Nestled deep in the heart of central Europe, Slovenia’s Julian Alps offers mighty mountains, emerald lakes and pristine mountain trails. Frequently overlooked by its illustrious neighbours, Austria and Italy, the hiking hordes have yet to descend on these hidden heartlands. In fact, the only other “trekkers” you’re likely to meet are the frisky mountain goats.
In need of some inspiration to revitalise my Office Breaks, an invitation to the GO travel show at Kempton Park caught my eye. Hosted by Landor Travel Publications, the show promised more than 100 leading attractions from Shakespeare’s Globe to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Offering the added bonus of a trip to RHS Garden Wisley, I needed no further persuasion to sign up.
Are you always running short by the end of the month? If you want to save more of your salary but can’t face the faff of scrutinising every penny leaving your account, help is at hand. Ditching contactless in favour of good old-fashioned cash has paid dividends for my savings and here’s how you can save more too.
Should we allow dogs in the office? The announcement that the City’s newest tall building, 22 Bishopsgate, is to be dog-friendly has set tails wagging and teeth gnashing in equal measure. While evidence shows that dogs can reduce stress levels and increase productivity, not everyone is enamoured with man’s best friend. In this article, we gnaw through the pros and cons of having dogs at work.
Buried seven metres below the frantic roar of City life lies a temple shrouded in mystery. First discovered on a bomb site in 1954, the reconstituted temple now resides at the site of Bloomberg’s swanky, new European headquarters in the heart of the City. Brought to life with the help of truly immersive sound and light effects, the London Mithraeum is the perfect lunch break sanctuary to delve into during a stressful day. Listed in the World’s Top 100 places to visit, I couldn’t resist a sneak peak at this subterranean gem.
A flash of red and white snakes through the undergrowth as a fleet of heaving Santas thunders past in this year’s Santa Dash. Struggling to grapple with wayward beards and flouncy red tops, they brave the grey drizzle of an early December Sunday morning. Feeling festive, I decided to cheer them on as they braved the elements.
Father Christmas at the Santa Dash 2018
With the clocks about to plunge us into semi-permanent darkness, opportunities for outdoor adventure after work are in short supply. Unable to face the prospect of re-joining the gym, bouldering suddenly caught my fancy. Now more popular than rock climbing in the wilds, bouldering offers all the thrill of the great outdoors but with crash mat, café and central heating included. What’s not to love?
man bouldering at the Arch climbing wall in Burnt Oak
Deep in the heart of the New Forest lies a village dedicated to witchcraft. Cottages emblazoned with stealthy ladies on broomsticks brim over with crystals and spell books in the manner of Glastonbury village. But for all its witchery, there’s no denying it’s a village that leaves you spellbound. Fascinated by the folklore, I delved a little deeper into the bubbling cauldron of witchcraft in Burley.
witch emblem on shop front in Burley, New Forest
In the frantic rush of City life, finding peace and solitude seems as likely as finding hen’s teeth on the Central Line. From the scream of ambulances to the drone of overhead planes, there’s no escape from a constant barrage of noise. Desperately seeking peace and solitude, I decided it was time to take refuge at the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery for some well-deserved rest and recuperation.
buddha display at amaravati buddhist monastery
If you’re a fan of the Sky Garden, you’re going to love 120 Fenchurch Street – the City’s lush, new roof garden which opens to the public in August this year. A high-rise, outdoor oasis of tranquillity, the garden offers 360 degree views across the capital from a truly verdant vantage point. As an admirer of both gardens and high-rise towers, I was excited to be invited for a sneak preview last week.
Roof garden at 120 Fenchurch Street