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SLEEPING IN STYLE: 5 STEPS TO A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP VIA BEDROOM DESIGN

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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SLEEPING IN STYLE: 5 STEPS TO A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP VIA BEDROOM DESIGN

It seems like you can’t wink 40 times before you see yet another article discussing the importance of sleep hygiene. And yep, we realise the irony of us uttering that remark, since we’re always bloody banging on about it ourselves.

But what is often lacking in the discussion, with so much focus falling on mindset, distraction, mentality and the rest, is the physical elements which contribute to a great night’s rest. Today, we’re focusing on the purely solid stuff, with this guide to sleeping in style and the 5 steps to a better night’s sleep via bedroom design.

A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM

Though the mattress tends to take all the acclaim, on a more practical level, a sturdy support structure for your bed can help you sleep better. You can have the best mattress in the world, but if the frame and base don’t support it, then your support is going to sag. 

According to bed expert Jeff Scheuer, who calls himself The Beducator, that centre support is so crucial. He says that ‘’if your frame doesn’t (provide central support), your mattress set will sink in the centre (and) you will sleep uncomfortably’’.

‘’Another issue will be motion transfer. Typical metal frames, even those of very high quality like Knickerbocker, will wobble a bit. Placing your mattress set on a very heavy-duty bedset, like a solid oak headboard/footboard set, will make even an inexpensive bed feel more substantial.’’ 

So, choose a frame or bedset which is sturdy and supportive, made from a solid, durable material, to lay the foundation for a good night’s sleep.

THE FOCAL POINT OF THE ROOM

It’s crucial that you arrange your bedroom with your bed as the focus. If you position your bed in the corner of the room, as something of an afterthought, or simply sling a mattress on the floor and sleep where it falls, then of course, the quality of your sleep is going to suffer. 

Sleep psychologists strongly recommend that your bedroom is designed as a place for sleep first and foremost, and placing your bed as the focal point of the entire room (feng shui permitting, of course) is a worthwhile statement of intent. 

Make the room flow from your bed. Keep the sides of the bed free from tall furniture so you don’t feel crowded when you try to get to sleep at night (or go to empty your bladder in the middle of it) and make sure you have space around your bed, even if it means you have to sacrifice some furniture and other clutter. 

The experts recommend a form of ‘stimulus control therapy’, whereby you train your brain to associate the bedroom with sleep by removing distractions such as TV and work from the room. It’s certainly worked for us.

INVEST IN REST WITH THE RIGHT MATTRESS

Too many people make the mistake of cutting costs when it comes to their mattress. They can, after all, be expensive. Though it’s dependent on the type of mattress you choose, the average cost of a king size in 2020 ranges from around £300 to £600.

That doesn’t even represent a particularly long term investment. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that you should change your mattress every 8 years. After 7 years of use, you’ll have spent more than 20’000 hours on your mattress (jeez), which is quite long enough to wear it out. 

If you are on a budget, you can find a high-quality mattress in a sale or on offer if you wait and shop around. This way, you can save money and get the best mattress for you. No matter what your budget, you should look at this top mattresses from The Mattress Guide. They have researched and have done the hard work so you don’t have to, and have reviewed and rated the best mattress UK so you know what to look for when you search

PRECISION LIGHTING WITH LED

Task and accent lighting are essential in the bedroom, and the more precise your control of the illumination levels are here, the easier you can control your bedtime routine to be as sleep-healthy as possible.   

It’s generally recommended that you manage your descent into dozing rather than plonking yourself straight into bed and expecting the miracle of sleep to come naturally. Many like to read a calming chapter or two before bed to allow them to unwind properly, others like to meditate to process the day’s events, while others still choose a ceremonious removal of make up to mark the day’s end. All of these require task specific lighting, which can be achieved via the tactical placing of lamps (and even candles) around the room, preferably in a variety of wattages for extra control.

For a more all encompassing ‘mood lighting’, perfect for the hour or so before slumber, LED strips are becoming increasingly popular. The experts at LED Supply talk about the use of colour temperature in the bedroom, which ‘’indicates how ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ the light appears. Temperature is measured in Kelvin with higher temps representing cool colours (blueish hue) and lower temps representing warmer colours (yellowish light you would expect from a bulb).’’

For the bedroom, seek out a warm white shade, which comes in the range of 2700 – 3000K.

LEARN YOUR LINENS

We’ve got the mood lighting just so, we’ve eliminated all distractions from the bedside table and beyond, and we’re ready to slip between the sheets. If those sheets are old, scratchy and misshapen, then all your hard preparatory work will be in vain.

Don’t skimp here; considering the average person spends 33 years in bed, spending good money on quality bedding shouldn’t be seen as frivolous. Quite the opposite, in fact; it’s an investment in your future years of quality sleep.

On your journey to sumptuously soft sheets, getting your head around the different types of thread count is important. Thread count is a way of measuring the vertical and horizontal threads per square inch of your bed linen. Put simply, the higher the thread count, the more threads there are in the linen. 

Why should you care? Well the higher the thread count, 800 for example, the denser and more luxurious the feeling of the material. However, you needn’t splash out on ridiculously high count sheets; a thread count of 300 (or higher) is all you need for noticeably better quality linen.

No matter which thread count you choose, the primary indicator of quality is the fabric. Steer clear of any polycotton (polyester and cotton mix) and instead opt for linen rich in cotton; think percale with a high cotton percentage, Egyptian cotton with long fibres that promote breathability and softness, or smooth Supima sheets which many regard as the best cotton that money can buy. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Achieving great quality sleep isn’t an act of witchcraft or sorcery. Nor is it something that should be left up to chance. With a little effort and the right investment, you can ensure a proper night’s Zzzeds for years to come.

5 STEPS TO BUILDING THE IDEAL DOMESTIC WINE CELLAR, UPSTAIRS

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 STEPS TO BUILDING THE IDEAL DOMESTIC WINE CELLAR, UPSTAIRS

According to research conducted by The Telegraph in 2019, the average Brit drinks 108 bottles of wine a year, making us the biggest drinkers in the western world. Whilst not an official mantra of the country, it can sometimes feel like ‘quantity, not quality’ persists when considering our drinking habits.

That’s a lot of wine being consumed, but perhaps not to its full potential. With Winter approaching and the prospect of more lockdowns, curfews and home drinking high for the foreseeable future, it’s time to shift focus, to better drops, drunk less.

Storage plays a key role here; it’s vital to keep your wine at the correct temperature, humidity and even angle to get the most out of it. With that in mind, here are 5 steps to building the IDEAL domestic wine cellar, upstairs. 

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The clue’s in the title, hey? A wine cellar should be just that; below ground level. This is because the basement setting provides the ideal environment for storing wine, in terms of temperature, light and humidity, which we’ll break down in a minute.

That said, many wine enthusiasts aren’t blessed with a cellar or basement which they can simply turn into a dedicated wine storing facility. In these cases, improvisation is key. Fortunately, the conditions required for storing wine optimally can be replicated in (almost) any room in the house. Here’s how…

LIGHT & SHADE

The wine cellar hasn’t been banished to the basement for behaving. Nope, there is a reason that wine is stored in such conditions, in the darkness. This is because an excess of light, sunlight and UV rays can bring about premature ageing in fine wine. It’s essential, then, that wine is shaded from such light. 

What’s more, sunlight, in particular, can bring up a wine’s temperature, altering its colour and the all important taste irreversibly, and this is the reason wine comes in green and amber bottles.

To mitigate these effects, some will opt for a storage unit which uses LED light, as this provides enough illumination to navigate around the facility whilst not giving off any heat. But if you’re storing your wine in an apartment, for instance, consider the closet in the hall for that desired darkness. A kitchen, with sunlight and fluctuating heat, is perhaps the worst place you could store your wine.

Interestingly, the same rules apply if you’re buying distilled water, olive oil, spirits and liqueurs, all of which respond unfavourably to heat and light.

YOU’LL NEED A COOLING SYSTEM 

Yep, in all those wine pairing rules you’ve read, the most essential tip is often left off; heat and wine do not go well together. If you’ve often opened a bottle only to discover it tastes a little flat, it could well be because you stored it at the wrong temperature.

Roughly speaking, the ideal temperature to store your wine is between 10-13°C (50-55°F). Dip much below that ballpark figure and you run the risk of semi-freezing your wine. A change in temperature can also lead to a change in pressure, pushing the cork out. At the other end of the thermometer, if the temperature is too high, you could inadvertently ‘cook’ and taint the wine. 

Consistency is key here, as fluctuating temperatures can spoil your wine. Should you not have a wine cellar below ground which naturally achieves that elusive temperature range, then first, take the temperature of that hall closet. 

Alternatively, you might want to consider investing in a wine cooler. For a short term solution, stashing your bottles in the fridge is okay, but after a few days in there, the cork can shrink, letting oxygen into the bottle. A dedicated wine storage cabinet is far better, and will keep your bottles constantly at the correct temperature. To be more precise, that’s 5 – 10°C for white and 10-20°C for red – and humidity (between 60% and 70%) ensuring longevity.

That humidity is essential, to stop your cork drying out on the outside. This will stop air being let into the bottle which will spoil the wine’s taste. But be sure not to store your wine in a location that is too humid, as the moisture might damage the bottle’s label, and mould could harbour. It’s a fine balancing act, indeed.

RACK UP SOME WINES

The angle at which you store your wine also plays a part in ensuring its longevity. The experts advise that you store your wine bottles horizontally, or better still, at a 45 degree angle with the bottles facing downwards. This allows wine to come into contact with the cork, stopping it from drying out and letting in that dreaded oxygen. What’s more, dry corks can result in a musty flavour.

For your wine ‘cellar’, then, it’s a smart move to invest in some wine racks. You can either get prefabricated wine racks or customised ones, with traditional wooden wine racks – particularly those made from oak – the preferred choice of many connoisseurs, preferably leaning at that ideal, downward facing angle.

GLASSWARE

Even if you’re not blessed with a fully fledged wine cellar, investing in the appropriate glassware is one of the best things you can do to show off your carefully curated wine collection to its full potential. 

Yep, the wine snobs are right; the vessel in hand makes one hell of a difference to the taste within it. The shape of the glass, the thickness of the rim, the material it’s made from, the length of the stem…they all play a part in the taste of your wine. Since you’ve made all this effort with storing your bottles, the least you can do is show them off to their full potential when actually drinking them.

Firstly, consider bowl shape; wide bowls allow plenty of aroma whilst narrow ones allow less, since less wine is exposed to the air as you give the wine that first sniff. Generally, the former is preferable for the upfront aroma of reds and the latter more suitable to the nuances of white. If you’re looking to splash out, include both wide and narrow bowled glasses in your collection, or for versatility’s sake, a set medium bowls is best.

When drinking white wine, prioritise glasses with a longer stem; this prevents your hand from warming up the glass and your carefully chilled Chenin Blanc.

You’ll also need some narrow flutes in your collection for sparkling wine. The wider bowls of traditional wine glasses cause champagne, cava et al to lose their fizz rather fast as the wine is exposed to oxygen excessively. All in all, it’s wise to have a bit of variety in your collection, to meet the optimum needs and nuances of each wine.

Hey, and even if you’ve done irreparable damage to a bottle, there’s still plenty you can do with it! Check out our tips on 5 creative uses for leftover wine and salvage some dignity today.

5 TIPS FOR PRACTICAL, PRAGMATIC HOME WORKING THIS WINTER

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 TIPS FOR PRACTICAL, PRAGMATIC HOME WORKING THIS WINTER

Work from home. No, work from the office. Actually, work from Pret. Hang on a minute, you might be better off working from home, after all. Unless, of course, you have to attend work physically and centrally, in which case you should fly/teleport there to avoid the other potentially contaminated proles.

Nope, we’re not sure either. 

But what is pretty clear in between the lines of the government’s mixed messages and U-turns is the need for further home working for the foreseeable future. With the nights drawing in and the temperature noticeably dropping, #wfh Winter Edition is going to look a lot different from Summer’s. 

Let’s be honest, staying content with home working during Summer was easy, with liquid lunches in the sun, exercise breaks in the park and natural light streaming into our home offices, windows open wide. The coming cold season might have something different to say about that, but let’s be proactive here; here are 5 tips for practical, pragmatic home working this winter.

DRESS CODE FOR THE COLD

Yep, we all knew this one was coming. In fact, we’re just as tired of reading this tip as you are. Because if working in your Jim Jams all day makes you happy, then who are we to judge? In fact, we’re typing this piece wearing only our underwear; we’re in no position to cast aspersions elsewhere.

Winter home working, however, is a very different beast to those heady days of Summer, and wearing PJs or loungewear all day during the colder months, when motivation is already running on empty, is often the thing which can tip you over the edge into full blown hibernation mode. You’re already dressed the part for a duvet day…it would be rude not to play the role.

What’s more, being at home 24/7 in Winter is going to lead to an inevitable increase in your heating bill. It’s been reported that working from home over Winter will add £100 to fuel bills. We expect that figure could be significantly higher than that. Instead of having those radiators on full blast for long stretches of the day, layer up, wear an extra pair of socks and a jumper. Not only will you reduce your energy consumption, but you might even find getting changed into ‘outdoor’ clothes helps you knuckle down and focus.

Alongside that, managing your home environment well, for example with smart heating solutions like those from Heatka, can help maintain comfort without excessive energy use during colder months.

A COMMUTE OF SORTS

Or, you could harness the energy of those outdoor clothes and take yourself, you guessed it, outdoors. When the weather’s inclement and the thermometer is dipping faster than a gym bro obsessed with his tris, it’s only natural to want to curl up in bed all day. That transition straight from duvet to desk when you’re working from home seems to start the working day off on the wrong, slippered foot.

Rewrite that wrong and take those feet out for a stroll before you settle into your home office space for the day. Many freelancers and those experienced in the art of working from home productively swear by a ‘commute’ each morning, even if that’s just a walk around the block to catalyse a change of scene and mindset before a single screen is stared at. If your work affords you this level of flexibility, do give it a try!

HOT DESK HOMESTYLE

Speaking of a change of scene…a switch up in home desk set up or location can sometimes be all you need to arrest that creeping sense of lagging motivation before it gets out of hand. 

Though making a habit of it may mean you can’t afford to get on the property ladder, the occasional afternoon spent working in a coffee shop rather than at home can do wonders for inspiring brain waves, curing writer’s block, or simply giving colour to an otherwise drab day. The different energy, the presence of strangers, and a little hustle and bustle all help to realign your focus and perspective after days spent indoors in your home office. 

For a cheaper (often free-of-charge) alternative, public libraries are now largely reopened, and have co-working spaces. If you’re not keen on braving the cold, even shifting your desk to a new position within the home can serve a similar function.

GET YOUR HOME GYM KITTED OUT

A regime of exercise and the positive mindset required to get you through the Winter go hand-in-hand; working out regularly is just so beneficial for our state of mind. In fact, in a recent study carried out by Oxford and Yale universities, it’s been posited that exercise makes us happier than money, with the contentment achieved via exercise equivalent to the happiness felt following a £19’000 pay rise, apparently.

But hey, what if devoted, mood boosting exercise and a potential payrise weren’t mutually exclusive? While there’s a likelihood that gyms will close again as the government introduces stricter COVID restrictions, you can still enjoy the benefits of regular exercise this winter by kitting out your home with a modest range of gym equipment. 

You can now buy good quality exercise bikes for use at home for around £150 online, which will have your cardio needs covered. For strength, a pull-up bar which you can fix between a doorframe offers a wide variety of strength training routines for different parts of the body. Or, you could create a free home gym with items you already own by harnessing the power of callisthenics. 

A short session each day during the time you used to waste commuting could make all the difference in you nurturing a more positive, productive mindset as we enter gloomier months.

DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Don’t allow the pressure of a tightening, shape shifting job market force you into staying in a job which makes you unhappy. An increase in home working has also led to an increase in concern over job security, make no mistake, and many workers will feel stability is more important than stimulation right now. 

But if you’re not happy in your current role and want a fresh start, there’s no harm in seeking pastures new from the comfort of home. There are loads of jobs you can apply to, interview for, and ultimately do remotely. As work from home becomes the norm, here are just a few roles with plenty of opportunities likely to be available in the coming months:

  • Virtual Assistant
  • Transcriber
  • Translator
  • Web Developer
  • Travel Agent
  • Freelance Writer
  • Social Media Manager
  • Data Entry
  • Graphic Designer
  • Event Planner
  • Grant Writer
  • Online Teacher
  • Specialized Instructor
  • Programmer
  • Photographer
  • Product Reviewer
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Tax Preparer
  • Public Relations
  • Clinical Research Coordinator

This is not an exhaustive list. You can still pave your own path, but this should give you an idea of the breadth of potential opportunities open to you in remote work. Don’t be limited by your location!

4 IDEAS FOR A HISTORICAL THEMED WEDDINGS

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAS FOR A HISTORICAL THEMED WEDDINGS

Your wedding is your Big Day, your time to shine, and an occasion which you’ll want to live long in the memories of you and your guests forevermore. And if that means incorporating a historical theme into proceedings, to truly stand out, then your wedding day will undoubtedly be extra special, unforgettable and loads fun. 

A costume wedding is an excuse to unleash your playful, inner history buff and be creative. Taking inspiration from days gone by, here are 4 IDEAL ideas for a historical themed wedding. 

A MEDIEVAL BANQUET

It’s high time to bring back the Middle Ages with a Medieval inspired wedding. Think floor-length, long-sleeved Medieval gowns with flower crowns for the bride and bridesmaids. And for the groom? He just has to be dressed as a knight in shining armour, with the groomsmen dressed in tunics stitched with fine embroidery to match.

If you’d like your guests to be succinctly dressed, ask attendees to head to a historical reproductions clothing shop for brightly coloured robes and gowns. For accessories, your guests can head to Dalvey’s to get their own elegant pocket watch for their bygone outfits. 

When it comes to the venue, it was common in the Middle Ages to host wedding ceremonies in a castle and courtyard. If a castle backdrop is a little beyond your budget, consider hosting your big day at a historical hall which you can decorate and embellish for a medieval-like atmosphere. Or, look to the movie ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’ for inspiration and host a unique, ye olde outdoor wedding in the woods.  

A medieval wedding, it has to be said, is all about the banquet. While we don’t recommend four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie, there are plenty of medieval-esque foods you can include in your wedding feast.

When it comes to designing your medieval menu, consider a multi-course feast with venison meat pies, perhaps a whole duck seasoned with medieval spices (cardamon, cinnamon, clove and saffron were particularly popular), freshly baked bread, fruit tarts and a honey cake. Plenty of mead and mulled wine quaffed out of goblets is obligatory. 

Of course, don’t neglect to theme the entertainment, too; all the best feasts were once served with a song and a dance, after all. At the reception, you’ll need your jugglers, singers and entertainers or even a joke-telling-fool to entertain your guests with tricks, jokes and songs.   

ANCIENT ROME

No one can doubt the impact that Ancient Rome has had on Western civilization, so why not let them influence your wedding day too? To set the scene and define the day, the happy couple could dress as Emperor and Empress with an Ancient Roman inspired wedding of togas and tunics. 

For your wedding dress, the traditional Roman outfit was a plain white woollen tunic with a wooled sash tied in a Hercules knot (wool was chosen as it was considered a blessed fabric that repelled evil). Finish the look with a floral headdress of traditionally made from lucky flowers and herbs such as marjoram and parsley. 

For the grooms, it’s all about Roman sandals and red togas. Or, instead of channelling the emperor style of Marcus Aurelius, think more Maximus Decimus Meridius with full Gladiator getup. As for guests, togas were required to be worn by all citizens at public and formal events like weddings and gladiatorial games – you could ask your guests to do the same. 

When it comes to choosing your venue, if you’ve got a big budget, The Roman Baths in Bath offer the perfect backdrop for a wedding which takes its theme very seriously. Or, simply deck out your venue with laurel leaves, candles, draping fabric and some columns – real or otherwise. 

Should you be keen to go the extra mile (and weird out some of your relatives in the process), consider having the entire marriage ceremony read in Roman and incorporating some ancient customs into the formal proceedings, too. Invite a whole ten (!) witnesses to sign the wedding contract and throw nuts instead of confetti. As you leave the hall, make sure a sacred torch is lit, though we might pass on the pig sacrificing. 

When it comes to food, the Roman’s were a gluttonous lot; just watch Heston’s Roman’s feasts for inspiration! It’s an opulent, indulgent affair, make no mistake. For entertainment, hire some actors to perform scenes from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar or Antony and Cleopatra (just avoid the tragic scenes, if that’s at all possible). 

A DICKENSIAN DREAM

If you’re planning to have your wedding in winter, then a Dickensian themed event could be ideal. Take your cue from his books and recreate a classic Victorian wedding, making sure to evoke the theme of A Christmas Carol as opposed to Miss Havisham for a celebration that ends full of ‘cheer and goodwill’ rather than, well, a life of spinster-ism. 

Decorate your venue with vintage lace cloths and sprigs of holly, as well as a Christmas tree adorned with fruit, just like they did back then. Just as depicted in a Christmas Carol, the season is all about coming together and bringing people around the table.

So, for your wedding feast, you might want to lay on a full blown Christmas feast with a goose and all the trimmings, Christmas pudding and mince pies. For drinks, Charles Dickens was known to be fond of sweet alcoholic punches such as the Smoking Bishop, which was mentioned in a Christmas Carol. Oh, and don’t forget the Mistletoe for that ‘you may kiss the bride’ moment. 

GEORGIAN ELEGANCE

If you’ve always dreamed that your big Big Day will be full of etiquette and elegance, then channel your inner Jane Austin, or one of the famous characters from her books (hello Lizzy Bennett), for a genteel Georgian wedding. Think lace, hand-painted bone china, dancing and your very own Mr Darcy. 

If you’ve got serious wiggle room in your budget, you could hire Chatsworth House, which was the inspiration for Pemberly in the novel. Or, consider having your wedding in Bath, where Jane Austen lived from 1801- 1806. This Georgian city offers the perfect backdrop for a Regency inspired wedding. To truly channel the Regency era, have your wedding during the Jane Austen Festival, which is held every year in the city. This fantastic event sees hundreds of regency-costumed fans flock to the city and parade around the streets; talk about setting the scene! 

For your first dance, how about a choreographed regency style dance or waltz? You could even hire some professionals to teach your guests to dance a charming country dance of that period, ideal for any singles looking to mingle at your wedding. 

Don’t forget the horse-drawn carriage to whisk (or rather trot you away) to your life as a married couple. And with that, we think we’ll be off!

5 WAYS TO STAY ABREAST OF MEN’S FASHION & LIFESTYLE TRENDS

Editorial Team
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5 WAYS TO STAY ABREAST OF MEN’S FASHION & LIFESTYLE TRENDS

After drying out and laying low in your PJs for the duration of lockdown, it’s time to put your peepers above the parapet. Take a look around, drink it in; the world hasn’t, as we’ve been erroneously led to believe, let itself go. 

People are still dressing smart and making an effort out there, despite the motivation-drain of the past few months. Yep, it’s time to reignite your passion for fashion. If you’re feeling a little left behind, then fear not; here are 5 ways to stay abreast of men’s fashion and lifestyle trends.

BECOME A FASHION WEEK VIP

There’s no bigger date in the diary for the fashion world than Fashion Week; the clue’s in the title, hey? However, if there’s ever a time not to be fashionably late, it’s during these shows. Becoming a VIP for fashionweekonline.com allows you to keep well ahead of the curve if you keep your eyes on all things Fashion Week, learning about the latest trends, timings and announcements in real time. 

Be the first to know which shows are happening and receive discounts to select open-to-the-public shows during New York and Paris fashion week. Perks also include being able to network with other members of the fashion week opportunity. 

READ LIFESTYLE BLOGS 

Thanks to lifestyle blogs online, men’s beauty, fashion, skincare and wellness are now widely discussed in a more varied, nuanced way than the rather reticent approach of previous generations towards male style choices. 

If you’re keen to engage in forums regarding men’s fashion, as well as finding the best tips and tricks on matters that the blokes might normally be afraid to ask about, then do endeavour to seek out a diverse range of lifestyle blogs to get the broadest view of the subject. 

Some of our favourite lifestyle blogs which focus on men’s fashion and beauty right now include Valextino, (OMG) Bart!, Manny Mua, PatrickStarrr, Ask Andy About Clothes and A Continous Lean, to name but a few.

ALL ABOUT INSTAGRAM 

It’s become somewhat of a dirty word, the ‘influencer’; omnipresent, otiose and insistent. However, the beauty of Instagram is that you choose whose style you genuinely admire and only follow them. And in all honesty, so many of fashion’s latest developments and trends occur on this ubiquitous, powerful platform, but it still pays to be discerning in your follows rather than casting the net far and wide, and saturating your feed as a consequence.  

So, to stay abreast of what’s going on in the fashion world, make sure you follow a few diverse fashion blogger, influencer and stylist accounts who you engage positively with, who inspire you, and whose clothing choices you feel good about. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be inspiring followers in the same way?

MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS 

While online platforms are a wonderful way to stay abreast of the latest trends, we still love good ol’ fashioned magazines, which actually aren’t ‘old fashioned’ in the sense they’re behind the curve. They’re just, you know, a little less prevalent now we’ve all got the world at our fingertips. 

But there’s no denying that there’s something about the smell of the real thing, the glossy feel on your fingers, the visceral pleasure in flicking. Indeed, the page in print still carries weight in the fashion world, so satiate your thirst for fashion by subscribing to some fashion magazines. 

If that seems an expense too far in the name of keeping informed, then weekend newspaper supplements always carry fashion magazines pages, and are as up to date as many online platforms. 

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT 

Sustainable fashion has come a long way, with brands that use ‘deadstock…increasingly on the radar’ of fashion folk. At long last, sustainability is becoming a priority, particularly in a post pandemic world.  

The future of the fashion industry is all about building a climate that is ethical, sustainable and equal, and we couldn’t be more onboard if we tried. As such, if you truly want to stay abreast of fashion and lifestyle trends, then look to ethical brands leading the way in sustainability for inspiration; whether it’s out of necessity, economics or a late-developed conscious, this can only be a welcome development.

As such, check out our article on 5 steps to reducing your fashion footprint and get inspired!

5 OF THE BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS IN THE UK

Editorial Team
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5 OF THE BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS IN THE UK

What, the idea of careering down the side of a mountain (often just a hill, but that’s semantics for you) at high speeds on unpredictable terrain doesn’t appeal to you? Cast your eyes top left on your screen (top right for Windows users) and click that X button; there’s nothing for you here.

For those who have made it to the second paragraph, we salute your bravery! Welcome to the club. Mountain biking is a hugely exhilarating sport, eco-friendly and involving physical intensity to boot. But you already knew that, right?

Control, strength and courage are what the rider needs to bring to the saddle, but on the flip side, a mountain bike also plays a vital role in delivering a memorable experience. 

Whether you have a budget-friendly hardtail mountain bike at your disposal, a cross country, hybrid or an all mountain enduro, perhaps even more pivotal in defining a great ride is the route. With that in mind, here are 5 of the best mountain bike trails in the UK. 

DALBY FOREST, YORKSHIRE

Located in the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest boasts several green trails, meaning it’s a comfortable track for beginner mountain bikers. For those only just off their stabilisers, the Ellerburn Skills Area is a 300 metre run aimed at building confidence in tentative riders. Once that’s achieved, beginners can gratitude to the longer 4.7km and 12.4km runs, named the Ellerburn Family Cycle Route and the Adderstone Cycle Trail, respectively. 

If you want to push yourself while the kids trundle down behind, you can still find some more uneven, unpredictable terrain; there’s a 12km blue trail and a longer, treacherous (in the best possible way) red trail, too.

It is a family-friendly place, which makes it great for a picnic once you’ve done your time on two wheels. 

NAN BIELD PASS, LAKE DISTRICT

The Lake District’s Nan Bield Pass is perhaps the UK’s most scenic ‘hike and bike’ experience, a magnificent trail that reveals vista after vista as well as some pretty sore calves the day after.

The Nan Bield Pass is part of the illustrious UNESCO World Heritage Site the Lake District and offers striking scenery at every pivot of the handlebars. The route itself encompasses 35 km, which may not sound like heavy going, but the ascents are steep and the descents hardcore. The second half of this trail, in particular, should be left in the hands of only the most experienced riders; there are loose boulders and rocks to traverse, and once you reach the peak of the pass, a technically challenging descent of more than 2km.

The first half, however, is more gentle, taking in pastoral scenes and lush landscape. Should you be wanting to avoid the more adrenaline-stoking elements, it’s advised that you turn back on yourself prior to the climb which leads to Gatesgarth. 

DEVIL’S STAIRCASE & CIARAN PATH, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

The Devil’s Staircase and Ciaran Path, in Scotland’s Kinlochleven, is known for testing even the most advanced riders with its loose, rocky terrain, lactic baiting climbs and heart racing drops. 

It’s a near 25km loop set against a gorgeous, dramatic backdrop of mountains, rivers and lakes; you’ll welcome the excuse to take a breather in the name of ‘admiring the view’. In fact, there’s no shame in walking parts of this challenging trail; many, many don’t conquer it at all.

As the name alludes to, the Devil’s Staircase is one hell of a climb to begin the trail, but as keen mountain bikers love to joke, ‘you have to endure some grunts before the stunts’. After that, a descent into the small town of Kinlochleven serves primarily as a warm up for things to come; the views over Blackwater Dam which seem to suggest a sense of danger which is to follow are very apt indeed. That foreboding is largely justified; the final Ciaran Path is a thrilling but challenging ride, make no mistake.

AFAN FOREST PARK, SOUTH WALES

If you want multiple trails all housed within a single destination, Afan Forest, in Neath Port Talbot, South Wales, could be your guy. This expansive national park is known not only for its mountain biking, but also for its excellent hiking and hill walking options. 

But we’re here for fun on two wheels today, right? Boasting more than 100km of single track trails and reading like the latest single tracks on a Bon Iver album, there are five challenging courses, ‘Penhydd’, ‘Y Wâl’, ‘White’s Level’, ‘Skyline’ and ‘W²’, as well as Afan Bike Park for honing your skills. The 22km loop of Penhydd is perhaps the most prestigious, and has won many accolades for its stunning views and demanding descents. Should you be keen to really push yourself, the Jetlag section of the Skyline is super tough, but spectacular. Such challenging terrain requires picking perfect bike, of course. 

For those who have worked up an appetite on the trails, the fish finger sandwich in the park’s Cedars Tearoom is excellent.

TORRIDON LOOP, WEST SCOTLAND

We’ve arguably saved the best ‘till last. On the west coast of Scotland, close to Loch Torridon, is the Torridon Loop, a revered trail which touches on 50km of dramatic scenery and is on the bucket list of any mountain biker who takes their hobby seriously. Beginning with a fantastic, fast descent into the charming village of Annat, things then get remote fast, with mountain ranges and vast lakes giving the rider a serene sense of stillness even when moving at serious speeds. 

The highlight though, is the Torridon Fun Park section, whose description almost feels like the park is being done a disservice; it’s jaw droppingly gorgeous with just the right level of winds, peaks and troughs to satisfy those looking for a challenge. Just brilliant!

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR LEVEL FOR A MOUNTAIN TRAIL?

Almost all of these trails are divided into smaller paths or have both more challenging and easier stretches, depending which fork in the path you take. 

That said, most are graded by colour:

  • Green Trails: Great for beginners, kids, and families. If you’re a beginner to mountain biking, this is where you should begin.
  • Blue Trails: Beginners will be challenged here, and the terrain is suited well to hybrid bikes. Blue trails are a good warm up for the ‘proper’ off road stuff experienced on red and black runs.
  • Red Trails: You’ll need a fully fledged mountain bike to try your luck on red trails. These trails require fitness and experience and occasionally, you’ll need to be on foot and carry a bike while hiking.
  • Black Trails: These are exclusive for licensed and qualified mountain bikers with the proper skillset and equipment. Most of these trails tend to be dangerous, thus, not accessible to the general public. 

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5 RESTORATION TIPS FOR A CAMPERVAN

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5 RESTORATION TIPS FOR A CAMPERVAN

A campervan is a one-stop solution for those who love to go on long trips. And right now, with foreign holidays off the agenda, such a vehicle – with its accommodation capabilities – is surely set to come into its own on future staycations. It’s no wonder RV stands for ‘relaxing vacation’, right?

If you want to feel that sense of unbridled freedom, flexibility and fun which comes with such a trip, but without the expense of investing in a new model, then have you considered buying a second hand campervan and restoring it to its former glory? Should you be in the thrifty, freedom loving, forward thinking camp, then read on; here are 5 restoration tips for a campervan.

RUST NEVER SLEEPS

If you’ve bought a second hand campervan, then a little rust is an inevitability. The sands of time aren’t always kind to a vehicle’s bodywork, and rust can start small and innocuous, creeping up under the vehicle’s paint job, taking the protective paint with it and exposing metal as it goes. As a general rule, if you can see a spot of rust, there is likely much more lurking beneath the surface. 

Don’t ignore the warning signs. Fill seams where paint has cracked with flexible sealant and deploy a rust remover or converter to deal with the issue before it gets out of hand. Always finish with an anti-rust coating. Should more drastic work be required, purchase an angle grinder, or, if things are more severe, you may need to invest in a budget plasma cutter. 

CHECK FOR LEAKS

A camper van should provide you with shelter; many a holiday in the Great British Outdoors has been ruined by a leaking roof. In fact, many a campervan has been ruined by a leaking roof, since water can cause mould and irreversible structural damage. 

During your campervan restoration project, you should carefully and diligently set about identifying and fixing the source of the leaks, to ensure peace of mind for your future adventures. 

Start by inspecting the roof for any leakage, with both an interior and exterior examination. You may well have to give it a good clean, removing grit, dirt and debris accumulated on previous excursions, but the entry point of a leak is almost always a broken seal or the campervan’s skylight. Don’t ignore the rooftop HVAC systems, either. 

The process of repairing the leaking roof relies on the material it’s made from, whether that be fibreglass, rubber or metal. Going forward, a campervan or motorhome cover is a worthwhile investment to avoid further damage and degradation.

MOULD REMOVAL

Since it’s almost certainly been used on outward bound adventures, there’s a fair likelihood that your newly purchased, second-hand campervan has been exposed to moisture or rainfall. It’s wise, then, that you apply a mould removing agent to the walls, even if there is none immediately visible. Campervan walls are notoriously prone to mould and rot.

Should the walls need total replacement, firstly; don’t panic. This is fairly normal for the restoration of a second-hand campervan. Wall panels or plywood are the most budget-friendly options here.

REFURBISH THE KITCHENETTE

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and this is certainly true for a mobile one. Since most campervans are open plan, the kitchen is the likely focal point of the socialising, and often, the main focus of the trip after long days spent driving. 

It’s wise to invest a fair amount of time and energy, then, in refurbishing the kitchenette, modernising its appliances and eeking out any extra prep space you can with smart, savvy storage solutions. If you make the kitchenette a place you enjoy cooking and spending time, then you’ll save a big chunk of your holiday budget on eating out.

Items such as magnetic spice racks, foldable chopping boards, and durable crockery which won’t break if you suddenly have to, erm, brake, are all wise investments.

A FINAL FLOURISH

Not only for aesthetic purposes, as we already mentioned, but a paint job can also protect your campervan. Rust can cause dull and faded paintwork, which looks less than appealing and leaves your campervan’s bodywork prone to damage. 

If you need to give the whole campervan a fresh coat of paint, then the main option is to fully respray it, though there are ways to repaint your van without respraying it using a roller and brush. 

4 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FOR YOUR HOME

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4 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FOR YOUR HOME

You know that heat? The stuff that hits you when you step off the plane. The type that makes your digits swell as the, erm, digits swell. The kind of heat you can smell. Yep, that heat. 

Where once you could escape to the office or shopping mall, which boasted the blessing of industrial air conditioners keeping things cool, with the sudden, enormous rise in home working, suddenly homeowners are having to consider climate control on a domestic level.

That said, air conditioner installation needs precise positioning and the correct power output for the size of the home it sits within to make the investment economically savvy and environmentally as low in impact as is possible. With that in mind, here are 4 things to consider when choosing the right air conditioning unit for your home.

THE LOCATION

The location of your home has a big influence on what your air conditioning solution should be. A home in Vermont has an entirely different heat situation at hand than someone residing in south Florida, for instance. If your need for AC is rather sporadic, you might want to go for something such as a packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC), a window unit, or even a portable AC unit that can be moved from room to room. This, of course, goes hand in hand with the use of your home, and with what frequency all rooms are used.

If your home is in a warmer, more humid climate for most of the year, or one that experiences extreme summer heat, then you’ll likely be needing the services of an air conditioning unit almost 24/7 at certain times of the year. With that in mind, you’ll want something reliable and resilient enough to not only cool a home during these sometimes intense conditions, but serve you well for years to come. In this case, it’s likely that a central AC or central heating and air unit would be right for you. For durability and drive, you can buy PTAC units here or from other local outlets for customised control and comfort levels. 

While undeniably being far and ahead the most expensive option, and requires your home to have ductwork, the benefits and longevity that come with a good central heating and air unit cannot be overstated. 

THE SIZE OF YOUR HOME

The size of your home dictates the type of AC system you invest in, and whether it’s run centrally or separately. While central control usually comes a standard, a small enough home may not actually need such a robust system to keep it cool, and may not even be capable of being equipped with ductwork either.

This is why it’s important to consider the size of your place in tandem with its location before you arrive at a decision. If your home is only, say, 1,000 square feet, you can perhaps live with a window unit or two instead of central air conditioning, especially if a portion of the home is used infrequently in comparison to the rest. Window units can last for a very long time if taken care of, and provide a solid choice for those seeking that proper in-between cooling option. Such units may well require more regular maintenance from specialist services, like this one.

On the other hand, a large home will almost certainly benefit from a central unit in most cases. Not only does it typically provide the benefit of having both air and heat capable of being dispersed evenly throughout every room of the home, but it can also cool a large area without a problem and with maximum efficiency. As noted with the previous example, however, this is not always the case. Should your home be a log cabin in Alaska, for instance (an extreme example, we realise), and with no ductwork, you’ll probably want a ductless mini-split air conditioner, which is an AC unit specifically designed for homes without ductwork. 

Don’t let anyone tell you that size (or geography) doesn’t matter. 

PREFERENCES & USE

On top of all logistical matters to consider regarding the physical size and location of the home, you should also take into account the individual aspects of the decision that will come into play. Is the home in question a second home or a summer vacation property? If this is the case, your decision may vary in comparison to if this was your main home. 

While selecting an air conditioning unit for your home is crucial for the comfort of ambient temperature, remember that many also possess air purifying functions. Air purifiers specifically filter out pollutants, allergens, and particles from the air, improving indoor air quality. When choosing an air purifier, consider factors like room size, filtration technology, and CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) to ensure it effectively cleans the air in your home.

TAKE A CHANCE ON TECH

You may also want to consider your willingness to take a chance on new technology. You may be averse to trying something relatively new on a main property that’s already been built, but if you’re building a second home or even a property for sale, who’s to say you can’t give geothermal heating and cooling a chance? Such systems are considerably less impactful on the environment than air conditioning, and will also add value to your property. According to the Wall Street Journal via National Geographic, ‘’green housing will grow from $36 billion a year to as much as $114 billion. That’s approaching 30 to 40 percent of the entire housing market’’. Should you have the financial clout to invest, it sounds a prudent move both economically and environmentally. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

As with anything home improvement-related, there are push and pull factors and personal preferences which affect your decision. We hope we’ve made the weight of that choice a little lighter with our tips! 

5 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR UK HOLIDAY HOME

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5 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR UK HOLIDAY HOME

Ideal for staycations aplenty in good old Blighty.

Following foreign travel restraints due to the pandemic and blooming Brexit (yep, it’s still hanging over us) we’re set to see a revival of the Great British Holiday as staycations soar. 

And with holidays on terra firma taking flight, reports reveal that estate agents are seeing exponential interest in holiday homes. 

Such a purchase shouldn’t simply be a case of choosing a place by the sea and making a purchase based on the view. Instead, there are several ways to maximise the potential of the property. Here are 5 ways to make the most of your UK holiday home.

THE TYPE OF HOME

Are you after a country cottage with that peaceful, provincial escape that one carries or would you prefer a beachside bolthole? Do you want somewhere with enough room for group getaways or a small romantic retreat made for two? Is this a long term investment – somewhere you want to retire – or a second home destined for holidays only? 

There are holiday homes out there to suit every need, all unique and appropriate for divergent tastes, meaning you are sure to find the perfect one to match your needs. Holiday home ownership can be an exciting mission and figuring out the type of home you want is the first step in a sometimes enjoyable, sometimes stressful process. 

If you’re keen on a static home on a campsite, bear in mind that most sites shut up shop during January to early March, meaning if you want a break during the first few months of the year  – it ain’t going to happen. There are also site and maintenance fees to cover, so you’ll need to work them into your budget accordingly.  

THE IDEAL LOCATION

Location is everything when it comes to your holiday home, and will define how you use the property and one of the most important questions with regard to location is how easy your potential holiday home is to travel to.

It’s all very well having a cute cottage on the Cornish coast, but if it takes you seven hours to drive there – how often will you actually make that drive? When it comes to making the most out of your holiday home, consider buying somewhere within reasonable distance to your actual home so you can truly make the most of it. 

A HOME FROM HOME

Ensuring that your new property is equipped with all your home comforts will make that drive down – whether it’s long or short – all the more peaceful knowing that a fully fledged property awaits you. There’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere which feels unfinished, unfurnished and unloved, so if you can afford it, do endeavour to deck out your holiday home properly and comprehensively. 

We think this is particularly important in the kitchen; a holiday of takeaways can feel a little transient, don’t you think? Instead, maximise the full potential of your new pad by getting the kitchen in full working order.

A MONEY MAKER? 

As many British travellers swap holidays abroad for a break closer to home, owning a holiday home to let might just be a savvy investment. Indeed, during uncertain times, having somewhere which can generate an income is a godsend, and grants peace of mind in the face of a turbulent, trying world. 

Should this be your intention for your investment, then employing a property manager is essential. You’ll of course also need to consider the financial burden of having a second mortgage, as well as the tax implications of becoming a landlord. If you’re interested in learning more about earning money from your second home, check out our article on 7 IDEAL considerations when buying a holiday home let. 

CONSIDER JOINT OWNERSHIP

If you’ve got your heart set on owning a holiday home but that financial burden we mentioned is too heavy to bear alone, then you could consider joint ownership of a property to mitigate money worries. 

There are several benefits of sharing ownership of a second home. Firstly, the initial investment is halved, meaning it’s far less impactful. What’s more, the cost of upkeep and maintenance is also shared, as well as the actual responsibility of keeping the property ticking over. Finally, a timeshare or shared ownership means that the property will be inhabited more often, negating any guilt you might be feeling about the frivolousness of owning a home which often lies empty. 

5 SIMPLE CHANGES TO REJUVENATE YOUR BEDROOM

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5 SIMPLE CHANGES TO REJUVENATE YOUR BEDROOM

Ideal for creating a soothing and energising domestic space. 

More of us are working from home than ever, and the boundaries between bedroom and office are becoming increasingly blurred. Here at IDEAL, we’ve been guilty of working from the comfort of our beds rather more often of late. And were not the only ones – according to recent research, one in four say they have logged on for work while still in their pyjamas, in bed. We’re actually surprised that number isn’t even higher.

Stop. Right. There. Close that laptop, swap the jim jams for something equally as comfortable, and move onto your sofa. Because if there’s one space we shouldn’t be working from, it’s our bed. In fact, it’s the worst thing you can do. Research suggests that frequently working from your bedroom can negatively impact your work, productivity and sleep. It’s time to reclaim bedrooms for what they are meant for; sleep. 

The bedroom should be a relaxing space, meant for rest and recharging. So, here are 5 simple changes to rejuvenate your bedroom 

MAKE SURE EVERYTHING HAS A HOME

During Lockdown, we whiled away (perhaps) too much time watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix. We now consider ourselves experts when it comes to decluttering (we are writing this article after all). 

Advocated by Marie, the first step to rejuvenating your room is to declutter and the best way to do this is by ensuring everything has a home. Or, its right place, if you will. So, if your bedroom is full of ‘stuff’ that doesn’t appear to have any proper home and there are clothes draped here, there and everywhere, then it’s time to do something about it. 

Savvy storage solutions should be deployed in the bedroom; there’s all that space under the bed you can make use of, particularly if you use vacuum clothing storage bags, which can be shrunk to eliminate any air from inside. The foot of the bed is also a prime location for storage, perhaps consider a beautiful trunk or ottoman which is hollow within? Double it up as a seat to pull on your shoes, put out your clothes for the next day or display something.

BRIGHTEN AND LIGHTEN 

One sure fire way to rejuvenate a tired space and breath new life into the bedroom is by brightening and lightening it up. Making the most out of what little natural light we have in the coming months is the right place to start; since we’re spending more time indoors, we need to make the most of our windows and the natural light that flows through them. So, make sure you’re not storing any items directly in front of natural light sources; you want to make the very most of the good stuff while it’s here. 

Rather than go on, it might save us both some time if we directed you to your article on ways to brighten your home. Check it out!

RESET YOUR BED 

Just like buying a new outfit can refresh your look, investing in some new linen can rejuvenate your entire bedroom’s appearance and give you a better night’s sleep. Don’t be parsimonious here; considering the average person spends 33 years in bed, it’s worth investing in some good quality sheets. Steer clear of any polycotton (polyester and cotton mix) and instead opt for linen rich in cotton which promotes breathability and softness. 

Further dress your bed with some coloured cushions for a pop of colour. We’re fans of Paoletti in crushed velvet which you can buy from Yorkshire Linen to intensify your room’s look. This tactile texture, calming and cuddly, is ideal for the bedroom; phew, we feel a lie down coming on. 

ADD GREENERY 

When it comes to rejuvenating your interiors and brightening up your bedroom, a little greenery can add that final flourish to your space. Indeed, adding a plant to your bedroom can also transform it from a stuffy space into a tranquil, calming one. 

Not only are they a pleasing addition to your bedroom visually, but they bring some reputed stress-relieving qualities, too, and as such, are ideal for adding to a space where relaxing and recharging is the priority. Wondering what plant to introduce here? There’s an article for that, too; our 4 IDEAL plants to place in your bedroom. 

CREATE A ZONE FOR WORK

If you’re living in a shared house with flatmates and no comfortable communal space, using the bedroom as a home office may be the only solution right now. For a successful office/bedroom setup, a clever use of space is key.

Creating an area in your bedroom solely for work is important, preferably in the corner of your room, next to a window. If you have the space to create a ‘work zone’ with room dividing shelving, then for your sanity’s sake, please do. Those cube display shelves from IKEA are perfect for the job. Or, make your own green screen by pimping out a clothes rack with hanging or climbing plants.

If you’re limited on space, a narrow floating shelf is a good alternative to a desk as it won’t protrude too much. Consider introducing pattern wallpaper or painting the wall behind your desk a different colour to really differentiate and compartmentalise areas. Not only will this provide a visually stimulating backdrop to your office space, but colour can cleverly play with the perception of space, adding depth to the room. 

DIFFERENT TRIBES, DIFFERENT VIBES: 5 OF THE BEST CASINOS IN LAS VEGAS FOR DIVERGENT TASTES

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DIFFERENT TRIBES, DIFFERENT VIBES: 5 OF THE BEST CASINOS IN LAS VEGAS FOR DIVERGENT TASTES


Different strokes for different folks, different tribes for different vibes…it seems to sum up the universal appeal of The City of Sin, right? Because you can be anyone in Las Vegas, and find any entertainment to suit your tastes, if only you look (and spend) hard enough.

Vegas, it has to be said, is a juggernaut of a place, imposing, intimidating, exhilarating and infuriating in equal measure. If you’re planning on a trip to strut the Strip, then it’s best to compartmentalise a touch, to get the most from your experience. Today, we’re breaking things down a little for you, with these tips on 5 of the best casinos in Las Vegas for divergent tastes.

BEST FOR FOODIES: CAESAR’S PALACE

Las Vegas is one of the world’s premier places for fine dining, attracting top notch chefs from all over the globe keen to cash in (and serve up) on the city’s hunger for opulence and indulgence. Here you’ll find three-star Michelin level restaurants rubbing shoulders with more down-to-earth diners, all-you-can-eat buffets and globe trotting menus, all within a chip’s throw of each other.

They say that it’s easy to leave Vegas broke, but you certainly won’t leave hungry, and it’s at Caesar’s Palace where the latter part of this maxim is most aptly realised. Indeed, there aren’t many places in the world where you’ll find Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, Bobby Flay and Nobu Matsuhisa all under one roof. In fact, there aren’t any such places except Caesar’s Las Vegas. There’s also the Forum Food Court and Bacchanal Buffet for those looking for the quintessential, all-you-can-eat Vegas dining experience. Better pack a pair of elastic waisted trousers for this one.

BEST FOR COCKTAIL CONNOISSEURS: THE COSMOPOLITAN

Where better place in the world to enjoy a cocktail than in Las Vegas, the City That Never Sleeps, in a casino resort which (poetic licence at the ready) was named after a cocktail; the Cosmopolitan. Even if you’re not a fan of the famous marriage of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime, you’re sure to find something quaffable in one of the resort’s world-renowned bars.

Of the seven bars here, the pick of the bunch is perhaps The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, which offers haircuts out front while out back, a prohibition-era hidden lounge serves up vintage whiskey to guests reclining in plush leather armchairs. Be sure to try the house special Golden Dram, containing White Label scotch and bitter orange; delicious! Or, if you’ve just won big, how about an Old Rip Van Winkle, aged for 25 years and available for a modest $25’000.

For a different vibe altogether, more glitzy and less underground, try The Chandelier; three levels of opulence which will have you thinking you’re in a particularly gauche art exhibition. Such surroundings combined with their signature drink, a nod to Alice In Wonderland aptly named ‘We’re All Mad Here’, and you’ll truly feel like you’re tripping. Mind the stairs on the way down!

BEST FOR SWIMMING: MANDALAY BAY

We’re sure we don’t need to tell you twice that Vegas gets hot. Really hot. Yep, the temperatures are truly sweltering and in the summer months are consistently over 40°C. Even in October, when the heat is said to subside, average temperatures still regularly reach heights of 27°C. Okay, so we ended up telling you about five times, but anyway…

As such, you’ll need somewhere to cool off; and it shouldn’t always be in the air conditioned halls of the major casinos. That would be too easy. Enter one of the world’s foremost famous aquatic playgrounds: Mandalay Bay Beach. 

Sitting on 11 acres of prime real-estate in Sin City, the Mandalay Bay Beach is a manmade city made of water within a city. There are 8 different pools in total, including a 1.6 million gallon wave pool which can generate huge waves off up to 6ft; try riding one of those after one of Vegas’s famous all-you-can-eat buffets. If water sports aren’t you’re thing, for a slower pace, there’s a lazy river with a mellow current where you can gently float along on a rubber ring.

Oh, and there’s also a beach with 2700 tons of real Californian sand – yep it is quite literally a beach in the middle of a desert.

If you’re after there places to cool off from the sweltering heat, here are 5 of the best pools in Las Vegas for your perusal.

BEST FOR PENNY SLOTS: ARIA

If you’re looking for a slice of the action but don’t want to bet the big bucks, you might want to try low stakes penny slots. But before we go into that, let’s clear things up, the name “Penny Slot” is something of a misnomer. Don’t let the name fool you, penny slots don’t actually have a penny slot. Instead, you slide a dollar into the machine and get a hundred plays. 

All the casinos have penny slots, but for a top notch experience, we suggest Aria. It happens to have of the largest slot-machine floors on the strip and the floor is alive with a machine symphony of slot sounds  – most modern machines have around 400 sound effects. Wow.

Should you be looking to make your own luck, according to Vegas insiders, machines closest to pedestrian traffic are often set up to win, in order to lure other onlookers in. Whether this is true or not, who knows.  

Remember that these machines are built to be both fun and addictive. As with any form of gambling, the slot machines, both online and physical, should be approached with caution.

BEST FOR ELVIS IMPERSONATORS: PLANET HOLLYWOOD

Phew, how about some real, stereotypically, quintessentially Vegas fun? Yep, it would be a crime to leave the City of Sin without catching a performance from its most famous ever resident. And at Planet Hollywood Resort you’ll find the premier Elvis impersonator show in the world; ‘All Shook Up’.

Considered the ultimate tribute show to The King, performances start at 6pm daily, with tickets starting at $34. Backed by a three piece band, you’ll see a high-octane, hour and a half extravaganza of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits. So, put on your blue suede shoes, hit the strip and make for Planet Hollywood with haste. Viva Las Vegas, indeed.

4 UK WEDDING VENUES BOASTING HERITAGE & HISTORY

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4 UK WEDDING VENUES BOASTING HERITAGE & HISTORY

Ideal for those looking to tie the knot in style.

First of all, if you’ve landed here, might we assume that congratulations are in order? And, though it might be brave, also that our invite’s in the post? We couldn’t be happier for you, you beautiful thing.

And now, it’s imperative you find a venue that you deserve, and that’s fitting of this fawning introduction, too. In our humble opinion, some of the UK’s best wedding venues are those with a dash of historical charm. Britain’s rich history is often encapsulated by its buildings, with structures ranging from castles to country houses each bursting with character and intrigue. Boasting period features, walls that tell a thousand stories, and gardens you could lose yourself in for days, these structures are perfect for a quintessentially British wedding.

Whether it’s a summer celebration basking in the grounds of a manor house or a winter wedding spent sipping mulled wine in a medieval castle, there’s a historical venue in the UK for every type of ceremony. Here are 4 UK wedding venues boasting heritage and history.

SANDON HALL, STAFFORDSHIRE

For couples who want a grand yet homely venue, country houses are the way forward, and one which should certainly be on your radar is Sandon Hall in Staffordshire. The ancestral home of the Harrowby family, the hall was remodelled into a Georgian House in 1776, and is set in 400 acres of picturesque parkland.

Sandon Hall features ten rooms of incredible opulence, with the conservatory to the drawing room and library to choose from, all of which are licensed for weddings. This makes it an ideal year-round venue, with an interior which seats up to 120 people (do bear in mind that for now, wedding parties must not exceed 15 attendees, but we were discussing plans for next year, right?).

Those seeking a traditional church wedding are in luck, as the country house also boasts a 13th century All Saints church. For outdoor ceremonies, the venue offers tipi receptions, complete with an open fire and plenty of space for a bar and dancefloor. Secluded enough to make you and your guests feel like you’re in your own little world, Sandon Hall the ideal historical wedding venue.

BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORDSHIRE

The only palace in the UK not owned by the royal family, Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire, is home to the Dukes of Marlborough. Noted for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the birthplace of Winston Churchill — having been constructed between 1705 and 1722 as a gift for John Churchill – it is designed in the rare and short-lived English Baroque style of architecture. This is manifested in the great masses of stone used in its design, from the grand portico entrance on the north front to Egyptian temple-influenced towers on each corner of the central block.

Inside, the palace features a grand staircase, a great hall complete with a luxurious ceiling painting, and a chapel, while outside you’ll find a vast landscaped park, formal gardens and woodlands. Hosting weddings throughout the year, guests can have their ceremony in any one of a number of rooms in the Palace, including the Orangery, the Long Library and the Great Hall, as well as in marquees on the South Lawn. Oozing in grandeur and history, Blenheim Palace is a magical wedding venue, befitting of your special day, and certainly something worth spending the wedding budget on.

LEEDS CASTLE, KENT

Many brides-to-be dream of their fairytale wedding, complete with a regal setting, and tying the knot at Leeds Castle lets you live out this fantasy for real; for a day, at least. Situated just outside of Maidstone in Kent, rather than in Yorkshire, confusingly, a castle has existed on the site since 1119, though much of its present structure dates from the 19th century. The former residence of both King Edward I, and Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Leeds Castle is located amidst 500 acres of gardens and grounds, with features ranging from a maze and a grotto, aviaries and a vineyard.

The castle itself rises majestically from its surrounding moat, with weddings taking place in the Ceremony Room that adjoins the Library. A banquet-style dinner is served in the castle’s largest room, the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, which offers magnificent views across the moat, before you get the party started in the lavish Heraldry Room. Alternatively, guests can choose to tie the knot in other locations within the grounds. The most popular places to do so are the Maiden’s Tower, a 16th century stone building adjacent to the castle, in Leeds Castle’s glorious walled gardens, or a 17th century Kentish timber-framed structure known as the Fairfax Barn.

HOPETOUN HOUSE, EDINBURGH

Located in acres of spectacular Scottish countryside on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun House is one of Scotland’s most luxurious stately homes. The romantic venue can host both wedding ceremonies and receptions, with the Adam Stables accommodating up to 160 guests and the Adam Ballroom able to host up to 250. 

When the last champagne bottle has been popped, family and friends can retire to the State Apartments and Tapestry Rooms. The Wedding Manager and award-winning event caterers Heritage Portfolio are on hand with expert advice to ensure a fairytale wedding day.

Now you’ve got some venue ideas, how about doing a little research on the best wedding entertainment?

5 TIPS FOR THE IDEAL HOME OFFICE DESK SETUP

Editorial Team
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5 TIPS FOR THE IDEAL HOME OFFICE DESK SETUP

Hey you! We see you squinting at the screen, leaning in, hunching those shoulders and generally sitting in a way which is inevitably going to do harm to your back. No, we haven’t taken control of your webcam. Neither are we behind you…you looked round to check, didn’t you?

Instead, we’re simply making an educated assumption, based on the fact that nearly 24 million Brits are currently working from home, often in hastily cobbled together arrangements featuring ironing boards, book stacks and a collection of plugs which would have an electrician shocked.

With home offices less ergonomically design-focused than your standard office (your dog fronting the HR department probably isn’t going to install that new wrist supporting keyboard you’ve been coveting), those who are currently #wfh are having to adapt to their surroundings in inventive ways – from using software for asynchronous work all the way to the most creative of furniture solutions.

Your desk needs to be a devoted workspace, at the correct height and with good back support from an upright, sturdy chair. With laptops on laps, as we hunch over to read and type, we’re placing greater strain on our neck and shoulders, and risking injury. We’re in this for the long haul, so here’s 5 tips for the IDEAL home office desk setup.

INVEST IN A STANDING DESK

When it comes to working from home, standing desks are a saving grace; an antidote to the ever increasing sedentary lifestyle so many of us lead and its associated risks. With the stroll from tube station to office now eliminated because we’re working from home (for some, the only exercise of the day), getting moving has never been more pressing.

The best way you can encourage a little movement and flexibility in your home office setup is by installing a standing desk, which helps burn off calories and keeps those limbs nimble. Getting your blood flowing and increasing your metabolism can only be a good thing, and when combined with a light exercise regime, can give a big lift to your physical health.

Many experienced home office workers set an alarm to remind them every fifteen or thirty minutes to take themselves for a short walk around their home; the smallest effort can make a huge difference to your health, and we’d recommend following suit.

OR, FULLY CUSTOMISE YOUR DESK 

To meet your specific work needs, consider customising your desk. An ergonomic stand-up desk, like we mentioned, is great when combined with an adjustable desk converter which can be positioned at the exact correct height for to match you at the correct sitting and typing posture.

This may provide you with better flexibility and enable free movement while working, and is increasingly believed by scientists to be massively beneficial to those at risk from an overly sedentary working day.

Should you be making the permanent shift to home working and want things to be perfectly aligned, consider an online builder to customise your home office desk to the nearest millimetre. This free online tool will help you to visualize the desk and work through the measurements in precise detail. And the best bit? A four-position memory keypad comes as standard, with more settings available (at a cost, of course), meaning that you can switch between standing and sitting desk heights easily.

A LAPTOP STAND

That said, not everyone has space for a desk. If you’re working from a laptop rather than desktop, as so many of us have been, you might be causing yourself eye, back and wrist strain by leaning into your screen excessively and manipulating your keyboard and mouse at an uncomfortable angle. As a general rule of thumb, your screen should be at least 50 centimetres from your eyes (around arm’s distance) and slightly below eye level.

Consider investing in a laptop stand to mitigate some of these concerns. These neat little structures lift your screen to a more appropriate height (though not with the accuracy of a customisable desk, mind) and go some way to preventing you hunching over or straining your eyes. 

For those who find themselves frequently on the move or working remotely, it’s essential to ensure ergonomics are not compromised, even with portable devices. If purchasing a top-notch laptop isn’t feasible, consider exploring options to rent laptops for specific work trips, which can provide access to high-performance, high-resolution machines (less eye strain!) without the high upfront cost. Luckily, most laptop stands are suitable for all models of laptops. They are also foldable and lightweight, which makes carrying them around a breeze.

WIRELESS ACCESSORIES

Sit back, take a load off, your screen is now at the correct height. Adjust your bottom and spine against the chair’s back at a sturdy though flexible right angle; doesn’t that feel better? Or, if you’re standing, we salute you! That’s pure dedication to a life less sedentary right there.

Now, all you have to worry about is the two devices which enable you to complete your work each day; your keyboard and your mouse. You’ll find that your keyboard may now be at a slightly awkward position.

If you’re serious about this working from home thing, typing needs to happen from a manageable distance away from the computer, with wrists rested on your desk a couple of inches in front of your keyboard and at right angles (or slightly below) to your elbows. This will help you avoid a repetitive strain injury. It’s best here to invest in a Bluetooth keyboard, so you can position your keys in the ideal alignment to your body and hands.

It’s best here to invest in a Bluetooth mechanical keyboard, so you can position your keys in the ideal alignment with your body and hands. It’s also important to keep said keyboard well maintained as you tend to use excessive force on keys that are sticking or broken. Kinetic Labs has some keyboard care accessories and replacement parts available if you need them.

If we’re going the whole hog, then a Bluetooth mouse will certainly do no harm either. Ideally, your mouse should be half a forearm’s length from your body, with your wrists supported on the desk. Again, a wireless version of this office standard allows for greater flexibility. Just remember to invest in some batteries!

NATURAL LIGHTING

Someone is going to have to face up to it; the days are getting significantly shorter now, and a chill has entered the air. Tragic, we know, since we haven’t properly enjoyed this year’s summer. For productivity and peace of mind’s sake, equally, it’s imperative that you make the most of the natural light while it’s here, by positioning office desks in a way which makes the most of them. 

It’s also a health-conscious move for your eyes; recent analysis regarding an office’s impact on health found that employees who sit within 10 feet of a window reportedly had 84% fewer eyestrain instances, headaches and blurred vision symptoms. Wow! And that’s not all, a study reported in Forbes concluded that fresh air can make the workforce 11% more productive. Harness this energy via windows in your home office and watch the creativity blossom.

That said, it’s smart to ensure that the natural light in your home office is managed properly; align your workspace or desk in a way which means the sunlight doesn’t disrupt your work by being too bright or creating shadows. Having a light source directly behind, overhead, or in front of the screen creates a glare on it, which only leads to strain. Instead, position your screen in such a way that the light source comes from the sides or below. 

5 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIP

Editorial Team
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5 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIP

Ideal for leaving 2020 in the dust.

Oh, the open road. That feeling of unbridled freedom. The four doors of the car rather than the four walls of home. The windows rolled down, the breeze in your hair, the classic rock on the radio and a sense of adventure in your soul. COVID-19, lockdowns and Boris’ U-turns all turned to dust in the rearview mirror, replaced by your own self-isolation on the other side of the world.

We’ve got goosebumps just thinking about it. And although 2020 has been cruel, we’re entitled to dream just a little of better times ahead, right? With wide open roads, mind-blowing expanses and some of the most jaw dropping scenery you’ll ever set eyes on, Australia is one of the best places on the planet for a road trip. If you’re planning yours and are looking for inspiration or are simply after some escapism, then read on; here are 5 tips for planning your Australian road trip, IDEAL for leaving 2020 in the dust. 

CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL 

Australia is blessed with such diversity of landscape. From rugged coastlines to ochre-red rock formations, heaving urban centres, hulking boulders and the never ending outback, this country has it all. This vastness and variety also calls for some focus on your itinerary; it takes several weeks to drive across the country, and you don’t want to be spending all your time at the wheel, we’d wager.

Australia’s Highway 1, also known as ‘The Big Lap’, circumnavigates the entire country and is the longest national highway in the world, clocking in at nearly 10’000 miles. Some take a whole year out to traverse this road, and if you’ve got the time to do so, then awesome! But not many are fortunate enough to be blessed with months on months of obligation free time.

Instead, consider breaking things down a little. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is about as spectacular as it comes. A coastal road stretching 200 miles, you’ll find untouched beaches and unkempt cliff edges aplenty, as well as perhaps the world’s premier surfing mecca, the seaside resort of Torquay. Whilst on this drive, you’ll be able to take in The Twelve Apostles, an incredible collection of rock formations in the ocean which are surely a contender for the most striking natural wonder in the world. Set aside three or four days to truly appreciate this one.

Another hugely popular drive down under is the road between Cairns and Brisbane, along Australia’s east coast, which takes in some of the pinnacles of Australia’s natural beauty, including the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll need a minimum of two weeks to get the most out of it.

An even more exhaustive (and a little exhausting) road trip takes you from the north of Australia to the south, cutting right through the centre of the country. Along the Stuart Highway, from Darwin to Adelaide, you’ll traverse nearly 2000 miles of road and is the perfect chance to experience Australia’s vast, iconic outback.

Or, you could take the shorter (though still hugely impressive) 10 hour drive from Melbourne to Sydney, taking in the sights along the way. Basically, what we’re trying to say is, Australia is blessed with so many fantastic road trips; choose your poison wisely, or do the lot, and we’ll see you in a couple of years!

VISAS & LICENSE

Once you’ve figured out the trail and how long it will take you, you can decide on how long you want to stay. The standard tourist visa (ETA) allows for stays of up to 3 months (90 days). Other options include stays of up to 6 and 12 months, if you’re really throwing yourself behind the wheel for a long haul. Do be aware that there are certain requirements of a 6-month tourist visa, though. Working is strictly prohibited and you must show proof of funds in your bank account; enough to sustain your trip.

Here’s some good news; you can drive in the land down under using your UK driving licence, but only if you remain a temporary overseas visitor. If you have an overseas licence in a language other than English, all you’d have to do is have it translated by a NAATI translation service. Should you intend to stay and have a permanent visa, you can drive with your UK license for the first 3 months that you’re in the country. Within this time, you must get a local licence if you want to remain on the road. Seems fair. 

THE RULES OF THE ROAD

Though this article all sounds like plain sailing and smooth driving up to now, you’ll need to get to grips with the rules of the road and be mindful of driving laws in Australia if you’re to enjoy a safe, enjoyable trip. Like us, the Aussies drive on the left, and though it may seem like a laid back country, laws on overtaking are strict, as are penalties for not wearing a seatbelt.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol will see your licence can be suspended, at the very least. As Sydney based law firm Prime Lawyers warn ”drink driving offences are considered serious offences…with convictions attracting heavy fines, long periods of licence disqualification and possibly a gaol sentence”. That’s jail to you and I. 

In a notable difference to British driving law, and important to bear in mind, they also highlight that ”police can charge someone with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) where it is believed that the person is or has been driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. Police do not need the assistance of any devices or a known blood alcohol content to prove a charge of DUI”. If you find yourself in this position, consult Prime Lawyers or another law firm for assistance.  

Should you be keen to enjoy some Australian wine, which is admittedly excellent, take it easy or don’t drive at all.

STAY ON THE SEASON’S SUNNY SIDE

Despite what many of us Pommies may think, it’s not all ‘schooners, sunshine and barbies’ in the land down under. Australia is a massive country and has different climates all over, and it would be foolish to assume it’s going to be 30 degrees and blue skies everywhere you go. 

If you’re planning on visiting more than one region, plan your trip accordingly. The best time to traverse the Northern part of Australia, which includes Queensland and The Great Barrier Reef, is from April to October, which is the beginning of the dry season. Come during the wet season and you’ll be faced with torrential downpours and many of the roads close due to floodings – not ideal road trip conditions, that’s for sure. 

The best time of year to drive the Great Ocean Road, along Australia’s south eastern coast, is late summer, between March and April, when the weather is warm and settled. The same goes for the drive between Melbourne and Sydney.

For the mammoth Stuart Highway route, you should avoid the early summer months, between December and February, as temperatures are extreme, and at night, often freezing. You do not want to be caught in the outback, broken down, in such conditions. Better to hit the road any time between May and October.

WATCH THE WILDLIFE

Wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and possums, to name but a few. It’s estimated that four million mammals are killed by cars each year after being hit by a vehicle on Australian roads. Most collisions happen during the hours between dusk and dawn as many species of Aussie wildlife are most active at this time and visibility for drivers is lower. 

The best way to avoid hitting wildlife is to simply not drive at dawn, dusk and through the night. Instead, set up camp, have a barbie, and enjoy a night under the stars. Also, please, don’t litter while enjoying the great Australian outdoors; it’s illegal, bad for the environment and attracts native wildlife to the roads – the last place they should be hanging out.

If you do hit an animal, get in touch with a qualified wildlife rescuer – the injured animal has a better chance of surviving if you do so. Before you set off on your trip, add the numbers of wildlife rescue groups in the areas you’ll be travelling to your phonebook so you can call for assistance. If unfortunately, the animal passed away, check it’s pouch for a little joey then move the animal away from the road – it may attract scavengers which could lead to more collisions. And on that rather macabre note, we hope you have a great trip!

4 HISTORIC WEDDING VENUES IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Editorial Team
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4 HISTORIC WEDDING VENUES IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Ideal for the quintessential wedding in the Great British countryside.

Your wedding day is one you want to remember forever, a day of joy and good cheer which you hope goes down in the history books of your life. Unless, of course, the marriage ends in acrimony, but that should be the last thing on your mind at the moment. For now, everything about it has to be memorable, from the flower arrangements to your bridal dress, the best man’s speech and your dad’s questionable dancing. 

Though it’s all these finer details which make the bigger, beautiful whole picture, it’s the frame which really defines the day. That is why picking the best venue should be at the top of your priority list when it comes to wedding planning. Thankfully there are plenty of incredible places in the United Kingdom that can offer you the perfect Instagram-worthy wedding venue on your special day. 

Whether you live in the area or fancy somewhere spectacularly rural for your big day, here are 4 historic wedding venues in South West England, IDEAL for the quintessential wedding in the Great British countryside.

ST AUDRIES PARK

This is the perfect wedding venue if you are looking for a natural aesthetic for your special day. Get hitched here and you will be surrounded by the splendour of Somerset’s Quantock Hills (an Area of Outstanding Beauty) and the manor house’s 100 acres of land. You may even see some deer grazing the grass; St. Audries is, first and foremost, a deer park. Perhaps this presents the perfect reason to enjoy some venison on your wedding breakfast menu? Just sayin’. As if that wasn’t enough, the venue also boasts sea views over the Bristol Channel. 

Should you choose to house your wedding ceremony in the Georgian Orangery and you can make use of their grand banquet hall, which seats up to 130 guests for the party element of your wedding. If you book this venue you can get the entire house to yourself and up to 250 guests. There are also 41 bedrooms to choose from if you want to give your guests the option to crash after the ceremony.

CLEVEDON HALL

There are many reasons why this wedding venue should be on your shortlist. Firstly, this manor is massive, hosting 25 bedrooms for your guests if they want to stay the night after the festivities. Clevedon Hall also comes with a team of event management experts who can not only help plan your wedding, but can also provide catering. Hey, who said this wedding planning thing was stressful? Not here!

With this option, you also get the entire house to yourself for you and your guests, which means the whole focus will fall on you. The hall comes equipped with a chef who has trained at Michelin level, so you can rest assured that your guests will be eating sophisticated, memory-making food. Surrounded by two and a half acres of land from all sides with a perfectly manicured garden, this is the perfect frame for a fairytale wedding.

KNOWLE MANOR

This is a beautiful manor inside Exmoor National Park, which straddles West Somerset and North Devon. Defined by moorland, woodland, rivers and coast, you truly couldn’t get any more scenic if you tried.

The manor itself is surrounded by 120 acres of lakes, trees, forests and the moors, perfect for strolling the morning after the night before, should your guests need to rid themselves of sore heads (we expect they might).  

Up to 50 of your wedding guests can sleep in the manor and there are 20 different bedrooms to choose from. What’s more, if you’re planning a particularly expansive affair, Knowle Manor is licensed for up to 60 guests in its Drawing Room, typically used for the ceremony, but if you are needing more space, you can also include the Palm House in your booking, which can host up to 120 guests.

Do remember that right now, there are severe restrictions on the number of guests permitted at weddings, due to COVID-19 safety measures. Currently, the number stands at just 15, but you were planning this wedding for after a vaccine is rolled out, right?

HESTERCOMBE GARDENS

This gorgeous wedding venue in the splendour of the Somerset countryside sits amid over 50 acres of land. Book Hestercombe, and you get exclusive access to the venue and its surroundings on your wedding day. Hestercombe’s natural landscapes alone should be enough to convince you; lakes, cascades, temples, rills, sunny pathways and never-ending lawns will be the backdrop for your happily ever afters, and who wouldn’t want that?

Hestercombe Gardens is licenced for civil ceremonies.

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