Product Review of Yoelike Back Pack, the Bag you never knew you needed until now

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Sabrina

Today I am reviewing the back pack that I found Amazon that changed my life! If you’re like me and you are always having to put up with an adequate bag or whatever you can find, especially when it comes to a hand bag, then this article is for you. I was fed up of going down my local high street stores and not finding exactly what I wanted. Bags that were the right size but not secure because they didn’t have zips, or bags that weren’t rain proof, or even bags that didn’t have enough space or pockets. I needed something that was better, and now I finally found it!

Firstly I decided to give up on the regular hand bag or shoulder bag style, I couldn’t get what I wanted in them anyway, and so I started researching what I thought was the next best thing, turned out they are way more versatile, they are back packs. I found high street ones but they were always too big or too small. I needed it to be just right considering bags aren’t cheap it’s an investment. That’s when I found this one and on Amazon of all places!

The Yoelike Mini Back Packs come in lots of colours but I chose Red. (I may even get another one soon for when I want a different colour as a back up). Let me show you a couple of pictures of it.

Let me tell you more about this awesome bag!

Bag Information

Colour: Red (Available as of May 2023: Black, Navy, Tartan, Red and Purple).
Size: 29cm High when stood up, 26cm Wide across the Bottom (30cm if a bottle present in the side pocket). 18cm from the front to the back, side width is 13cm.
Material: Nylon.
Pockets: 4 Outer Pockets and 2 Additional Inner Pockets
Details: Adjustable Straps, Soft Nylon Fabric, Splash Proof, Top Strap, Strong Zips.
Price: £17 – £22 (Estimate as of May 2023 but bound to fluctuate as an Amazon product).
Amazon: Product Link

My Honest Opinion

Overall I would like to rate the bag 5✩.

Quality 5✩
Features 5✩
Design 5✩
Durability 5✩

The quality of this bag is excellent, overall I love that it is durable in all weathers and I have worn it in the rain, ice and sunshine without it altering the fabric. The pockets are a huge plus and a wonderful bonus to what is already a great product. To get so many internal spaces and pockets that are zipped, as well as the outer ones is wonderful. An amazing bag for anyone in need of the space and security that this particular item brings.

I would rate it very highly due to using it for several months on an almost daily basis, and item still looks brand new with very little wear to it. I have recommended it to friends who have already purchased one for themselves after seeing the quality of mine. There are no downsides to this bag whatsoever. The straps are adjustable, the colour choice means that there is something for everyone, and the size means it’s ideal for many people.

Some uses include Parenting, Days Out, Travelling Abroad, Weekends Away from home, Beach Trip, Students, Work Needs and Shopping. It’s also ideal for a wide range of age ranges from a student at school to an adult taking it to work.

As someone who has a chronic illness I have to carry lots of things with me sometimes. This bag allows me to do just that and it has many pockets so I’m able to allocate things according to my needs.

If I’m going out for a day I even have enough space to put some of my sons items inside which helps me by not needing to take another bag along.

My favourite parts of the bag are how soft and comfortable it is to wear and how many amazing pockets there are, and with them being multiple sizes with strong zips it’s a bonus too!

I would recommend this back pack to anyone, anyone looking for a great bag or to replace a current bag that is on its way out due to wear and tear, or if you’re going away and need a travelling bag this is great because some of the pockets are really secure for your valuables.

If you would like to watch a video of me using the bag then please head on over to my YouTube channel where you can find my vlog and product review…

VLOG and Product Review Video

Thank you so much for visiting Severn Wishes Blog today, I hope you enjoyed this review and have a wonderful day!

You can see my latest product reviews by following me on social media
Search #SevernWishesBlog on Google or #SevernSabrina or please click here to follow me on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube

✩ Sabrina ✩

#SevernWishesBlog #BackPack #ProductPhotographer #ProductReviewer #ProductReview
#AmazonFinds #AmazonProducts #BackPackBag #RedBag

A Weekend Away Checklist and Packing (Before Baby Arrives)

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Sabrina

Lifestyle Week on Severn Wishes

A Weekend Away Checklist and Packing (Before Baby Arrives)

Everyone will say that packing for a short time away is a relatively easy thing to do. However when you’re expecting a baby or you have a medical condition for example, you may need to bring more than most people would. I always think about things I could possibly need and always bring one entire extra outfit too. Bring pregnant you aren’t always comfortable in something you perhaps wore a week ago due to growth.

I thought I would outline in this short post today, exactly what I do take with me currently, and I hope to do a follow up post later this year tailored around what I take with me once baby has arrived! (I have no doubt the list will double in size!)

Here is my Top Packing Tip though… sometimes and especially at different times of the year, you may need things you don’t usually pack, such as Sun Cream! So I always make a list on a notepad or on my phone, so that I don’t forget anything.

My next Tip is to always have a toiletries bag that is packed for going away with spare things inside, just in case you need to go somewhere quickly.

My final Tip is to always check your use by dates on the items that remain in your suitcases and overnight bags and replace them if need be.

So for now, here is generally what I have to pack for a weekend away… this doesn’t include things that might also reside in my handbag such as a small makeup case or things like jewellery that I may bring with me if it’s a special occasion.

✩ Toiletries ✩

Deodorant
Travel Size Shampoo
Travel Size Micellar Water
Cotton Wool Face Cleansing Pads
Travel Size Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Eyedrops
Lip-salve
Face Cream / Moisturiser
Hand Cream
Mini Perfume
Mini Hair Brush
Compact Mirror
First Aid Items – Plasters etc
Paracetamol and Imodium Tablets
Feminine Hygiene Products
Packet of Tissues
Hand Sanitiser
Small Bottle of Water

✩ Clothing ✩

Underwear – with at least one Extra Spare
Comfortable Socks – in case you need them at night
Nightwear – including a jumper in case it is cold at night
A Complete Outfit For Each Of The Days Away – Tops and Bottoms or Dress etc
Spare Travel Outfit – Comfortable Clothing
Spare Footwear – you never know if you might need them

✩ Other Items ✩

Pregnancy Pillow
Slippers with Gripped Soles
Long Warm Cardigan

✩✩✩

As a woman you generally find that we come prepared for every eventuality. I am a very organised person who always thinks ahead. I may not use everything inside my toiletries bag on all my visits away from home, but I would much rather have something with me than have the embarrassing scenario of needing to head out and find what I require!

Thank you for reading this post today, is there anything that you always carry with you that I might not have listed? Have a wonderful start to your week, and I hope you like this weeks blog posts genres – Lifestyle!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Windsor Castle Day Trip

Posted on May 19, 2018 by Sabrina

REVIEW WEEK ON SEVERN WISHES

A Day Trip to Windsor Castle

During April I was lucky enough to spend a long weekend away with family. We decided that since we were staying close to Windsor Castle we would visit and spend the day there. Having not been to Windsor as an adult I jumped at the chance to experience this amazing place.

We got up early from our stay at the Premier Inn, had a good breakfast and got ready for our day trip. We were a little disappointed by the weather on the day that we went to Windsor, it was very wet with rain showers and fairly cold too. However the Castle was still looking incredible in all it’s splendor.

I took many photograph’s of the outside of the Castle, you are unfortunately not allowed to take images inside the buildings. So I will write reviews of the sections that I visited even if I don’t have an image to show you, and use my photographs that I have gotten to break up my day.

We booked our tickets online so that we could attend the fastest queue to get into the Castle. I can definitely recommend you doing this, it saved us hours of queuing time, although we have to queue for almost an hour. This was due to it being a Bank Holiday weekend and the whole town was busy. You also have to go through a search with yourself and your bag before being allowed into the castle.

There are beautiful stone walls, trees and sections of garden to look upon. As you walk around the Castle you cannot believe the sheer size of the place.

Walking around the Castle grounds you can see St George’s Chapel. It was an incredible place to walk through, steeped in both British and Royal history. The stained glass windows were beautiful, and I couldn’t believe how detailed the chapel was throughout its interior.

Here is a photograph of mine from the outside, due to the rain its Gothic splendor looking even more incredible. And as you can see by the crowds heading inside the weather does not put the tourists off.

My family and I decided we wanted to go inside the Castle, just to witness and experience exactly what it was like. Rooms were filled with all sorts of Paintings and Tapestries as well as Furniture from all centuries. The Castle is so old so you can imagine the pieces you can bestow, such as Clocks, Cabinets and China.

I was very impressed by the rooms, although it was so busy we just had to keep steadily flowing with the traffic of people. We didn’t get to hang around in one particular room, but the things that stick in my mind after my visit were the cabinets filled with incredible China, the restored sections of the Tower that was once destroyed in Fire, and the many pieces of Armor and Weapons that were on the walls.

We were also very lucky to see the changing of the guard when we finished our tour of the Castle interior. These people are very disciplined in their job, it was a fascinating sight to see.

The only disappointing thing for us was the lack of facilities. Being pregnant I expected to see more toilets and also perhaps areas to sit and rest and refresh, to get drinks and snacks. But there was only one small place that we found, that sold souvenirs, water bottles and ice cream. This was a shame and it meant that we left the Castle earlier than we had planned to go and find nourishment after walking around for several hours.

Before we left I managed to have a photograph in front of the Castle Postbox!

Here are some interesting facts that I learnt about Windsor Castle.

1. Windsor Castle is currently home to HM Queen Elizabeth II and her family. Other prior Royals to have resided there include forty others, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The original monarch to live in the Castle was Henry I, and Henry VIII regularly visited during his lifetime and stayed in the Castle grounds.

2. The windows were all blacked out during World War II, this was partially to protect the Royal Family who still remained inside at night time – although this was not public knowledge at the time of the war – and a lot of the famous china and art work such as the paintings were all moved away to protect them from potential bombings.

3. Back in 1992 there was a fire in one of the towers of Windsor Castle. Over 100 of the rooms were either damaged by the fire itself or by the water used to extinguish it. It cost almost £40 million to restore the Castle to its former glory.

4. Windsor Castle is both the largest and oldest inhabited Castle in the World, and it was originally built around 1000 years ago. St George’s Chapel is located in the Castle walls and was built from the late 15th century to the early 16th. It has a Gothic style and is breathtakingly beautiful with many stained glass windows.

2018 Opening Times

1st November – 28th February – 9.45 until 16.15 (Last Admission 15.00)

1st March – 31st October – 9.30 until 17.15 (Last Admission 16.00)

Ticket Prices

Adult – £21.20
Over 60/Student (Valid ID) – £19.30
Under 17/Disabled – £12.30
Under 5 Free
Family (2 Adults & 3 Children Under 17) £54.70

To Book or check other information you can visit this website.

I realise I am submitting this Review and Travel Post of Windsor Castle on a very special day, the day of The Royal Wedding! It felt appropriate seeing as I was only there recently myself. So to Harry and Meghan – Congratulations! Congrats to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!

Thanks for reading this post, I hope you’ve enjoyed it. If you have ever been to Windsor yourself why not leave me a comment and let me know what you thought!

✩ Sabrina ✩

My Top Tips for Travel, My Travel Bucket List and Where I Have Already Been

Posted on February 25, 2018 by Sabrina

╰☆╮ Travel ╰☆╮

Travelling can be daunting for many of us, you could be worried about a ton of things. But there are some aspects of it that you can deal with at home before you go, and ensure you are at ease and organised about these parts of your travel.

I have been lucky enough to visit more than fourteen different countries and/or islands in my (just shy of) 30 years on Earth. However there are still places I wish to go to and hopefully one day I can tick them off my list. I even bought myself one of those very awesome “Scratch Maps” off the internet two years ago, so that I can document my travels and it acts as a reminder of past holidays.

One tip that I have always sworn by is to do your research before you go. Once you’ve decided where you are going, or if it’s a family trip and your parents have booked it, it won’t matter if you look up the area that your hotel is situated in and see what is around. Sometimes you can find hidden gems and learn about local sight seeing trips before you turn up. A knowledge of the local area is also very useful. As are phrases in the local language such as, “How much is this?”, “Where are the Toilets?” or “Which Way To…?”…

The internet is such a marvelous tool, but don’t be afraid to print a few things out, to fold up and take with you in case you need anything and don’t have any WiFi connection or signal on your phone. Language phrases, Embassy locations and key addresses such as your hotel or the airport are definitely high up on my list, depending of course on where you’re going.

Another Top Travel Tip of mine is to Photocopy your Passport page, and leave a print out of it in your inner pocket of your luggage. (The same goes for other members of your family if you’re in a party). It’s a good idea for if your luggage gets lost and also a good idea to prove your identity if your passport were stolen while you are abroad.

╰☆╮Just A Few Places I Have Been To And Some That I Loved╰☆╮

Paris – France

Sabrina at The Louvre Museum. I love Paris, I have been four times in my life and I would go four times over again. Now I have visited in June, August, October and November. I would perhaps like to go in the Spring next time to see it in a different light.

Ontario – Canada

I was only young when I visited Canada and don’t have many photographs, but I can remember the CN Tower in Toronto very clearly, I stood on the Glass Floor looking down over the city and thought it was amazing. Niagara Falls were also totally breathtaking and I want to go back to Canada now that I’m older.

Cyprus

A beautiful island that is steeped in history. I would definitely go back here one day, though when I did go in the summer months it was so so hot!

Malta

I was lucky enough to Swim with Black Sea Bottlenose Dolphins when in Malta. It is a lovely small island with lots to see, not many beaches though if I recall.

Madeira

I visited Madeira on my Honeymoon with my husband. This island has a unique climate and is hugely different from anywhere else that I have been. I would love to go again perhaps for a Wedding Anniversary holiday in a few years time. The gardens and the mountains are my favourite parts of this place.

Rome / Naples / Pompeii – Italy

It is an amazing place the city of Rome, Pompeii was also fascinating. I want to go back there, and I also want to take a Digital Camera this time not film, and then perhaps see more of the country.

Thailand

On my visit to Thailand I went to the main capital Bangkok as well as to a resort on the coast as well. Steeped in Culture with a whole new experience for me both of food and every day life, that was what I found. The sunsets on the beach in the evening were by far my favourite part of my time away. It was also interesting to see some new wildlife including reptiles and birds too, some of which I had only ever seen at a Zoo.

Finland

I went to Finland when I was six years old. It made such as impression on me though that I still recall some of the memories. Such as the rope throwing in the image above, sledging in the snow, walking in deep snow and it being like powder, and drinking hot berry drinks in cups from a stove after going on a reindeer trail, these are among my memories. As well as meeting Santa Claus!

Egypt – North Africa

We did a 24 hour trip over to Egypt on a boat excursion from Cyprus. You had the whole day in Egypt where by you visited Cairo, including the Museum, a Gold Jewellery Factory and The Ancient Pyramids. It was an incredible place to visit, and the Pyramids and Sphinx were so much more amazing in real life. But it was also a frightening place to visit as a teenager. I learned a lot, but the culture overwhelmed me somewhat. I don’t think I would go again in the near future but I may when I’m retired if the country is overall safer to visit.

Morocco – North Africa

I had a similar feel about Morocco as I did in Egypt, it was a country that had lots of unusual aspects and I had a nice camel ride through some countryside. But the culture could be overbearing at times, I was grabbed by a man and pulled into a shop in the market at one point, which was honestly quite frightening. I understand now that I am older that these people only did such things to try and make a sale, to make a living, and that life is ten times harder for them than for most of the western world. However I did not expect such a vast cultural difference. If I had been older I might have researched more about the people before going, as I would do nowadays and as I would tell you all to do. Look up local customs and know what to expect.

Amsterdam City – Netherlands

A college trip saw me visiting Amsterdam, the city itself was great, lots of museums and interesting culture. When I went there people still smoked an awful lot (not to my taste at all) and I did my best to avoid this, by going into many Art Galleries and Museums of various kinds. The Science Museum was particularly good and I loved seeing all of the people riding around on bicycles. It was like nowhere else I had been to in Europe and I liked that.

Catalonia – Spain

Another short trip, this time with my school because I was studying Spanish at the time. In our few days we manage to visit Barcelona and sites along the Costa del Sol. I had a great time practicing my foreign language skills and learning about the culture first hand. Would I go back to Spain? Si! Yes I would do, I would however visit other areas though such as Central and the South, to get a real feel for the country as a whole. But I wouldn’t go at any Festival seasons because it’s so busy, nor would I go during Bull Fighting because I strongly disagree with it.

Rhodes Island – Greece

I went to Rhodes while studying at University (with my then boyfriend but now husband) on a last minute deal to get away at the start of the summer. Our University term had just ended and we had had a tough year and decided to get away. Although we had a good time up until the day before we went home (because we came down with food poisoning) we were mislead by the hotel who told us they were only five minutes from the beach and fifteen minutes from Rhodes centre. This was a blatant lie and after a forty minute taxi journey from the airport we arrived to a rundown (meant to be) three star hotel that sadly had giant electricity pylons situated either side of the complex! We realised their online pictures had been doctored and with the food not up to scratch we ended up spending more money on dining out and going out than spending it relaxing. A lesson learned, that you should always do proper research on the area before clicking that “Buy Now” button, sometimes it’s too good to be true! But the Rhodes central area was cultured and interesting and we did have a semi relaxing time. I wouldn’t go again to Rhodes but I would go to the Greek mainland to see the history.

Tenerife / Gran Canaria / Lanzarote – The Canary Islands

I had been on a Cruise with family, and it stopped at various islands including those mentioned just above.
Tenerife was an interesting one, a very tourist related island with plenty of shops in bustling towns. I especially liked the Aquarium we visited because they had a Dolphin show. Spectacular! I hear that they have since expanded this and now house all sorts of animals, birds and marine life. Tenerife also has the Volcano Mount Teide, which towers above the island, an amazing sight. The place as a whole is very diverse with the resorts on the coast but many towns inland which offer culture, and a National Park for those who love to walk. There is plenty to do here on a short holiday.
Gran Canaria was very similar to Tenerife but with far better beaches. More of an island about food and history with many small villages all with lots to offer, I loved it!
Lanzarote being the most volcanic looking of all of these three saw less beaches and less greenery. However it does have a lot of countryside space for anyone keen on sport such as runners, hikers and cyclists.

╰☆╮╰☆╮╰☆╮

╰☆╮ Sabrina’s Travel Bucket List ╰☆╮

One thing that I have always done is study the world in which we live in and also watch countless documentaries upon it. There are places on my list that have been on there since I was in my early teenage years, I just haven’t had the opportunity (be it due to health or money usually) to go and see them.

It is very important that you don’t lose sight of your dreams and the goals that you may have, but at times you also have to be realistic…

What I planned to do ten years ago when I revised my bucket list was to save up and do each of these places, one of them every few years until I got to fifty years old. I had began my long term relationship which has since turned into my marriage, and we agreed that some of the places on my list we would try and do together, and others I may go alone or with friends.

The problem that I had was in my mid twenties my health took a sudden and drastic spiral downwards, and I was left with surgeries and recoveries to deal with. It has meant that all plans since 2013 have been put on hold. Since my diagnosis I haven’t been to anywhere new and abroad, Thailand was my last proper holiday in 2012.

I had to have some treatment and this has made my social life difficult, it has also meant I have needed to be more careful and cautious on where I go. I hope that one day I will be well enough to travel again without any fears.

If you are lucky enough to have good health now then please don’t waste it – I regret not going and doing some of the places on my Bucket List when I was younger. Sadly for me it may be around ten years time from now, before I will get to finally go and see some of them. It is a long time considering I am turning 30 years old in little over a week… but I don’t give up hope…

So where else do I really want to visit on Earth…?

New York City – USA
San Francisco – USA
Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon – The West Coast of the US
Australia – To Travel Around It
New Zealand – To Travel Around It
Italy (again but other cities)
Canada (again but the other parts)
Switzerland (those mountains!)
Iceland (to do nature photography)
Ireland
Japan

╰☆╮╰☆╮╰☆╮

╰☆╮ Sabrina’s Top Tips ╰☆╮

If you’re considering a break away this year remember my three key things about booking a holiday and making the most of your time at the destination.

1. Research the Area
2. Know Your Limits – Money and Health Wise
3. Live Within Your Means & Save with Vouchers

1. It’s always a good idea to look up the local area, make sure you book a hotel in an area that is both accessible by the transport you need, and is in a tourist area for health and safety reasons.

2. Know the limits of your health, because even I have to remind myself that I cannot do everything that I used to, but that doesn’t stop me having a great time. And you should know the limit of your bank balance too!

3. Finally, always live within your means. You might not be able to do it all and see everything, time and money might be against you. My Tip is to pick your Top 3 and work out the pricing. Always look for vouchers online too – I am definitely one for making the most of a two for the price of one deal!

╰☆╮

Thank you for joining me for this travel inspired blog post today, I hope you liked my photographs of my various destinations because I was stuck between which ones to use. Too many to choose from!

Have a wonderful last few days of February 2018 and thanks for reading!

✩ Sabrina ✩

My Trip to Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour, Experience and Review

Posted on October 24, 2017 by Sabrina

My Day Trip to Warner Brothers Studios for the Harry Potter Tour at Leavesden Studios, at Watford Near London.

Welcome to my Travel and Lifestyle post outlining my experiences at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, with some of my photography. As well as an insight into my childhood growing up with this amazing literature adventure.

I went with my husband on the August 2017 Bank Holiday Weekend, and I paid £101.85 for the privilege of two “The Complete Adult Tour” Packages including the Paperback Souvenir Guide and Digital Guide to go around the studio with. That includes the £3.95 I paid to have all of my tickets posted to me. I spent £49.80 on souvenirs afterwards, but we will get to those at the end…

My Visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour and My Personal Reasons for Going

It was an experience that I had been waiting for for a considerable time. The chance to go to Leavesden Studios near London, was on my bucket list. And not just for the one reason that’s obvious. Everyone who grew up reading the Potter franchise, either for themselves or with their own children, knows that these books hold a part of your soul that you gave away while becoming completely engrossed in the world of Hogwarts and Harry. J.K Rowling managed to do what very few authors can, and this was to create a world that so many people (both young and old) fell in love with. Although it was a frightening place to reside at times during the books, people longed to go there, and we all had our own visions of what it would be like…

For me though, it’s way more than that. The reason is that I had hoped to one day work at the studio. I remember applying to audition for the original Harry Potter film, but on my returned letter it stated that I was 6 months too old to audition, and that other older roles had already been filled. My dream was shattered. I had applied to audition for any part and was offering to be an extra as well, I was happy to travel as my parents knew how much it meant to me, and had supported me if I was chosen.

Sadly I was never lucky enough to be an extra, though I tried countless times and for the majority of the films whenever they opened up a casting. So I gave up on that dream for a time, and I stuck to my reading and writing with occasional stage work too as a teen. Still, I longed to be a part of that world…

Those days of being on stage are also sadly behind me now because of health reasons. And when I went to University aged 19 I had the choice of going down the drama route or to follow my other creative passion, which is photography. And I chose the latter. I still write though and I hope to one day have something published.

I think if anyone ever made my books into films I would love to be like Peter Jackson, who appeared in numerous scenes as an extra throughout his time directing The Lord of the Rings franchise. That would be completing two of my dreams in one go, I still live in hope of all of it…

So for the past two years I’ve tried my utmost to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, between work commitments and poor health, every time I’ve had to postpone or rearrange… but this August Bank Holiday I was determined to go. I had to book it two months in advance due to the summer holidays but it was something to look forward to.

What made it more real was the tickets arriving in the post, they were unique and creative and I felt like I was holding a part of the experience already. I thought it felt like an age away, but it was soon here and upon us. My husband offering to drive us down so I agreed and became my usual organised freak self, I did my maps and my travel times and planned out our day.

When you pull up to the studio’s you’ll notice that only advanced bookings are allowed and that security check your tickets on arrival. From there you park up in front of what looks like a mixture between an air craft hanger and a business distribution headquarters. The only give away are statues out front and several rather large Harry Potter film related posters…

The whole studio is neatly laid out and the main atrium is large and welcoming. The actors and characters portraits are all looking down on you from the high walls above. The Weasley Car (one of the many used) is suspended in the air above one corner, and you have a feeling of awe before you’ve even gone past the foyer.

I couldn’t help but wonder how people with no knowledge of the books would ever feel at home here. But as I said to my husband, (who has seen the films but read zero words on any of the books pages), to take the studio as it is, for its magnificence and marvel at the creativity, the hard work and the talent that has gone into making every single aspect of it.

Having purchased tickets that included a paperback guide and a digital guide, we decided to headphone it up and get into the queue. We would pick up our book guides at the gift shop at the end of our tour (as suggested by a staff member) so we didn’t have to carry them around.

So as we queued up initially to start the tour I was amazed by just how many people there were. There had to easily be 200 people going in to each tour slot. Plus there were always things to read, see or listen to, even while you waited. Quotes from J.K.Rowling and the famous “Cupboard Under the Stairs” can be admired as you queue for the beginning of you tour.

Once inside the introduction area you are met with many television screens on the walls placed vertically and acting as cinema posters, showcasing the Harry Potter film franchise in every language they were released in. It was fascinating to see how the posters looked, advertising the various movies in their country, some were rather different than ours.

Next our tour guide gave us a brief introduction into the do and don’t of the studio. Of course it contained the usual rules of, “Please don’t pass any barriers” and “Don’t reach over and touch the costumes” things like that. Common sense but essential reminders for those who might get a little carried away with the magic. There was also a no food and drink policy and only one main rule encouraging you to take as many photographs as possible and to share them. No problem for me, I thought, and by the end of my tour I was suitably satisfied with the 1,200 images I had taken.

So the next part I don’t want to spoil for those of you who have yet to visit, all I will tell you is that it begins with a door…

As you enter the start of your Harry Potter studios tour you are welcomed with a familiar sight, and one that I had imagined in my mind since I was eleven years old, when I first read The Philosophers Stone, that room is of course The Great Hall. Obviously missing the incredible magic sky in the ceiling, but this room is so iconic to the movies and an essential part of the Hogwarts Castle. If you think back to how many incredible things happen in this Great Hall, then you will understand why I got goosebumps as I walked through it.

Set around the room are two of the amazing long tables and benches, that had once been filled with the actors as they were being filmed. Now they stand in testament to all those hours of rolling film, still set out as though students would soon be filing in for dinner. Fake flames flicker up the walls from the metal burners along the sides, and the original flagstone floor remains underfoot. Some of the actors costumes are situated further down in the hall, and I was in awe of their details. Even the alter with the Owl that Sir Richard Harris (the original and wonderful Dumbledore) stood at in the first two films, along with his costume, and that of several of the other teachers too, remain in excellent condition for all to see. The details were incredible!

As you finish The Great Hall you notice some doors off to the left, these lead you on to the rest of your tour. I took one last look back at The Great Hall as I went through the doors into the rest of the studio… I hope this image shows you the scale of this incredible room.

I won’t go into every little detail of this next enormous section, but I will however give you a list of some of the rooms and the things you will encounter here.

Hair and Makeup and Especially Wigs
Wands and their Wizards

The Gryffindor Common Room

The Gryffindor Tower and Beds

More Costumes – Mostly Gryffindor and/or Teachers

Dumbledore’s Office

The Pendulum Clock

Potions Class

Paintings and Stairs
The Leaky Cauldron

Hagrid’s Hut
Musical Instruments
Various Significant Furniture
Quidditch Brooms and Trophies

Broomstick Lessons and Photo Experience

The Burrow – Weasley Household
Ministry of Magic Chimneys
Various Props
Cars and Vehicles
Significant Tables and Doors
Statues
Animatronics

Here are a few images but I won’t spoil it all for you…Here I am doing my first Broom Lesson… “UP!”

I remembered these costumes so vividly…

Potions Lesson anyone? I was a huge fan of Alan Rickman, I don’t think anyone could have played Severus Snape as well as he did. I was very sad when he passed away recently, so to be so close to one of the costumes that he actually wore, I felt like he was there in spirit…

Once safely through these wondrous parts which took us over an hour because there is so much to see (and with crowds too), you find yourself at the Ministry of Magic section and the entrance to The Forbidden Forest.

Having deliberately waited for the Forest to be included in the tour I was rather glad I had. I absolutely loved The Prisoner of Azkaban, it is my favourite of the books and although I felt the film missed a few vital back story parts, it was extremely well done by the directors. Buckbeak the Hypogriff was also a vital part of the storylines so to stand so close to his animatronic version was a great experience. I even took a selfie!

The other side of the forest leads us into the territory of rather large spiders including the one and only Aragog and her Spider minions. You can see a Patronus and other forest related things too. After this you will pass through into a break area with a small shop and some toilets…

After the small pit stop area you walk out into the long room and are greeted by the smell of smoke and the bright colours of the Hogwarts Express. The real life and full sized train, it was amazing to see, and all the more amazing to get on it and stand where actors had once stood.

Obviously so much of the inside of it is partitioned off so as to preserve the original carriage seating and other features, but they allow you to walk on and look inside the various sections. Most are still laid out with luggage and examples off the confectionery trolley such as the illusive chocolate frogs.

There are a few photographic opportunities here as well as a small shop too. And for those who have never visited King’s Cross Station in Central London, the chance to be one of those lucky wizards pushing their trolley through the wall at 9 & 3/4s…

Once you’re through and finished with the Hogwarts Express the Cafe Area awaits. Butterbeer and food can be found here, along with a vast seating area for you to rest before the next part of the tour.

Into the Backlot now and you will see some rather familiar sites! The Hogwarts Bridge, famous in the film The Prisoner of Azkaban, where Remus Lupin and Harry share a beautiful moment as he reflects on the past… This is one of my favourite parts of the films and the books, and I loved walking along here…

The Knight Bus! And the houses… 4 Privet Drive and The Potter’s Cottage at Godric’s Hollow are all here in this outside space… To walk and to stand where these incredibly talented people had stood, was inspiring. Here are some of my images…

The attention to detail in every area of the tour is astounding.

The Chess Pieces from the Chamber of Secrets lead you inside and on to the next parts of the tour…

Following on from this you go into the Creature Effects Department. This was an area that fascinated me, not just because of the animatronics and the puppets, but the almost life sized body doubles of some of the cast who perish at times in the movies. Here is a fun fact, they were designed this way so that when actor Robbie Coltrane was carrying them, they looked the correct size.

Fawkes the Phoenix was my favourite in this section, as well as a Hedwig model Owl and a few other pieces like another Buckbeak and a Dragon head.

As you walk through you notice all the small things that would have taken days for someone to painstakingly create. Three dimensional models, a hundred or more hats, wands and costume pieces.

One of the final parts of the tour is the one and only Diagon Alley. And although I was excited to see this part, I somehow expected it to be larger! I’m not sure why! I will include a photograph of me with my husband below, see what you think, did you expect the area with the shop fronts to be bigger? I know I did!

One of the most incredible rooms on the tour is the final one… The Model Room! I was in awe of the details of the castle as we walked in. The lighting is quite dim however so it was difficult to get a good photograph, I hope you can see the details.

This was an amazing way to end the tour, and I could have spent hours looking at all the tiny details of this model. But I also wanted to get myself into the gift shop!

Finally you enter the gift shop at the end of your tour. It was packed with all sorts of Harry Potter wonders! Clothing, Books, Keyrings and Cuddly Toys! But I must say, the majority of the prices are very steep. It’s disheartening when you pay so much for the tour itself, to find a mere key ring is £7! I will outline the items I bought and the prices that I paid for them. There were many items I would have liked to buy but I couldn’t justify the amount they were asking for them.

Hogwarts Crest Keyring £6.95
Hogwarts Crest Pin £6.95
Time Turner Keyring £8.95
Buckbeak Keyring £4.95
Hedwig Pin £6.00
5 Pins Set £9.95

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon at the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour, and I can understand now what all the hype was about. Being there, where actors that I am greatly fond of, have worked for many years, is such an experience. There was only one part of the tour that I was expecting to see and did not… The Sorting Hat? I had wondered if I had missed it but then I was sure I didn’t. So if there isn’t one, perhaps it could be suspended in glass and you stand beneath it, it could sort you into a house… just an idea for the future WB!

Now for some questions that I have been asked and my honest answers to them.

Would I go again?
Probably not this year, or next year, but if there was something newly added or they extended it and included things in an easier to see way (I thought some parts were over filled and cramped). I’m sure they have plenty of things they could build or rebuild or dig out of storage to make the place larger.

What was my favourite part/s?
I loved seeing the train, the animatronics (Buckbeak) and the costumes. But my favourite part was walking along the bridge from the third film. The details in so many aspects of the tour were amazing.

Was it good value for money?
When you consider how many people worked on the film, and I’m talking artists, sculptors, carpenters and the like. Those are the people the tour celebrates, and I think that is so important, as these professions don’t always get the credit that is deserved. Overall I think you pay your money to see all the amazing things that made the franchise of films what they were, and without all of these elements it would not have been such a success. For this, I don’t mind paying what I have paid. Though I wouldn’t go again in a hurry.

Have I ever done a Harry Potter Sorting Hat Quiz?
Yes I have done, one as a teenager and two as an adult. Each time I have been either a full Gryffindor or part Gryffindor and part Hufflepuff.

What souvenir did I buy for myself at the WB HP Tour?
I purchased three things for myself, one was a pin, and the other two were key rings. I bought a few little bits for my family members. See the images below for a more detailed look at them.

How cute is the tiny Hedwig Pin?! 😀

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my Harry Potter lifestyle, my experience on the tour and looking at my photographs too.
If you have any questions and you think I can answer them please leave me them in the comments section below.
I will include a link to the website below too, for anyone who wants to look at maybe booking a tour slot, they have unique visits this time of year too.
Until next time Wizards and Muggles, I’m Sabrina, and you’ve been reading this on Severn Wishes Blog.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Harry Potter Studio Tour Website

A Spa Day At The Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Sabrina

I had a warm feeling in my soul while revisiting Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa again.
6 years ago in June I had my Hen Weekend here, where we stayed in the hotel and also used the restaurant, spa and leisure facilities. It was a truly wonderful weekend that we all indulged upon, and so when my mum suggested that I needed some ‘me time’ and time out, due to both some stress at work and difficulties with my health, the first place I thought of going was here.

I will set the scene for you all. In the picturesque Shropshire countryside lies a beautiful old building, it’s an eighteenth century manor house set in gorgeous gardens and grounds, with trees and a lake. The main house is where reception and the main dining area are situated, along with function rooms and a variety of conference suites. Alongside it is the hotel part of the grounds, currently Albrighton Hall has eighty seven contemporary en-suite rooms.

And finally there is the Spa and Leisure section situated off to the left hand side of the grounds. With its own parking area, this has newly been renovated as of 2016, and I looked forward to my visit to take in the changes.

My mum and I decided on a Spa Day, where, for a package price, we received lunch and a hot drink included, with full use of the facilities, plus two spa treatments of our choice from a set list. We were also given complimentary bath robes and slippers to wear during our stay, and towels for the pool area too, so there was very little you required to bring with you.

For lunch we were given a menu to choose from, there was a nice variety, some were cold and some were hot. I decided to be semi healthy and go for a Chicken Caesar with egg (not fish) salad, and an orange juice. As you can see it was well presented, and actually I thought the dish was very tasty for a salad.

The Spa was busy on the day we visited, which meant our lunch was delayed slightly, however staff did apologise, and mum and I were happy to just relax and wait, we were in no rush.

The newly refurbished Spa houses a main room with a salon bar so that Nails and other beauty treatments can be done. In the back there is a selection of rooms where the treatments that require one to lie down are performed. The lighting was very calming, as was the music, and I found the rooms to be clean and well maintained. The Spa was busy, yet all the staff were calm and friendly.

A lovely young lady called Frankie, did my Manicure today. I chose a pearly pink colour, because my Wedding Anniversary was fast approaching.

The nail lacquer that the Spa use is called Orly Beauty, and the colour was called Toast The Couple. The colour was very beautiful, and I liked how smooth it felt once they were fully dry.

I also opted for a Back Massage, to try and relieve some of my stress. Frankie was an excellent masseuse, and did wonders with my shoulders that had previously felt rather knotted. She used an Almond Oil on my skin while massaging, then a Eucalyptus based Oil, followed by a hot towel. The whole treatment made my skin and muscles feel great, and I felt relaxed afterward listening to the calming music in the room also.

Now I hate to criticise, after a lovely experience in the Spa itself, but I feel that the facilities aspect let my visit down. Not due to the choice, but the running of it, let me explain why I was so disappointed.

One thing that didn’t make our day perfect, was that some of the facilities were out of order. However we were not once told this by the staff, we were left to notice the several A4 sheets of paper that were stuck to doors around the building. We were unable to use the steam room or ice room, though we did manage to have a few minutes in the Sauna, but it was rather busy because of the lack of the other rooms available. I only wished this was made aware to us when we booked, which was only a couple of weeks prior. My mum and I would have bought clothing for the gym if we has known that the wet rooms would be unavailable.

Another thing that I hadn’t been aware of before, was that the leisure facilities were open all day for anyone who was a member to use them, but that included children. I have no problem what so ever with children using health and fitness areas, and in fact I was glad in one way to see them here. But what bothered me was that nowhere in booking by phone or online, does it tell you about this.

My mother and I had hoped for a relaxed day, using the facilities at our own pace, and enjoying the package we had paid for, which was all advertised as such online. Except we couldn’t use the pool at all, because when we first changed there were two families in there splashing about with pool floats and pool noodles. Forgive my harshness, but wouldn’t you take your children to a proper sized swimming pool with varying levels of depth in order to teach them how to swim?

We were not the only disgruntled people at the pool side that day wondering if we would get a turn in the water. Mum and I went away and returned later, we had our one turn in the Jacuzzi (groups of people were also waiting to use it as it goes on and off on a timer on the wall). By that time more people had turned up for the pool, this time some teenagers were in the pool, so we sat once again on the loungers. But a while later our time was up and our spa day had ended, I was disappointed not to get a swim in.

I believe that the hotel needs to state online that there are members who use the facilities, and when booking a Spa Day, you can use these facilities, however you may have to wait your turn to do so. This would cover the Spa if it has any future complaints and inquiries from groups about how many other people might be attending.

The Hotel had been catering for a wedding the day and night prior to our visit, which meant generally the hotel and spa were busy. I don’t think I will be booking again if I am made aware of the amount of people staying on the grounds.

Hopefully the next time I visit I can book a quieter day and make sure that mum and I are able to make full use of our spa package and all of the facilities will be available to us.

Overall the Spa Treatments were the best part of our day, and lunch was rather delicious too. However I am still disappointed about the leisure facilities, hopefully when I come again they will be all up and running.

Here are my final review scores for my day the
Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa.

Spa Treatment – Massage 5/5
Spa Treatment – Manicure 4/5
Lunch on the Premises – 4/5
Facilities Available 2/5
Facilities Used 4/5
General Facilities 4/5

Thank you for reading this blog post today, I hope you have enjoyed reading about my experiences.

✩ Sabrina ✩

My Visit to the Island of Skomer in 2017

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Sabrina

Skomer Island

The beautiful and unforgiving island that is Skomer is situated 2 miles off the Pembrokeshire coast of South Wales in Great Britain. It is first and foremost a nature reserve, and has been for more than thirty years. It is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

During the summer months it can be home to thousands of sea birds. Some of the amazing varieties include Gannets, Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Owls and Gulls. There are also opportunities (at certain times of the year) to see Dolphins, Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and the unique Skomer Vole, among others.

There is only one way to get on and off Skomer Island, and that is by means of the Dale Sailing boats. The landings only occur from April until September, and only on specific days. Not only that, but weather plays a huge part in whether or not the boat will even run.

(The Boat is Returning to Collect Passengers from Skomer).

Skomer is most famous for its Puffin colonies who are the largest numbers in Southern Britain. This year was a particularly good year for their numbers, and I jumped at the opportunity to explore this island. Because I’m a keen nature and wildlife photographer it was a place that I had always hoped I would get to visit. Unfortunately for me, both the weather (that prevents the boat trips) and my health had previously stopped me from going. That was until June of this year, (hurrah!) when I finally stepped on to this amazing place for the first time!

In this blog post I am going to talk about my experience in detail, I will include some of my photographs, of both the island, the boat, the wildlife and I may even throw in a shot of me ‘in action’… all will become clear! But for those of you, who are intrigued to know more about Skomer then please continue reading. Hopefully by the end of this travel post you will be looking to perhaps visit the island yourself.

(An Oyster Catcher on a Stone Wall on Skomer).

So before we even get anywhere near the island, you have to be prepared for a very early start to your day. There are No Advanced Bookings what so ever, which means if you want a ticket you have to queue up for one. Nature enthusiasts, photographers, walkers, bird watchers, these are all the sorts of people you find who visit Skomer regularly, plus they all know the score. So in order for you to guarantee your place on one of those boat landings, you will need to be parked at the cliff car park (which is National Trust Land) and queue up at seven in the morning.

(View of the Car Park).

The Landing Tickets are issued by the Lockley Lodge which is situated on the hill leading down from the car park towards the sea. They are issued on a first come and first served basis only, so in the height of summer you must be willing to sacrifice a few hours stood and sat about waiting. The ticket office opens around eight to eight thirty in the morning, but the car park and the queue begins building from seven. The boats themselves run at intervals, with only fifty tickets per trip and a maximum person count for the island too, 250 people per day.

The first boat runs at 10am and the first return departs at 3pm. I will put this year’s Sailing information at the bottom of the post. There is a Boat Fee (I will pop the prices for this year at the end of the post). Lockley Lodge is also a Gift Shop and sells some supplies useful for your day. You can book your trip online these days too.

(Some of the items we got at the Gift Shop).

What can you do before you go? You can prepare yourself (and any family members) for a long day, ensure they all carry water and snacks, because there are no places to buy anything on the island. You must wear appropriate clothing, footwear and make sure that all persons are clued up on what they day will be like. There is a rather steep climb when you arrive for example, and only one set of toilets on the entire island. These are things to consider if you will have small children or anyone that is classed as elderly in your party. The island has a few rules, and if you cannot stick to them then I suggest you look for another day out. These include, no smoking, taking all rubbish with you, sticking to paths at ALL times and not interacting with the wildlife in a manner that is deemed inappropriate.

(National Trust Car Park at Martin’s Haven).

So as I mentioned earlier, the only way to reach Skomer is by boat, and this is not for the faint hearted. In fact the entire journey there and back can be a little daunting. The fisherman’s boat turned people carrier transports its passengers from the end of the cliffs at Martin’s Haven, just down the road from the village of Marloes. Once again this could be an issue for anyone with height issues, because you must walk along a cliff edge, and step into the boat from a railing and steps carved into the rock face. Once you have travelled on the boat, which is roughly twenty minutes but can depend entirely on the sea and the weather, you arrive to the island, and you will be required to disembark and climb approximately seventy stone and rock steps up to the safety of the flattened island surface.

(Return Boat Docking at Martin’s Haven).

Skomer Island is approximately 2 miles in length and 1.5 miles wide, so it takes a fair time to move around it. Obviously some of the paths do not go close to the cliff edges and this is also due to a safety aspect, for the birds and the visitors.

The best times to visit Skomer Island are when the birds and nesting and breeding. This can be anytime between May and August depending on the type of bird. My family and I were more interested in seeing the Puffin colony than anything else. I had never before seen a Puffin and I was astounded by how sweet and small they were. Would you believe me if I told you that the birds are everywhere? They are walking around, in and out of Burrows. They are flying around you, below on the cliffs edges and over the top of your head. Some are swimming in the sea or even floating upon the surface. But birds are everywhere!

(Farm Houses, Toilet Block and Accommodation on Skomer Island).

I think what I loved most about this island was its unique look, its unusual inhabitants, and also its ability to combine conservation and protection for its wildlife, while still allowing people like myself to visit and take all of it in. Skomer is much underrated in my personal opinion. Of course we don’t want hundreds of people trying to get over there and we certainly don’t want ignorant people who wish to disturb this incredible habitat. What we do need however are nature enthusiasts who don’t mind paying a little money, for an amazing experience, because I assure you that is what you’ll get.

(The Puffins Are Showing Affection).

My Top 5 Tips for a Skomer Trip

1. Ensure you are well prepared with some good footwear. The paths, although neatly laid out, are rather rocky and there are many climbs, wear shoes that have grips, walking shoes are best. You can pick them up reasonably cheap these days at outdoor shops and well stocked shoe shops.

2. Only bring the essentials you will need for half a day, because you will be carrying them with you, but don’t forget all of these very important items or something similar. Waters, Bite Cream, Sun Cream, Thin Waterproof Clothing, Refreshments, Hand Sanitiser, Sweets for Energy, Hydration Tablets if you suffer from Cramps, and finally Tissues. You will also need a carrier bag to take all of your rubbish home with you.

3. Bring a Camera! There will be some awesome opportunities to take photographs of a variety of wildlife and this should not be something that you should pass up on.

4. Think Ahead! If the weather forecast is going to be bad, such as strong winds, high tides and/or torrential rain, then you can almost guarantee that the boats will not be running. Try and decide and make arrangements so that you are prepared for a last minute change of plan. If the boats do run then that’s great, but be prepared for a long and probably wet day on the island. There’s very little shelter on Skomer, when I say that I promise I’m not exaggerating, there’s hardly a tree, and there are only a couple of buildings most of which are reserved mainly for islands staff.

5. Be Realistic On Time. You may underestimate the size of Skomer if you haven’t visited before. It takes time to weave through the paths and enjoy the many views, but you will be given a specific boat time that you must return to the mainland on. Make sure that you take note of what sections of the island you will need. The toilets are situated at the farm buildings in the centre of the island, but the best place to see the Puffin Colony is usually at The Wick.

(A Puffin has Caught Sand Eels).

Finally I’m going to show you some of the photographs that I managed to achieve while on Skomer this June. I wasn’t lucky enough to see the incredible and unique looking Albino Puffin, though someone I know of did manage to photograph this beauty, and they sent me an image so that I could see it, I was so pleased. I will also include an image of myself that my husband took of me while I was photographing.

(A Puffin Stands Proud).

(A Puffin Protects its Burrow).

(Sabrina in Action, Photographing Birds).

Sailing Times and Current Prices for 2017 (As Correct in 2017)

You can check if boats are running by checking out the Skomer Boat Info on Twitter. Boats only run from Tuesday to Sunday, except Bank Holidays Mondays. The boats also only except cash so make sure you bring sufficient amounts with you by working out the prices for you and your trip mates.
The boats first run at 10am, with that boat returning at 3pm, and so on, until five lots of people have been landed.

Thank you for reading this travel post today, if you visit Skomer after reading my review then please let me know, I would love to hear your thoughts, and I would like to know of anything you may have seen that I did not. All information was correct as of 2017 and prices and boat times are subject to change.

✩ Sabrina ✩

How To Make The Most Of A Few Days In London with Travelling and Staying Guide

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Sabrina

How To Make The Most Of A Few Days In London

What can I start by telling you about London… I don’t want to state the obvious, but it’s the Capital City of the United Kingdom, as most people know, and it is home to over 8.7 million people right now. But if you haven’t had the pleasure of going here, then this travel post is for you.

I have visited London many times, sometimes only for the day, other occasions for days at a time. But the one thing that I never tire of, is admiring its wonderful history and architecture. Sure, like most modern cities of the world it has incredible new buildings, such as The Shard, but the historic parts are what I adore most.

In this blog post I’m going to be documenting my most recent visit, and explaining all about places that I always like to go to when I come to the capital. There will also be many photographs for you to see that I have taken over the past couple of years that I have visited London.

Travel Guide

There are various ways to travel around London. I can highly recommend the London Underground, it is so efficient even at rush hour times. They have so many stations right near to prime locations as well, which means more sight seeing and less time walking in between them. Buses are always a good idea, however my husband and I prefer to catch a train or to walk.

If you are a keen walker, like myself, you can use a map of London to work out easy routes to walk from one place to another, if you are able. It’s a great way to experience the real London but also you never know what you might see.

Once at Buckingham Palace we saw the guards on formation, it was a wonderful and historic thing to witness. And there are usually things going on through the Spring and Summer months, in the various parks and gardens. Of course we cannot forget the London Marathon, it all depends on what month of the year you wish to visit.

Sight Seeing Must Sees!

My list of must sees are somewhat long, but if you’re going for only a couple of days I suggest you choose up to six places or things that you want to see or achieve, and leave back ups in case you manage to get around them all.

I will put my favourites in order, but you may have buildings you want to see that aren’t on my to do list, this is only a guide. There are also a ton more museums and wartime buildings that those of you with history passions might want to visit.

The London Eye
The Shard
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
Tower of London
Tower Bridge
London Bridge
Buckingham Palace
Natural History Museum
Trafalgar Square
Piccadilly Circus
Oxford Street
Covent Garden
King’s Cross Station – Platform 9 and 3/4s

Here are some of my photographs from recent visits to London, I will admit I have done a huge amount of the city in my many years of going, but I still haven’t seen or experiences everything myself yet.

Staying Over Guide

When staying in a large city you must consider your travel time between your hotel and the sight seeing you will be undertaking. Picking a hotel can be tricky, the best thing to do is research the area of the city you’ll be doing the most sight seeing, and then work around and out on a map.

My husband and I have stayed in the Docklands and Canary Wharf side of London for the past five years. We have tried six different hotels in that time, all of which were great for different reasons. But we chose this area because of the bars and restaurants for the evenings escapades. It’s also easily accessible with the London Underground stations.

If you have a family, you probably don’t want to stay in such an adult area, and perhaps want to stay closer to some sights so it’s not so far to walk. All of this is simple to work out with a map and a location guide.

As for hotels themselves, I have stayed in Ibis, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Premier Inn, Novotel and Holiday Inn Express. All of which have been excellent. You can browse online for ones with your specific needs such as a Gym or Family Facilities.

I usually book on last minute websites such as Hotwire with only weeks to go before I want to stay. It’s a good way to save money, however once you’ve booked there are no refunds, so you need to be sure that you’ll be going.

Other Things To Consider

If you’re into History or like to attend the Theatre maybe you can consider one of these things to do. London has a variety of awesome Museums and also the London Zoo. There are so many theatres in London to choose a whole library of shows and musicals from. They are a once in a lifetime experience if you can afford to go.

The Tea Terrace on the top floor of House of Fraser on Oxford Street, is a lovely experience to have if you love your tea and cake and don’t mind sitting in a Princess style tea room.

Don’t forget there are bus tours you can take if you can’t walk very far, and a huge array of restaurants and bars you can make your way around if you’re that way inclined.

Finally, and probably one of the most important points for most people. The Shopping!
London has a vast array of shops. Oxford Street is the most famous of course but you also have Covent Garden for more unique and often handmade items.

I always buy a little something while in London, and try to experience the hustle and bustle for myself. Department stores that look as though they can touch the clouds, and quaint little shops that offer homemade goods.

London is honestly unique for this, and even on a budget there is something for everyone.

Sabrina’s Key Holiday Points

So if you’re considering a break away remember my three key things about booking a holiday.

1. Research the Area
2. Know Your Limits – Money and Health Wise
3. Live Within Your Means & Save with Vouchers

2. Know the limits of your health, because even I have to remind myself that I cannot do everything that I used to, but that doesn’t stop me having a great time. And know your bank balance too – don’t get yourself in debt just because you wanted a ride on the London Eye!

3. Finally, always live within your means. You might not be able to do it all and see everything, so pick your top 3 and work out the pricing. Always look for vouchers online too and on various food items such as Cadbury Chocolate Packets and Cereals! You can always find a bargain if you search for it, and I am definitely one for making the most of a two for the price of one deal!

Thank you for joining me for my travel blog post today, I really hoped you liked my photographs of London (I could have shared a hundred more with you but just chose the best of recent).

Have a wonderful day, and thanks for reading!

✩ Sabrina ✩

How To Make The Most Of A Few Days In Paris

Posted on March 19, 2017 by Sabrina

How To Make The Most Of A Few Days In Paris

When I think about the beautiful city of Paris I have nothing but good memories and fond images in my mind. Not only did I become enchanted by this incredible place when I was a child, but as an adult I have since returned many times, admiring more and more of its architecture, history and splendor. I have taken family, friends and loved ones to Paris, taken them to see the best it has to offer, and I’m always ready for going again when the occasion arises.

Here is a photograph of me standing in front of the Arc de Triomphe on my most recent visit there, in October 2016. The great thing about Paris is that you can visit all year around, you may have to choose more weather appropriate footwear and dress warmly in the Winter, but the city looses none of its charm and magnificence.

In this blog post I’m going to be celebrating my love of Paris, showcasing my photography over the past ten years of visits (because I had a digital camera by this point) and sharing with you, my readers, my top attractions.
This is, How To Make The Most Of A Few Days In Paris.

Let me start with a short overview about this wonderful city and its culture, before I go on to the districts and buildings that I love the most. I will also be posting a map at the end, with suggestions on areas in which to stay close to attractions, and outlining ways you can see the most attractions in the shortest time.

(One of the stunning views from the Arc de Triomphe during my visit in 2012).

Paris is such an amazing city, filled with people from all walks of life, varying careers and nationalities culminate in making this particular capital great. If you have yet to visit this incredible city I hope that my blog post might inspire you to book a visit. And as I will prove, you don’t need much time there to make the most of your sight seeing.

I was just as shocked as the rest of the world when the city was a recent target for terror. I have visited since the attacks and honestly, I feel just as safe as I have always been there. Of course there are the usual pickpockets that you’ll find in any large city across the globe, but I have always felt at home here, and so long as you’re vigilant and careful, you and your belongings will be safe.

The majority of older architecture in Paris dates back to the 12th century such as the Notre Dame cathedral whose construction was began in 1163, but it was not fully completed until 1250. The beautiful Basilica of Sacre-Coeur was built between 1873 and completed in 1914. Paris’ other marvels such as the Eiffel Tower were finished in 1889 and are somewhat more iconic to the Paris skyline.

Where do I begin on explaining my top things to see in Paris. Of course it will entirely depend on how long you’re staying for, but with the incredibly versatile and affordable metro system, nothing is ever really that far in this city. I often walk routes, occasionally jumping on the metro line to gain distance between sites, but overall most things within central Paris are worth walking between. The gardens between the Egyptian Luxor Obelisk and the Louvre Museum are just one example of when walking becomes sightseeing and not a chore. Be it Spring or Autumn or anywhere in between, there’s always something to see along here.
Another must see of course is the Eiffel Tower, at both daytime and nighttime, but I will get to that in a moment, here are my suggestions and photographs of the best places to see in Paris on what days.

(Tuileries Gardens, October 2016)

Day One – Green

My first suggestion for making the most of Paris will be to walk the section between the Arc de Triomphe at the top end of the Champs ‘Elysees and The Louvre Museum. You can start at either end, and both start and finish near a metro station so you can easily return to your hotel.
My recommendation would be to visit the museum in the morning, take in the fantastic pyramids after lunch, and then walk from The Louvre and through the Tuileries Gardens. You will see gardens and the Luxor Obelisk, culminating with a shopping trip up the Champs ‘Elysees, and then a walk up the Arc de Triomphe with stunning views to end your day.
It will require a great deal of walking, but the sights are definitely worth it. There are places to stop and sit down, and places to stop and pause for something to eat or drink. The section is more or less a long straight road with gardens in between.I will now provide some of my images so you can see some of the things that are available on this particular trip. And I will mark this walk on the map in green.

The Louvre – Inside and Out Luxor Obelisk

The Arc de Triomphe – Base and Views

Facts

The Louvre is a mixture of buildings that were built between 12th and 17th Century. It was established in 1793 after it had been used as both residency for French Kings and in later years as a monument and museum. Its museum first opened on August 10th 1793 and it has grown considerably since that day. It has millions of visitors every year, and with eight different cultural departments it houses more than 35,000 works of art and more than 380,000 objects.

The Luxor Obelisk arrived in France on a specially designed boat in 1833, it came from Egypt and weighs an impressive two hundred and fifty tons. It stands at 23 metres tall and is more than 3000 years old. It once stood outside of the Luxor Temple with its twin obelisk, that one is still in Egypt. In 1836 the obelisk was erected in the center of Place de la Concorde.

The Arc de Triomphe was built from 1806 – 1863 and has some stunning views of Paris from its summit. It stands central to the Champs ‘Elysees and has 12 roadways that extend off from the roundabout it is on. It is a monument that was built in honour of the people who fought and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It was built in such a design that was inspired by the Roman ‘Arch of Titus’ in Rome. It stands at 50 metres high (164ft) and 45 metres (148ft) wide, with a depth of 22 metres (72ft).

Day Two – Purple

The Eiffel Tower is a spectacle that has to be witnessed both during the day and the evening. On my most recent trip I took my best friend to it so she could watch the sun setting around the metal lattices and then behold the towers lights getting turned on. I recommend that you go up the tower (unless heights is an issue) to see the amazing and detailed views of the city, but you will need a clear weather day, one with little cloud and no wind, in order to fully appreciate it. You could stick around or revisit the tower later on in the evening to see the lights show, whichever way you decide to see the Eiffel Tower, you must not go all the way to Paris to not see it. It’s not only an incredible fear of engineering for its time, but it’s also pretty beautiful too I think.

If you don’t spend the entire day at Tour Eiffel then you can hop on the Metro, and just a couple of stops away you can have the splendor of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the magnificence of the Pantheon and the beauty of the Luxembourg Gardens to walk around. There are also lots of restaurants and coffee shops in this area of the city, ideal for a pit stop.

This is all highlighted in Purple on your map at the end of the post, including Metro stations in the area too. Here are some of my images to wet your appetite.

Eiffel Tower – Base and Views

Notre Dame Cathedral – Outside and Inside

(2012 and 2016)

Facts

The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 after only two years of construction. It is one of the most popular monuments in the world, more than 6 million people ascended it during the year 2015. It is 324 metres tall (1063ft) and its top floor stands at 276 metres (906ft) where people can take in some awe inspiring views of the city.
Many other Paris landmarks can be seen from the Eiffel Tower, such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. The Tower is made from wrought iron lattices, and is a well known icon not just in France but around the World.

Another part of Paris, and perhaps a far more famous one is of course is the district that is home to Notre Dame Cathedral. Known as ‘Ile de la Cite’ and one of the oldest parts of Paris dating back to 52 BC, this is one of the only remaining natural islands in the river Seine. In the 10th century a cathedral was built on the island, this was the predecessor of the now situated French Gothic cathedral that is Notre Dame. This Roman Catholic church is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. It has had several restorations over its time including 1845 and more recently 1991.
It has 10 bells and boasts many gargoyle statues, the cathedral is still used to date.

Day Three – Red

Sacre Coeur is in an underrated area of Paris, due to it being situated on a hill away from the main central area in the city. On a clear day you can see right across Paris from here and the cathedral itself has some of the most beautiful architecture the city has to offer. Opened in 1914 this white building is a Roman Catholic church. It stands at 83 metres tall (272ft) and 85 metres long (279ft), and is made of Travertine stone (a form of limestone that can be pure white due to high levels of calcium carbonate).

There are several ways to climb up the steps to it, most streets boasting classic Parisian style houses with quaint street lamps and stone staircases. The hundreds of steps are definitely worth it when you eventually reach the summit. This is not somewhere for small children unless you’re willing to carry them, neither is it very accessible to all on foot, but if you want amazing views and architecture it is worth the hike. The nearest Metro station is around a twenty minute walk away situated at either end of the hill at ground level.

Sacre Coeur can be seen from the top of the Arc de Triomphe and from the Eiffel Tower higher levels if you have a good zoom lens camera or some binoculars.

If you have time after your visit I can recommend you see the Eiffel Tower again (as suggested on my map), either to view it during daylight, to ascend it, to see the lights come on at sunset, or to view it during the evening light. It is spectacular at all of these times.

Day Four – Brown

On your fourth day, if you manage to stay this long, you should do whatever you please. I have highlighted on the map some ideas, such as the Gardens, Museums, Theatres, A Boat Trip down the Seine perhaps?
Whatever you decide to do, so long as you have managed to see Paris’ main attractions, it is entirely up to you. Maybe you want to visit an area again you liked it so much.

Paris Tips

I do recommend picking up a map of both attractions and metro when you arrive in the city, this will be helpful if you get tired and need a train to take you anywhere.

If you go to places sometimes you can get a pass to return within a period of time, this is very useful if you plan on going into a place a couple of times during your stay, like the Louvre.

Try and pick a Hotel that is fairly close to a Metro line, for convenience and luggage ease.

When booking your hotel, make sure you are aware of how close you are to central areas of Paris. You want things on your doorstep but you don’t want to be overwhelmed by any noise (such as being right next to a main train station).

Invest in a travel wallet, they are extremely handy, I bought a ‘GO’ one for my last trip. I managed to fit my Passport, Euros and my phone inside. Amazon do them at a reasonable price, and I rate mine 4/5.

Here is my map of my usual routes and walks around the main sights of Paris.

Thank you for reading this travel post today, I hope you’ve liked reading an insight into my travelling and my photography. I also hope that I have inspired you to take a closer look at Paris if you’ve never been, and if you have visited before, well, maybe it’s time to go again?