
EIGHT8 INSPIRES
A collection of experiences.
Exploring Beaune – A Solo Journey Through Wine, History, and Heart
I discovered that there is something quit magical about solo travel— especially when the place feels like it welcomes you with open arms. Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, France is one of those places. With its cobbled streets, timeless charm, and a deep connection to wine and heritage, it offers a slower, more soulful kind of adventure. In this first of a two-part series, I take you with me on a personal journey through Beaune, where I wandered through ancient cellars, tasted the region’s finest wines, and rediscovered the joy of learning and being on my own.
A Day in Burgundy at The Cook’s Atelier – Cooking, Connection, and a Taste of French Life in Beaune.
Step inside The world renowned Cook’s Atelier in Beaune, Burgundy where food, family, and French tradition come together in a memorable cooking experience.
This is a heartwarming story of mother and daughter connection, a passion for food, a love of France and belonging. Not just a cooking school, The Cook’s Atelier captures the warmth and magic of a place where every visitor feels like family.
Willow Weaving - The Perfect Recipe for a Soulful Spring Day.
A spring day spent weaving willow, sharing stories, and enjoying exquisite food in the Cotswolds countryside—this wasn’t just a workshop, it was a moment of connection, calm, and joy. Discover the magic of The Buttery Dish.
A Springtime Walk Through Midlife Grief, Loss and New Beginnings
Spring reminds us that growth doesn’t stop in midlife—it simply changes shape.
I recently revisited the gardens at Highgrove House, a place full of memories, and found myself quietly stepping into something new.
This blog isn’t about endings—it’s about renewal, joy, and the beauty of becoming.
Wellness & Workshops Highgrove House
Wellness Defined by The Global Wellness Institute as ‘The active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health’. However, you may personally choose to define Wellness, but for me the simple act of taking part in an experience, in an environment that fills your heart and soul, is ‘wellness’.
Discovering Geneva – Travelling in Midlife with Your Teenage Travel Buddy
Traveling with an old friend is like opening a cherished book—familiar, yet full of new discoveries. Decades after our carefree adventures at 19, we visited Geneva together, a city as effortlessly elegant as it is inviting. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a celebration of friendship, midlife freedom, and the joy of exploring the world all over again.
When Staying Local Can Be Just the Break You Need
Sometimes, the best escapes are right on our doorstep. An unexpected night at a local spa hotel proved that you don’t need to travel far to reset, reconnect, and indulge in a little well-being. Swapping packed itineraries for plush robes and slow mornings, my husband and I rediscovered the joy of unwinding—proof that the best getaways aren’t always about distance, but about taking the time for yourself.
Le Manoir - Celebrations and Sustainable Memories throughout the Seasons
Where is that special place that you have been to that creates memories that last? A place that you can visit through many seasons of your life and every new experience creates a new or deeper connection.
A Creative Escape: Rediscovering Friendship, Craft, and Calm in the Lake District
Escape to the Lake District for a weekend of creativity, connection, and mindfulness. Join me as I rediscover a beloved place, reconnect with an old friend, and embrace the art of calligraphy. From peaceful shepherd’s huts to inspiring workshops, this story celebrates the joy of trying something new and savoring life’s simplest, most profound moments.
Bread & Butter - Crafting Sourdough in your own unique way
Have you ever considered that making bread and butter could nourish more than just your body, but also your mind? At Hampton Manor Cookery School, the simple act of crafting sourdough and butter becomes a journey of self-discovery, where each unique creation reflects the maker’s personality and spirit. Embrace the experience, savour the process, and find a little magic in every knead and fold.