http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34438 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34438 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32378 Fellow poets Robert Browning, Henry Taylor, Edward Lear and the American, Henry Longfellow stayed at the selection of holiday villas nestled beneath the downs. The lovely magnolia by the conservatory at Farringford was presented to Tennyson as a cutting by Longfellow in 1868. Other writers came too, including Darwin, Thackeray and Lewis Carroll.
All these famous people were photographed by the pioneer photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron. Dimbola Lodge, overlooking the bay, has excellent views across the Back of the Wight and is now a museum of photography. The tearoom serves delicious cream teas and excellent lunches that can be enjoyed on the terrace on a warm day.
This Victorian cultural circle was satirised by Virginia Woolf in her play Freshwater. Other 20th-century literary pilgrims include DH Lawrence, TS Eliot, John Betjeman, JB Priestley, WH Auden and Christopher Isherwood. Tennyson’s Gift, the novel by Lynne Truss, is set in Freshwater Bay.
The poets and pines walk (www.histreetrail.com) is a fascinating trail highlighting the trees that inspired Tennyson. It includes the Tennyson Mile but goes inland to Freshwater village passing the large property that the poet provided for his wife’s family. Hawkswood, now Freshwater Court, was built by Tennyson to complete his marriage vow. This stated that his in-laws could come and visit whenever they wished, for as long as they wished. But he did not want them under his feet at Farringford.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32378 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31879 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31879 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27988 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27988 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25446 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25446 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24622
Great holiday providing it's sunny. Nice hotels, B&Bs and cottages to stay at.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24622 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23929
I have spent many happy holidays on the Isle of Wight and think that it has to be one of the most under-rated places around. There is lots to do and see. From the Zoo to the Needles, the model village or just sitting having a quiet drink in one of the many pubs and watching all the yachts go sailing by. The ferry journey is only a relatively short trip, but it gets the holiday off to a relaxing start.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23929 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22975 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22975 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22654 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22654 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22554 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22554 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22531 Some people just aren't that into fancy dress. As one of those people, I didn't see why I should do it at Bestival. Yes, it's a festival that celebrates one of the largest fancy dress parades in the country, but once a disbeliever in stupid outfits, always a disbeliever.
BIG MISTAKE!
As one of only three people at the whole of the festival sporting normal, casual attire, I can honestly say I've never felt like a bigger idiot, ever. Bestival is a time to supress your dislike for the 'wacky', it's a time to swallow your misplaced pride and adorn something stupid. You'll feel much better for it ...]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22531 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22476
We all know to take loo rool and wet wipes, but some less obvious tips for festival goers are:
- Take dry shampoo, or specifically Batiste Tropical. It's an amazing conditioning spray that takes away any greasiness and makes your hair full bodied and shiny. It's usually used by old ladies but don't let that put you off
- Take wine in a box and once finished, use the bag inside as an inflatable pillow to sleep on
- If you can carry them, fold away chairs are a god-send at festivals
- Dig out your sparkly sequin bolero or jacket: great for the cooler UK evenings but keeps you looking like you've made a festival effort
- Always bring a bikini, you never know when the sunshine will come out, but also useful for the festivals that have saunas. A good sweat in a sauna will cleanse you for the next night of partying
- Pitching your tent in the quiet zone can be great if you need a good night's sleep and to be fresh for work on Monday
- Take a small over the shoulder handbag so you can put all your valuables in there, sling it across your body and dance the night away!
- Choose a festival that has the right party vibe for you. It doesn't have to have the major headlining bands and you never know, at a smaller festival you may get to see the next big thing]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22476 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22442 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22442