Wales

Wales by the sea

/ mikeosbornphoto / 4 Comments

The British summer has been a disappointment, with cool temperatures and a lot of rain.

So when a warm sunny day was forecast, I travelled by train to Colwyn Bay on the north Wales coast – a place I’d never visited.

What did I think? And did the weather hold up? FIND OUT MORE BELOW

Tap/click first image for gallery view

My first sight was this lovely stretch of coast under blue skies and warm sunshine. I wasn’t the only one who had decided to flock to the seaside, but there was room for everyone.

Colwyn Bay has a short but perfectly formed Victorian pier which was remodelled and restored in 2021 with swathes of pink ironwork which looked stunning against the sky.

I wandered north to Colywn’s smaller neighbour Rhos-on-Sea with its stone harbour and stretches of stony coastline less intended for human habitation.

After a hearty lunch the weather had closed in, with swathes of grey cloud masking the sun. But somehow this added atmosphere to the coastal landscape and day trippers carrying on regardless.

This part of north Wales coastline sits between the brash resorts of Rhyl and Prestatyn, with the eternally popular Llandudno further north.

I’m glad I decided to explore the area and make the most of a break in our dank northerly summer. Does it look good to you?

Link to mikeosbornphoto's Facebook page

Fifty shades of blue

/ mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

July has been a month of grey clouds and heavy rain here in the UK. There’s been little blue sky and that invigorating, electrifying colour.

I’ve combed back over five years of photographs to bring you this true blue gallery from travels near and far.

The Croatian coast produced a post dedicated to blue back in 2017, while Salford – just a walk away from my Manchester home – can dazzle on a bright day.

Do the blues put you in a good mood? Please share your thoughts below!

Tap/click first image to view gallery

Link to mikeosbornphoto's Instagram account

Bodnant Garden: Wonder of Wales

/ mikeosbornphoto / Leave a comment

It’s a short distance from Manchester to the border with Wales. Travel along the country’s north coast and you’ll come to the delight that is Bodnant Garden. READ MORE BELOW

Tap first image for gallery view

This property, now cared for by the National Trust, is a magnificent place to wile away your time.

It’s packed with plants in a variety of settings from lush riversides to formal gardens.

Bodnant’s crowning glory has to be the Pin Mill, a handsome building next to a long lilypond. Wales’ answer to the Taj Mahal?

A lot of staycationers from nearby seaside resort Llandudno visit here, so come early to avoid the crowds. A beautiful spot to have largely to yourself!

Link to mikeosbornphoto's shop

A poet’s sanctuary

/ mikeosbornphoto / 8 Comments

A spa break in south Wales all about relaxation and good food was rounded off with a homeward stopover at the little town of Laugharne in Carmarthenshire.

It was where Welsh writer Dylan Thomas lived at the end of his life. With beautiful views across the River Taf estuary and a commanding castle, you can see it was an inspirational spot – even on a fleeting visit.

Click first image to see gallery