TRAVEL INSPIRATION

NATALIE FRENCH

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A pair of perpetually itchy feet ensure that Natalie is always plotting and planning her next big adventure. Her escapades have led her to chase the aurora borealis in Iceland; camp with cowboys in Outback Australia and master the art of blind faith to enable her to cross the road in Ho Chi Minh City. After a stint of living in Sydney, Saigon and Scotland (Edinburgh), she now resides in Hampshire – where she's re-discovered a love for good old Blighty. Becoming a freelance travel writer and journalist seemed like the obvious option and Natalie has written for various travel magazines and online publications at home and overseas including: Sunday Times Travel Magazine, National Geographic Traveller, Hampshire Life Magazine, Let's Travel (NZ) and TheTravelEditor.com.

10 of the best dog friendly hotels in the Cotswolds

In search of a weekend escape that both you and your dog are guaranteed to love? The Cotswolds has got this one in the bag. This designated area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) – spanning 800 square miles – is famed for...

10 of the best UK Wellness Retreats

From full moon retreats in the South Downs National Park to cold water dipping on the east Coast of Scotland, Natalie French shares some of the best wellness retreats for 2024.

10 of the best spas in the West Country

England’s West Country has earned a solid reputation for its dramatic windswept moors, windy country roads and endless sandy beaches. It’s no wonder there’s an annual invasion; the lure of the wild Atlantic coast is strong. B...

Best places to stay in the Scottish Highlands & Islands

The Scottish Highlands have it all: dramatic coastline, majestic mountains and captivating wildlife. Home to Britain’s Highest peak, Ben Nevis, and one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, Luskentyre on the Isle of H...

The best way to spend a Summer’s day in Hampshire

When the sun shines over the rolling fields of Hampshire, there’s nowhere better. Blessed with the perfect blend of countryside, coast and city, it’s also home to two beautiful National Parks – the New Forest and the South Do...

Best Self-Catering accommodation in the West Country

From its long stretches of golden sand and rugged clifftops to dramatic moors and subtropical gardens, the West Coast of England has UK holidays licked. Whilst there’s heaps of luxury hotels in the region - spanning Somerset,...

The best weekend breaks in Bath

When it comes to weekend breaks, Bath has got it all: natural hot springs, sweeping honey-hued Georgian architecture and cobbled paths dotted with independent shops and restaurants. There are plenty of places to rest your wea...

Best Spas near London

As we hurtle at breakneck speed towards the end of the year – with the (official) arrival of the festive season and all its to-do lists – lots of people are tinkering close to the edge. So, instead of pressing the pedal to th...

Best Historic Hotels in the East Midlands

From royal boltholes fit for frolicking to ancient spa towns with awe-inspiring architecture, the East Midlands has a little black book of hotels with a rich, full-bodied history.

Best Hotels for Afternoon Tea in London

From the world-famous Savoy to regency-inspired Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, Natalie French shares the best places to enjoy this much-loved British pastime in the capital.

Best dog-friendly hotels in The Lake District

Looking to holiday with your hound? Head to England’s largest National Park, The Lake District. This World Heritage Site offers endless walks, soaring mountains and breath-taking views.

10 of the Best Sea-View Hotels in Cornwall

There’s something truly special about Britain’s most far western peninsula; with over 250 miles of rugged coastline - lapped by the wild Atlantic Ocean – many childhood memories are made here and the pull for grown-ups never...

10 of the best wedding venues within two hours of London

Whether you’re dreaming of a fairy-tale castle, a beautiful country bolthole or an alfresco wedding fest’ - Natalie French shares 10 exciting venues just a few hour’s drive of the big smoke.

Best country retreats in Hampshire

Rolling countryside, ancient woodland and 230 miles of coastline – Hampshire’s got the weekend break in the bag. Beyond the landscape, there’s the local produce - Buffalo mozzarella, watercress and eye-watering wasabi. Not fo...

Britain's Finest Spas Hotels and Accommodation

Dreaming of escaping to a spa? Then you’re probably imagining hot footing it to a countryside retreat or a spa with far-reaching views of the Cornish Coast.

Hotels That You and Your Dog Will Love

If you're off to the coast with your four-legged friend, you'll definitely want to stay at one of these locations! Travel writer, Natalie French picks out her top ten dog friendly hotels and pubs with rooms.

UK Glamping adventures for (reluctant) grown-ups

Embrace the inner-child this summer and escape to a hobbit hole, luxury tree house or shepherd hut hidden away in the British countryside.

Ten Spas to escape to

We all deserve a little rest and relaxation - and where better to unravel than at a spa? Natalie French shares some of the best spas to retreat to here in the UK

Gardens that Sparkle at Christmas

From twinkling tunnels of lights and giant luminescent sculptures; to gently flickering fire gardens - get your much-needed festive fix at some of the UK's best Christmas garden light trails.

Home Grown Adventures

Forget far-flung adventures, UK travel has been given the green light and there is plenty of fun and fresh air to be had on our doorstep.

5 of the best winter gardens

If you think winter gardens are all bleak, barren and lifeless, think again. Those who brave the cold conditions are rewarded with ruby red berries, exquisite white birch and, as winter unfolds, the first glimpse of the delic...

Ten of the best autumn walks

You can't beat an autumn walk. Pull on your boots, throw on a big chunky scarf and escape outside to watch the sun dance across a kaleidoscope of scarlet reds, burnt orange and golden hues. Whether you want to wander beneath...

Five of the best late summer walks

As British summers go – this one has been pretty epic! Without the torment of torrential rain, the whole country has been basking in blue skies and glorious sunshine. It's only natural for us to want to eke out every last dro...

Five of the Best Father's Day Gifts

Step away from the socks. Yes, dads can be a nightmare to buy for, but why not up the ante this Father's Day and spoil yours with a day to remember? From clay pigeon shooting in the Hampshire countryside; to honing his swirl,...

Five of the Best Hotels near Festivals

For many Brits, donning wellies and dancing carefree in a field is the epitome of summer! But if the thought of roughing it in your two-man-tent sends shivers down your spine, why not ditch the muddy campsite and retreat to y...

10 Places for a Romantic Rendezvous in Edinburgh

If you're in search of a weekend destination for lusty debauchery and, perhaps even the first flutters of love – Edinburgh can provide. This city is sexy: from the dramatic silhouette of the old town dotted with medieval turr...

The Top Ten Places to see Snowdrops

Come February, that first soul-reviving, glimpse of spring can be galvanised by a delicate snowdrop - transforming a sparse winter woodland floor into a beautiful sea of white.

Britain's Scariest Attractions

It's that time of year when Britain embraces it's dark and gruesome past - from beheaded queens and killer surgeons to haunted castles and bricked-up bodies.

A Perfect Weekend in Hampshire

Hampshire is hot right now. Its handful of uber-sexy boutique hotels, with sumptuous spas to match, are coaxing discerning folk away from the big smoke and into the ‘green county'.

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