If, like me, you prefer to spend your Halloween drinking pumpkin spice lattes and keeping cosy then this is the London itinerary for you. It’s less spooky and focusses more on autumnal cosiness..
We are going to begin our cosy Halloween day with breakfast and coffee at Peggy Porschen in Belgravia. Peggy Porschen always embraces a theme and the changing seasons and you will find the doorway beautifully decorated for Halloween but of course keeping with her signature pink colour scheme. The cakes inside will echo this theme and at this time of year you will find flavours such as; blackberry, pumpkin, salted caramel and lots of other delicious combinations - and I absolutely won’t judge you if you choose to have cake for breakfast. However, the more traditional breakfast choices on the menu are also delicious. Either way it is a very welcome start to the day - and you can always take a cake away with you for later on!
From here we are going to take a stroll through Hyde Park. One of the biggest parks in central London and home to over 800 trees which means that in autumn you will be treated to an array or red, oranges and golds. It is up to you how long you want to wander round the park - and the weather may be a factor in this too.
As the weather can be quite hit and miss I like to have an indoor activity planned when I visit in autumn or winter time and for me that is quite often either a museum or shopping. I would recommend South Kensington which is home to the Victoria & Albert Museum - their exhibitions are always interesting and I try to visit each time a new one is on. Next door is the Natural History Museum if this is more interesting to you. If you prefer shopping then Harrods and Harvey Nichols can both be found in South Kensington, as well as a number of other high street and high end shops.
One of the most “Instagram-able” spots for Autumn can be found very close to South Kensington - Kynance Mews Arch. Whilst it is beautiful all year round, in autumn you will find it adorned with autumnal hanging vines. A lovely little stop in your day if, like me, you enjoy a photo-op.
Following your trip to South Kensington we are going to head to Cutter & Squidge. Here you will be enjoying an afternoon tea in The Potion Room. Their sweet and savoury afternoon tea is inspired by classic British flavours but it is not all as it seems. You will be creating drinkable and edible potions to go alongside your choice of loose tea, coffee or pumpkin juice - what could be more fitting for this time of year?
Once you have filled up at Cutter & Squidge take the tube to Apollo Victoria Theatre. Here you will find one of the most popular shows on the West End - Wicked. If you’ve seen Wicked, or don’t fancy it, then you may want to choose one of the other shows that London has to offer - there are so many to choose from! But, Wicked is a fun and uplifting show to watch at this time of year with its nod towards Halloween.
After the show, you may want to change before dinner or you can head straight there. My choice of restaurant is quite relaxed so there is no pressure to dress up. The Harcourt is a modern, Scandinavian restaurant which features lots of wood and dark colours giving this place a very autumnal feel. The menu is full of hearty and comforting dishes which are perfect after a day out in the crisp autumn London air.
And that brings a cosy Halloween day in London to an end. If you have any suggestions for my next “24 Hours in London” then please let me know below..
24 Hours in London // Cosy Halloween
Breakfast; Peggy Porschen
(nearest Tube Station: SLOANE SQUARE)
Stop 1; Hyde Park
(nearest Tube Station: KNIGHTSBRIDGE / HYDE PARK CORNER / MARBLE ARCH)
Stop 2; South Kensington - for either museums or shopping!
(nearest Tube Station: SOUTH KENSINGTON)
Stop 3; Kynance Mews
(nearest Tube Station: GLOUCESTER ROAD)
Afternoon Tea; Cutter & Squidge
(nearest Tube Station: PICCADILLY CIRCUS)
Stop 5; Wicked
(nearest Tube Station: VICTORIA STATION)
Dinner; The Harcourt
(nearest Tube Station: EDGWARE ROAD)
// The above itinerary is just a suggestion, you can pick and choose which stops you would enjoy and of course you can change the restaurants to ones you know and love if you prefer. Whilst some of these stops are easier to walk between than to get a tube I have included their nearest tube stations to give you options. //
- Preheat the oven to 200c and put muffin cases in the muffin tin.
- Melt the butter in a heatproof bowl and leave to cool slightly. Then whisk in the egg, milk, orange juice and ground almonds.
- Sift the plain flour, baking powder and salt into the wet ingredients.
- Fold the sieved dry ingredients into the wet ingredients till just combined - over-stirring will result in dense muffins!
- Add the apricot jam and chopped dried apricots into the batter and fold through gently - again don't over-stir.
- Spoon the mixture amongst the muffins cases.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 15-20 minutes. A skewer should come out clean when inserted and the muffins should still be spongey to the touch.
- Leave too cool slightly. Melt a tablespoon of apricot jam slightly and then brush over the muffins.
- Serve and enjoy..
Over the last couple of years a lot more people have been embracing Staycations and I will admit that I am no different. I have taken this opportunity to explore some of the places a little bit closer to home that I wouldn't ordinarily have visited. Last year we spent a few days in Edinburgh.
It is one of my favourites cities in Scotland, and from York it is just a couple of hours on the train, so perfect for a day out. Equally it is ideal for a couple of days to fully explore and immerse yourself in the city's culture. I have put together some of my recommendations for places to stay, where to eat and what to do.
Where to Stay //
We stayed at the absolutely stunning Balmoral Hotel in the heart of the city. Whilst this is not the cheapest in Edinburgh, the location, the staff and the service you receive is unparalleled in the city. Every room is beautifully decorated and the finishing touches really make your visit feel special. Whilst out at dinner they will also provide a turn down service which includes The Balmoral whiskey fudge, the room-service breakfast menu and camomile teabag to help you sleep. They also lay out your pyjamas, hotel slippers and set the lights to calm mode. You instantly feel like a treasured guest when you return to your room. I will definitely be staying here again next time I visit Edinburgh.
Where to Eat //
There are so many good places to eat in Edinburgh and, full disclosure, I didn’t eat at all these this time around. Some of the following are favourites from previous visits but I thought I’d put together my full list to hopefully inspire some delicious meals for you in the future;
Breakfasts
The Dome - Morning Tea // This is more than just a breakfast this a five-course “Morning Tea”. Set in the stunning surrounds of The Dome it is the most luxuriously wonderful start to your day.
Soderberg // A Swedish bakery and coffee shop chain based in Edinburgh. Sweden is famous for Fika and this place sums that up. Their coffees and pastries are amazing. Take them away and sit in one of Edinburgh’s beautiful parks.
Lunches & Dinner
Cafe at The Palace // This is a much more relaxed tearoom-style option that can be found in the Courtyard at Holyrood Palace. It has a beautiful terrace which is perfect for coffee and cake or a light lunch whilst you're visiting, especially if it's a beautiful sunny day.
Badger & Co. // I have been here for both lunch and dinner and both were thoroughly enjoyable. Based upon The Wind in the Willows this restaurant always has a different theme depending on the time of the year but always includes a dramatic entry way.
The Grand Cafe at The Scotsman Hotel // An Art Deco themed room with stunning architecture and interior design with incredible food to match. If they have the Earl Grey Creme Brûlée on the menu then you have to finish with that - incroyable!
The Hide at The Scotsman Hotel // Another restaurant at The Scotsman Hotel but this one has a more relaxed bistro feel to it with chunky leather and dark wood everywhere. The menu also reflects this and features slightly more heartier dishes.
Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral // This is the more relaxed restaurant that can be found at The Balmoral. As the name suggests it focuses on French cuisine but in a fuss free way which everyone will enjoy.
Special Occasions
No. 1 at The Balmoral // This Michelin star restaurant can be found underground at The Balmoral. It hosts a 10-course Tasting Menu which is absolutely amazing. The fresh bread that keeps flowing is also a favourite. The service and the staff make this dining experience even more special.
The Witchery // The unusual surroundings will take your breath away as you enter The Witchery. But don’t let the unusual gothic surroundings put you off. The menu they offer is classic British cuisine showcasing the best of Scotland’s ingredients.
What to Do //
Edinburgh is a very cultured city and having been a few times now I have visited most of the sights. I have put together my list of places you shouldn’t miss;
Walk the Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle
Palace of Holyrood House
Calton Hill
Arthur’s Seat
St Giles’ Cathedral
The Real Mary King’s Close
The Scotch Whiskey Experience
Edinburgh Zoo
I hope this post has inspired you to add Edinburgh to your list of Staycation locations. It is definitely still on mine to visit again soon. Maybe at Christmas this time?
“Do you like coffee? Only with my oxygen.” I do believe that in another life I would have been best friends with Lorelai Gilmore as we both share a big love for all things caffeinated. And whilst I love myself a Starbucks - Venti Caramel Macchiato FYI - I also love to support local eateries, especially independently owned cafes that offer good coffee and delicious treats.
So below you will find a list I have compiled of some of the best Independently Owned Cafes in Yorkshire..
Number One // The Leeds Deli (Roundhay)
The Leeds Deli was opened my husband and wife team, Nick and Tory, last year and has become a success for many reasons. They offer fresh bread, pastries, bagels, focaccia and artisan pizzas. There are so many delicious treats on offer that you will have a hard time deciding where to start. You can either eat outside on their lovely terrace or get your goodies to take out and head to Roundhay Park to sit and eat whilst you watch the world go by.
Number Two // The Sprouted Kitchen (Bedale)
Another husband and wife, Luke and Lucy, are behind the lovely The Spouted Kitchen. They champion healthy produce and delicious flavours and their menu certainly delivers this. They have few tables outside which make the perfect spot to enjoy a lovely lunch in the sunshine.
Number Three // Kofi & Co. (Wetherby)
Kofi & Co. specialise in coffee and have their own unique blend made specially for them and I can confirm it doesn’t disappoint. They are passionate about supporting local producers and so their menu is based around championing Yorkshire ingredients but with their own spin on the classics.
Number Four // Flori (York)
A relatively new bakery in the heart of York they have recently closed and reopened due to the high demand. They began as take out only and their reputation for delicious hand crafted pastries had people queuing down the street. But, trust me, it is worth the wait. Everyday they offer different flavour combinations to try which I love as it encourages me to try something different. Be sure to get there early to avoid the queue!
Number Five // Brew & Brownie (York)
Another independent cafe in York is Brew & Brownie and, as the name suggests, they offer delicious coffees and brownies. However, I can highly recommend the pancakes but be warned the portions are generous so come hungry.
Number Six // The Curious Table (Easingwold)
The Curious Coffee Company have a couple of locations across Yorkshire, however, my favourite is the Curious Table in Easingwold. Another cafe that specialises in coffees, however they are also known for their delicious brownies. Every coffee comes with a little square of their signature brownies, but trust me, that won’t be enough you definitely need to be ordering a full size one on the side.
Number Seven // Cortado (Harrogate)
Cortado has recently opened in Harrogate and is a community based, sustainable coffee shop. They focus on bringing high-quality coffee to the local residents of Harrogate. They are very conscious of the environment and being sustainable having produced a coffee shop that focuses on using natural products. They are also dog friendly which is massive plus too!
Number Eight // Sift Otley Coffeeshop (Otley)
Sift is a completely vegetarian cafe and bakery based in the beautiful market town of Otley. Not only is this cafe unbelievably cute (and Instagram-able) their cakes are delicious. They have a mix of classic and contemporary flavours and you will want to try them all.
Number Nine // Southside Coffee House (Northallerton)
The market town of Northallerton is full of many hidden gems, one of which being Southside Coffee House. They only opened very recently but they have taken the town by storm. They pride themselves on being “sustainably grown, responsibly sourced, locally roasted and expertly crafted”. A special mention of their chocolate flat whites which are a delicious twist on a classic.
Number Ten // The Yorkshire Deli (Leeds)
Leeds is a vibrant city full of delicious places to eat, however if I had to choose one for excellent coffee and delicious cake it would be The Yorkshire Deli. It can be found in Victoria Gate which makes it the perfect mid-shop pit stop.
If you haven’t read my post on My Top 10 Short Walks in Yorkshire then it might be worth taking a look as lots of the cafes I recommend below can be found nearby to some of those walks. A perfect opportunity to burn off some calories before treating yourself to a coffee and a slice of cake.
Let me know below where I should try next..
If you’re like me - you love the outdoors and the fresh air but you’re not as much of a fan of hiking and walks that take hours and hours then this list might be for you.
Whenever I try to find a list of nice walks round Yorkshire they are usually hiking trails that are for serious and dedicated walkers. For me, I want to enjoy a shorter walk with beautiful countryside to enjoy the sunshine and the crisp fresh air without needing a lie down when I get home.
I also take my gorgeous dogs with me on all my walks. Alfred is a Border Collie who would happily walk for ten minutes or ten hours. However my Miniature Dachshund, Barnaby, can’t walk for hours as he only has little legs. This is why I created a list of beautiful but shorter walks round Yorkshire. Perfect for those who want something shorter for themselves or for their puppies, but just as enjoyable.
If your dog is like Alfred and can walk for hours then these walks are also perfect for making them as long or as short as you like. You could keep walking and do longer routes, or, like I usually do, have them on a very long lead so they can go off exploring whilst your little dog stays closer by.
Number One // Sutton Bank (near Thirsk)
This walk you can make easier or harder depending on how energetic you’re feeling. You can start at Sutton Bank and walk cross the bank to the White Horse. Or, you can start at the White Horse, walk up the many, many steep steps and cross to Sutton Bank. Both are beautiful and see the same stunning views of the Yorkshire landscape. This is one of my firm favourites no matter the time of year.
Number Two // Aysgarth Falls (Leyburn)
Again, you can make this long or short. A short walk allows you to walk alongside the waterfall, be careful where you’re stepping as it can be slippy in places, and take in the scenery or the woodland that surrounds Aysgarth Falls.
Number Three // Beningbrough Hall (near York)
Beningbrough Hall is a National Trust house and gardens near York. The house itself is beautiful inside and you may choose to visit it, however you can also go for a walk round the gardens and through the woods that sit in the Beningbrough Hall grounds without having to buy tickets. There is also a lovely farm shop and cafe if you want some retail therapy after your walk.
Number Four // Roundhay Park (near Leeds)
Situated in the heart of Roundhay, it is a blue and green oasis that offers a stark contrast of the built up town it sits in. You can walk the whole way round the lake or you can just walk a section and turn round. There are also lots of local cafes around Roundhay Park, so on a sunny day it is the perfect location to get take-out drinks and food to enjoy whilst you watch the world go by.
Number Five // Sandsend (near Whitby)
If, like me, you’re a fan of the sea breeze in your hair then look no further than Sandsend Beach. It tends to be a bit quieter than some of the bigger beach resorts around the Yorkshire coastline. It also offers two different walks. You can walk along the sea edge or you can walk along the cliff edge that overlooks the beach. Both are beautiful walks and having the two options works well if you get the tide times wrong!
Number Six // Fountains Abbey (Ripon)
I remember first visiting Fountains Abbey when I was in primary school, then again in high school for sketching lessons. When I visit now it brings back all these memories so always fills my heart with nostalgia which I love. I particularly like visiting Fountains Abbey in the Winter when its moody and dull as it always give the place a feeling of mystery with the towering ruins that surround you.
Number Seven // York City Walls (York)
Whilst I love the countryside, sometimes I want something a little more city based and the York City Walls over me this. You can do a loop of the whole city or you can get on and off the walls at different stages which allows you to make the walk as long or short as you’d like. Being in the centre of York also means there are lots of little independent cafes to get a take-out drink from to enjoy whilst you soak up the historic city from their iconic walls.
Number Eight // Temple Newsam (near Leeds)
Another walk that offers a day out if you want to explore Temple Newsam itself, however, you can still enjoy the vast grounds and woodlands that surround the house if it’s just some fresh air you’re looking for. The long walk down to the house offers stunning views of Temple Newsam and makes a lovely change of scenery for a short walk. If you want something more adventurous then you can venture into the woods that flank the walk and explore what they have to offer.
Number Nine // Knaresborough (near Harrogate)
Knaresborough is a market town that sits on the River Nidd. Whilst it has a warren of medieval streets which house cute cafes and independent shops - all of which are worth a visit - it also offers a lovely walk along the river. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can even hire peddle boats to take on the river.
Number Ten // Malham (Yorkshire Dales)
Malham isn’t technically just a walk it’s a whole village that can be found in the Yorkshire Dales. But it is a beautiful village with a number of lovely walks on offer so I couldn’t not include it on my list. You have the stunning scenery of Malham Cove or Gordale Scar or just go for a lovely walk round the village itself.
I hope this helps you to explore some of the beautiful areas of Yorkshire whilst not being too tiring.
Let me know down below if you have any other walks I should be venturing out on..
