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

Behind The Scenes Tour of Top Blaster at Chessington
Behind The Scenes Tour of Tomb Blaster at Chessington

I’ll be completely honest with you, I wasn’t planning on visiting any Merlin-owned theme parks [...]

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Paultons Park – The UK’s BEST Theme Park

I suppose I have to start this post off by calling it an advert, because [...]

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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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YouTubeVisit my Channel

In this video, I show you how to turn a slamming cupboard door into a soft-closing one using a simple and inexpensive kit from B&Q. I'll provide a link to the product I used and some alternatives.Buy this or similar versions here -B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/titus-light-grey-soft-close-hinge-soft-close-adaptor/3838682406233_BQ.prdAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/4lBDbzSAmazon USA - https://amzn.to/46uFHDBAliExpress - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EIq1HKwThis video will walk you through the easy installation process.This solution works for any cupboard door, and can be scaled up for larger doors as needed. If you found this video helpful, please like, comment, and consider sharing it to help others.#DIYHacks #CupboardDoors #SoftClosing #BudgetFriendly #Hack #DIY
Upgrade Cupboard Doors to Soft-Closing for £1 or LESS - DIY Hack #diytip #diy #hacks
In this video, I take a detailed look at the Botslab G980H dash cam, a dual-camera setup featuring a 4K Sony Starvis front camera and a 2K rear camera. It’s packed with features including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) powered by AI, and a smart mobile app that makes it easy to access footage and customise settings.I’ll walk you through everything from unboxing and setup to testing the camera in both day and night conditions. I’ll also show how the AI-powered driver alerts work in real-world driving.This dash cam is currently priced around £120, which offers excellent value considering the quality of the features on offer.Included in this review: Unboxing and accessories Full interface tour and setup App demo and connectivity Footage samples (day and night) Thoughts on performance and valueLink to product: Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVXDGNWP?maas=maas_adg_B2A8DBCE3DE94725CABA01A1441484D6_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas Amazon USA - https://amzn.to/4lGyXahIf you’ve got any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. I’ll do my best to help. 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/@kiphakes00:00 Intro – What is the Botslab G980H? 00:35 Botslab G980H dual dash cam overview 01:08 Botslab G980H ADAS and AI features explained 01:59 Why I’m not installing the Botslab G980H just yet 02:29 Botslab G980H unboxing and accessories 04:36 First look at the Botslab G980H front camera 05:41 Botslab G980H rear camera and cable setup 06:23 Power options for the Botslab G980H dash cam 07:26 Setting up the Botslab G980H on the desk 09:20 Botslab G980H settings and menu walkthrough 11:00 Botslab G980H parking mode and video options 13:20 Botslab G980H ADAS configuration in detail 14:19 Connecting the Botslab G980H app 16:02 Installing the Botslab G980H in the car 16:45 Botslab G980H daytime test footage 17:36 Botslab G980H ADAS performance in real-world driving 18:45 Botslab G980H night-time test footage 19:59 Final verdict on the Botslab G980H 20:24 Thanks for watching – like and subscribe#Botslab #Botslabdashcam
Best AI Dashcam You Can Buy? Botslab Dash Cam G980H
👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ExeDT9y or enter the search code [AY9MKR] 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.Discount Codes: - Save US $2 off orders $15+ : [IFPQ5GM6] - Save US $3 off orders $29+ : [IFPFBOES] - Save US $5 off orders $49+ : [IFPZLC24] - Save US $8 off orders $69+ : [IFPGKWHH] - Save US $20 off orders $159+ : [IFPGGZW3] - Save US $30 off orders $239+ : [IFPGZ6LR] - Save US $50 off orders $399+ : [IFPITROO] - Save US $60 off orders $499+ : [IFPT9RID] - Save US $70 off orders $599+ : [IFPEEWPQ]These offers are valid from May 1, 2025, at midnight Pacific Time until Aug 1, 2025, at midnight Pacific Time.#aliexpresshaulIn this video, I take a look at a handheld Mega Drive-style console I picked up from AliExpress — and yes, it might just be a modern nod to the classic Sega Nomad.We'll unbox the device, explore its features, test it with original PAL and NTSC cartridges (including Sonic 2 and Bare Knuckle), connect it to a TV, and then dismantle it to see what's going on inside. Is it real hardware, or just another emulator in disguise?Timestamps are available in the video chapters. Includes tests with official cartridges, a Sega Master System game, and an Everdrive.Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts — do you think this is a worthy budget alternative to the Nomad, or just another retro curiosity?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/@kiphakes00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:36 What Is This Handheld Device? A Sega Nomad Alternative 01:35 First Impressions and Features 02:15 Unboxing the Console 03:29 Accessories and Build Quality 04:12 Overview of Ports, Switches and Compatibility 05:24 Powering It On for the First Time 06:40 Bootleg Games and Screen Setup 07:40 Testing Sonic 2 on PAL Cartridge 09:13 Switching to NTSC Mode for Better Performance 10:11 PAL vs NTSC Game Performance 11:03 Trying Bare Knuckle in Japanese Mode 11:49 Comparing to Real Mega Drive Footage 13:07 Emulation or Real Hardware? 13:46 Testing a Sega Master System Game 14:38 Audio Check via Headphone Jack 15:11 Tearing Down the Console 16:13 Internal Hardware and Custom PCB 17:56 Final Thoughts on Display and Performance 18:55 Who This Sega Nomad-Style Console Is For 20:31 Is It the Same as the Other Mega Drive Clone? 21:39 Overall Verdict and Should You Buy It? 22:08 Wrapping Up and Sega Nomad Curiosity
NEW Handheld Mega Drive from AliExpress - Not quite a SEGA Nomad
Get the SNES PicoCIC from here - https://retrosix.co.uk/SNES-PicoCIC-The-Smaller-SuperCIC-p546445502This is the Everdrive Cartridge slot - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFVyVtUIn this video, we take a working but previously repaired UK PAL Super Nintendo and upgrade it with the Retrosix PicoCIC chip. This mod allows the console to bypass the original region locking and enables it to play both PAL and NTSC games by switching between 50Hz and 60Hz modes.The Retrosix PicoCIC is a small but powerful chip that replaces the original CIC chip on the SNES motherboard. The video covers the full installation process including removing the original chip with hot air, soldering the new PicoCIC into place, lifting pins on the PPU chips, and wiring everything up with care. We also replace the standard LED with a multicolour one that reflects the current region mode.This mod works on most versions of the SNES except the single-chip model. We demonstrate the results by testing both a PAL Super Mario World cartridge and an NTSC title to confirm region switching is working correctly.If you have been looking for a detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial on how to install the Retrosix PicoCIC into your Super Nintendo, this video walks you through every step with microscope close-ups and practical tips along the way.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/@kiphakes00:00 Introduction 01:06 Why Modify the SNES 01:51 What is the Retrosix PicoCIC 03:21 Opening Up the SNES Console 04:12 Disconnecting Components Safely 05:20 Identifying the CIC Chip 06:44 Retrosix PicoCIC Unboxing 07:15 Removing the Original CIC Chip 09:48 Soldering the PicoCIC Chip 11:13 Lifting PPU Pins for PicoCIC Mod 13:10 Wiring PPU Pins to PicoCIC 14:19 Modifying the Power LED 16:21 Reassembling the SNES 17:04 Testing Region Switching with PicoCIC 18:18 PAL and NTSC Game Testing 20:19 PicoCIC Modes Explained 21:46 Final Thoughts on Retrosix PicoCIC 22:17 Outro and Next Steps
Modding my SNES with RetroSix PicoCIC - Unlocking FULL SPEED Gaming for £12
Go check out the full range of KTC Monitors here - https://us.ktcplay.com/This is the one l got, it's on Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3ZGg6DKUse my exclusive code 10HAKESK to get a 10% discount From 13-6-2025 15:00 BST to 31-8-2025 23:59 BST🎮 Is this the BEST budget gaming monitor of 2025? In today’s video, we take a hands-on look at the KTC H27T22C – a feature-packed 27" 180Hz IPS gaming monitor that won’t break the bank.We’ll unbox it, set it up, explore the onscreen menu, test video and gameplay performance, and give you our honest verdict. At under £150, this could be one of the best value monitors on the market right now.✅ Specs at a glance: • 27" Fast IPS Panel • 180Hz Refresh Rate • 1ms Response Time • HDR10, FreeSync & G-Sync compatible • 2560x1440 Resolution • sRGB 124% • VESA Mount SupportAs 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/@kiphakes00:00  Welcome & Introduction 00:36  Who Are KTC? 01:06  Unboxing the KTC H27T22C Monitor 01:58  What's in the Box (KTC H27T22C Accessories) 03:28  Stand Assembly & Build Quality (H27T22C) 03:56  Monitor Ports & Design Overview – KTC H27T22C 05:42  KTC H27T22C Specs & Pricing Breakdown 06:52  Navigating the H27T22C Onscreen Menu 08:43  Gaming Features & Advanced Settings (KTC H27T22C) 09:58  Video Playback Test (YouTube & HDR) on H27T22C 11:18  Blu-ray Playback Test (Encanto on H27T22C) 11:50  Gaming Performance + Channel Member Shoutout 12:54  Final Thoughts on the KTC H27T22C 13:29  Discount Code Reminder & Outro
BEST BUDGET Gaming Monitor? Investigating the KTC 27" ‎H27T22C Monitor
👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EQDpRny or enter the search code [AY7S7X] 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.$2 off orders $15+:【IFPEXLI】 $4 off orders $29+:【IFPRCXO】 $10 off orders $69+:【IFPNVQ2】 $20 off orders $139+:【IFPTOAS】 $40 off orders $279+:【IFPJ3PL】 $50 off orders $349+:【IFP0RHR】 $60 off orders $439+:【IFPAPR7】Valid from 16/6/2025 00:00 PT to 26/6/2025 00:00 PT.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/@kiphakes00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:18 Miyoo Flip 2 Overview & Pricing 00:45 Coupon Code Info 01:04 Specs & Features Rundown 01:44 Unboxing the Console 02:19 Design & Build Quality 03:00 Charging Recommendations 03:33 Included Accessories & Initial Impressions 04:10 Ports & Buttons Tour 04:51 MicroSD Advice & Slot Info 05:23 Bluetooth & Controller Support 05:55 Hinge & Physical Controls 06:33 First Boot & User Interface 07:23 System Settings Overview 08:13 Connecting to Capture Card 08:49 TV Output & UI Adjustment 09:32 Game Systems Available 10:37 Sega Saturn Emulation Test 11:24 Shoutout to Channel Members 11:52 Street Fighter 2 Arcade Test 12:29 ROM Hacks & Save Features 13:10 Streets of Rage Audio Test 14:49 Game Boy Frogger & Scaling Test 15:56 Exploring RetroArch & Star Fox 17:19 Built-in Apps & General Thoughts 17:56 Downsides Price & Modding Community 18:31 Version 2 Improvements 19:09 Comfort & Playability 19:44 Final Verdict & Outro
BEST Emulation Handheld Gaming in 2025? Miyoo Flip 2 - Random AliExpress Console Finds
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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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