10 Coupons You Need To Sign Up For Before Visiting Orlando

Today I have a guest post from Emma who blogs at EmmaDrew.Info all about ways to make money, save money and live the life you want. Emma loves to visit Orlando and today wants to share some money saving tips with you. You can also find Emma on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. Over to Emma.....

Emma Drew 

If you have an upcoming trip to Orlando on the cards, did you know there are loads of websites to sign up to get amazing discounts? Today, I have a fantastic list to share with you full of lots of Orlando coupons! These can range from free food to money off at your favourite shopping attractions.

Before I share my 10 coupons recommendations, I have a small list of tips to consider before signing up!

Sign up for the discounts in advance

Signing up for these discounts in advance will save you a lot of time. Also while some vouchers arrive instantly via email, some take a couple of days to arrive so my personal recommendation is signing up around 2-4 days before you leave. This will allow time for you to receive all your coupons on time but before they’ll expire.

Sign up using a new free email addre
ss

If you don’t, you will be bombarded with promotional emails after your visit!

Mention birthdays in your signup

A lot of these companies I’ll be sharing have some fantastic birthday freebies so be sure to use the details of anyone visiting who will be celebrating their birthday during your trip. (You’ll see further on in this blog post about Landry's Select Club to get your free $25 in your birthday month!)

Plan out your spending money



Deciding on how much spending money to take to Florida can be difficult to figure out. Orlando and travelling can be very expensive but using the following coupons will really help you to save money during your trip!

Now here’s my list of 10 coupons to get you saving up lots of dollars! These are a variety of apps and websites that offer great coupons and off
ers.
  1. Landry’s Select Club - The Landry's Select Club is amazing, and I strongly recommend signing up. They have a physical card as well as an app you can use if the card doesn't arrive in time, or doesn't quite make it from America.
  2. Groupon Orlando 
  3. Living Social Orlando - A browse through Groupon Orlando and Living Social Orlando before your visit is a great idea if you are looking to save money on your tip. You can find all sorts from activities to meals out.
  4. The Coupons App
  5. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores - Coupon booklet (free coupons worth $400)
  6. Premium Outlets - (become a VIP member for your voucher for a free Savings Passport)
  7. Orlando Deals - The Visit Orlando website has a long list of discounts available across a range of activities and restaurants. Whether you want an Off Road experience or a relaxing spa experience, they have a lot of coupons.
  8. SavingStar
  9. SnipSnap
  10. GasBuddy - find the cheapest petrol

Be sure to share this post with anyone heading to Orlando!

The Top Driving Distractions For UK Drivers

Driving can be stressful, it's a complex tax and requires lots of concentration to drive safely. However, there are lots of environmental distractions plotting against you when you drive.  Keeping calm is important and trying to minimise your distractions is essential.  


Distractions can be from other drivers, driving too close or driving erratically. This can add to your stress levels. 

Other distractions including passengers and pets. If you have little or big kids in the car with you, they can be a distraction, talking to you when you drive or arguing amongst each other. Pets need to be securely restrained in a car, never have a pet loose as they could be a danger in the car.

Music can be a distraction too, especially loud music, in particular, heavy metal or rock music. However, music can also help you deal with the monotony of driving according to research published in Science Daily in 2013, especially if you are an experienced driver. Perhaps choose ambient music that won't distract you.

Lease Car recently looked into the top driving distractions for UK drivers and conducted a survey of 1000 people.  Some of their findings are below.






I wasn't surprised that 32% of drivers eat on the go. It's not an excuse but we live in a society where everything is rushed, we multi-task trying to get everything done, so eating on the go is part of life. I can see how this is a distraction though.

Another part of the research showed that 45% of women have applied lipstick or lipgloss in the car, and 12% of men have shaved - I presume this isn't whilst driving! 

I try to do certain things when I drive to minimise distractions.  It doesn't always happen though but I always do it when I'm driving some distance. I make sure I put my phone on silent, that the passengers have everything they need, that I'm not hungry or thirsty and that I plan my trip beforehand, on Google Maps. Leaving in plenty of time can ensure you are not rushing and that you drive calmly.  With all these distractions, do you have any hints and tips on how you concentrate on the road? 

*Collaborative post

Win a Nextbase Dash Cam For Your Car Ends: 24/02

Have you ever thought about buying a Dash Cam for your car? Well, the Nextbase team have given me a Dash Cam to give away to my readers today.

Who are Nextbase and what is a Dash Cam?

According to Which magazine, Nextbase are the number 1 best Dash Cam company n the UK in 2018.

A Dash Cam is a small video camera mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of your car. It is used continuously to record the view of the road and the traffic through your windscreen. 

Why do I need a Dash Cam?

A Dash Cam is an important gadget for drivers in today's age. 

The purpose of the dash cam is to carefully record every detail that takes place both on the road and inside the car, and it can be used for a variety of purposes. If you have an accident a Dash Cam can be invaluable to work out who was at fault. Having a Dash Cam fitted could even give you lower car insurance too, by recording that you are a safe driver.

What's special about the Nextbase Dash Cam 312GW?


The Nextbase 312GW Dash Cam records in Full 1080p High Definition. It features Wi-Fi which allows you to quickly review footage on a mobile device and directly share it with your insurer, friends or social media via the Nextbase App. This model uses GPS to record important speed and location data whilst using the unique Click & Go Mount for the ultimate in convenience.

The Dash Cam works straight out of the box, no software is needed and the Click & Go powered magnetic mount, can be affixed to your windscreen in seconds, leaving the Dash Cam completely wireless to be attached and removed as and when you require.


The customer service team at Nextbase are available 364 days a year too, 11 hours a day, to provide great support whenever you need it.

Today on the blog I am giving away a rose gold Nextbase 312GW Dash Cam retailing at £99.99. In a shade of pink, this Dash Cam provides all the technology you need in a Dash Cam. Just pop it on the windscreen and you are good to go.

Win A Nextbase Dash Cam

Why A Healthy Lifestyle Should Be Your New Year’s Resolution For 2019

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2019? Do they include living a healthier life? I think we all think about improving our lifestyle at this time of year and living a healthier life is often a priority.

The age we live in is somehow an antagonist of a healthy lifestyle. Rushed rhythms of life, too many hours spent in the office versus too little time spent doing what you love, and the daily hustle and bustle may take your concentration off what’s important - your physical and mental health.

Luckily, living a healthier life is easier than you think. You could start with a hobby, such as growing your organic crops in a polytunnel from First Tunnels. This is the first step towards a healthier diet and also a great way to keep mentally occupied.

Squeezing in at least half an hour of exercise into your daily schedule can help too. Here are just some of the things you will gain.

1. Weight Control


Regular exercise and eating healthy foods is key to reaching your weight-loss goals and maintaining a healthy weight.

If you already have a full schedule and have no time to commit to a certain amount of physical exercise per week, there are simple ways to increase your activity. For instance, you could walk more and drive less and take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Get a standing desk mat and do light exercise while working instead of sitting all day long in a chair.

A balanced diet will also help you maintain or lose weight. The secret is eating a hearty but healthy breakfast, incorporating five servings of vegetables and fruits per day and limiting the intake of sugars and saturated fats. Whole-grain carbohydrates can help keep you full, just limit the intake of unrefined carbs.

2. Better Overall Health



A healthy lifestyle consisting of regular exercise, healthy eating, and healthy social behaviour can help prevent multiple health conditions including cardiovascular diseases, strokes, diabetes, depression, and metabolic syndrome.

It is recommended to schedule at least one annual check-up with your doctor to check your blood pressure and conduct regular blood and urine analysis. Prevention and early detection of health issues are essential if you want to maintain a high quality of life. This goes for your mental health too. If your anxiety levels are increasing to an abnormal level or your mood is abnormally high or low, speak to a professional. A site like BetterHelp which provides professional counselling skills can help you if you do not want to talk to your GP. Online therapy can really help if you cannot see a counsellor in person. Psychotherapy has proven to be very beneficial to people's mental health.

3. Boosted Energy



An unhealthy lifestyle can make you feel sluggish. On the contrary, rethinking your dietary and lifestyle habits, replacing junk foods with their healthy counterparts, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly will give you more energy.

A healthy diet consisting of lean meat, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables fuels your body and delivers energy instead of drowsiness. C
heck this page for an in-depth review of green juice thought to boost health.

A regular workout improves muscle strength and boosts endurance, increases the blood flow and the efficiency of your cardiovascular system, ultimately giving you more energy.

Reducing the caffeine intake and conducting a healthy sleep routine, which should involve staying away from electronic devices right before bedtime, will also boost your energy by improving the quality of your sleep.

All these habits combined will improve your overall health and raise your life expectancy.

4. Better Mood


A healthy lifestyle will not only bring physical benefits, but it also has a massive impact on your mental health, boosting your mood.

There are many benefits of physical exercise including boosting your mood. Physical exercise and a healthy social life stimulate the production of endorphins and serotonin, neurotransmitters that make you feel happier and more relaxed. Exercise doesn't have to be about running though, any exercise where you are getting breathless can work, such as swimming, fast walking and hiking. 


Hiking is a great exercise as it's out in nature and the enhanced oxygen intake will likely help you to quiet the voices in your head and live more in the moment. Even better: An active holiday will definitely improve your mood. On Bookatrekking.com you will find all your options.

The immediate effects include decreased stress, improved concentration, and boosted wellbeing. In the long run, the constant release of endorphins and serotonin help prevent depression and improve overall mental functioning.

5. Longer Life Expectancy



Leading a healthy lifestyle can increase your life expectancy in many ways. From a physical standpoint, being active and fit will reduce the risk of heart arrest, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues by strengthening the circulatory system.

Eating healthy means a lower chance of developing cholesterol, while healthy fatty acids will contribute to protecting your brain and heart.

From a psychological view, healthy social behaviour and good levels of endorphins and serotonin help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Since these are the leading causes of deaths through suicide, keeping your mental health in good conditions will undoubtedly prolong your life expectancy.

Moreover, studies have shown that regular exercise can counteract some of the adverse consequences of ageing, helping you live longer.  If you can afford to have health care insurance it's also worth taking this out as an insurance policy, check out Medisupps.com.

In Conclusion

Giving up bad habits and building good ones may be hard, but it’s totally worth the effort. Whether it’s getting more exercise, losing some weight, or giving up the junk food in your life, switching to a healthy lifestyle should be your new year resolution for 2019 if you want to improve your wellbeing!

*Collaborative post

Zoe Travel Bag Review By Mia Tui And You Can Win One Too

Mia Tui is a brand of luxury travel bags born in 2010. The owner of the brand Charlotte Jamme spent many years searching for the perfect bag that would suit her busy lifestyle and that is how Mia Tui was born. 

Mia Tui sent me a Zoe travel bag recently, in exchange for a review, here is what I thought of the bag.



The Zoe travel bag is a lightweight travel bag that is surprisingly spacious. 

It comes in a choice of colours including rose gold, navy, black, matt silver, graphite, chestnut and metallic grey.  I decided to go for the metallic grey as I like the slight sheen and think it goes with a black coat well. 




What Charlotte decided to do is to design her the bags so that they were very practical inside but still superbly stylish, with lots of pockets, and places to keep items safe.  The larger bags, like the Zoe bag, have their own accessory bags too, which are perfect to keep your passport secure when travelling.



The material is a soft faux leather so it has the look of leather but will appeal to vegans as its a synthetic material. The bags are made in Vietnam where Charlotte used to live and are still made in her friend's Van's factory. Mia Tui work with the employees there to provide training and a skill for life and the close relationship the company has with the employees means they know everyone name.


I like how the Zoe bag has a number of compartments so you can become organised easily.

So many bags have a lining in a boring colour, but not this bag! The turquoise lining is gorgeous and gives a pop of colour. It also means that your items are easy to see against the blue/green colour. 



The clear internal bag is useful for your toiletries when flying and the small clutch bag with wrist strap can be used to keep your passport safe or as a versatile small clutch. There is a pocket to hold your mobile phone and also pens. A section of the bag has an insulated water bottle holder for you to put your bottle as well. The bag measures 45cm at the widest point and is 30cm high so it's spacious and a great size.



The bag has a little pocket too, that it's a secret unless you know it's there. 


It has a pocket on the back that can slip over your suitcase handle and can make it easier for you when you are travelling with a suitcase. Genius!

I really like the Zoe bag from Mia Tui. I think its a very versatile bag for travel and would be excellent as a cabin bag on the plane. It fits an Ipad or MacBook Air as well. However don't just use your bag for travel, the size makes it an excellent everyday shopping bag too. 


I like the ethics of the brand and applaud Charlotte on making a versatile vegan bag.

Today on my blog you can win a Zoe travel bag of your choice of colour. All you have to do is head over to my Instagram account and enter on the post below. 


Today I have teamed up with https://miatui.com/ to give away a gorgeous Zoe travel bag. Available in multiple colours including navy, rose gold and graphite its a stylish and lightweight travel bag. It even fits over the handles of your suitcase to make travelling on the go super easy. Review on the blog soon. All you need to do to enter is - Follow Mai Tui on Instagram @miatui Follow me on instagram @melandjake99 Like this post Tag a friend Comment why you want to win this bag. All above is one entry only. Good luck 🍀 T&C: I will choose the winner at random. Only those aged 18+ can enter from the UK only. No cash prize alternative is offered. Enter by midnight on 20/02/19 BST. Winner announced on IG This competition is in no way associated to Instagram or Facebook.⠀ #competition #prizedraw #prize #prizes #instacomp #giveaway #giveawaycontest #ontheblog #lifestyleblogger #fashionblogger #bloggerlife #winner #winaprize #winabag #fashionista #travelbag #travellers #tourist #tourists #bagenvy #bag #bags #fbloggers #bagsofinstagram #flightbag
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The Zoe bag is priced at £45 and I think for a quality spacious bag like this its a great choice for your next travel bag. I will be taking it on my next flight to Tallinn in Estonia. Also, don't forget to enter my comp! Good luck!

10 Best Things To Do In Santorini

I love Greece, it is one of my favourite countries with many different islands to visit and explore. One such island is Santorini, an island of beauty that is about 120 miles southeast of Greece’s mainland. There are plenty of things to see and do on the island - here are my top ten picks.



Visit Amoudi Bay

A place I have been recommended by friends is Amoudi Bay. It is a little fishing village, has a little dock and the water is deep blue and light turquoise - absolutely beautiful. There are plenty of fabulous eateries and it is a great place to go for a swim.

Head To The Red Beach 


Being an island, many of my suggestions may mention beaches simply because of their beauty. One such one is Red Beach - the name is pretty self-explanatory. It is a unique and stunning beach with red sand and amber cliffs.


Hike Your Way From Fira To Oia

This has been suggested to me a few times as one of the most amazing things to experience whilst in Santorini - and it doesn’t cost a penny. You get incredible views and it can take anywhere between two to five hours to reach your destination. There are only a few shops or restaurants on the way so make sure you’re well equipped and well stocked with refreshments for such a long hike.

Visit Skaros Rock

You may not realise it but there is a little church hidden on the far side of Skaros Rock that is great to visit. You descend the cliff to the path to get to the rock and perhaps you can even climb to the top if you dare?

Consider Cruising


If you are looking for something extremely fun to do whilst in Santorini, why not consider a Santorini cruise? Guests can have a day on the crystal water of the Aegean Sea and get to see the Famous Sunset of Santorini at the end of the day. There is the option to book semi-private cruises, private cruises or special cruises (all at different prices) so you can choose the right option for you.

Make Time For The Museum Of Prehistoric Fira

I always like to make time to visit museums and similar places when I am travelling as they hold so much history and culture within their walls. This small museum has plenty of information about Santorini history and can even help you to find some of the hidden alleys of Fira too!

Head To The Santorini Wine Museum

I mentioned above that I love visiting museums and this wine museum is certainly worth checking out too. It has a 300 metre long wine cave and this shows the history and development of the wine of Santorini over the last few hundred years. You also get four wine tastings included in admission to the museum.

Akrotiri Is Worth Heading To



Sometimes known as the ‘Greek Pompeii’, this is a must visit for history buffs. It is a wonderfully preserved archaeological site where a volcano erupted and layers of ash preserved the settlements nearby. It is an absolutely fascinating place to visit and there is also a lighthouse to explore.

How About Hot Springs?

Something that I see many people doing in Santorini is jumping off a boat into hot springs. It seems to be one of the most popular things to do and it is easy to see why - it is so much fun!


Finally, Choose A Winery

Whilst I mentioned the wine museum up above, nothing beats also visiting an actual winery such as the Sigalas winery. A private sommelier will take you on a tour of the vineyards and you get to taste the wine that is made from growing grapes on volcanic soil. What could be better?




For more information check out Santorini on the website Discover Greece.

Have you ever visited Santorini? What would you suggest doing on the island?

*Collaborative post

The Ultimate Guide To Developing Green Fingers

Just because you are a gardening novice doesn’t mean that you can’t learn how to deadhead your rose bush, weed the lawn and plant some potatoes. While you may be nervous about setting foot into your back garden, it’s never too late to begin developing your green fingers. You may not have a horticultural bone in your body, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t learn. If your back garden area has seen better days and looks more like a jungle than a well-coiffed outside space for you and your brood to enjoy, it might be time to read on to discover how you can get your garden looking ship-shape while enhancing your gardening credentials.

Go to the garden centre



If you haven’t ever ventured to a garden centre, now is the time to set foot in one. An area dedicated to all things plant-based, a garden centre is a source of inspiration to many gardening novices. Ask advice from the staff looking after the plants and discover the sorts of flowers that are great for beginners because they are so easy to maintain and care for. Succulents and lavender just need the gentlest of trims and don’t need too much care as they can be left to their own devices. If you fancy a more sculptural area for your garden, an alpine style rockery can be ideal, as these hardier plants can cope with winds and rain and all temperatures, making them a good choice for the gardening novice.

Water

Gardens don’t have to be all greenery and plants. Why not consider adding a water feature to your garden design? A pond could be ideal to entice wildlife to your garden. By heading to a site like https://www.swelluk.com/pond/pond-filters-24/  you can check out the sorts of pond filters available to ensure the highest quality environment for frogs and water-dwelling insects. Alternatively, you may prefer a simple water orb, fountain or waterfall cascade feature in your outside space. A water feature effectively creates another element to your garden that is aesthetically pleasing and very calming when you are simply outside and relaxing.

Vegetables



If plants and water aren’t really your style, why not consider going a little more self-sufficient by starting your own vegetable patch like the ones on the Sarah Raven website. Sowing potatoes, carrots and pumpkin is relatively easy if you check your soil type, adhere to the label instructions and feed your veg every day. You might want to start off small by sowing a few vegetables before expanding to a greenhouse for tomatoes and a small potted herb garden for oregano, basil and coriander. Whatever it is you want to grow, you can grow it in your back garden. Think about the food you love cooking and take this as your inspiration.

Even though you may be a gardening novice, you shouldn’t let the overgrown bushes, trees and shrubbery in your outside space put you off from getting outdoors and sorting it out. Use this guide to develop your green fingers and develop your new passion for gardening.

*Collaborative post

What To Do In Lisbon Portugal in 48 Hours

Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital has much to entertain locals and tourists alike. Sitting on seven hills at the mouth of the Tagus river where it meets the Atlantic, it is continental Europe’s westernmost capital and one of the world's oldest cities. 

Lisbon is fairly compact for a city and you can get around by foot or on the local trams - a very good idea when you have to climb one of the steep hills.  If you only have 48 hours to spare, here is what to do in Lisbon, when time is of the essence. 

Visit Baxia and Chiado 


Baxia and Chido are the areas you need to go to shop. The historic centre – the Baixa Pombalina, has traditional shops and museums, and the lively streets of Chiado, has an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional stores. Most of this area was rebuilt in the 18th century after the Great Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

Take the Santa Justa Lift


Connecting Baixa to the Bairro Alto is the Santa Justa Lift, Elevador de Santa Justa. This lift was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, and you can really see his influence in the design. Take the lift up for a view of the city.  However, if there is a queue, take the steps and save your money, it's not worth queuing for longer than 10 minutes.

Visit the Time Out Market



The Time Out Market is a great place to stop for food and drink. This cool food hall is located in the Mercado Da Ribeira at Cais do Sodre. Choose your dishes from the independent eateries, grab a cocktail, beer or soft drink and then sit enjoying the freshest produce on long communal tables. There is even a section run by well-known Michelin-starred chefs.  

Exploring the winding streets of Alfama


Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, Alfama, is an interesting area of winding narrow streets and steep staircases which lead you up to São Jorge castle which overlooks the city. It's a beautiful neighbourhood full of colourful houses. Ride on the number 28 tram which connects Graça with Baixa and passes through the streets and hills of Alfama for an authentic experience. 

Take in a Fado show


Alfama is home of Fado music. This melancholy music about the realities of life is soulful and mournful and beautiful to listen to as the singers have real depth in their singing. We saw a girl in her early 20's singing and a man in his 90's both equally good, the old man had an edge to him from all the years he has lived.

Explore Belem



Explore Belém, the cultural district of Lisbon. Many of Lisbon’s landmarks are here such as the Torre de Belém and the Monument to the Discoveries as well as the Praça do Império, a city square and park. A UNESCO heritage site, the Jerónimos Monastery is also worth a visit.

Book a tour with local guides


To get a real depth of knowledge about this city, book a tour with local guides.  It's a great way to find those hidden gems only a local knows. There are a number of paid and free tours in Lisbon, and a quick search of the internet will bring up the prices and reviews. Don't forget to tip if you find the guide excellent.

Take an afternoon to discover Sintra


Only a thirty-minute drive from Lisbon is the lush green mountains, medieval castles and romantic 19th-century palaces of Sintra - a UNESCO world heritage. I would highly recommend a visit to the Pena Palace, its grandiose design and the mix of architectural styles makes it a must-see inside and out.

Eat the local food




Finally, don't forget to eat the local cuisine. from fresh sardines eaten with local bread to Caldo Verde, a kale soup, to Carne de Porco Alentejana a dish of pork and clams. My favourites were the Portuguese tarts or Pastel de Nata. Drunk with a little of the local port, these egg custard tarts with a crisp pastry base are simply moreish. 



pin for later



So here is what to do in Lisbon Portugal in 48 hours. For more information especially for a first-timer check out this post - 25 tips for your first trip to Lisbon and check out my post on Natural and Nature parks of Portugal

Tell me, have you been to Lisbon? 

The Bath Arms - A Delectable Country Pub With Rooms

Within the Longleat Estate, famous for its country house and safari park, is a country pub with rooms called The Bath Arms.  It's the perfect place to stop overnight when exploring Longleat or the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. An added bonus is the beautiful city of Bath is only 20 miles away.

I was invited to review the accommodation and food recently, on a complimentary basis and report back to my readers and this is what I thought. 

After a two hour drive from South Wales down picturesque country roads, Mr W and I arrived at the Bath Arms. 

First appearances were good of this well-preserved country pub with rooms. Check in was a simple process at the bar and before long we were shown to our room.



The room we were given, the Fallow room, was a superior room and was a reasonable size. 



All rooms are slightly different and individual in The Bath Arms. Our room was decorated in muted shades of beige and white with a red check throw and good quality matching cushions. The side tables and chest of drawers had an opulent feel with a silver inlaid design. 


The antique style table lamp was a nice touch as well as the DAB clock radio, a great mix of modern and traditional touches.


The bathroom was chic and modern, in black and white with a white tiled rainfall shower. Everything was spotlessly clean, and although it wasn't large the bathroom was perfectly formed. I liked the touch sensor light on the bathroom mirror.



Toiletries of shampoo and shower gel were provided but unfortunately no conditioner. Maybe this is something they could consider adding to the room in the future. A hairdryer was provided and which is always nice to have. Towels were good quality and bathrobes were also provided.



In the room, we had two bottles of complimentary water, tea and coffee and a packet of biscuits. It would have been nice to have more biscuits as two biscuits in a pack for two people isn't generous. I've noticed this with many hotels and not just here.   Now if you like coffee you would have been impressed with the Dolce Gusto coffee machine. It really was a state of the art machine!




The manageress who showed us to our room did say that a kettle was available if required as some people find the coffee machine complicated. Mr W had no problem using it but it wasn't the simplest machine I admit,  still, it made a great cup of coffee.




The design of the chest of drawers was gorgeous, covered in a metallic embossed finish - really different and unique and it matched the side tables too.


There was no wardrobe in the room and some could argue that this was a design feature, instead, there were coat hooks with hangers provided to hang up clothes.  Next to this was a large smart TV with built-in DVD player.
What I did notice was there were plenty of plugs and USB chargers in the room. 



Information about the surrounding area and the accommodation was provided in the room. The Bath Arms is only a stone's throw from Longleat House and adventure safari park and you can book Longleat experience packages through the pub. Useful if you want to book a surprise trip away for a loved one.



We had some beautiful views from the room of the countryside around, and I bet on a hot summers day the outdoor courtyard area is a great place to sit with a glass of wine or a beer.







Our room was on the first floor and to get there you pass a small seating area with vintage looking chairs and a pile of old books, all adding to the rustic charm. 

Dinner that night was downstairs in the pub. There is a cosy bar area as well as a separate slightly more formal dining area. 


The food sounded delicious and was an interesting mix of traditional British food, including game and adventurous vegetarian dishes. I was particularly impressed that the meat they use is local and free range.



After perusing the menu I decided to go with scallops, venison and apple crumble whilst Mr W went with the selection of bread and oils, and a chickpea and polenta Panisee with a chocolate brownie for dessert.



The whole menu sounded great.



My scallops were presented as a work of art and looked fantastic. The scallops were perfectly cooked and were presented on slices of lamb with a pea puree. I think a little more seasoning would have lifted this dish up a level though.



I was unsure about ordering the venison at first, and I was hoping it didn't have a strong gamey flavour. I shouldn't have worried. The venison from Wiltshire was served pink and tasted delicious. With a flavour similar to beef it was served with roasted carrots with a hint of sweetness and nestled on a bed of fennel, shitake mushrooms and crushed new potatoes. A drizzle of orange and lapsang souchong jus added a citrus touch. A very good main course.


I managed to squeeze in a pudding. Well, it would be rude not to, wouldn't it, especially when I saw a favourite of mine on the menu - apple crumble. Now, this simple dish can often be neglected or tweaked too much - it can be too sharp, it can have an oaty topping, or the fruit can be mixed with others. This was simplicity at its best, sweet apple, crumbly flour and sugar topping and creamy vanilla laden custard. Perfection.



Mr W enjoyed his dishes but was quick to eat them. I did, however, manage to snap a photo of his dessert which looked amazing and tasted gooey and delectable. Well I had to try it, didn't I?

After our meal, we went to the bar for a couple of drinks. I was impressed with the selection of champagne and cosy atmosphere. 

The next morning we had a comfortable night sleep but were awoken by children jumping around upstairs. I guess with old buildings like this you could have noise from other guests and is something to bear in mind.





The breakfast consisted of a simple continential choice, with croissants, yoghurts, cereral and fruit and also a cooked to order menu. 



The cooked to order choices consisted of a full English breakfast, bacon or sausage sandwich, buttermilk pancakes, and more. Mr W had poached eggs on toast with bacon and I had a bacon sandwich. I asked for soya milk for my tea and was pleased to see that this was available. 

The cooked to order breakfast was good however the continental choice was limited - the fruit consisted of tinned mandarins and a little fresh fruit mixed in, the fruit juice was not fresh, and a small number of fruit yoghurts were available with no plain yoghurt. Whilst not a deal breaker this could be a little better I personally feel.  


We both enjoyed our stay at The Bath Arms. I really liked the room decor, and the evening meal was very tasty. Using locally sourced food is to be highly commended and the menu choices were adventurous with the food beautifully presented. Although not entirely perfect,  I think it is a good choice when exploring the area around Longleat. Recommended.

The Bath Arms
Longleat,
Horningsham,
Warminster
BA12 7LY
Tel 01985 844308