The Travelbunny

[Ad] We had a mini adventure at the weekend - because it’s all about making the most of the small moments right now. We took our @valiantfireside portable BBQ, 6 in 1 multi BBQ tool and on the go kettle for a beach BBQ. Valiant offer some fabulous lifestyle and outdoor products which are excellent quality and perfect for mini adventures and al fresco eating. The BBQ was lightweight and easy to carry with plenty of cooking space. The heavy duty charcoal burner quickly heated up and our sausages were soon sizzling away. It was easy to clean when we got home too. Hubby was the tong master with the 6 in 1 multi tool... the Swiss Army knife of BBQ world. Perfect for cooking on the go with a range of handy tools including tongs, knife, slice, corkscrew and all-important bottle opener! When the weather cooled we used the portable kettle and had a warming cuppa (I’m a true Brit!) The durable kettle has a 1 litre capacity and the fun whistling spout let us know when the water was ready. @valiantfireside are offering my followers a great discount. ⭐️ Use BUNNY20 for 20% off everything (first order) valid until 10th September to help with your own mini adventure. Perfect timing because we’re forecast some sunshine this week! Where’s your favourite al fresco eating spot? *Remember to dispose of your hot charcoal safely and responsibly* Check out the Valiant website BBQ collection - https://valiantfireside.com/collections/bbq

A few more shots of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight… Queen Victoria was enamoued by India and the Durbar style dining room displays this perfectly - what a room! This was where Victoria’s body lay in state before her funeral on 1901. If you could have a themed dining room which country would you choose? I might go for Morocco…

There’s a gorgeous walled garden at Osborne House. Stroll along beautiful pathways leading to secret arbours, rose gardens and hot houses and breathe the scent of lavender and a myriad of blooms. A lovely place for a wander during a visit to the house. Did you know about the walled garden?

A must-see on your trip to the Isle of Wight is a visit to Osborne House, the former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The Prince designed the property himself in the Italianate Style. The grounds and gardens are beautiful as well as the interior where you can step inside some of the state rooms. There’s a Swiss Cottage in the garden where the couple’s children played, a private beach with views over the Solent to Portsmouth where you’ll find Queen Victoria’s bathing machine… Would you like a holiday home like this…?

Isle of Wight Coastal Path views somewhere between Ventnor and Steephill Cove. We walked the coastal path from Ventnor to St Lawrence and back. It probably took us longer than it should with so many stops to check out the gorgeous views en route! This is just one of them. Have you been to the Isle of Wight?

Ouse Valley Viaduct aka Balcombe Viaduct in West Sussex is said to be the most elegant viaduct in Britain. 🇬🇧 The viaduct is 29m high with 37 semi-circular arches and is constructed from around 11 million bricks. 🧱 It opened in 1841 and carries around 110 trains a day. 🚂 If you’ve taken the train from London Victoria to Brighton you’ll have passed over the viaduct. Another viaduct fact I didn’t know is that there are more bricks below ground than there are above. Thanks to @daryll_1417 for that little gem! If you want to visit, park at Ardingly Reservoir and take a 25-minute walk through the countryside to reach it. Don’t park on the road nearby which is narrow and dangerous with very fast moving traffic. Scroll to the end for the out takes… 🙄 Like, follow and save this for later if you’re going to visit.

#ad We have a lovely view from our garden but… Our deck looks over a field which is gorgeous but brings with it a whole load of issues. Namely, horseflies, bugs, and wasps which means summer bites and stings are pretty much unavoidable. @Biteaway came to the rescue and sent me one of their chemical-free pens which quickly soothes bites and stings. A small ceramic disc quickly heats the skin to 51c and gives relief from itching and swelling in minutes. I’ve used it a lot and it’s effective and quick. No chemicals mean it’s suitable for pregnant women, children and allergy sufferers. One battery provides up to 300 applications. The Bite Away® pen is available from Amazon for £29.95 and from your high street pharmacy - check my stories/highlight for link to buy or copy and paste this url into your browser https://amzn.to/33q6wa2 or see highlights for swipe up I hope it helps with any summer bites and stings!

Ad/Gifted Whenever I go on a trip I love trying out the local gin. Our recent visit to The Isle of Wight was no exception! 🍸 I discovered @mermaidgin, a small batch gin, which is made on the island by @isleofwightdistillery 🧜‍♀️ This gorgeous gin is crafted using ethically sourced botanicals including rock samphire, grains of paradise and citrus. 🍋 A Mermaid Gin cocktail is as refreshing as a dip in the sea and is deliciously smooth with subtle layers of flavour. 🌊 The bottle is a gorgeous sea-green with mermaid scales that refract the light - definitely a keeper. Both the bottle and the packaging are eco-friendly from the plant based seal, to the wood and cork stopper and the glass. What’s not to love. 🧜‍♀️ There’s a range of cocktail recipes on their site that you might like to check out https://isleofwightdistillery.com/cocktails. Have a fabulous weekend!

Mediterranean vibes or UK gorgeousness? Who needs to get on a plane when we have this just a hop and a skip away. You don’t even need a car to get here. This gorgeous little spot is really easy to get to by public transport and your own two feet. Any ideas where it might be? Share with someone you’d like to visit with or save and like for later.

Ad/hosted If you’re staying at the gorgeous Eastbury Cottage then all the facilities at @theeastbury next door are ready to welcome you too - including this cute little spa which looks remarkably like a hobbit house - right down to grassed roof. You’re free to cosy up with a book in the morning room, take tea in the drawing room or battle over the baize in the snooker room. Don’t forget to order a drink or two in the cool cocktail bar or book afternoon tea in the private pod on the lawn. The award-winning gardens are waiting for you to explore or you can try out the lawn games like croquet or badminton. Don’t forget to indulge in the exceptional, two Rosette, Seasons Restaurant before you leave… Just a few days left for your chance to win a 2-night stay at the Eastbury Cottage. See doggy in the bath pic on the grid.

Ad/PR Trip/Hosted Have you been to pretty Sherborne in Dorset? Would you like to? Find out how you could win a 2-night stay in a gorgeous 17th century cottage in the heart of the town with @theeastbury. Find out how in my previous grid post - the one with @schnoodle_billie in the bathtub 🐩 🛁

{ GIVEAWAY CLOSED } Ad - I’m excited to have partnered with the fabulous @theeastbury following a recent multi-generational & dog friendly stay at The Eastbury Cottage at The Eastbury Hotel & Spa in historic Sherborne, Dorset. We’re bringing you the chance to win the ultimate Dorset Staycation for you and up to 5 friends & family – and your pampered pooch if so desired!…. the prize combines a 2-night getaway, inclusive of breakfast & dine like Kings & Queens one night of your stay sampling the 3 course A la Carte menu with local Sherborne Castle Wine. You are just going to LOVE this! In Detail: * 2 night stay in Eastbury Cottage for up to 6 people * Breakfast with a choice of dining in Seasons restaurant or have a hamper delivered to your door * 3 course dinner one night of your stay from the a la carte menu at Seasons, inclusive of a bottle of local Sherborne Castle Wine    To be in with a chance to WIN all you need to do is   > Like this Post > Follow our partners for this giveaway @thetravelbunny @theeastbury @cjhotelconsultancy > Tag a friend who you would love to share this experience with (one tag per comment, the more comments the more chances to win) > Share to your stories for an extra entry   Prize Terms & Conditions: Giveaway ends Wednesday 14th July the winner will be contacted by @thetravelbunny via DM and will be announced on Thursday 15th July in our stories. This competition is not affiliated with Instagram in any way.  Entrants must be 18 or over. Valid on stays until 31st March 2022, excluding Bank Holidays, Christmas and subject to availability. Prize is based on up to 6 people sharing, & is non- transferable, non-exchangeable. Travel not included

Ad/PR trip/hosted How pretty is Sherborne in Dorset? Medieval and mellow-stoned it has to be one of the prettiest towns in the UK. 😍 Have you visited Sherborne? If not, follow for news of an exciting competition to win a stay in the town. Find out more in tomorrow’s post. Be sure to follow so you don’t miss out…

I went to London yesterday for the first time since 2019. It’s been a while! I met up with friends and had a picnic in the park. While I was there I encountered a herd of beautifully crafted elephants in Green Park. This wonderful installation is by @coexistence.story The aim is to encourage appreciation of nature and get us to think about how we coexist alongside the animal kingdom and celebrate our connection with all living things. Have you found the herd! They’re in Green Park and Regents Park atm. Photo by the lovely @melbtravel

Ad/gifted Old Harry Rocks, Dorset Here’s me wearing my new TOG24 tech t-shirt. It’s ideal for summer hikes as it wicks away any moisture leaving you cool and dry. Perfect for our hike to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset. TOG24 is a UK brand based in Yorkshire who create high-quality, well-made clothing which is perfect for the outdoor adventurer as well as being practical and stylish too. TOG24 stands for “Truth Over Glory Everyday” meaning they are all about outdoor gear for the everyday whether it’s walking the dog or outdoor fun with friends and family. Looks like I’ll be glad of my @tog24official waterproof jacket on my staycation to the Isle of Wight later this week! Do you have any staycation plans for the summer?