Beautiful Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and a cracking place for a budget break. A city once consumed by conflict and violence is now a modern and safe place for tourists looking for an interesting but affordable trip.
Whilst Belfast offers a whole host of activities tourists can do for a small fee, there are also many things visitors can do without spending a penny.
Here are 10 free things to do in Belfast...
Belfast City Hall
Belfast City Hall is by far the most beautiful city hall I have ever had the pleasure to see. During the day the building could be mistaken any other city hall in northern Europe, however stick around until the evening and you will see the structure come to life once it is lit up in the most magical shade of purple. But Belfast City Hall doesn't just offer a pretty facade, free guided tours are usually available to visitors wishing to learn a little more. The tours are currently on pause due to Covid-19.
Belfast Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours can be found across the world and for a good reason. The Belfast Free Walking Tour covers several of the city's most famous spots for a fraction of the price of a more traditional tour, plus you'll benefit from the knowledge and passion of your guide. As always I recommend tipping your tour guide at the end if you have a good time - which I almost guarantee you will!
Visit The Peace Wall's
As you'll likely know if you've done your research on the beautiful city of Belfast, it is divided by -- miles of walls, or peace lines at they are often called. The walls were built during the troubles to separate the various communities in Belfast and while there may be little need for them today, many of them remain. Now more a reminder of Belfast's troubled past than active defences, the peace walls are unique structures which aren't to be missed when visiting the city.
The Big Fish
Another magnificent piece of art you shouldn't miss while in Belfast is The Big Fish. The 32 foot salmon sculpture can be found on the banks of the Lagan and was actually commissioned to celebrate the regeneration of the river. The Big Fish is an impressive sight to see from far away however get up and personal with the art and you will be treated to depictions of Belfast's rich history on tiles which make up the salmons scales.
Belfast Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens can be found just to the south of Belfast city centre and can be easily reached by several buses. The Gardens are spread across 28 acres and two victorian glasshouses which are free to visit. While the Gardens are great to visit at any time, you can often find special events and concerts in the park from time to time too.
The Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is a fairly small, but well-stocked venue filled with art and objects of interest from across Ireland. Whilst a lot of the exhibits focus on Northern Irish history, this is a great place to start when trying to understand history from the whole island of Ireland. From time to time you'll also find more modern attractions at the Ulster Museums such as the incredible Game Of Thrones Tapestry which was on display until 2019.
Murals
It's hard to think of Belfast without also thinking of the many murals dotted around the city. But these emotive artworks have much more meaning behind them than the regular graffiti you can find in any modern city. From political pieces, to memorials, and pleas for peace, it's clear that these murals represent a city once divided. While some of the more notable murals can be found on Falls Road and Shankill Road respectively, tourists will find pieces on every other street corner.
Wander Around The Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter in Belfast City Centre is a bustling area full of pubs and bars. It's the first places many tourists head when arriving as it's where you will find The Duke Of York - Belfast's most famous pub. While you will obviously have to purchase drinks if you plan on visiting these quirky venues, you are free to wander the photogenic streets outside.
The Titanic Hotel
While I'd recommend purchasing a cuppa at the Drawing Office Two inside the titanic hotel, there is technically nothing to stop you popping in for a wander around. The Titanic Hotel is not worth visiting alone (as it's a fair walk out of the city) however if you are planning on touring the Titanic Museum I'd recommend nipping over the road to the hotel before you head back into central Belfast. Inside the hotel, you will find tonnes of memorabilia including a beautifully made sized-down replica of the ship itself.
Dome at Victoria Square
You wouldn't visit Paris without climbing the Eiffel Tower, so you shouldn't visit Belfast without taking a trip up to the Dome. You've not truly seen a city until you've viewed it from the sky, and that's exactly what you'll be able to do from the Dome at Victoria Square. Free tours of the dome, which give you 360 views of Belfast, run hourly each day.
And so those are 10 absolutely free things to do while visiting Belfast.
Belfast is a city with scars, some of which have not yet completely healed, but the city doesn't hide its history no matter how morbid it may be. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend break or a longer stay, you'll be sure to leave this place with a completely new mindset. Belfast is an affordable place to take a city break, but it is so much more than that.
* Discount codes & offers correct at time of posting *
Post contains affiliate links
As much as I hate to admit it, Autumn is well and truly upon us. The days of lounging about in the glorious sunshine have been swiftly swapped for layering up coats and jumpers so we can stay in the pub beer garden just a little bit longer. And this Autumn it looks like going outside will have to be the new staying in with the rona still running rampant throughout the UK.
So the darker nights and the chilly weather requires a whole new wardrobe right? I mean you wouldn't want to be caught out in the cold now would you? And don't worry, I've gathered together a tonne of discount codes from some of the most popular online stores so you can save a few pennies when purchasing your new Autumn looks.
So without any further ado, here are some of the items you absolutely must have this Autumn...
Asos
Working Asos discount codes & offers:
- 20% off when using the Asos app - ASOSSALEAPPYAY
- Up to 60% off sale items
- 10% student discount
Boohoo
Working Boohoo voucher codes & offers:
- 30% off dresses, knightwear & tops - VCD-TF3-54D-X7W-392
- 25% off everything including sale items - No code needed
- 30% off new orders - VCD-72M-G5S-3Q5-ND7
- 30% student discount
New Look
Working New Look discount codes & offers:
- 20% off £40 spend - TREATREPEAT
- 25% off when you sign up to the mailing list
- 20% student discount
Topshop
Working Topshop voucher codes & offers:
- Up to 50% off everything - No code needed
- 20% off all jeans - No code needed
- 10% student discount
H&M
Working H&M discount codes & offers:
- 10% off your first purchase when you become a member
- 20% student discount
Monki
Working Monki voucher codes & offers:
- Up to 50% off in the Monki sale
- 10% off first order when you sign up to the newsletter
- 11% student discount
It's no secret that from time to time I'm sent 'free' products. Occasionally I'll receive skincare items, clothes, and even a gifted lunch here and there. The 'freebies' I'm sent often give me great content ideas and I love unboxing them on my Instagram stories too. While I don't accept every gift I'm offered, I have received an influx of PR packages recently which has caused my DM's to practically explode with questions.
Right now my inbox is flooded with a million queries about my blogger mail and that's understandable! So I'm going to let you guys in on the secret.
How I get PR products and everything else you've ever wanted to know about blogger mail...
What is blogger mail?
Blogger mail is a fun little name for products sent by businesses to influencers in the hope that their product will get coverage. For brands, this is a very inexpensive way to advertise which is why it's so popular at the moment. But a word of warning - starting a blog or an instagram account just for freebies won't get you far. Bloggers and brands can spot it a mile off and besides that it takes real dedication to post regular content and build up quality following.
How I get my PR packages
The majority of my press packages are from big brands or PR companies who usually contact me over email. To make everyone's life easier, and to make sure I don't miss out on opportunities, I ensure my email address is clear and visible on all my platforms. While some brands are happy to slide in the DM's I still find the majority like to do business over email and they will be much more likely to get in touch if your email address is easy to find.
From time to time I'll see that a brand I love is actively working with bloggers, and if I want a piece of that pie I'll email them first. I have secured a few goodies this way before but it's never guaranteed results. If this is a path you're considering taking just remember that while big companies often have a budget for gifting, it's not fair to ask smaller businesses for 'freebies'.
Do I get paid?
Occasionally I will receive a PR product and payment, this usually happens when a brand has specific requirements. Many bloggers and influencers will be happy to accept products on the understanding that they may or may not receive coverage, but this isn't always the case. If a brand expects coverage or gives guidance on the type of content they expect to be produced to promote the product I would encourage the recipient to discuss payment. There won't always be a monetary budget for this but brands have got to start understanding that as amazing as their new skincare launch is, we can't pay our bills with a fancy pot of moisturiser.
How to get on a brands PR list
There is no foolproof way to get a space on your favourite brands PR list, sometimes it's just down to luck! I do however have a couple of tips to help you on your way:
- Interact with the brands you love on social media and tag them in relevant content you create, they might just notice you.
- Check #BloggersRequire and #BloggersWanted hashtags on Twitter. Yes, these are often clogged up with other bloggers chatting shite, but PR teams often tweet about upcoming opportunities using the hashtags too!
- Keep in touch with PR's after you receive a product, let them know you've received it and when you are going to mention it. It's also helpful to send over your engagement stats if you mention the product on social media. Be nice to you PR and they will remember you fondly for future opportunities.
Beware of the scams!
Because gifting has become such a popular thing in the influencer world, scammers have picked up on it. Ever received a comment on your latest Instagram post that goes along the line of "Hey babe DM us for a collab!" Well, chances are it's a scam. They work by offering you a collaboration where you either buy the product and are later refunded after your post about it, or you pay the postage and are later refunded. The only problem here is that you will never get a refund. A legitimate company will never ask you to pay for any part of a press product.
I hope this has answered a few of the burning questions you all have about PR packages and freebies! I know that not everyone likes or even understands the influencer industry, but for so many of us who have spent hours creating content and building relationships with brands, these are just little perks of the job.
Still have a question about how to get free press products or anything else? Feel free to leave a comment below or drop me a message on any of my social media accounts!
In case you missed it, its Second Hand September! Which means that this month I have only bought second hand clothes to help reduce the impact of fast fashion on the environment. But I haven't restricted my shopping to charity shops and eBay, oh no, I've been looking for more innovative ways to shop second hand fashion!
A couple of months ago I happened upon a fairly new online venture - The Big Sister Swap. According to their website "Big Sister Swap is the world's only online personalised Swapping service, letting you send in your unwanted clothes and receive handpicked preloved clothes in return." Sounds pretty good right? So I put the service to the test...
How does Big Sister Swap work?
To swap your clothes you simply purchase a swap in their online store. You can choose between a starter swap, a 1 kg swap, a 2 kg, or a super swap. They even have a swap option for children's items, which is a great idea as kids are forever growing out of perfectly good clothes!
Once you have purchased your swap you will receive an email with the address to send your unwanted clothes and accessories to. Weigh them, wrap them up well and send them on their way to their new home. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about the types of goodies you want and the styles you like - this is the fun part. The questionnaire will give the Big Sister Swap team an idea of your taste but after that, it's up to them to supply the treats! After you've sent in your pre-loved items and finished the survey you just wait for your swap to arrive. This can sometimes take a while.
My experience with the Big Sister Swap...
I ordered the 1kg swap, as I thought this would give me a good selection of second hand goodies. There was also an offer on this type of swap as there often is so keep a look out for deals! After purchasing my swap I completed the questionnaire which I thought was pretty thorough. I was asked questions such as my dress size, my favourite prints, and which styles I liked the best. Near the end of the questionnaire, you are also asked if there are any items you don't want to receive and your Instagram account so the team can get a really good idea of what you like to wear.
A couple of weeks passed before my swap arrived, they say this happens occasionally as they need to source specific items and sizes. This didn't bother me however as I'd rather they take their time putting my haul together than whacking in any old item in my size.
On opening my Big Sister Swap package I was pleasantly surprised to see I had been sent 6 items:
- 1 vintage handmade dress
- 1 Monsoon dress
- 1 black floral dress
- 1 leopard print skirt
- 1 pair of Topshop Culottes
- 1 white jumper
Straight away I knew a few of the items weren't to my taste but that was the risk I took when I signed up for a blind swap service. I knew I had the option to return the unwanted clothes in exchange for other mystery items but in all honesty, I couldn't be bothered as it would probably be easier for me to just sell them on my own Depop. Would I have been happier exchanging them? Potentially, and if there was anything I thought was damaged or bad quality I would have, but the clothes were fine, I just didn't like all of them!
Out of the 6 second hand items I was sent by Big Sister Swap there are two that I will be keeping - the handmade dress and the culottes. Neither were items I would pick up myself but actually after I styled them up my way I quite like them. In all honesty, I thought the handmade dress was the ugliest thing I'd ever seen when it first came out of the package so I was surprised to find that I liked it once I tried it on.
Would I do a second hand swapping service again?
Even though not all of the clothes were to my taste I think this is something I would do again. Fashion is all about having fun and trying new things, and actually doing a swap like this was fun! Yes its a risk as you might end up with a haul of pre-loved clothes you hate, but you always have the option to send them back for more mystery items so you can't lose really!
Would you ever try a second hand swapping service like this?
*The items in this Body Shop haul were gifted in exchange for an Instagram post
Towards the end of August, I was sent a package full to the brim with The Body Shop goodies. The products, which were picked out by the Body Shop team, were all either hair care items or skin protection products containing SPF.
While I usually like to pick gifted items out myself, on this occasion it was nice to try out a selection chosen by someone else as it meant I received items I wouldn't necessarily go for.
So what did I receive in my Body Shop SPF & hair care haul...
Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner - This fruity flavoured hair care duo aims to moisturise and nourish dry locks leaving them super soft and adding a healthy shine. Both products are fused with organic banana puree which not only nourishes the hair but smells incredible too. I haven't tried either the of The Body Shop Banana Shampoos or Conditioners yet but I will definitely be doing a full review once I have.
The Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner retail £7.00 each for a 250ml product.
Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask - Like the Truleu Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner, the Banana hair mask also contains vitamin-rich banana puree. The Truly Nourishing hair mask, which works best with the products mentioned previously, aims to reduce frizziness and leave your hair looking naturally shiny.
The Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask retails at £12.40
Ginger Scalp Serum - The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Serum helps to soothe dry flaky scalps and rebalance scalps which produce too much oil. It's infused with a delicious smelling ginger essential oil and works best when used with the Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo & Conditioner.
The Ginger Scalp Serum retails at £15.00
Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence with SPF 50 - This Body Shop moisturising lotion aims to protect your skin against harmful UV rays and pollution. It claims to be The Body Shops best protection ever whilst also staying lightweight and suitable for sensitive skin. It is also one of the many Vegan products now available from the brand.
The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence retails at £22.00 for a 60ml product.
Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist with SPF 30 - The Body Shop Face Mist is a lightweight product which protects your skin from pollution particles as well as UV rays. The Defence Mist which is to be used on clean skin before applying makeup forms a clear protective layer on the skin. The product is also enriched with Vitamin C and red algae extract to help leave your skin glowing
The Skin Defence Multi-Purpose Face Mist retails at £18.00
So those were the hair care and SPF protection products I was gifted from The Body shop last month. Don't forget to keep a lookout for my reviews of these products as and when I test them out!
Have you tried any of these products out before? I'd love to know what you think!
