Visit England's West Midlands

Broadway Tower, Broadway, Worcestershire. ©AP

I love the West Midlands in the heart of England, especially patchwork fields, walking trails, history, castles, villages, gardens, all things Shakespeare and the glorious countryside. My heart skips a beat whenever I see the sinuous outline of the Malvern Hills (the Sleeping Dragon) and to walk on them is magical. 

But in researching and developing my travel App, England's West Midlands, I've also channelled some family roots that are firmly planted in the heart of the industrial Midlands.

These include Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill and Dudley in the industrial Black Country where you'll find the fascinating Black Country Living Museum – think Peaky Blinders and much more. Also Coventry with its atmospheric old-meets-new cathedral.

Morgan Roadster, Malvern, Worcestershire. ©AP

Food? Yes, I'm a fan of the countryside's fresh produce, farm shops, some great pubs, lively cafes plus the outstanding, multicultural cuisine of Birmingham. Artisan distilleries, craft breweries and vineyards are outstanding in this region. 

I love Morgan cars, too, made in Malvern. Fabulous!

Ludlow is a foodie capital in Shropshire with specialty shops, cafes, pubs, while the entire Welsh border country is dreamy and atmospheric – perfect for country drives and exploring. 

My App dives into industrial heritage, leads you to vintage transport collections so symbolic of the Midlands, as well as many specialist museums, energised with interactive displays and dynamic exhibitions. Some such as Evesham's Almonry (below) are significant buildings and treasure troves in themselves, recording fascinating local history including the destruction of Evesham's great abbey.

In England my base is close to the North Cotswold village of Broadway and just a stone's throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. I love the black and white architecture and thatched cottages of the Midlands as well as the honey-coloured stone houses of the Cotswolds. 

The Almonry, Evesham.©AP

I'm also a short drive from Coventry, now emphasising its heritage with landmarks including the Telegraph newspaper building repurposed as hotels and accommodation, as well as heritage walks, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and the Coventry Music Museum. Coventry Cathedral has a very special place in my heart – my father was born in Coventry and loved the old cathedral and Holy Trinity Church next door, where he went to Sunday School. Take a guided tour to discover Coventry's secrets.

Meanwhile, Birmingham is regenerating its city centre with impressive buildings such as The Cube, home to Hotel Indigo Birmingham and Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse, Bar & Grill (think modern comfort food and champagne). Dishoom Birmingham promises Irani/Bombay fusion, all welcome. Bakeries and cafes reflect the mix of influences, there's fine dining and vegans and vegetarians will love Birmingham, too. 

The Cube, home of Hotel Indigo Birmingham.©IHG Hotels

The Library of Birmingham, affectionately called the 'Wedding Cake' is one of centre's signature buildings, while the Bullring & Grand Central shopping centres combine to create the largest city centre shopping complex in the UK. The Jewellery Quarter is historic and the home of 100 or so diamond dealers and jewellers, also cafes, bars and restaurants – multicultural Birmingham really loves its food! The best way to explore is on a walking tour such as the Birmingham guided city centre walk.

The Library of Birmingham.©Visit Birmingham

The Garrick pub, Stratford-upon-Avon.©AP

I might be the only one to think this, but I'm quite taken with the echoes I see in the Library of Birmingham's decorative exterior patterns and those of The Garrick pub in Stratford-upon-Avon, thought to be the oldest in town. Shakespeare himself may well have imbibed at the Garrick as it is very close to re-vamped New Place where he lived in his later years until he died. Of course Stratford-upon-Avon is a key Midlands' attraction, with much ado about Shakespeare and the beautiful houses associated with him and his family, including Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's Birthplace. Take a walking tour to disvover the highlights.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon.©AP

Major Rivers in the Midlands include the Trent, Tame, Avon, Severn and Wye (forming the English/ Welsh border for much of its length) and the area is linked by a network of canals built to carry freight at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Canal boat holidays are a rewarding way to travel through the countryside and right into the heart of towns and cities including Birmingham, Stourport-on-Severn, Stoke-on-Trent, Stratford-upon-Avon, Upton-upon-Severn. 

The Hatton Flight of locks, Warwickshire.©AP

Canal boat on the River Avon.©AP

And those castles, gardens, villages and stunning views? I've a real feeling that many people are craving a comforting sense of place and history right now and the West Midlands delivers. Visiting English country gardens in their many seasons is one of life's pleasures ...

Bourton House Garden. ©AP

... as is standing on vantage points such as the Malvern, Shropshire and Cotswold Hills to admire the patchwork fields and views across middle England. Broadway Tower is just one of my favourites.

Please download my Travel App to enjoy much more of the West Midlands, plan a trip, see the sights.

Link: 

England's West Midlands

Published by TouchScreen Travels.

My thanks to all who have helped me including the West Midlands Growth Company, Visit Britain, local businesses and attractions, PR and marketing companies, friends, family and associates and, especially, TouchScreen Travels.

Tasmanian Walking Company Announces World First: A 5-Day Guided Walk Uniting Australia's Northern Territory's Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk: "A desert journey into the heart of Australia and a trail that unites two geological icons, Kata Tjuta with Uluru ... it will become one of the great walks of the world."

Brett Godfrey, Tasmanian Walking Company co-owner and respected tourism leader.

Artist impression, Tasmanian Walking Company ©

In the beating central heart of Australia, the amazing, atmospheric Uluru and Kata Tjuta  are icons known the world over – and the breaking news of this particular desert journey certainly made my heart skip more than a beat! 

I've visited both places in the past as a travel writer, staying in all kinds of accommodation including basic camping, great resorts and the luxurious Longitude 131˙, close to Uluru but still all outside the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park itself.

The camping was a visit on an incredible road trip, en route to the Tanami Track, Broome, the Bungle Bungles, Gibb River Road and beyond, in the days when climbing Uluru, while not encouraged, was still permitted. The morning of the climb I had no doubts about my ability to scale the rock – I was young-ish, fit-ish and loved walking. Yet as I began to climb I had an overwhelming sensation of a force or energy holding me back. I simply could not proceed. 

Feeling rather puzzled (there were female tourists returning from the ascent in white stilettoes for heaven's sake), I left my fellow climbers and started to walk around the base of Uluru on my own. How magical was that? I was aware of Uluru's extraordinary energy but able to experience the perimeter's more gentle vibes – and I had no wish at all to stand on top. 

We continued to Kata Tjuta and the energy for me there was incredibly powerful, yet softer and more mystical. The formations are stunning and different parts are highlighted as the light changes from dawn through sunrise to sunset.

Katja Tjuta. Photo by Tourism NT  ©

Since then I have visited on several assignments, one to mark the opening of the first luxurious Longitude 131˙, with its ground-breaking, safari-style desert accommodation with views of Uluru. I was the lucky one who got to see the sunrise on Uluru from bed while my photographer husband was camped out on a sand dune pre-dawn in temperatures of -4˙, to capture the resort at sunrise. (Happily, the uber-luxurious nature of the property was such that a member of staff appeared at his side with his favourite coffee!) 

So now, reflecting on past visits, I 'get' the importance of this new announcement, a walk connecting Uluru and Kata Tjuta and with the opportunity to stay within a World-Heritage listed national park. 

Walking at sunrise with Kata Tjuta. Photo by Tourism NT ©

About the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk 

Tasmanian Walking Company is proud to announce a world first; from 2026, it's a five-day fully guided walk inside the grounds of the World-Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 

Developed in consultation with Anangu Traditional Owners, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management and Parks Australia, the all-inclusive experience will unite two of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Uluru and Kata Tjuta. 

Small groups of up to 14 will spend five days and four nights inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park learning about ancient Anangu culture and history, connecting with nature, and staying exclusively in environmentally sustainable accommodation.  

Tasmanian Walking Company co-owner and respected tourism leader Brett Godfrey, whose nine-year journey to bring the 54km walk to market, describes the experience as "a desert journey into the heart of Australia and a trail that unites two geological icons, Kata Tjuta with Uluru.”  “This journey started in 2015 when I walked with Traditional Owners for 150 kilometres from the South Australian border to touch Uluru seven days later. It was one of my life's great experiences, and it made me want to share this cultural phenomenon sensitively with anyone prepared to tackle the desert and immerse themselves in Anangu history.

Heath Garratt/Tasmanian Walking Company ©

“In my view, it will attract an international market and become one of the great walks of the world,” Mr Godfrey said.  The multi-day Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk starts in the shadows of Kata Tjuta’s giant dome formations and arcs east, traversing an extraordinary landscape along remote desert trails, cresting red dunes, and through mulga woodlands. Over five days, there are art workshops, lessons in land management practices, and daily three-course meals, many under night skies lit up by stars from the Milky Way.  

"For most of the journey, visitors will trek in full view of the two rock formations, both remnants of millions of years of Earth’s history. Carrying only a day pack, they will stay in spectacular eco-sensitive retreats and be guided by the knowledge of those who have walked the land for tens of thousands of years before them,” Mr Godfrey explained. 

“The ultimate destination is Uluru, a geological wonder deeply associated with Aboriginal culture and intrinsically etched into the Australian identity. “This walk has been a decade in development, but 500 million years in the making.”  

Uluru. Photo by Tourism NT ©

Chair of the Anangu Steering Committee – Tapaya Edwards says: 

“My people have lived on this land for more than 30,000 years and we welcome visitors from all over the world. This walk invites them to slow down, to look beyond the physical beauty of our home and to take time to learn about the customs that are so important to us.   

“We hope that over five days, they will better understand our stories and our art, respect our traditions and land management practices and help us protect the environment. By walking in our footsteps and on our trails, they will also come to see that our ancient culture is still very much alive today.” 

Managing Director of Tourism Australia, Phillipa Harrison says:

“International travellers are increasingly on the lookout for tourism offerings with a focus on wellness, adventure and cultural experiences so the opportunity for a multi-day walk through the heart of Australia will no doubt be highly sought after.

“When the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk launches in 2026 it will provide a unique five-day experience that combines learning about the world’s oldest living culture with the experience of one Australia’s most recognisable natural wonders.

“Uluru and Kata Tjuta are bucket list experiences for so many international travellers and there is no doubt many will be keen to see these iconic sites as part of the new walk through the World-Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.”

Heath Garratt and Vincent Nipper Anangu Senior.
Photo by Tasmanian Walking Company ©

 

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Marie-Clare Boothby says:

“Congratulations to the Tasmanian Walking Company on launching the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, it will be sure to be a popular hiking trail for adventure visitors to the Territory and marks the second offering in the NT joining the Larapinta Signature Walk that opened in 2022. 

“Some 1.6 million people travelled to the Northern Territory last year including almost 191,000 international visitors, with more than half visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta to experience its natural beauty and connect with Aboriginal culture. The Territory Government through Tourism NT is delighted to be able to work alongside Anangu and Tasmanian Walking Company to market this exciting new world-class, nature-based experience.

“The five-day walk will create a platform to promote the Northern Territory’s ancient culture in Central Australia and drive direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local Anangu community.” 

More Information

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk commences in April 2026 and marks the second offering in the Northern Territory for the Australian Walking Company, after the company launched the Larapinta Signature Walk in 2022.  

For more information about the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk and to register early interest, visit Tasmanian Walking Company 

Click HERE to read the full itinerary for the new Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk.  

Source: Press Release.

Night Sky over Kata Tjuta. Photo by Tourism NT ©

Legendary Jazz Pianist and Composer Mike Nock inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame

 

Love Mike Nock's music and so pleased to hear/see this. Great film! 

"Mike Nock is an icon of the Australian and international jazz scenes. In a career spanning more than 65 years, including 25 years in the US, he has worked with the world’s top jazz artists and garnered a swag of awards, including being inducted into the Australian Jazz Hall of Fame. His discography of more than 35 albums, recorded with his Trio, Quartet, Big Small Band and many other collaborators, includes ARIA, AIR and Jazz Bell awards, but 'Hearing' is his first solo album since the chart-topping ‘Touch’, released 30 years ago almost to the day, in 1993. Its 13 tracks reveal the many colours and moods that can be conjured from keys of a piano, and prove again Mike Nock’s incomparable genius as both composer and performer." Extract from 'Hearing' Press Release, 2023.

"No one does wistfulness better than Mike Nock. Although perfectly capable of evoking infinite moods and feelings at the piano, he does wistfulness with distinctive unsentimentality. It’s the kind of sadness that might be expressed with a half a wry smile, and is always couched in beauty because Nock, above all, is an aesthete who has ever greater command over his art." Extract from John Shand's Sydney Morning Herald  review of Mike Nock's solo album, 'Hearing', 2/8/23.

For more about Mike and his music, see Mike Nock. 

Mike often plays at Sydney's Foundry Six One Six Jazz Club and you can buy his many albums, including 'Hearing', from stores including Birdland Records. 

ALDI Holidays: Special Buys take to the skies

I love this!  ALDI aficionados know just how irresistible some Special Buys™ can be. Take my recent canvas painter's dropsheet buy, for example, despite no painting jobs on the horizon. Was I pleased/vindicated when friends dropped in unexpectedly and the dropsheet doubled as a tablecloth, covering the uneven surface of our outdoor table savaged that week by sulphur-crested cockatoos!!

But a world away from table linen and cockatoos, there's exciting travel deal news for ALDI high-flyers – and it's refreshing to see a company addressing this sector. Here's what they say:

In a first for Australian supermarkets, ALDI is the destination to book your next holiday! Get ready, set… pack for your next adventure as ALDI’s Special Buys have received a first-class treatment upgrade with the ALDI Holidays' online portal (see below).

From Wednesday 2 October, Australian shoppers will be able to plan their next vacation with a suite of exclusive ALDI escapes, cruises and tour deals. Bringing value to the travel category, these holiday deals still have all the frills attached with options including room upgrades, tours, customisable experiences and flights at some of the most sought-after travel destinations around the world.

From just $449pp, ALDI says its first drop of packages include picturesque escapes worth shell-abrating, from Surfers Paradise to The Whitsundays or even to Fiji, Thailand or Hawaii. Also  sea-sational cruises around the Pacific Islands or Japan and a range of 10-day tour options and awesome adventures to South Africa, Europe or China! 

Rodney Balech, Group Director, ALDI Australia said: “We are excited to be taking off in a new direction to make planning and booking a holiday a more enjoyable experience for Australians and in our signature, Good Different way with ALDI Holidays. This service, in partnership with Ignite Travel, will unlock incredible value and help all types of travellers create truly unforgettable experiences.

“With ALDI Holidays we’re bringing our Special Buys to the skies, offering savvy travelers premium holiday options. From budget-friendly bliss to extravagant escapes, there are different levels of luxury for every keen explorer,” said Mr Balech. 

ALDI Holidays

Source: Press Release, ALDI

Images: Courtesy of ALDI

Places to stay on Australia's Sunshine Coast: Think boutique heritage, hinterland farmstays, a tiny place, coastal resorts – and Richard Branson's Makepeace Island

I loved the story of UK Post Office campaigner Alan Bates' marriage on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands so much it made me cry. The private island's famous owner Richard Branson not only hosted Alan and his partner Stephanie, but also officiated at the ceremony. Class act! Coincidentally, I received a press release about what's new for Australia's fabulous Sunshine Coast this spring. Class act! Included was a reminder that Richard Branson is also an owner of Makepeace Island there. 

Makepeace Island

The heart-shaped, private island resort has just re-opened to the public following extensive refurbishment – think new bathrooms and furniture, a new tennis court and barge – catering for groups up to 22 guests exclusively, with three two-bedroom villas and four private rooms with ensuites in the Bali House. 

Dining, Makepeace Island

But Makepeace is only part of the story as the Sunshine Coast is buzzing with news from delicious boutique hinterland hideaways and farmstays to refurbished coastal stays. Also, new immersive animal encounters with seals, penguins and whales, and a new helicopter tour taking guests to new heights. 

New heritage homes open their doors

Elsie's Cottage. Photo: Hannah Puechmarin.

Despite being built in 1916, Elsie’s Cottage opened for guest stays for the first time last month. This enchanting hinterland retreat is named after the youngest granddaughter of Joseph and Alice Dixon, pioneers of the Sunshine Coast in the 1800s. The cottage has been lovingly restored by Joseph and Alice’s great-great-grandson Matthew Clarke and his wife, Sarah. Sleeps four with two exquisite ensuite bedrooms and panoramic views over the Blackall Range to the coast. 

Montville Estate

Following a luxury re-design, the entire Montville Estate (c.1895) is now available to guests, offering a large original homestead and a private, self-contained luxury cottage on the sprawling 1.5 acre property. 

In the Gympie Region, an atmospheric cottage has been created out of the heritage building, The Wimberley (c. 1911), which was once part of Wimberley & Sons Grocery & Hardware Store in the hinterland village of Goomeri. Fully renovated and accessible, this two-bedroom boutique stay is the perfect base for exploring the rail trail and enjoying the region’s renowned local produce. 

Hinterland Farmstays

Thirlestane Farm

Thirlestane Farm is a quintessential farm worker's cottage renovated to an exceptionally high standard with an adjoining newly built barn set in 28 acres of peaceful rolling hills in Cooroy, just 20-minutes’ to the stunning beaches of Noosa. Sleeping up to eight, these two properties are ideal for families or small groups to escape to the country to relax and soak up the serenity of the farm – complete with Highland cows! 

Seven Peaks Farm 

Nestled just 50 minutes away from both Sunshine Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport, Seven Peaks Farm Stay in Beerwah is a tranquil retreat with six modern private cabins and a family cottage with superb views of the Glass House Mountains. This area is known for its gourmet food trail, craft breweries, distilleries, hiking, mountain biking and scenic drives.

Tiny Ahana. Photo, Doe and Deer Photography

Into The Wild has launched their second tiny home on the Sunshine Coast, Tiny Aahana, perfect for tranquil family getaways. Sleeps up to six guests with all the amenities, including an outdoor bathtub. 

Refreshed coastal stays

Ramada Marcoola

Ramada Marcoola Beach is undergoing a $2million “Hamptons-style” refurbishment of 24 of its holiday apartments and hotel rooms. Construction has started to transform the rooms with a classic coastal theme. 

Glen Eden Beach Resort is located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most in-demand villages Peregian Beach. Located just 10-minutes’ from Noosa with direct beach access, the resort is under new management and being given a fresh new look with refurbished public spaces and furnishings. 

In Mooloolaba, Mirra Chana resort is the perfect beachside getaway with direct access to Mooloolaba Beach and only a short walk from The Wharf Mooloolaba. The resort's beach-level three-bedroom apartments have undergone impressive renovations with deluxe bathrooms and full-sized kitchens. 

Attractions & tours

Oceanview Helicopters is set to launch a new ‘Picnic on a Peak’ experience that will provide the ultimate aerial tourism and local food experience on the Sunshine Coast. 

Oceanview Helicopters, Caloundra

New immersive animal encounters

Mooloolaba’s SEA LIFE has launched a new ‘behind the scenes’ Ultimate Animal Experience, while Epic Ocean Adventures has launched a first-of-its-kind whale encounter with ocean kayak tours. 

Food & drink

Established by two mates with a passion for fine spirits, Hayden Mokaraka and Trent McEvoy will open Buderim Distilling Co on Ocean St, Maroochydore, later this month. 

Glasshouse Plantation has reopened after renovations complete with a working coffee farm for a full farm-to-cup coffee tasting experience, all accompanied by stunning Glasshouse Mountains views. 

Events

Big Pineapple Music Festival 19 October, one of Australia’s most-loved outdoor concerts. 

Pop & Pour Festival 26 October, is a one-day brewery and distillery adventure.

Source: Press Release Visit Sunshine Coast 

Culinary treats, Makepeace Island, Sunshine Coast.

Read more about the Bates' wedding on Necker Island here.

Namia River Retreat, Hoi An, Vietnam: Wellbeing Meets Sense of Place

Namia River Retreat, Hoi An, Vietnam

There's a newcomer to the prestigious luxury wellbeing sector and it's already making a great impression with its themes of cultural wellness and Vietnamese herbology. Namia River Retreat was introduced to a group of us in the glorious setting of the Sydney Botanic Gardens on a sparkling, if cool, sunny day. The harbourside gardens are large enough to almost lose yourself in but, as I remarked to a colleague, I really wouldn't mind that at all. 

The Retreat's presentation was delivered by the travel industry's revered Donna Campbell and her description of the pools, the cuisine and Namia's proximity to heritage Hoi An already promised a very special experience. Then she mentioned the 90 minutes of wellbeing therapies and treatments included daily in the cost, and we were hooked.

The truly delicious Vietnamese lunch served in a crescendo of sharing plates at Botanic House, where the Asian cuisine is crafted by Ambassador Chef Luke Nguyen, forged further ties with the at-this-point intangible Namia. As in, I feel I know it even though it doesn't open until December 2024. 

I've been fortunate to experience a selection of the world's great spas and wellbeing retreats in the course of magazine roles including that of Health & Beauty Editor, and as a travel writer. So I know how blissful it is to be pampered, revitalised and nourished in a setting where you can feel a sense of place, to retreat and not lose but find yourself. 

Connecting with and embracing the local culture of Hoi An means that wellbeing really will meet sense of place at Namia River Retreat.

And I really wouldn't mind that at all.

Read about it here:

Namia River Retreat

What they say:

"Namia River Retreat is a quintessential Hoi An experience not to be missed!! Thoughtfully crafted with out-of-the-ordinary cultural journeys and wellness-inclusive therapies inspired by Vietnamese herbology. This is truly a new way to explore this lantern-lit ancient town  for those seeking a deeper connection to the people and culture. Return home to the luxurious comforts of a private pool villa, hyper-local Hoi An dining experiences, and stunning pools set amidst indigenous landscapes overlooking the Thu Bon river."

They're out! Rock orchids at our place, Wollombi, NSW

Our Sydney Rock Orchids (Denbdrobium speciosum). Photo © Alison Plummer