Travel Lightbulb

 I appreciate we're all staying at home just now, but if you're looking for a day out when this is all over, I've got a suggestion for a little gem of a National Trust property that may have escaped your attention. Gawthorpe Hall is in the Borough of Burnley, in Lancashire, but its estate extends into Padiham. It has been named Downton of the North, as it looks a little bit like a mini version of the real building used in Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle.  Before lockdown, I had to book a slot to visit and I will point out that the hall is only open for a few months of the year, so please check before making plans! It's worth arriving a little while before your slot time to explore the grounds. They're not huge, but it's lovely to have a little wander round the woods, which include a little lake.  When I visited, Covid restrictions meant that visitors were limited, and it was almost like getting ap private tour of the house. The guides were very informative, and

 For those reading my blog in the UK.....here we go again! Back to where we were in March, staying home, saving lives and dreaming of a time when we'll be allowed to roam the world again. It's a challenge to write a travel blog at a time like this, but many of you have been in touch to say my blog posts are cheering them up so I'll be plodding on through as best I can! I'll still be bringing you some ideas of those off the beaten track places in the coming months, so perhaps as you stay inside in the dark dreary weeks ahead you can continue to hop over to Travel Lightbulb each week for a spot of armchair tourism! Keep your chin up everyone - together we will get through this.