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

A visit to Derbyshire and Manchester

I stayed in self-catering accommodation when I visited Hadfield in Derbyshire. It is a great place to stay as you have access to walks (such as the Pennine Way) and it is a short train journey away from Manchester… Read more about Derbyshire…

Havana and Varadero, Cuba

Cuba was a favoured haunt of Ernest Hemingway and tourists still visit his hangouts (including me). I took hundreds of photos and share them with you here. Read more about Cuba…

A trip down the Nile, Egypt

Farmers and agriculture are situated right next to the city. Ancient sits next to brand new. From Luxor, we visited the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Collosus of Memnon, Luxor Temple and even managed to float down the Nile in a brightly coloured boat. Read more about Egypt…

Art in empty shops, Derby

I recently visited Derby where Artcore have embraced the art in empty shops scheme and have created an exhibition at 48 St Peters Street, Derby.

These types of exhibitions capture a different audience and rejuvinate town centres. Artists yet again, occupy neglected spaces and make them desirable places to visit.Read more about art in empty shops…

A snapshot of Mallorca, Spain

I spent five days in Mallorca, a small Spanish island that attracts many European tourists. In that time I managed to see quite a lot of what the island has to offer. Read more about Mallorca…

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…