The Stratford-upon-Avon Riverside Trail takes you from the Swan Theatre and Avonbank Gardens along past the chain ferry, Southern Lane, Waterside and The Other Place to Holy Trinity and from there on to Lucy’s Mill and Footbridge where you cross the Avon and walk back along the East Bank to Stratford Boat Club. This isContinue reading “The Stratford-upon-Avon Riverside Trail”
Category Archives: travel
January 2026 – Happy Penguins
Why are penguins such a popular bird? I believe we associate them with being relaxed, happy, living in the present, taking life as it comes. Of course life isn’t really like that for penguins in the wild, but it certainly is for the King and Humboldt penguins living on Penguin Shore at Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water inContinue reading “January 2026 – Happy Penguins”
Christmas 2025 – Festive Decorations at Our Local Warwickshire National Trust Properties
As Christmas Day draws near we have been out to see the lavish and imaginative decorations currently transforming the rooms of our nearest National Trust properties, Charlecote House and Baddesley Clinton Manor, Warwickshire. Of all National Trust houses Baddesley Clinton is my favourite: it’s the one I can imagine living in – or the placeContinue reading “Christmas 2025 – Festive Decorations at Our Local Warwickshire National Trust Properties”
Sea, Beach, and Sky on the North Cornish Coast
Today I return to the subject of the sea. I was there a few weeks ago, and how one can long for the sea, especially living in the middle of the UK as I now do! This area of Warwickshire has many joys – close to major historic sites such as Kenilworth Castle, and areasContinue reading “Sea, Beach, and Sky on the North Cornish Coast”
Great Review of Paranormal Gloucestershire by Shelley Wilson Author
Discover ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ by SC Skillman
Announcing my latest book, ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ which is out on Monday 15 September 2025! ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire‘ is my fourth book for Amberley Publishing and is now available through all online retail stores and also through your local high street bookstore. You’ll find it in Waterstones branches and it can be ordered through indie bookshops tooContinue reading “Discover ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ by SC Skillman”
Remembering a Visit to Dennis Severs’ House, Spitalfields, London
New Book Out Soon! Paranormal Gloucestershire by SC Skillman
Today, I’m delighted to share news that my next nonfiction book will be released by Amberley on 15th September 2025. ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ explores a county rich in beauty, history, and a high level of spiritual, mysterious, and paranormal activity. With a profusion of haunted inns, castles, houses and landscape features, the presence of the pastContinue reading “New Book Out Soon! Paranormal Gloucestershire by SC Skillman”
The ‘Salt Path’ Controversy – my original review from 2020
Currently the UK news and social media are focussing on Raynor Winn and the truthfulness or otherwise of certain accounts in her highly successful nonfiction book ‘The Salt Path’ (first published by Penguin 2019). Out of this has come a fascinating discussion about our expectations of truth and factual accuracy in memoirs and nonfiction books.Continue reading “The ‘Salt Path’ Controversy – my original review from 2020”
Berlin December 2024 – Insights From the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall
Just before Christmas 2024, we visited Berlin and explored that fascinating city. There are so many diverse aspects to Berlin in December: the fun & excitement of the Christmas markets, crazy light displays, exquisite craftwork in festive shops, the amazing Humboldt Forum art museum, the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the opportunity to reflect upon the worstContinue reading “Berlin December 2024 – Insights From the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall”
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