Just a little update on me - I have now finished my year marketing internship ready for starting my final year of university in September. I am trying to get a little bit of a summer by doing things before I go back to studying. The first thing I did after finishing was visiting one of my friends, Robyn, who lives up in Lincoln and goes to university there.

It was very hot there and I had to put sun cream on because of how pale I am so it kind of felt like a holiday, we’ll call it a staycation as that’s where it’s at at the moment! If you want to read more about travel, see my favourite travel destinations. I am living in Wiltshire at the moment so it took about 3 hours and 20 minutes to drive there, but I felt like it went pretty quickly.

Day 1 in Lincoln

After arriving in Lincoln, we had a walk along Brayford Waterfront and took some cute pictures. We then walked up the steep hill to the cathedral. There is a reason why it’s called steep hill and it is not an exaggeration! But once you get up there the views are pretty good, and there are lots of cute, independent cafes on the way up.

It was quite a hot day, so we had to go back to shower and get ready before going out for the evening. We booked into Zizzi for dinner and it was a Monday so we got that Eat Out to Help Out discount! After that, we went to the Slug & Lettuce for some cocktails. That was the first time I had been out for drinks since the lockdown and it was actually a lot less scary than I thought it would be.

Bars do seem to be closing earlier now than what they used to. So, after leaving Slug & Lettuce we got some end of the night food from a chip shop. I had to try the cheesy chips and gravy because I’d never had it before being a southerner and they were so nice even though they looked kind of gross. Proper comfort food. I have to say, the north does takeaways better.

Day 2 in Lincoln

Day 2 was a chill one after a busy first day. We had a lie in and went to McDonald’s, classic after night out food. After that, we went to Boultham Park, which was really nice. We sat by the river and saw lots of cute ducks and swans. Again, I had to put on sun cream for this.

Once we had sat there for a while, Robyn wanted to show me round her uni so we walked around Lincoln University which was quite cool, it was really quiet though due to it being summer and Covid-19. I like nosying around other universities so I can compare them to my own.

In the evening, we just chilled and watched some TV because I was getting up early to leave the next day. It was one of the hottest days when I had to leave and my car has no air conditioning so I left at 8am to try and get home before the hottest point of the day.

I really enjoyed going to Lincoln and really want to visit more places in the north as I haven’t been to that many places up there. It is such a pretty place and I hope to go there again soon.

Where is your favourite place to visit in England? Let me know in the comments! Special thanks to Robyn for letting me stay with her and looking after me so well.

Join my mailing list for exclusive content an resources here.

Looking for more day out ideas in the UK? Read all about my trip to Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset.

Wool of the King

Join my mailing list for exclusive content and resources here.

Guest post from Liz Loves. This post includes affiliate links so I will earn a small commission if you buy through these links. I have put asterisks next to the products linked. Please see my disclaimer for more information.

*Women don't owe you pretty, Florence Given 

I pre-ordered this book nearly a year ago because I am obsessed with Florence. If you don’t already, I would highly recommend following her on Instagram. She is so empowering and inspiring and her book talks about how a lot of society is often designed for the benefit and gain of men. She explains how women are often criticised for their behaviour and actions in a way that men aren’t, and essentially, we can’t win, therefore we should do whatever we want and whatever makes us happy regardless of what other people say. There are also lots of reminders to support each other as women and to build each other up so we can all be the best that we can be. 

How to break up with fast fashion, Lauren Bravo

This book has really spurred me on to my decision to stop purchasing clothes from fast fashion brands. I have talked about it in my blog post about sustainable fashion, but she essentially explains the negative effects of the fashion industry without making you feel bad about it, and also provides options to limit your own fast fashion purchases. The environment is something I am really passionate about and I am always looking to learn more about what I can do to help, and the fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment. 

*Notes on a nervous planet, Matt Haig

Everything Matt Haig writes is amazing, his book The Humans is one of my favourite novels, and Reasons to Stay Alive has been talked about for changing people’s lives and helping cope with mental health and depression. For me personally, Notes on a Nervous planet really explains the disparities between our human nature and the world we now live in filled with social media and technology. It really helped me deal with obsessing over my phone and after reading this it was the first time I put in place some boundaries with my phone and social media use. 

Everything you need to know about love, Dolly Alderton

I read this book on holiday last year, my friend actually let me borrow it and I read it in a few days. This is like a laugh out loud book, there were so many relatable stories in there and I think it is just really nice to hear about other people’s experiences and relationships to know that we are not alone in the things we experience or the feelings we have at certain times in our lives. I do think most people have already read or at least heard of this book, but it’s definitely worth the read if not. 

Follow the author

 

Website - Liz Loves Blog

 

Instagram - @lizhartley04

 

Twitter - @lizziejhartley

 

2. Positano, Italy. When we went to Sorrento, we went on a boat trip from Sorrento, sailed around the Island of Capri, then we got off the boat and spent part of the day in Positano. Positano is so beautiful but I believe it is quite expensive to stay there. It's also quite small so a day there was plenty as there was more to do in Sorrento anyway. I would definitely recommend visiting Positano by boat so you can see the amazing views like below!

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands. This is another one of my favourite places! I have been twice now and still want to go again. Although, last time I went was just as they started locking everything down which was slightly weird and scary but we still managed to have a nice time. Everywhere you go is just so pretty and there is so much to do. Read more about My Weekend in Amsterdam.

4. New York, USA. I went to New York when I was only 11 but remember it being really nice and fun. I think I would appreciate it way more if I went now though. Especially as I can have a drink now and they have Sephora! They always have really good deals if you go there in a cold month like January or February.

5. Krakow, Poland. There are lots of reasons why you should visit Krakow. One of them is that the city is really beautiful. Another is that the value for money is insane! You can go out for food and drinks for really cheap while you're there. It's also close to Auschwitz - Birkenau Concentration Camp and Oskar Schindler's Factory which are both well worth a visit. Read more about My Experience at Auschwitz - Birkenau.

6. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. This part of Mexico is actually on the Caribbean Sea. The beaches here are insane and it's not too far from Cancun!

7. Mallorca, Spain. The reason why I love Mallorca is because it's not too far and it's such a lovely place. You can get really reasonable holidays there and it's just so nice. When you get there, jugs of sangria and food out is also reasonably priced. Result.

8. Corfu, Greece. I think all of the Greek Islands look so pretty, but the only one I have visited is Corfu and it was really pretty! I feel like I didn't explore it enough though as we stayed in an all inclusive resort. However, we went on a boat trip from Corfu to mainland Greece and the sea was so pretty and there were lots of caves you could go and explore.

9. Zell am See, Austria. All you have to do is look at the picture below and you will want to go! This is where we went skiing and everything about it is just breath taking. Zell am See is not too far from Salzburg.

10. Dublin, Ireland. I have been to Dublin twice now and I loved it both times! There is so much to do and it's just such a nice city. The only thing to note is that once you get to Dublin, it is quite expensive to go out for food and drinks so be prepared for that. Read more about my time in Dublin.

Join my mailing list for exclusive content and resources here.