Mark Bibby Jackson

Author

Mark Bibby Jackson

Before setting up Travel Begins at 40, Mark was the publisher of AsiaLIFE Cambodia and a freelance travel writer. When he is not packing and unpacking his travelling bag, Mark writes novels, including To Cook A Spider and Peppered Justice. He loves walking, eating, tasting beer, isolation and arthouse movies, as well as talking to strangers on planes, buses and trains whenever possible. Most at home when not at home.
A Cottage in the Wood and a Land Rover Experience

A Cottage in the Wood and a Land Rover Experience

Continuing his journey from Stoke to Cardiff, Mark Bibby Jackson stops of at the Cottage in the Wood hotel just outside of Malvern to enjoy the breath-taking views and amazing…

Boscobel House, a Spitfire and a Steam Train

Boscobel House, a Spitfire and a Steam Train

On his visit to Staffordshire, Mark Bibby Jackson takes a ride on the Churnet Valley Railway, pops in on a Spitfire and visits the original Royal Oak at Boscobel House…

Learning to Surf. How Hard Can it Be?

Learning to Surf. How Hard Can it Be?

When you are learning to surf, several questions pop up in your mind. These questions can either take you away or push you towards this wonderful and exciting sport. When…

Gilsland Hall : a Walk from Hadrian’s Wall

Gilsland Hall : a Walk from Hadrian’s Wall

Mark Bibby Jackson visits Gilsland Hall Hotel a former spa and convalescent home straddled on the borders of Cumbria and Northumberland with great access to Hadrian’s Wall. Few parts of…

Elm Grove Country House: B&B With Bells On

Elm Grove Country House: B&B With Bells On

Mark Bibby Jackson’s tour of the countryside and castles of Wales, concludes in the peaceful village of St Florence, just outside Tenby where he relaxes at the excellent Elm Grove…

A Walk On the Streets of London’s East End

A Walk On the Streets of London’s East End

Mark Bibby Jackson experiences street life in London’s East End discovering arguably the best samosas in the capital. The East End of London has always been one of my favourite…

Amazing Views at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa

Amazing Views at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa

On his journey through the countryside and castles of Wales, Mark Bibby Jackson stays at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa to enjoy what must be one of the most spectacular…

Mount Rigi : Queen of the Swiss Alps

Mount Rigi : Queen of the Swiss Alps

Mark Bibby Jackson is fortunate enough to take the steam train up Mount Rigi on the oldest mountain railway in Europe, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021. The sound of…

Château Rhianfa : Divine Opulence in Anglesey

Château Rhianfa : Divine Opulence in Anglesey

Mark Bibby Jackson checks in at Château Rhianfa Hotel Anglesey on his travels through the countryside and castles of Wales, and can’t believe he is still in the Principality. Entering…

Along the Hockney Trail in the Yorkshire Wolds

Along the Hockney Trail in the Yorkshire Wolds

Mark Bibby Jackson drives through the Yorkshire Wolds following the Hockney Trail to the coast. As my satnav provides uncertain directions I begin to sense a certain futility to my…

Sailing a Wherry Boat on the Norfolk Broads

Sailing a Wherry Boat on the Norfolk Broads

Mark Bibby Jackson chills out while sailing a wherry boat on the Norfolk Broads before having a go himself. I am not a natural sailor. I was scarred for life…

Sani Resort Greece: Towards Zero Carbon

Sani Resort Greece: Towards Zero Carbon

Sani Resort Greece is recognised for its green credentials winning the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort at the World Travel Awards 2020, Eleni Andreadis, Group Director of Sustainability and CSR…

Amazing Art Adventures Around the World

Amazing Art Adventures Around the World

Travel around the world in 400 immersive experiences with Amazing Art Adventures by Yolanda Zappaterra. Review by Mark Bibby Jackson. The most amazing thing about this wonderful book by Yolanda…

Chumbe Island : Tourism and Conservation in Harmony

Chumbe Island : Tourism and Conservation in Harmony

Mark Bibby Jackson chats with Sibylle Riedmiller, Director at Chumbe Island, Tanzania about the great success of the award-winning project over the past 30 years, as well as its uncertain future. One…

The Elixir of Love, Waterperry Gardens

The Elixir of Love, Waterperry Gardens

Mark Bibby Jackson visits Waterperry Gardens near Oxford for a performance of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love set in the most spectacular setting. Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love started the…

The Impulsive Explorer: Self-discovery in the Antarctic

The Impulsive Explorer: Self-discovery in the Antarctic

Mark Bibby Jackson reviews The Impulsive Explorer by Karen Espley, a story of accidental self-discovery on an environmental expedition to the Antarctic. The Antarctic has always held a fascination for…

Poaching African Wildlife : The Other Covid Pandemic

Poaching African Wildlife : The Other Covid Pandemic

Mark Bibby Jackson looks into several initiatives aimed to confront the worrying increase in poaching African wildlife, a by-product of Covid. With the global death toll from Covid breaking the…

Luxuriating in AIRE Ancient Baths London

Luxuriating in AIRE Ancient Baths London

Mark Bibby Jackson checks into the recently opened AIRE Ancient Baths London and emerges two hours later feeling like a completely different man.  There will be a time when international…

Back to the Future on a London Staycation

Back to the Future on a London Staycation

Mark Bibby Jackson spends a nostalgic day and night in the UK capital, visiting the home of cricket, watching a play at the Royal Court and catching up with some…