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.
Searching for the perfect holiday #MarkWarnerMum
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.
What’s the appeal of Mark Warner?
Mark Warner has been the topic of conversation a lot recently. But what’s the appeal of their holidays and are they right for you? We take a look at the most frequently asked questions.
Turquoise Holidays is one of a kind. The team’s passion for the destinations they cover is exceptional with their recommendations based on first hand experience. They stood out by a country mile when we chose our honeymoon as they listened to our requirements and made suggestions based on what we wanted. Our Tahitian honeymoon was just superb – the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure coupled with breathtaking scenery and local cuisine. The tranquility of Tikehau in the Tuamotu Islands meant we were quick to relax by our beach bungalow. By contrast, Moorea (Mo’orea) in the Society Islands enabled us to do as little or as much as we wanted. The quiet times saw us enjoy magnificent views of the lagoon from our overwater bungalow while feeding tropical fish. Our adventurous side involved swimming with sharks, stroking stingrays and attempting Tahitian dancing. We may have had a few too many with the locals too.
The Côte d’Opale is just a 15 minute drive away when you emerge from Eurotunnel onto the continent. Named after the beautiful sea colour the area now offers visitors wonderful views back to Blighty, beautiful French seaside towns to explore and fantastic seafood sample. It was once famed as Germany’s starting point for the invasion of England, ‘Operation Sea Lion’ in World War II. Thankfully Hitler changed his mind about invading and postponed the operation indefinitely in September 1940.
I recently spent a fabulous weekend in North Devon courtesy of holidaycottages.co.uk. Our accommodation was Lympscott Barn which is one of their larger properties set in a 300 acre dairy farm. Situated just a few miles from Kilkhampton and Bradworthy, it is perfectly positioned for exploring the likes of Summerleaze beach in Bude and Tamar Lakes.
The historic Cervione is a little known village in Corsica, located just half an hour from Bastia. From the magnificent bell tower to the stone houses with wooden shutters, cobbled streets and quirky cafes, it’s an enchanting place to visit. The views are so astonishing, they almost take your breath away. It’s no wonder this hidden gem was nicknamed the balcony by the sea.