Stephanie Mulholland 13th December 2020

Weird things about pregnancy for first-time mums

Okay, so pregnancy is a minefield in itself, more so when you don’t really know what to expect as a first-time mum.

One thing you can expect, is a ton of (often unsolicited) advice. However, no one really goes into the weird (and dare we say at times wonderful) parts of pregnancy.

Hello morning sickness

Firstly, you’ll welcome the most well known symptom of pregnancy, morning sickness. Sickness and nausea will plague your first trimester. Let’s be honest, there is nothing pleasant about feeling sick for weeks straight.

However, if you’re lucky, you won’t experience physical sickness and constant nausea in tandem.

To ease sickness and nausea in pregnancy:

Eat little and often
Make sure to keep hydrated
Rest when your body needs it
Avoid foods that make you feel unwell
Avoid strong smells that make you feel unwell

Relentless tiredness

You’re going to feel tired a lot and you need to just roll with it and listen to your body. In your first trimester, you’ll likely fall asleep every few hours (for a few hours). Most people find they can not physically stay awake.

Your boobs are going to change – a lot

Nothing prepares you for the changes you will see in your breasts.

They’re going to get bigger and your areola is going to change shape, size and colour. It’s normal, please don’t panic.

Aches and pains

This is a given. You’re growing a tiny human that is stretching your body in ways it’s never had to comprehend. Be kind to yourself, rest often and be sure to unwind.

Massages and soaking in the tub (being careful not to overheat) really helps to naturally ease aches and pains.

Constantly needing the bathroom

You’ll need to pee constantly. As for pooping, that’s going to be a lot more difficult. Be sure to continue to eat well and if you need some additional support to go – liquorice is a lifesaver.

The feeling of seeing your ultrasound scans

Nothing can really prepare you for seeing your baby during your ultrasound scans. It’s shocking to see how much they can wriggle despite you not feeling anything in the earlier stages.

You can expect to have a minimum of two ultrasound scans throughout your pregnancy. However, some women have three.

Here’s what each ultrasound scan means:

12 week ultrasound scan – your dating scan predicts your little one’s arrival, looks at their development and screens for possible conditions
20 week ultrasound scan – this scan will check the development of baby (you may also request the sex of your baby)
36 week ultrasound scan – this scan will check that baby is in the correct position for delivery

How scary it is being pregnant during Covid-19

Being pregnant or a first-time mum during a global pandemic isn’t easy. Many woman have missed out on face-to-face interaction and reassurance from their midwives and doctors, as well as appointments you’d usually get under the NHS.

At times, it can be quite isolating, so do your research and most importantly, don’t worry about leaning on others with experience.

The amount of clothes and toys people will buy/gift you

Everyone says, do not buy loads of things. Do mums-to-be listen? No.

You can expect lots of kind family members and friends to buy/gift you clothes and will have a fully prepared wardrobe by the time the little one comes.

Further resources to support first-time mums in the UK

Here are some useful websites and apps you can download for first-time mums:

NHS – The NHS website is brimming with healthcare advice for mums-to-be
GOV.UK – For pregnancy rights in the UK
Peanut – it’s like a platonic Tinder for mums-to-be and mums with discussion boards, private chats and plenty of advice
BabyCentre – Baby and pregnancy advice for mums-to-be and mums
Emma’s Diary – Baby and pregnancy advice for mums-to-be and mums, as well as baby gift packs
Bounty – Baby and pregnancy advice for mums-to-be and mums, as well as baby gift packs

Stephanie Mulholland 29th June 2020 Bar Elba, Mercury House 109-117 Waterloo Road London, SE1 8UL

Is Bar Elba the best rooftop bar in London? 🍹

Looking for a quirky rooftop bar in London? Say hello to Bar Elba, your new favourite tropical destination in central London.

This bright and colourful bar in Waterloo is perfect for breezy summer cocktails or wintertime drinks.

Open year round, this gorgeous rooftop bar offers panoramic views. Once inside, you will find affordable cocktails, ciders, beers and quick bites aplenty.

Bar Elba offers a lovely and chilled vibe for everyone, be it an evening with friends, a date with your other half or someone new, or even for a boozy afternoon with your mum!

Is Bar Elba the best rooftop bar in London - interior 2

Decked out with vibrant benches and tables, you could lose hours in this tropical themed bar. Most importantly, if you head down for happy hour, you can even take advantage of 2 for 1 cocktails!

However, as the sun sets, the fun starts. Get in the mood as great music, friendly laughter and excited chatter buzz in the air. Bar Elba is as perfect for daytime meet ups as it is for evening drinks.

In addition to cocktails You can also get involved with Bar Elba events, including brunch dates, movie nights and afternoon picnics!

Love the look of Bar Elba? Why not check out their oh so pink sister bar, Tonight Josephine which is round the corner.

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 22nd March 2020 Barbican Conservatory, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS

Taking a stroll through Barbican Conservatory 🌿

Take a moment to relax in Barbican Conservatory, London

Discover Barbican Conservatory, the second biggest conservatory in London. It’s time to take a moment to unwind in the big city.

Within the Barbican Centre’s cultural and creative hub, you’ll discover Barbican Conservatory. Sitting atop the dedicated arts space on its third floor, the conservatory is brimming with natural wonder, nestled within the buildings structure.

Taking a stroll through Barbican Conservatory - cacti

In truth, this beautiful indoor rainforest offers visitors a moment to disconnect in central London.

Inside, you’ll navigate a hidden oasis. Not to mention, it’s home to 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees. There’s even Koi fish and terrapin ponds.

Taking a stroll through Barbican Conservatory - Koi Pond

Take your time when winding around the lower and upper garden. It is a beautifully tranquil and colourful space housed within glass walls. Plus, there’s plenty of photo opportunities to boot.

Firstly, enjoy leafy and verdant surroundings as you casually meander along stone walkways and across a picturesque wooden bridge delicately placed in the conservatory’s centre.

Don’t worry, there’s benches dotted around to allow you to take a moment to soak up the atmosphere within this impressive space.

Taking a stroll through Barbican Conservatory - Floral terracotta pots

If you head upstairs, you can fully appreciate the view of the conservatory from its balcony. So, take a left and you will discover a vast selection of bright and bold cacti. They come in all shapes and sizes, adorning the space from floor to ceiling.

In essence, if you are looking for free things to do in London, you’re in luck! Although opening times are limited, admission is free! There is even a pop-up bar onsite to allow visitors to truly soak up the atmosphere.

Learn more about visiting visiting the Barbican Conservatory in the Barbican Centre.

What else is there to see and do in the Barbican Centre?

The Barbican Centre is a grade II listed building within Barbican Estate. This fascinating residential area was entirely rebuilt from rubble. In fact, bombing and fire obliterated it during World War Two.

Today, it demonstrates the best of Brutalist architecture. This Utopian vision and architectural style was brought to life by British architectural firm, Chamberlin, Powell and Bon. The development was completed in the 80s. It’s simple, you will either love or hate it.

All in all, you’ll discover so much to see and do within the vibrant Barbican Centre, including:

An art gallery
Barbican Conservatory
Three cinema screens
Barbican Hall (home of London Symphony Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra)
A library (public lending and special arts and music collections)
The Pit theatre alongside other informal performance spaces
A shop (selling a selection of arts and design gifts)
Barbican Theatre (designed by and for the Royal Shakespeare Company)
A selection of bars, cafes and restaurants (serving bites to eats and hot meals)
Conference and trade exhibition halls

In addition, there are plenty of free events and performances within. Also, you can tour the Barbican Centre, participate in a talk or workshop or catch a film in Barbican Cinema!

Overall, Barbican Estate offers its visitors lots of open space and thus many places to simply unwind within its urban landscape.

You can access the Barbican Centre from nearby Barbican, Moorgate and St Paul’s Underground stations.

Have you been to Barbarian Conservatory? Where is your favourite place to unwind in the Barbican Centre?

Stephanie xox

Stephanie Mulholland 2nd February 2020 Cahoots Underground, 13 Kingly Ct, Soho, London W1B 5PW

Step back in time at Cahoots Underground cocktail bar in London

Discover Cahoots Underground: a post-war cocktail bar in Soho, London

Nestled in the heart of Soho, you will find Cahoots Underground. A cocktail bar which offers a unique, fresh and fun experience in Central London.

On arrival, ask for the ‘Captain’ and you will be led down a tiled wall staircase into a post-war underground station.

Once inside, you will be greeted by period costumed hosts. With their characters nailed and wide smiles in tow. They will lead you to your table within the disused underground station. You may even be lucky enough to be seated within one of the train carriages!

The themed menus are presented as styled newspapers. Take your time and discover lots of sumptuous cocktail specials with an English twist.

Nibble on popcorn from wartime tins and listen to swing, jazz and Lindy Hop aplenty as you await your drinks. Be sure to take the time to soak up the experience in this moody lit playground.

So, what did I think of Cahoots Underground?

This 1940s-themed bar is certainly enchanting, albeit slightly pricy. Saying this, it is worth the ‘step back in time’ experience and sticks to its theme with finesse.

Cahoots Underground makes an excellent date night with your significant other, family or closest friends.

On select nights, there is even live entertainment at Cahoots Underground. Expect piano singalongs, live music and post-war enthusiast DJs.

It can get busy, so if you plan to head there on the weekend, do book ahead.

You can also discover their sister bars in London, Cahoots Ticket Hall and Cahoots Control room.

Have you been to Cahoots Underground before? What’s your favourite cocktail bar in central London?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 20th January 2020

21 Studio Ghibli films are coming to Netflix UK in 2020

Studio Ghibli to stream in the UK

It’s happening. It is really happening. From February 2020, the majority of Studio Ghibli films will start to be available to stream in the UK. In essence, we have Netflix UK to thank.

Growing up, I remember the joy of finding Studio Ghibli films randomly on Film4. The channel would regularly have entire seasons dedicated to the Japanese animation studio. They even screened My Neighbor Totoro at the Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House.

Most importantly, 21 films from the Japanese animation giant will be available on the Netflix UK from February to April 2020.

Surprisingly, the streaming service will include fan favourite animations such as Oscar-winning Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbor Totoro.

When will the Studio Ghibli films stream in the UK?

Release dates and titles on Netflix UK include:

February 1, 2020

Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Only Yesterday (1991)
Porco Rosso (1992)
Ocean Waves (1993)
Tales from Earthsea (2006)

March 1, 2020

Nausicaä of the Valley Wind (1984)
Princess Mononoke (1997)
My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
Spirited Away (2001)
The Cat Returns (2002)
Arriety (2010)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

April 1, 2020

Pom Poko (1994)
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Howls Moving Castle (2004)
Ponyo (2008)
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
The Wind Rises (2013)
When Marnie Was There (2014)

The only feature-length film excluded from the stellar line-up is infamous tear-jerker, Grave of Fireflies.

Unfortunately, these films will not be available to stream on Netflix in USA, Canada or Japan.

What is your favourite Studio Ghibli film? Which are you most looking forward to watching?

Stephanie xox

Hungry for more? Take a read of Why Studio Ghibli is better than Disney.

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Stephanie Mulholland 22nd November 2019

A girls day out in London Bridge

The best things to do in London Bridge

London Bridge is an area bursting with history and landmarks. It’s the perfect destination to see London’s famed skyline with friends in tow.

On the southern bank of the River Thames, London Bridge offers an eclectic mix of cultural hotspots, celebrated attractions, global cuisine to suit every budget, markets and independent treasures aplenty.

Here’s the best things to see and do in London Bridge:

The best food and drink at Borough Market

Feeling peckish? For cheap independent eats head to Borough Market, London’s oldest and most famous market.

Weave in and out the numerous stalls and sample whatever takes your fancy. Discover international street food alongside fresh produce galore. Pick up fruit and vegetables, sweet treats and pastries, homemade bread and artisanal cheese.

Once you are done meandering this foodie heaven, enjoy a drink or two in the area and soak up the atmosphere.

Cocktails with a panoramic view at Aqua Shard, London

Take to the sky in The Shard, the UK’s tallest building at 310 metres. If you are looking for breathtaking views with a more affordable price tag, head up to Aqua Shard on the 32nd floor in 15 seconds.

Try to get a seat before sunset for incredible cityscape views with a cocktail in hand. The restaurant and bar is more than a third of the way up the skyscraper and doesn’t require a reservation.

If you’d like to pay a visit to the 72nd floor, you can see up to 40 miles from The View from The Shard.

Step back in time with The London Bridge Experience and Tombs

Looking for a unique history lesson and some scares? Head to The London Bridge Experience and Tombs. This interactive and immersive guided tour is for the brave among us. You will discover over 2,000 years of (often gruesome) London and London Bridge history on route.

Once you head into the London Tombs, expect to confuse the senses with a live-action maze. These historic tombs and vaults have been voted the scariest attraction in London.

Play explorer on The Golden Hinde

Step on board The Golden Hinde, a full scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th century global exploration vessel. This celebrated ship is brought to life alongside costumed actors detailing its history.

The Golden Hinde entry – £5

Feel on trend at the Fashion and Textile Museum

The Fashion and Textile Museum is one for creative types. Just up from London Bridge station on Bermondsey Street, step inside to discover their latest fashion and textile exhibition.

The Zandra Rhodes exhibition is currently on till January 2020, detailing the fashion designers extensive portfolio. Expect high fashion, textiles, theatrical costumes and original artwork. Explore 50 years of work at the museum she founded.

The colourful museum only hosts one exhibition space at a time. Once done, be sure to swing by the shop when exiting for beautiful and unique gifts.

Fashion and Textile Museum entry – £9.90

Enjoy the beauty of Southwark Cathedral

A stone’s throw away from London Bridge station you will find Southwark Cathedral. The oldest cathedral in London, this stunning place of worship is a must visit.

Enjoy a guided tour or service inside the Gothic cathedral and take a moment to soak up it’s beautiful architecture from its gardens outside.

See where the elite used to party at the Winchester Palace Ruins

Admire the 12th century ruins of Winchester Palace. These tucked away Medieval ruins once housed one of the most grand and opulent buildings in Britain.

It was a place of comfort and celebration for the religious officials, royalty and the elite of London for over 500 years.

Unwind at Potters Field Park

Take a moment to pause with a coffee or lunch at Potters Field Park. This open green space allows for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with some wonderful views of Tower Bridge.

See how London moves at the Tower Bridge and Engine Room Tour

Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. However, most people do not know that you can in fact go up the bridge, built between 1886 and 1894.

You will start with a short history lesson before making your way along the first of two partially covered glass walkways. The second walkway has a partially mirrored ceiling offering the perfect snap of the River Thames and oncoming traffic below. It also allows you incredible views of the Shard and Gherkin.

Once down, it’s a short walk to the engine rooms which continue to lift the bridge to this day. Learn about how these engines work and their maintenance.

Tower Bridge and Engine Room Tour entry – £9.80

Enjoy British naval history on board HMS Belfast

To experience a monumental part of Britain’s naval past, step aboard HMS Belfast. The World War 1 ship is one of London’s most unique historical attractions. Moored near London Bridge Pier, this monumental wartime ship is sensational.

Once aboard, make your way up and down ladders as you explore the interior and exterior of each deck, discovering the museum ships vast history. Expect waxwork figures ‘in action’, access to the gun turrets and hear many stories of life on board at each level.

On deck, you can take a moment to appreciate the London skyline from the River Thames.

HMS Belfast entry – £16.20 online and £18 on the day

See how medicine has progressed at The Old Operating Theatre

Make your way up a spiral 52-step staircase and enjoy a glimpse of how far modern medicine has come. The Old Operating Theatre brings you back to the 19th century where medicinal technique was still in its infancy.

The procedures were often gruesome and herbal remedies took precedence. The highlight of the museum? The opportunity to stand inside Europe’s oldest operating theatre.

The Old Operating Theatre entry – £6.50

Hunt for quirky fashion and other finds at Vinegar Yard

For vintage and retro finds, head to Vinegar Yard. This bustling flea market is brimming with antique treasures, arts and crafts and global cuisine to suit all tastes and preferences.

Be entertained at The Scoop

Next to City Hall, the Scoop offers free theatrical performances, sporting and movie screenings at select times in the year.

800 people can enjoy events including Christmas by the River and Summer by the River within this impressive outdoor amphitheatre.

London Bridge will keep you busy for the entire weekend. To make the most of your time in the area, enjoy a London Bridge hotel stay.

Have you explored the London Bridge area? What would be your go to attraction?

Stephanie xox

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The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own

Stephanie Mulholland 16th October 2019 Tombo - Japanese Cafe, 28 D'Arblay St, Soho, London W1F 8EW

Looking for the best matcha cheesecake in London?

If you are looking for the best matcha cheesecake in London, you’re in luck.

In three locations across the capital, you will find the Japanese cafe, Tombo. Discover these matcha havens in South Kensington, Fitzrovia and Soho.

Once inside, sample matcha treats within a traditional Japanese styled interior.

An instant draw for matcha lovers is the cheesecake. Above all, the vegan matcha cheesecake and marble cheesecake. Thankfully, the vegan version is also gluten free!

The marble cheesecake is presented in the New York style with a twist. This rich cheesecake offers a sesame base and aromatic matcha marble top.

On the other hand, the vegan matcha cheesecake is a combination of coconut cream, tofu and oat milk. Surprisingly, it’s texture stays true and although a little denser, it isn’t any less delicious.

Tombo – the home of matcha desserts and drinks in London

As well as a killer matcha cheesecake, Tombo also offers other matcha inspired desserts and ice creams.

Sample a matcha tart or matcha soft serve ice cream, all in the heart of London. You can also enjoy your matcha hot or chilled, with delicious lattes to boot!

In contrast to sweet treats, Tombo also offers savoury items. These include Poke bowls, sushi, noodles and donburi.

In conclusion, if you are looking for the best matcha cheesecake in London, look no further than Tombo! I will certainly be back to enjoy their savoury dishes soon.

Have you ever been to Tombo? What is your go-to cheesecake flavour?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 22nd September 2019 ARTBOX Covent Garden, 44 Shelton St, London WC2H 9HZ

Finding Pusheen at ARTBOX Covent Garden, London 🐱

Discover kawaii heaven in London

As you enter ARTBOX Covent Garden in London, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to kawaii heaven.

The ARTBOX shop in Covent Garden is home to the cutest animated characters. Most importantly, it hosts a wall-to-wall Pusheen the Cat area. Now, if you a Pusheen and super adorable merchandise fan, you’re going to be pretty psyched.

Upon entering this specialist kawaii retailer, you will meet animated characters and goods galore. Luckily, there’s plenty of plush grey cats!

ARTBOX specialises in kawaii Japanese items. Inside, there are unique wall-to-wall displays. Expect to find plushies, stationary, clothing and sweet treats.

A specialist Japanese kawaii retailer in Covent Garden

As you explore, discover Pusheen’s friends and lots of familiar Sanrio faces. These include Hello Kitty, Gudetama, Rillakuma, Moomin, Sumikko Gurashi, Tokidoki and My Melody.

Basically, when it comes to Pusheen, you will find plushies, stationary, pin badges and homeware galore!

In addition, you’ll find the beloved Tofu Cute with their own concession stand within. Not to mention their selection of Amuse plushies, Japanese sweets and drinks!

Therefore, if you are into all things cute, ARTBOX Covent Garden is the place to be. Surprisingly, the Pusheen craving doesn’t have to end there. Thankfully, it will next be fulfilled at the ARTBOX Cafe in Brighton!

Which is your favourite kawaii character?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 23rd August 2019 The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History, 11 Mare St, London E8 4RP

Exploring The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, London 😱

The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, London review

The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities is a peculiar haunt in Hackney, operated by Viktor Wynd and The Last Tuesday Society.

Before you enter this cabinet of curiosities, enjoy a tipple in the absinthe cocktail bar upstairs.

Housed in a former call centre, this quirky natural history museum is wall-to-wall with oddities and artwork. Its collection spans several centuries.

Accessible by a steep spiral staircase, you will enter the basement museum. Here, discover a two headed lamb, dodo bones, Fiji mermaids, ‘fairies’ and a complete skeleton of a giant anteater – and plenty more!

Scattered around, tribal art, erotica, fossils and items of scientific interest lines it’s cabinets and walls. Alongside this, extinct animal parts and taxidermy in abundance.

So, what did I find in The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities?

The tribal pieces were particularly fascinating. Shrunken heads, skulls, intricate artwork, dead babies in containers and lots of human remains – eek!

There’s also photo opportunities with well-dressed safari and mythical taxidermy gentry.

The museum presents the largest known public collections by artist and occultist, Austin Osman Spare. It also hosts many interesting pieces by Anglo-Mexican surrealist, Leonora Carrington.

Expect the good, the bad and the damn right weird in this oh so peculiar East End London gem! You won’t want to miss it.

Have you been to The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities? Which item would freak you out the most?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 2nd August 2019

Tracing Shakespeare’s life in Stratford-upon-Avon ✍🏻

A day in Stratford-upon-Avon with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Shakespeare bestowed upon the world a love for literature, producing nearly 200 known works in his lifetime.

In sleepy Stratford-upon-Avon, you can discover snippets of his world. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust presents a variety of attractions in the area. Here, visitors can discover the literary great and are taken on a journey through Shakespeare’s life.

The adult annual pass includes all five properties and is only £22.50, allowing for unlimited visits within 12 months!

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust attractions include:

Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Shakespeare’s New Place
Mary Arden’s Farm
Hall’s Croft
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Discover Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon’s town centre. This grand Tudor home presents a living museum of Shakespeare’s childhood and a timeline of his life and work.

As you enter, explore the Famous Beyond Words exhibition where you will be presented with informative videos, artwork and memorabilia dedicated to the playwrights greatest works and a variety of fascinating artifacts.

Finally, you will move on to the properties beautifully landscaped gardens. Here, you can learn more about Shakespeare’s plays on a 9 metre interactive wallbook, immerse yourself in live performances by actors on request and become mesmerised by talks and workshops within the home on Shakespeare’s family life and his father’s glove making business.

Afterwards, be sure to check out the giftshop for beautiful stationery and books.

Shakespeare’s New Place

Shakespeare’s New Place allows visitors to wander around the site of the playwrights final property, where he died in 1616.

Although the original home no longer stands, the re-established neighbouring property presents a fascinating exhibition with artwork and artefacts. Surprisingly, this includes a signet ring believed to have been owned by William Shakespeare himself!

Finally, take time to appreciate the restored sunken Knot Garden and the large landscaped Elizabethan Great Garden. Here you will discover plenty of places to take a moment and reflect on his life.

The Great Garden is also home to grand and enchanting series of commissioned bronze statues by Greg Wyatt dedicated to Shakespeare’s famous works.

Mary Arden’s Farm

Mary Arden’s Farm was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Today, it is still a charming working Tudor farm and only a short drive outside the town centre.

Onsite, admire the varied livestock and enjoy live action performances by actors in period costumes. See falconry and goose herding demonstrations, as well as being able to take part in a wealth of interactive activities and educational talks.

This expansive 23-acre farm is delightful to stroll around. Expect historic buildings, lush greenery and plenty of hidden treasures to be found.

Enjoy watching butterflies in wild flower and fauna embellished meadows, reignite your childish side and climb the viewing tower, spot carved wooden animals hidden within the trees and crawl through lengthy willow domed structures.

On departing, the gift shop offers wholesome local produce and pretty trinkets.

Hall’s Croft

Hall’s Croft is the Jacobean home of Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna, and her husband, physician, John Hall.

Once inside, step along creaking wooden floorboards to discover their family home and life and follow walls and rooms lined with medicinal herbs and vials. Once upstairs, you will also find the beautifully crafted The Bard’s Rest sofa centrepiece upstairs.

You can also enjoy the Method in Madness and Living with History exhibitions.

Method in Madness delves into medicinal practice and use in late 16th and early 17th century. It details how John Hall would have worked and how doctors understood the body and mind to function during this time.

Here, you will learn about medical advancements, see the garish tools used to operate and authentic apothecary and uroscopy stations.

Living with History is found within the onsite Hall’s Croft Cafe. It presents life in Stratford-upon-Avon, past and present, through the eyes of local documentary photographer, William Mulryne.

Once you have finished admiring the photography take a moment in the Hall’s Croft walled garden brimming with medicinal herbs or even enjoy some tea and cake at the cafe.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife and is a short drive outside the town centre. Here, Shakespeare courted a young Anne Hathaway and the pair soon fell in love.

The property was originally a farmhouse and the family reared sheep on its 90-acre land. Unfortunately, as we set off a little later in the day, we had to miss Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

However, if you set off early, all of these attractions are more than doable in a day! Although, if you miss one like me, the annual pass also allows you to return on a later date!

Thus, I shall certainly be returning to visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage soon.

Have you discovered Shakespeare’s life in Stratford-upon-Avon? What is your favourite piece of work by Shakespeare?

Stephanie xox

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