The June travel roundup

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Pic (c) kittagsIf you’ve ever stood at the conveyor belt at luggage reclaim, watching all the identical black suitcases going round and round, wondering which is yours, you could benefit from Kittags. They’re brightly coloured luggage tags made in durable seatbelt-style webbing and can be monogrammed as well. I spotted my bright orange one a mile away and it was much admired by my fellow travellers. A great idea for school bags as well. Kittags are currently offering a 15% summer discount at the moment too - just add SUMMER2013 in the voucher box.

Clarins BB creamClarins’ new BB Skin Perfecting Cream(£28.00) is absolutely brilliant. Rather than take a moisturiser AND foundation on holiday, just pack this little beauty. It gives really good coverage, isn’t greasy and has an SPF of 25. My favourite beauty website, Escentual, do it for £22.40.

 

Nelly NoopsLucy from Nelly Noops hand makes all sorts of gorgeous fabric goodies like aprons for kids and adults and gorgeous bunting. She sent me an absolutely gorgeous beach bag in the most glorious ‘a day at the beach’ fabric. The bags are fully lined and have a handy magnetic closure and, I think, are a snip at just £20. Bag yourself one right away (see what I did there?).
Coconut Candy Scrub

Coconut Oil is huge news at the moment (my niece told me the other day that she uses it on her hair) and Essential Care have got some gorgeous coconut products. I’m a bit addicted to the Organic Coconut Candy Scrub - a bit pricey at £28 but it lasts forever and leaves your skin feeling amazingly soft. It smells delicious (and is, in fact edible!) and makes a fabulous pre-holiday skin prep to prepare your skin for tanning. I’m also addicted to their Creamy Coconut Cleanser, £14.50 (or it comes in a handy travel size £6.00) which leaves skin really soft and smells amazing.

Yankee Candle Pure RadianceLastly, and not strictly travel-related, but certainly in the beachy spirit, I’m loving my new Yankee Candle Pure Radiance candle in ‘Seaglass’ - the fragrance is white tea and sandalwood with a delicious hint of sea air. There are six in the new selection. I love the new shapes too.

The royal baby effect - how the arrival of the new heir to the throne is impacting upon parents

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Royal fever is well and truly upon us! With jubilees, coronations, a royal wedding and now a royal baby on the way it’s no wonder that Britain and the rest of the world have gone royal mad.

Kate Middleton captured the hearts of the nation as the normal girl who feel in love with a prince and lived happily ever after, and has been a key part of the royal media frenzy ever since. What Kate wears, where she goes, what she eats, even her immediate family are in the spotlight and regularly appear in gossip and fashion magazines to the pages of the Guardian and Telegraph.

Kate has appeared on best dressed lists and been congratulated for her conservative yet modern style choices and the buzz around her fashion and beauty choices has grown even bigger since it was announced she is pregnant. There are already signs of what is to come with Kate’s trend setting dubbed ‘the Kate effect’ with fashionistas commenting on her maternity style that has spun trends in accessories and shoes, and also her flawless blow dry.

Now that the birth of the royal baby is looming, there is further speculation on Kate’s pregnancy, with baby accessories, toys and clothing all making it on to top royal gift lists. The Royal baby trend setting is set to continue with bloggers and parenting experts all offering their opinion on what they think Kate might get for the royal baby. Supposed gifts have included HRH baby Ugg boots, Union Jack strollers and Windsor Collection baby baths.

Windsor Collection baby bath

The Windsor Collection baby bath: £399

Of course, Britain has had royal babies before, but with Kate’s more humble style, this pregnancy is much more accessible to the public. It has been said that Kate wants a modest nursery for her heir to the throne and will spend the first few weeks after giving birth at her family home in Berkshire.

I spoke with Rebekah Monk, mum and founder of Bathroooms.com who designed the royal baby bath with Kate and William in mind. She told me she was aware that the couple shy away from over the top luxury but do like classic and chic styles. As a mother herself, she knows becoming a mum can take away from personal style and elegance but the baby bath embraces style and functionality, and creates a focal point in the home amongst other baby equipment.

I think it’s adorable. And all this is making me VERY broody. Where was all this lovely stuff when I was having my babies all those years ago?!

In which we review the funky Fiat 500L

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Fiat 500LThis week we’ve had a fabulous new car on the drive. Sadly, not ours, but a loan car from Fiat UK, who very generously dropped off one of their precious new 500L demonstrators for us to drive, test, use, abuse (not too badly, honest) and generally wally about with for a week.

Before we start, this review isn’t about CdA, drag coefficients, torque, mpg (okay it’s a tiny bit about that) or any other baffling Top Gear term. As a busy family, the Fiat 500L had to work hard: there were school runs, airport runs, shopping runs, supermarket runs, more school runs, runs to visit people, runs to pick people up, more supermarket runs… and this is more about how it performed as a family car rather than how fast it corners.

 

Here’s a little bit of what we liked, and a tiny bit of what we didn’t:

What we liked:

The 500L is light, airy and spacious. It feels enormous inside and the all-round visibility is excellent, making it easy peasy to reverse into tight spaces and back out of the drive onto the road.

The interior is really cool (although I personally wouldn’t choose cream, especially with children) in a hard-wearing soft fabric with a funky pattern.

The dashboard is really well laid out and the design of the whole dash is retro, while boasting loads of modern touches.

The touch screen is quick and simple to use, and once your phone is connected via Bluetooth (see below), you can work all the options using buttons on the steering wheel.

There’s tons of boot space (you can see in the picture that it easily swallowed up my weekly shop) plus it’s customisable - there are different levels in the boot, and there’s loads of storage (22 places, to be precise) generally around the vehicle. As a person who likes 17 pens, three pairs of sunglasses, a note pad and four lip balms with her in the car at all times, these are a bonus.

The boot has a handle on the inside so you don’t have to touch the back of the car to shut the boot. Small things, admittedly, but a bonus when it’s raining and the car is dirty. It’s the attention to detail that really makes this car special.

The teenagers had TONS of room in the back. Sam’s over 5’10 and had legroom galore. Also, they loved the styling, something not many manufacturers could say about their family cars. The barrage of hopeful ‘mum, can I drive it?‘, ’muuuum please can I drive it?‘ lasted all week (the answer was no, by the way).

We had it for a week and the fuel gauge barely moved. I’m not a whizz with figures but I think the combined mpg is something around 62.8. Impressive fuel economy.

The diesel engine wasn’t too noisy and was very zippy, with great acceleration. It handled the M25 with ease, the all-round visibility making it easy and safe to change lanes.

Safety wise, there are six airbags in the 500L and it’s got a 5* Euro NCAP rating too.

The 500L does all sorts of clever things like stopping the engine at traffic lights then restarting, and restarting when you stall (what? I only did it twice). It also has the same ‘hill hold’ technology as my VW Polo, stopping you from rolling back on a hill start.

The delivery chaps from the dealership were LOVELY - a good sign, I would think, that buying a Fiat and dealing with its aftercare would be a breeze.

What we didn’t like:

Although the hands-free, bluetooth kit is really clever (once your phone is connected it will accept calls and you can just chat away while driving), it’s a pain to connect, with about four different screens to get through before your phone is connected. This could be driver error (okay, so we didn’t exactly look in the manual), but otherwise the process needs a bit of streamlining.

The reversing sensor beeps even when you’re going straight back into a space and you’ve got miles to go. It seems to detect things to the side of the car as well, making if difficult to know exactly what it’s sensing. Still, it’s thorough.

The verdict: this model, at a touch under twenty grand isn’t the cheapest family car, but the looks, styling and gadgets make it a great choice for an everyday workhorse that doesn’t look like your typical MPV. Plus prices start from around £15,000 for the lower spec 1.4 petrol Pop Star. I see it as a natural progression for all those people who loved the Fiat 500 but need more space for a family. 4.5 out of 5 (I can’t knock a whole star off for the Bluetooth!).

The vehicle we tested was a Fiat 500L 1.6 MultiJet 105hp Easy (diesel) in Beatbox Green. OTR price: £17,490 OTR price with options: £19,650. Extras included the metallic paint with white roof (£800), 17” alloy wheels with white diamond finish (£650), front fog lights (£160), automatic dual zone climate control (£250), automatic lights with rain sensor (£150)

Massive thanks to Fiat UK for all their help. Click here for more info on the Fiat 500L

 

Guest post: the best family attractions and activities in Cyprus

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From personal experience, there are few better countries to visit on holiday in the Mediterranean than Cyprus. Perfect for a family getaway if you’re looking for rest and relaxation - head to the beach for warm sand and a sparkling blue sea. But if you’d prefer to take in some culture, its unique location in the middle of three continents has something for everyone.

What’s more, my little ones love the range of activities on offer and at the end of a busy day, I’m incredibly thankful of the Mediterranean cuisine. Because so many families come here for a break from the norm, even children have plenty of food to choose from.

So whenever I take advantage of the cheap flights to Cyprus that are regularly on offer, the following places to relax, eat and take the kids are definitely on my to-do list.

Beaches

Quite possibly the most famous beach in Cyprus, Phinikoudes is the perfect spot to chill out with the family. You can rest assured that youngsters playing in the sea will be safe, as the water is usually calm with only mild waves. But for added peace of mind, lifeguards are on duty during the busiest holiday seasons.

If the kids start to get a little restless or you fancy a change of scenery, the area has a great deal of mini markets nearby and the commercial part of town is just behind the promenade. With plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants as well, grabbing something to eat or drink is easy and straightforward too.

Just 5km from Kyrenia city centre, Escape Beach Club is another place to check out, especially if your children like water sports, with banana boating and canoe rides two popular pursuits.

Activities

Upon arrival, one of the first places my youngsters want to visit is the Aphrodite Water Park and I highly recommend it. A great day out for young, old and teenagers in-between, numerous attractions including twisting flumes, water rapids, a lazy river and leisure pool keep everyone entertained.

The whole park is dotted with restaurants and refreshment kiosks so you don’t have to worry about taking food. Just remember its €5 if you want to use a locker.

You may also be interested in visiting the Fantastico Mini Golf & Luna Park in Protaras, which is guaranteed to provide a few laughs and some afternoon fun.

Eating

If you want to taste traditional Cypriot cuisine, head to the family-friendly restaurant To Vrysi (Harrys) in Pedhoulas. As someone with a sweet tooth, my personal favourite was the locally grown cherry pie dessert.

For the best ice cream in Nicosia, be sure to head to Heraklis Garden Café. There is snack food available, and a lovely free garden playground.

Eleanor Lowry is a British travel writer and mother of two girls. She spends most of her time planning or writing about finding the best opportunities to spend quality time with her family and learn about foreign cultures together.

 

 

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Win alfresco dining for two at River Cottage HQ!

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Pic (c) rivercottage.net

Pic (c) rivercottage.net

Want to win a dining experience unlike any other?

River Cottage evening events are a celebration of the River Cottage ethos, where the food, location and atmosphere take centre stage. You will be treated to delicious dishes whilst enjoying the familiar surroundings from the River Cottage TV series.

You will be seated outside on covered decking with beautiful views of the Axe valley below - should the evening be cooler there is an outdoor log burner to keep you warm and removable walls to ensure a comfortable evening.

When you arrive you will be met by members of the River Cottage team before getting on the tractor and trailer for the journey down to River Cottage HQ. Your host for the evening will greet you with a seasonal welcome drink and canapés will be served. You will have the opportunity to have a look around and soak up the atmosphere. Once seated, the chef will introduce the menu and talk about the dishes being served. You will learn about the River Cottage philosophy, the food, its provenance and how it has been prepared. You will enjoy further canapés at the table, before tucking into a four course menu made using the very best local and seasonal ingredients. The menu is decided on the day depending on what produce is at its very best. A wonderful evening is rounded off with coffee and petit fours. At this stage the tractor will be available to take you back to the car park when you are ready.

The prize is worth £140. There are a selection of dates available on Friday nights throughout the summer and all are subject to availability. To enter, just click the button and enter your details:

For further information about the dining events, cookery courses and other events at River Cottage visit www.rivercottage.net

River Cottage terms and conditions can be found here. English Mum’s usual competition rules apply. Competition closes at midnight on 16th July 2013.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ENTRIES! ANNOUNCING THE WINNER VERY SOON!

My top ten family activities in Florida

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Empire of the Penguin

Empire of the Penguin

1 Meet Puck at Seaworld’s new Antarctica

Seaworld’s brand new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction is now open. Visit the frozen South Pole with Puck the baby Gentoo penguin, who is ready to tell you all about penguin life in this brand new area complete with icy winds, icebergs and hundreds of penguins in the largest artificial penguin habitat ever built. A new 8 seater trackless ride whooshes you through this frozen land.

2 Feed the giraffes on the Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens

You might be in Florida, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a proper African adventure. Book the Serengeti Safari and you can travel in an open truck across the 65 acres of Serengeti Plain, spotting zebra, ostriches and all sorts of other wildlife. There’s also an opportunity to hand feed the giraffes – one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had.

3 Drink butter beer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

A visit to Florida isn’t complete without a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, one of two areas that make up Universal Orlando Resort. Stop and grab a butter beer at the cart before charging off to choose your dragon on the Dragon Challenge coaster, or wander through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on the magical ‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey’ ride.

4 Watch the fireworks at Epcot

One of my favourite parts of any Florida trip is watching the beautiful IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show at Disney’s Epcot. The show is a 14-minute extravaganza of fireworks, lasers and water effects that melts even the hardest of hearts. The show takes place every night at the World Showcase area.

'Gator spotting at Myakka

‘Gator spotting at Myakka

5 Spot gators at Myakka River State Park

Of course Florida is so much more than just theme parks. Sarasota boasts stylish shopping, fabulous white sandy beaches and the Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest state parks, stretching across 57 square miles of woodland, wetland and prairie. The area is great for camping, fishing and cycling, but my top tip is to take one of the amazing boat trips where you can see alligators, eagles and all manner of wildlife. Entry to the park is just $6 a car.

6 Go circus crazy at the Ringling Museum

While you’re in Sarasota, don’t miss the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Don’t be fooled by the title, the Ringling is the most incredible place, with 20 acres of gorgeous Sarasota seafront, the most beautiful, breathtaking mansion, an interactive Circus Museum and a breathtaking model circus.

Me on a segway (oh the shame)

Me on a segway (oh the shame)

 

7 Segway around St Pete’s

St Petersburg is located on a peninsula curling out into the Gulf of Mexico and is attached to Tampa by a causeway. One of the best ways to see this beautiful area is to take a Segway tour. Tours are suitable for families (but children need to be minimum 75lb) and will take you both into the city and along the pier.

8 Visit historic John’s Pass Village

While you’re at St Pete’s take time to visit John’s Pass, a beautiful old fishing village where you can shop ‘til you drop, go on a boat tour or even hire jetskis. If you’re lucky enough to visit in October there’s a wonderful seafood festival (October 25/26/27, 2013), but at other times, get your seafood fix at the iconic Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center

 

9 Encounter Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center

Over on the Space Coast there are more incredible beaches, plus the Kennedy Space Center. Take a guided tour, indulge in some astronaut training, watch an entire launch countdown re-enacted in an actual mission control centre, and from later this month you can visit Space Shuttle Atlantis which is going to be permanently exhibited at Kennedy, jam packed with interactive encounters, simulators and exhibits. A once in a lifetime experience.

10 Surfs up at Cocoa Beach

While you’re on the space coast, take time to spend a day at beautiful Cocoa Beach, visit the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop to kit yourself out, then hit the surf! Later on, take a wander along historic Cocoa Beach Pier for dinner and drinks as the sun goes down. Heaven.

For more information, Visit Florida has loads of information about the area.

Monarch Airlines offers plenty of flights to Orlando Sanford airport from London Gatwick and Manchester

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Step by step: how to make lemon curd and news of the ‘lemonster’

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Lemon curd

Lemon curd

My Mum’s been on holiday to Sorrento. While she’s been away I’ve been popping in occasionally to look after the cats and water plants, etc. I’m always worried that people will think I’m a burglar, so I always talk really loudly to the cats: ‘hello Harreeeee! Are you missing your mummmeeeeee?’. It’s now dawned on me that rather than being labelled a burglar, my mother’s neighbours think I’m some sort of weird cat whisperer wannabe. Ah well.

True to the English Mum philosophy of nothing going right if it can go wrong, I was startled awake the morning of her return at 1.30am by a phone call: ‘it’s me’, said my Mum, ‘you locked me out’. Ah. I’d managed to leave the key in the back door when locking it from the inside, not realising that she hadn’t taken a front door key with her. No matter. I drove down and let her in. Whilst there, she handed me a suspicious, nobbly parcel. It was obviously a good pressie as she was pretty pleased with herself. Delving deeper, it turned out to be THE BIGGEST LEMON THAT YOU’VE EVER SEEN IN YOUR WHOLE LIFE. One of my twitter followers named it ‘The Lemonster’. Here it is next to a lemon from my fruit bowl:

The Lemonster

The Lemonster

During the following lemony discussions, it turned out that most people have never made lemon curd OR Limoncello. Both of which are dead easy. I’ll start with lemon curd. Once you’ve got the basic recipe, you can make lots of different kinds of curd - I’ve made berry before, and you can make lime, passion fruit… basically any juice that’s nice and sharp will translate well into a lemon curd.

You will need:

2 lemons, zested and juiced (or about 6 tablespoons of sharp, fresh juice)

100g butter (I use salted as I think it brings out the flavour)

150g caster sugar

2 large free range eggs, plus 1 extra yolk

Take a saucepan and add in the juice, zest (if using citrus fruits), butter and caster sugar. Melt it all together slowly until the sugar is all dissolved.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the eggs and yolk until well combined (if you’re being restauranty here, you can sift the egg to remove any lumps of white).

Now, take the warm juice/butter mixture and gently pour a little bit into the egg, whisking all the time, then a bit more, then a bit more, until you’ve combined about half of it with the eggs.

Pop that lot back into the saucepan and keep whisking and gently simmering until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. If it’s really not going to thicken, you can help it along by popping in another egg yolk and whisking again until it does. Remember it will continue to thicken as it cools.

If you’re potting it up, make sure your jars are sterilised (good sterilising advice from my friend Mammy’s Kitchen right here), but if you’re using it straight away, or pouring it into a tart case, let it cool a bit, remembering to stir it occasionally to keep it from getting a skin on. When it’s about room temperature, pour it into the pastry case and pop into the fridge to cool.

A sealed jar will keep for a good few months in the fridge, but opened jars should be eaten within about a week.

Sorrento sounds utterly fabulous, by the way. Tempted to pop over and pick up a few more enormous lemons.

Breakfast of champions (with a little help from McCain)

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So when the hubby is home, one of our naughty pleasures is sending him off on a McDonald’s run (I know, but everything in moderation, etc). There aren’t many things nicer than a sausage and egg McMuffin, especially if you’ve had a *cough* heavy night - plus there’s the benefit of no washing up afterwards. I do differ with the boys about one thing, though, the dreaded hash browns. The McDonald’s ones are so greasy it’s unreal. I’m not a fan.

So when McCain wrote to me last week offering to send us a lovely breakfast, including hash browns, you can imagine I was slightly sceptical. Still, they did us proud, with a fabulous selection of British outdoor-reared pork sausages and bacon, English muffins, free range eggs, the aforementioned hash browns and loads of lovely fruit and yogurt too.

Here, then, for your viewing pleasure is possibly the best breakfast we’ve ever had:

Best breakfast ever

And the verdict on the hash browns? Very nice. They’re oven baked so seem much crunchier and not at all greasy or soggy, plus they’re much thicker so you get a crispy outside and a nice soft, fluffy centre. Charlie managed to eat four, which is probably some kind of record, but still couldn’t be persuaded to eat any fruit.

Ah well.

Thanks to McCain for the veritable feast!

 

Cruising in… Britain! Seeing the Isles from a different perspective

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Are you searching for a different type of holiday experience for your family without straying too far from home this year? Believe it or not, there are a number of British Isles cruises on offer from some of the top operators, and you and the kids may be surprised to discover just how many different cities and types of landscape you can visit!

Many companies operate 12 or 13 night cruises of the British Isles and Ireland, with a popular first port of call at the beautiful Scottish capital Edinburgh. Ships then continue north to visit the Highlands and Loch Ness plus the islands of Orkney and Skye, which are famed for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s exploits. Children will love Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura, located beside the castle, where a special camera projects an image of the city onto a table (pretty cool) and there are several floors of great interactive illusions. Look out for the singing cats, before visiting Nessie in the Highlands and learning about local island life. The beauty of a cruise means that it’s easy to visit remote places without driving for miles or worrying about public transport.

Moving on you can visit the capitals of Ireland and Northern Ireland – historic Dublin and Belfast – and the scenic Welsh island of Anglesey, where it’s possible to glimpse a rich and ancient history. Belfast has a famed shipping heritage but if you’ve had enough messing about in boats you should go to the Giant’s Causeway, an awe-inspiring site that will have your kids fascinated with geology and big rock formations! Fresh Irish air and the beautiful countryside will soon have you feeling rejuvenated too.

Another popular stop for many cruises is the palm-lined seaside town of Torquay, which can feel almost tropical compared with Scottish shores. Spend some time playing with buckets and spades on the beach to give yourselves a well-earned break. The kids can work off their energy by exploring rock pools, or paddling in the sea, and for something a little different why not discover the network of caves at Kents Cavern?

A number of British Isles cruises incorporate parts of France, either at the beginning or the end, for example the port of Le Havre in Normandy, or beautiful Paris. You could choose to extend your stay with a couple of nights in the city, picking up ice cream from street vendors, walking the winding Parisian streets and visiting the Cites de Enfants – a museum dedicated to children (although buy tickets in advance as it can be busy at peak times).

Taking a cruise is one way of experiencing an action-packed, hassle-free holiday guaranteed to keep the kids entertained since each port of call offers something unique. Cruising the British Isles ensures that you don’t have to travel too far before getting on the boat, you don’t have screaming children in the car for two weeks, and you can learn about the different cultures contained within the countries of the United Kingdom as a family. What’s more, most ships will have on-board entertainment for the evenings!

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Step by step: how to cook the perfect steak

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Perfect rib eye steak

Perfect rib eye steak

This morning the postie knocked on the door and handed me a weird, squishy parcel. Intrigued, I ferreted around, removing several layers of packaging until - finally - arriving at the rather pleasing contents: four beautiful looking (and perfectly packaged) 21 day aged rib eye steaks, courtesy of the lovely chaps at Farmers Choice.

I find that steak is a bit ‘Marmitey’. You either absolutely adore it, or you’re not really that keen. Sometimes I wonder if the people that aren’t that keen are the ones that have had a grey slab of chewy, leathery well done steak in their past. How else could you explain such take-it-or-leave-it-ness about such a cracking, and frankly delicious, piece of meat?

Everyone cooks steak differently, but here’s my guide to cooking your perfect steak.

First things first: start with your steaks at room temperature. Rub them very sparingly with oil (I use rapeseed - just enough so they don’t stick) and sprinkle generously with lovely sea salt and black pepper. Get your (dry) pan really hot - this is an excellent way to get the delicious caramelised crust (the best bit).

Pop the steak into your hot pan (hear that sizzle? yeah, now we’re cooking) and press it down with your spatula for a minute to encourage that delicious crust to form. Flip it over and do the same with the other side.

Rare, medium-rare, medium or well done?

I’m not telling you what to eat, or indeed how to eat, but honestly, a well done steak just isn’t brilliant. If you absolutely love it and you feel your jaw’s happy with the amount of chewing a well done steak necessitates, then go you.

Generally, we aim for medium-rare: not bloody and oozing, but soft and pink in the middle. Because I don’t pay attention in the kitchen - especially if I’m on the wine - we often end up with steaks of various different stages of doneness and then engage in a mad plate-swapping thing at the table until we’ve all got our perfect steak. It’s a difficult thing to judge, but it’s best to do it with your finger. Keep pushing on it - as it cooks it will firm up. Very squishy, like marshmallow, and your steak is rare - rock hard and your steak is well done. You need to aim for something in the middle.

Some people advocate that weird thing where you put your index finger and your thumb together and feel the fleshy bit at the bottom of your thumb - the thinking being that as you move through the fingers from index to little finger, the squishiness roughly equates to rare, medium rare, medium and well done being your little finger. I can’t do that. Remember, you’re not cooking in a restaurant. If you feel the need to cut into the steak and have a look, do it. Rather that then get it wrong and waste your beautiful steak.

Resting the meat (the science bit)

Once your steak’s perfect, remove it to a warm plate and cover it with foil to rest. *Science klaxon* this is the bit that makes it tender as it allows the fibres in the meat to relax, and redistribute all the juices that have been forced to the centre of the steak by the fibres nearest the heat contracting. At least five minutes, but ten is perfect.

A quick pepper ‘pan’ sauce

In the meantime, slosh a bit of stock (it’s really handy if you keep an ice cube tray in the freezer full of stock - you can just use one or two cubes) and a slug of cream into your pan and add a bit more pepper. At the last minute, add the resting juices from the meat too.

Serve with the sauce and - our favourite - some oven baked sweet potato wedges - add a crisp green salad, or some green beans and it’s really all you need.

And the verdict on the Farmers Choice steaks? Absolutely spot on. A good marbling of fat through the meat, a lovely deep red colour and creamy coloured fat at the edges. They cooked beautifully and were absolutely delicious.

Click here to check out the selection of steaks at Farmers Choice

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More adventures in wine: I sample Asda’s summer wine selection

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You know me, I love a glass of wine. Or two. So when Asda offered to send me a selection of their favourite wines for the summer, well, I jumped at the chance.

As a fledgling wine-taster I’ve done my best to describe them for you (none of that ‘burnt rubber and cut grass’ stuff I promise) mostly without referring to any tasting notes, but this stuff’s all a bit subjective so you might not agree. Do go and seek them out, though, they’re a delicious bunch:

Asda summer wines

From left to right:

The Wine Selection Pinot Grigio 2012

I always think that I don’t like Pinot Grigio, but we really enjoyed this Italian white from Verona. Bright and crisp with less mouth-puckering acidity than I remember from last time, although still fresh and zesty. Bit of a snip at four quid a bottle.

Extra Special Fiano 2012

This Sicilian beauty was one of my favourites. Fresh and fruity, bright with tangy citrus and - what? - green apple? Wish I had an expert on hand. £7.00.

The Original Malbec 2011

I adore an Argentinian Malbec and though this French Rigal Malbec was a beauty: spicy, smooth and full of fruit with a touch of sweetness - seriously easy drinking. £7.25 but currently on offer at £5.50 so snap it up.

Extra Special Gavi 2012

A really special wine (reflected in the price, I’ll admit). This Italian Gavi was delicious: fresh and crisp but also with a flowery scent that was really appealing (there goes my wine vocabulary letting me down again). Loved it, and did a special online order to buy more as there’s no Asda near us. £8.00.

Lugana 2012

This wine is from a small area just inland from Lake Garda. The grapes used are Trebbiano - not something I’ve come across before. I was lost for the words to describe what I was tasting, but it’s almost metallic - not unpleasantly so - I’m sure there’s a proper winey word for it - also fresh and lemony. £8.50 but currently on offer at £7.00.

Garganega Pinot Grigio Pouch

Almost back to the wine boxes of our youth, we were initially, I’ll admit, a bit snobby about the whole ‘wine in a bag’ idea, then laughed as both of us were caught sneaking back to the fridge for another top up. This wine is an 84% Garganega/16% Pinot Grigio mix from Verona and you get a stonking 1.5L for your £9.50. A bit of a bargain and well worth keeping in the fridge for unexpected guests (if it lasts that long). It stays fresh for a good few weeks during use and is surprisingly eco-friendly too. I referred to tasting notes for this one and could definitely taste the pear that was mentioned. Delicious, crisp, fresh and dead handy too.

The verdict? Not a single wet blanket amongst them, but the Malbec was my favourite. Could have done with a couple of rosés in the mix too.

Thanks to Asda for supplying the wine. Excellent fun. Next! (Please note the prices may well have changed slightly since I last asked - they often do!)

 

Five great spots for UK wildlife holidays with kids

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Britain is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. From the verdant Lee Valley to the Arctic peaks of the Cairngorms and the volcanic moors of Lundy Island, there is a vast range of natural habitats which can easily be accessed by families, with great kids holidays practically on the doorstep wherever you may happen to live in the UK. Here’s a brief look at just a few of them to whet the appetite and encourage families with smaller kids to explore the unrivalled riches of these remarkable islands.

Cirencester for beavers

Wild beavers disappeared from Britain several hundred years ago, back in the reign of Henry VII, and it is only recently that they have begun to come back. A reintroduction programme has finally begun to bear fruit and on the Lower Mill Estate here in Cirencester the very first kits were born for the first time in five centuries, in 2008. There are several different types of waterside accommodation on offer for visitors to watch these remarkable animals mess about in their lodges out on the lake. Both beavers and humans have free access across the 550-acre estate.

Reptiles in the New Forest

The New Forest, once the exclusive preserve of monstrously spoilt royalty, is now one of the UK’s newest national parks and is home especially to many different species of native reptiles. These include the very rare sand lizard, harmless smooth snake and the only poisonous snake in these islands, the Adder. Located close to Lyndhurst, the New Forest Reptile Centre is home to numerous reptiles and amphibians, and after a visit here you can get out into the field and onto the exciting Reptile Trail. This is a one-mile trek through the woodland park, keeping a sharp lookout for tell-tale movements in the undergrowth. If you come on a warm day you can hire a bike to explore the centre as it’s on the New Forest’s cycle network

Seals off Anglesey

Although as a wildlife-spotting destination Anglesey in Wales doesn’t have quite the ring of Alaska about it, there’s plenty of wild flora and fauna to admire even if it’s not on a par with watching humpback whales spout in front of icebergs. Visitors here can opt to put up at a beautifully restored 18th century Windmill located on the eastern side of the island, set plumb in the middle of an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are magnificent views from its upper panoramic windows from the living quarters on the top floor, to spot seals cavorting around in the waters below against a breathtaking backdrop that stretches from the Menai Straits and Isle of Man to Snowdonia and Beaumaris.

Bats in County Fermanagh

On the Crom Estate in County Fermanagh bat enthusiasts can see eight species of these furry little wonders literally hanging around in the rafters. There are organised night-time excursions around the estate, led by an expert guide who will point out the finer differences between the lesser horseshoe and soprano pipistrelle varieties, just to start with. You can also spot pine martens when it gets light.

Whales off St David’s

Sailing out from St David’s on the coast of Pembrokeshire is the best way to see whales in the UK. There are also regular sightings of porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks and even the odd minke and orca whales in these waters. The best accommodation is a tent, as there are several excellent campsites around the town and the weather is friendly throughout most of the year.

David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He’s spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.

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In which I inform the school that tie shredding boy needs a break

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The lettuce protest

The lettuce protest

He’s a bit of a wag is The Dude. Not in a bad way. Oh no, I’m far too scary a parent to allow anything like that. I do, however, feel that we shouldn’t crush every bit of individuality and personality out of our children. I want my children to be respectful, kind and considerate, but we do have a bit of a giggle at home, and sometimes there’s a bit of banter and the odd swear, but that’s fine by me too. On the left, I present his recent protest at being asked to eat lettuce. He hates lettuce.

Since returning to school after half term, Charlie’s been on ‘lockdown’. This is basically because this particular school moves the kids up into their new school years after the May half term. So Chas is now in year 11. This year is special because it’s their GCSE year. They wear a different coloured shirt and tie and are allowed more freedom, including the right to leave the school at lunchtime. Unfortunately, since the now infamous ‘tie shredding incident‘, his punishment, along with his friends, was to have this freedom rescinded for two whole weeks. It’s actually a pretty great punishment. Allow the whole of the school year to leave the premises at lunchtime, leaving the ‘naughty’ ones behind to earn their freedom again? I get that. I totally do.

Trouble is, the policing of this ‘lockdown’ is all wrong. On the first day he came back looking less than happy. I assumed it was the enforced loss of freedom and didn’t say too much. Actions have consequences, etc and I fully support the school’s right to give punishment where it’s due. On the second day, I actually asked what was up, and it turned out that the lockdown is being enforced by them having to report to their house office EVERY TEN MINUTES. Yup, you read that right. Wherever they are and whatever they’re doing, they have to walk all the way back to a specific office to report every ten minutes.

This is all wrong. Removing a privilege if they misbehave? Totally fine. Removing their freedom and their right to a break at lunchtime, when they’re studying hard for GCSEs and working hard in class? Wrong. Ten minutes is not even enough time to queue up in the canteen and eat. Had he eaten? No. I was fuming.

I sent one of my emails. I kept it firm. I expect Charlie to be allowed a proper break to go eat, drink, read a book, revise, muck about, play football… whatever. Just as you, as a teacher, are allowed one.

The reply was a bit sarky: ‘if Charlie’s that keen on revising, he can always go to the library, where the staff there will record his presence’. Oh I didn’t like that. I didn’t like that one bit.

My reply, I feel, was firm but fair: ‘it’s not about revision. It’s about giving the kid a break, not making him perform like a trained chimp for the entire lunch period.’

That’s me off the school Christmas list, then.

Templar treasure: a luxe short break at the Château Saint-Martin on the Côte d’Azur

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The path down to the pool

The path down to the pool

So I started to tell you a little about the Chateau Saint-Martin when I reviewed their beautiful two Michelin star restaurant, Le Saint-Martin. But there’s so much more to this place than the fabulous food.

Wine tasting in the cellar

Wine tasting in the cellar

View of the Chateau from one of the villas

View of the Chateau from one of the villas

A 30 minute drive through beautiful scenery from Nice Airport, the Chateau nestles atop a hillside overlooking the French Riviera and is surrounded by 35 acres of gardens, including 300 ancient olive trees (they make their own estate olive oil), tennis courts and a fabulous swimming pool. The ancient ruins, preserved by the Chateau, date back to Roman times, and were once home to the Knights Templar.

Transformed into a luxury hotel by the Oetker family (yes, the pizza ones - they also own the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the Cap d’Antibes and Le Bristol in Paris) the Chateau has 51 luxurious suites and six sumptuous private villas, all available to hire. Staff are discrete and attentive - there’s not a hint of haughty Parisian-type service here.

As well as Le Saint-Martin, the Chateau has a Mediterranean restaurant, La Rosticceria (with shutters open over the most spectacular view of the Riviera) and a summer grill outside in the gardens called L’Oliveraie.

The Chateau boasts a pretty amazing wine list. We were lucky enough to experience a wine tasting in the cellar with the Sommelier, who was far too discrete to answer my questions about the most expensive bottle of wine. The website does hint that the cellar offers ‘some of the world’s most exclusive vintages’ and I certainly spotted some boxes of Petrus and Chateau Lafite Rothschild amongst the dusty bottles on the shelves.

The Spa

The gorgeous spa, taking up two floors on one corner of the Chateau, offers a huge array of treatments featuring La Prairie and Bamford Body products. I opted for a La Prairie facial and it really was delicious. Delivered in a futuristic-looking treatment room with customisable coloured lighting (green for revitalising, blue for relaxing) I’m pretty sure I fell asleep, and wafted out afterwards on a heavenly scented cloud, heavy limbed and relaxed with skin that was plumped and glowing. I was given a sizeable collection of La Prairie product samples to try at home too (I can’t bring myself to use them).

The cobbled streets of Saint Paul de Vence

The cobbled streets of Saint Paul de Vence

Vence and Saint Paul de Vence

A short drive away in one of the Chateau’s Mercedes limousines (with a driver straight off a Gaultier advert), is Vence - a lovely little town and well worth a visit. Queue up for fresh baguettes, warm out of the oven, sit and sip a glass of rosé and watch the world go by, or pick up some gorgeous Provençal tableware in the little shops.

Nearby is the pretty, fortified town of Saint Paul de Vence. It’s a lovely place to sip a café au lait and watch the locals play boules, then take a wander up the stone streets and mooch around the galleries and tiny shops, all pretty much unchanged since Picasso and Matisse trod the same cobbles. Take time to visit the little cemetery perched overlooking the Mediterranean, where Chagall is buried, and follow the meandering streets to a little chapel overlooking the town. We also snuck a quick look inside the legendary La Colombe D’Or hotel - a great place to star spot, but notoriously difficult to bag a table in the restaurant.

Le Fondation Maeght

The Maeght Foundation is a private art gallery located at Saint Paul de Vence and is a must-see if you’re in the area. Visitors can wander the gardens and view paintings, sculptures and ceramics by artists such as Bonard, Chagall and Giacometti (my favourite is Giacometti’s ‘Dog’, said to have been created by him after getting caught in the rain) and many contemporary pieces too. There are often special exhibitions at the Foundation, which is open every day.

Giacometti's 'Dog'

Giacometti’s ‘Dog’

We returned refreshed and relaxed - even our ridiculous delay at Nice airport couldn’t take the shine off, and I’ll be returning as soon as I can. Not a budget option, admittedly, but three glorious days at Chateau Saint-Martin was as relaxing and pampering as two weeks in the Caribbean, and just an hour away from the UK.

The Knights Templar may have long gone, but they left all their treasure behind.

Rates at Chateau Saint Martin & Spa start from €360 per room, per night including breakfast.
Visit chateau-st-martin.com.

Do we show enough love for our Dad on Fathers’ Day?

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Fathers’ Day is rapidly approaching (it falls on June 16th this year) which means that if you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about finding that perfect Fathers’ Day gift. Think twice before adding a pair of novelty socks to your shopping basket however, because this nifty infographic reveals just how dads feel about the occasion – the results might surprise you!

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The Kellogg’s All-Bran five day challenge

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Our meeting room at the Covent Garden Hotel

Our meeting room at the Covent Garden Hotel

So last Friday I headed up to Covent Garden for a meeting with Kellogg’s to hear all about their new campaign. We met at the incredibly gorgeous Covent Garden Hotel - it’s like a fabulous underground rabbit warren - all dark, cosy and warm - our meeting room had ornate flock wallpaper, comfy sofas and faux window/mirrors. I’m now on a mission to stay there.

All-Bran’s been going for absolutely donkeys’ years - we watched that advert with the ‘they’re tasty tasty very very tasty’ theme tune - remember that?

Basically All-Bran’s moved on a lot from those days. Yes, you can still buy the hard-core slightly twig-like All Bran, and Bran Flakes, but now there are all sorts of scrummy new varieties including chocolatey and fruity, plus our favourite, Golden Crunch (the box I got in my goody bag lasted ONE DAY after I got back) that will up your intake of healthy wheat bran fibre.

We had a good giggle about the amount of poo talk there was, but honestly, none of us eat enough fibre and it’s so important - not only does it ‘keep you regular’ (insert snigger here) but it helps keep you feeling fuller for longer (handy if you’re trying to lose weight) and can impact positively on your general health too.

The recommended GDA for fibre is 25g a day, but very few of us actually eat that much. The Kellogg’s girls had challenged one of the girls in their office to take up the 5 Day Challenge (basically one portion of one of the cereals from the All-Bran range for five days, plus health tips and support during that time) and she honestly said she felt better - with more energy and, I have to say, she really did look great - bright eyed and glowing. If you eat more fibre, Kellogg’s recommend that you also drink more water (2 litres a day) which all goes to making you feel healthier.

Golden CrunchAfter our meeting, we made the short walk to our pampering afternoon. The Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden is absolutely amazing. There’s no way you can get a sense of the sheer scale of the place from the unassuming exterior. We had a delicious lunch lolling around on cushions in the HUGE relaxation lounge - it reminded me a bit of a Bond film - there’s a pool WITH A SWING (which I didn’t end up trying, darnit) and acres of room where women in various states of undress were lolling around sipping champagne. There are also a mesmerising set of interconnect pools containing Koi Carp. Sadly there’s a no camera rule so I can’t show you - you’ll just have to go and experience it yourself!

I decided to have a facial and it was probably one of the best ones I’ve ever had. My therapist, Hannah, talked to me about my skin concerns and then gave me the most heavenly treatment, including a very firm head, neck, shoulder and arm massage. I’m not a fan of pummelly massages normally, but afterwards I floated out with all the tension from my neck and back completely gone, and my skin glowing.

NB: I’m going to have a go at the 5 day challenge and report back. You can find the 5 Day Challenge here.

The Maldives: A Family Holiday Paradise

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Kani Maldives (c) clubmed.co.uk

The island nation of the Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean and consists of a double chain of twenty-six atolls. Its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and isolated location makes it an ideal destination for holidaymakers looking to escape the daily grind.

According to the Maldives tourist board, the islands enjoy an average temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year with constant sunshine on most days. What’s more, the balmy mornings, calm evenings and beautiful sunsets make the Maldives a truly special place to visit.

Club Med holidays in the Maldives are perfect for families looking to experience a little piece of paradise. While kids can enjoy a host of activities like swimming, beach football and kayaking, parents are able to relax and unwind on an immaculate beach next to a soothing ocean.

Kani resort

The resort of Kani is a truly majestic destination, featuring 75 individual suites set amid the sparkling water. Positioned on stilts, these truly special habitats allow guests to dive straight into the sea from their rooms or simply admire a magnificent lagoon view.

Guests also have the option of staying closer to the resort’s lush foliage in luxurious bungalows. Dotted throughout the island, these idyllic spaces remain a stone’s throw from the tempting ocean.

Bars and restaurants

With dishes ranging from traditional Asian cuisine to fresh crayfish specialities, you are spoilt for choice at Kani’s fine restaurants. Low-calorie options are also available to ensure you return home looking even more healthy and refreshed.

The resort’s bars give holidaymakers the opportunity to lounge beside the swimming pool while watching the sun go down. At night, guests can sip a cocktail while gazing at the starry night sky above. Families can also have refreshments on the edge of the lagoon or in the shade of a coconut tree. Water, fruit juices, soda, spirits and wines are all fully inclusive.

Activities

With stunning coral reef and plentiful marine life, scuba diving or snorkelling is highly recommended if you visit the Maldives. Qualified instructors are on hand to introduce beginners to scuba diving, where guests can bear witness to sharks, groupers, manta rays, lionfish and moray eels in the greatest natural aquarium there is.

There are also a plethora of activities available on the beach, including football, volleyball and badminton. You can have fun in the water with sailing and kayaking, or take part in yoga, aqua fitness and cardiovascular exercise at the Club Med gym.

Wellness Centre

Although spending time with the family is a priority, there is also the opportunity to look after number one, and Kani’s Wellness Centre has a range of treatments available administered by professional beauty and massage therapists.

With packages designed for both men and women, you may want to take advantage of a duo room for tandem treatments!

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Green travel: slow holidays

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Pic: (c) Inntravel

Pic: (c) Inntravel

So you’ve heard of slow food, right? Slow food is all about eating fresh, local, sustainable food – thinking about what you eat and how your choices affect the environment and support farmers and businesses. It’s a great way to shop and eat, and it’s rewarding too – knowing that you’re eating thoughtfully, and making a difference.

But have you ever thought of applying similar rules to how you holiday? We jet off to foreign climes, race around theme parks and whizz around on jet skis (and yes, as a frequent traveller I certainly have guilt about my own carbon footprint), but it’s not just about the environment - how about considering a slower holiday?

Cycling holidays

Cycling is a wonderful way to really immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of your holiday destination. Many holiday companies will arrange for decent bikes to be available on arrival, and will either provide a guide, or plan routes and provide maps so you can make your own way around, arranging for manageable rides between hotels (you can choose how far and how challenging the ride will be – perfect if you’re travelling with kids), and transferring your luggage along the way, meaning that you can travel at your own page. Routes are well thought out and stick to quieter roads and country lanes wherever possible.

I love the idea of cycling around the Loire Valley, taking in vineyards (with a little wine tasting thrown in, obviously) and châteaux along the way (try Inntravel for cycling holidays like this).

Walking holidays

If you imagine a walking holiday to be a nightmarish daily trudge from one hotel to another, you’re quite a way away from the reality. Walks are planned for you in advance, with routes and maps provided, and again you can choose the level of walk you’re comfortable with. Centred walking holidays focus on one or two base hotels, with planned walks of different grades provided from your base location(s) so you can explore the local area. In Croatia (an area I’ve always wanted to visit), you can explore the Dalmatian coast with walks that take in Croatia’s beautiful olive groves and medieval towns, as well as plenty of time to relax by the sea.

As you can see, I’m not suggesting that we all give up flying. I know that’s never going to happen, but cycling and walking holidays can be a fabulous way to really slow things down once you reach your destination, take it easy and soak up more of the area you’re visiting.

Travel news: what’s new at the Florida parks

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Hogwarts at Universal's Islands of Adventure

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Universal Studios have just announced a huge new project, bringing London, and more specifically, Diagon Alley to the resort in 2014. Work has already started on the new experience, which will stretch across both Universal Orlando theme parks and offer lots of new experiences including, it’s rumoured, a trip on the Hogwart’s Express to Hogsmeade (from one park to the other) and a ride through Gringott’s Bank.

Springfield Comes to Universal Orlando this SummerAlso at Universal Studios, The Simpsons’ home town, Springfield is coming to Orlando this summer. There’s a whole new Simpsons area, with a The Simpson’s Ride, and food too - you might even bump into Krusty the Clown while you’re scoffing your Krusty Burger, or need to dodge Sideshow Bob at Moe’s Tavern.

 

Empire of the PenguinSeaworld’s new Empire of the Penguin

Open from May 24th, Seaworld’s newest project mixes a brand new family ride through Antarctica with incredible new animal encounters. This HUGE new attraction, covering an area over 4 square acres, features icebergs, hundreds of penguins in a brand new area (the largest artificial penguin habitat even built) and an incredible new 8 seater trackless ride that slides through the penguin habitat, plus a new café and gift shop.

Pic: WDW News

Pic: WDW News

Disney’s Brave new Princess

Disney have crowned their newest Princess, Merida from Brave, at a sparkling ceremony held at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. Merida’s meet and greet spot is situated just by Cinderella Castle inside Fairytale Garden, where guests will have a chance to meet Merida and her three ‘baby bear’ brothers and even get an archery lesson! The area is decorated with beautiful new, original tapestries and artwork inspired by the movie.

If you’re planning a trip to Florida, check out Florida Tix - a really handy site where you can pre-book park tickets before your holiday.

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Unusual caravans from around the world

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Caravans come in all shapes and sizes but this collection of caravans is from the less conservative end of the spectrum and pretty much rockets through the unconventional category:

A caravan as a boat? Really? To be fair it was used for a performance in Birmingham which is probably a good job as this kind of caravan would be very cold and doesn’t really scream privacy.

Image courtesy of Elliot Brown on Flickr

Image courtesy of Elliot Brown on Flickr

You certainly wouldn’t miss this caravan courtesy of the nifty paintjob. It almost feels like a barge in terms of its design and colour pallet. It also has a certain Spanish feel to it – can’t imagine why.

Image courtesy of Jonas Bengtsson on Flickr

Image courtesy of Jonas Bengtsson on Flickr

It’s shiny, retro and looks a little like a spaceship capsule. It will probably get quite warm in there when the sun is out so the inclusion of a couple of windows seems like a sensible move.

Image courtesy of Martin Thomas on Flickr

Image courtesy of Martin Thomas on Flickr

Some people like to get matching his and hers dressing gowns, colour co-ordinate their outfits and even match their caravan to their car. It’s a bold statement but when you love something so much, it’s like two become one!

Image courtesy of Martijn Munneke on Flickr

Image courtesy of Martijn Munneke on Flickr

It looks like a giant fish or a medieval Spartan helmet but this is certainly one unique caravan. It is made of wood too and apparently dates back to 1934 so it has certainly stood the test of time (and probably a number of restorations too).

Image courtesy of Robert Couse-Baker on Flickr

Image courtesy of Robert Couse-Baker on Flickr

When it comes to getting caravan insurance, most insurers advise people to not draw attention to their caravan. It seems like the owners of this one did it anyway. Whilst the paint might not be a deal breaker for caravan cover, it certainly makes a statement about the kind of personality of its owners.

Image courtesy of Pedro Ribeiro Simoes on Flickr

Image courtesy of Pedro Ribeiro Simoes on Flickr

Is it even fair to call this a caravan? We think it probably just creeps into the category. In the cosy space, there can’t be much more room for a double bed and some shelving probably. Still, for bikers out on the open road, it is perfect to plonk one’s head after a day clocking up the miles.

Image courtesy of Les Chatfield on Flickr

Image courtesy of Les Chatfield on Flickr

LOOK Insurance provide specialist leisure insurance solutions for caravan owners whether they are static or touring caravans.

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