Do you remember our childhood holidays in the 60s and 70s?  I was born in 1966 and I love looking back at the old holiday camp photos, there was the year I won the Bonny Baby competition wearing a silver lamé bikini that my auntie had sent from the USA (she was in the circus (yes really) and her gifts were always quite wild).  We'd go to Norfolk, to Kent, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex, stay in chalets or caravans, meet up with family and friends, my granddad would roll his trousers up, put his handkerchief on his head and paddle in the sea with me.  Later on when my own children were growing up we had a touring caravan and recreated some of these experiences albeit in a slightly more modern way.  But my point is that a good old fashioned holiday, either going with friends or making friends when you get there, can be so special, the fun and camaraderie is something that stays with us for years after.  So when I saw that Potters started in the 1920s in Hemsby in Norfolk, all the old memories came flooding back!

Potters Resorts asked me if I'd like to spend a weekend at their Essex resort, Potters Resorts Five Lakes and share a review on my blog.  I was a bit unsure at first, we have never done an all-inclusive break before and I wondered how I would feel about the games and entertainment, I didn't want to feel obliged to join in.  But there was no need to worry, my concerns were totally unfounded and we had a super 3 night October break with the added bonus of sunshine!

Potters Resorts Five Lakes is exclusively adults only but don't be deterred, the age range of guests varies from younger couples in their 30s visiting with family groups, midlife couples like us keen to have a weekend away exploring the area and older people either on an organised group trip or happy to be spoilt for the weekend and not worry about cooking - and of course to enjoy the fantastic (and entirely optional) on-site entertainment and activities.

This is a sponsored blog post.

A couple of weeks ago my daughter and I headed down to Portsmouth for the weekend, we drove down on Saturday morning and headed straight to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (PR invite) to enjoy lunch and explore a little.  You might have seen my photos on my Instagram.  We had been invited to share our experience of the visit and we had such a super-fabulous weekend that I decided it was one to write about on my blog too and share a little bit of 'what I wore'!

My daughter and I love doing things together and Portsmouth wasn't somewhere that we had considered before.  We did look at getting the train from London where she is currently living but it is such an easy drive that we settled on taking the car.

This was a PR invite.  My post includes some affiliate links.

Way back at the start of 2022, I as invited to join the Homage Premium Club from The Waldorf Hilton, there was a joining fee to pay but I was impressed by the benefits which included a one night free stay at The Waldorf, dinner for two and a bottle of wine.  It actually took me ages to get around to booking it but in November, my husband and I finally made it and we had a really fabulous 24 hours in London.  Typically the day we were visiting there was a tube strike!  The black cab from Marylebone to Aldwych was very expensive but never mind the weather was mild and we had some lovely plans to look forward to.

One of the museums I had been keen to visit to for some time was the Churchill War Rooms part of the collection from the Imperial War Museum.  Some years ago we visited Chartwell House - another recommended day out - and along with watching some of the famous movies about Sir Winston Churchill, plus a big interest in the history of WWII, we have both loved learning more about this inspirational statesman.  We also really enjoyed a day out, many years ago now (I was pregnant with Emily) at Dover Castle, the Secret Wartime Tunnels are hidden deep into the White Cliffs of Dover and bring to life the dramatic rescue of the wartime forces from Dunkirk.  Must go back!

Having looked at the map, the location of The Waldorf meant that including a visit to the Churchill War Rooms would work perfectly!  

This blog post includes PR tickets.

Having enjoyed a lovely weekend in this stunning airbnb at Littlestone on the Kent coast with my husband and my dad in May, I was delighted to be invited back by the owners and asked if I'd like to do a review on my blog!  I loved the beachfront accommodation so much that I was really excited to accept the invitation - I didn't need to think twice - and decided to take my daughter for a two night girls only trip!  I am always on the lookout for amazing places to stay with a seaview and this one is a real gem. Really close to Dungeness and Dymchurch and not too far from Rye, in East Sussex, it is easily accessible by road or train from London and surrounding areas.

The apartment on Marine Parade, Littlestone is beautifully furnished and finished but what really sets it apart are the big bi-fold doors opening onto a small balcony overlooking the beach and the sea.  With the sun streaming through and the doors open letting in the fresh sea air whilst relaxing on the big comfortable sofa, it really is absolute bliss!  The location is perfect, step out the front door, cross the road and you can walk along the coast path towards St Mary's Bay and Dymchurch or in the opposite direction towards Dungeness.  Or simply take your beach chairs and relax on the beach but with the added ease of being able to nip back to the apartment for coffee, lunch or wine ....!

When you arrive, this view greets you and you immediately relax!  It really is a perfect away from it all destination (and no airport chaos to contend with).

This is a gifted blog post and contains affiliate links.