September had promised to stay fine, and so we headed off again for our second mid-covid trip, this time to Warwickshire. I’ve been to Stratford-Upon-Avon before, but other than that I didn’t know this area at all, so a couple of days spent exploring felt like just what we needed. We were staying at Winchcombe Farm, and it became clear pretty soon after arriving that we might not be doing as much exploring as we’d thought. Winchcombe Farm had … [Read more...]
About Samantha Priestley
I’m a full time writer based in Sheffield. I won the H E Bates competition and The Tacchi-Morris Prize for short stories. My chapbooks, Dreamers and Orange Balloon, are published by Folded Word. I have four novels published by independent presses and my third chapbook with Folded Word has recently been commissioned and is in the planning stage.
My first play, The Devil is in the Timing, was staged at the Bread and Roses Theatre in London by Primal Theatre, 2-6 April 2019
The Crown & Garter in Berkshire – My First Mid-Covid Trip
Deep in the Berkshire countryside, through winding narrow lanes, in a small village named Inkpen, there is a 17th century inn called The Crown and Garter. This inn has a deep and sometimes dark history, connected to a nearby gibbet high on a hillside that tells us of a time long ago when our punishments for crimes were brutal and ghoulish. But thankfully that’s all behind us and this is now an area of bright bursting flowers pots and English … [Read more...]
The Midland in Manchester, Former Railway Hotel, Now City Spa
The Midland Hotel in Manchester, England, was built in 1903 to serve railway passengers from the then Manchester Central Station, situated behind the hotel. Although the station is now gone and the hotel has been much refurbished, it remains the oldest purpose-built hotel in the city. One look at its gothic exterior as you approach, and you know this is going to be something special. I took my daughter for a spa break at The Midland last week, … [Read more...]
Winter in Windsor
We recently took a short wintry getaway in Windsor, home of the stunning 11th century Windsor Castle and famous for all things royal. But as we passed the large looming castle and the imposing statue of Queen Victoria, we decided to do Windsor differently. The fact is most tourists do visit for the castle, but if you’ve already taken a tour inside its fortress walls, it’s a bit beyond your budget, or the queues are just too much for you, … [Read more...]
Kirkby Lonsdale, The Dog Friendly Town
If you love historic English towns with stunning views, traditional inns, and a slow and leisurely pace, you’ll love Kirkby Lonsdale. If you love your dog as well, you’ll really love Kirkby Lonsdale! Kirkby Lonsdale is an historic market town in Cumbria, the north of England, and it is bursting with character. It’s quiet, it’s quaint, and it’s almost entirely dog friendly. We stayed at The Sun Inn, a 17th century inn with original features … [Read more...]
Art, Beauty, History, and Cuisine on the English Riviera
Along with my partner, I recently took a short trip down to the English Riviera where I found beauty, history, and the most incredible food! We were lucky with the weather, the sun shone the whole time we were there and the air was warm and balmy, but I imagine this place is almost as scenic when the weather isn’t as accommodating. This part of Devon is best known for Torquay, home of Faulty Towers, but we wanted something a little more off the … [Read more...]
Mellieha in Malta
It’s always difficult trying to find reasonably priced holidays in the summer school break, so when I spotted this package deal to Malta I snapped it up for me, my husband, Tom and my two daughters, Eva, 12, and Lily, 10. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as Malta used to have the reputation of being a destination for older holiday makers, rather than families, but it seems the island is trying to change all that. Our resort, Mellieha, has the … [Read more...]
Not Everyone’s Idea of a Family Vacation
'Where are you going this time?' my dad asked as he viewed the half packed cases lying on my living room floor. 'Barcelona.' I replied. He wrinkled up his nose. 'I've been there,' he said. 'Not really a place you'd take a holiday, is it?' Isn't it? I smiled at him, but I knew what he was trying to say. The same thing most of my friends and family say when I tell them where me, my husband and my two daughters are off to next. Not really … [Read more...]
In My Grandmother’s Footsteps
Ever since my grandmother died, taking the last living link to my Scottish ancestry with her, I have vowed to get off my backside, travel up country from my home in Yorkshire, England, cross the border and find my Scottish roots. My grandmother, whose maiden name was Angus, had always talked about this rather mythical place in Scotland where our family hails from. Nobody down here in England had ever set foot on our ancestral soil, although they … [Read more...]