If you’re visiting Oxford, I’m going to guess it’s for one thing – exploring its world-famous university and its delightful colleges! There are 45 Oxford colleges in total, and each has its own unique history and charm. From colleges like Balliol and Merton, established in the 13th century, right up to Reuben College, established in …
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Many visitors to Devon and Cornwall, in the South West of England, don’t even realise that these two counties have so much literary history! Counties filled with fable and lore, not to mention stories of the famed King Arthur himself who, according to legend, was born in Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, it’s no surprise that this …
The Yorkshire Dales National Park, located in the north of England, is one of the most naturally stunning areas of the country. It covers 841 square miles of moors, valleys, idyllic country villages, phenomenal rock formations and charming waterfalls. Despite attracting over 8 million visitors a year, the National Park is so vast and varied …
If you’re looking for a rugged, dramatic coastline, idyllic fishing villages, beaches all to yourself and deliciously fresh seafood, the North Yorkshire coast is the perfect destination for your next trip. From Whitby to Staithes, North Yorkshire’s coastline really does have it all. Off the beaten path for even most domestic tourists, the Yorkshire coast …
Bristol is known as the hipster city of Britain for a very good reason: its enormous and eccentric arts and culture scene. The Bristol bookshops are unique and varied; Bristol street art is famous across the UK (Banksy started here, after all). Then there’s the Bristol theatre scene and all the fantastic talks and lectures …
Are you ready for Hay on Wye’s bookshops? It’s noon on a Saturday; the sun above is floating in an ocean of blue. You’re driving a little car down twisting, winding English country lanes lined with hedgerows. Birds outside sing you on your way to the happiest little town in Britain. You’re on your way …
Bristol is often considered the hipster capital of the UK. It is also our former home and one of our most cherished cities. A large part of the reason for that is the enormous selection of magnificent Bristol bookshops. In Bristol, you’ll find two Waterstones and a Foyles. There’s also a wealth of independent bookshops …
Bristol in the 21st century is one of the UK’s most beloved cities. It stands shoulder-to-shoulder with London, Edinburgh, Bath, and Brighton as being one of the great arts and culture cities of Britain. Bristol was also our home for a year; we miss it every day. If you get a chance to live in …
Ah, Wales. Land of rugged mountains, quiet village communities, Rugby fanatics, and the most charming accent in Britain. Wales is where both of us at Books and Bao have spent a lot of our time: one having been born and raised in Swansea, and the other having studied at Aberystwyth University. Wales is a nation …
Hereford is an idyllic little city that’s very much off the beaten path as English towns go. Having been born there, it’s amazing how many people — even people from neighbouring Bristol and Cardiff — ask me the question: where is Herefordshire? Its out-of-the-way nature is just one reason to visit Hereford. There’s plenty more …