When Asomvel annoucned they were doing a tour, I knew straight away that I would be going to at least one of the gigs because my husband, Sean, is a huge fan and got me onto the band. What I didn't expect was to see a gig at Leo's Red Lion in Gravesned (my hometown and half away from where I live now) on a Friday and The Underworld in London the following night on the Saturday.
All Sean had to do was say he would like to go and I had tickets booked for both nights as soon as I was able to. He was a little confused as to why we were going 2 nights in a row on the same tour, but he was soon fine with it once I reminded him that he was going to see one of the best bands on the scene at the moment twice.
We arrived at the Red Lion before the support band, Devere, started. I will be completely honest, I couldn't gel with their music. I listened for a few songs and I just couldn't get on with them and couldn't figure out why, so I got out of the way of the people who did like them and went to the bar.
I love that the intro music for Asomvel is the Rocky theme song, I havlfexpected the band to run onto the stage with their arms in the arm, but instead they burst onto the stage full of energy, which they carried throughout the whole show.
I have to bow down to these guys, the music was super tight, there was not a note played wrong all the way through the set and they just didn't stand still for a second. Lenny, Ralph and Stel were running around the stage every chance they got when they weren't singing into a microphone. It feels like they just love to be up close and personal with everyone in the crowd so they move around making sure that everyone gets to see them no matter where they stand.
Half way through the gig, Sean disappeared to the bar for a drink and on his way back, ended up having to stand a few rows of people behind me. As I was standing on my own, and the fact that a guy that was over 6 feet tall was in front of me, I decided to weave my way through the crowd to see how close to the stage I could get. I ended up right down the front on the left side of the stage and had the best view of the stage.
Asomvel were absolutely amazing, they had everyone jumping around and whipping their hair from start to finish. I checked the app for my watch after the gig and in their hour set, I had done over 4000 steps. Just from dancing around and having the best time ever!
After the gig, we went outside and the band were taking pictures with fans. How awesome is that? Fresh off the stage and the band are found chatting and having pictures done with fans. Not many bands do that and I love that these guys do it because they are so lovely to talk to.
Saturday morning, I wake up and there was still a slight ringing in my ears but smiled because I knew that I would be reliving the night before again that very night.
As the gig was in Camden, Sean and I decided to go up early in the day so we could walk round Camden. We hadn't been there is years and wanted to see how it had changed. I booked us a parking space on someone's driveway through Your Parking Space and struck gold with a space a few minutes walk from The underworld for the day for £18.
After a day of wandering around Camden, eating and drinking and way through the market, we ended up in The Worlds End where we got to meet other Asomvel fans and chat to them about their gigs.
When the doors opened, we joined the queue outside and the excitement started in my belly, but the excitement wasn't just about getting to see the legendary Asomvel. That night I had a photo pass so I was finally going to get to take photos at an Asomvel gig. I'd seen them twice before and didn't have a photo pass so didn't have my camera with me, believe me when I say that it kills my soul when I'm at a gig without my camera as all I want to do it take photos of all the beautiful moment that happen.
Although the venue isn't very big, but I am short, I got chatting to a lovely guy in the front row called Ace (check him out as he is a photogragher too and he is amazing), who agreed to let me go in front of him for the first 2 songs of Asomvels set. This would give me time to get some up-close and personal pictures of the band before moving around the room to take more pictures.
I was standing to the left of the stage by the second bar when Devere came on and I don't know what they were doing differently to the night before, but they were a lot better. I found myself really getting into them more than the night before.
Watching the singer dance is quite interesting, it's like the music takes him over, he struts around the stage and twitches all while belting out some serious notes. If I had to compare them to another band, I would say Motley Crue, especially when you see all the girls down the front loving every second haha.
When Devere were finished, I went to find Ace and he kept his promise to let me in front of him so I was standing right in front of the stage when the band, once again, came bursting onto the stage to start another night of amazing frigging music.
I kept my promise to only be at in front of Ace for the first 2 songs before slipping out of his way to leave him to enjoy the rest of the gig. I moved around the room picking spots for me to stop in and take more pictures of the band before getting back to Sean to enjoy the rest of the gig.
It was yet again another night feels with perfectly performed music and the best atmosphere where everyone was just there to listen to the band and have fun. All too soon the set was over, the band left the stage and we were making our way through Camden to get to our caar to drive home.
If you ever get the chance to see these guys live (they still have quite a few gigs left to do this year), get that ticket and go have one of the best nights of your life rocking out with Ralph, Lenny, Stel and Ryan.
Harvester is one of those restaurant chains where you know what you are getting for your money. It's not expensive but the food is good and there is a great selection.
The Running Horse is the closest Harvester to Maidstone and even though it has quite a big car park across the road, it still gets so busy that people have to park in the road. This is why it is best to book a table as soon as you know you are going to go there to eat, it's easy to book on the Harvester App.
My favourite thing to have is the unlimited salad bar because there is everything that I love, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot, onions, sweetcorn, peppers, and cucumber. There is coleslaw, potato salad and pasta salad. There are toppings like croutons, onion flakes, bacon-flavored bits, raisins, and black olives, and the dressings are honey and mustard, blue cheese, red devil (my fave) and thousand island. Plus, you can also get white and brown rolls.
What I like to do is get the salad as a main as it's only £4.99 and then there is an offer on the starters where you get 3 plates for £14.99 or 4 plates for £17.49 so I can get 3 plates of chicken wings.
If I don't fancy chicken wings and want an actual meal, I have the Harvester Trilogy as it's ribs, roast chicken and rump steak. My husband loves the Mixed Grill, depending on how hungry he is, is will either order the normal Mixed Grill or the Mega Mixed Grill.
One other thing that I always get is the unlimited soft drinks because you can get some amazing flavoured drinks from the dispensers and have as much as you want. I always go for Pepsi Max with strawberry, believe me, it's amazing.
On Thursday the 4th of September, I had the pleasure of going to the Old Brewery Store in Faversham for a night of amazing music.
AK And The Red Kites
These guys rocked the room form the start of their set to the end. Every band member played each song perfectly, keeping the full attention of the room. The feel good atmoshere from the band and the music could be felt everywhere in the room. And I would know as I moved around a lot taking pictures haha.
AK's guitar playing is amazing! I was mesmorised watching him during his guitar solos, I really admire anyone who has dedicated their lives to playing an instrument that beautifully.
The band treated us to some of their new songs, so the set list was a good mix of new and old songs.
I would love to see them again to experience it all again.
Set List
Devil's Stomp
Can't You See
Proverbial Storm
Good Time Roller
Baby Don't Love Me
Tear It Up
We Belong
Stronger
Karmic Rituals
Control The Animal
Cosmic Train
Wolf Moon
Revenant
From start to finish, there wasn't a bum that wasn't wiggling, a toe that wasn't tapping or a head that wasn't nodding to the beat. There was such a great atmosphere in the room as the crowd seemed deeply invested in every note that was being played.
Which I totally got because my body was doing all sorted wiggling and tapping, making it difficult for me to try and take pictures haha. I had to kep telling myself to stay still or I would hate myself later when it came to editing and everything was super blured.
I love the amount of songs that they have in their set that they have written for friends and loved ones, particually around mental health, Sam mentioned that one song was one that he wrote for a friend who didn't want to be here anymore.
It isn't hard to see that the whole band has the most amazing chemistry when they are on stage.
I didn't expect the mash up of AC/DC and Queen, and I tell you what, it worked!! Most of the mash ups I've heard have been recordings, I've heard very few live and this was one of the best mash ups I've ever heard. It was the music from Back In Black and the words from We Will Rock You, and a few Back In Black words too. It wasn't long enough through, I wanted to hear more of it.
I'm already planning to see Revenant again anf funny enough it will be at the Old Brewery Store in Favershame again when they supporting Preacher Stone on tour. That is going to be one hell of a gig.
For those of you that know me, you know how much I love Lost Zone, so I don't need to tell you how excited I was when I found out that they would be going on Tour with Halflives AND they would be coming to the UK.
The only issue was that when I looked at the dates, I was going to be going on holiday half way through the UK part of the tour, frustrated is not enough to cover how I felt. Especially because I was only going to get to see them in Bristol and Birmingham. But, after some careful planning and me having to do a bit of begging, I also got to see them in Paris.
But when happened at those gigs?? Here is my fan diary
Tuesday 15th April
It felt like the longest day at work, instead of doing my usual 9am-5pm, I had worked out cover for the last half an hour of the day so I could work 8:30am-4:30pm. I wanted to get to Bristol as quickly as possible with the least amount of chance of traffic so I thought leaving half an hour earlier would give me an advantage. And it did, because of that half an hour, I got to Bristol at 7:40pm instead of almost 9pm.
I parked in an NPC car park that was only a few minute walk from the Ibis Temple Mead Hotel that I had booked. I was getting checked in when I got a message from Lost Zone saying that had been delayed in customs and they were still an hour away from Bristol. My poor lads were going to be getting to the city very late, not the best first day in the UK for them.
I went up to my room and started unpacking, I got my camera bag out to double check I had everything charged for the gig, I had my lenses, the extra battery, leads, etc but....... no camera. I franticly looking everywhere, including my car and the route between the hotel and car, but couldn't find it anywhere. Sean found it on the sofa at home, it must have fallen out when I picked up the bag at home. Not going to lie, I cried like a baby, I had waited so long to get the chance to photograph the lads and I had managed to fuck it up. Disappointed was not the word, what an end to the day.
Wednesday 16th April - Bristol Gig Day
Woke up still feeling like a complete plonker, I got showered, dressed and just as I was about to leave to go for a walk, the drilling started. The hotel was having new cladding to the outside of the building and they were working on the side that I was staying in. It actually sounded like they were on the other side of the wall.
I went walking in the direction of the venue for the gig, I hadn't been there before so wanted to make sure I knew where I was going. I found it a lot quicker than I thought I would so I went off for a walk to explore Bristol. I didn't want to go far as my friend Roxxi was on her way from Cardiff and didn't fancy rushing back because I had gone wandering too far.
I was walking along a road that runs along the back on the venue when I got to a big car park and heard "Suzy" to my right, I looked up and it was Lost Zone. They were parked up at the back of the car park so I walked round to the entrance and up to their van to say hello. It was so surreal seeing them in person, the last time I had seen them was a year before so deep down I was fangirling, but I stayed cool lol.
They showed me the inside of their van, it had 6 bunks at the back for them to sleep in, they looked so small but the lads assured me that they are OK to sleep on. The seats looked quite comfortable as well, they needed some comfort for all the driving they would be doing. I also got to meet Alex who was the merchant guy and photographer, and Ben who was the sound tech for most of this tour.
As a surprise, I had face masks of Simon made for them as I didn't want them missing him while they were on tour lol. Simon is the drummer but he couldn’t be on the tour. So I got them to line up and close their eyes while I got the masks out of my bag. Alex filmed it for me and then they used the footage in one of their Tiktok videos. Needless to say, they loved the masks, they even put 2 of them on the head rests in the front of the van so it looked like Simon and his twin were sitting in the front seats.
I said goodbye to them as I didn't want to take up too much of their time and started walking back to the venue, I thought I would chill out there until I knew Roxxi was close and then I could go and meet her.
A little while later, I got a message from Roxxi that she was 10 minutes away so I went to meet her and we went to the hotel to chill out. The drilling was still going on so we weren't there long, we got changed and then headed back out.
We were chilling out on a bench next to the venue, chatting away, when a familiar van pulled up and 5 handsome men jumped out to start loading their gear into the venue. One of them had to stay in the van in case they had to move the van. Roxxi hadn't met the band before so when they had finished unloaded, I got to introduce them all to her. I had been telling her all about them for so long that it was such a special moment that she got to meet them
People started to arrive at about 5pm and then all of a sudden, it was time for us to go in. I managed to get to the front row even though there had been people with VIP tickets that went in before us. There was a really lovely girl who we had been speaking to outside and she had saved me the spot.
I looked at the set list and I was so happy to see that Burst Like Dynamite was on the set list. It’s one of my favourite songs and hadn’t heard them play it live yet.
I could see the boys standing to the side of the stage waiting to go on. I was nervous because I wanted the crowd to really like them and excited because I was finally at another gig. Then I saw Tobi get behind the drums, the lights went down and the intro started. My heart was racing, I thought my chest would explode, then Andre appeared on stage, followed by Sebi, Flo popped up on stage and the music kicked in, the gig was starting!!! OMG. It honestly felt like a dream looking up at them and watching them perform.
I was screaming the lyrics, and loved that a few times Flo would come to stand on the platform in front of me and we would scream the lyrics to each other. When Burst Like Dynamite came on, I threw my phone to Roxxi so that I didn’t drop it as I just wanted to feel every moment and note of that song.
Then Flo started to tell the audiance that they were going to perform Blacked Out and that it was their last song. My heart sank as the time had gone too quickly, it felt like they had only been on stage for 2 minutes and they were already going. I put a smile on my face but I felt like crying, I wasn’t ready for them to finish their set yet, I was having too much fun. it didn’t seem fair.
Once the song was over, Roxxi and I moved out of the way so that the people behind us could take our places at the front. We had spoken to them before the gig started so they knew we would move out the way for them.
We were walking out to merch when I looked round and saw Andre was walking behind us, so I grabbed him and gave him a big hug. I was so proud of them for putting on such an amazing performance. There was loads of people coming out to speak to the boys before Halflives started so Roxxi and I decided to go and sit near the boy, we didn’t want to be in the way and knew that we would have our chance to talk to them later on.
This video is from the Lost Zone Tiktok account
Towards the end of the night, Andre came up to us looking very serious. We asked him what was wrong and he said that the car park where they had parked the van in had a height restriction after a set time, so they were now technically locked in the car park until the morning. I seriously thought he was joking at first as I didn’t know the height restriction on car parks after a set time was a thing.
This video is from the Lost Zone Tiktok account
The car park wasn’t far away from the venue but it was far enough away that it was a pain in the arse to get all their gear back to the van, so I offered to go get my car and take their gear in loads to the van for them. We did it in 3 loads in the end so didn’t take us long, I dread to think how long it would have taken them if I hadn’t been there to help.
Thursday 17th April - Birmingham Gig Day
Woke up in a bit of a daze it took me a minute to realise what happened the night before. I rolled over to see Roxxi in the other bed and knew it hadn't been a dream.
I was so happy to hear that she had had a great time at the gig and really liked the band. Looks like I will have a gig buddy next time they come to the UK.
Birmingham isn’t a long drive from Bristol, it’s only about an hour and a half so I took my time driving there. I’d found a car park in a church next to the Birmingham O2 Academy that was cheap so I parked up and chilled out. I felt tired so I tried to have a nap but people kept walking past so that idea didn’t last long.
I was just thinking of going and sitting by the main door of the O2 when I looked up the road and saw the Lost Zone van turn up. I went over to say hello and chatted to them before they were due to go load in their gear to the venue.
I went round and sat by the door watching them loading in and remembered that I had got them light up guitar picks so I gave them to Flo so he could have 1 and then give 1 to Andre and 1 to Sebi.
I was at the front of the line again, so even with the VIP people going in before me, I still got to the front row but to the right hand side this time, which is Sebi’s side.
I saw Tobi come out first and go behind the drums, so I knew it was almost time. The intro music started and I felt just as excited as I had the night before. Out came Andre, Sebi, then Flo and another awesome set started again.
I saw singing (badly), screaming, cheering and dancing to every song again. Their energy just completely engulfed me and for half an hour, there was nothing else in this world except me and them. Total bliss.
The stage was a lot bigger than the night before so it was good to see them dancing around more on stage without bumping into each other. It
When the set was over, I came my place to the people behind me and went to find the merch stand. I was standing talking to Alex and I felt someone put their arm round my shoulders and found it was Andre. I gave him a massive hug and told him that they had done another awesome set. And it showed because it felt like everyone in the venue wanted to come and speak to them.
Because I was going on holiday the next day, I had to leave by 10pm so that I could drive home. I didn’t want to leave, I wanted to go onto the next 3 gigs with them but I did leave after giving them all more hugs and had a little cry in the car.
Wednesday 23rd April - Paris
I was so excited for this gig because I was taking my husband with me, he was finally going to meet the boys and see what I had been going on about. We got to Paris early in the morning and went straight to the Eiffle Tower. It was raining so fun fun fun, anyway, I’m standing there going through the pictures I have taken and I hear “Suzy!” I look up, and there is Andre and Alex. I waved to them and Sean said “Who is that?” I found it funny that in city as big as Paris, I end up in the same place as one of Lost Zone and it wasn’t anywhere near the gig venue.
After a day of sightseeing, we went to our hotel, got changed and headed out to the gig. I was in the line when I look round and see Andre, Alex and Sebi walking towards the venue.
There was quite a few people that went in for VIP so I was a little bit worried about getting front row but I had nothing to worry about. Petit Bain is a boat with the venu inside and downstairs with a bar on the top floor and ground level. It is so much bigger than it looks on the outside, the venue part is huge so when I ran in, I saw that the front row was already taken up except for 1 little empty space on the very far right. I got over there and claimed my spot so quick, you would of thought I was made of lightening lol.
There was an extra support band called Little Ghost that started off the night before Lost Zone’s set, so I got to see the lads setting up their gear which is something I hadn’t been able to see before.
I had been telling everyone stood around me how awesome Lost Zone was so it was good too look around during the first song and see so many people smiling and dancing along to them. The way I saw it was that if they get more fans, they will get the recognision they deserve for their music and I get more gigs to go to. It’s a win win situation.
I was so happy to see how much the crowd reacted to them. People jumping, cheering, really getting into the music.
I was feeling a little emotional for this gig as I knew if was the last gig that I wouldn't be seeing the boys for a while. I took in every second of the performance and loved that from my spot at the side of the stage, I could see each of them clearly.
I went to the merch stall after their set but it was just Andre that came out. They had a 7 hour drive that night to next gig so they were planning on leaving as soon as they were able to so the others were loading the trailer. So once everyone had turned round for Halflive's set, Andre went backstage so that he could help.
I noticed in the toilet that there was loads of bands tickers all over the wall so I grabbed some of the Lost Zone stickers and made sure there was one in each of the cubicles and by the mirror lol.
Sean and I went upstairs to the bar and were enjoying a few coktails while when Flo, Ben and Tobi walked in to order food. We got to have a nice chat with them and then realised that Halflives would be finishing their set soon so Sean and I went down the venue stairs while the lads got their food and went another way.
When Halflives were finished, I loved seeing everyone crowding around Lost Zone, so many people all wanting to buy merch, talk to the lads and get pictures with them. I waited until everyone else was gone and then stepped forward to have my picture and chat with them. I got them all to sign my Lost Zone t-shirt as well so I could put it in a box frame when I got home.
And then it was that time again, time to say goodbye to them all and wish that the next gig would come around quickly. I gave them all a massive hug and left with Sean.
I still can’t believe that it has been 15 years since the girls burst onto our screen and impressed everyone with their music. I honestly didn’t think they would be around for long and I am quite happy that they have proved me wrong.
Metal Forth is an awesome album with some seriously amazing collaborations that have made their way very quickly onto my favourites list.
From Me To U feat Poppy was an awesome choice to start the album with, I love the beautiful harmonies and then screaming which all go together perfectly with a fantastic beat to make you want to sit and hear what the rest of the album is like.
Absolutely love Ratatatata with Electric Callboy! This song is the collaboration that I have been waiting forever for, it’s on my gym playlist, it’s on my favourites playlist and it’s on my working on my own playlist for when I’m working from home and can blare out the songs that can’t be contained by headphones. It makes me want to dance around the room, kicking my legs out and waving my arms around. Yes, I do have terrible dance moves lol.
Song 3 with Slaughter To Prevail is one of my favourite tracks on the album, you don’t just head-bang to it, you head-smashing to it because that’s the level that it takes you to. You just want to grab hold of something solid and give yourself the most severe whiplash you will ever get.
When Sunset Kiss with Polyphia came on, I thought my laptop had somehow skipped the other songs or I had activated an ad for a holiday show, but then the beat kicked in and I was like “ok, I get what they did”. The 2 styles of music go together really well and give you a sort of heavy metal dance track.
When Metal with Tom Morello started, I thought it was another Bloodywood song but then it developed into this awesome song that got my bum wiggling. It's not like the rest of the songs on the album, it's not full on heavy metal and there isn't any screaming but it still gets me going with a wicked beat.
You all need to listen to this album, it is full of brilliant songs that you will put on repeat. It comes out on Friday the 8th of August so make sure you pre-save!!!
***Originally posted on my music blog Suzy's Musical World
The moment that we were all dreading has arrived, the passing of the legend, Ozzy Osbourne.
The man that took the music industry, spun it around and then bite off it's head passed away surrounded by his family in his hometown Birmingham. Where just a few weeks ago, he played his final show at Villa Park.
I only found out last night when I walked out of the gym to find my husband in a state of shock. When I asked him what was wrong, he showed me his phone screen and I saw the social media post that announced Ozzy's passing. I didn't believe it at first, I didn't think it would actually ever happen.
I got in my car to drive home and it just kept going over and over in my head "he's gone, he's actually gone", and I burst into tears. I was never a massive fan of Ozzy's but I loved him as an artist and respected him for everything that he had done for the music industry. He wanted to make music his way and he did that for his whole career.
You only have to look at his list of awards to see how much the man achieved in his 76 years. Legend Of Live Award from the Billboard Touring Awards, 6 Grammy Awards, he was in the WWE Hall OF Fame, he had his own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and Birmingham Walk Of Stars, he's in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame twice, the UK Music Hall Of Fame twice, the Living Legend award from the Classic Rock Awards, he even won the Godlike Genius Award and Hero Of The Year from NME. The list goes on and on but the point I am trying to make is that he was the true meaning of the word legend.
From starting Black Sabbath in 1968, all the way up to his final show just weeks ago, he was the ultimate showman. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform a few times and each time I was blown away by him, the show and how much the crowd loved him. To him, it was all about that music and doing what he loved.
From everyone here at Suzy's Musical World, we will never forget you Ozzy, you will live on in all of us and we will keep your music and legacy alive forever.
***Originally posted on my music blog Suzy's Musical World
Are you planning a driving trip to France from the UK but would like to try something other than a ferry? You need to check out Le Shuttle, it offers a fast, weather-proof way to cross the English Channel with your vehicle.
I used Le Shuttle for the first time in April 2025 for our trip to Normandy and I was very impressed with the whole process. So here is my hints and tips for using Le Shuttle for your next trip.
Whether you're heading to France for a holiday or returning to the UK, Le Shuttle (formerly Eurotunnel) is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to travel with your car. The journey takes just 35 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to booking and using Le Shuttle.
Choose your route: Select either a one-way or return trip between Folkestone (UK) and Calais (France).
Select your vehicle type: Prices vary depending on whether you’re driving a car, van, motorcycle, or towing a trailer.
Pick your travel time: You’ll see available departure slots and can choose based on convenience or price.
Add passengers: The number of people in your vehicle doesn’t affect the price, but must be declared.
Payment: Secure your booking with a debit or credit card. You’ll receive a booking reference and QR code.
You can also manage your booking online, including changing travel times or vehicle details if needed.
🚗 At Folkestone Terminal (UK Side)
Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Follow signs to the check-in booths.
Check-in: Scan your booking QR code or enter your reference number. You’ll be assigned a departure lane and you will have a rear-view mirror hanger printed with your lane number, Make sure you put this on your rear-view mirror straight away. It's here that you are also given the option to go on an earlier train if you are really early, but there may be a charge so make sure you read the screens that come up before pressing confirm.
Waiting Terminal: There is a big building that has a few shops and places to eat if you have some waiting time before your lane number is going to be called for boarding. You can stay in your car if you wish, you don't have to go into the terminal if you don't want to, but I would suggest using the toilet as the one on the train is not very big.
Border Control: You’ll pass through UK exit checks and French entry checks at the border control booths. Make sure you have your passports ready.. You may also be asked to park to one side and have their car inspected, this is random and will only take a few minutes, so make sure you don't have anything in your car that you aren't meant to.
Boarding: Drive onto the train when directed. Staff will guide you into position. Stay inside your vehicle during the crossing.
🚙 At Calais Terminal (France Side)
Arrival: Same process — arrive early, check in with your booking code, and follow signs to the boarding lanes.
Waiting Terminal: There is another terminal with shops and places to eat that you can take advantage of before boarding. Once again, make sure you use the toilet before going round to border control.
Border Control: You’ll go through French exit checks and UK entry checks. Again, have passports and paperwork ready in case you are asked.
Boarding: Drive onto the shuttle and remain in your vehicle. The crossing takes about 35 minutes.
📝 Tips for a Smooth Journey
Pets: Le Shuttle is pet-friendly, but you’ll need to follow DEFRA rules and book a pet slot. There is areas for taking your pets for a walk at the terminal so you don't need to worry about them being in your vehicle for a very long period of time.
Trailers & Roof Boxes: These may affect pricing and train allocation, declare them during booking or you could end up paying a lot more on the day you travel.
Club Le Shuttle: Frequent travelers can join for perks like discounts and priority boarding so if you think you might start using Le Shuttle whenever you want to cross the Channel, it might be worth joining.
Le Shuttle is ideal for those who want speed, flexibility, and the comfort of staying with their vehicle. With easy online booking and efficient terminals on both sides, it’s a stress-free way to cross the Channel.
Want help planning your route beyond Calais or finding great stopovers in France? I’d be happy to help!
If you are like me and love all things under the sea, the Sea Life Centre in Blackpool offers an enchanting underwater journey featuring sharks, rays, seahorses, jellyfish, and more across 10 themed zones that will bring a big smile to anyone's face.
Nestled on Blackpool’s vibrant seafront, the Sea Life Centre is a captivating escape into the deep blue, showcasing over 2,000 aquatic creatures across more than 50 dazzling displays. Whether you're a marine enthusiast or simply looking for a family-friendly adventure, this aquarium delivers a memorable experience.
🐠 Themed Zones & Marine Highlights
The centre is divided into 10 themed zones, each offering a unique glimpse into different marine habitats so that you can get as up and close to them as you can:
Rockpools: A hands-on area where visitors can touch starfish and learn about coastal ecosystems. I really liked this part, actually getting to touch starfish and feel the texture of their beautiful little bodies.
Rainforest Adventure: Home to exotic amphibians and reptiles, adding a twist to the aquatic theme.
Ocean Tunnel: This is my favourite part, I love walking through the tunnel and seeing the sharks, stingrays and other amazing sea creatures gliding through the water above me.
Shark Zone: Featuring tropical sharks like blacktip reef sharks and nurse sharks, showcasing their ancient lineage and graceful power as they silently flow through the water.
Ray Bay: A serene space where majestic rays glide effortlessly through the water and you can get a glimpse into their world.
Seahorse Kingdom: This is another one of my favourite parts as a love seahorses. They are so small and but beautiful, delicate and mesmerizing. Watching them holding onto things with their little tails and swaying in the current.
Jellyfish Zone: Hypnotic displays of jellyfish pulsing in illuminated tanks that change colour. With each different colour, you see a different side of the jellyfish and just watching them is so soothing, I could watch them all day.
Coral Reef: Bursting with lots of beautiful colours, this area houses clownfish, tangs, and other reef dwellers. And yes, I am the one walking in and squealing because "I found Nemo", hahaha.
Octopus Hideout: Meet the intelligent and elusive octopus, I feel like I learn something new about these amazing creatures every time I go to a Sea Life Centre. It really is mind blowing what they can do naturally.
Turtle Shelter: A favourite among visitors, featuring rescued sea turtles and educational insights into their care.
🌊 Conservation & Education
Many of the animals at Sea Life Blackpool are rescued, endangered, or part of breeding programs, making the centre not just entertaining but also educational for all ages. Interactive displays and informative signage help visitors understand the importance of marine conservation and how we can help.
🧒 Family-Friendly Fun
The centre is ideal for families, with child-friendly exhibits, engaging activities, and a layout that’s easy to navigate without getting lost. Kids especially love the chance to touch marine creatures and spot familiar faces from shows like Octonauts. My favourite parts are the domes in the tanks that you can put your head into so that you feel like you are in the tank as well.
🎫Tickets
The Sea Life Centre can be included in the Merlin Blackpool Attraction Pass so not only can you have an awesome time seeing all the beautiful sea creatures, but you can get it at a reasonable price.
This is one of my favourite Wetherspoons ever, it's still the same as other Wetherspoons pubs in regards to the food, drinks, etc but this one is quite stylish, very clean, great indoor and outdoor seating, some of which is up on the second floor on the balcony so you get an awesome sea view while you eat.
I also love the massive wicca sculpture of the old fashioned weightlifter, I think it is to represent all the circus acts and shows that have been part of Blackpool for as long as it's been a big tourist attraction.
It's really close to one of the tram stops and it's just over the road from the South Pier so it's really easy to get to and the perfect place to stop off for some food.
I feel very comfortable when I come here and during both my trips to Blackpool, this is the only place that I have been to multiple times.
Abingdon Street Market is amazing. Everyone is your group all want different things to eat, no problem, come here and you can all eat something different. There burgers, pizzas, tacos, plant based food, hot dogs, chicken wings, Japanese street food and loads more.
Drinks wise, as well as the stands offering soft drinks, there is also coffee, smoothies and tea, there is also bar doing alcoholic drinks like craft ales, cocktails, beers and spirits.
There is loads of long benches as seating with tables just as long and if you don't want to walk all the way round the food stands to pick something, you can scan the QR code on the table and you can go through all the menus and order food so that you don't even have to leave your seat. You don't have to go up and get your food when it's ready either, you can stay sitting at your table because the venters bring the food to the table. It's the same for the bars as well, so you can stay comfy in your seat all night.
If you go to Abingdon Street Market in the day time, not only are the food stands open but there is also a section that is retail. There are stands that do hand crafted gifts, 3d printing, vinyls, jewellery, candles, cards and other awesome things for you to check out.
The whole place has a nice chilled vibe were everyone is just there for a good time. I would highly recommend going here on your next trip to Blackpool.
