Wherever Laura Goes

  There are some venues you visit… and some you feel . Rowton Castle is firmly the latter. I attended their Summer Evening Wedding Open Day, and from the moment I turned off the country road, I knew I was about to experience something special. The sun was beginning to dip, the air was warm, and the Shropshire countryside was glowing in that soft golden haze that makes everything feel a little more romantic. Driving up the long approach, the castle slowly revealed itself, first the pond shimmering to my left, then the field to my right dotted with livestock, all framed by mature trees swaying gently in the breeze. With the wind blowing through my hair and the castle coming into view, I genuinely felt like royalty arriving at my own private estate. Rowton is an exclusive‑use heritage venue , and you can feel that exclusivity from the very first moment. It’s peaceful, secluded, and beautifully self‑contained, even though it’s near a road, you hear nothing but nature, birdsong, and the...

We visited Hafren Forest on one of those perfect Welsh summer days, warm sun filtering through the tallest conifers, the sound of water rushing somewhere just out of sight, and that fresh pine smell that instantly makes you breathe deeper. Hafren Forest is just west of Llanidloes, tucked into the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, it’s a peaceful woodland filled with towering conifers , riverside boardwalks , and waterfalls that appear suddenly between the trees. On a bright day, the whole forest glows. The accessible boardwalk made it such an easy walk, this allowed families to bring prams with them and not struggle and the waterfalls were absolutely worth the gentle wander. It’s one of those places that feels both wild and welcoming. Whether you’re visiting with a pram, a wheelchair, or just fancy a gentle stroll, there are well maintained, level trails that make the forest easy for everyone to enjoy. The most popular is the Cascades Walk, a 0.6 mile accessible route designed with disa...

If you’re planning a night at the Chatsworth Outdoor Cinema, here’s everything you need in one quick, easy guide, perfect for bookmarking, sharing, or checking while you pack your picnic basket. Tickets & Booking Chatsworth hosts outdoor cinema nights every summer, and they’re every bit as magical as they sound. Price: Around £25 per ticket Booking: Tickets are available directly through Chatsworth Official link: Book Chatsworth Outdoor Cinema Tickets Tip: These events do sell out, especially Pride & Prejudice, so book early. The cinema is set on the South Lawn, with a picture perfect view of Chatsworth House glowing behind the screen. It's one of those settings that feels almost too cinematic to be real.  Location & Parking The cinema is set on the South Lawn, with a picture‑perfect view of Chatsworth House glowing behind the screen. It’s one of those settings that feels almost too cinematic to be real. Parking: On‑site and usually included in your ticket Arrival...

 Arriving at Chatsworth: My Austenland Moment As Chatsworth came into view on our drive up to the house, it felt like we’d wandered straight into one of those Pride & Prejudice moments, the kind where Elizabeth Bennet glances out of the carriage window, spots Pemberley rising out of the landscape, and you can almost hear her quietly admitting to herself, “Perhaps… I was mistaken.” Just Here for the Info? If you’re just here for the practical bits: tickets, prices, what to bring, and how to book,  I’ve put all of that in a quick, easy guide you can skim in under a minute.  Chatsworth Outdoor Cinema: All the Info You Need A Regency Welcome: Staff, Style & Zach Pinsent As we rolled closer to the car park, the whole scene felt increasingly theatrical. The staff were dressed so impeccably that I half expected someone to announce my arrival to the Duke. And then, the moment that sent me straight into full Austenland heroine mode, Zach Pinsent himself greeted us. Yes. T...

First Impressions There are some places that feel like a mini‑getaway the moment you arrive, tucked away, unassuming, and then suddenly unforgettable. The Gazelle Hotel is exactly that. Perched right on the edge of the Menai Strait, it’s the kind of spot where you walk in and instantly feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. . The first thing you notice is the view. Honestly, it’s stunning. Snowdonia rising in the distance, Bangor Pier stretching out across the water, and the strait right there beneath you. Even on a cloudy day it has a kind of quiet magic, but we were blessed with the most beautiful weather, which made everything feel even more special. The Setting (aka the star of the show) Anglesey has no shortage of beautiful viewpoints, but The Gazelle’s terrace might be one of the best in Wales. You’re so close to the water that you can hear it lapping against the shore while you eat. It’s the kind of place where you'd want to sit on a summers day, sun beaming down onto you...