Since we stayed at a National Trust cottage, we were allowed to visit any National Trust property for free. By luck, Beatrix Potter’s house in Hill Top was close to us. It was a good place to visit on a rainy day. On entering the house, we were greeted by a front-of-house volunteer, who looked … Continue reading / view photos Beatrix Potter’s Lake District retreat
Category: Travel
Lake District
The Lake District is one of my favourite places to walk. I’ve been many times but the last time was about fifteen years ago. Rain had been forecast for the long weekend we were there — and Storm Boelo! But as locals know, the Lake District has its own weather. I’ve been there when rain … Continue reading / view photos Lake District
Europe 2026 itinerary
Unlike previous journeys, this was completely by train. I travelled about 9000km in Europe. Having an Interrail card meant that I didn’t have to think about the cost apart from the occasional seat reservation fee. This is a great way to travel if you want flexibility or aren’t sure where you want to go! Trains … Continue reading / view photos Europe 2026 itinerary
La Piscine
Today was my final day on this European trip. The weather again decided what I should do: look for cover! My journey to La Piscine, the museum of art and industry, took me to Lille-Europe metro station. The highlight of the station is the fresco by French architect and artist Jean Pattou: An Invitation to … Continue reading / view photos La Piscine
Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
With temperatures forecast to be 37°C, today was the day to duck into a museum. After a lazy start, popping into the local bakery for a baguette and supermarket for other food, I took the bus to the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, Lille’s museum of fine arts. It was one of the first museums … Continue reading / view photos Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
Lille — Fête de la Musique
On arrival at Lille station, I saw a pianist mesmerising the few people gathered around him. After some confusion on my part on where to get the metro, I eventually found it. I dropped my bag at my apartment and walked to the town centre. As I got closer to the centre, more and more … Continue reading / view photos Lille — Fête de la Musique
Museum of Cinema and Miniatures
For my last day in Lyon, I had a few things on my list. In the morning, I went to the central library. This is a huge library. It was quieter and calmer than Nice’s central library. At one point, I was sitting down and one of my sandals slipped off my feet. Very soon … Continue reading / view photos Museum of Cinema and Miniatures
Women in Black
On descending from La Croix-Rousse, I headed towards a vegan cafe. The online reviews for Zeitgeist Cafe were good. Some people said it could be difficult getting a seat. By the time I got there (after 2pm), the kitchen was closed. The crowds had dissipated. I ordered an “iced latte with vanilla”, which had some … Continue reading / view photos Women in Black
La Croix-Rousse
A bus took me from my apartment up hairpin bends to La Croix-Rousse district on a 250m hill, high in the city of Lyon. The district has been shaped by the silk industry. Silk workshops moved from the old town to La Croix-Rousse in the 18th century. Buildings were designed with higher ceilings to allow … Continue reading / view photos La Croix-Rousse
North Korea and zombies at the Musée des Confluences
Today was very hot and had to be treated like a rainy day. I had to find something to do indoors. I chose to go to the Musée des Confluences. Two trams were required. The long-ish journey was immediately worth it when I saw the museum building. It reminded me of LUMA Arles. Musee des … Continue reading / view photos North Korea and zombies at the Musée des Confluences