Schloß Schwerin

Schloß Schwerin

If fairytales were to have a birthplace it must be Schwerin. Even from a distance, just laying eyes on their impossibly beautiful castle makes me feel like a princess, or at least, like the world is full of hope and beauty.… Read the rest

Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield

A day out at Tyntesfield is one for the whole family. This exquisite Victorian Gothic Revival estate includes a grand home, complete with its own chapel on a sprawling estate. Here you can watch the children play hide and seek between the trees, climb around the playground and explore the hothouse plants.… Read the rest

Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano

Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano by night

The incredible Renaissance castle, Castello Odescalchi, sits in the heart of Bracciano and has borne witness to centuries of change.  As we arrive in Bracciano on the first leg of our Summer Holidays, it greets us.… Read the rest

Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn (Karlštejn) Castle is King Charles IV (1316-1378) original Gothic home. Founded in 1348, the castle served the King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. It was a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia and the Bohemian Crown Jewels as well as holy relics and other royal treasures.… Read the rest

Cesky Krumlov Castle

Cesky Krumlov Castle

The centerpiece of the stunning medieval town of Cesky Krumlov (Český Krumlov) is its magnificent castle complex. The castle, founded by the Vítkovci family in the 13th Century, is one of the largest in Central Europe. The castle reflects a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles shaped by centuries of expansion and renovation.… Read the rest

Konopiste Castle

Konopiste Castle

Konopiste (Konopiště) Castle is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the Czech Republic. Situated near the town of Benešov, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Prague, Konopiště stands as a symbol of both medieval architecture and the personal legacy of the late Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.… Read the rest

On the Road to Hluboká nad Vltavou

On the Road to Hluboká nad Vltavou

Leaving Karlovy Vary behind us, we are on the road to Hluboká nad Vltavou and its stunning Chateau amidst the rivers, forests and fields of Southern Bohemia. Actually, our destination is Cesky Krumlov but after a few hours in the car we are ready to stretch our legs and as calm our nerves.… Read the rest

Cesky Krumlov Dreaming

Cesky Krumlov Dreaming

Cesky Krumlov Dreaming. If there was ever a place where it’s possible to find yourself in a fairy tale, this MUST be it.

We left Karlovy Vary this morning, headed for Cesky Krumlov. I have heard of its beauty and charm previously but nothing has quite prepared me for what we encounter.… Read the rest

Loket nad Ohří and Mariánské Lázně

After a bit of a lazy start this morning we head out to explore some more castles and spa towns in the West Bohemian area of the Czech Republic. We have Loket nad Ohří and Mariánské Lázně in our sights.

Loket nad Ohří

Surrounded by a loop of the river Ohří, this tiny town almost becomes an island.… Read the rest