View from the bow: reflections of Oxford, Plymouth and the South West.
Your Guide to Events, Must‑Visit Attractions, Local Heritage, Culture, and the Best Food and Drink Spots in Oxford, Plymouth, and the South West.
David Cornwell: The Man Behind John le Carré
Interested in David Cornwell (John le Carré) and the world of espionage? Join me for a focused tour of Oxford, including Lincoln College, to trace the life and influences behind his writing. For the travelling enthusiast, I also offer a guided trip to Cornwall to explore the landscapes that became his place of refuge and uncover a surprising local history tied to intelligence and secrecy.
Drake's Chair and the Golden Hind: A Story of Adventure, Intrigue, and Legacy
Tucked quietly into a corner of Oxford’s magnificent medieval Divinity School sits an object so modest that most visitors walk past it without a second glance.
Explore Oxford’s dreaming spires or walk the footsteps of Sir Francis Drake in Plymouth — book a personalised tour with me and discover the stories, shortcuts and secret spots guidebooks miss. Contact me for an expert-led experience tailored to your interests.
John Betjeman: Socialite, poet and defender of heritage.
Sir John Betjeman might have been sent down from Oxford without a degree, but he went on to become a media great and the Poet Laureate from 1972 to 1984.
International Woman’s Day
Did you know that women could study at Oxford in the late 1800s, but they were not awarded degrees until 1920?
Find out more about women in Oxford on International Women’s Day.
Chaucer: Father of English or Medieval People’s Poet
A fascinating journey through manuscripts and printed versions of Chaucer’s verse.

