Author Archives: Lesley Tan

Historic Hampton Court with Henry

6th July, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsFamily TravelHistoric BldgsLeisureParks-Gardens

Our son took us out for the day to Hampton Court Palace and Gardens. We had a wonderful time, just so much to take in: flower gardens, riverside, maze and the amazing palace. We did not go into the palace as it was a lovely summer’s day and there was so much to see in the gardens.

Hampton Court Palace has not been inhabited by the Royal Family since the 18th Century. It is located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Greater London. Our son drove us there and we had no problem parking inside the grounds.

Henry VIII was a keen and talented tennis player and you can visit the Royal Tennis Court where he used to play, quite fascinating!

Most visitors will come to see the beautiful gardens that run down to the River Thames, with lovely fountains and colourful flower displays. I particularly enjoyed the Rose Garden, Great Fountain Garden, Lower Orangery Exotics Garden and the Pond Gardens. One of the highlights of our visit was to see the Great Vine, the largest grape vine in the world, which was planted by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in 1769! This vine still produces sweet grapes which are sold in the palace shops.

The historic Hampton Court Palace building itself is a marvellous sight. I took many photos. We enjoyed ourselves very much and ended this great day out at a lovely old style pub for a drink and some food. I love Richmond, so quintessentially English.

A trip down Memory Lane

23rd June, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsFamily TravelHotelsPubs & BarsSightseeing

We used to live in London in the 70’s but moved away. Last year we took a trip back down Memory Lane. It was our younger son’s wedding which brought us back, a great event which took place in Richmond. My husband, elder son and I woke up the next morning with thoughts of spending the whole day visiting some of our old haunts and reminiscing about the “good old days”.

First we took an easy walk downhill from The Richmond Hill Hotel into Richmond itself, the views on the way down were beautiful. We took our lunch and had a drink in a quaint old world pub, then made our way to Richmond British Rail Station and took a train into London.

We got off before Hammersmith and took a walk around Ravenscourt Park where we used to live and I used to work in a pub, The Anglesea Arms. Loads of memories there, our son was born in Queen Charlottes Hospital which used to be nearby. We walked across Goldhawk Road and headed over to the Uxbridge Road area where we also used to have a flat. I must admit we got a bit lost at times.

Our next destination was the bustling area of Shepherd’s Bush with its famous green and amazing mix of cultures. We took a bus from there into the West End – the glorious, wonderful West End! My husband and I both used to work there for the BBC in the 70’s and have wonderful memories of the sights, shopping, nights out with friends, the parks, the shows and, of course, all of the fabulous tourist attractions: Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, China Town, the River Thames, Buckingham Palace and our old workplace, The Langham (BBC), which is now a very expensive hotel!

We wandered around as many of these places as we could then had a well deserved rest in a West End pub. What a great day out in London, felt so good to re-visit and re-kindle such wonderful memories – with a bag of crisps, a pint, and a glass of wine in hand, we three couldn’t have been happier!

Fog on the Tyne is all mine

15th June, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsFood and DrinkPubs & BarsShoppingSightseeing

I am from Geordieland, therefore, I am a Geordie! I love it and embrace it and I even have a Facebook group for Geordie Expats (of which I am one). I am from Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, which is a short train-ride from Newcastle. So, Newcastle is the nearest city and we all LOVE it.

Newcastle is a small city which sits on the north side of the River Tyne. It is recognised by some to be the Student and Party Capital of the North! Here are a few of my favourite places: St. James Park, which is famously home to Newcastle United Football Team, Jesmond Dene Park which is a lovely picnic and walking area, the Discovery Museum which is a great day out for the whole family, Newcastle Castle which can be seen from Newcastle Central Station and The Quayside. The Quayside is a fabulous place to walk around, stop and have a drink or a snack, take some photos or just sit and marvel at the views. There are several  bridges over the Tyne: the Tyne Bridge, the Millennium Bridge and the High Level Bridge being the most famous. These bridges have been built over the years for various purposes and are great locations for a photo when visiting the city.

Talents to come out of this great city, include legendary footballers Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne and Sir Bobby Robson and musically, one of my all time favourite bands, Lindisfarne!

There are plenty of things to do: night clubs, eateries, castles, gardens, chip shops and pubs. One very famous pub is The Strawberry, which is located right outside of St James Park!

Shopping in Newcastle is great, as it is not so very big, you can get around most of the shops in a day. We have all of the best shops right in the city centre, have you been to Eldon Square? If you want more – take a shuttle bus over to the Intu Metrocentre formerly known as MetroCentre, which is over the river on the Gateshead side. People travel from as far away as Scotland and Europe just to shop at Gateshead Metrocentre – believe me I used to work there, so I know!  When you have had your fill of shopping, then relax and have a drink in one of the many pubs when you have finished. I would recommend Union Rooms which is a Wetherspoons. It is very well known for being a great value for money place to eat and drink.

Yes it’s true, Newcastle was known for the fog in the old days, but there are loads of attractions to enjoy, I will post more soon!

Gainsborough Old Hall

8th June, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsFood and DrinkHistoric BldgsLeisureMuseums

Gainsborough Old Hall is over 500 years old. It is located in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, a beautiful town with lovely walks along the riverside. But the main attraction is the medieval hall not far from the river.  Our trip there was on a beautiful summer’s day. My husband and I were staying with our friends John and Jean and John drove us there.

The Old Hall has many fine features and is a great day out for the whole family. It is popular with school field trips too, as there are many activities for the children to get involved with.

This magnificent Hall with its medieval charm offers a cosy tea room which is decorated according to the hall’s history, so we stopped there first and I enjoyed a scone and a lovely cup of tea.

King Henry VIII visited Gainsborough with Queen Catherine Howard and there is a very interesting exhibit in the hall about King Henry and his many wives!

The Hall is big with lots of different areas to explore.  The Kitchen and Banqueting Hall are amazing and give a real insight into how people lived in those days.  The fireplaces are enormous and the central focus of most rooms for obvious reasons.  I found the ‘Ghost Corridor’ especially enthralling, though I didn’t spot any ghosts on this occasion. Apparently, there are a number of ghosts that walk the corridor in particular, the Grey Lady, who also haunts the tower!  The story goes that she was the daughter of the Lord of the Manor, who fell in love and planned to elope with a poor soldier. Her father found out and locked her away in the tower where she died of a broken heart. According to the legend, the girl’s spirit still waits for her lover to arrive.

The Gainsborough Old Hall is now a magnificent museum and one of the best preserved medieval manor houses in England.

A whole day out and well worth it!

The Highwayman came riding…

29th May, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

Food and DrinkPubs & BarsRelaxingRestaurants

The Highwayman came riding up to the old inn door, the Three Kings Inn. This lovely old world pub is located in Threekingham (pronounced Threckingham), which is both a village and parish 7 miles due south of Sleaford and 11 miles east of Grantham. It is an interesting old coaching inn, associated with the infamous Dick Turpin.

The Three Kings Inn and Restaurant is beautifully preserved with lovely gardens, and has very welcoming owners, Trish and Ian. They have built up this pub and cherishingly restored it to its present glory. Their aim is to offer an old English pub in traditional style with a balanced mix of local patrons, diners and tourists, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. Set in the quiet countryside, but not too far from connecting roads, it has its own substantial car park and caters for the handicapped.

Our friends John and Jean took my husband and me for a drink there when we visited them last year. Relaxing in the sunshine with a refreshing drink with the lovely owners in their impeccable gardens, we loved it!

The bar boasts many ales including locally brewed, the whole atmosphere has the charm and ambiance of a true Old English Inn. You may eat within the bar area or take advantage of the well laid out restaurant. I especially loved looking around at the old photos and paintings on the walls of the bar and restaurant.

For those visiting this part of Lincolnshire it is a must, a real hidden gem not to be missed.

A note from John…”Lovely old coaching inn run by Ian and Tricia. Named after three Danish kings killed in English battles. A pub not to be missed. A classic English inn.”

Gothic in One

15th May, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsBeachesHistoric BldgsHoliday LetsSightseeing

Whitby, in the Borough of Scarborough, Yorkshire, is somewhere I had visited when I was very young, and although I remembered having being there, and seen one or two photos, it was certainly not what I remembered when I revisited with my son.

We have very good friends who live there and rent out a cottage right next door to their own, these cottages have been lovingly restored from an old mill with a great history. Our friends, Marise and Gary Willoughby are Goths, and they embrace the ‘Dracula’ theme with passion. I had not seen my friends for a good few years since they visited Malaysia where I live now, so my son, who has always been enthralled with the ‘Dracula’ story, was very excited when I suggested a visit to Whitby to stay with them.

Whitby, situated on the mouth of the River Esk, is a haven for Goths, you will see them everywhere, there are many specialist shops too, selling Gothic outfits, jewellery, ornaments, paintings, furniture and bric-a-brac.

Our friends met us at the Whitby Train Station (we had changed trains at Middlesborough) and took us around the lower part of the town near the entrance to the River Esk, which is sheltered by the Grade II listed East and West Piers, where Count Dracula was reputedly supposed to have first entered the town (in a coffin). There is a spectacular view of Whitby Abbey and the East Cliff!

Our first stop was The Dracula Experience – a unique tour through the Dracula story and the connection with Whitby – loads of great fun in there!

We stopped to have a yummy fish and chip lunch in one of Whitby’s finest pubs, Duke Of York on East Cliff. It was very good and packed out. We also stopped at a quaint old alley way called Arguments Yard. You can walk down many of these alleys and take in the spectacular views of Whitby below. There are many lovely properties dotted around the cliff – what a wonderful way to wake up in the mornings with views like those!

Next my son and I climbed the steps to the top of the East Cliff where the ruins of Whitby Abbey are situated. The views of Whitby from there are fabulous. Marise and Gary drove up and met us at the top. Next they drove us around town in their open-top car and showed us more of the great sights, shops, themed B & Bs and the famous Whale Bone Arch – the photo opportunities are endless. We stopped for a while and had some ice-cream while soaking up the great views of the harbour from the other side of the Abbey, the West Cliff, which is near the Whale Bone Arch.

We also visited the outside of the house where Bram Stoker, the author of ‘Dracula’, wrote some of his work. There is a very imposing monument to Captain Cook here, it is interesting to see that the seagulls favour sitting on Capatain Cook’s head! There is also a very special memorial to a young Gothic girl who was murdered just for being a Goth.

On the way to Marise and Gary’s cottage we stopped in at a popular watering-hole along the way, a nice olde worlde country pub called the Hare and Hounds.  That evening we were treated to a great get-together with some of Marise and Gary’s friends. Their home is full of amazing Gothic, Whitby and Dracula memorabilia, every time you move your eyes you see something else – quite fascinating.

The next day we visited Robin Hood’s Bay, at the bottom of a very steep hill! Well worth the stroll down though, as this small, historic fishing  village is filled with lots of shops, tea rooms, interesting people and more great views.  At the bottom of the bay we took a look around the beach and enjoyed a very delicious Cream Tea. Then…the walk back up!!! Well, we did it, with a few pit stops along the way.

We are planning another trip back this year. We would like to explore the Abbey and see more of the town, and of course see our great friends.

Of course YOU could stay in their Cottage – The Old Mill – if you wanted to visit Whitby, it is well worth the experience, we certainly enjoyed it.

Magical Universal Studios

16th April, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsEntertainmentFamily TravelFunTheme Parks

Universal Studios on Sentosa Island in Singapore has just got to be the most amazing, magical place I have ever visited! It has all of the elements for a great day, or two, or even three, days out for the whole family.

We booked online many weeks in advance for the entry tickets, this would eventually save us a lot of money and time, as the queues can be quite long if you just turn up on the day.

There are a few ways to get there, we chose to go by coach and boarded at Harbour Front MRT Station. You can also travel by ferry, taxi or cable car, we chose to exit by cable car. Beware, you will be charged the return journey even if you travel only one way.

The views were magnificent from the coach as soon as we set off, but when we arrived there it was something else, the queues for tickets and parking were immense! Thank goodness we had pre-booked ours. We still had to queue up but although the queue seemed long, it in fact, took very little time.

When we approached the entry point, which was up an escalator from the massive car and coach park, we noticed the Singapore Sentosa Casino entrance, which is free for non Singaporean visitors and free non-alcoholic drinks are served (you need to produce your passport for this). At the top of the escalator we arrived in a wonderland of beautiful structures and surrounding this were many other areas, still in the making, but overall, the entrance to Universal Studios, well, I have been to Disneyland in the early Eighties, but this was something else! There were so many lands including, and I think ever adding on to, The Lost World, Far Far Away, Ancient Egypt, Sci Fi City, Hollywood, New York, Jurassic Park, Battlestar Galactica, Waterworld and Madagascar.

I think my best experience was travelling inside a Transformer (Leader One?) and defeating the enemy.  I also had my heart in my mouth when I went on the roller-coaster ride, which was like a Dragon’s back, whooooooo hooooo, so glad I did that!

We went on most of the rides but it pays you to buy a fast track ticket. Get there early, not just for queuing, but also because it usually rains in Singapore in the afternoons, when that happens, take advantage of the great offers in the bars and restaurants, believe me, they know you are coming.

We had a magnificent time at Universal Studios, with plenty of memorable moments and some smashing photos to take away with us. We have been there twice already, and no doubt will be back for moreI

Fabulous Forties in Lincolnshire

13th April, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

EntertainmentEventsFood and DrinkFunLeisure

Woodhall Spa 40’s Weekend! Every year I will plan a trip back home to Geordieland (I live in Malaysia), and I make it a point to either visit my good old mates, John and Jean, from Malaysia or meet them somewhere. They always plan great outings for me (and my husband, if he is with me) and one of the many was a visit to Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire. Not only is it a very interesting and picturesque town, it also hosts an annual ‘Forties Weekend’.

We arrived in good time and John told us it was sensible to park (walking distance) out of town, which we did. Once we were safely parked we started a nice amble down into the main part of the town’s festivities. I think it is safe to say, there was not a place we passed which had not taken on the theme of the ‘forties’. It was marvellous, cars from the forties were parked in a large area and snacks from those days were for sale all along the roadsides. Policemen, indeed, all of the forces were dressed according to the period, especially felt was the presence of the  ‘forties’ army, and there was even a stage with great musical tributes to this fantastic era!

A memorial service to those who lost their lives was especially moving.

We met a great couple who were really dressed for the part, they willingly posed for a photo, then the guy admitted he was addicted to dressing the part after meeting his partner. On closer inspection we did, however, spot a few earrings in his ear.

There were ‘forties’ side shows, caravans and hotels selling typical food and drinks from the era, best of all for me, the bacon sarnies with a cup of tea for around £2! Everyone was so friendly, the weather was brilliant and the market was great selling clothing, memorabilia, food and antiques all from, you’ve guessed it, ‘the forties’.  We ended this great day with a drink in the Lancaster Hotel.

A glorious event with a fabulous atmosphere, this is a terrific place to visit, particularly over this hugely entertaining weekend! I would urge anyone with an interest in our country’s past to put a visit on their list.

Beautiful Blooms and Plants of Malaysia

5th April, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

LeisureNatureParks-GardensTravel

Everyone loves to see beautiful flowers, whether in photos, or artwork, or in your garden. Here in Malaysia we have such a wonderful array of blooms that it is difficult to choose which to talk about.

Over the years I have lived in Malaysia I have grown, or tried to grow, many beautiful plants and flowers which I know would be impossible in the UK, but here in Malaysia, WOW!

I had never taken much notice of gardening whilst I lived in the North East of England, my dad took care of much of that, but after living with my in-laws and seeing how easy it is to grow and look after flowers here, I started to show a bit more interest.  Almost everyone has a beautiful display of blooms in their gardens, at any time of year. My sister-in-law, Kathleen Wong, plants most of the flowers in our garden now as I am too busy, but I still continue to be amazed by the beauty and cannot resist taking close up photos.

Malaysia’s climate of hot seasons, humid seasons and heavy rain makes it perfect for many species of exotic plants and flowers to grow.  For instance, Bougainvillea, Money Plant, Passion Fruit Flower, Rain Tree Flowers and a whole lot more.  So, if you are a lover of flowers, or simply a tourist visiting Malaysia, be sure to take in the abundance of colours and shapes and scents as the stunning flora will only enhance your holiday!

Photos taken by Lesley Tan and  Chang Yi.

Flowers mostly planted by Kathleen Wong and Han Mei Yen.

In Malaysia, beautiful Malaysia!

Got To Leave Old Durham Town

24th March, 2015 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsHistoric BldgsPubs & BarsTravelViews

Durham City, County Of Durham (in the north east of England) is built around the base and way up to the top of a high hill. The River Weir runs quite a way round the base and this means plenty of walks to enjoy, and spectacular views!

If you arrive by train, get off at Durham Station, which is built high up, cross the road and start taking beautiful scenic photos from a deliberately convenient platform.  From this point you can see almost the whole of beautiful Durham.

Start the walk down the steep hill to the outskirts of the city and you will probably want to take photos all the way down, as I do.  We make day trips here most years and never get tired of it.  Cross the River Weir by a lovely bridge and there are more beautiful photo opportunities of the river.  You will then be in the part of the city where the roads start to rise steeply.  On the way up you will pass many shops, attractions and restaurants with a few flights of steps leading back down to the picturesque river and an old market place.

Continue your ascent and maybe take a small break in “The Most Haunted Pub” in England! Although the bartender had a smoking break outside and left us alone in the pub, AND we dared each other to go into the toilets, we didn’t meet any ghosts!

As you reach the top there is a final corner to turn and then the wonderful sight of Durham Cathedral and Castle meets your eyes. The Castle is used for functions and the massive Cathedral is still in use as a House of God.  The Cathedral is very old and we have spent many a happy day exploring the inside, entry is free of charge.

We usually take a pleasant walk back using the pathways down to the riverside where we find another quaint pub or restaurant to relax in before we head home, or we may opt to stay in a cosy B & B to finish off our visit, even if our train ride back to Newcastle takes only 12 minutes!

“I’ve got to leave Old Durham Town” and “the leaving’s gonna get me down” – words from the hit song Durham Town by Roger Whittaker – always make me think of this place and my dad loved the song and the city, so it really brings happy memories for me.

This beautiful, city, steeped in history, is well worth a visit at least once in your life but I’ll bet once you have seen it you will want to return, so put it on your “Bucket List”.