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| If you’re getting ready to tie the knot and are beginning to wonder if you’ve missed anything when planning your special day, you won’t be alone.
In 2024, there was 6,600 average monthly searches online for the phrase “wedding checklist”, as UK couples looked for some reassurance that they had covered all the important details. Are you getting married in the weeks or months to come? Our excellent 2025 wedding planning checklist will help you remain calm knowing that you’ve prepared everything to celebrate a truly wonderful occasion…  1) Prepare for a wedding in any weather. There’s no way to predict the British weather, so plans need to be made to make sure any rain will not spoil your special day if you’re getting married in the UK. Keeping an eye on the forecast for your wedding day is a good way to prepare for the weather, but expected conditions can quickly change from one day to the next. Always have a backup plan for a wet wedding day, which should involve discussing a weather-proof updo with your stylist and having several matching wedding umbrellas available to keep a wedding party dry as they move from a car to the church and then onto the wedding party venue. Have a chat with your wedding photographer about them making the most of you getting married in the rain too. They may be able to take photos of you and your partner with a rainbow in the background, for instance, or getting romantic shots under an umbrella. 2) Make a wedding day emergency kit. Potential mishaps can be avoided if you pack a wedding day emergency kit. All of these handy items should be put into this overnight bag: · A change of clothes · Deodorant · Fabric tape · Hairspray · Makeup · Plasters · Snacks · Heel protectors or sole grip pads for new wedding shoes · Stain removal pen · Tissues 3) Make all final payments well ahead of your wedding day. You won’t want the added stress of having suppliers chasing you for payments once your big day is just around the corner. Have a plan to complete payments to all venues, caterers and other suppliers at least one week before you get married. After that, avoid the temptation of agreeing to additional costs – this will only add to your to-do list and may push you over your wedding budget.  4) Share a clear schedule with your wedding party. A fantastic way to keep your wedding day on track is by sharing a clear timeline of the special occasion with your bridal party and venue coordinator. You can also ensure the day’s festivities runs as smoothly as possible by making sure everybody in a wedding party can contact each other. Achieve this by either encouraging each person to share their phone numbers or set up a WhatsApp group for your wedding day. 5) Delegate wedding day duties. There’s a lot that goes into achieving a perfect wedding day, so don’t feel you need to do everything yourself. Here are some duties which you should delegate to members of your wedding party: · Ask bridesmaids to organise name tags for wedding favours. · Ask ushers to help guests into the correct seats in the church. · Ask the mother of the bride if they can work with suppliers when they are setting up a wedding party venue. · Ask a reliable close friend or family member to remove decorations and gifts when your wedding day ends, ready to be delivered back to you when you’re back home with your newly married partner. A final briefing session on the eve of your wedding will help to remove any stress as well, because it gives you the chance to go through your wedding day’s timeline in person and answer any questions.
6) Buy meaningful gifts for your wedding party. The term “bridesmaid gifts” receives 18,100 average monthly searches online, with “mothers of the bride gifts” racking up 8,100 searches. Make sure you’ve sorted these presents well before your wedding day, to avoid having to rush and do some last-minute gift shopping. Personalised jewellery could be a brilliant option for your bridesmaids, especially as the items can be worn by them on the day you get married and then kept for a lovely lasting memento. Meanwhile, the mother of the bride is sure to cherish a carefully selected picture frame that they can use to display a wedding picture from your special day for years to come at home.  We hope this checklist helps prepare you for a wedding day that you will remember forever. Be sure to keep reading our blog for more wedding advice and tips. |
Perfect Romantic UK Breaks For Couples
If you and your partner are planning a staycation, how about visiting the place where William Shakespeare fell in love? Or perhaps you both would like to trace the love shared by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert? Join us as we guide you around five picturesque locations in the UK which are filled with beauty, history and timeless romantic tales… 
When on the Isle of Wight, visit Osborne House. Queen Victoria once said that “it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot” than Osborne House after visiting this location on the Isle of Wight. It was here that Queen Victoria enjoyed private family time with Prince Albert, a close relationship that has since inspired so many films, TV series and books. Visit Osborne House today and you will be able to take in private family rooms and extravagant state apartments. There’s so much to see around this site too. A stroll along an interactive tree trail will see you come across the quirky Swiss Cottage, while the house is close to a golden beach that’ll be calling out to you and your loved one on hot, sunny days.  When in Stratford-upon-Avon, visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Some of the world’s greatest romance stories were written by William Shakespeare, but it was at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage where the English playwright experienced a real-life love story. This family cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon was frequently visited by Shakespeare during the early stages of his relationship with Anne Hathaway. While the location is now more than 500 years old, it has been kept intact so that you can see original furniture like the Hathaway bed. Also be prepared to be amazed when you first set your eyes on the Cottage’s acres of orchards and gardens. As well as it’s romantic ties, the sculpture trail at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage will teach you about many of the works that inspired Shakespeare.
When in Norfolk, visit Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate. Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate is one of the most elegant country houses you’ll find in East Anglia. It also hides a heartwarming moment of love. This is because it was here during the 18th century that William Windham II’s tutor Benjamin Stillingfleet etched a love poem for local beauty Anne Barnes into a pane of glass within the butler’s pantry. You can still read this poem if you look closely at the window in question. It’s just one of the romantic parts you’ll experience at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate with your loved one, as this is a National Trust site which boasts waymarked trails, a decorative walled garden, a majestic lake and 520 acres of woods too.
When in Wrexham, visit Erddig Hall and Garden. The 18th-century country house Erddig Hall and Garden in Wrexham plays host to the romantic tale ‘life below stairs’. According to the story, love flourished at the site between Lucy Hitchman and Ernest Jones just before the First World War as they went about their work. You now have the chance to see how their relationship grew strong by checking out the many servants’ portraits which hang around Erddig Hall and Garden. Rooms around this site have been carefully preserved as well. It is also said in the ‘life below stairs’ tale that the loved-up couple would spend afternoons off work strolling around the country house’s 1,200-acre estate, which features rivers, ponds, lakes, meadows and so much woodland. You are bound to enjoy walking in Hitchman and Jones’ footsteps with your partner.
When in Aberdeenshire, visit Balmoral Estate. A lot of rich royal history is waiting to be explored around Balmoral Estate, especially in this landmark year when King Charles III and Queen Camilla are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. Based on recent years, the royal couple will likely spend a portion of their time marking this occasion at Birkhall. You and your partner won’t be able to access this private residence, but Balmoral Estate is just along the road in Aberdeenshire. With 45 acres of stunning garden scenery, magnificent landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, it’ll make for a romantic getaway that you and your loved one are sure to remember. You won’t be far away from Braemar either – a splendid village with “a thriving arts and music scene with concerts, ceilidhs and other events regularly performed in multiple venues”, according to the official visitor site. Wherever your next romantic UK break takes you, be sure to shop our excellent range of designer umbrellas to keep you and your partner protected should it rain while you’re both exploring these amazing sights. Also stay on our blog for more travel inspiration.  Sources: |
Sustainability Certifications To Look For When Buying Fashion
When you’re out and about clothes shopping and want to make more sustainable choices, it can be difficult to know what to look out for. What fabrics are the most environmentally friendly? What labels and certifications are there to show the brand is taking steps to be more sustainable?
There are actually quite a few certifications to keep an eye out for, not just when looking for clothes but also accessories like ladies’ umbrellas, shoes and bags. So, let’s look at some of the most common ones you may see and what they mean.
Global Organic Textiles Certification (GOTS)
GOTS is a voluntary processing standard that monitors and regulates all stages of the supply chain for businesses that want to process or trade GOTS textiles.
GOTS certifies organic fibres including cotton, wool, linen and hemp. As well as this, GOTS ensures that these products also meet strict social and environmental standards including safe working conditions, the use of low-impact chemicals only, and the proper treatment of wastewater.
When you’re looking for clothes, organic cotton is a good option. The manufacturing process uses no potentially harmful pesticides; therefore, the soils are healthier, less water is needed during production and local ecosystems are better protected.
B Corp
B Corp certified businesses (sometimes called B Corps) are businesses that meet high social, environmental and transparency standards. This can include ensuring that the business takes steps to protect natural ecosystems, alleviate poverty, and help communities thrive.
The B Corp movement is global, and in the UK, around 1,500 companies are B Corp certified. Many fashion brands, such as Patagonia, Wolf & Badger, Toms, and Allbirds, are also joining in and committing to better business practices.
If you want to have a go at renting clothes as a more sustainable way to stay fashionable, the popular apparel rental website HURR became a B Corp in 2022. As part of this, HURR sends its products in reusable packaging and cleans them with a sustainable dry-cleaning service.
Fairtrade
Most of us will recognise the Fairtrade symbol from the foods we buy in the supermarket, but you can also find the label on some cotton clothing. Clothes that carry the Fairtrade certification ensure that the cotton farmers are paid fairly and protect their health and safety.
The Fairtrade Textile Standard is one part of a wider programme to bring about widespread change to every stage of textile supply chains. This includes empowering workers, introducing better wages and conditions, and reducing environmental impact.
Bluesign
Based in Switzerland, Bluesign’s mission is to work with manufacturers at all stages of the supply chain to minimise environmental impact.
Clothes and other textile products carrying the Bluesign label must meet strict environmental standards, from the chemicals used to carbon emissions, water and energy usage, and worker safety.
Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
BCI is a global initiative to improve cotton production and has over 2,500 members across the world. The Better Cotton Standard System is guided by principles, and the BCI works with farming communities to help them introduce better and more sustainable processes.
This includes regenerative farming practices that conserve and enhance the environment, phasing out the use of hazardous chemicals, creating fair and safe working conditions, and increasing the climate resilience of cotton farming communities.
Fair Wear
The Fair Wear Foundation is a non-profit organisation whose goal specifically focuses on improving the lives of garment workers, a vast majority of whom are women.
Fair Wear advocates for better labour standards. These include living wages, reasonable working hours, safe and healthy working conditions, legally binding employment and freedom from discrimination or harassment.
Currently, 107 brands have joined the Fair Wear movement.
OEKO-TEX
OEKO-TEX is an internationally recognised standard that ensures that textile products, including clothes as well as other items, are free from any harmful substances or chemicals. To become certified, the product must be submitted for independent testing, and every element (down to every zip and button) must meet the standard.
You might see up to seven different OEKO-TEX labels while shopping. For example, the ‘Standard 100’ label identifies that the product has been thoroughly tested from raw materials to the finished item. Meanwhile, the ‘Made in Green’ label ensures that textile and leather goods that have been made using sustainable practices are also free from any harmful substances.
Global Recycling Standard (GRS)
Another option you might have considered is fashion, which is made from recycled materials. For this, a good one to look out for is the Global Recycling Standard.
The GRS covers many production areas, including the requirement that the end product be made from at least 20% recycled material, that energy and water consumption be monitored, and that waste be handled responsibly.
The social criteria of the GRS also apply to labour practices during production. This covers wages, working conditions, overtime, health and safety and employee representation.
One important thing to remember is that some smaller brands may be unable to afford to be certified. In that case, a good thing to look out for is how transparent they are about their supply chains and their sustainability practices. It should be a core part of their business whether they have these labels or not.
Nevertheless, next time you’re looking for some new clothes or accessories – whether that’s online or out in the shops, don’t forget to check the labels as well and make your choices more responsible.
Five Storybook Locations You Need to Visit | Fulton Umbrellas
If you’re looking for ideas of family days out, what could be better than the imaginative worlds and exciting adventures of children’s books?
That is to say, the real-life locations behind the stories. We’ve put together a list of places to visit around the UK, so you and your kids can relive your favourite moments and discover the inspiration behind some of our most beloved tales.
Peter Rabbit
Many of us grew up on Beatrix Potters’ stories and characters – from the ever-cheeky Peter Rabbit to the kindly Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle – and today you can go to visit the inspiration of her stories.
Beatrix Potter and her family would often visit the Lake District, and it’s here that Beatrix found her fondness for wildlife and the natural world which inspired her many stories. She would later move there from London to Hill Top, a 17th-century cottage in Near Sawrey, about a 30-minute drive outside of Windermere.
Today, Hill Top is looked after by the National Trust and visitors can explore the cottage and the garden, spotting scenes from ‘The Tale of Tom Kitten’ and ‘The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck’. The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere is also a great place to discover her works and hosts regular events for kids.
Treasure Island
For the little ones going through their pirate phase, what better place to take them for a day out than the place where Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and the crew set sail on their quest to find buried treasure – Bristol.
We are, of course, talking about Robert Luis Stevenson’s Treasure Island – a novel that went on to influence many of the iconic aspects of pirate-hood, from wooden legs to buried treasure and even the Jolly Roger.
Bristol itself has a long maritime history and while it looks completely different today as it would have to buccaneers back in the 18th century, there are plenty of ways to get involved. You can relive Stevenson’s tale in the interactive Treasure Island Trail as well as discover other pirate-themed attractions, restaurants and cafes.
Winnie the Pooh
Who could ever forget the adorable Pooh bear and his friends exploring the Hundred Acre Wood, playing Pooh Sticks, eating lots of honey and generally getting up to mischief? In real life, the Hundred Acre Wood is actually Ashdown Forest in East Sussex and rather 100 acres, it’s actually over 6,500 acres.
Pooh’s creator, A.A. Milne, lived on the edges of Ashdown and often spent time wandering the forest with his son Christopher Robin, who would appear in the stories as a character with the same name.
Today, visitors come from across the globe to walk in the footsteps of these beloved characters, exploring places like the Pooh Sticks Bridge, Galleon’s Lap and other highlights. If you want to plan, walking routes are available from the Ashdown Forest website. Don’t forget to pack one of our kids’ umbrellas just in case you end up going on a rainy ‘Windsday’!
The Chronicles of Narnia
Readers of CS Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia will know the feeling of stepping through into the fantastical world of Narnia. But did you know you could also visit the inspiration behind the magical land without having to step through a wardrobe?
In real life, Narnia was inspired by the Mourne Mountains in County Down in Northern Ireland, where Lewis used to take regular trips. At one time, he described the beautiful and wild landscape as making him feel like “at any moment, a giant might raise its head over the next ridge”.
Today, the area has become a popular spot for hikers and families alike, with activity centres, adventure playgrounds, woodland trails – including a kid-friendly Narnia Trail – and cafes to grab a bite to eat at. Fans of CS Lewis might also want to head into his home city of Belfast and find the Narnia-inspired sculptures and the tour that takes you through the author’s life in Ireland.
The Railway Children
Edith Nesbit’s ‘The Railway Children’ is a heartwarming tale of three siblings who are forced to move their comfortable home in London to a much simpler life in the countryside.
While Nesbit doesn’t mention where exactly the children go to in the story, the classic 1970 film adaptation uses West Yorkshire as the backdrop. Here, you can make your way to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, where you can still take a ride on the heritage steam railway’s scenic route around the countryside, nicknamed ‘The Railway Children Line’.
While you’re visiting, you can also spot other locations from the film, including Oakworth Station, which has largely been restored to how it would have looked during the story, and Mytholmes Tunnel where the children alerted the train driver to danger using red petticoats.
Check out our blog for other travel and daycation inspiration. Or, if you’ve already decided on your next family trip, make sure to prepare for the weather and take a look at our full range of kids’ umbrellas.
The Real Stories Behind Our Favourite Historical TV | Fulton Umbrellas
From the beautiful, sweeping costumes to spectacular scenery and glimpsing how people used to live, period dramas make up some of the most popular shows on TV.
The history behind the shows can be just as fascinating if not more, so we’ve put together some of the most popular historical dramas from recent years and the real stories that inspired them.
Call the Midwife
Call the Midwife is a heartwarming tale that follows the story of a group of midwives and sisters in London in the 1950s and 60s, based on the real life experiences of Jeniffer Worth.
In the show, the midwives and sisters work in Nonnatus House in Poplar, providing maternity care for communities in London’s East End. In real life, the sisters were the Sisters of Saint John the Divine. Established in 1848, the sisters worked across London until settling in Poplar in the 1880s. There, they became a huge part of the community and would often be seen in the iconic uniforms, using bicycles to get around just as they do in the show.
While Call the Midwife has been on our screens since 2012, it draws in as many viewers as ever, with the 2023 Christmas special gaining more than 7.6 million views – the most-watched scripted terrestrial show of the festive season. Season 14 of the show is due on our screens in 2025.
Bridgerton
Between ripped bodices and unspeakable things done in the backs of carriages, we couldn’t make a list like this without including one of Netflix’s most popular shows to date. While Bridgerton isn’t really known for its historical accuracy, it is set during a real period of British history spanning from 1811 – 1820 that was just as obsessed with high society and scandal – the Regency Era.
Every year, a group of royals, aristocrats and other high-standing members of society would get together for a season of balls and soirées where they would network, conduct business and, of course, begin courtships.
As the influencers of their time, these people would set the standards of fashion and beauty and became known as the ton, from the French ‘le bon ton’, meaning a good or elegant fashion. They also enjoyed partaking in gossip columns which, much like Lady Whistledown’s writing, would spread rumours and reveal scandals of high society.
We can’t wait to see Benjamin’s season next time around, though it isn’t likely to reach us until 2026.
Shōgun
Away from the glitzy ball gowns and gossip, Shōgun is a much darker, brutal historical drama from FX (currently available to UK viewers through Disney+) that’s beautifully shot, has wonderfully elaborate costumes, along with layers of deception and political manoeuvring.
Almost immediately gaining critical acclaim after its release, this limited series is based on a book of the same name and tells the story of a real power struggle that happened hundreds of years ago in Feudal Japan.
Following the death of Japan’s leader, Toranaga Yoshii (Tokugawa Ieyasu in real life) is one of five lords vying for power and the position of Shōgun – a military commander who would effectively rule Japan. This would lead to the formation of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled for over 250 years between 1603 and 1867, a time that became known as the Edo Era, Edo being the city that would later be renamed as Tokyo.
The show is largely told from the perspective of John Blackthorne (William Adams in real life) and how after arriving in Japan he ends up befriending Toranaga and becoming one of his closest advisors.
The Gilded Age
This drama from HBO follows the stories of two rival families living in the titular Gilded Age in late 19th century America. This was a time of rapid transformation and development in America’s history and saw a widening gap between the upper and lower classes. Sheer opulence masked a dark underbelly of corruption and greed – hence the term ‘Gilded Age’ which was coined by Mark Twain in 1873 in a satirical novel of the same name.
The characters depicted in the show are largely fictional but based on the real-life figures of the Vanderbilts and the Astors, who came into conflict when the Vanderbilts aimed to buy their way into New York’s high society. Coming from ‘old money’, the Astors, specifically Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, could not abide by the Vanderbilt’s ‘new money’ and sought to gatekeep who was and was not considered socially acceptable.
Season 3 of the Gilded Age is predicted to be released in 2025.
Peaky Blinders
While Peaky Blinders has been off our screens since 2022, there’s no denying its popularity and its influence on popular culture.
The show is set in late 19th century in Birmingham, where poverty, huge levels of inequality and poor living conditions for many working class people in England lead to the formation of violent, criminal gangs – such as the Peaky Blinders. In the show, the gang is led by the formidable Thomas Shelby and along with the rest of his family, rises to power and deftly navigates the criminal world.
The Shelbys may be fictional but the Peaky Blinders were a very real gang who held much control over the streets of Birmingham. While corrupt police looked the other way, the Peaky Blinders continued to operate freely for almost 20 years. They would also wear the characteristic suits and flat caps as a way to show off their status and make them stand out from other gangs. If you want to replicate their style, check out our designer umbrellas to make sure you’re looking as sharp as one of the Shelbys.
Do you ever wonder if these historical figures ever imagined that hundreds of years later we’d still be talking about them and watching their stories? If you want to keep reading about historical TV, fashion and more, take a look at our blog.
Five Tips For Dressing Sustainably For Big Events | Fulton Umbrellas
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How To Be More Sustainable At A Festival | Fulton Umbrellas
How To Have A More Sustainable Festival Season
Are you planning to visit some festivals this summer? We’re lucky in the UK to have countless choices, but what a lot of festivals have in common is the amount of waste they generate. In fact, UK festivals cause around 26,000 tonnes of waste each year, with most of that going to landfills.
So, if you’re wondering how to have a good time while also having a lower impact on the environment, we’ve put together some simple tips for planning a more sustainable festival.
Say goodbye to single-use
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is try to cut out as many single-use plastics as you can. Pack reusable bottles for your water and drinks, and take reusable plates and cutlery. You can also take a little bit of washing-up liquid and a tea towel to get everything clean and ready to use again the next day.
Wet wipes can be a lifesaver when you’re at a festival, but most contain plastics that can’t be recycled. Biodegradable wipes can be a more sustainable option, or you can also avoid all of them and pack a washcloth, reusable make-up wipes, and soap instead.
Recycle
Sometimes, single-use items are avoidable at festivals, so you should always try to recycle everything where you can. In recent years, more festivals have made it easier for visitors to recycle properly with dedicated bins and areas. So, when you arrive at the festival, it’s a good idea to scope out where the recycling bins are so you know where to take the rubbish.
Rethink your outfit
Great fashion can go hand in hand with festivals, from the outlandish to the extra sparkly—the kind of statement items that aren’t part of everyday wardrobes. Unfortunately, this can contribute to the previously mentioned tonnes of waste, with many outfits being bought and worn just for a day and then thrown in the bin.
Renting attention-grabbing outfits has become much more popular in recent years and can be a great way to get that festival look without having to find more space in your wardrobe. You could also ask friends and family if they have any spare items you could borrow for the weekend, or you could buy second-hand. If you must buy new, try to resist impractical one-off garments and, instead, look for items you can mix into new styles for different events.
Topping off your outfit with glittery make-up and jewels might not be your thing, but they’re often seen as festival fashion staples. These are, however, usually made from plastic that ends up in landfills or even sometimes in rivers and seas where it can harm wildlife. We’d recommend ditching the glitter altogether or making sure that what you’re using is biodegradable.
Umbrellas
Now that you’ve got your carefully crafted outfit, it’s time to give it some protection from the inevitable elements of a typical British summer.
Our sturdy sports umbrellas are built to keep you nice and dry should your festival weekend end up a soggy one – or provide a wonderful bit of shade if
it’s a scorcher. They’re perfect to have on hand while you’re wandering around the festival grounds or getting a bite to eat. And when the festival is over, you can keep it for all your other events or holidays.
Don’t abandon your tent
Tents are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to the waste that’s left behind at festivals. It’s estimated that every year in the UK, 250,000 tents are left behind at festivals. While some of these can be collected and donated to charity, most end up in a landfill, so it’s really important to spend the extra few minutes taking down your tent and packing it away.
If you’re buying a tent as a one-off and don’t think you’ll use it again, why not rent one for your festival trip instead?
Transport
Up to 80% of festival carbon emissions come from transport, according to one study. So, when you’re planning your transport to and from the festival, you should always check if you can get there using public transport. Many festival organisers have shuttles or coaches to help take you to and from the grounds – and it beats getting stuck in a long queue for the car park. If you do need a car, why not try going together with friends?
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an eco-friendlier festival-goer. You can also have an amazing weekend away while doing your bit for the planet! Check out our range of sports umbrellas to help you survive the British summer, or keep reading our blog for other lifestyle, fashion and travel tips.
Six Must-Visit UK Food And Drink Festivals | Fulton Umbrellas
Six Must-Visit UK Food And Drink Festivals
Food and drink festivals are amazing opportunities to get to know regional specialities as well as dishes from all around the world – and most importantly sample some delicious food and drink.
That’s why we’ve put together six food and drink festivals happening in the UK that we’re looking forward to most this year. Before you head out, be aware that our top picks are all outdoor festivals so make sure you’ve got one of our windproof umbrellas on hand to shelter you from the unpredictable summer elements.
Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival – 19–21 July, Skipton
This festival is a great option if you’re looking for things to do with the kids over the summer holidays. You’ll get the chance to sample some of the best food from around the region and meet celebrity chefs including James Martin and The Hairy Bikers’ Si King.
A mixture of masterclasses, workshops and live demos, plus playgrounds, cooking classes and a kids’ stage make this an absolutely packed weekend for everyone.
Rock Oyster – 25–28 July, North Cornwall
Rock Oyster is a mesmerising event that’s a cross between a food and drink, music and culture festival. Every year it’s held on the grounds of Dinham House and has beautiful views out over the Camel Estuary.
After you’ve had your fill of amazing food and drink and watched demos from some of Cornwall’s best chefs, you can head over to the stage and get the party started with live music. This year’s headline acts include The Human League and The Sugababes.
The Spa Morvoren area will also be offering peaceful sound baths, yoga and massages over the weekend if that’s more your speed.
Big Feastival – 23–25 August, Cotswolds
The Big Feastival has been described as Glastonbury for foodies and with good reason. As well as delicious food and a brilliant line-up of celebrity chefs, this festival also boasts some huge headliners including Becky Hill, Cat Burns and Snow Patrol.
If you’re planning on taking your family, there are plenty of things for kids to get involved in too. From Circus School and fairground rides to meeting farm animals at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do over the weekend.
Foodies Festival – multiple locations and dates
Foodies Festival is the largest food and drink festival in the UK. In all, there will be 14 Foodies Festivals taking place between May and September at various locations around the UK.
This festival is truly a celebration of local produce, and each location showcases the best the area has to offer. Or get top tips and lessons from the best as a round-up of Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef champions and Bake-Off stars will also be in attendance.
When you’re full up, you’ll also be able to browse the stalls of local artists and traders and pick up something to take home.
Great British Food Festival – multiple locations and dates
This festival also takes place at multiple locations between May and September including stately homes, castle ruins and beautiful parkland.
Against the stunning scenery, the festival combines amazing food and drink along with live entertainment. There will be competitions, live demonstrations from celebrity chefs, workshops, and cooking classes for kids taking place as well as music throughout the weekend at each location. The Great British Food Festival is also dog-friendly, so it makes the perfect family day out.
Pub in the Park – multiple dates and locations around London
Pub in the Park was created by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who attends and hosts at each of the festival locations. For 2024, these include St. Albans, Marlow, Reigate and Chiswick.
As you might guess from the name, this festival is a celebration of all things to do with the Great British Pub – fantastic food, great music and plenty of drinks. While you’re there, you’ll be able to indulge in food from some of the UK’s most renowned restaurants and chefs. For kids (and big kids), there are also fairground rides and a dedicated area where kids can get stuck into games and crafts.
Now that everyone’s tummies are rumbling (ours certainly are), it’s time to start planning which one you’ll visit this summer – but maybe grab a snack first! Check out our blog for other recommendations on the best things to do and places to see in the UK, and make sure you’ve always got one of our windproof umbrellas on hand when you travel.
Palace Gardens You Must Visit This Spring | Fulton Umbrellas
Palace Gardens You Must Visit This Spring
What better way to take in the sights, sounds and smells of British springtime than to walk in the footsteps of royalty in a beautiful palace garden? We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite gardens for you and your family to explore this spring. Before you head out, don’t forget to check out our ladies’ umbrellas, lest your day trip be made soggy by a spring shower!
The Palace of Holyrood
Starting off in the city of Edinburgh, we first want to take you to the gardens that surround the Palace of Holyrood. Even before the palace was built, the gardens were looked after by the monks of Holyrood Abbey, which was founded in 1128. Visitors today can visit the ruins of the abbey, which was once one of the most magnificent medieval abbeys in all of Scotland.
Over its centuries of history, the gardens have played host to hunting, hawking, archery, tennis and other tournaments. In the 1500s, the gardens were also designated as a place of sanctuary for debtors – to the present day, this has never been repealed.
Visit this spring, and you’ll have the chance to wander through immaculate lawns, colourful borders, and gardens packed with history. In 2020, a new public garden also opened, where you can explore and learn about different phases in the palace’s history.
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
100 acres of tranquil gardens, woodland, meadows and a lake surround Hillsborough Castle, which is the official royal residence of Northern Ireland. This spring, for the second time, the gardens will be hosting Spring Spectacular, where you’ll get to see over half a million bulbs bloom into swathes of vibrant colours and scents. If that weren’t enough reason to plan a visit this spring, there’s plenty more to discover. Enjoy peaceful views over the garden from Lady Alice’s temple, which was originally a wedding gift given to Lady Alice by her brother in 1867. Or take a stroll through the trees along the enchanting Moss Walk.
Kids can also get to know the wildlife at Hillsborough with the Imaginary Menagerie, an interactive trail that winds through the castle gardens. There’s plenty to see, do and discover throughout the gardens and grounds, and when you’re finished, you can stop for a hot drink and a snack at the café in the Western Pavilion.
Kensington Palace Gardens
Kensington Palace has been a private retreat for royalty for hundreds of years. It’s no surprise that the surrounding grounds and gardens have been shaped by those who lived there.
When you visit, you must see the Sunken Garden, which was first created over 100 years ago in 1908 and was a favourite spot for Princess Diana. Lawns, paved areas and beautiful flower beds surround an ornamental pond that lies in the centre of the Sunken Garden. In 2017, the garden was re-planted with white flowers in celebration of the princess’s life.
Away from the Sunken Garden, you’ll also be able to explore the Cradle Walk, the Serpentine boating lake, the Orangery, a beautiful wildflower meadow and much more.
Kew Gardens
With almost 2 million visitors between 2021 and 2022, Kew Gardens was the second-most visited paid attraction in England. What’s not as well-known as the gardens, however, is Kew Palace. Hidden within the gardens, this intimate palace was once home to George III and Queen Charlotte. So, technically, these are palace gardens and thus get a spot on our list.
Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a huge collection of rare plants and pioneering horticultural research. Taking a trip to Kew is like discovering a whole world, with special gardens dedicated to Japanese, Mediterranean, and Alpine habitats, as well as stunning borders and woodland gardens.
This spring, the Great Pagoda is also reopening so you’ll get to see it all from the best view in the gardens.
Hampton Court Gardens
In spring, Hampton Court Gardens is home to the annual Tulip Festival, which has become famous for its brilliantly colourful displays of over 100,000 tulip bulbs. The festival runs between April and May so make sure you visit while you can!
Hampton Court Palace has 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of surrounding parkland, so there’s plenty more to explore. Other highlights include the famous Maze, The Great Fountain Garden, the Rose Garden and the Wilderness, an area that bursts to life in springtime with over 1 million flowering bulbs.
We can smell the fragrant flowers and hear the buzzing bees already! Which one will you be visiting?
What To Pack in Your Hand Luggage | Fulton Umbrellas
What You Can and Can’t Pack in Your Hand Luggage
Some things you’d expect not to be allowed in your hand luggage, and some not. Thankfully, we’ve put together a handy guide on the kinds of things you can pack in your carry-on – including what types of umbrellas you’re allowed in your hand luggage and some items you may not have even considered!
Scissors
From doing arts and crafts to removing the tags off that new holiday t-shirt you just bought, scissors can be handy to have around. Thankfully, in the UK, you’re allowed a small pair of scissors in your hand luggage, as long as the blades are under 6cm long. Some airlines can have different restrictions for blades, so if you need to take scissors with you, it’s best to check before you travel.
Walking/hiking poles
If you’re going on a mountainous trek or long hikes in the countryside, you’ll probably be getting a bit of assistance from walking or hiking poles. Just remember to pack them in your hold luggage, as you won’t be able to take them on board with you.
Tent pegs
Sticking in the great outdoors, if your trip includes camping and you need to take all the equipment with you, any tent pegs will have to go in your hold luggage. That’s because they fall under the same restrictions as blades and any other sharp objects that could cause injury or damage.
Umbrellas
Even the sunniest of locations may get the occasional shower or in some cases a downpour. It’s good to know then that when travelling on a plane, you’re allowed to take foldable umbrellas in your carry-on luggage. One of our beautiful designer umbrellas could be just what you need to keep you protected and looking fab even in the rain.
It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that larger umbrellas will have to be checked in, mainly because of their size and the risk of accidents.
Soft cheese
The restrictions around carrying liquids on a plane are well-known and we’re all used to making sure any liquids are in containers carrying less than 100ml. What’s lesser known is some of the semi-solid items that fall under the same rules. This can include soft cheese, chutneys, jams or sauces as well as any food items sold in liquids like olives or pickles.
Recently, new technology has been trialled that would expand the 100ml limit to 2 litres per person. The deadline for installing this technology has just been extended by 12 months, so don’t expect any rule changes this year.
Makeup
When packing your makeup bag, there are a few things to watch out for as well. Things like creams, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss are classed as liquids and are thus subjected to the same rules and restrictions. However, despite also having a soft, waxy consistency, lip balms and lipsticks are considered solid.
Protein powder
If you like to start the day with your favourite protein shake and want to take the powder with you on your travels, you’ll be happy to know that you can take it in your carry-on. However, it might mean spending a bit longer at airport security.
This is because powders can obstruct images on the X-ray machines, so you might need to have your luggage checked manually instead.
Electronics
All electronics capable of holding a charge – including laptops, cameras, drones, tablets, etc. – are subject to the same rules when it comes to taking them in your carry-on. It depends on the size of the battery in the device. Anything between 100 Wh and 160 Wh is allowed for lithium-ion batteries.
If you do decide to check these kinds of devices into your hold luggage, you should make sure that they’re switched off fully and not near any aerosols or perfumes to reduce the risk of accidental damage. In the UK, you’ll also need to make sure these electrical items are charged up so that you can switch them on if requested.
Wherever you’re headed, it’s a good rule of thumb to always check with your airline about any items you’re unsure of before getting to the airport. Some countries may also have their own rules, so make sure to do your research before travelling. Save yourself the airport stress, enjoy your holiday and don’t forget to check out our range of designer umbrellas to take with you.