Fun new stuff in London + we're off to Scotland!

Hello Reader

It's cherry blossom time, not only in Japan but in London too!

I know this because having recovered from my Australia trip in February ( the jet lag is real!) I've been out exploring London.

I grew up in London and go back often to visit family. So I thought I'd make use of these visits to explore some neighbourhoods - both new and familiar to me. Spring is a great time to see things afresh!

I'd eaten out in Kings Cross but not discovered the extent of the new development in this area around Kings Cross and St Pancreas stations.

If you are passing through, especially taking the Eurostar from St Pancreas to Paris, it's worth building in a bit of extra time to explore. It's just as fun as Covent Garden but nowhere near as touristy, and due to its industrial heritage a little more authentically 'London'.

Also on my list to visit was Kew Gardens, truly a garden for all seasons, but you can read below about what's blooming now (cherry blossom!), including an upcoming Henry Moore sculpture exhibition.

If you don't have big travel plans in the next month, why not arrange a staycation to discover what's on your doorstep?

Wishing you happy travels both near and far.

Heather x

PS. Read my latest article on 8 stunning coastal paths in Sydney, Australia - from our recent trip in February

Heather at Kew Gardens London enjoying the cherry blossom

Travelling soon?

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Hotels: I use Booking but Expedia is also good for flight + hotel packages.

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Villas & Cottages: VRBO for villas and holiday rentals worldwide and Sykes Cottages for UK cottages.

Kings Cross - London

I recently revisited Kings Cross, to explore this neighbourhood that has been transformed in recent years. Once a run down industrial neighbourhood, it's now a creative mix of shopping, dining, green spaces and cultural activities.

If you're passing through the stations of Kings Cross (with Harry Potter connections) or St Pancreas (Eurostar terminal) you'll want to read this article.

Discover this hidden nature reserve in Kings Cross

To be honest you can easily spend a whole day here as I did, enjoying canal-side strolls, weekend markets, canal museum, parks and public art experiences.

If you find Covent Garden a bit over-hyped and touristy, Kings Cross is a great alternative to visit.

Read: 20 best things to do in Kings Cross, London

Click to read about all the things to do in Kings Cross, London

Kew Gardens - London

I grew up near Kew Gardens and regularly visit, but here are some reasons to go this Spring....

The bulbs and blossom are gorgeous! Who needs Japan when you have the avenues of cherry blossom at Kew? The tulips put on a colourful display in front of the Palm House and the bluebells make a carpet of blue in the woodland areas.

Learn more about the Royals. Kew Palace is open to visit, a surprisingly modest residence used by Queen Charlotte (of Bridgerton fame) and her daughters during the illness of King George III. The king's little understood mental illness cast a shadow over all their lives, and they led a very closeted life here away from London society.

The Henry Moore exhibition. From 9 May 26 to 31 Jan 27, there's an exhibition of Henry Moore sculptures scattered throughout the gardens. While the exhibition wasn't officially open when we visited, many of the sculptures were already on display.

Henry Moore sculpture at Kew Gardens London

I've previously written about the Marianne North Gallery at Kew Gardens, with beautiful botanical paintings that fill the gallery from floor to ceiling. The artist was an adventurous Victorian lady, who loved to travel as much as she loved to paint - very much the travel blogger of her day!

Click to read about the Marianne North Gallery at Kew Gardens

Off to Scotland

Next week we're making a short trip to Scotland, to visit friends and explore some of the areas around Perth.

I'll probably share some more about our Scottish trip next time, but in the meantime check out this article about some of the amazing Scottish castles in Edinburgh, Stirling and Perth.

Read: 3 impressive castles in Scotland - Edinburgh, Stirling and Perth