Chester Narrowboat Travel: Castles, Canals and a Forecast That Changed Its Mind Again If you’re researching Chester narrowboat travel, let me set the scene using the Vineyards and Villages platform. One minute it’s blue skies and sunglasses, the next it’s hats on, stove lit, and a quick check that the kettle hasn’t slid off the…
Episode 10: A New Zealand South Island Road Trip (with Nettie… and the Sheep) INTRODUCTION Set off on an unforgettable road journey across the spectacular South Island of New Zealand, travelling from Christchurch to Invercargill in a characterful vintage campervan. This springtime adventure winds through alpine lakes, dramatic coastlines, welcoming rural towns, and some of…
Strandveld Winery, the southernmost winery in Africa, had been calling my name for years, and Episode 9 of my Vineyards and Villages journey finally gave me the perfect excuse to answer. Winter in the Western Cape has its own special magic: soft rain, sweeping landscapes wearing their cold-season colours, mist drifting low over distant hills,…
INTRODUCTION Cruising through the English countryside by narrowboat offers a wonderfully immersive way to discover village life at its most authentic. In this journey, we explore the peaceful waterways of the Trent and Mersey Canal as it winds through the heart of Staffordshire, revealing historic market towns, cosy pubs, and timeless rural scenery. Along the…
INTRODUCTION Set just an hour from Adelaide in the heart of South Australia lies one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions — a landscape of rolling vineyards, heritage villages, and unforgettable cellar doors. Here, generations of winemakers have shaped a culture where Shiraz reigns supreme and European traditions still thrive. From historic tasting rooms…
INTROCUCTION Welcome to the Cape West Coast — a place where wild beauty, living tradition, and remarkable birdlife meet along South Africa’s Atlantic shoreline. Just north of Cape Town, the peaceful waters of the Berg River Estuary draw hundreds of bird species and travellers seeking slower rhythms. In the fishing village of Velddrif, generations-old traditions…
INTRODUCTION This Malta travel guide is based on my three-week stay exploring the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo, with time spent discovering historic cities, coastal villages, vineyards and everyday island life. Staying in Sliema made it easy to explore nearby Valletta, wander the ancient streets of Mdina, visit the colourful fishing harbour of Marsaxlokk,…
Vineyards and Villages – Episode 4 Welcome to another episode of Vineyards and Villages — a journey through places shaped by people, history, weather and wonder. Today, I’m taking you along the West Coast of South Africa, to discover the villages of Elands Bay (fondly known as E-Bay) and Doorn Bay. These communities may be…
🌿 Discovering the Magic of Porto: Wine, Cheese and the Douro Dream In short:Explore the best of Porto, Portugal — Port wine tastings, Portuguese tapas, the Douro Valley train journey, the São Bento mosaic station, Francesinha, pastel de nata and riverside culture. A friendly travel guide to Porto from Vineyards and Villages. Welcome to the…
Welcome to the second chapter of Vineyards and Villages, where we wander into places less travelled but overflowing with heart, heritage, vineyards, and sunshine. This week’s destination is Bragança, Portugal, a remarkable medieval town tucked away in the Trás-os-Montes region, just a whisper from Spain. If you’re dreaming of stone-walled castles, golden olive groves, hand-pressed…
