Author: Amber
-
Alfriston
Alfriston is a small village a twenty minute drive from Eastbourne. Its quaint streets and historic buildings make it a lovely place to explore, with plenty of walking paths nearby that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The entire village takes about 20 minutes to walk through and is well connected by little paths…
-
Lewes
One of my favourite day trips from home was to Lewes, a town that somehow manages to feel both deeply historic and vibrantly alive. Set against the rolling South Downs, Lewes wears its medieval character with ease — all cobbled streets, crooked chimneys, and independent shops that look like they’ve been pulled straight out of a…
-
Rye
A beautiful day trip from our home in Eastbourne is Rye. We visited in early spring and it made for a great day out. Our first stop was Rye Castle (Ypres Tower), which dates back to the 13th century. It’s a small but solid stone fortress with cannons, gloomy old cells, and a bit of…
-
Eastbourne
We’ve lived in Eastbourne for a while now and have found some lovely little places that make this town feel like home. Whether you’re visiting or just want to explore the area, I thought I’d share a few favourites that we keep coming back to. First up, Beachy Head — such a stunning spot, and we actually…
-
Wicklow & Dublin
Next, I made my way to Dublin, hoping to get closer to the UK once my visa was sorted. But just a few days after arriving, I learned I’d need to return to Vienna to continue the visa process. Before heading back, I spent a week in a small seaside town called Wicklow — a place you might recognise from…
-
Bruges & Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
The next stop on my solo travels through Belgium was Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, a small university town that was once part of Leuven. It’s not a typical tourist destination, but it gave me a refreshing window into everyday Belgian life — quieter, slower, and a little off the radar. I stayed with a friend I’d met through the…
-
Brussels
I took a day to explore Brussels — not enough to see everything, but enough to get a feel for the city’s contrasts. It’s a mix of ornate architecture, busy streets, quiet corners, and, of course, waffles everywhere. I started at Grand Place, which is as impressive as everyone says. It’s one of those rare tourist-heavy…
-
Leuven
I ended up in Leuven almost by accident. I joined a women’s travel group, made a friend, and stayed on her couch for the week. It turned out to be the kind of place that’s easy to settle into — walkable, friendly, and just the right size to get to know without needing a checklist.…
-
Klosterneuburg & Münchendorf
Once again, I travelled back to Vienna to try to finally sort out my UK visa. We arrived and dropped off my passport to the local immigration office, and were told it would be sent to the UK and should be returned in three weeks at the latest. Then, we headed out of the city…
-
Bologna
I spent a few days in Bologna. The terracotta buildings, long stretches of porticoes, and lived-in feel make it easy to settle into its rhythm. The Basilica di San Petronio on Piazza Maggiore was one of my first stops. It’s massive, slightly unfinished on the outside, and strangely fitting for the city — impressive without being showy. Inside, it’s…