Sometimes we need some inspiration for sketching, photography or just to take a break. What follows are places I've visited that are inspiring for artists and writers. You can also search for specific topics using the search box above.

Places to visit to help you feel inspired

Hang out with the artists in Essaouira, Morocco, Africa

I spent a week in Essaouira, a small place on the coast of Morocco, which took 3-4 hours to get to on a bus from Agadir. I’ve seen it in holiday brochures, travel guides and books for artists. It’s an “arty” place, famous as a former residence for Jimi Hendrix (he stayed at the same hotel as me) and full of paintings by local artists. I definitely recommend it for photographers, sketchers and painters or those who just want to laze on a wonderful sandy beach. It’s also great for surfers, as the wind whips up some great waves to ride on. Read more about Morocco…

Is there art in Archway? Banksy says yes

A friend of mine lives in Archway and I have often visited her. I have grown to love the area over a period of years. We’ve both extolled its virtues on several occasions. But how do I explain this to others who inhabit [insert posh/trendy/expensive area of London]? What is there to do in Archway? Isn’t that the place where the Archway Tavern sits marooned among a circle of roaring traffic? Where there’s an unsightly tower block that’s next to the tube station? Well yes…but…there’s Banksy graffiti… Read more about Banksy in Archway…

Is it a bird, a bee, a plane?

We heard this creature during the night from our apartment in Bulgaria. No idea what it is, although I would love to find out….See the video about creatures of the night…

Chris Ofili, Tate Britain, London

It is an odd feeling to see “7 Bitches Tossing Their Pussies Before the Divine Dung” neatly inscribed onto one of the pristine white walls of Tate Britain. But if you go to see the paintings of Chris Ofili, this is what you’ll see and more. Reactions to his work include giggles, titters and disgust. Read more about Chris Ofili at Tate Britain, London

Birds rock at the Barbican art gallery

At The Curve, Barbican art gallery, I was transported to a seaside boardwalk in the evening twilight, surrounded by soft sand and tufts of grass. The scene opened up to guitars and percussion instruments planted in the ground alongside the pathway. A flock of zebra finches flew around and among a group of people and landed on the guitars. Read more about The Curve, Barbican art gallery…

Chelsea Physic Garden, London

As people wander down the Kings Road in Chelsea, London, catching up on some retail therapy, I doubt that many of them know of this little oasis just a short walk away. The Chelsea Physic Garden has such a modest entrance that unless you know about it, it remains hidden, seeming more like a secret walled garden rather than a tourist attraction.Read more about the Chelsea Physic Garden…

Get lost in time at the British Museum, London

The British Museum is a fantastic resource for artists and it is free. It may not be at the top of your agenda as a place for artists to sketch, but I’ve been getting ideas from there for years. Read more about the British Museum…

William Blake at Tate Britain

At Tate Britain I stumbled upon a whole room devoted to William Blake prints, paintings, books and drawings, which is part of their permanent collection. He is one of my favourite artists and poets so finding this display was a real treat for me. I saw a lot of William Blake’s work in a past exhibition (2001), so this acted as a pleasant reminder. Read more about William Blake at the Tate…

A visit to the British Library, London, England

The British Library is the national library of the UK and one of the most famous in the world. There are always temporary exhibitions on offer as well as tours. It is located very close to Euston or Kings Cross in London and you can visit it before catching a train. Read more about the British Library…

Rebecca Warren at the Serpentine Gallery

I recently visited the Serpentine Gallery to see the Rebecca Warren exhibition and revive my knowledge of the current trends in the contemporary art world. I was disappointed to see that contemporary art hasn’t moved on much from when I used to frequently visit London art galleries in the early 90s. Read more about Rebecca Warren at the Serpentine Gallery…