Search Results for: Lifestyle

The Great North Road is Britain’s Route 66 – we’ve just forgotten how to sing its praises

In 1921, Britain’s most illustrious highway, the Great North Road, ceased to exist – on paper at least. Stretching from London to Edinburgh, the old road was largely replaced by the A1 as the era of the motor car took hold.

A hundred years later, journalist and cyclist Steve Silk embraces the anniversary as the perfect excuse to set off on an adventure across 11 days and 400 miles. Travelling by bike at a stately 14 miles per hour, he heads north, searching out milestones and memories, coaching inns and coffee shops.

Seen from a saddle rather than a car seat, the towns and the countryside of England and Scotland reveal traces of Britain’s remarkable past and glimpses of its future. Instead of the familiar service stations and tourist hotspots, Steve tracks down the forgotten treasures of this ancient highway between the two capitals.

The Great North Road is a journey as satisfying for the armchair traveller as the long-distance cyclist. Enriched with history, humour and insight, it’s a tribute to Britain and the endless appeal of the open road.

Prepare to take your love of coffee to the next level with this richly aromatic tour of the world’s favourite drink, from bean to cup and beyond

Happiness comes in all shapes and sizes: espresso, cortado, flat white, latte, cappuccino…

We wake up and smell it. We crave it when we’re sleepy. We take deep lungfuls of its rich aroma when we buy a new bag of it. We put it in cakes, cocktails and just about every other type of food imaginable. But most of all, we rely on it to punctuate our day with a caffeine hit and a small burst of all its delicious flavours.

In this homage to the coffee bean you will:
– Learn how coffee was discovered, how it is grown and how it is turned into our favourite drink
– Discover everything you wanted to know about different beans, roasting styles and brewing techniques
– Take a barista training course from the comfort of your own kitchen, with top tips on making the perfect brew at home
– Get to grips with modern developments in the coffee world, such as nitro, cold brew, proffee and snapchilled coffee
– Try out delicious coffee-based recipes, from flavoured lattes and iced coffees to coffee fudge, tiramisu, homemade syrups and espresso martinis

The only thing this book doesn’t contain is caffeine – you’ll have to make a fresh cup of joe for that.

How could we live without tea?
From its beginnings in Asia to its position as a popular global pick-me-up, tea has become the drink of choice for two billion people every morning!
This charming miscellany, packed full of fascinating facts and practical advice, as well as tasty recipes from spicy chai tea to traditional tea loaf, will intrigue, inform and delight lovers of this cheering beverage across the globe.  

Pamper someone you love with this sweet book of vouchers containing romantic gestures, from breakfast in bed to a dreamy weekend away – it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

A titillating book of 32 sexy vouchers for lovers to get you both hot under the collar!

Provoke squeals of delight from your amour with this deliciously naughty book of vouchers containing saucy gestures and ideas, from a seductive massage to a lap dance.

If you’re looking for that special gift for your favourite someone for Valentine’s, a birthday, or “just because”, then look no further than this steamy selection of vouchers from the oh-so-cute to the downright dirty!

Why not offer to greet your lover with nothing but a smile or perhaps engage in a bit of al fresco friskiness? Maybe you’re a dinner-by-candlelight kind of couple… or is a seductive massage more your thing? Or how about talking dirty or joining the mile-high club?

Flirt the night away, get hot and heavy, and then come back for more!

It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Sleep is probably the topic that preoccupies parents of babies and young children more than any other.

Sleep is essential for the physical and psychological health of your baby, and for the well-being of the whole family. This accessible no-nonsense guide will help you to establish positive sleep habits and put good practices into place for your baby from the first few weeks. With supportive advice arranged into simple but informative tips, including:
– Understanding how babies sleep
– Teaching the difference between night and day
– Learning about sleep cycles and rhythms
– How to establish an effective bedtime routine
– Discovering how developmental changes can affect your baby’s sleep
– Tried and trusted ways to teach your baby to self-settle
– Establishing consistency with daytime naps
– Quick trouble-shooting tips in a bonus chapter

The nine months is up and the new baby is finally here! But what do you do when your darling child calls to ask you to play babysitter?
You’ve been through it all before and then some, but with the help of this quirky little book you’ll be sailing through those unexpected play dates with your nerves and your furniture intact.
With top tips on navigating the new grandparental responsibilities and pithy one-liners about the truths of grandparenting, Baby Tips for Grandparents is the perfect gift for any new nan or grandad.  

“A gentle, warm, vulnerable book that buzzes and sings and blossoms… Donaldson shows that it is not just nature that benefits from working with the earth – the human soul heals and grows too. With lives as tangled and bright as the wildflowers in the verges, this book is a joy to read. ” – Mary Colwell, author of Curlew Moon and The Gathering Place


A heart-warming true story of the woods and wildlife, conservation and community, perfect for fans of Detectorists and The Outlaws

When Carol’s world suddenly unravels, leaving her single and jobless, she stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: leading a ragtag team of countryside conservation volunteers. At first glance, the prospect of nurturing Britain’s diverse wildlife in the great outdoors seems like a dream come true. However, reality paints a different picture: her office is a ramshackle porta-cabin overrun with mice and plagued by leaky ceilings, and the volunteers are far from impressed with her lack of practical skills.

Despite this rocky beginning, Carol gradually earns the respect of her eclectic group of volunteers, forging a tight-knit community that will grow to become essential to each member. This diverse group spans generations, from twenty-somethings to septuagenarians, with each of them looking to get something different out of volunteering, whether it’s a sense of purpose, a fresh start in life or a tick on their community service form. They also bring their unique quirks and life experiences to the mix.

Volunteer days soon evolve into the highlight of Carol’s week, as they bond over their love of nature, mental health battles, and the desire for companionship. As they work together outdoors, the team discover a simple yet powerful recipe for self-confidence, improved well-being and a newfound perspective on life’s challenges. This journey not only brings solace and new joys to Carol’s weeks, but eventually it helps her move on with her life, too.

The Volunteers is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the redemptive force of the woods and wildlife. It underscores the universal need for belonging and illustrates how, even in the most unexpected places, we can find a community to call our own.

Test your knowledge, stimulate your mind and enjoy your retirement with this refreshing collection of over 100 crossword puzzles

Welcome to your retirement! You’ve earned your freedom and now you have the time, the knowledge and this book to start solving entertaining, creative and clever crossword puzzles.

With more than 100 crossword puzzles of varying difficulty, plus clues and solutions, this activity book will help to keep your mind active as you enjoy your retirement.

Topics span across subjects, from Sport to Music to History and beyond, offering the perfect way to spend your new-found free time.

With this stress-busting large-print compendium, not only will you be exercising your critical thinking skills, increasing your knowledge base and improving your memory, but you’ll also be saving your eyes!

Whether you’re a recent retiree, approaching the big day or have been enjoying your freedom for years, you’ll discover a challenge, a companion and a stimulating collection of crosswords in The Retirement Crossword Puzzle Book.

Invite positivity and appreciation into your life with this guided journal for practising gratitude

Gratitude plays an important role in boosting self-esteem, reducing stress and improving your overall well-being, but it’s not always easy to find time for. Happily, this journal is here to be your daily reminder to focus on the good things in life.

My Daily Gratitude Journal is the perfect space for you to record everything that brings you joy. With beautiful journal pages and thoughtful prompts, it contains everything you need to help you look at your life through a more positive lens. There’s also a helpful introduction to gratitude with information on why it’s an important practice and how it can positively impact your life.

Give yourself a gratitude break each day to remind yourself of everything you’re grateful for, whether it’s your family and friends, your health, your favourite TV show or even the weather. Once you get started, you’ll be amazed by just how much there is to appreciate.

A tidy mind is a calm mind. Through a series of easy-to-follow tips, this book will help you clear your mental clutter, improve your clarity and find peace.

Do you ever feel frazzled and unable to concentrate? Are you drained by the never-ending to-do list in your head? Would you like to feel more in control? If the answer is “yes”, you are not alone – and it might be time to give your mind a spring clean.

Mental clutter is anything in your head that takes up time and energy, and when there’s too much, the mind becomes exhausted. But with a few simple techniques, you can bring order to your inner world and find a sense of peace again.

This guide will help you to:
– Learn what mental clutter is and how it manifests
– Identify the causes of your mental clutter – from to-do lists, to decision-making and information overload
– Reduce the burden on your mind and improve your mental clarity
– Keep your mind tidy over the long term

How to Tidy Your Mind will help you say “no” to mental clutter and “yes” to feeling joyful, calm and clear-headed.

This beautiful book is filled with simple self-care tips and ideas to help you nurture your well-being every day

Self-care comes in many guises, but at its heart it’s anything you do to take care of yourself. It could be five minutes of gentle breathing, time reserved for pursuing a hobby, or the joy of a hot shower – as long as it leaves you feeling restored and refreshed.

Within these pages you will find a raft of simple but effective tips to help on your journey, including:
– Why self-care is key to happiness and health
– Finding the best methods for you
– How to fit self-care into a busy schedule
– Inspiration to nourish your mind, body and soul
We all need to take time out every now and again to recharge our batteries. Whenever you find your energy fading, dip into this beautiful book and find strength again.

Have you ever found yourself wishing that there was more to life?

Would you like to feel happy and fulfilled every day?

Do you want to take control of your future?

When we have a purpose, we truly come alive. A life purpose is empowering; it’s both an anchor and a guiding light. Whether you find yours through a career, helping others or a creative pursuit, a purpose imbues our days with meaning, direction and happiness – which is why knowing yours has the power to transform your life.

This book will help you to uncover your own unique purpose, or your “why”. From reflecting on your past to visualizing your future, the tips and advice in these pages will guide you towards your true calling and a deeper sense of contentment. So, dive in and begin your journey of self-discovery.

It’s more than just a radio station – Radio 4 is a celebration of curiosity, knowledge and entertainment, and it’s a beloved soundtrack to life for millions of Britons. But for the moments when you’re not tuning in, how about a puzzle or two to pass the time? From quizzes and riddles to crosswords and sudoku, whether you’re an expert on all things Radio 4 or merely a casual listener, there’s plenty in these pages to tickle your fancy and tease your brain.

I hope we’re best friends until we die… I can’t be bothered to find another one.
Your best friend is your world, but telling them just how much they mean to you can be tricky. So, say it instead with this sassy little book, full of tongue-in-cheek quips and endearingly honest declarations of grudging appreciation.

Is self-isolating driving you mad?

Do you need something soothing to distract you from the news?

Discover some peace and tranquillity within the pages of this book, where you’ll find a range of beautiful patterns and intricate designs to colour in and quieten your mind. Colour, create and keep calm!

From refreshing gazpacho to hearty chicken noodle soup and whether you love it as a healthy option, or for the warm hug it gives you, there’s a world of soup out there!
Say goodbye to ready-made soups and discover how satisfying it is to prepare these easy-to-follow recipes.

Britain’s best-loved basset hound returns in this all-new collection of witty cartoon strips from the Daily Mail

Keep an eye on any unguarded sausages, because the gang is back! Join Fred and his friends as they embark on a whole new collection of lively adventures and light-hearted mischief, and prepare to discover the delights of life on four paws.

Fred Basset first sauntered onto the pages of the Daily Mail in July 1963, and over more than half a century he has made himself a household name with readers all over the world. Nearly six decades after his debut, Fred and his friends continue to delight and entertain us with their trademark mix of wholesome humour, wry wit and shrewd observation. Their familiar faces and new adventures offer readers a source of comfort, contentment and amusement in our increasingly hectic, fast-paced world.

This is classic Fred Basset and an essential read for all fans.

Book of the Month, Countryside magazine

‘[this] fascinating new book… provides a detailed insight into the snow-white species’ Waterways World


A wildlife writer and photographer’s celebration of the mute swan, Britain’s most iconic breed, exploring the bird’s significance across myth and history alongside vivid observations on its habits and habitats.

The swan is both a lover and a fighter. A graceful angel and a clumsy oaf. Immortalized by artists over the ages yet misunderstood and threatened in the present day. The mute swan – with its orange beak and aura of stately silence – is the breed we know best in Britain.

Dan Keel has been captivated by these birds since boyhood, studying their contrasting qualities over more than three decades. He’s spent countless hours documenting their power, beauty and vulnerability as a writer of nature journalism, as a wildlife photographer looking for the perfect shot, and as a pilot sharing the skies.

In this labour of love, Dan speaks up for the mute, answering the essential questions about its nature and its future. Along the way, weaving his first-hand observations into the narrative, he shows us how swans have been portrayed in myth, art and culture for millennia, and how they have been venerated and imitated as well as harmed by humans.

Does anybody still eat swan? Can a swan really break your arm? Does the Queen own them all? With an eye for the humour as well as the tragedy of the swan’s story, Dan lays out the facts, guides us to our lakes and riverbanks, and urges us to see these familiar creatures in a fresh light.

Space is spectacular

This short, informative and engaging guide to the wonders of the universe will fascinate and inspire readers of all ages

There’s never been a more exciting time to learn about space. As new rockets are launched and fresh discoveries are made, humanity’s urge to explore and understand what’s going on out there keeps evolving and expanding.

But you don’t need to have Einstein-level training to grasp the science and ponder the big questions. This little book covers everything from the Big Bang and the formation of the planets in our solar system, and how to spot them in the night sky, to a timeline of firsts and major events, including the Apollo missions, Elon Musk’s SpaceX programme and Tim Peake’s Principia mission.

Packed with awe-inspiring facts and profiles of key figures, it will take you on an out-of-this-world adventure to the stars and back.

Among the many fascinating questions the book will answer are these:

– How big is the universe and how was it formed?
– How many meteorites crash into Earth every day?
– Could humans one day live on Mars?
– Are we alone in the universe?

PROUD. ERECT. COCKS.

You won’t believe your eyes. This book contains some of the world’s most impressive cocks! Paired with hilarious captions, these pics will have your jaw hitting the floor in no time. Go on – you know you want to sneak a little peak at these beautiful sturdy beasts!

‘Fearlessness has got nothing to do with being unafraid. It’s about doing things anyway, getting on with it, living, whether you’re afraid or not… Courage is about being who you are with your whole heart.’

Fuzzy-haired, neurotic, cello-playing Catrina is devastated when lover, Jack, leaves her to go surfing on the other side of the world. Trapped in a dead-end job and torn by his departure, Catrina dreams of running away. But how do you run away when you’re flat broke? Luckily, her friend Andrew comes up with a plan: they’ll get an old van, turn it into a camper and busk their way from Norway to Portugal, via the midnight sun. When Andrew is killed in a tragic accident Catrina decides to go it alone, with disastrous consequences. Until her experiences on the road gradually teach her the real meaning of love, courage and above all else, the importance of following her dreams.

INNOVATIVE. ICONIC. BRITISH.

This fascinating, full-colour, photographic compendium invites you to discover Britain in a new way: through the objects that are part of the fabric of contemporary life in the UK, showcasing a wealth of classic British design, as well as treasured everyday items.

We all know that baked treats can warm our hearts as well as our stomachs, and that everything tastes better when you’ve made it yourself. This collection of delicious recipes is peppered with thoughtful quotes and bursting with fail-safe pick-me-ups, from piping-hot pies to sinful double-chocolate muffins. Bake these recipes and be down in the dumplings no more!