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

We’re powered by…

Cameras provided by…

Microphones provided by…

Rode Microphones

Smart Glasses provided by…

Ray-Ban Meta

Blog

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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The NickWatch – a smart watch designed for kids

When you’re a technology blogger / vlogger with children, I quite often get press releases [...]

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YouTubeVisit my Channel

It's time to have some WEEFUN with the Tina 2S (UK - https://amzn.to/3VCbjBl / USA - https://amzn.to/4eV4O3b ) - The WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer is my first step into the world of 3D printing and I'm fascinated to see how it all works. I'm a complete beginner with 3D Printing, and this is my first printer - come with me on a journey, as we unbox, setup and review the WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer!As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join the WhatsApp Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/whatsappFilming 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-USAJOIN my channel here - https://kiphak.es/joinmychannel - or my Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/kiphakesOur 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/@kiphakestv0:00 Start and Titles 0:14 Introduction 0:30 This is the WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer 1:29 Unboxing the WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer 4:32 Setting up the Filament Tube 6:26 Quick look at the Poloprint App 6:59 Loading the Filament into the WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer 9:36 Filament PUUUURRRGGGE! 10:29 Our first ever print on the WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer 12:20 Removing the 3D print from the WEEFUN Tina 2S 13:54 Connecting the WEEFUN Tina 2S Printer to the Poloprint App 14:55 Printing from the Poloprint App 16:05 Our second 3D print - A BEAR!! 16:24 Installing and Testing the WiiBuilder 2 Software 18:27 How's the print doing? 19:02 The print quality of the WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer 19:49 I printed this too!! 20:20 Final Thoughts on the WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer 23:15 GAME OVER
My FIRST 3D Printer - and it's CHEAP! The WEEFUN Tina 2S 3D Printer #3dprinter #WEEFUN #Tina2S
USA viewers can get this on Amazon.com here - https://amzn.to/3CPdWsEUK and Rest of World viewers can get the identical one on AliExpress (with a different brand name) - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DllDrKDAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join the WhatsApp Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/whatsappFilming 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-USAJOIN my channel here - https://kiphak.es/joinmychannel - or my Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/kiphakesOur 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/@kiphakestv0:00 Titles 0:06 Introduction 1:04 Unboxing the Joyalens JL249MS Plus Digital Microscope 5:11 Assembling the Joyalens JL249MS Plus Microscope 6:30 What's this for?! 7:12 How much does this cost? 7:31 What does it look like on the desk? 7:42 Looking through the menus and options on the Joyalens JL249MS Plus Digital Microscope 8:58 This is ANNOYING! 10:39 Test Footage from the Joyalens JL249MS Plus 12:23 Using the HUUUUUGE zoom to look at TINY things 14:21 Wrapping up and Conclusions on the Joyalens JL249MS Plus 16:11 Game Over
The BEST Digital Microscope for YOU - But it has a MASSIVE flaw! The Joyalens JL249MS Plus
On the opening night of Horror at Hinchingbrooke House 2024 - I was given unique access to the UK's most intense scare maze, and went 'Behind the Screams' to see what goes into making this one of a kind Horror Mazes.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join the WhatsApp Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/whatsappFilming 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-USAJOIN my channel here - https://kiphak.es/joinmychannel - or my Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/kiphakesOur 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/@kiphakestv0:00 Start 0:10 Introduction 0:54 Meet Shane! Our guide for the evening 1:36 Entering the first room of the maze, but with NO Actors 2:08 Talking about how they build in an actual school! 3:17 The Costume Area 3:39 THAT'S A LOT OF CHAINSAWS!! 4:09 What are the tents for?! 4:42 Changing a School into a Horror Maze.. Overnight! 5:51 Entering the 'Mumma Mia' themed Horror Maze 6:43 The outdoor scare sections are built differently.. 7:49 Going Behind the Scenes of a Scare! 8:58 Celebrating 10 years of Horror at Hinchingbrooke House 10:11 Clown City! 10:53 The Motorbike is BACK! 11:34 What do the HaHH Hoodies mean?! 12:07 Hinchingbrooke House is ACTUALLY haunted and has bodies buried IN IT! 12:47 Meeting Alison - One of the Scare Actors 14:19 How Shane started at Horror at Hinchingbrooke House 15:46 Wrapping Up 16:30 GAME OVER!
Behind the Scenes at Horror at Hinchingbrooke House 2024
Get this from RODE here - https://kiphak.es/RODEWirelessMicro Or from my Camera and Microphone Partner WEX - https://kiphak.es/RodeWirelessMicroWexAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join the WhatsApp Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/whatsappFilming 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-USAJOIN my channel here - https://kiphak.es/joinmychannel - or my Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/kiphakesOur 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/@kiphakestv0:00 Start and Titles 0:19 Introducing the RODE Wireless Micro 1:20 How much does the RODE Wireless Micro cost? 1:49 RODE Wireless Micro Colour and Connector Options 2:27 Unboxing the RODE Wireless Micro 3:45 How big is the RODE Wireless Micro ? 4:02 You NEED to do this 4:31 What is the battery life of the RODE Wireless Micro ? 4:42 Frequency Response details on the RODE Wireless Micro 4:58 Looking at the RODE Wireless Micro Transmitters 5:35 Who is the RODE Wireless Micro for? 5:51 Using the RODE Wireless Micro for the first time.. 6:24 Looking at the RODE Central App 8:18 First Audio Test of the RODE Wireless Micro 9:07 Looking at the RODE Camera App 10:23 What is Intelligent Gain Assist? 11:38 How to fit the Wind Shield onto the RODE Wireless Micro 12:10 Audio Tests comparing the RODE Wireless Micro / Pro and iPhone Camera 13:45 Thoughts on the RODE Wireless Micro quality 14:27 Does the RODE Wireless Micro work on your computer? 14:59 Wrapping Up 16:07 GAME OVER!
RODE Wireless Micro - The PERFECT Microphone ?
Buy this product here - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EISOSalBLACK FRIDAY CODES! Offers End 3rd December 2024United Kingdom Get £3 off a £19 Spend ：BFUK03 Get £6 off a £39 Spend ：BFUK06 Get £10 off a £75 Spend : BFUK10 Get £15 off a £105 Spend : BFUK15 Get £25 off a £175 Spend : BFUK25 Get £45 off a £300 Spend : BFUK45 Get £65 off a £400 Spend : BFUK65 Codes Expire 3/12/24 - at 23.59 Pacific TimeUSA Get $3 off a $19 Spend ：USBF03 Get $6 off a $39 Spend ：USBF06 Get $10 off a $75 Spend : USBF10 Get $15 off a $105 Spend ：USBF15 Get $25 off a $175 Spend : USBF25 Get $45 off a $300 Spend : USBF45 Get $65 off a $400 Spend : USBF65 Codes Expire 12/3/24 - at 23.59 Pacific Time#AliExpress #AliExpressHaul #AliExpressFinds #aliexpressinfluencerprogram #aliexpressgoodfindsIn tonight's first of two videos, aimed squarely at phone based content creators, I got the CHEAPEST Gimbal on AliExpress to see what it's like.. Can this sub £30 Gimbal be any good? Or is it e-waste?Watch and see!Drop a comment below!Join the WhatsApp Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/whatsappFilming 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-USAJOIN my channel here - https://kiphak.es/joinmychannel - or my Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/kiphakesOur 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/@kiphakestv0:00 Start and Titles 0:15 Introduction 0:47 I'm looking at this BUDGET phone gimbal 1:15 Introducing the AOCHUAN Smart XE Gimbal 2:36 Looking at the AOCHUAN Smart XE Gimbal Features 3:10 Unboxing the AOCHUAN Smart XE Gimbal 4:29 AOCHUAN Smart XE Gimbal Controls 5:46 Installing my phone in the AOCHUAN Smart XE Gimbal 7:24 Testing the Face Tracking in the AOCHUAN Smart XE Gimbal Software 7:49 The difference between the F and POV modes 8:22 Testing the Panorama Photo Mode 8:44 Testing the 'Inception Mode' 9:07 Testing 'Gesture Control' 10:08 Switching from Landscape Shooting to Portrait Shooting 10:30 Does it work with the Default iOS camera app? 11:00 Comparison between the Gimbal and Handheld Filming 12:28 Looking at the App Settings - You need to see this! 15:00 Wrapping Up and Conclusions 16:25 GAME OVER
I got the CHEAPEST Gimbal from AliExpress - It SHOCKED me! #AliExpress #AliExpressHaul
Buy this here - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EvpEfN7BLACK FRIDAY CODES! Offers End 3rd December 2024United Kingdom Get £3 off a £19 Spend ：BFUK03 Get £6 off a £39 Spend ：BFUK06 Get £10 off a £75 Spend : BFUK10 Get £15 off a £105 Spend ：BFUK15 Get £25 off a £175 Spend : BFUK25 Get £45 off a £300 Spend : BFUK45 Get £65 off a £400 Spend : BFUK65 Codes Expire 3/12/24 - at 23.59 Pacific TimeUSA Get $3 off a $19 Spend ：USBF03 Get $6 off a $39 Spend ：USBF06 Get $10 off a $75 Spend : USBF10 Get $15 off a $105 Spend ：USBF15 Get $25 off a $175 Spend : USBF25 Get $45 off a $300 Spend : USBF45 Get $65 off a $400 Spend : USBF65 Codes Expire 12/3/24 - at 23.59 Pacific Time#AliExpress #AliExpressHaul #AliExpressFinds #aliexpressinfluencerprogram #aliexpressgoodfindsAs you might know, I love retro consoles, but hooking them up to a modern TV with HDMI inputs can be a massive pain in the butt.. You don't get the older style connections on new TVs. So Step in the RetroScaler 2x from @AliExpressGlobal a super cheap device, that is currently less than £25 that can take the output from the NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Mega Drive 2, Famicom, Super Famicom, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and so many more!It's pretty powerful for something so cheap!As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join the WhatsApp Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/whatsappFilming 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-USAJOIN my channel here - https://kiphak.es/joinmychannel - or my Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/kiphakesOur 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/@kiphakestv0:00 Start and Titles 0:16 Introduction 0:30 Introducing the RetroScaler 2X 0:51 The difference between the OSSC and the RetroScaler 2X 1:20 What outputs do old consoles use? 2:42 RetroScaler 2x specs 3:27 Unboxing the RetroScaler 2X 4:20 What is FIL on the RetroScaler 2X ? 5:11 Hooking up a UK NES to the RetroScaler 2X 6:53 Test footage of the NES on the RetroScaler 2X 7:22 Testing the S-Video input on the RetroScaler 2X 8:24 Mystery Console.. 9:34 Test footage of the S-Video input on the RetroScaler 2X 10:04 Wrapping Up and Conclusions 12:03 Game Over
Add HDMI Output to ANY Retro Console for less than £25! AliExpress bargain - RetroScaler 2x
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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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