One of the best holidays I ever had was by accident. We went away for a fortnight in Turkey, but came back a week early after a series of events not conducive to a relaxing break (this being a holiday where our only snaps were of dreadful sights as evidence against the travel company). But we didn’t tell anyone we were home. We decided to carry on with our holiday, as if we were visitors. It was an interesting experience, viewing where we lived through a different filter. It freed us up from chores, routine and work routes. First of all we bought a guidebook and took it into a pub garden, where, over a few pints, we had a good search for what we might have been missing. We spent the week going on river and bus trips, trying new places to eat, having picnics, grand days out, and visiting museums. It worked really well. So now, every year, when my sister and kids come to Lewes, we try to take the same approach. We recalibrate our view of the town and area, picking up leaflets and visiting tourist information; viewing our home as the holiday destination it is for so many people. The fabulous weather has helped this year. But just changing your behaviour, you start to see things differently. I’ve realised there is something profoundly calming about climbing to the top of Lewes castle and letting your eyes gaze off into the distance (when you’ve got your breath back from climbing all those steps). Then you can look down and have a good nose over the rooftops and into the back gardens you never see normally walking along the street.