NATALIE EMMA

Literally no filter required on this photo. What a dream!

Note: I have been meaning to write a proper review about this place for a long time now.

A couple of years ago in early November, we took a long weekend to stay in a log cabin just west of Cambridge-in a place called Gamlingay.

How:

This was through (and owned by) a company called 'Cambridgeshire Lakes' who built three stunning and spacious log cabins situated on a tranquil manmade lake.

We arrived to a gated entrance to what looked to be a farm (spoiler... it was!). Using a key code to get in, we made our way down the muddy track past the trees and barns and within less than a minute, saw a breathtaking scene of where we'd be getting to stay for 3 nights (pictured above).

What:

Everything felt so remote and tranquil and the cabins were placed far enough apart that each visitor felt like they were the only ones there.

Each cabin has 2 double bedrooms each with an ensuite, large kitchen area, dining table and cosey sofa corner with a log burner fire.

I know it sounds like the ingreditents to the love interest's house in a hallmark christmas movie... but I guess it was! Just all wrapped up in a log cabin.... in the UK.

Not only was the cabin prepped with good facilities but the owners really thought about the experience. They provided robes & slippers, board games and a recommendations book for the area.

Food-wise, we took most of our own (risotto was a group fave) as Gamlingay itself is a small village with one local corner shop. However within 10 minutes you could be at the local Tesco Extra so we were never stuck if we needed anything at all.

I should mention here that the company provide a food unpacking service (!) which is basically unpacking your food delivery for you before you arrive. We didn't make use of this as we didn't plan that execellently but wow... how can I sign up to get this all the time please.

Where:

Visiting Cambridge was a given whilst we were there. Especially as it was only a 20 minute drive. Parking was easy & the city really is beautiful. Particulary in the autumn's golden-hour glow.

Gamlingay is also surrounded by great walks. We headed to Rowney Warren Woods and it was such a nice area, only seeing one or two other ramblers on our stomp through the tall trees.

When:

November was a brilliant time of year to go. We chanced the weather- and it didn't dissapoint with blue skies most days. November also meant fireworks (4-5th) and we happened upon Gamlingay's annual display which was pretty spectacular for such a small village.

In short - I highly recommend it. I have been harping on about Cambridgeshire Lakes since my visit and can't wait to go back. Jemma (who owns and runs the cabins) really cares about the special touches and even dedicates herself to this with a section on the website

https://www.cambridgeshirelakes.co.uk/

Recommendations:

Pubs - The Duncombe Arms Waresley
Cafes - Bould Brothers Co, Cambridge
Walks - Rowney Warren Woods

by Lottie Trick , Guest Writer

There are plenty of pretentious articles addressing the 'journey' of travelling alone and being comfortable with ones own company. This isn't one of those articles, nor am I travelling alone. I did however venture into Manhattan last week, to experience a performance at the prestigious Lincoln Centre. Solo.

Prior to this though, with faked gumption I marched block to block until I found a suitable Mediterranean restaurant- small enough so not to feel like an exhibit as a lone diner yet spacious enough to people watch. Once my food arrived, I glanced around the restaurant to notice the inevitability of technology grasping people’s attention, to the noticeable displeasure of the parties sat opposite. If they weren't ‘instagramming’ their food, their newsfeed had them hooked. I know, I know now I'm the pretentious one, right?

It's not that the pull of my glowing screen doesn’t ever distract me, but to be comfortable enough with ones own company is sadly (dare I say it) a 'journey' in its self. However, I am aware that this can be a tall order and when the inevitable question of 'will anyone else be joining you?' arises, even the most seasoned lone diner may need a few tips to fall back on. So whilst sat munching away in the middle of Manhattan, I thought of some ways to become a solo success:

- Confidently ask for a table for one as you enter to avoid that awkward question.
- Take time to read the menu; sometimes when eating alone the mission is to grab the first chicken dish in sight, inhale the meal and exit as swiftly as possible. This can lead to missing out on a better dish and the sense of regret as you see your neighbours meal arrive (it happens to the best of us, don’t’ worry).
- This leads me onto the suggestion of eating at a regular pace; I have given my self indigestion before as I demolished my dish giving me an air of ‘she’s so busy, she barely has time to eat’ kind of thing. However this just results in discomfort down the line.
- Books are always a great fall back if you're in a casual setting where literature is appropriate, then why not indulge in the moment alone and catch up on your latest read?
-People watching is my personal favourite (ultimately, just being nosey). Working out people's relationships, if they’re on their first dates etc.

After sharing my experiences with friends, I have realized that it's a rare and affirming ability that will open up the possibility of travelling, dining, walking, shopping alone, but never (I hope) as a loner.