Big Gay World Travellers

Top Medieval Cities in Europe - Part 2 Europe is filled with cities from all ages that are steeped in history and culture, and while every age has its charms, few have the drama or romance of the middle ages. For those who love to travel back in time, there is no shortage of cities to explore, chock full of medieval buildings, history, and art. Here are some more of the best medieval cities in Europe that are sure to transport you to the past. Where to go: 1. York, England: York is a city full of history and charm and is arguably England’s best preserved medieval city. The ancient city walls and narrow streets give it an old-world feel that takes you back in time. A must-visit attraction is York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, which has been standing since the 7th century. Another highlight is The Shambles, a street lined with medieval buildings that now house quirky shops and cafes. Be sure to take a free volunteer run walking tour from in front of the York Art Gall...

With the clocks going forward, and April on the horizon, spring finally feels like it's on the cards after a long and wet winter. As the weather begins to warm up and the landscape bursts into bloom, now might be the perfect time for a stay-cation in the UK. From stunning gardens to scenic hikes, there are plenty of activities to enjoy across the whole of Britain. Things to Do: Visit the Chelsea Flower Show in London: Every May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea (famous for the Chelsea Pensioners) are transformed into a riot of colour and fragrance for the Chelsea Flower Show. The world-famous event is the is the perfect place to admire stunning floral displays, learn about the latest landscaping trends, and discover new plans and gardening products (also some celebrity and royal spotting too). Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly.  Take a springtime hike in the Lake District: Inspiring generations of hikers, artists and poets (did ...

Lisbon has long inspired artists and creative types from around the world, with it’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich heritage. If you’re an art lover planning a long weekend in Lisbon, here are some hints and tips to help you make the most of your time. Day 1: Explore the Baixa and Alfama Start your trip by getting to grips with the historic centre of Lisbon, which is home to a number of stunning landmarks, and avenues upon avenues of Pombaline buildings covered in traditional azulejos (painted tiles). Begin at the Praça do Comércio, a stunning square that was once the centre of Lisbon’s cultural life and formerly home to the Royal Palace of Ribeira until it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. From here take in views of the Tagus river, the gateway from Lisbon to the rest of the world during the Age of Discovery, and the Statue of King Jose I on his horse crushing snakes in his path, overseeing the busy square below. From here, head up to the Castelo de São Jorge,...

Top Medieval Cities in Europe - Part 1 Nothing delights me more than finding a medieval gem, whether it’s an imposing castle, a glorious gothic cathedral, or a narrow cobbled street with chocolate-box leaning buildings. Most European cities will have a glimpse to the medieval world, with buildings surviving the ages and enduring various historical events on route, but some cities have stood the test of time with how much of this era has survived. Here are my top five places in Europe for medieval architecture, along with stand out places to get your renaissance or gothic fix: Where to Go: 1. Prague, Czechia : Prague is one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, and is often called the “Paris of Central Europe”. It’s home to an impressive collection of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, influenced by its position between Eastern and Western influences throughout its history, and being one-time capital of the wealthy Bohemian crown. To fully appreciate this medieval b...

A British Safari: Britain's Best Birds No I'm not talking in 90's innuendo... this isn't the rear of the year awards... As shown in the BBC’s brand new documentary, Wild Isles, the UK is globally important for its bird life, being perfectly positioned between north and south for all types of birdlife. With diverse landscapes, ranging from rolling hills and moorlands to forests and coastlines, the UK is home to a wide variety of bird species, including some of the most impressive birds of prey in the world. But where are the best places to see these amazing and elusive creatures. The Scottish Highlands:  The Scottish Highlands are home to some of the UK's most iconic bird species, including the golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, and peregrine falcon. These magnificent birds can be found soaring over the rugged mountains and glens of the Highlands, hunting for prey in the wild and remote terrain. You might also spot other birds of prey like kestrels, buzzards, and os...

A British Safari: Whale Watching It's often been said that "you never forget your first whale". Mine was on honeymoon in Madeira when we happened upon a resting pod of Sperm Whales around 11km out to sea, and I cried my eyes out. It was genuinely one of the most life affirming moments I've ever experienced. But what if I told you that you didn't have to travel to the Central Atlantic to see your first ever whale? The UK might not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to whale watching, but following the first episode of the BBC's fantastic Wild Isles , it's easy to see that it's a prime location for spotting these majestic creatures. With it's vast coastline and diverse marine ecosystem, the UK offers an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to witness these gentle giants up close. Here's everything you need to know about whale watching in the UK. When to Go The best time for whale watching in the UK is between April and Oc...

In starting this blog I want to achieve a number of things. I know I'm not going to change the world for everyone but if I can help people on the way, well that's a win for me.  Firstly, I would rather selfishly like to improve my writing ability. Secondly, and more importantly, I would love it if this blog was the catalyst for building a community of travel fanatics who have the same ethos and share the same values as me. A place where we can all share tips and advice to make everyone's travel that little nicer, more bespoke, better informed, and ultimately more enjoyable! Now you know a little bit about me and the community I'd love to build (and you're reading this so I count you a part of), time for my travel ethos: Travel Consciously. At first this seems probably quite grand, but it's actually very simple. I want to travel to places with as little impact as possible, get to know the locals while I'm there, and then leave having left no impact, or a pos...

  So, I've been thinking about doing this for years. Truth is there's always something that's stopped me doing it - whether that's procrastination, or self-doubt, or the fear of judgement. I don't know. Either way, now recognising the resistance in me, I have to do something about it. So f**k it, face the fear, here I go...  I'm Jon.  I'm a large and in-charge gay man, happily married to my beautiful husband Ashley, gluten intolerant, and absolutely obsessed with travel. I spend half of my time dreaming about holidays and experiencing the world, and the other half of the time providing hints and tips to friends and family who are travelling on what they should see and do, and how they should spend their time. I've often been asked; "Jon, why don't you write this down?" and honestly, it's not that it hasn't crossed my mind, but I've always found reasons not to.  So, I'm going to do it.  I have a map with so many pins on it, ...