It's July and we're thinking about holidays. If you're looking for inspiration or just a glimpse inside the places the team at Floks loves, read on.
From Liz's favourite Cornish Rum Bar to pastel de nata in Jodie's favourite city, we thought we'd share some space and places that we love to go to.
It will be no surprise to you that good holiday sleep is a non-negotiable because everyone deserves to come home from holiday feeling refreshed and ready to go. We share some of our favourite packable sleep products.
The Wool Store is open throughout the summer, so if you're passing through North Yorkshire please call in and see us, we're just off the A1 near Boroughbridge and our home is the Yolk Store - a fabulous farm cafe and shop - so you can refuel and experience our full range for yourself. We can't wait to welcome you.
Emma, customer experience - Puglia, Italy
"Last summer, Puglia completely won me over.
It was our first time visiting, and every town felt like stepping into a living piece of history - from the charming, sun-drenched streets of Monopoli, to the coastal beauty of Otranto, and the stunning Baroque architecture of Lecce.
A definite highlight was Polignano a Mare, a spectacular cliff-top town perched dramatically above the Adriatic. Its postcard-perfect views and winding alleys led us to hidden corners and breathtaking sea vistas. The crystal-clear waters of its secluded bays were ideal for cooling off after long days of exploring.
And of course, the food… absolutely incredible! We couldn’t get enough of the local orecchiette pasta, whether served with a simple, fresh tomato sauce or the traditional pairing of cime di rapa — it quickly became a family favourite.
Between the delicious meals, beautiful beaches, and historic towns, Puglia truly had it all - and I’m already dreaming of my next escape there!"
Sara, creative lead - the holiday cake
“I really enjoy cooking, even, perhaps especially, on holiday, and so top of my list when looking for places to stay is always a beautiful and well-equipped kitchen and space to enjoy dining, preferably with a great view or garden. Shopping for dinner doesn’t seem like a chore when browsing for ingredients in a sunny market and we are such regulars in the Mallorcan Agromart in our favourite town that we are greeted like locals and that makes me happier than it probably should!
I even bake on holiday and the thought of a fresh out of the oven lemon, rosemary (picked from the garden if I’ve really chosen the rental place well) , olive oil and almond cake, topped with a big dollop of cooling thick Greek yoghurt, transports me straight to back to holiday afternoons, clear blue skies and early evening sea swims - bliss. But even in the most well equipped holiday home kitchens, the cake tin is rarely considered and so the first item in my suitcase is always a loaf tin and a sheaf of baking parchment because a holiday is just not a holiday without a homemade cake. “
Liz, operations director - Cornwall
"One of my favourite holiday destinations, and somewhere we return to every year is Polzeath in Cornwall.
It's somewhere that we visit with a big group of friends, so it's always a very sociable holiday. We can lose hours on the beautiful beach there - a short, flat walk from the place where we usually stay. The kids love dipping in and out of the sea with their bodyboards; and I quite like catching a wave or two as well, particularly early in the morning before the beach gets too busy.
There are plenty of nice places to eat out, but a pizza or barbecue on the beach as the sun is going down is always a winner. After that, a visit to the Rum Bar is a must do for us.
My non-negotiables when holidaying in the UK are good sleep and good coffee. I usually squeeze the coffee machine and some decent beans into the boot before we leave. The whole family are also now in the habit of taking their own pillows with them; there is nothing worse than a bad, lumpy pillow when you arrive at your destination; and you can snooze on the journey down from Yorkshire too. I think I've now cracked the pillow problem for abroad holidays too - I plan on packing some of our new quilted wool pillow protectors the next time I get on a plane. Comfort that travels!"
Sophie, founder
"Lake Annecy will forever hold a special place in my heart. Nestled at the foot of the French Alps, it's a destination where there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're hiking in the mountains, cycling around the lake, or soaring through the sky while parapenting, it's impossible not to fall in love with its natural beauty and vibrant energy.
It brings something different every season from sun-drenched summers spent
swimming and boating to crisp autumn hikes and magical winter escapes.
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the traditional, picturesque ski
resort of La Clusaz, it makes the perfect year-round base for adventure and
relaxation alike.
Voted the cleanest lake in Europe, there's nothing quite like the feeling of
plunging into its crystal-clear waters for a refreshing dip."
It brings something different every season from sun-drenched summers spent
swimming and boating to crisp autumn hikes and magical winter escapes.
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the traditional, picturesque ski
resort of La Clusaz, it makes the perfect year-round base for adventure and
relaxation alike.
Voted the cleanest lake in Europe, there's nothing quite like the feeling of
plunging into its crystal-clear waters for a refreshing dip."
Jodi, customer experience and logistics
"I used to be Cabin Crew many years ago and travelled to a lot of far flung destinations and what I found personally was how much I love parts of Europe for the food and climate. My favourite European destination for the summer is Lisbon, Portugal. It's surprisingly reasonable and has a great mix of coast, city and culture. The bright, vibrant colours of the city and its brilliant trams and buses mean every day is different and there's something to offer any need. The food is fantastic and the people warm and friendly. It stands out as a destination that has it all. We stayed in an area called Belem which is home to the Pastel de nata (Portuguese Custard Tart) and visited Pastéis de Belém which was the creator of the tart. Belém was a perfect blend of historic and modern. "
