Dorchester is the county town of Dorset in south west England and on one sunny Sunday morning recently we decided to go along and explore this historic market town.Ā We left our car in the Fairfield long stay car-park which we were pleased to discover offered free parking all day Sunday making this a welcome …
A walk from Bournemouth to Boscombe
Setting off from Pier Approach on Bournemouth's seafront we decided to take a circular walk along to the suburb of Boscombe.Ā It was to be a pier to pier walk plus a little more besides.Ā From Bournemouth Pier we set off in an easterly direction along the lower promenade which is known as the Undercliff.Ā …
Wimborne Minster, Dorset
The attractive small market town of Wimborne Minster lies ten miles north west of the seaside resort of Bournemouth in Dorset. Before setting off we'd consulted the Parkopedia website for suggestions on where to park. We find Parkopedia really useful as it offers up-to-date advice and prices. For Wimborne it had recommended the Westfield Close …
Day 4. Pisa’s hidden gems
Our final day in Pisa and an opportunity to explore some of the city's less well known sights.Ā Our first stop of the day was the University of Pisa Botanical Gardens (Orto botanico di Pisa) nestled on the street behind its more famous neighbour, the Leaning Tower.Ā Admission to the gardens and botanical museum is …
Day 3. Livorno & Pisa
We were up bright and early and after enjoying our second socially distanced breakfast in the hotel's restaurant we were ready to go.Ā Our original plan for the day was to take the train to Lucca but on discovering that replacement buses were operating on the route with a reduced timetable, we decided to change …
Day 2. A day in Florence
After a good night's sleep we took the lift downstairs to discover what a post COVID-19 breakfast would be like.Ā At check-in we'd been informed that breakfast would take place in the restaurant as usual so we headed in there to find out what was on offer. To our relief, the buffet breakfast that we …
Day 1. A weekend in Pisa
If I had a spring in my step a few weeks ago as I boarded my first long distance train for over four months, I was even more excited at the prospect of taking to the skies again.Ā As soon as travel restrictions had been lifted, we searched for flights and decided that a weekend …
CitySuites Aparthotel Manchester
Hotel Review Location CitySuites is located on Chapel Street in the heart of Manchester city centre and just a five minute walk from Victoria Station. For guests arriving by car, discounted parking rates are available at the adjacent Q-Park Manchester and Exchange Square with its Metrolink tram station is close at hand. The aparthotel us …
Day 3. Out and about in Manchester
Our final day in Manchester and the sun was still shining! After a leisurely breakfast in our cosy suite we gathered together our belongings and checked out of CitySuites, leaving our bags at reception to collect later in the day. Making the most of our weekend tram pass, it was then back to nearby Exchange …
Day 2. Exploring Manchester by tram
We woke to another sunny morning (who says it always rains in Manchester!) and after preparing breakfast in our swish apartment at CitySuites it was just a short walk across to Exchange Square. From a machine at the tram stop we purchased two Metrolink weekend travel cards allowing us unlimited tram rides across the entire …