Category: Strathmore House Apartments

Illuminate Plymouth | 28th November – 1st December 2019

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Plymouth is an ambitious and inspiring city…

Britain’s Ocean City is full of beauty and innovation at every turn; Plymouth always has something wonderful to see, do or be part of. One of those ‘things’ is an event that has quickly become one of the city’s best-love FREE out door event…

Illuminate…

Illuminate Plymouth welcomes thousands of people of all ages each year to Plymouth. It runs across four FABULOUS days and has added a real richness to Plymouth’s dynamic and eclectic programme of events and activities.

It’s a series of dazzling installations and projections that make Plymouth shine brightly. The festival also provides the most vibrant, fun and inspiring experience for EVERYONE!

This year it will run from 28th November – 1st December from the festival centre at Royal William Yard.

BUT WAIT! This year there is more…

New for 2019 there will be additional light installations across the city at the Barbican, the Watefront and Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park.

Illuminate is a free event and is open to everyone and a stunning event for people of all ages.

The installations can be viewed by boat, on foot or  bike. You can wander around and explore the works at your leisure, or perhaps follow one of the dedicated routes which enhance the experience.

This 4-day event will open the Mayflower 400 commemorations and is inspired by the values of freedom, humanity, imagination, and future. The festival offers a host of workshops, installations, performances and projections with various opportunities for you to take part in activities or simply wonder at the spectacular illuminations.

Awe-inspiring…

Claire Honey, Project Manager for the festival, said: “In 2018, Illuminate stunned with incredible light installations, interactive artworks and spectacular projections from local, national and international artists. The festival was enjoyed by over 28,000 people across the four days. Now a multi-site festival we’re really excited to welcome new artists creating awe-inspiring light art to inspire visitors of all ages.”

Adrian Vinken OBE, Chair Mayflower 400 and Destination Plymouth, said: “Growing on the back of previous years’ festivals Illuminate has become a real highlight in Plymouth’s annual events calendar. It’s such a special event and we’re thrilled that this year it will act as the opening moment of the Mayflower 400 commemorations, not just in Plymouth but across the whole country.”

 

Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside…

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plymouth sound

There is nothing that makes you smile more than a holiday. Make that a holiday in Plymouth and your smile gets a whole heap bigger! But being by the sea isn’t just a ‘nice’ thing to do…it’s a healthy thing too!

Plymouth is one of the single most beautiful coastal landscapes in the South of England; but it’s also a tonic.

Visiting Plymouth is GOOD FOR YOU. Our city by the sea has several really fantastic benefits to your health and well-being. Here are our top THREE reasons why Plymouth isn’t just a beautiful choice; it’s a healthy one too.

A Great Night’s Sleep…

Being by the sea really helps if you’re a light sleeper or you struggle to fall asleep. The sea air is cleaner and fresher and so with the higher levels of oxygen, it really can improve sleep.

What’s more, studies have proven that it’s not only the sea air, but the sea sounds too. The noise of the ocean is soothing for your brain. So, hearing the waves and the noises of the sea can not only help you relax, but it can help clear your mind, lower stress and strengthen your immune system.

There is also something in appreciating the vastness of the ocean, like the nights sky. It can help put things into perspective; those niggling small worries float away as you gaze in awe at the waves and the horizon.

Plug Into the Ions Not The Iphones…

There is something we should all take advantage of when we are holidaying beside the sea, the negative ions in the air!

Negative ions increase your sense of well-being and mental clarity by removing the debilitating effects of excessive positive ions in your environment. They are often described as a natural antidepressant.

In our every days, we are exposed to so much; computers, television and electronics; we are surrounded by a lot of positive ions. So, when on holiday in Plymouth take an hour without your  phones and gadgets and increase your exposure to negative ions. It will enhance your immune system, increase alertness and improve your concentration.

Beauty Brings Out The Active In You …

Holidaying by the sea is like having the most amazing treadmill! You will just want to walk the coast line and soak up the vista.  Especially here in Plymouth.

When you walk along the World-famous Plymouth Hoe Promenade, it really is quite breath-taking.  There are a number of really amazing walks and cycle routes in and around Plymouth and once you start, you wont want to stop!

If you can see yourself holidaying by the sea; then join us here at Strathmore House Apartments. The perfect home away from home in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. 

5 Reasons Why We All Need Date Nights…

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Make The Moments…

We don’t need the countless studies by researchers, marriage counsellors and the like to know that taking time out with the one you love is essential for our happiness within a relationship.

Whether you have been together for 6 months or 6 years,  it’s easy to lose romance and feel distant from your lover.

Sometimes it can feel like you house share and occupy the same calendar from time to time, instead of feeling that close connection we all long for. What makes things even harder is the fast pace of life. Juggling work, children, in-laws and the endless commitments we have when trying to adult!

We need to stop making excuses and set aside a little time to spend with the one we love. That way, our relationships will be happier, stronger and more fun! 

Here at Strathmore House Apartments we love hearing about our guests who are making the time to take time for a romantic break away.

It doesn’t have to be costly either; for just £70 a night, a one bedroom apartment can make the perfect nest to reconnect.

It may be hard to schedule a date night once a week, or even once a month due to work, babysitters and life; but a short break away once a year … well that could be the perfect remedy.

We play Cupid here at Strathmore House Apartments and share the top FIVE reasons why we think a romantic break away is just what the LOVE Doctor ordered…

Reconnecting…

Sometimes you can be plagued with loneliness even in a relationship. This is no ones fault. Sadly it’s just life. However a romantic date night or weekend break allows couples to stay current with each other’s lives. Many couples are very busy, with little together time, so it’s important to catch up on what has been going on in one another’s lives. This can help each spouse support the other but also grow together; being stronger and more united.

A much needed break…

Even though we love our children, we still need a break from them sometimes! We all need some ‘adult’ alone time. What’s more, there is nothing wrong or selfish about it! It’s nice to have time one on one, where you don’t have to worry about household chores, cooking or little ears listening! It’s nice to take a step back from the bills and important life choices that are always encompassing us and take a break; but most importantly laugh while you love, have fun and make memories!

Rekindle the spark…

Date nights are for remembering why you fell in love in the firs place. If you don’t go on dates often, then a weekend treat away is the perfect time to get the sparks flying again! One on one time can remind you of what life was like before children, washing baskets and empty fridges! Stress brings out the worst in everyone, so at Strathmore House Apartments we keep stress at the door so you can concentrate on fun.

Fill your love tank…

Sometimes you don’t realise your love tank is empty until it’s too late! A date in the diary for a couple of days away will help both of you to get through the everyday; ready for the one day. Getting away fills your ‘love tank’ so you can navigate the stresses of life together, ready for the next time!

Lead by example…

One of the most important things about a happy relationship is the lessons it bestows on our little ones. When children see  relationships are important, they  grow up with a great bench mark for their own relationships.  By seeing you go on dates; by seeing you come back happy, knowing that you are in a loving relationship, it helps them see that positive relationships are important. When children see this, it really helps them develop independence, self esteem and a good understanding of what well-being looks like.

Your Romantic Break Away …

Whether you live 5 minutes down the road or 5 hours up the motorway; Strathmore House Apartment is the perfect setting for a romantic break away. Two nights in a one bedroom apartment can cost as little as £140. There is everything you need and more and the location is perfect. Plus you have free access to Club Continental where you can start the relaxing and unwinding and chill-out together. With everything on your doorstep, you can walk holding hands; stop for a coffee (or wine) and just enjoy some you time.

Check availability and make that date – your heart deserves it.

Just Your Cup Of Tea …

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For nearly five thousand years, people have been enjoying tea, but nothing really says ‘British’ quite like a ‘cuppa’!

As a nation, we have been drinking it for over 350 years! So, it should have come as no surprise that our guests favourite tipple whilst on holiday was …

*DRUM ROLL PLEASE*

Tea of course … (followed swiftly by Plymouth Gin of course!)

Here at Strathmore House Apartments we love a cup of tea! And we find it fascinating how personal tea drinking can be! A dash of milk here, a lot of milk there, a hint or a heap of sugar… It’s intriguing to think that one drink can offer so much variation! No matter how you drink your tea though; tea remains the most widely consumed beverage in the entire world.  With the British famously believing that almost anything can be cured by a cup!

As we can never be too far removed from holidays or Plymouth, we realised that there was an interesting parallel between tea and Strathmore House Apartments!

Like tea, Strathmore House Apartments are the perfect demonstration of how one single thing can feel bespoke and tailor made for every single one …

 

A Short Break…

You can stay with us for just two nights and still have a wonderful time exploring the beauty of Plymouth. Our location means that you are in the centre of all the action. You can absorb all the sights and sounds of Plymouth’s enchantment. Within very close proximity to the town centre, the amazing shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment, all within walking distance and just a short stroll.

At Strathmore House Apartments you are on the doorstep and perfectly central to the plethora of riches on offer in Plymouth.

A Longer Stay…

Strathmore House Apartments offer the perfect accommodation base for a longer stay in Plymouth. Whether you are relocating, waiting for a house sale to go through or just want to set up a temporary base on Plymouth; we have 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom apartments perfect for a transitory home.

Set within the historic, Victorian building, the stunning architecture is twinned with the high quality interiors providing the perfect union of traditional style and contemporary luxury.

Plymouth really is a city that will spoil you, and Strathmore House Apartments are situated on beautiful Elliot Street, the area is home to some breathtaking Victorian architecture and alive with history; which continues to provide us with a calming rhythm, sincere sense of style and everlasting elegance of the era.

2020 | A Wonderful Year For Plymouth …

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mayflower

Plymouth is revving its 2020 engine…

The noise is getting louder! The plans are getting closer! The events calendar is having every ‘i’ dotted and ‘t’ crossed! Mayflower400 is almost here!

With 2020 comes over 400 moments to explore EVERY aspect of the Mayflower voyage. I wonder if 400 years ago they could have imagined such celebrations?

There will be art, music, theatre, exhibitions, storytelling, digital innovation, literature, crafts, festivals, debates and that’s just mentioning a hand-full!  Included in the year will be a diverse approach to the themes of Imagination, Humanity, Freedom and Future. There won’t be a week out of the 52 that doesn’t have a nod in the direction of Mayflower.

2020 will not only be a year for Plymouth to be proud. It will be a year whereby Plymouth will welcome many new friends, from all over the globe.

The Mayflower 400 programme will explore all aspects of the Mayflower history and legacy. Nevertheless, the year won’t only mark a historical moment. It won’t only unfold a legacy, but will also be shaping things to come.

Events…

There are many things that Plymouth does well, and one of them is most defiantly the annual calendar of events. Signature events that happen every year, and that grow and grow in popularity, foot fall and wonder.

Events ranging from the British Fireworks Championship through to the Seafood Festival … with more in between and ether side! Don’t Worry Though! These events aren’t going anywhere next year! They will remain and they will continue to grow throughout 2020. All that will happen is that they will take on a Mayflower 400 twist; the energy and excitement will be an all time high – making 2020 a great years to visit!

So, whether you are a new visitor or a long-time friend, next year is the perfect year to visit our city by the sea. Stay with us to be in the centre of the action, in the glorious home from home comfort of a serviced apartment.

A Short Break Itinerary For Our City By The Sea…

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plymouth sound

We know that not everyone has the chance to take a long break in Plymouth.  To really soak up all that this beautiful city has on offer; and that’s ok! At Strathmore House Apartments you are on the doorstep to the plethora of riches on offer in Plymouth. So, it makes it really easy to pack in all the wonders in just a long-weekend or a short break.

Situated on Elliot Street, the area is home to some breathtaking Victorian architecture and alive with history; which continues to provide us with a calming rhythm, sincere sense of style and everlasting elegance of the era.

A Short Stroll From All The Sights…

A short stroll away you will find Plymouth Hoe, which forms the natural heart of Plymouth. With its breathtaking views across Plymouth Sound, you can see why it is one of the most perfect natural harbours in the world. With terraced cafes and cliff edged bars and restaurants; you can grab a coffee whilst absorbing the sounds and smell of the sea air. It really is the perfect treat and by far the nicest way to appreciate Plymouths history.

Standing tall on the green-lawned expanse and hard to miss is the iconic Smeaton’s Tower. A place enjoyed over the years by many, not least The Beatles! Open throughout the year it offers a beautiful vantage point from its stunning lantern room.

The local hero is of course Sir Francis Drake. You will see him immortalised in a statue on the Hoe.  In the place he finished his game on the green before heading off to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Then to Plymouth’s modern heroes. The troops of 29 Commando Royal Artillery, based in the beautiful Royal Citadel. Here you will see the most impressive 17th century fortress in Britain.

On the Hoe you will also stumble across our large outdoor, salt water pool; Tinside Lido. Built in 1935 providing a cooling retreat on those hot summer days. With  fountains, inflatable fun sessions and stunning views across Plymouth Sound. Complete with a sunbathing terrace, loungers, deckchairs and wet-suit hire all with disabled access. What is truly charming about the Lido is they still allow you to take your own refreshments and picnics.  Making a great spot to open your wicker baskets and flasks, grab a deckchair and enjoy lunch with a view!

To The Left, To The Left..!

Continue your stroll to the left of Smeaton’s Tower and you will discover the very beautiful Plymouth Barbican. Dazzling you with its charm and wealth of history, like a wise old owl, packed with knowledge and oozing history. From the Pilgrim Fathers who set sail aboard the Mayflower Ship in 1620 from the Mayflower Steps; to the home of Plymouth Gin and it’s fine Distillery. Hints of the talented artist Robert Lenkiewicz can be seen and some quirky, independent shops and of course delicious fish and chips!   Here you can also hop on a water-taxi and explore our city by the sea.

To The Right, To The Right..!

Following the coast to your right of Smeatons Tower you have the newly developed Millbay; showcasing the areas engineering past and stunning seascapes. The view of the Millbay basin which was designed and built by distinguished engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1857; is remarkable. The gorgeous vista encompassing boats and catamarans bobbing sleepily in the marina and Drake’s Island beyond is the perfect backdrop after a busy day.

Close by you can also find the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in Europe; The Royal William Yard. These former Royal Naval victualling buildings are alive with cafes, bars, restaurants, museum, art galleries and shops, making a great place to soak up the atmosphere and stunning backdrop that nightfall brings.

Looking out across Plymouth Sound you can also spy a historic island fortress with an underground network of tunnels called Drakes Island. The island boasts a 16th Century barracks and a pier and its history is rooted deeply in the DNA of Plymouth. Sir Francis Drake departed from the island in 1577 and he returned to the same spot three years later, after travelling the globe.

Drake’s Island now has a new custodian, Morgan Phillips, who has amazing plans to restore it for the people of Plymouth and visitors to the city.

Adding to your list of must sees whilst in Plymouth is Devonport, a place that is well worth a visit if you have time and like history.

Moving Along…

Formerly named Plymouth Dock, Devonport is home to Devonport Park, the oldest formal public park in Plymouth and the fabulous Devonport Guildhall. Nestled in the heart of Devonport, the Guildhall and Column are historic gems and now home to an amazing artisan baker, and old morgue, local artist’s exhibitions in the Cells and much, much more!

The high ground that you see in Devonport is called Mount Wise, standing tall to protect the coastal approach to the dockyard. You also have the very beautiful Richmond Walk.

Moving back in land, Plymouth is the largest centre for shopping in the South West, outside of Bristol. It features many independent retailers, market stalls, as well as national and international brands and high street favourites. The City Centre is pedestrianised, so you can take your time wondering around picking up unique finds and visiting our landmark shopping centre, Drake Circus.

And there you have it! A pre-made itinerary that can be enjoyed on foot over two or three days. An itinerary full of diverse riches of offer in Britain’s Ocean City!

 

Holiday Fitness at Club Continental…

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New Continental Hotel’s leisure complex; Club Continental

Here at Strathmore House Apartments, we know only too well that with our hectic daily lives leaving us already juggling family, friends and work; it can sometimes be difficult to find the motivation and the time to work on our fitness.  What’s more, even harder when you’re on holiday!

They say that where there is a will there is a way, and yes in many cases that’s true; but on holiday, when you leave your Scalextric drive to the gym at home, it can sometimes be harder to stay motivated.

Holiday workouts can be a bone crushing bore, but NOT with Club Continental…

Club Continental is just a stone’s throw away form the apartments AND FREE to our guests – is so appealing. What’s more the team are friendly and motivating and will quickly get you familiar with the equipment. There is a sauna and steam room, heated indoor pool and two fully air-conditioned gyms.

Celebrating its 30th birthday this month, Club Continental has been at the heart of many transformations, life changing and inspirational stories but also friendships. Since Strathmore House Apartments opened, it has also served our guests well.

Open 7 days a week, to find out more visit Club Continental. 

Heritage Open Days…

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Break out the bubbly, it’s time to celebrate!

Here at Strathmore House Apartments we LOVE to celebrate … and celebrate we will!

This year marks a very special occasion.  2019 brings us the SILVER anniversary of Heritage Open Days. For two and a half amazing decades, Heritage Open Days has shared historical and cultural greatness.

Heritage Open Days…

Established in 1994 as England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days, each September over 40,000 volunteers across England all contribute to over 5,000 events! These events celebrate and showcase our fantastic, rich and diverse history and culture; giving everyone amazing opportunities to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

It is growing year on year and is already the country’s largest heritage festival and enjoyed by all of us. A national campaign that encompassing a huge range of heritage events and attractions.

Heritage Open Days has not only highlighted hidden gems and celebrates England’s riches, but also gives people the opportunity to come together and share the stories and history that matter the most to us all.

 

Exploring The Region…

There are 100’s of events planned across Devon & Cornwall this September. What’s more,  Strathmore House Apartments is in the perfect central location to explore all of them!

We have so much history on our doorstep, Heritage Open Days is the perfect platform to explore. It gives everyone a free way to learn and to get involved with everything that is on offer. There is so much that is rich and meaningful about our region, and of course our days gone by.

Find Out more…

To find out more visit their website: Heritage Open Days and to stay with us whilst you explore our history check our availability here.

Have fun delving into yesterday, whilst making memories that will last a lifetime.

Get Lost…

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Holiday in Plymouth

Getting Lost In Plymouth…

Can you imagine! Long ago, people actually found their way around a new area or the great outdoors without Google Maps! Here at Strathmore House Apartments, we challenged friends to explore Plymouth WITHOUT the aid of a mobile device!

It was so much fun hearing all about their day. They went out and about, exploring Plymouth’s beauty by chance!

Using only natural directional signs and the tourist information signage around Plymouth we asked them to set aside their mobile maps and just ‘get lost’ in the beauty of Plymouth!

Meet John & Margaret…

John and Margaret boldly took on the challenge, and we sat down with them the next day to see how they found their adventures in Britain’s Ocean City…

“We decided to leave our phones at home! Although in our 60’s we do tend to lean on them more often than not. We ask hundreds of questions a day using Google; normally to appease a disagreement! John mostly wins – he was a History teacher for 40 years so has the winning hand most of the time!

We LOVED this challenge! So much so, we decided that we would do this more often as it felt so freeing! Don’t get me wrong, technology is advantageous and we wouldn’t be without it, but to escape it and truly explore is a remarkable experience. Armed with just Johns watch (to keep an eye on the dinner reservation) we were off!

We left at 10.15, just after breakfast and headed out of the apartments up to the Hoe. I must say, the signage and information boards are a real asset to Plymouth; we loved learning about the area and just looking. The vista is breathtaking.

The Liner Lookout…

As we were walking towards the sea we stumbled across a beautiful little cafe. It’s called the Liner Lookout. They were just opening and Ann (I believe she was called) really made us feel welcome. The coffee was spectacular, and the view breathtaking. They do food too, but we had just had breakfast, so will go back as the prices were VERY reasonable. We learnt that it was a watch tower in the 1870’s, looking out for the big ships coming in to Plymouth. We will be doing more research; this was just what we picked up in our conversation over coffee!

We then left and walked down to the sea, it was a clear day and the view really was incredible. We decided to turn right and walk down through the park. I love gardening and so we wondered around looking at the amazing splashes of colour – and of course watched the children eating ice-cream and having goes on the little bright train!

We went on looking at the amazing architecture and the odd shapes of the buildings that had obviously been bombed in the war.

The Beauty Of Plymouth…

We came to Millbay Park, you had to really hunt for any plaques and signage here, but it’s worth it when you find them! It was a little bit of a letdown and one of the only times we wished we had Google! Luckily we met a gentleman walking his dog who told us where we had to look, and that the area was home to an old prison site and the Soap Factory and that Chris Robinson does some great books on the history of Plymouth – so John is very excited about that!

Then we took a gentle stroll down to the Royal William Yard. We have been before and love the atmosphere. There is a lovely clothes shop called Identity Fashion, we had a coffee in Ocean Studios and then a glass of wine in the Seco Lounge. Walking around the buildings was captivating; we decided that if we were ever to move to Plymouth then this would definitely be a place to consider!

Our stroll took us up some steps and on to Devils Point Park. The view was spectacular and the signage was brilliant. We were able to look out and know what we were seeing! Again, we got chatting to the lady in the cafe, she told us that the area by families to say goodbye or welcome to loved ones on naval ships as they made their way to and from the dockyards. You could really feel that in the air. There were public toilets here too, so it made a great pit-stop after the copious beverages that fueled our footsteps!

The Walk Home…

We left and walked down back to the roundabout outside the Royal William Yard and down by the Cremyll Ferry. They are really regular, every thirty minutes, but we had to make our dinner reservation so decided not to explore this time.

We took a mosey on down to Union Street, and then stopped off at a lovely little shop which did the most amazing coffee. Then back to Strathmore House Apartments, it was just after 4pm.

What an amazing day we had! John got straight on Goggle to look for Chris Robinson books and I called our daughter to tell her of our adventures! We then got ready leisurely for dinner on the Barbican in the Pasta Bar, it was divine and the service amazing.

 

Family Fun In Plymouth…

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Happy is said to be the family that can eat onions together.
–Charles Dudley Warner, author

 

August always feels like a significant month within the year. For many of us because this really highlights a time of perfect family fun … and the fondest of family memories. This was the month when the weather was better, school was out and the days felt long and sunny.

Family get togethers were held. The picnic blankets and ball games came out of the garage and the car boot was loaded with the excitement of summer!

The day was planned and every family unit brought Tupperware full of boiled eggs, pickled onions and corned beef sandwiches! Whilst competition was rhyf because everyone wanted to win at the rounders!

Today, it can be a little more challenging to get the entire family together. Much more planning is needed – but boy is it worth it when we do!

Strathmore House Apartments …

Strathmore House Apartments are the perfect space to get everyone together for a few days of family fun. We have apartments that can accommodate 2 – 8 guests, in our 1-4 bedroomed apartments. Every month has amazing things happening in Britain’s Ocean City and August is no different!

This is the the month that is always full to the brim with events, activities, festivals and more in Plymouth – with lots of wonderful free fun things too.  What’s more, with our fabulous kitchens it’s so easy to prepare an alfresco heaven of more than just a pickled onion or two!

August In Plymouth …

August brings an array of fabulous activities in a city that really blossoms in the longer days.

There is the Love Summer Festival;  Fireworks Championships; Outdoor Theatre; Plymouth Pride; Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival and so much more.

It’s not just the events themselves that bring colour to Plymouth, the entire city shines with energy and passion.

Drakes Circus brings colour to our amazing indoor shopping centre with ‘Drakes Circus Pride’ this week, whilst St Luke’s have their heard of elephants brighten our streets with Elmers Big Parade.

Plus you have the stunning Tinside on your doorstep; offering a perfect slice of the quintessential British seaside, where laughter ripples as much as the waves.

Plan your family fun today; stay with us and explore Plymouth whilst making memories that will last a lifetime.