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Elle Croft

Elle Croft is a London-based travel blogger who is equally happy exploring the city she lives in as venturing to far-flung destinations.

She's a firm believer in stylish travel, and will always look for a twist on the traditional. Luckily for her, London offers unusual experiences in abundance. When Elle's not travelling or blogging over at A Bird in the Hand you can usually find her, coffee in one hand and camera in another, strolling the beautiful streets of the city she calls home.

Elle and I spent three days at Watergate Bay Hotel on the north coast of Cornwall. We enjoyed their Taste of the Bay package which allowed us to dine at Zacry’s restaurant, The Beach Hut and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall. We also had an incredible surf lesson, yoga session, spa treatments and plenty of time …

Read More about Taste of the Bay at Watergate Bay Hotel: Our favourite UK beach hotel for active relaxation and foodie delights!

Today Elle is sharing her favourite Harry Potter hotspots in London and the unmissable sights Harry Potter fans can’t miss!   Any Harry Potter fan who knows an Augurey from an Occamy will also know that there are a few places in the world where Muggles can have a real encounter with the magical world …

Read More about Harry Potter in London: Unmissable Sights and Scenes

Elle recently travelled to Belfast and had an incredible trip exploring the stunning are around the city. If you’re looking for a weekend break beyond the city then check out her travel guide to the area around Belfast.   She appeared in the distance, slipping into view from behind a dramatic cliff. I stood, stunned, …

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Japan’s big cities are intoxicating. Fast paced and modern, destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are unlike anywhere else on earth, so it’s little surprise that they’re becoming more and more popular with travellers from Britain and beyond. But these cities, heady and irresistible as they are, don’t offer visitors the full picture of a …

Read More about My Secret Wakayama: Japan’s Hidden Gem

It may not be at the top of every traveller’s bucket list, but Timisoara is a city you’re going to be hearing about a lot more in coming years. Which of course means it’s best to book your flights now, while it’s still relatively undiscovered. Since being named the 2021 European Capital of Culture, the …

Read More about The Travel Hack’s Guide to Timisoara, Romania

The countdown began months ago. In fact, the date has been marked, in big bold Sharpie letters, on my house calendar, leaving no doubt as to what’s happening that Monday night: GAME OF THRONES. Season 7 begins on July 17, and it could not come quickly enough. What have we all been amusing ourselves with …

Read More about The Ultimate Westeros Travel Guide (in Northern Ireland)

Bristol is one of the UK’s most vibrant and creative cities, with plenty to offer a weekend visitor. It’s full of history, bright street art and mirror-like canals that reflect candy-coloured houses and intriguing architecture. For families, there’s plenty to explore: the Aquarium is a deep blue treasure trove of learning and fun, the SS …

Read More about A Weekender’s Guide to Accommodation in Bristol

How many times have you read a blogger’s review of a hotel and seen that they get special treatment – macarons on arrival, or champagne in the room? I’m not saying it’s a bad thing – I love those little touches that make me feel welcomed. But have you ever thought ‘that’s nice for you, …

Read More about Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre Hotel

They say you should never judge a book by its cover (although I admit to being guilty of that many times before). I think anyone who works in travel should update that saying, to ‘never judge a hotel by its exterior’. There are some hotels that are grand from the moment you lay eyes on …

Read More about Review: Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel

Last summer, Monica and I travelled to Southern France for four days. We travelled to France by train but then went our separate ways once we arrived in Paris so we could cover as much ground as possible. I had no idea we’d each see and do so much and we both has incredible trips.  Last …

Read More about The Perfect Itinerary for a Weekend in Southern France

Elle has just returned from a incredible trip to California. She shares her guide to Newport Beach along with so many gorgeous reasons to visit! If you were a fan of the noughties teen drama series The O.C., you’ve probably heard of Newport Beach. But chances are, all you’ll know about the destination is its …

Read More about The Travel Hack’s Guide to Newport Beach

In a small corner of Japan’s southwestern Kyushu Island, the little-known destination of Oita Prefecture awaits. It’s a region that boasts plenty of natural beauty – think hot springs, mountains and beaches – as well as a rich cultural and religious heritage. Oh, and mouthwatering food. I landed in the Prefecture’s capital, the city of Oita, just …

Read More about 5 Unmissable Sights in Oita Prefecture, Japan

The first thing I noticed about my hotel room was that there was no bed. Curious, I looked in cupboards and searched for hidden panels in the wall where perhaps a Murphy bed could be hiding. Nothing. Then it dawned on me. My room search had revealed that another fairly important feature was missing from …

Read More about What to do at a Japanese onsen – a guide for beginners

With just one day in Tokyo, an enormous city bursting with sights and flavours and jaw-dropping contrasts, how much can you really see? This was the unenviable task that Sam, my guide, was given when he met me at Asakusa View Hotel on a sunny Sunday morning. I’ve been to Tokyo before, briefly and many …

Read More about One day in Tokyo, Japan – sushi, sightseeing & shopping

If you’ve been following October’s Destination of the Month, you’ll probably have picked up by now that I’m just a little bit obsessed with the Yukon. It’s an area of the world I knew very little about before I arrived, so I was totally blown away by the beauty, the friendly people, the absolute wilderness all …

Read More about 10 reasons you need to visit the Yukon right now

It probably doesn’t sound like an obvious choice for shopping, but the city of Edmonton in the Canadian Province of Alberta is, surprisingly, the perfect destination for a shopaholic. Dangerously good, but perfect. Whether you love huge malls with international brands and gleaming department stores or you’re more fond of independent boutiques and hunting for …

Read More about How to Shop Till You Drop in Edmonton

Do you know what silence sounds like? It might seem like a stupid question, but until I travelled to the Yukon, I’d never experienced true, uninterrupted silence. It was one of the most startling things I noticed while I was there. Life in London is noisy at the best of times, so for me, silence is …

Read More about Finding Silence in the Yukon’s Southern Lakes

Whitehorse is unlike any city I’ve visited before. As the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory, Whitehorse is home to just under 30,000 people – almost the total population of the entire Territory – and it’s so far north that you need to drive south to reach Alaska. Yukoners who live in Whitehorse value living among nature (which the …

Read More about A Travel Guide to Whitehorse, Yukon

Elle has just returned from an incredible trip to the Yukon in Canada where she joined the press team and followed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their Canada Royal Tour. If you’ve been following Elle’s trip on Instagram you will have seen how beautiful the Yukon looks! Today, Elle is sharing her experience …

Read More about Canada Royal Tour in Whitehorse, Yukon

Edmonton’s one of those destinations that sort of sneaks up on you. As soon as we arrived, and crossed over the North Saskatchewan River, we were struck by our first glimpse of the city. It’s surrounded by parklands and greenery, so it’s got a lot of natural beauty to offer, but there’s so much more …

Read More about 52 Essential Edmonton Experiences you Need to Try

Did you know that the average Brit spends around £65 a month on alcohol? It’s amazing how quickly a few drinks here and a bottle of wine with the groceries there adds up. A whole year of drinking, on average, costs around £780 per person. That’s a return flight to Australia, or a couple of really …

Read More about Four Delicious Money-Saving Mocktail Recipes

I’m so excited to announce that next week I’ll be flying to the Yukon for a week of exploring, and a little bit of Royal spotting. Yep, you read that right. Royals. The Royal Visit to Canada The Royal Family recently announced that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be embarking on an incredible …

Read More about I’m going to The Yukon on a Canadian Wilderness Adventure!