Poznan Poland: Smoke and Mirrors
Mark Bibby Jackson visits the university town of Poznan Poland to discover a place full of vitality where things are not always quite as they seem. “Look up there and…
Room2 Hammersmith: Home From Home?
En route to Istanbul, Mark Bibby Jackson checks into the room2 Hammersmith, sister property of room2 Southampton, a new concept in hometels, to see if a hotel truly can feel…
Berlin Bauhaus Off-the-beaten-track
Coinciding with the hundredth anniversary of the highly influential movement, Mark Bibby Jackson sets off in pursuit of Berlin Bauhaus away from the norm. Bauhaus was possibly the most influential…
Explore the Hidden Saxony Wine Trail
Steep wine terraces, a very special grape variety and wine growing going back to the 11th century – the Saxony wine trail is a treat not just for wine lovers, with enchanting …
Zeche Zollverein – the Metropolis of the Coal Mines
Mark Bibby Jackson visits UNESCO World Heritage site Zeche Zollverein, Essen to discover an amazing transformation that would have impressed Fritz Lang. As I ride up the escalator to the…
Things to Do in Sacramento California in 48 Hours
Whether visiting Sacramento as part of a California road trip, or taking a city break for a long weekend, this 48-hour guide to things to do in Sacramento will take…
Istanbul City Break: An Enigma in Time
On an Istanbul city break, Mark Bibby Jackson discovers a vibrant place on the cusp of Europe and Asia that is perpetually re-inventing itself. As a Liverpool fan, memories of…
Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux: A Royal Delight
Mark Bibby Jackson takes time off from his Speyside whisky tour to celebrate the delights of the Balmoral Hotel’s Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux, and savours every moment of the…
Filling Your Boots on a Speyside Whisky Tour
Partial to the odd wee dram, Mark Bibby Jackson joins Rabbie’s Speyside whisky tour to discover how little he knew about a decent single malt. “There are only two types…
Champneys Henlow Grange: Luxury Spa Breaks
Mark Bibby Jackson takes an overnight spa break at Champneys Henlow Grange for a pampering experience that leaves him feeling thoroughly rejuvenated. My previous experience of visiting a spa or…
Studley Castle: Everything But the Bullocks
Set in the heart of England, Studley Castle is Warner Leisure Hotels’ first new venture in 20 years. Mark Bibby Jackson accepts an invitation to see what all the hype…
Marching Against the Tide in Transnistria
On his trip to Moldova, Mark Bibby Jackson visits the Victory Day parade in Transnistria, meeting a hospitable people at odds with the rest of Europe, yet clinging on to…
Moldova Wine, Communism and Underground Monks
Mark Bibby Jackson explores the former Soviet republic of Moldova, surprisingly discovering – and indulging in – a variety of Moldova wine. I never visited the Soviet Union, a family…
Bowled Over by the Hilton at The Ageas Bowl
On a cricket-inspired trip to Hampshire and the docks of Portsmouth, Mark Bibby Jackson reminisces at the Hilton at The Ageas Bowl on cricketing feats past. I have to confess…
Hampshire: Cricket, Dockyards and the D-Day Story
Mark Bibby Jackson travels to Hampshire where he learns of cricketing tales of yore, seafaring adventures and discovers a most poignant reminder of man’s follies in the D-Day Story. Although…
Roatan Honduras and Banana Republics
Continuing his Central America travel adventure, Mark Bibby Jackson ventures to Roatan Honduras for adventures with dolphins and reminders of banana republics before returning to the wild Pacific in El…
Central America Travel: Pupusas and Garifuna Beat
Mark Bibby Jackson discovers a wealth of culture and history during his Central America travel through El Salvador and Honduras. Momentarily disregarding my middle-aged spread, I emerge from the turquoise…
Cornwall Holidays: A Step Back in Time
Mark Bibby Jackson returns to a scene in his youth to become reacquainted with the charms of Mevagissey and its windswept coastline while on his Cornwall holidays. In our pampered…
Orestone Manor: Fawtless Towers
Mark Bibby Jackson ventures to the English Riviera to sample the local fare at Orestone Manor, award-winning restaurant and hotel, wondering whether he will encounter an ill-tempered, moustachioed proprietor. I…
Jordan Ashley: Souljourn Yoga Retreats
Journalist and yoga teacher Jordan Ashley established SouljournYoga to fuse her love of travel, movement and women’s empowerment, establishing yoga retreats in remote locations such as Peru, Rwanda and Cambodia…
Kreuzberg: Berlin Stuck in the 80s
Tired of the conventional trappings of tourism Mark Bibby Jackson decides to wander the streets of Kreuzberg to discover another side of Berlin. Kreuzberg has the feel of Queens or the Bronx – not that I’ve ever…
Simon Albert: Charity Challenge
Travel Begins at 40 chats with Simon Albert, Director of Charity Challenge, which celebrates its 20th birthday in 2019 helping raise over £55 million for charity in the process. How…
St Ermin’s Hotel Westminster: of Spies and Shards
Mark Bibby Jackson returns to the scene of one of his previous crimes to spend a night in St Ermin’s Hotel in London’s Westminster to discover a building with a…
Served to You on a Plate in Shoreditch
Mark Bibby Jackson samples the fare at Plate Restaurant in London’s Shoreditch to see how inclusive Arnaud Stevens’ restaurant is. On a recent Facebook debate a fellow travel journalist asked…
