Summer Holidays

[Coops]

We did 4 nights in Amboise. We did a fair bit of driving about. Amboise is really nice, but very expensive, we also took in Chambord castle for a day and went to the prettiest flea market I have ever been to at a place called Chinon.

We then headed up to Bayeux for another 4 nights. The tapestry is fantastic. We also did some of the D-Day stuff, I have read a lot about the action but seeing the number of crosses in the war cemeteries really got to me.

We then booked a couple of nights in a place called Les Andelys. This was probably the prettiest place we stayed in. The ruins of Richard the Lionhearts castle sit on the cliff above the medieval village that is on the bank of the Seine. What surprised me was just how quiet it was. yes there were some tourists and the Paris to Rouen cruise ships stop there. But there are loads of empty buildings. It really is a hidden gem.

So now we are back in the Uk, I have a backlog of work and a belly that is much larger than it was this time last week

[iLoveLasagne]

I am going back to Italy for an impromptu break on Sunday. Milan will be the base as staying with friend and her family. Been to Lake Garda and Como already. Any other places worth visiting which aren't too much of a trek? I was thinking Portofino maybe. Or Cinque Terre.

[Misko]

I am going back to Italy for an impromptu break on Sunday. Milan will be the base as staying with friend and her family. Been to Lake Garda and Como already. Any other places worth visiting which aren't too much of a trek? I was thinking Portofino maybe. Or Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre are amazing. In August they may be awfully overcrowded though, but it's really beautiful. A must see.

[Loftyhammer]

I know I’m way too late this time Coops….but can highly recommend going East as well to Jura region. We went pre-children via a couple of nights in Epernay (Champagne). Jura is a gateway to Switzerland as well….and scenery is lovely.

Maybe one for next time!

[Coops]

I know I’m way too late this time Coops….but can highly recommend going East as well to Jura region. We went pre-children via a couple of nights in Epernay (Champagne). Jura is a gateway to Switzerland as well….and scenery is lovely.

Maybe one for next time!

Thanks for the tip, we will definitely be going back and exploring more of the country.

[Loftyhammer]

I'm a huge France fan (probably a good job seeing as my MiL is French ) Loads of history, amazing and varied scenery, delicious food, lovely wine and they've generally got priorities right in enjoying all of that!

[pablo jaye]

I am going back to Italy for an impromptu break on Sunday. Milan will be the base as staying with friend and her family. Been to Lake Garda and Como already. Any other places worth visiting which aren't too much of a trek? I was thinking Portofino maybe. Or Cinque Terre.

I’m off to that neck of the woods in a couple of weeks time. Flying to Milan and then a few days in Turin, before meeting some pals in a place called Brezzo near Lake Maggiore. Not been to that lake before but enjoyed Lake Lugano, Menagio and a boat over to Bellagio for a rather dine but expensive lunch.

[smuts]

We're off to Sorrento next week, can't wait. After being made (very unfairly) redundant last week and currently seeing out my notice I need the break.

A daft question but I've booked parking at Stanstead and usually use valet parking but due to the newish car having a ghost code immobiliser I've just decided to park up myself. As we need to be there about 4am does anyone know if it ever gets full up? For some reason, finding a parking space when I've got to be somewhere at a certain time really stresses me out. Not much else phases me!

[Coops]

We're off to Sorrento next week, can't wait. After being made (very unfairly) redundant last week and currently seeing out my notice I need the break.

A daft question but I've booked parking at Stanstead and usually use valet parking but due to the newish car having a ghost code immobiliser I've just decided to park up myself. As we need to be there about 4am does anyone know if it ever gets full up? For some reason, finding a parking space when I've got to be somewhere at a certain time really stresses me out. Not much else phases me!

I've used the long stay parking at Stanstead a few times. There are always spaces. The bus drives round the whole car park and there are plenty of stops, so you are never too far from one.

[The Old Man of Storr]

Been staying in Ambleside for a week [ off to Northumberland for a week tomorrow ] -

Had some cracking days out - Wray Castle - Langdale Valley - Windemere Boat Ride - Rydal Waters - Castlerigg Stones - Keswick

Saw 2 films - cinema within walking distance - superb .

Weather's been great and we've eaten like Kings .

If you get good weather up here you really can't beat it .

[smuts]

I've used the long stay parking at Stanstead a few times. There are always spaces. The bus drives round the whole car park and there are plenty of stops, so you are never too far from one.

Cheers Coops. Not much stresses me out to be honest now...apart from finding parking spaces

[Jonah]

Yeh you'll be fine Smuts. They have numerous zones that will close off when full so the zone thats open should have plenty of spaces. Try and find one close to the bus stop....and remember where you parked it!

[kenthammer]

Yeh you'll be fine Smuts. They have numerous zones that will close off when full so the zone thats open should have plenty of spaces. Try and find one close to the bus stop....and remember where you parked it!

And don't forget to ring the bell when near your stop otherwise they drive straight past

[The Old Man of Storr]

Our 7 days were up at Ambleside this morning - we're now moved on to another self-catering place in Alnwick .
Weather is giving mostly sunny all week - might pay Barter Books a visit tomorrow .

[Bend it like Repka]

Of to Rome later next week. Apart from the obvious must dos, any recommendations to see, hidden gems and city tips I should know about?

[Bend it like Repka]

Edit double post

[Loftyhammer]

Of to Rome later next week. Apart from the obvious must dos, any recommendations to see, hidden gems and city tips I should know about?

Depending how long you're there and if you have your own transport, I can highly recommend Tuscany coast if you can drive an hour or so north of the city? Isla Di Giglio I think we went to....stunning

[Coops]

Of to Rome later next week. Apart from the obvious must dos, any recommendations to see, hidden gems and city tips I should know about?

Get a tour for the Colosseum, it's well worth the extra money and you may get to see areas other tourists don't. Also book the early morning one, it will get ridiculously busy later on.

Also don't go to cafes/restaurants etc that are right by the main attractions, they will be overpriced and often not very good. Walk a few blocks away and pick somewhere that doesn't have pictures on the menu.

Rome is great, I am jealous.

[vietnammer]

Been staying in Ambleside for a week

Is there a pub there called The Drunken Duck? Youth Hostelled there (1978 - 68p a pint and The Smurfs were in the charts) and recall a boozer of that name.

[S-H]

Of to Rome later next week. Apart from the obvious must dos, any recommendations to see, hidden gems and city tips I should know about?

One of the best things we did was book a food tour - which included some lovely hidden gems, the food was incredible, as was the wine.

Also try this place..

https://www.trapizzino.it/en/

My mouth is watering just thinking about it..