Team Thomas Travels

A London to Edinburgh road trip can be completed in around eight hours without traffic, but where's the fun in that? The route north is packed with incredible castles, ancient abbeys, dramatic landscapes and historic cities that make perfect places to break the journey. Instead of spending the whole day on the motorway, why not stop for an hour, stretch your legs, grab a coffee and discover somewhere new?

As the proud childhood home of Claude Monet and a marvel of concrete architecture, Le Havre offers a stark but spectacular contrast to the traditional timbered villages of Normandy. Here's our ultimate one-day Le Havre itinerary and visitor guide.

Saving money on car hire is not about luck, it's about thorough preparation and knowing the industry secrets. This comprehensive guide breaks down the ultimate insider strategies to help you save hundreds of pounds off your family car hire bill this year.

If you only have time for one tourist attraction in Belfast, it has to be here. This guide to Titanic Belfast and other key Titanic sites close by gives you the ultimate blueprint to exploring the world's most famous shipyard. Whether you are wondering if the newly redesigned interactive galleries are worth the ticket price, looking for the best insider shortcuts to beat the peak-season queues, or wanting to explore the historic dry docks just down the road, we have covered i

Unsinkable history: Follow the journey of the Titanic from the UK to Canada through 6 museums at key locations around the world.

With over 2000 half-timbered houses, links to Claude Monet and Joan of Arc and a world famous food scene, here's how to spend the perfect day in historic Rouen, France's only UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Less than half an hour's drive from the white sea arches immortalised by Monet, and about 75 minutes from Dieppe, Fécamp is the lesser known cousin of Étretat, dramatic scenery with half the crowds, connections to William the Conqueror, Claude Monet, and the highest white cliffs on the Alabaster Coast. In fact, many savvy travellers are now choosing Fécamp as their primary base for exploring the region.

While many art lovers dream of visiting the iconic lily ponds at Giverny, there are plenty of other easily reachable locations that will enable you to extend your trip into a kind of Monet pilgrimage, along the rugged Alabaster Coast, through the medieval streets of Rouen and the bustling port and elegant beaches of his childhood home, Le Havre. This itinerary connects the dots between his most famous masterpieces and the real world landscapes that inspired them, from Étretat

If you are heading to Rouen for the Joan of Arc festival next week or simply have an interest in her incredible story, there are several key sites you shouldn't miss. With her commemorative day falling on May 10th this year (the second Sunday in May) and the city’s major festival taking place between May 14th and 16th, it is an ideal time to visit. This self-guided walk around the essential sites in Rouen's city centre focuses on Joan's final months, covering her famous tri

Step into the beautifully bleak, remote setting of Wuthering Heights on this classic Haworth walk. This route offers some of the most atmospheric views in the Pennines and follows the very paths the Brontë sisters trod as they dreamt up their literary masterpieces. We walked this route in April 2026 and it's a lovely half day, leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of Haworth's highlights, including the Brontë Parsonage Museum, St Michael & All Angels Church and the delig

If you are planning an English day trip, Lincoln offers a perfect blend of heritage and character. We recently spent a day exploring its medieval streets, one of the finest cathedrals in the country, and a castle containing an eerie Victorian prison museum. From ancient Roman ruins to the calf-straining climb of Steep Hill, here is our guide to the top things to do with one day in Lincoln.

Planning a trip to Athens in 2026? After our recent city break, we have put together the ultimate three day guide to help you navigate the capital. From the best way to tackle the Acropolis to finding the city's best souvlaki and secret basement tavernas, this itinerary balances the famous ancient landmarks with the local spots that make Athens so special. We have also included a strategic guide to the new ticketing system so you know exactly which sites are worth the entry f

Buxton is best known for its thermal springs, Georgian architecture and prime location as the perfect base to explore the Peak District, but it also has a brilliant range of places to eat that cater to both locals and visitors. As the highest market town in England, the food scene focuses more on independent, reliable eateries than flashy chains. Whether you’re looking for a traditional tea room, a proper Sunday roast, a decent pint or some indulgent fine dining, this guide i

We’ve been lucky enough to visit some incredible places over the years and there are plenty that we’ve loved for different reasons. But to make it onto our ultimate short list, there’s one question that matters more than anything else: would we go back? Life is short, the world is big and there’s always somewhere new to explore, so going back to the same place twice has to really be worth it - and these five cities absolutely are.

To truly appreciate the scale and symmetry of the Parthenon, you need height. You want to get level with it, or even above it. After 4 days of exploring the best vantage points in Athens, here are our 6 favourite Acropolis viewpoints to capture that iconic silhouette.

If you’re ready to trade a good night’s sleep for a night of paranormal investigation in a haunted hotel, these five rooms are the 'gold standard' for timber-framed terrors. From jilted brides to dueling cavaliers, these spots are famous for things that go bump in the night.

If you’re searching for that storybook English look - those gorgeous black and white half-timbered houses with crooked timber frames, overhanging upper floors and whitewashed wattle and daub walls - this guide is for you.

Southampton is a great choice for an easy, rewarding day trip and so worth exploring: Beyond the busy harbour lies a city rich in medieval history, maritime heritage and fascinating Titanic connections. Whether you have a full day to explore or just a few hours before boarding your ship, you’ll discover there’s far more to Southampton than simply setting sail.

Looking for a UK city break that isn’t York, Bath or Edinburgh? We have 10 stunning destinations for your next memorable getaway, all packed with history, culture, great food and far fewer crowds. Whether you want a culture-filled weekend, a relaxed wander through cobbled streets, a coastal escape or a base for exploring the countryside, these brilliant underrated UK city breaks deliver culture, character and plenty of surprises.

Visiting Bayeux while the Tapestry Museum is closed? Discover historic sights, WWII landmarks, food, hotels and day trips that make Bayeux well worth visiting.

Just a short tram ride from Manchester city centre, Salford Quays has transformed from an industrial dockland into a vibrant cultural waterfront. Whether you’re a football fan heading to Old Trafford, a soap opera enthusiast visiting the Coronation Street cobbles, or a history buff exploring Tudor Ordsall Hall, there is something for everyone. Here is our guide to the 10 best things to do in Salford Quays, plus tips on where to eat, shop, and how to get there.

Slow down and experience the Great Ocean Road properly on this epic four day road trip from Warrnambool to Melbourne. From the iconic Shipwreck Coast and the Twelve Apostles to Otways rainforest walks, glowworms, wild koalas and surf coast towns, this complete itinerary covers the highlights alongside hidden gems.

Celebrate Galentine’s Day in London 2026! Discover 10 fun, indulgent, and unforgettable activities for friends, from Dubai chocolate workshops to roller discos, champagne and cheese lunches and afternoon tea in one of London's most famous landmarks.

Wrapped in a loop of the River Severn, medieval Shrewsbury boasts the UK’s best high street, favourite market, and the highest concentration of timber-framed buildings in the country. Whether you are following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, exploring the haunting Victorian prison or standing over the grave of Ebenezer Scrooge, discover 20 amazing reasons why this Shropshire star is officially one of the happiest places to live and the perfect choice for your next English

Love is in the air and London is serving romance in all its forms. From immersive art experiences and floating hot tub cruises to chocolate cocktails, foodie treasure hunts, and rooftop drinks in Covent Garden, these six Valentine’s Day date ideas prove that London is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Whether you’re planning a first date or celebrating long-term love, here are six fun, unforgettable ways to spend Valentine’s Day in London.

Swapping the airport for the "slow boat" to Spain is a game-changer, but packing for a 33-hour crossing requires a bit of strategy. To help you hit the sundeck as quickly as possible, we’ve put together the ultimate cabin bag checklist. From whale-spotting binoculars to the right plug adaptors, here is everything you need to keep within arm’s reach while your main luggage stays tucked away in the car.

We recently swapped the plane for a two-night crossing from Portsmouth to Santander with Brittany Ferries, and honestly? It felt more like a holiday than a transit. From watching the sun set behind the Spinnaker Tower to spotting whales in the Bay of Biscay, this 33-hour journey is filled with little luxuries. With no luggage limits, pet-friendly cabins, and the newest LNG-powered ships in the fleet, it’s the greener, stress-free way to start your Spanish road trip.

Travel doesn’t have to stop when you have a toddler! From carry-on sized cots to all-terrain pushchairs, here is the tried-and-tested gear we use to explore the world as a family.

Now that Jamie is 2, flying looks a little different. We’ve traded "infant perks" for paid seats, but we’ve mastered a new strategy for maximizing our gear. From "nappy math" and emergency pasta pouches to the sleep cues that actually work at 30,000 feet, here is exactly how we fit a travel cot, pushchair, and a very busy toddler into our carry-on allowance without losing our sanity.

Let’s be honest: travel is undeniably more complicated with a little one in tow, but it’s entirely possible to keep your sense of adventure (and your sanity) intact. Here are our top tips for travelling with a toddler!

We successfully visited the DMZ with our two-year-old, proving that this unforgettable historical experience is absolutely possible for families. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right tour, what to expect and what to pack for a worry-free day with kids of any age.

The ultimate guide to 20 free things to do in Seoul on a budget! Explore traditional Hanok villages, watch the Changing of the Guard, visit stunning temples, and enjoy city views for zero won.

If you're planning a trip to Carlisle, Cumbria, this is the guide for you! With a fascinating 2000-year history, beginning as a mighty Roman garrison at the western end of Hadrian's Wall and later evolving into an epic Medieval Castle town, Carlisle is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the beautiful Lake District, visit the outstanding Roman frontier forts of Birdoswald and Vindolanda, or simply break a journey up to Scotland.

Everything you need to know about London Zoo's ZooTown, an incredible new immersive play area for 3-8 year olds celebrating curiosity, learning through play and of course, a love of wildlife and conservation. Following a U-shaped route around the building, youngsters can step into the action-packed world of zookeeping and conservation, from vet to TV presenter, exploring 12 different beautifully detailed themed play zones full of costumes, props and fun hands on activities.

If you read our suggestions for a one-day Aberdeen itinerary, here it is expanded into a two-day adventure, with more museum suggestions, places to eat and a wider overview of this fascinating city. Whether you're breaking a journey up Scotland's east coast or using Aberdeen as a jumping off point to visit the Shetlands, you can easily fill a rewarding day or two before catching your ferry.

Unique interactive play zones and parks, specialised museums, immersive art spaces, farms, and mini-zoos. All designed specifically with tiny travellers in mind!

If you're heading to Dieppe next week to see its famous Kite Festival, you might be wondering what else there is to do in this historic port town in Normandy. The good news is: lots! From wonderful art museums to outstanding seafood restaurants, two stunning churches, and some key historic sites relating to the Normandy Campaign in WWII, whatever your interests, you'll have a wonderful time on a Dieppe mini break.

From landing on Juno Beach on D-Day to the fierce fighting to liberate Caen and Rouen and the decisive final battle to close the Falaise Gap, Canadians left an incredible legacy on French soil. Today, an official 400km memorial route has been created by the tourism boards of Normandy, Dieppe, Caen la Mer, and Lens to honour the sacrifices made by Canadian troops in France.

Tired of the same old pub? Looking to impress that special someone? We've tried out three of London's most charming and effortlessly chic bars, perfect for a romantic evening that feels just a little bit 'bougie'. From bubbly and cheese to decadent chocolate cocktails, these spots are guaranteed to make your next date night feel extra special.

With its outstanding museums and galleries, magnificent Victorian shopping arcades and a diverse food scene that caters to every taste, Leeds is the perfect destination for a British city break.

Planning a family day out in London with your toddler? While the big-name zoos get all the attention, for a truly special experience with little ones, you can't beat Battersea Park Children's Zoo. This charming and intimate zoo is the perfect size for toddlers and young children, offering a relaxed and engaging day of discovery without the long walks and overwhelming crowds of larger parks. It's a perfect first zoo experience! Here's why this hidden gem is a must visit for yo

After a decade of ambitious plans and tireless work, Norwich Castle has been magnificently reborn. Travel back 900 years into a sumptuous and unbelievably colourful 12th century royal palace. Explore England's most accessible castle from Battlements to basement entirely step free and don't miss the outstanding new Gallery of Medieval LIfe, in partnership with the British museum.

Thought Aberdeen was just grey? Think again! Our blog reveals the true beauty of the 'Granite City,' from its historic buildings and award-winning museums to its serene parks and fantastic food scene.

Inverness offers some fantastic dining experiences, from traditional Scottish fare to casual pub grub options and independent breweries where you can enjoy a pizza and a pint. Some venues even host live Scottish music!

Inverness, gateway to the wild and romantic Scottish Highlands and jumping off point for the iconic NC500 road trip is most famous for the resident monster in nearby Loch Ness - and while you should definitely include a cruise on these mysterious waters in your itinerary, there are lots of other amazing things to do in and around Inverness to really flesh out a city break. Here are a few ideas to help inspire your planning:

Planning a city break to Tallinn with a little one? We just got back from our trip with Jamie, who's about to turn 18 months, and let me tell you, it's a wonderfully family-friendly city! While a medieval Old Town might not immediately scream "toddler paradise," we found plenty to keep our little adventurer entertained. Here are some of the things Jamie absolutely adored, and our top tips for making your trip smooth:

Full of amazing Victorian architecture, an home to an award winning children's museum and one of the most amazing buildings we've ever seen, here’s how to make the most of one day in this fascinating northern market town, Halifax!

Tallinn's medieval Old Town is one of Europe's finest and proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can easily spend a day wandering through cobblestone lanes that wind past beautifully preserved pastel-coloured houses, all culminating in the grand Town Hall Square, a historic hub surrounded by mighty stone walls and defensive towers. It's no wonder that Estonia's capital is known as the Pearl of the Baltic.

What truly sets the Eat Like An Estonian experience apart at Tore Toit is that you are joined by chef Reilika herself for the duration, while she explains the recipes, when these dishes would typically be eaten, how she cooks for her own family and where the food comes from in the country.

Unlock breathtaking views of Tallinn's medieval Old Town and beyond! This comprehensive guide details 15 must-visit viewpoints, including the iconic Kohtuotsa and Patkuli platforms, historic towers like St. Olav's and Hellemann, modern perspectives from the TV Tower and Niguliste Sky Deck, plus unique spots like the KGB Museum and charming rooftop cafes.