an independent empire. From the minute of arrival in Venice, visitors feel they are stepping back into a magical past, or even a giant film set. Narrow, traffic-free streets wind around labyrinthine canals, and Gothic palazzos lie side by side with Oriental mosaics and Byzantine domes. Yet hidden amongst the historical alleys, there’s a contemporary edge to this beautiful city.
Read the rest of the article about Venice in Cotswold Style
Read my blog about losing and finding myself in Venice
Las Vegas, Cotswold Style magazine, January 2016
When Mr Jones first floated the idea of a trip to Vegas, Mrs Jones was a little sceptical. Considering herself a sometime culture vulture, she wasn’t convinced a trip to the glitz of Sin City was really worth a gamble. A few bribes and a long flight later, Mrs Jones found herself thrust into the neon world of the Strip. But as Mrs Jones soon discovered, there’s more to Vegas than just gambling. The city today boasts the most hotel rooms in the world and is built on the simple premise of having fun.
Read the rest of the article about Las Vegas in Cotswold Style
Read my blog about a foodie tour in Las Vegas
Glasgow, Cotswold Style magazine, June 2016
It’s over 25 years since Glasgow was named as the European City of Culture, yet the city is bursting with more culture now than every before. In fact National Geographic has named it one of the top 20 best places to visit in the world for 2016. This buzzy destination is home to an outstanding collection of museums and galleries (mostly free entry), a world-class music scene and a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary architecture. Mrs & Mr Jones discovered all this, alongside fabulous shopping, hotels and restaurants.
Read the rest of the article about Glasgow in Cotswold Style
Salzburg, Cotswold Style magazine, January 2017
Only 1 hour 40 minutes’ flying time from London, Salzburg is an ideal quick-getaway destination for a short break at any time of year. Mrs and Mr Jones chose to go in winter, to experience the festive atmosphere of this beautiful, riverside city. Mrs and Mr Jones spent most of their time in the old town, with its fairytale architecture. Many of the narrow streets are pedestrianised, with pretty, little alleys linking them together. There are plenty of museums to explore, as well as fantastic shopping, cafes and restaurants.
Read the rest of the article about Salzburg in Cotswold Style
Seville, Live24 Seven magazine, June 2017
Mrs Jones had always fancied visiting Seville and finally managed to talk Mr Jones into a spring mini break. She couldn’t quite put her finger on why she was so keen to go, but it was the thought of exotic Seville orange trees, Moorish architecture, flamenco and tapas that seemed to lure her in. Mrs and Mr Jones spent most of their time in the old city, on the east bank of the river. The most important sights of Seville can be found here, in the historic district of Barrio Santa Cruz: The Alcazar, Cathedral and Giralda.
Read the rest of the article in Live24 Seven
Read my blog about the top 7 things to do in Seville
Shoreditch, Live24 Seven magazine, August 2017
Having visited London countless times before, Mrs and Mr Jones were keen to see a different side from their usual West End hangouts. The hipster district of Shoreditch ticked all their boxes: arty, foodie and just a little bit cool. Shoreditch is in the historic East End of London. While it was once considered a bit rough and ready, this district has undergone something of a major transformation and is now seen as a pioneer of ‘hipsterfication.’ But, as Mrs & Mr Jones found, it’s certainly not lost its urban edge.
Read the rest of the article about Shoreditch in Live24 Seven
Read my blog about a street art tour in Shoreditch
Granada, Live24 Seven magazine, September 2017
Sitting against the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains and home to one of Spain’s most exquisite landmarks, Granada has plenty to pique the interest of any traveller. But there is more to this diverse city than just the Alhambra. There are a number of distinctive quarters to explore. These include the old Moorish quarter, known as the Albaicin, and the gypsy quarter of Sacromonte. Mrs & Mr Jones discovered in Granada: beautiful Moorish palaces, magical hammams and riverside relaxation against a stunning mountain backdrop.
Read the rest of the article about Granada in Live24 Seven
Read my blog about the top 7 things to do in Granada
New York, Live24 Seven magazine, December 2017
Mrs & Mr Jones decided to add some festive sparkle by visiting New York in winter. They were first-time visitors to the Big Apple and had a long list of sites they wanted to see. But, in between times, they made sure to find time to soak up the arts and cafe culture of this fast-paced, 24-hour city.
Read the rest of the article about New York in Live24 Seven
Krakow, Live24 Seven magazine, February 2018
For a winter break, Mrs & Mr Jones headed off for a weekend in Krakow, Poland. It’s only 2 hours 20 minutes from London, making it a comfortable, short hop. Whilst this city can be quite chilly in winter, there are plenty of cafes and bars to warm up in.
Read the rest of the article about Krakow in Live24 Seven
Mexico, Live24 Seven magazine, June 2018
I go in search of jungles, beaches, as well as a little bit of culture, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. I discover a taste for the amazing flavours of Mexico and more wildlife than I’d bargained for.
Read the rest of the article about Riviera Maya, Mexico in Live24 Seven
Other Articles
Ones to Watch, Cotswold Life business magazine, September 2014
A showcase of hot new businesses to look out for including an inventor, a milliner and a skatepark.
Read the article in Cotswold Life