The only way is Manchester: An Essex Girl Up North

I’m ashamed to admit that as of just over a month ago, I’d never been to Manchester.  All of these exotic climes I’d visited, and yet I’d not been to one of the UK’s most important cities – a city, I was to discover, which deserved my full attention: from the Lowry to the National Football Museum, and great shopping and restaurants thrown in too, it offers a whole array of delights for the tourist.  

When I think about the fact that my friend Tom has been living in Manchester for the past 6 years and my hubby had been to visit him 3 times prior to my visit, it’s really difficult to understand why I’d not been; every time Tom came back to Essex, he’d tell me about this new bar he’d been to, or this great shop he’d found, or even just about an excellent meal he’d had on the curry mile – and yet I’d still not been to visit.  So it was decided that 2012 would be the year that Essex-girl-and-hubby would be let loose in Manchester: and what a gem of a city we discovered! 

Season’s greetings!

Once it was decided that we were going, we timed our visit to coincide with the Manchester Christmas Markets; having once lived in Vienna, I am a sucker for a Christmas Market.  This does also mean that I have high expectations of what a Christmas Market should be like: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is not for me, it’s not authentic enough.  Manchester, however, did not disappoint: street after street of tempting stalls selling a beautiful variety of food and gifts from Germany, France and Holland.  It was all so authentic!  And what’s more, I even managed to find a gluten free Lancashire sausage and bun – what more could this Essex girl want from a Christmas Market?!  The Glühwein was hot and delicious, and, most importantly for me, served in an authenticity-inducing mug rather than a polystyrene cup – fuelled up on warm alcohol and tasty treats from the market, even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits as the lights twinkled away amongst the joviality surrounding the town hall.

 

Above: Tom and I enjoying a Gluehwein in the Market, and below, the mugs!

From Christmas Markets to Culture

But it wasn’t just the Christmas Markets we’d gone for: I also had my heart set on taking in The Lowry.  I wasn’t disappointed – what a wonderful space to display such fantastic works of art!  As well as the striking Lowrys – which aren’t to everyone’s taste, but certainly suited mine – we were lucky enough to visit during a Peter Blake exhibition.  Colour and music abound, and the added touch of the 50’s jukebox and interactive social media board blended musicality and modernity seamlessly.  

As Tom lives in the Salford Quays, we took the opportunity to walk up to the recently constructed Media City UK, the new home of the BBC, too, and then visited the Imperial War Museum North: an incredibly interesting museum, housed in an equally interesting Daniel Libeskind designed building.  I was so impressed by all of the regeneration which has taken place in the Quays - the architecture is truly stunning.

Some of the stunning architecture in the Salford Quays 

 

We headed back into town that night, as that first sausage in the Christmas Market had set a precedent.  Tom remembered a restaurant he’d been to where he thought he remembered them serving gluten free pizzas – the wonderful ‘Dough’ in the Northern Quarter.  He had remembered correctly – the only thing on the menu which I couldn’t eat was the Caesar salad!  It was over that gluten free pizza that talked turned to Mancunian stereotypes.  Liam and Noel Gallagher have got a lot to answer for.  Tom advised that the city is actually an incredibly large melting pot of people and cultures - rather than one stereotype - all of which seem to get along.  This was later proved by our visit to the geek-chic TV21 bar – complete with scary alien at the entrance, where else in Britain would you find a sci-fi bar alongside quirky restaurants?!

Pizza!

Shopping, shopping, shopping!

After all that culture, it was time for some shopping on our final day (well, you can take the girl out of Essex, but you can’t take the Essex out of the girl!).  However, this wasn’t really shopping as I knew it; none of the generic shops of our Southern Lakesides or Westfields: this was shopping in the eccentric Northern Quarter.  What a treasure trove!  Tom took us to the likes of Afflecks Palace and the Oxfam Originals shop for a mooch around.  What surprised me was how friendly everyone was; of course, they were probably trying to make a sale, but I couldn’t put my finger on what was different about the atmosphere in Manchester as opposed to London.  

After the shopping, there was just time to visit the National Football Museum (well, the husband’s got to have some fun too!), which even I as a very-much-non-football-fan found interesting, with its many interactive exhibits, before a final visit to the Christmas Market.  “Ooh look,” Tom said, “They’ve got a pop-up Afflecks Palace in the Town Hall!”.  And so in we popped for more mooching around, amidst independent traders selling bright carnival masks and Christmas jumpers.  It was as we were leaving that I turned to Tom and said, “I like it here, it’s friendly and there seems to be always something going on.  It’s not as aloof as London.”.   “That’s exactly it!”  Tom replied, “That’s exactly how to sum up Manchester: More friendly, and less aloof than London.”  And that I think says it all: Manchester really is beautiful.  Oh and it’s more friendly and less aloof than London to boot!

Fireworks in Fall: a surprising Autumnal break in Weymouth

A British seaside resort might not be everyone’s choice for an Autumnal break.  After all, our fair island isn’t exactly blessed with the Mediterranean sunshine of the Canaries or Greek Islands, nor is it as colourful as New England in the fall.  But my husband and I have taken a few weekend breaks away in this country, or mini-moons as we have taken to calling every short break we’ve had since we got married, and we were pleasantly surprised when we visited Weymouth for the weekend last Autumn.  Of course, we were lucky enough to have been blessed with fine weather for the days we spent in Dorset, but it certainly showed us that you shouldn’t rule out a British seaside town off-season.

Little luxuries

After a treacherous drive down to Weymouth from London, through thick fog, on the Friday evening, it was with some relief that we came to our chosen guest house.  My husband had booked the trip as a birthday treat, and he chose well: The Alendale Guest house was a welcome sight after such a frightful fog-filled journey; our room, housed in this converted grade II listed Georgian building, was cosy and welcoming, with an alluring little window seat and the added treat of tea and coffee making facilities as well as biscuits (as we get older, the appeal of a hotel with tea and coffee making facilities becomes strangely stronger!).  We awoke the next morning to find that we even had a side seaview, and went down to meet our hosts, Lesley and Clive, for a hearty combined English and Scottish breakfast.  The friendly owners of the B&B offer a flexible approach, and are happy to ‘mix and match’ the ‘English’ and ‘Scottish’ items on the cooked breakfast menu.  There were also cereals and yoghurts available for those that wanted something slightly lighter, all of which set us up for the day ahead.

Our lovely room at the Alendale Guest House

Exploring the British seaside on foot

Our excellent breakfast was exactly the start we needed to our day.  We often spend hours on foot when on our holidays, getting to know the local area and soaking up the atmosphere of a place by walking.  One of the things I love about British seaside resorts are the quirky little shops often found there, selling souvenirs and beach inspired home-wares, and our first morning in Weymouth was spent exploring the harbour area and mooching around its individual boutiques and craft shops.  We also took a stroll up to the Nothe Fort on the harbour peninsula, and would have gone in, but unfortunately it was shut for winter closing – this is one of the (few) downsides of visiting such a place out of season, so do check the opening hours of any places of interest before you visit.

Weymouth Harbour

As the weather brightened up that afternoon, we decided to visit a classic holiday spot within Dorset: Lulworth Cove.  I’d remembered the pretty circular bay from a school visit as a child, and wanted to take my husband to see the beautiful landscape of the area, so off we set.  We also tackled the 1 ¼ uphill walk to Durdle Door, the famous natural limestone arch just off of the Jurassic Coast – it was hard going, but one of the joys of autumn walking is the lack of oppressing heat which can hinder summer strolls.   The awe-inspiring views and the sight of Durdle Door were well worth the climb, and the refreshing cuppa in the cafe in the car park on our return was well deserved!

The spectacular view of Durdle Door

Autumnal treats

Although my husband hadn’t realised the significance of the date when he booked, we were actually visiting Weymouth over bonfire weekend.  What’s more, Weymouth stages an annual free fireworks display.  And so, wrapped up warm, we gathered with the thousands of other people waiting to see the display on Weymouth’s beach; the bonfire was burning, children had sparklers and then the bang of the fireworks started.  I have always loved fireworks being projected from the water, from those I have seen in Cala Llonga bay, Ibiza, through to the fireworks staged on the lake at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, and these were no exception; our only criticism was that we could have enjoyed them for longer!  The atmosphere within the town was incredibly friendly, there was no pushing and shoving as the crowds dispersed, and after the fireworks we enjoyed a warming meal in the nearby Ship Inn on Weymouth Harbour.  We finished off the night with a few rounds of the two pence machines in the traditional seaside arcades – when in Weymouth, and all that!

MONKEYS!!!

My husband’s whole reasoning for coming to Weymouth for the weekend was to do with the fact that I love monkeys.  This may seem like a strange reason until I tell you that Weymouth is close to nearby Monkey World, the ape rescue centre which assists governments around the world in rescuing primates from illegal smuggling, abuse or neglect.  The centre is a well run, educational visit for anyone with a love of animals.  You could easily see the level of care devoted to each of the primates living there.  One of the great things about visiting out of season was the fact that we were able to take in the keeper talks on both the chimps and orang-utans without having to struggle to hear over maddening crowds, and so we learnt a lot, not only about the species as a whole, but also heard lovely, heart warming stories about the animals as individuals.    Anyone visiting Dorset should most certainly put Monkey World on their list of visits, as it’s an excellent day out in this beautiful part of the country.

A gorgeous Orang-Utan at Monkey World

And so this was how we ended a weekend of Autumnal seaside success.  Yes, we were lucky with the weather, and yes, the fact that it was Guy Fawkes’ Night probably helped too, but we also had smaller crowds to deal with and those crisp autumn days in which to walk.  So I would definitely recommend a trip to the seaside this autumn.  Do your research, know what’s open and what’s happening, in case you don’t get as lucky as us, and just enjoy: our country has some lovely places for us to explore, if only we learn to take pleasure in the simple things.



Brighton Beauties – why Brighton is the perfect UK hen weekend destination!

Anyone that has been to Brighton will tell you how great it is – full of fun, quirky and beside the seaside!  I have been lucky enough to go on two fabulous hen weekends in this lovely UK holiday town now, and this has lead me to the conclusion that Brighton is the perfect UK hen do destination.  My reasons for this conclusion are twofold: 1) one of the hen dos was mine!  And 2) there really is something to suit every group of friends.  Here is a list of “do’s” for hen do’s in Brighton:

Do: enjoy the range of accommodation on offer

One of the great things about Brighton is the range of accommodation on offer.  You can either opt for one of the bigger seafront hotels (especially good if your group is particularly large), stay in a little guest house (as we did for mine) complete with fry up the next morning to cure those morning-after-the-night-before heads, or book a share-house whereby everyone can stay together, enjoying late night drinking and late morning brunching.  There is a huge range of accommodation available to suit every budget and taste, so shop around before you book to find something which will suit your party.

Do: spend a day exploring The Lanes and the Pier

A trip to Brighton without some time spent mooching in the kooky shops of The Lanes and visiting the Pier isn’t a trip to Brighton at all.  Well, it’d be rude not to visit the pier of a British seaside resort, wouldn’t it?  And don’t forget all the brilliant photos you hens will get at the seaside facades (you know, the painted picture things you put your head through and take a photograph, with you posing, as, say, a Baywatch lifeguard?!)!!  The Lanes are full of cool shops, from fancy dress to everything-for-£5, and quirky homewares to homemade fudge – the perfect girly afternoon can be spent in shopping heaven – and there’s the added advantage that if you buy an outfit for that evening’s festivities, you’re pretty much guaranteed that it will be one of a kind!

By the pier in February 2011.....

....and on the pier again in June 2012!

Do: check out the array of activities on offer

For my hen do, my chief bridesmaid organised a dance class whereby we all learnt a routine which we ‘flash mobbed’ at the evening reception of the wedding.  This was followed by a private Kareoke room at a lovely Chinese restaurant.  For my friend’s hen do, we had a fabulous cocktail making class at Vodka Revolution.  I’ve also heard tell of treasure hunts, Burlesque lessons and even nude life drawing!!  Check the activities out: there really is something to suit every bride-to-be!

At the end of the dance class on my hen do!

Cocktail making at Vodka Revolution!

Do: get into the swing of things and dress up

Yes, you probably wouldn’t go out in fancy dress on a normal night out and yes, you will feel like a wally, but why not get into the swing of things and dress up?  Posh frocks and pearls, devils and angels, emergency services and much more, you’ll come across loads of other hen parties dolled up to the nines – and you don’t want to be outdone, now, do you?!

Little devils!

A visit from the Emergency Services!

Do: visit some of the many trendy bars and clubs

I’ve already mentioned the cocktail making class at Vodka Revolution which was excellent fun, and I’m sure you don’t need it pointed out, but Brighton is the home to many trendy bars and clubs.  Why not try Funky Buddha or the Honey Club down on the beach front?  All in all, a little spot of partying is the perfect way to end your Brighton Hen do! 

Cocktails at one of the many bars in Brighton!

And if you want to see how the flash-mob turned out at the reception of my wedding, here's the link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyiR5ENqb8g&feature=youtu.be

Cool York...and the benefits of having your own personal tour guide!

Yes it’s true, Mrs Lighty goes on UK breaks too!   And last weekend I was lucky enough to visit the wonderful city of York; as one of my most loveliest friends is currently living there whilst studying at York University, myself and another one of my lovely friends thought it was high time we went to visit – and we weren’t disappointed!

Seeing the city through the eyes of an honourary local

My lovely friend and I have followed our other lovely friend all over the place since her studies have began; so far we have been to Frakenthal in Germany, St. Andrew’s in Scotland and York in, well, England (!), and one of the great things about visiting a friend who lives in the place you’re visiting is that you get your very own personal tour guide (particularly if your friend is like mine and soaks up facts like a sponge!)!

York Minster

And so it was that we were given facts about the beautiful old city.  Did you know that one of the windows in the Minster is as big as a tennis court?  And that the city walls are among the most complete in the UK?  Even in the rain and drizzle the sheen could not be taken away from this wonderful city; yes, the Ouze had flooded, and we had to put up our umbrellas whilst walking the city walls, but it didn’t stop us from finding spot upon picturesque spot for photo opportunities galore and making the most of the beauty of York.

The Ouse

Cool York

What also struck me about York was just how so darn cool it was.  Of course, there’s the history and the stunning buildings, but there’s also the cool antiques shops (where lovely friend and I fell in love with beautiful 1940s rings which we couldn’t afford!), and the market selling unusual bits and bobs ,and The Shambles, an extremely pretty street selling everything from glasswear to soap!

As well as mooching in the gift and homeware boutiques, we also ate trendy burgers in the very pretty Stonegate Yard restaurant – a gastro-pub-type establishment with a lovely heated outdoor courtyard, lit by fairy lights and located in a Georgian house.  And we had to make a stop at the Evil Eye Lounge for some fabulous cocktails too – I defy you to not find one you like the look of on the extensive menu! 

Cocktails in Evil Eye Lounge

And so we had a great time and notched up some ‘cool points’ along the way.  But the best bit about visiting York on this occasion?  Getting to catch up with my two lovely friends.  You can’t beat it.