November 26, 2024

All About the Belfast Christmas Market: My Favorite Holiday Activity in Ireland!

Sara Markets, Northern Ireland, UK Belfast, Christmas, Ireland, Northern Ireland 0 Comments

All about the Belfast Christmas Market, one of the best Christmas markets on the island of Ireland

It is officially feckin’ COLD here in Ireland, and Christmas season is in full swing! The pubs are decorated, the Christmas lights are up, the nights are long, and the festive vibes are everywhere!! And that means it’s time for one of my favorite holiday activities…visiting the best Christmas market on the island of Ireland. The Belfast Christmas Market!!

Going to the Belfast Christmas Market has definitely become one of my favorite holiday traditions since living in Ireland. I’ve gone every year for the last few years and I have a blast every single time I go! Even though Dublin also has a Christmas market, I always make a trip to Belfast during the holiday season to visit this market because it’s so fun! So, here is everything you need to know about the Belfast Christmas Market from a gal who truly LOVES it!

(more…)

Marvelous Markets pt 5: Brick Lane Market, East London

February 9, 2024

Brick Lane Market: East London’s Best Market That’s Actually 5 Markets All Rolled into 1

Sara England, Markets, UK 0 Comments

It has been a MINUTE since I’ve done a market post! But this may be THE SINGLE BEST market in London.

I recently went to London (which is like the GOAT when it comes to markets, in my opinion) and checked out yet another amazing markets the city has to offer – Brick Lane Market in East London. Every market that I’ve been to in London has been so fun and unique, and Brick Lane was no exception! If you’re looking for a cool market in London, or even just a free activity in London, you should definitely head to Brick Lane! Especially if you’re into markets with vintage clothing and food. Plus, there’s parts of the market open SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! That’s right – you can check out Brick Lane Market whether you’re in London on a weekend or a weekday!

Let’s take a lil (virtual) walk around Brick Lane together!

(more…)

October 19, 2023

A Unique (and FREE!) Activity in East London: Stepney City Farm

Sara England, UK 0 Comments

Stepney City Farm – a really fun and free activity in East London

Have you ever been wandering around central London and thought to yourself – “you know what I’m in the mood for right now, a FARM”? Ok, ok, probably not. But you probably HAVE wanted something cheap and cheerful to do, right? Perhaps something kind of off the beaten track? Something unique and not “touristy” (which in London can be hard to come by)? Something FREE (which ALSO can be hard to come by in London)? Wellllll dear readers, have I got just the place for you (said in the voice of Stefan from SNL #IYKYK): Stepney City Farm in East London.

(more…)

September 5, 2023

Notting Hill Carnival 2023 Review

Sara England, Gigs + Festivals, UK free things to do in London, Notting Hill Carnival, things to do in London, UK Festivals 0 Comments

So last weekend I went to London for the first time since BEFORE COVID. It’s always been one of my favorite cities, so I don’t know how it’s been so long since I’ve been there. Especially since it’s only a 50 minute to 1 hour flight from Dublin!

It was so nice to be back in one of my favorite cities. It also happened to be a Bank Holiday in the UK and as per usual, there was soooo much going on in London for the weekend. And it worked out that one of the events happening was something that I had heard of and have always wanted to experience for myself: the Notting Hill Carnival!

Here’s a review of how my day at Notting Hill Carnival 2023 went down.

(more…)

Game of Thrones tour - day trip from Dublin

June 28, 2016

The Game of Thrones Tour from Dublin

Sara Europe, Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK Dublin Day tours, Dublin Day Trips, Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland, tours 4 Comments

I felt it was topical, being that the season finale of Game of Thrones aired here yesterday (I’m STILL in shock), to talk about the recent Game of Thrones tour I did departing from Dublin! Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, it’s a great option for a day trip from Dublin filled with scenic stops at castles, forests, and coastal viewpoints.

There are TONS, and I mean TONS, of options for day tours from Dublin. Whether you want a quick tour of the local area or a 10-hour day tour going across the country, there’s something for everybody.

And there’s even something for Game of Thrones fans, like this great Game of Thrones day trip leaving from and returning to central Dublin, bringing you on a long journey of different Game of Thrones sites in Northern Ireland.

May 25, 2016

Bath, England: A 1-Day Itinerary

Sara England, Travel, Travel Guides + Itineraries, UK Bath, Bath England in 1 day, England, Things to do in Bath, weekend trips 8 Comments

Sometimes, you just need a little weekend getaway. Especially for those of us who have to be working adults, a quick little trip is a great way for us to still keep our wanderlust in check and see new places, but also not get fired from our jobs for taking too much time off. OK fine, by “we” I’m talking about me.

I for one am always browsing airline sites to see about cheap flights and deals. From Ireland the quickest and cheapest flights, and the most frequent flights, are to the UK. So, after some browsing and researching, I decided to make a little “hit it and quit it” trip to Bath, England. It seemed small enough to explore in a few days, it was cheap and easy to get to, and it looked beautiful.

Well, turns out you can see the best of Bath in just 1 day, and here’s a guide of things to do in Bath, England to help you make sure you don’t miss anything!

(more…)

March 22, 2016

4 Must-See Summer Events in the UK

Sara Gigs + Festivals, UK summer, summer events in the UK, things to do, UK, UK bucket list 7 Comments

Summer is arguably one of the best times to visit the UK. Like Ireland, the UK really comes alive in the summer. Not only are the British Isles blessed with beautiful countrysides and delightfully temperate weather in the summer months, they’re also home to some of the best summer events and festivals in the world. These are just a few picks from my own bucket list of fun, must-see summer events in the UK that everyone should check out on their next visit!

(more…)

February 9, 2016

Marvelous Markets, pt. 4: Camden Market – London

Sara England, Markets, UK best London Markets, Camden Market, things to do in London 9 Comments

Ah, Camden Market. Where do I even begin? Oh, I know…this is one of my favorite things to do in London. I make sure to stop by every time I’m there. Honestly I’d go as far as saying it’s the best market I’ve ever been to. And that’s saying a lot, because I’ve been to a LOT of great markets. London has a lot of amazing markets which are all great if you’re looking for free activities in London. But Camden Market is one of my favorites!

A maze of food, souvenirs, vintage, trinkets….my actual happy place. There’s something for everyone here, and you could all day wandering around the web of vendor stalls and shops.

(more…)

January 26, 2016

Walking in (Hyde Park’s) Winter Wonderland // London

Sara England, UK Christmas in London, Hyde Park, London at Christmas, review, Winter Wonderland 16 Comments

Dublin is currently rainy and miserable due to the leftovers of Storm Jonas and getting warmer the day. So, I can’t stop thinking about drier and colder weather not too long ago during my Christmas trip, and how much I want to go back!

I already gave a bit of a spiel about my wonderful Christmas holiday in London. Bbut I thought I’d hone in on one particular activity a little more that was a highlight of the trip. And that is Winter Wonderland in Hyde park – an absolute necessity for anyone visiting London over the holidays.

With carnival rides, ice villages, Bavarian beer gardens, market stalls, and food offerings, it’s the perfect way to spend a crisp day in the capital city, and definitely a fun thing to do in London if you’re there around Christmas!

(more…)

January 12, 2016

The Best Holiday in the Best City // Christmas in London

Sara England, Travel, Travel Inspiration, UK Christmas in London, London Christmas Day, things to do in London for Christmas, US expat 23 Comments

I’ve probably mentioned this many times before, but London truly is my favorite place.

I know it’s expensive…super expensive. I know it’s crowded. That housing is ridiculous. That living there probably isn’t as glamorous as it’s made out to be.

But still, there’s just something about it that I love. The history, the beauty, the parks, the accent. It’s all just perfect. And that is my honest opinion, as a tourist wearing rose-colored glasses of course.

I’ve been to London 3 times previously, but always during the summer. So this was my first time visiting not only during the winter, but during the holidays. And it’s no surprise at all that it’s just as wonderful, and even more magical, during the holidays. There just isn’t anything quite like Christmas in London.

(more…)