10 Things I Love About Margate

On the first warm weekend of every year, I find it impossible to resist the urge to hop on a train to the Kent Coast. I love London but when the mercury rises, I crave the sea — and Margate has much more to offer than just a beach. I visit several times a year and keep coming back for the cliffside walks, quirky attractions and excellent dining and shopping.

How To Spend a Day in Bermondsey, London — A Local's Guide

The South London neighbourhood of Bermondsey is a stone's throw from some of London's biggest attractions, from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge to Borough Market. Bermondsey is also a worthy destination in its own right, with top-notch food, art, culture, riverside walks and even a beach (sort of!). I've lived here since 2012 and I'm excited to share my favourite things to do in Bermondsey.

The Caffeine Chronicles: Devotion Coffee, Islington

Devotion Coffee's trio of specialty coffee shops have been on my Google Maps 'want to go' list for a long time. While walking along the Regent's Canal a few weeks ago, I took a detour to visit the tiny but mighty Islington location...and immediately wondered what had taken me so long!

Castles, Coffee and Cake in Bergisches Land, Germany

While visiting my friend in the German city of Solingen, we ventured out to explore the Bergisches Land. After climbing Germany's highest rail bridge the day before, we took things at a slower pace, visiting Burg Castle — Anne of Cleves' childhood home — and enjoying Bergische Kaffeetafel, a regional coffee and cake tradition.

Climbing Müngsten Bridge — Germany's Highest Railway Bridge

Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge was one of my all-time favourite travel experiences. But you don't need to go all the way to Australia for an exhilarating bridge climb. Müngsten Bridge, Germany's highest railway bridge, delivers a similar mix of adrenaline and industrial heritage in Solingen — an easy day trip from Düsseldorf or Cologne.

The Caffeine Chronicles: Day Trip Coffee

I've written about a lot of London day trips on this blog, but not all escapes need a train ticket. That's where Day Trip in Islington comes in — a neighbourhood coffee shop that delivers a delightful change of scene alongside impeccably brewed specialty coffee.

London Wanders: Little Venice to Limehouse along Regent's Canal

I think the Regent's Canal towpath from Little Venice to Limehouse is one of London's best walks. The 9.5-mile route weaves past Regency-style villas, through beautiful parks and cool neighbourhoods, and alongside striking contemporary and heritage architecture. This is my guide to the route, including all my favourite places to stops.