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Essex

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HOTELS THAN PROMISE AMAZING FAMILY MEMORIES

Check Out My ’48hrs in Essex’ Itinerary…

A whole weekend in Essex? You lucky thing. Whether you’re travelling alone, with your family or are preparing for a romantic getaway a deux, you’re spoilt for choice. Where else can you find countryside charm and city chic within a stone’s throw of each other?

Read 48hrs in Essex…

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Hi, I’m Katie – Girl About Essex

I’m here to shine a light on our gorgeous bit of the country and bring awareness to all the amazing things it has to offer. I live slap-bang in the middle of Colchester, which is Britain’s oldest recorded town, or perhaps city – but that’s another story. Colchester is great. I’m a pop culture geek – and culture geek in general, actually. I’m a cinema addict and a total bookworm and am as likely to be reading a biography of Charles Dickens as catching up on the latest episode of TOWIE or Made In Chelsea. Also partial to a good Netflix series – any recommendations, please send them my way! … READ MORE >>

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June 23, 2020

A lovely family day out in the school holidays with many activity workshops. Lots to see here, and v...

June 22, 2020

13 of my favourite places to dine al fresco in Kent...

June 20, 2020

Five of our favourite restuarants in London offering lockdown meals. We've got your Saturday night s...

June 20, 2020

Wondering where to go for some of the best food and drink in the UK? Wonder no more – the Girl Abo...

June 19, 2020

The very best places to dine al fresco in Derbyshire this summer. From coffee and cake, to classic p...

June 19, 2020

There’s no shortage of places of dine al fresco in Sussex. With over 90 miles of coastline and an ...

June 19, 2020

A really good afternoon tea served in one of Halifax’s hidden gems. This boutique bar and restaura...

June 18, 2020

It may not be the biggest city in Scotland, but with its history and romantic beauty, it’s no wond...

June 17, 2020

Step into the world of playwright George Bernard Shaw on this tranquil walk in beautiful Hertfordshi...

June 17, 2020

5 ideas for places you could visit for Father's Day in Hampshire this year. The options may be more ...

June 17, 2020

From the bustling city of Brighton to the rolling chalks hills in the South Downs, Sussex is the per...

June 16, 2020

Here are 3 great North Yorkshire restaurants with lovely outdoor space, that promise a memorable Alf...

June 16, 2020

According to research, it takes the equivalent of four working days to plan a jolly. Over 30 hours ...

June 16, 2020

It may not be the biggest city in Scotland, but with its history and romantic beauty, it’s no wond...

June 15, 2020

Based in one of York’s finest and only 5-star hotels, The Cookery School at The Grand, York offers...

June 14, 2020

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June 13, 2020

Tomahawk Steakhouse offers the finest Himalayan salt dry aged steaks, Wagu and other local meat, del...

June 13, 2020

The home of Bombay Sapphire gin. Book a cocktail masterclass, self-guided tour or just visit for a d...

June 12, 2020

Nestled in one of the city’s hidden gems of Fossgate packed with independent shops, cocktail bars ...

June 12, 2020

A round up of the best lockdown food delivery options in and around the Chesterfield area of Derbysh...

June 12, 2020

The last restaurant I went to pre-lockdown and it didn't disappoint ...

June 11, 2020

A variety of beautiful walks in Kent that everyone can enjoy....

June 11, 2020

For those looking to escape as soon as they are allowed out from lockdown, here’s some Harrogate a...

June 11, 2020

One of the things I love most about Bradford is you can quickly go from the city centre to out into ...

June 11, 2020

3 of Bradford's museums are offering different experiences which you can experience from the comfort...

June 11, 2020

A whole weekend in Essex? You lucky thing. Whether you’re travelling alone, with your family or ar...

June 10, 2020

In the middle of the cool Northern Quarter in Manchester is the Foundry Project. We booked for a bo...

June 10, 2020

Want to discover some of Essex's most beautiful beaches this summer? Get inspired with our round-up ...

June 10, 2020

Get out and about with your family with the Girl About pick of the best days out and attractions ope...

June 10, 2020

Think truffle tagliatelle, beetroot gnocchi and coal-fired red and white pizza at this stylish venue...

June 8, 2020

A roundup of the five best family-friendly places in and around Leeds, that myself and the little on...

June 7, 2020

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June 7, 2020

Grind in Clerkenwell is an Instagrammable restaurant but it's not just pretty photos the food is exc...

June 5, 2020

Our Girl About pick of the best alternative beauty spots to visit right now across the UK, from Esse...

June 1, 2020

What a fab location overlooking the Abbey....

June 1, 2020

Harrogate is a spa town of the tallest order. Visited by royalty and the rich back in Victorian time...

May 30, 2020

North Yorkshire is the largest county in England by area so I could have quite easily given you enou...

May 30, 2020

When I first saw Palaette pop up on my Instagram feed, I instantly knew I needed to check it out. I ...

May 25, 2020

If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to visit the gorgeous country that is Italy and experience th...

May 25, 2020

We’re always on the hunt for a quirky venue for date night. Don’t get me wrong, crazy golf is fu...

May 25, 2020

Whether you are looking for something relaxing, or adventurous, you can find a variety of things to ...

May 25, 2020

Leeds is one of the biggest, boldest and best cities in the UK and has an incredibly rich and divers...

May 24, 2020

The Harbour Master in Aberaeron is a very unique boutique hotel. It’s also home to an award-winnin...

May 23, 2020

Few places can rival York for its character, culture and cocktails. York has always been a popular c...

May 23, 2020

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May 21, 2020

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May 20, 2020

This was one of the first places we dined at when we first moved to Leyburn and coming from a seasid...

May 18, 2020

Set in 100 acres of stunning woodland with one of the largest collections of shrubs and trees in the...

May 17, 2020

For all you Yorkshire Gin lovers out there, this one’s for you! Brewtown Tours provides microbrew...

May 16, 2020

It’s fair to say bonding is not the first thing anyone thinks about when they’re booking their h...

May 15, 2020

Situated along Ramsgate harbour this is a great spot for lunching and brunching with friends!...

May 9, 2020

We’re always on the hunt for a quirky venue for date night. Don’t get me wrong, crazy golf is fu...

May 9, 2020

On the ground floor of a wonderful South Bank hotel and overlooking the Thames is Sea Containers. It...

May 8, 2020

Before you read this review, put your phone down and go book a table at Blacklock. There are three v...

May 8, 2020

Rutland may be England’s smallest county but it is bursting with action, fun and flavour, which is...

May 7, 2020

Kent is easily reached from London by high speed and boasts beautiful countryside and stunning coast...

May 7, 2020

Sheffield is low-key, humble with a relaxed and friendly vibe, but without a doubt exciting and infe...

May 6, 2020

Here at Girl About, we love a beach and we love our local areas, so our Blog Squad have pulled toget...

May 6, 2020

Made up of a whole host of historic towns, cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages and even the odd ham...

May 6, 2020

The Peak District is famed for its stunning scenery, fascinating history and quaint little market to...

May 5, 2020

You might be surprised to discover that Bradford is the 5th largest city in the UK. Which is why wh...

May 4, 2020

The prestigious Relais & Châteaux status was slapped on Grantley Hall in Ripon in North Yorkshire i...

May 2, 2020

Chances are, by the time we emerge from lockdown and are allowed to travel freely around the country...

April 30, 2020

There’s really no surprise that St. Albans is frequently cited as one of the best places to live i...

April 25, 2020

Horses for courses, but I'm not one for booking with travel agents and tour operators. I've pretty m...

April 21, 2020

There’s no better place to start my Travel Truths Series than with the star rating system used by ...

April 13, 2020

Liverpool is a vibrant and fun European destination and a brilliant place to spend time in. This sco...

April 11, 2020

There are the ‘usual’ places to visit when you’re in London. The tourist traps, the things to ...

April 11, 2020

Book a stay at one of these glamorous glamping sites and you’ll experience all the wellbeing benef...

March 2, 2020

Say hello to Veganuary! Here are ten amazing vegan places to eat across Yorkshire! Whether you’re ...

March 1, 2020

When three of my absolute favourite things in life are rolled together into one glorious experience ...

February 29, 2020

Bolton Abbey itself is a wonderful 12th-century Augustinian monastery which sits beside the River Wh...

February 29, 2020

There’s something to be said for the simple things in life – family, friends, sleeping under can...

February 5, 2020

Why I loved The Kitchen at Manor House at Lindley in Huddersfield A really decadent ‘ladies wot l...

January 31, 2020

Grays Court in York is perfect for romantic, special occasion dining – leave your gaggle of girlfr...

January 31, 2020

We loved that we could see our city through new eyes and had a chance to explore places old and new ...

December 11, 2019

A truly unique “day date” experience that we’ll remember for a long time. It was very well org...

December 11, 2019

Because Kelham Island Food Tour showcases Sheffield at its best. It captures the city’s love of fo...

December 5, 2019

Thursday night a couple of weeks ago and my Dad was in town. My step-mum had gone to an ABBA event a...

November 30, 2019

I am a pub girl through and through and a glutton for a good, hearty menu. Forever hunting out new ...

November 30, 2019

The saying goes ‘Life isn’t perfect, but your hair can be,’ and being a busy mother with a mil...

November 29, 2019

And it wasn’t just any old shoe, it was a bespoke, hand-made kitten heel she had decoupaged using ...

November 24, 2019

A passionate family run business that serves up the tastiest tiramisu I’ve ever had. Throw in the ...

November 20, 2019

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November 20, 2019

West Midlands Safari Park is a great day out for any age. There is a huge range of things to see an...

November 19, 2019

The Peacock at Rowsley offers fine dining done properly. The historic building houses an elegant, re...

November 2, 2019

Thyme Café is the perfect balance between eating in a nice establishment, without feeling awkward f...

October 24, 2019

I love the fact that it’s a smokehouse first, restaurant second. The smokehouse has been around fo...

October 8, 2019

Husband and Wife ran, LA-Pop is situated in the up and coming Edgbaston village. Upon walking throug...

October 8, 2019

I’ve pitched up our tent and camped at Catgill Farm campsite just a stone’s throw from Bolton Ab...

October 5, 2019

I signed up to become a StrongHER ‘Warrior’ for four weeks. After the second week, I signed up f...

September 30, 2019

Nestled in the heart of gorgeous Dedham (also known as ‘Constable Country’ after the work of the...

September 30, 2019

Exploring the different heat and ice experiences with various aromas and a calming atmosphere worked...

September 25, 2019

The real ‘behind-the-scenes’ of small-batch gin production, whilst sampling (lots of) very nice ...

September 17, 2019

It’s a fun-filled day out for the whole family. There are stacks of outdoor play areas, which the ...

September 13, 2019

I love a spa. I love everything about it: the unashamed decadence of spending time doing very little...

September 12, 2019

Hidden in the heart of the East Village, part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and just a stones ...

September 12, 2019

I decided on Billy Bob’s Diner in Skipton on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales as the venue for Fern...

September 3, 2019

We’ve been coming to the Tickled Trout fairly regularly ever since moving to Chesterfield three ye...

August 31, 2019

If having to care for a tiny baby with no prior knowledge and no handbook for the first time wasn’...

August 31, 2019

As I sat on the sprawling lawn, my one-year-old daughter squealing with delight as she rolled down t...

August 24, 2019

The last few weeks in London have been GLORIOUS sunshine. Even me, the most unlikely woman to ever g...

August 23, 2019

We had such high expectations of The Deep. So many people have given us glowing reviews, I did wonde...

August 22, 2019

Daisy at Camp Katur in North Yorkshire reeled off the list of accommodation options to me over the p...

July 31, 2019

The vibe, the diversity, the enthusiasm of the owners and of course, the food. It helps that the own...

July 30, 2019

Found yourself with an hour or two to wile away? Head to Dice & A Slice in Colchester – home to a ...

July 28, 2019

Elegant dining with flavour combinations you will not have eaten elsewhere. Stunning attention to d...

July 28, 2019

Rudy’s is a great all rounder and it's a new family favourite of ours!...

July 28, 2019

Soak up the seaside atmosphere at one of Yorkshire’s outdoor pools, reservoirs, freshwater beaches...

July 23, 2019

I chose the captivating little country of Sri Lanka as the destination where would celebrate our 10t...

July 1, 2019

A weekend at Casa Turnilla Yoga Retreat in the picture-perfect Spanish town of Estepona on the Costa...

June 22, 2019

It’s an afternoon treat that’s smack bang on my doorstep. Being able to walk to such a lovely pl...

June 15, 2019

I don’t think it’s too dramatic to declare that coffee flows in my veins. Okay, maybe it’s a b...

June 6, 2019

Why I Love The Mount Royale Hotel. The Mount Royale Hotel is just a stone’s throw from York city c...

June 6, 2019

I love that the Manor House in Lindley is near enough for a quick overnight getaway but that as you ...

June 5, 2019

A floral archway leading to shabby chic décor. Wooden floors and lots of fake foliage and street ar...

June 5, 2019

I’ve been coming to Darleys for well over a decade and have NEVER had so much as a disappointing c...

June 3, 2019

Being somewhat incompetent with maps myself, what appeals to me most about this big, circular walk i...

May 30, 2019

With the school holiday’s approaching, we have rounded up our top ten favourite child-friendly wal...

May 26, 2019

When you think of Manchester you don’t tend to associate it with botanical gardens. It’s always ...

May 23, 2019

What I like best about Odyssey Greek restaurant is that it genuinely feels like you’re holiday! No...

May 23, 2019

I love it because I may be a grown-up but I felt like I could be a big kid in there, but with a cock...

May 23, 2019

If you live in Halifax you’ve probably driven past Wainhouse Tower and not realised that for a few...

May 20, 2019

An atmospheric, if slightly bachelor pad-style interior, a huge selection of steaks, attentive waiti...

May 16, 2019

It starts in the much loved Endcliffe Park, so a great meeting point if doing the walk with others. ...

May 14, 2019

The Devonshire Arms at picture-perfect Bolton Abbey on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales is one of Yor...

May 10, 2019

I love that The Devonshire Arms Inn is only a 30-minute drive from Sheffield, yet we felt like we we...

May 4, 2019

Why I love it: Since becoming dog owners we’ve tried to find places that keep children and four-le...

April 30, 2019

Why I love it: Well, firstly Fountains Abbey a UNESCO World Heritage Site so expect to be totally in...

April 30, 2019

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April 26, 2019

My eyes darted back and forth as I stood on the edge of the most easterly point in North America. Sc...

April 25, 2019

Public transport and I haven’t always been best friends. Catching the “571” bus service to Bri...

April 22, 2019

That click-click of knitting needles was a familiar sound to me growing up. My mum’s a knitter. Sh...

April 15, 2019

Ye Olde Bell must have been listening to my prayers because it felt like I had literally won the gol...

April 11, 2019

My love for making things started when I was about 9 years old and friendship bracelets were a big t...

April 11, 2019

Ecclesall Road has been my stomping ground for over a decade, and although my years of whittling mos...

April 11, 2019

Afternoon Tea. It’s an iconic British tradition dating back to 1840. Anna Maria Russell, the seven...

April 11, 2019

It’s one of the places I recall people mentioning when I was a child. We holidayed every year on t...

April 10, 2019

TRAVELLING TO THE EDGE OF THE WILD NORTH ATLANTIC. There is an energy about this place that is indes...

March 12, 2019

With February half-term here, we’ve sought out the best child-friendly ice skating rinks across Yo...

February 20, 2019

Nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, a mere 15 mins from my front door, is a hidden gem ...

January 16, 2019

The Fox pub in Ilkley is my local. I can practically see it from my front door, but, I’ll be hones...

December 19, 2018

Tuesday is apparently the most depressing day of the week. The previous weekend feels like it never ...

December 7, 2018

We are, happily, very spoilt for choice when it comes to food in Leeds. The recent trend for street ...

December 4, 2018

Since I met Matt back in 2009 he’s been desperate to get me to go to Temujin up in Sowerby Bridge....

November 20, 2018

I peeled my teenager off my limb and avoided answering my husband’s concerns of who is doing the 3...

October 18, 2018

I visited the brand new Ivy cafe in the centre of Leeds last Tuesday – briefly and blissfully todd...

October 6, 2018

Celebrating 10 years of marriage at The Gilpin Lake House in Windermere Mr T and I loll lazily on t...

September 30, 2018

Diagnosed by the doctor as “too fat to fly”, my husband and daughter jetted off for a week with ...

September 28, 2018

Tucked away in the Grand Arcade of Leeds city centre there’s basically a time machine masquerading...

September 12, 2018

I’ve learnt two things today… 1) To always ensure that I have play-doh in my bag whenever I take...

July 30, 2018

It’s perfect for lunch with or without little ones, or worth a sitter if combining with a cinema d...

July 28, 2018

When my stepdad announced that he’d hired a barge for the entire family to celebrate my mum’s bi...

July 25, 2018

Now THIS is a great gift for the man in your life. If you want to be flavour of the month this Sund...

June 12, 2018

...

June 6, 2018

I needed some proper R&R. My aching body was crying out for a long luxurious massage. My mental hea...

May 13, 2018

It would certainly be swallowed up in London – hidden in the shadows of Le Gavroche, Alain Duccass...

February 1, 2018

...

January 24, 2018

Helmsley is the Knightsbridge of Yorkshire Market towns, not least because it’s home to two of Yor...

January 15, 2018

When the female bartender at an elegant country boutique hotel in a picture-perfect North Yorkshire ...

January 15, 2018

If you like to hike, then you’re in the right place. There are a plethora of walks for all, whethe...

January 7, 2018

A proper posh Yorkshire Dales treat in a setting straight out of Mary Poppins High Tea comes with a...

August 18, 2017

I swore last May when I returned from our first family camping trip in Keswick in the Lake District ...

August 9, 2017

Two weeks ago I purchased the final plane ticket of three so that Mr T could join me on a work trip ...

July 8, 2017

...

June 6, 2017

Celebrating 10 years of marriage at The Gilpin Lake House in Windermere Mr T and I loll lazily on th...

February 10, 2017

I still get the occasional wobble of uncertainty – was it the right move? Should we have stayed in...

February 3, 2017

The quaint cobbled Dickensian streets of The Old Town with alleyways, yards and passages by all sort...

January 1, 2017

We couldn’t contain ourselves as we laughed hysterically at probably the most fitting of all the r...

December 20, 2016

A trip to the North Pole on The Train To Christmas Town There’s a lot of really rubbish Santas ar...

December 5, 2016

The Chevin Forest in Otley is just moments from our house in Menston, West Yorkshire and is one of t...

November 13, 2016

My girlfriends and I thought nothing of throwing sixty quid each at several bottles of Veuve on a Th...

August 30, 2016

Now imagine being strapped to that chair, on the coldest, wettest August day on record, whilst not o...

August 20, 2016

I’ll be honest, when I was invited to spend a night in a hotel in Newcastle – this was not what ...

August 15, 2016

Aside from the horrific journey from Leeds to Cornwall (and worse still, the return journey which th...

August 3, 2016

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were rocking up at a sushi bar with a name like a Wapentake; th...

June 14, 2016

You can’t miss the Victoria Hotel; it’s perched proudly on the cliff tops of Robin Hood’s Bay ...

April 10, 2016

And the Cow & Calf – Ilkley, West Yorkshire. When I’m feeling blue, all I have to do is take a l...

March 21, 2016

Well short of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John making an appearance, the owners of Billy Bob’s...

March 14, 2016