Little did we know there was so much to see on the Opal Coast. From the obelisk at Cap Blanc Nez and Batterie Todt at Cap Gris Nez to Audresselles and Wimereaux. Having stayed in Boulogne-sur-Mer and explored the old town, we visited fishing village Ambleteuse before checking out the pretty seaside town of Wissant.
One of the things I love about driving abroad is that you get to discover all kinds of wonderful places that may otherwise pass you by. On exploring Northern France for example we got to see the best of what the Côte d’Opale had to offer. This French coastal region is marked by the presence of two cliffs which are situated between Calais and Boulogne. Cap Gris Nez (grey nose cape) reaches 50 metres with Cap Blanc Nez (white nose cape) 132 metres. Listed since 1987, both are part of the network of Great Sites of France along with Navacelles, the Gorges du Verdon, the city of Carcassonne and the Bay of Mont Saint Michel.
The stunning Cascade de L’Ucelluline is located on the border between the villages of Santa Maria Poggio and San Nicolao in Corsica. We’d heard about this hidden waterfall through staff at the San Lucianu Beach Resort when we stayed there. The resort is flanked by spectacular mountains so it was quite something to be beneath them and the farmhouses we passed were just beautiful. The road we walked along was relatively quiet with the exception of the odd car that sped past. It was hot walking in direct sunlight though especially with the temperature pushing thirty degrees but the scenery more than made up for that.
As a couple we’d often book flights at short notice and escape for a European city break. We didn’t necessarily have an idea where we wanted to go either, we’d just booked whatever took our fancy. We were very much go with the flow types and being away was a great way to ensure the weekend felt even longer. We do research destinations more with a five year old in tow but as long as there’s enough to occupy her, everyone’s happy. So what are the top European city breaks for families with young children?
We didn’t realise until we visited quite how much there is to do on the Isle of Wight. We had a list as long as our arm of places we wanted to see but we went with the flow and didn’t quite make it to all. One of the places we are yet to see is Blackgang Chine which is the UK’s oldest amusement park. Set in beautiful cliff top gardens on the south coast, experiences on offer include water slides, roller coasters and barrel rides. POD would love to be a fairy princess in her own castle although fighting pirates on a ship would come a close second!
Much as we love to go abroad, we adore exploring what’s on offer here in the UK too. Last year we paid one of the country’s top beaches a visit when the temperature was pushing nearly thirty degrees. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Wittering Beach in Sussex is a large sandy beach located a stones throw away from Chichester Harbour. Knowing it was popular, we headed there one weekend bright and early. Armed with a small tent-like structure, to provide some shade, foldy chairs and a packed lunch, we found a great spot by the sand dunes.
We’ve travelled a lot in the past with holidays across Europe as well as far flung destinations such as Australasia and the Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean and South America. Highlights include a Tahitian honeymoon, trekking the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand and sleeping in the Venezuelan jungle on a quest to capture Angel Falls. Nowadays, we’re always on the hunt for holidays that best suits our little family. But what does the perfect holiday actually look like?
Much as we enjoy the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the sand between our toes, we love the thrill skiing brings too. A complete contrast with the crunch of snow beneath your boots, magnificent views from the mountain top and the crisp air on your face as you glide through the powder. Not to mention the après-ski shenanigans!
Both myself and ‘the POD Father’ were well traveled before we met. I spent two years living and working in Australia while back-packed around SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji around the same time. As a couple our summer holidays mostly involved exploration of some kind whether in Europe or destinations further afield such as Tahiti, Canada and Antigua.
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is renowned for being one of the best places to watch the Northern Lights. From August right through to the end of April, you can admire the delights of the skies from your own glass igloo. Not only that, the new Kelo–Glass igloos combine the comfort and warmth of Kakslauttanen’s log cabins with the views of their world-famous glass igloos. Continue Reading…
