11 Festive stately homes to visit at Christmas
Deck the (historic) halls! With beautifully decorated rooms and lots of festive things to do, visiting a stately home at Christmas is just the thing to get you into the spirit of the season.
Welcome to Helen on her Holidays
Hello, I’m Helen. I’m a travel blogger near Manchester, UK with a full-time job and a mission to make the most of my annual leave.
Read more about me
Latest posts
Eye Filmmuseum: A must-visit in Amsterdam
Are you a film enthusiast planning a trip to Amsterdam? The Eye Filmmuseum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art and history of cinema.
How to visit Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Advice for visiting stunning Framlingham Castle, one of the best places to visit in Suffolk and the inspiration for Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill”.
Cultural things to do in Amsterdam: art, film, music and architecture
Discover top art and photography galleries, immersive experiences, architecture and musical attractions in Amsterdam with this guide to the best cultural things to do in Amsterdam.
Hotel review: Manor Hotel Amsterdam
If you’re looking for a stylish and historic 4 star hotel within easy reach of Amsterdam city centre, The Manor Hotel Amsterdam is a great choice.
Travel advice
Gardens in Italy: 19 of the most beautiful gardens to visit in Italy
Italy has some of the world’s most heavenly gardens. From centuries-old botanical gardens in the north to subtropical gardens in southern Italy, these are the best gardens to visit in Italy.
Travelling the Bernina line from Switzerland to Italy – Bernina Express vs local train
Compare the Bernina Express vs regional trains on the Albula and Bernina rail line. Get useful tips to make the most of your trip between Switzerland and Italy.
Visiting Madeira: 13 top tips for your trip
Visiting Madeira for the first time? There are a few dos and don’ts that it’s good to know about before you go. Read on for 13 essential tips for your trip.
9 fun things to do in Ischia (plus 5 amazing day trips)
Ischia’s an idyllic island off the coast of southern Italy. It’s only around six miles wide, but manages to pack in an amazing number of attractions. Here are the very best things to do in Ischia,
Norway in a Nutshell: 23 essential tips for your trip
Planning a Norway in a Nutshell trip? Read on for the tips you’ll need to make this magical tour into the fjords and mountains from Bergen or Oslo the best day ever.
Birthday trip ideas: 53 inspiring places to celebrate your birthday
Birthday trips are a wonderful way to celebrate a milestone birthday. Read on for 53 fun, inspirational and adventurous birthday trip ideas that’ll make travelling on your special day the perfect celebration.