Europe Archives - Helen on her Holidays

6th February 20216th February 2021 By helen

12 tips for visiting Pompeii (plus how to climb Vesuvius)

Pompeii is on a lot of people’s travel bucket lists but can seem daunting to visit. Here’s some of the advice I found most useful, along with some tips from my visit.

30th July 202026th August 2020 By helen

Gardens in Spain: 18 of Spain’s most beautiful gardens

The most beautiful, most romantic and most interesting gardens in Spain – with some lesser-known gems. Take a look at these gorgeous Spanish gardens to visit.

27th July 202028th July 2020 By helen

Visiting writer Elizabeth Gaskell’s house in Manchester

How to visit Victorian writer Elizabeth Gaskell’s house in Manchester. Advice on how to get to the house at 84 Plymouth Grove, what to see and events.

22nd May 202015th July 2020 By helen

Gardens in Italy: 18 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.

10th May 202010th May 2020 By helen

Giardini la Mortella, Ischia: visiting a beautiful garden love story

Giardini la Mortella in Ischia is one of the great gardens of Italy. Its planting, and its setting in a natural gorge are stunning, but it’s the love story behind Giardini la Mortella that makes it so fascinating.

3rd May 20203rd May 2020 By helen

Visiting Castello Aragonese on the island of Ischia, Italy

Castello Aragonese is the top-rated attraction on Ischia and for good reason – castles don’t get much more dramatic than this medieval fortress on a rocky island. If you’re planning to go to Ischia and visit Castello Aragonese, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.