Louise Joy, Author at Formidable Joy

Christmas

Ashridge House Illuminated: Visiting Hertfordshire’s Biggest Christmas Light Trail

16/12/2025

Nighttime view of Ashridge House Illuminated with vibrant red, purple, and blue lights highlighting the gothic architecture and church spire. The foreground features a formal garden lit with hundreds of glowing pathway lights and a decorative stone monument.

With over 20 sensational installations across Grade II* listed gardens, Ashridge House Illuminated is Hertfordshire’s biggest – and perhaps most magical – light trail! Here’s what I thought when I visited this December. Having lived between Luton and Dunstable all my life, Ashridge is a place pretty familiar to me. I spent many a picnic up in the countryside with my parents when I was younger, and woodland…

Christmas• UK Travel

Guide to Visiting Winchester Christmas Market: Know Before You Go

29/10/2024

Some of the food stands at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. The wooden chalets - serving toasties and crumble - are decorated for the season,

Voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Winchester Christmas Market in Winchester, Hampshire, is a must-visit at Christmas. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. One surefire way to get into the seasonal spirit is to visit a Christmas market. Christmas markets are filled with festive cheer, tasty food, beautiful twinkling lights and more. What’s better at Christmas? Winchester Cathedral Christmas…

UK Travel

The Best Cotswolds Villages to Visit This Autumn

24/09/2024

A picturesque view of a quaint village with traditional stone houses lining a wet street, featuring a bridge over a stream, surrounded by autumnal trees.

With its charming landscapes and honey-hued cottages, the Cotswolds is a dream destination to visit no matter what time of year. But if you want to experience a more serene visit without the crowds and instead with a touch of magic, autumn is without a doubt the best time to visit this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here are five of the best villages in the Cotswolds to…

Halloween• UK Travel

The Best Autumn Days Out Across Herts, Beds & Bucks in 2024

20/09/2024

A rustic display of various pumpkins and gourds arranged on and around bales of hay and wooden crates evokes the charm of autumn days out. Fall foliage and decorative tassels hang above, while a green wagon with a clear plastic box inside sits in the foreground.

Happy Autumn equinox! If you’re looking for fun things to do this autumn, you’ve come to the right place. From woodland walks and fall foliage to pumpkin patches and seasonal events, this guide covers all the best autumn days out across Herts, Beds & Bucks. Autumn is hands down my favourite season. I love the warm colours it brings and I love exploring the UK to find the…

All Travel• Europe Travel

The Best Outdoor Activities in Huesca, Spain

06/07/2024

A breathtaking landscape view of a mountainous region in Huesca, Spain, with snowy peaks and rocky cliffs. A dense green forest stretches across the valley below. Several evergreen trees are in the foreground, and the sky above is dotted with clouds.

With dramatic landscapes and stunning outdoor spaces, Huesca in Spain is the perfect underrated pick for an adventure holiday. Here’s why. Did you know that Huesca – a province in northeastern Spain – is a hidden gem for extreme sports and outdoor adventures? With a diverse landscape that includes rugged mountains, fast-flowing rivers, and expansive national parks, Huesca offers a plethora of activities for thrill-seekers. Whether you want…

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