Category: Weekend getaway

Overnight in the Cotswolds

Reading Time: 15 minutes
The Cotswolds, England (Dec 2017)

The Cotswolds is a huge area in south central England, stretching over six counties. It is known for being very picturesque, with gently rolling hills, green meadows and historic villages, with buildings all made from the same style and pale coloured Cotswold stone.

Despite having spent so much time in England over my lifetime, I had never visited the Cotswolds, although have often heard people describe its charm and beauty. In December 2017 while on a holiday with the extended family in Poole, Dorset, I organised a mid-week trip to see what all the fuss is about. As the children didn’t want to come with us, preferring to stay in Poole with their grandparents and cousins, we had limited time. So I hatched a plan to visit the lower part of the Cotswolds for an overnight stay, then drive through Oxford back to Dorset the next day. Continue reading “Overnight in the Cotswolds”

Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley

Reading Time: 7 minutes
The Hunter Valley, NSW

Approximately two hours drive north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is situated inland in a country area surrounded by hills and fertile ground. It is most famous for its wineries, but there are other things to do and see in the region. Because it’s a short drive for us, we generally go for a day trip, usually with friends or relatives visiting from overseas or from other states. Though a word of caution, if you are planning on doing some wine tasting and don’t have a designated driver, stay overnight. The local police are known for setting up RBT units (random breath testing) on the main roads out at the end of a day. Don’t chance getting caught, or worse, don’t chance an accident.

For anyone planning a visit, you can take children as there are plenty of ‘kid friendly’ places. We generally prefer to leave ours at home, as our main purpose for visiting is wine tasting and they’d quickly get bored. Also, if you can go mid-week or a Friday it will be less busy at cellar doors so you’ll get a chance to chat with the staff & learn more about the wines. Plus accommodation will be cheaper during the week. Here are my other tips: Continue reading “Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley”

Our weekend in the Blue Mountains

Reading Time: 9 minutes
Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves, NSW Australia (July 2016)
Jenolan Caves (July 2016)

This was a short trip, much closer to home on the outskirts of Sydney.

During the winter school holidays in July 2016 I took a Friday off work so our family could take a long weekend break away from Sydney. Together with hubby, Steve, and the two children (then aged 12 and 8) we drove up to the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves. The weekend was balanced perfectly with activities, site-seeing and quiet down-time.

The Blue Mountains is about a 90 minute drive west of Sydney (2 hours if you are coming from the northern beaches like us). Its breathtaking landscape and scenery spans approximately 11,400 km² and offers an array of attractions, including bushwalking trails, waterfalls and ancient limestone caves.  Aside from its world heritage listing, its many towns and villages also offer a delightful experience with their guesthouses, galleries and gardens and there are plenty of dining options from fine dining restaurants, to cafes, coffee shops and tea houses.

As a family we have been to the Blue Mountains a couple of times, but usually just for a day trip.  However Steve and the children hadn’t been to Jenolan Caves before and I hadn’t been since I was a small child, so we were looking forward to discovering this part of the mountains.

This was how our weekend went: Continue reading “Our weekend in the Blue Mountains”