Hi! I’m Kip Hakes, I’m a 42-year-old Blogger, Vlogger and Designer. I’m married to Vicki and I’ve got two children, and a Cavachon called Duggee. We live in the Essex countryside just outside of Colchester.

I’ve blogged since 2008, and my blogging subjects include – Parenting, Technology, Reviews, Photography, Rants and Raves and more. I’m Designer of stuff by day, and a total nerd at night.

Kip Hakes wearing the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses!

Kip Hakes

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Blog

Alton Towers CBeebies Land Rollercoaster to open in 2026 – Project Sunshine is GO!

Alton Towers Resort have JUST announced that the have submitted a planning application for a [...]

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Why was Hex at Alton Towers closed for 19 months? There’s a dramatic twist in this tale..

On the 30th of March 2023, I went to Alton Towers Resort for the first [...]

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Thorpe Park Fright Nights 2024 – Everything you need to know!

In just a few days, Thorpe Park Resort will be welcoming guests for Thorpe Park [...]

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This is BIG news!

You might have seen, if you’re subscribed to my YouTube Channel, or follow me on [...]

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Do I STILL need surgery on my back? How the NHS has failed me

Something very interesting happened before Christmas.. I got a text from the NHS telling me [...]

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When will Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers Open?

Today, Alton Towers Resort have announced that their classic Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster formally [...]

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Festival Fever – Revisiting the 1999 Vibe and Considering a Comeback in 2024

Alright, my fellow festival aficionados! Grab a cuppa and settle in as we delve into [...]

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How we had our Nectar Points stolen, and this is how yours will be too..

I woke up on the 9th June 2023 to find Vicki quite upset.. She’d been [...]

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Looking Back..

It’s very nearly a year since I had the surgery on my spine – it’s [...]

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Outside of Thorpe Park 2023
Thorpe Park 2023 – A trip with My Mate Vince – Trip Report 4/7/23

Once again, instead of making a vlog, I’ve written a little trip report of a [...]

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Chessington World of Adventures Resort 2023 – Trip Report – 26/06/23

I thought when I haven’t vlogged a day out, I’d do a little trip report [...]

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Alton Towers reveal new Nemesis track ! What will be the new name for Nemesis ?

So, you may or may not be aware, that the iconic, world renowned rollercoaster, Nemesis [...]

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YouTubeVisit my Channel

👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ew8jPic or enter the search code [AYPGYW] on the AliExpress homepage to see all the amazing items I've handpicked for you. And don't forget to enjoy extra savings with the exclusive discount codes below, just for fans like you! 🌟 Remember, these codes can be used on almost all items in selected countries on AliExpress, except for mobile phones.Click my link to explore amazing products on AliExpress and use my codes for additional discounts! 😍 The codes apply to almost all products, except mobile phones.Discount Codes: $2 off on orders over $20:【IFPQGYV】 $4 off on orders over $40:【IFPCWSY】 $9 off on orders over $80:【IFPCUGN】 $15 off on orders over $130:【IFPRPS3】 $25 off on orders over $220:【IFPFRGG】 $50 off on orders over $450:【IFPXYKK】Valid from 4/4/2025 00:00 PT to 7/5/2025 00:00 PT.AliExpress, #AliExpressHaul, #AliExpressInfluencerProgram, #aliexpressgoodfindsAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannelFilming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USAOur channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tvIf you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakesPeruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tvOr follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes0:00 Start 0:03 Introduction 0:50 I want to play this - the Summer Cart 64 on the N64 1:50 This is the console I'm repairing 2:40 I have a feeling I know the issue - it's the PSU 3:50 Testing the PSU 4:55 Dismantling the N64 PSU - BE CAREFUL! 6:00 Checking the voltages inside 7:05 I know the fault... but we I want to make sure! 10:15 Removing the daughterboard to get to the fault 12:30 Getting to the faulty parts / part 13:50 These are the faulty parts - I think! 15:09 These books are a GODSEND! 16:50 Putting it back together! 17:25 Testing the N64 now... 18:41 Ahhh - I understand my failure now! 20:00 A few days later, and the N64 has a flaw! 21:09 Testing the Summer 64 Cartridge! 23:40 Oooh a N64 DD is available on the Summer 64 Cartridge 25:40 Do NTSC Games run on my PAL console with the Summer 64? 27:00 Wrapping Up! 28:27 GAME OVER
My N64 is DEAD - It has a common fault from the FACTORY! Let's fix it!
👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ezbybfi or enter the search code [AY32YA] on the AliExpress homepage to see all the amazing items I've handpicked for you. And don't forget to enjoy extra savings with the exclusive discount codes below, just for fans like you! 🌟 Remember, these codes can be used on almost all items in selected countries on AliExpress, except for mobile phones.$1 off a $9 spend : 【IFPL4GU】 $2 off a $19 spend : 【IFPKGF2】 $5 off a $39 spend : 【IFP6CYC】 $10 off a $79 spend : 【IFPNTYD】 $20 off a $159 spend : 【IFP5EMD】 $35 off a $269 spend : 【IFPKAKR】 $50 off a $369 spend : 【IFPD2DR】 $70 off a $499 spend: 【IFPD2DR】 $90 off a $599 spend : 【IFPE0BP】Valid 10/2/2025 00:00 PT ~ 10/5/2025 00:00 PT#AliExpress, #AliExpressHaul, #AliExpressInfluencerProgram, #aliexpressgoodfindsIn today's video I stumbled across an intriguing oddity on @AliExpressGlobal - a BRAND NEW Boxed SEGA Mega Drive Console with 2 Controllers. Join me as I unbox this console, test it, and even crack it open to see what's inside.. It's got a LOT of surprises!Let me know what you think about it in the comments!As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannelFilming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USAOur channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tvIf you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakesPeruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tvOr follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes0:00 Titles 0:05 Introduction 0:48 So it's a Retroad ZD06 Mega Drive 1:55 Let's unbox my NEW Sega Mega Drive! It's so weird 3:38 Looking around the Retroad ZD06 Mega Drive 4:45 Comparing to an original Sega Mega Drive 6:08 The Expansion Port is a GAPING HOLE! 7:08 Introducing the Sega Mega Drive EVERDRIVE or EVERGENESIS - Will it work though? 8:08 Exploring the Wireless Controllers 9:05 Powering up my New Mega Drive for the first time! 9:28 Looking at the included '16 Bit' Games on the Retroad ZD06 Mega Drive 9:57 Testing the in built Sonic The Hedgehog Game - WHAT LANGUAGE IS THIS?! 10:38 Testing Wireless Controller Latency (badly) 11:18 Exploring the '8 Bit' Games on the Retroad ZD06 Mega Drive 12:59 Testing a Street Fighter 2 Turbo clone 13:36 Testing Original Mega Drive cartridges in the Retroad ZD06 Mega Drive 14:37 Is the headphone port fake? 14:55 Does it work with original wired controllers?! 15:55 More Games Testing 16:12 Does the Retroad ZD06 Mega Drive work with Everdrive Carts?! 18:28 Cracking the Retroad ZD06 Mega Drive Open! 22:22 Getting it back together 22:44 Wrapping up and Conclusions 25:00 Game Over
I bought BRAND NEW SEGA Mega Drive in 2025! Random AliExpress find!
👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ExQb91e or enter the search code [AY2EWW] on the AliExpress homepage to see all the amazing items I've handpicked for you. And don't forget to enjoy extra savings with the exclusive discount codes below, just for fans like you! 🌟 Remember, these codes can be used on almost all items in selected countries on AliExpress, except for mobile phones.Discover AliExpress's top sellers! 👀Search my code for additional discounts!😍The code can be used in almost tech products except mobile phone products.$2 off a $19 spend : 【IFPHAWN】 $5 off a $39 spend : 【IFPBA9C】 $10 off a $79 spend : 【IFP6WXO】 $20 off a $159 spend : 【IFPKTG1】 $35 off a $269 spend : 【IFP0GNN】 $50 off a $369 spend : 【IFPCJDJ】 $70 off a $499 spend: 【IFPJXUZ】 $90 off a $599 spend : 【IFPWQGY】Valid 3/1/2025 00:00 PT ~ 1/6/2025 00:00 PTThe Saroo Cart is here - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EJWizY8In today's video I am looking at my beloved Sega Saturn that I got for a Fix it Friday video ages ago, however it turned out to be just fine.. I've always wanted to do a 50/60hz switch mod on it, but was a little wary about cracking it open to do it. However, it turns out the Sega Saturn VA1 PAL boards actually have the mod BUILT IN - it just requires a tiny amount of fettling to make it work. When I picked up a Saroo Cartridge from AliExpress for my Saturn that was bundled with a tonne of American Games, it felt like the BEST time to do it.I even managed to 3D print a brand new part to ensure that the mod looked as factory as I could.Enjoy!#AliExpress, #AliExpressHaul, #AliExpressInfluencerProgram, #aliexpressgoodfindsAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannelFilming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USAOur channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tvIf you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakesPeruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tvOr follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes0:00 Start 0:03 Introduction to my SEGA Saturn 0:55 Introducing the Saroo SS HDloader Cartridge 2:05 Coupon Codes for AliExpress 2:32 Here's the problem with my Sega Saturn 3:36 How to dismantle a Sega Saturn 7:45 Identifying the model of Sega Saturn I have 8:00 The difference between the VA0 and VA1 Sega Saturn 9:25 Design flaw on the VA1 board we need to fix 10:55 Lifting the PLL leg 12:30 Looking at the SW4 switch space 13:50 Doing the wiring for our mod 15:00 Don't forget this bit! 15:20 I'm doing this differently from everyone else! 17:37 Wiring the Switch Up 18:15 Getting the Sega Saturn ready for testing 20:10 First Test 22:03 Comparing 50hz and 60hz versions - There's an issue 22:50 Testing my Saroo from AliExpress for the first time 24:05 There's a LOT of Games on this Saroo! 25:41 Speed run between a CD booting and the Saroo booting up 26:30 The issue is fixed! 27:10 Top Tip for putting a Sega Saturn Back Together 27:54 Putting the Switch in properly! Here's the right way to do it! 28:50 Finishing Up 30:50 Game OVER
SEGA Saturn has a MOD built in at the factory?! AliExpress Bargain Saroo Unleashes a HUGE upgrade
Recreating the Bubbleworks Smell at Home - We talk about the Bubbleworks ride at Chessington World of Adventures and how you can recreate its iconic scent at home using Aromaprime products. We discuss the different smells that made up the Bubbleworks aroma and how you can purchase the oils, cubes, and blocks to have that experience in your own home. #Bubbleworks #ChessingtonWorldofAdventures #Aromaprime #HomeScents #ThemeParks #AromaPrime #gruffalo #Gruffalo
What was the smell in the Bubbleworks at Chessington? You can have it at home! #chessington
We talk about the Bubbleworks ride at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, which closed on September 6, 2016 and was replaced by the Gruffalo River Ride Adventure. I was lucky enough to be on the very last ride cycle before it closed, and I filmed the ride to share the experience. #Bubbleworks #ChessingtonWorldofAdventures #GruffaloBRideAdventure #LastRideJoin or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannelFilming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USAOur channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tvIf you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakesPeruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tvOr follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes
The LAST ride on The Bubbleworks at Chessington before it closed FOREVER. #chessington
Here's all the products from AliExpress I used in the video - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EwiICVq - Or search for AYX916 AliExpress Anniversary Promotion $2 off a $19 spend : 【IFPFC1S】 $6 off a $39 spend : 【IFPWOQ0】 $8 off a $59 spend : 【IFPBT08】 $12 off a $89 spend : 【IFPC6KR】 $20 off a $139 spend : 【IFPC50F】 $40 off a $239 spend : 【IFPML96】 $60 off a $369 spend: 【IFPNKC8】 $70 off a $469 spend : 【IFPTFQE】Valid 17/3/2025 00:00 PT ~ 27/3/2025 00:00 PTIf the above codes don't work.. Try These. $2 off a $19 spend : 【IFPELCX】 $5 off a $39 spend : 【IFPZTMJ】 $10 off a $79 spend : 【IFPBLDL】 $20 off a $159 spend : 【IFPHDCX】 $35 off a $269 spend : 【IFP5WIA】 $50 off a $369 spend : 【IFPNQM4】 $70 off a $499 spend: 【IFPUZK4】 $90 off a $599 spend : 【IFPRHL2】Valid 10/3/2025 00:00 PT ~ 10/5/2025 00:00 PT#AliExpress, #AliExpressHaul, #AliExpressInfluencerProgram, #AliExpressGoodFindsIn today's video, I'm trying to improve one of my SNES / Super Nintendo Consoles with a brand new BitFunx Transparent Shell from @AliExpressGlobal . I've never reshelled a console like this before, so I'm a little concerned about how it will go.. Will it be okay? Or will I just mess it all up?Watch and see!As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannelFilming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USAOur channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tvIf you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakesPeruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tvOr follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes0:00 Titles 0:04 Introduction 1:13 The Bitfunx Transparent Shell for Super Nintendo 2:52 What's included with the Bitfunx Transparent Shell for Super Nintendo 5:06 What's the quality like? 6:36 How to dismantle a Super Nintendo 9:46 I have got the SNSP-CPU-02 - what does that mean? 12:20 This is the problem with the bit of plastic at the back 13:00 What we need to desolder 14:28 Fitting the replacement AV socket 16:50 Getting the front controller ports ready 18:03 Getting it back together.. 22:13 How to fit the Cartridge Eject Mechanism 23:00 The results are IN 24:00 Testing it! 25:36 GAME OVER
My SNES looks SAD! Let's fix that! AliExpress BitFunx Transparent SNES Shell Kit Install Guide
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Recipes

Mushroom Pie

This Mushroom Pie is AMAZING! It’s fantastic for veggies and packed full of flavour, carnivores [...]

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Vegetarian Chicken Tikka Masala with Coriander and Lime Rice

This is a favourite of mine, it’s got a bit of a kick to it, [...]

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Super Simple Katsu Curry

This super simple Katsu Curry is a regular on the Hakes family meal roster. With [...]

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Paneer, Tomato and Spinach Curry

This is a great curry. I really do love Paneer, and I’ve tried a few [...]

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Alleppy Quorn Curry – Vegan Friendly

This started life as an Alleppy Prawn Curry, and it looked amazing. I pondered how [...]

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Creamy Cheese and Pea Pasta with Vivera Veggie Bacon Pieces

As a vegetarian, something I get asked a lot is.. “Do you miss bacon?”. The [...]

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Reviews

Duggee snuggled up on the Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress
Review – Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress

You might remember, early last year I wrote this review of my Simba Hybrid Luxe [...]

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Review – Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress

You might remember, we’ve been happy Simba Hybrid mattress customers for while now. However, when [...]

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Testing out SmartBuyGlasses.co.uk

Smartbuyglasses.co.uk Ease of Use Product Selection 5 Summary I got the sunglasses I wanted, at [...]

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Review – Glamp at The Priory

As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]

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Review – Tulleys Christmas Experience 2019

Tulleys Christmas Experience Overall 5 Summary I cannot recommend Tulleys Christmas Experience enough. We had [...]

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Review – Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019

Chessington Howl'o'ween 2019 Atmosphere Mazes 5 Summary I was utterly charmed by Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019. [...]

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Travel

8 Best New York Bars to Visit this Summer

No matter your reason for visiting New York City this summer, you are sure to [...]

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brown bridge on green grass field near mountain
The Best Family-Friendly Heritage Sites in York-shire

Planning a family staycation? Many families have discovered the many benefits of a staycation and [...]

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Top Unique Holiday Ideas Travelers Will Love

Everyone wants to go on holiday every once in a while. When they do, they [...]

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5 Beginners Tips For Adventure Travel

If you’re the type of person who gazes in awe and wonder at Instagram pictures [...]

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How to Run an Eco-friendly Caravan Park

From reducing carbon footprints to actively supporting local ecosystems, it’s fantastic that caravan park owners [...]

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Review – Glamp at The Priory

As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]

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