Working for a traditional, English brand such as Duerr’s, we’re often reflecting on our national identity.

Ahead of St George’s Day, we commissioned a poll about lost traditions, due to be unveiled next week, we’re creating the first English Whisky Marmalade and we’re even encouraging the people to embrace the lost art of jam making by digging out long forgotten recipes featuring English ingredients (unfortunately my mum can’t enter the competition….silly rules!).

Last weekend, I had what I believe to be, one of the most ‘English’ of all experiences. As a true city slicker, I took a trip to the countryside for a minibreak (Bridget Jones style) and stepped back to a forgotten time when neighbours left their doors open and red squirrels roamed the land in their masses.

The barriers that us city folk put up came crumbling down as I found myself compelled to make friends with random strangers because I admired their ingenious foldaway picnic blanket, spent all my money on nick nacks in craft shops where I felt obliged to whisper, ate my own body weight in scones with cream and jam and developed a taste in rural art thanks to my slightly hungover euphoric state….

By the end of my fantastically English break, I came to the conclusion that although i’ve spent the majority of my adult life travelling the world and visiting far off cities, there is no place in the world I would rather be.

Now not being much of a map reader, I loved this iphone app from the National Trust, that helps you to find a National Trust place near you, wherever you are in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can see it on the map, find out opening times, prices and facilities and access information. Just perfect to help a city girl navigate the unfamiliar terrain.

One word of advice though… when the National Trust says ‘sensible footwear recommended’, take heed….. Rock and Roll chic may look fabulous, but heeled boots and a climb up to a waterfall is not always the most sensible option!