Adventures with Nell

Eating and drinking my way around the world
The Swankiest Hostel in Zagreb? A Review of Swanky Mint Hostel
Travel

The Swankiest Hostel in Zagreb? A Review of Swanky Mint Hostel

Zagreb
I'm going to start this blog post by admitting that I'm not really a hostel traveller. I like my own space and I mostly stay in AirBnbs, with a few hotels thrown in to the mix as well. Oh and the odd mountain hut if I'm hiking! However, I was travelling through the Balkans with a backpack and as a result I felt compelled to give the hostel thing a go. So let me introduce to Swanky Mint Hostel.
Pizza Making With Leeds Cookery School And Why They Can’t be Topped
Travel

Pizza Making With Leeds Cookery School And Why They Can’t be …

Leeds
I'd wanted to take a cooking class with Leeds Cookery School for a long time, ever since I found out about them, but hadn't quite gotten around to it. So when I was offered the chance to take part in their Pizza and Prosecco Cocktails class in return for a blog post I was ridiculously excited! Not was the class amazing, but they play a key role in the local community and I'm all for that. So let me tell you a little about Leeds Cookery School, their location and the Pizza and Prosecco Cocktails class that I took part in.

Hi, I'm Nell. I’m a Leeds based travel blogger creating content to inspire you to make the most of your weekends, limited annual leave and hard-earned cash by writing about part-time, mid-budget travel. Here you'll find posts about city breaks, hiking trips and tales of food and wine.

Your Ultimate Guide to Leeds Light Night
Travel

Your Ultimate Guide to Leeds Light Night

Leeds
Leeds Light Night is the largest arts and lights festival in the UK! Over two nights (10th and 11th of October 2019), the city will be illuminated by 70 different artworks, installations and performances put together by artists from all over the world. The landmarks and buildings that we know and love will be transformed into works of art, from the Leeds Civic Hall in Millennium Square, to Victoria Gardens outside the Town Hall, to a 35 metre stretch of street over at the Southbank. Oh, and it's free to attend!
Why Sofia is the Perfect Destination for a Relaxing Summer City Break
Travel

Why Sofia is the Perfect Destination for a Relaxing Summer City Break

Sofia
From the moment I arrived I was greeted by wide roads lined with bustling cafes, views of the surrounding mountains interrupted only by the impressive green domes of multiple Orthodox churches, and an instant feeling of being on holiday. Bright yellow trams trundled along busy streets, and the sweet smell of pastry drew me towards every hole-in-the-wall bakery that I walked past. Two and a half days later and I was in love with the place! Here's why Sofia makes the perfect relaxing summer city break followed some tips on what to do, where to eat and where to stay.
Why You Should Take the Night Train From Istanbul to Sofia
Travel

Why You Should Take the Night Train From Istanbul to Sofia

Istanbul
I'd never been on a sleeper train before so it certainly had the novelty factor, but wouldn't it be much like sleeping in hostel dorm, but worse? I expected cramped rooms, dirty beds, snoring train companions, horrible toilet facilities and absolutely zero sleep. In fact, I loved my experience on the night train from Istanbul to Sofia and I'd happily take the journey again. Read on and I'll explain the basics such as when it runs, how long it takes and how much it costs before telling you what to expect and why you should definitely consider taking it in the future.
48 Hours in Istanbul: How to Experience Istanbul in a Weekend
Travel

48 Hours in Istanbul: How to Experience Istanbul in a Weekend

Istanbul
I was childishly excited to visit Istanbul - to explore the Grand Bazaar and other endless markets, cruise up the Bosporus river taking in the sights of both Europe and Asia, experience the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia and eat five kebabs a day. But as I read more about all that Istanbul had to offer, I started feeling stressed about how I would see everything I wanted to when I had less than 48 hours to do it in. I decided not only to prioritise, but to spend my time immersing myself in the culture of Istanbul and local life rather than spending precious hours queuing for the must-see items.
Food to Try in Istanbul: 30 Must Try Turkish Dishes
Travel

Food to Try in Istanbul: 30 Must Try Turkish Dishes

Istanbul
Istanbul offers a sensory overload, from the sight of brightly coloured buildings and impressive mosques; to the sound of enthusiastic haggling in the markets; to the feel of the thick air surrounding the busy centre. But the tastes and scents of Istanbul left the most lasting impression on me, with the constant smell of delicious food in the air and the discovery of something new to eat at every corner that I turned.
Why You Should Visit the Van Gogh Immersive Experience in York
Travel

Why You Should Visit the Van Gogh Immersive Experience in York

York
Art isn't usually my thing, I often find it a little boring and sometimes I just don't get it. There are exceptions to this rule, for example when I visited the National Gallery in London I was absolutely mesmerised, especially by the HUGE works of art dating back many centuries. Thinking about the time it must have taken and the dedication given to creating those paintings kind of takes my breath away. So when I was invited to attend the Van Gogh Immersive Experience in York recently, I was intrigued... what would it be like to step inside such an important part of art history?
A Serendipitous Night in Dalby Forest (Plus Things to Do Nearby)
Travel

A Serendipitous Night in Dalby Forest (Plus Things to Do Nearby)

Dalby Forest
Oh Yorkshire, why are you so beautiful? As much as I love living in the centre of Leeds, I also love the fact that there is so much more to explore in Yorkshire, all of it beautiful. I don't get to experience it as much as I would like to because a) I don't have a car so I either need to use public transport or hire a car; and b) I often find it cheaper to get a short-haul flight and a cheap hotel abroad than to stay somewhere in the UK. But when I do have a 'staycation' in Yorkshire it's always fabulous - and one of my favourites was at a stunning cabin in Dalby Forest where I spent a snowy February night between exploring the surrounding area.
67 Things to Do in Leeds City Centre
Travel

67 Things to Do in Leeds City Centre

Leeds
Leeds is a wonderful city. It's the 3rd biggest city in the UK, yet it feels welcoming and homely. It's easy to get to being just two hours from London and Edinburgh, 20 minutes from York and an hour from Manchester by train, and with it's own airport. It's full of history, culture, food and shopping and the people are oh-so-friendly! Whatever your interests, and whether you live in the Leeds, are visiting for the day or travelling for a longer trip, there are so many things to do in Leeds without even leaving the city centre. So here is my list of 67 things to do in Leeds city centre, with a warning that the food and drink section is by far the largest.
How to Book a Last Minute, Super Cheap, Multi-City Break Using Minimal Annual Leave
Travel

How to Book a Last Minute, Super Cheap, Multi-City Break Using Minimal …

Leeds
Wow that's a big title! But that's exactly what this post is about. When I talk to my friends about my upcoming travel plans, they tend to comment on the fact that a) I seem to go on a fair few weekend breaks despite my lack of money and annual leave; b) my destinations seem random because I've never expressed an interest in that place before and; c) it must be more expensive booking a trip so last minute! The first two points are sort of true, but the third definitely isn't. So I thought I'd share with you how I go about booking a last minute, super cheap city break using minimal annual leave.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram

Looking for Something?