An extraordinary day out at Blenheim Palace

 If you’re looking for day trip inspiration close to London, Blenheim Palace offers something for everyone.  There’s an array of exhibitions to delve into, stunning grounds to explore boasting both a lake and waterfall. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s even something for those die-hard Harry Potter fans.  Read on to find out more.

standing by the pillars in the Blenheim Palace courtyard
holding up the pillars in Blenheim Palace courtyard.
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How to prepare for the return to work after surgery 

Are you awaiting surgery?  Five weeks ago today, I had surgery on my foot and now I’m in my post-sick leave slow boat to recovery.   Having been through this ordeal before, I wanted to share my tips on how to prepare for the return to work after surgery.  And yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

left foot in bandages following bunion surgery
Left foot in recovery after surgery
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How to visit Jungfraujoch without breaking the bank

No trip to the Swiss Alps could be complete without venturing to Jungfraujoch – a land of eternal snow accessed via a cogwheel railway that whisks you up to the highest train station in Europe. Undoubtedly an incredible experience but at an eye-watering £200.00 a pop, is it worth it?  Read on for our tips on how to do it without breaking the bank. 

walking to the highest mountain hut in the Swiss Alps
walking the trail from Jungfraujoch to monchsjochhutte
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Would you risk taking unhappy leave?

Hot on the heels of “mental health” and “duvet days”, unhappy leave has now entered the workplace lexicon.  If you’re having an off day or just feeling a bit down, you can now choose to not go into work.  Is this taking workplace wellbeing to new extremes, or could this be what we all secretly crave?  Read on to find out more. 

mug with a happy face on a desk
Mug with a happy face on desk working from home
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The spine-tingling Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London

The iconic Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders and the infamous ravens. But few people know that every night after dark, one of the world’s most ancient rituals takes place here. The Ceremony of the Keys dates back seven centuries and is one of the most spine-tingling events you can witness in the capital.

The Chief Yeoman Warder raising his hat during the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
The Tower of London looking south towards the Bloody Tower.
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5 micro volunteering acts to fit in your lunchbreak

Volunteering is proven to increase confidence and wellbeing but for many full-time office workers, it’s difficult to find the time.  Team volunteering days are one of the few occasions we can reap the benefits of giving back.  Feeling frustrated with my own lack of time to volunteer, I’ve come up with five micro-volunteering opportunities that can fit easily into your lunch break.

brightly coloured folded paper hearts in close up
brightly coloured, folded paper hearts
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What to do in Leamington Spa for a day

Leamington Spa conjures up images of genteel ladies taking the waters before devouring a cup of Earl Grey and a crustless cucumber sandwich.  While much has changed since it’s thriving spa town days, it’s immaculate gardens and regency streets still retain an air of grandeur.  In need of a break over Easter, we set off to explore this Midlands gem.

ornamental structure in Jephson gardens, Leamington Spa
ornament in jephson gardens, leamington spa
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Kew Gardens Orchid Festival: a blissful winter escape  

Kew Gardens Orchids Festival offers a much-needed blast of flamboyant colour to drab February days. Bringing the warmth of Africa to our shores this year, the Prince of Wales Conservatory is once again the host for this year’s floral extravaganza. Feeling in desperate need of some colour and warmth, I took a Friday off work to escape to another world.

close up of pink and purple orchids at kew gardens orchid festival
pinks and purple orchids at Kew gardens orchid display
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Bentley Priory Museum: exploring Battle of Britain history

Bentley Priory Museum is undoubtedly one of greater London’s hidden gems.  Located near Bentley Priory nature reserve, this grade II* listed mansion was the Headquarters for Fighter Command during World War 11.  Acting as an intelligence filter on incoming air raids, RAF Bentley Priory helped us win the Battle of Britain and maintain the free world. Intrigued, I took an afternoon off to find out more. 

statue of fighter pilot at Bentley Priory Museum
close up of fighter pilot at Bentley Priory
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How to fit 10,000 steps a day into your work day

Do you take 10,000 steps a day?  I recently attended a wellbeing webinar at work which highlighted the important of reaching this lofty goal.  We all know the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle but how easy is it to fit five miles into the average working day?  And do we really need to reach 10,000 steps a day to reap health benefits? Read on to find out more.

girl walking up stairs
Woman walking 10000 steps up stairs
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