8 Hours in Bristol With a Teen & Preteen: What We Squeezed In & What It Cost

Earlier this year our daughter was seriously ill and spent time in hospital. During her recovery, unable to eat properly, she started looking back through old photos of a pizza restaurant we’d all loved in Bristol, called Pepenero’s, with its brilliant vegan pizza. She’d been dreaming about it. We promised her that when she was better, we’d take her back for that pizza.

A few months later she was back to her normal self and her birthday was coming up. She didn’t want a party or anything with friends this year, instead she just wanted a family day out in Bristol. Wake the Tiger, We The Curious, and that longed for pizza. Simple as that.

The only complication was the budget. We’re self-employed and this year our income took a significant hit, so a day out in Bristol (three hours from home in Cornwall) isn’t something we could just do on a whim at the moment.

Continue reading “8 Hours in Bristol With a Teen & Preteen: What We Squeezed In & What It Cost”

We The Curious Bristol Review: Is Late Entry Worth It? Our 2026 Family Visit With a Teen and Preteen

We visited We The Curious in Bristol as the second half of a big family day out, having spent the morning at Wake the Tiger. It was our daughter’s birthday and she had chosen both attractions – which turned out to be a great decision, even if the two kids ended up with completely opposite opinions about each one by the end of the day.

Continue reading “We The Curious Bristol Review: Is Late Entry Worth It? Our 2026 Family Visit With a Teen and Preteen”

Newquay Street Art and Murals: Photos and 46 Locations 2025-2026

Newquay isn’t just known for its beaches and surf culture – it’s also home to a vibrant and diverse street art scene. From colourful murals to hidden artistic gems, the town is bursting with creativity waiting to be discovered.

In this guide, I’ll showcase some of the best street art and murals around Newquay, complete with stunning photos and tips on where to find them, as well as best practice tips when visiting street art.

Discover more than 45 pieces of street art and wall art murals in Newquay in this virtual tour! Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this guide will help you explore Newquay through a fresh and artistic lens.

Continue reading “Newquay Street Art and Murals: Photos and 46 Locations 2025-2026”

Our Wake the Tiger Bristol Return Visit 2026 – Was It Worth It With Teens?

We first visited Wake the Tiger in Bristol a few years ago, just me and my son when he was eight. It made a big impression – visually at least – even if he spent the first ten minutes trying to drag me back out! So when my daughter said she wanted to go for her birthday this year, we decided to make a proper family day of it.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it had been a few years and wondered if it would feel the same, or whether the kids being older would change things. As it turned out, quite a lot had changed – and mostly for the better.

Continue reading “Our Wake the Tiger Bristol Return Visit 2026 – Was It Worth It With Teens?”

Pixel Pop Newquay Review & Photos

We recently visited Pixel Pop in Newquay for a unique interactive gaming experience using a real pixelated floor and wall. It’s a new tech adventure in Newquay, and we booked it for the kids as soon as we saw it online because it looked like so much fun.

So what is Pixel Pop really like? And is it worth visiting?

In my Pixel Pop review, I’ll share everything about our visit, including how it works, what to expect, our honest thoughts, photos, and a short video showing the experience in action. I’ll also embed some of Pixel Pop’s own posts so you can get a feel for the games and atmosphere.

If you’re thinking about booking, hopefully this helps.

Continue reading “Pixel Pop Newquay Review & Photos”

Exploring Porthleven in Cornwall: Travel Photo Diary & Thoughts

Porthleven is one of Cornwall’s most characterful harbour towns. With its independent shops, bustling foodie scene, and dramatic coastal setting, it has quickly become a favourite place to return to.

On our latest visit, we decided to spend a day here, camera in hand, to capture the atmosphere and share our experience in this travel photo diary.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, searching for things to do in Porthleven, or simply curious about this Cornish harbour town, here’s what we discovered.

Continue reading “Exploring Porthleven in Cornwall: Travel Photo Diary & Thoughts”

2025 Fireworks in Newquay: Best Displays (Free & Paid)

Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most vibrant coastal towns, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a stunning fireworks display. Whether you’re looking for a free, family-friendly event or a bigger, paid experience with all the extras, there’s something for everyone.

From fireworks on the beach, to over the harbour and at popular holiday parks in Newquay, below are some of the best fireworks in Newquay, happening throughout the year.

Continue reading “2025 Fireworks in Newquay: Best Displays (Free & Paid)”

Exploring Mousehole in Cornwall: My Rainy Walk & Travel Photo Diary

Mousehole is often described as one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, with its sheltered harbour, narrow granite streets, and traditional cottages. Just a short distance from Penzance, it’s a popular spot for a day trip, coastal walk, or a wander through its galleries and cafés.

On our recent weekend away to Clowance Estate, we headed to Mousehole for the first time. The weather wasn’t on our side, with heavy rain turning our visit into more of a damp dash than a leisurely stroll.

Even so, we discovered plenty of charm — from the restored tidal pool and harbour views to the memorial gardens and quirky allotments — and left with plans to return on a sunnier day, or perhaps at Christmas to see the famous harbour lights.

Continue reading “Exploring Mousehole in Cornwall: My Rainy Walk & Travel Photo Diary”