Visiting the Hidden Gem of Stroud England

I have been to Stroud couple of times visiting friends but I didn't think anything special about it. Not until I saw a brochure about Stroud I didn't realised it has interesting place to explore. Stroud is located in South West of England in Gloucestershire County, situated in a beautiful countryside of rolling Cotswolds Hills.

Things to do in Stroud

Visit Museum 

Stratford House or The Museum in the park is full of Stroud local history. The museum entry is free but voluntary donations are welcome. The new part of the building is an art gallery that they feature different artist at a time. When I visited the musuem its the centenary exhibit of Laurie Lee his unseen drawings and paintings, a local man from Stroud an English poet, artist, novelist and screenwriter.

Picnic at Stratford Park

After visiting the museum head off to the park and enjoy the view, theres a small lake and look for a good spot for a picnic, feed the ducks, and theres even a platform for fishing activities.

Walking trails at the Park

Another option to do is go for a wander around the park, there are treks that lead to the woodlands and enjoy the nature. The shades from the tall tress to keep you refreshingly cool on sunny days and listen to the calming tweeting birds on your stroll, and there are locals you'll meet on your treks walking their dogs too.

Pub restaurant

If picnic is not your thing there's a pub just across the road or drive to Nailsworth its a neighbouring small town that lies on the Stroud valleys, only 10 minutes drive and head straight to The Egypt Mill its  an old mill converted into a pub restaurant. It is full of character the old mill is on display inside the pub and the outside view is beautiful, there's a stream outside that completes the scenic view. It has extensive range of delicious menu options and surely you'll enjoy your experience.

If you are in Cotswold area why not visit and discover the quaint town of Stroud.

Disclaimer: This article is my own personal review accordingly to my experience. 

Lets Fly Away: Flying Lesson 101

Do you like flying? How many times have you flown, meant in a plane, when we travel abroad most of the times we fly, frequent fliers, countless flights either long hauls or short, the buzz of flying is incredible. The feeling that we will be exploring new places when we get to our destinations. 

Have you ever thought of flying a small plane? co-piloting a plane?  or just sit beside the pilot and watch the world underneath you, the beautiful landscapes, mountains, hills and houses dotted along the farms in a miniture like perspective. I had this experience when I went to Canada 6 years ago and took the helicopter ride in Niagara Falls and what an experienced, I was sat next to the pilot. The magnificent view infront of me, I never forgotten up to this moment or maybe in this lifetime.

Me capturing the view in Niagara Falls

Since then I was dreaming to fly a small plane. I planed to do this activity last year and the timing was not good. But this time a chance to do this landed on my lap, its a dream come true. I booked myself a flying lesson, yes you heard it right, madness strikes again but for sure an amazing experience awaits. This is how I treat myself, if not travelling to different countries, booked myself a spa treatments, lunching out with friends trying new cuisines or new restaurants, or different outdoor activities zipline, trekking, local roadtrips, canoeing, camping and this time flying a small plane. Life is just so amazing and its a shame if you just sit in the corner and wait for something to happen, let those amazing adventures happen by doing it.

I booked my flying lesson with iflyUK  they are based in Membury Airfield Berkshire. I set off about 2:45pm for my 4pm lesson and It's only an hour drive from Cheltenham. As soon as I arrived I went straight to the reception and sign a waiver and membership.  I waited for 30 minutes before my flying lesson starts, I got plenty of time to take photos around.

My buddy bear 

Aircraft use in wingwalking

I was so excited when pilot Charles came to introduce himself and he assured me I will enjoy the experience.  I told him I had helicopter experience in Canada but only a passenger. A quick introduction to the C42 microlight aircraft which is a two seater with fixed tricycle gear normally used for flight training, touring and personal flying. The C42's light wing loading gives efficient cruise performance and high lift flaps that makes it safe to increase the speed and remarkably smooth and easy landing.

Im ready to fly

He also demonstrated how light is by moving it with just one hand. Then  we went in the cockpit/cabin its ergonomically designed for ease of pilot and co-pilot access through the dual clamshell doors,  it looks small outside but its spacious inside.  A quick safety briefing, belt fastened, headset in place and he showed me the control stick,  the dual throttles, electric trim control and the flap control, we are safe to take off. We taxied along the runway then just in a couple of seconds we were ascending to the air. The view was magnificent, but the experience of taking full control to the throttle, maneuvering the aircraft and managed to land it safely was an exhilarating experience. 

The Pilot

Airbase camp

Donington Castle

This activity is highly recommended,  not cheap but the experience is incredibly wonderful. Another experience tick off from my bucketlist. 

Disclaimer: All my review/ recommendations is my personal opinion, not  influenced by others.

Highlights of my Norway Getaway

Norway is one place listed on my bucketlist to experience the fjords cruising in addition to that, experience  It's cultures, history, tradition, cuisine, explore the beautiful buildings structures, landscape, sculpture parks, museums and of course the beautiful Norwegian fjords  surrounded by tall mountains and glaciers during winter times. This country has lots to offer to a traveller enthusiasts like me, and I want to explore and experience first hand, take thousand of photos to share it with my friends and families. I have been asked couple of times WHY NORWAY?, and I answered back WHY NOT? Visiting Norway in July is a good time to do so, SUMMERTIME and it's the best place to spend summer with longer days to explore the country to enjoy the breathaking landscapes is just amazing experience for sure. Activites like day boat trips is hot list agenda to explore the magnificent views of the fjords. Travelling to Norway is a dream come true.

Norwegian Trolls

Oslo

The most populous city and the Capital of Norway. It is regarded among the most expensive cities in the world to live in along side with London, Tokyo, Australia and more. But that doesnt bother me living in UK I'm accustomed already to high living standard , and besides you can always earn the money but exploring new places and experiencing great activities are priceless. Thats my personal philosophy while travelling.

Tour Bus

Opera House

Sculptured Park

Haugesund

Following the footsteps of the vikings, visiting the heritage center and as a nature lover myself enjoying the exceptional views of island garden  and the Viking Village is perfect  day out for the family.

Skånevik

A small  fishing village, oddly picturesque and laid back place to visit and have a relaxing time and just enjoying the seaview. 

The Island beach

View from the balcony

Bergen

Bergen is one of the most popular tourist destination it is regards as the "Gateway to the Fjords". Stroll along Bryggen it is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hanseatic old wharf architecturally unique place, walking around admiring with its beautifully characteristic building, a painted wooden houses while exploring the rich cultural life it has to offer.  Explore Bryggen via narrow oassageways leading to the old warehouse. 

Sognefjord Area Bergen

Sognefjord is the longest fjord in Norway, Nærøyfjord the most widest and spectacular scenery and  is the only natural beauty included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It encompasses the longest, deepest,  narrowest and most beautiful fjords in the world. 

Flåm Flåmsbana railway experience, its the most scenic train route in Norway that attracts millions of tourist and locals alike. Watched the stunning waterfalls flowing dramatically down the steep mountain side, the magnificent views of the fjords, and mountains.

Hiking in Preikestolen

Norway has lots of hiking/ trekking trail, one of the famous is the Preikestolen, believe it or not im not a hiking fanatic but this adventure has gave me the adrenaline rush to try hiking, only for sole reason for the magnificent views at the peak. The 2 hours hike up and the trek was tiring but reaching the Pulpit Rock was so rewarding. magnificent view of the fjords, mountains and lakes is indescribable, plus a good hiking buddies makes it more enjoyable. My ultimate hiking in Preikestolen "The Pulpit Rock ".

The Pulpit Rock

My hiking buddies

Neneth, Annie and Joy

My Norwegian Adventure was amazingly memorable thank you to my wonderful friend Marie & Frode Hegerland for organising my itinerary, and accomodating me in their beautiful house and not to mention their scenic summer house in Skånevik with the most stunning sunset view.  To their beautiful kids Hanns my personal Norwegian teacher and Hanna (5 month old)  my youngest travelling buddy.

With the Hegerland Family