It's been a little while since I've posted - things have really been hectic around here! Blogging has had to take a back seat as illnesses, job applications and life in general have all created the manic atmosphere that has been the norm over the past few weeks. Luckily, I've now got a couple of days to myself to catch up on all the wonderful posts that have only fleetingly graced my laptop screen and actually get something written down for the first time in too long.

First up is a round up of all the lovely places we visited last over the past year. Days out have always been a priority for Mr CC and I - a chance to escape the humdrum routine and explore somewhere new - but these have been few and far between recently. In an attempt to fuel our sense of adventure and desire to explore I thought it was time to look back and appreciate all those places that we've visited and loved recently...

Almost a year ago we headed for a day trip to Castle Howard. The snowdrops were delicate pin points on the lawns and the lunch was delectable - highly recommended.

Not long after we made the trip to York and explored the Museum Gardens for the first time, alongside the obligatory visit to Betty's and the minster.

A holiday with the family to Northumberland took us to Easter and we spent blustery days hiking through the countryside and across coastal footpaths. Lindisfarne Castle was a particular highlight.

Finally our travels took us further west to the Lake District and we camped right in the heart of Wasdale only moments from the lake at the base of the looming and powerful Scafell Pike.

Looking back, the one thing that all of our trips have in common is a connection with nature, heritage and the outdoors. City breaks are not something we avoid necessarily, but we do always manage to discover the quieter side of busy towns and bustling city centres, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Where are you planning to visit this year?