Photo of author

Alex Bird

Hi, I'm Alex, a travel writer based in London, I love writing about travel as much as traveling itself. I’m a scrappy researcher, and a hoarder of info, whether it's trivial or mind-blowing. I get a lot of joy doing justice to worthwhile places, and I’m always excited to share the stories behind them.

I have a real affection for Tarragona in Catalonia, from the golden sandy beaches to the mountains. I love Hamburg and its harbour and many waterways, especially in spring. And I'll always be drawn to the rolling countryside in the south of England, especially Wiltshire. I'll go anywhere with a great art museum, and ruins, ancient or medieval.

15 Best Things to Do in Brighton (East Sussex, England)

Royal Pavilion

Stylish, progressive and full of fun, Brighton could claim to be England’s party capital, and pulls in day-trippers from across the south for days at the beach, nights out and shopping. The city has a thriving arts and creative industry, and its reputation for culture is bolstered by the Brighton Festival every May. At the …

Read more

25 Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

To get the most from Northern Ireland’s world famous seascapes and historic cities you’ll need to be organised because there’s so much to get through. On the road you can follow itineraries like the Causeway Coastal Route, which will get you to volcanic landmarks like the UNESCO Giant’s Causeway, but also epic beaches, glens, cliffs …

Read more

15 Best Things to Do in Cambridge (Cambridgeshire, England)

King's College

The city of Cambridge is synonymous with its world-renowned university, which dates all the way back to the start of the 13th century. Held in high regard for its scientific prowess, Cambridge’s roll-call of prestigious alumni is too long to list, but includes Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and Sir Isaac Newton. And as you’d guess, …

Read more

15 Best Things to Do in Newry (Northern Ireland)

Slieve Gullion Forest Park

Resting in a hollow on its namesake river, the city of Newry is divided between Counties Armagh and Down near the border with Ireland. There’s breathtaking nature wherever you go, starting with the waters of the Carlingford Lough, which has the sensational Cranfield Beach at its mouth. To the west are the rounded peaks of …

Read more

15 Best Things to Do in Leicester (Leicestershire, England)

Leicester Guildhall

The largest city in the East Midlands made international news in 2012 when the body of King Richard III was discovered under a car park. Richard had been slain in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth Field, a few miles west, and was buried hastily at an abbey, has long since been defunct. In 2015 …

Read more

15 Best Things to Do in Oxford (Oxfordshire, England)

Christ Church Meadow

A city that hardly needs introduction, Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, going back to the 11th century at the latest. The university’s various self-governing colleges, scattered around the old centre of the city give Oxford its singular character and are endowed with dignified monuments by architects like Sir Christopher …

Read more

15 Best Things to Do in Lisburn (Northern Ireland)

Irish Linen Centre And Lisburn Museum

This city a few miles out of Belfast was the birthplace of the Irish linen industry, founded in 1698 by the French Huguenot Louis Crommelin. Until the 20th century Lisburn and its countryside was taken over by flax fields, riverside mills and weaving and spinning factories. The industry is mostly consigned to the past, but …

Read more

25 Best Things to Do in Belfast (Northern Ireland)

City Hall

There was a time when Belfast was in the news for all the wrong reasons. And while the worst of the Troubles are in the distant past, there are still large portions of the city divided along religious and political lines. In some ways this gives Belfast a certain cachet and you can check out …

Read more

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Perth, Scotland

Though Edinburgh itself can feel like an escape from big city life, with its cobbled streets and tranquil views – there is in fact an abundance of truly beautiful places on its doorstep that’ll make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a different world. From irresistibly picturesque coastlines to fairytale castles and all manner …

Read more

Where to Stay in London – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

Westminster, London

London, the capital of England, is one of the most contemporary cities that exists in the 21st century, yet its history dates back to the Roman era. Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, the city is considered as the “cultural capital” of the world. It is believed that if London lost all its …

Read more