Located in Ashdown Forest’s Babylon Eco Centre, the refurbished store is open everyday for both appointment and walk-in clients.

The revamp, which comes a year after Adventures By first debuted as a “pop-up”, was commissioned after Elle was presented with an opportunity for expansion.

“The florist company we’d first shared the space with relocated to somewhere else within the garden centre,” she told TTG. “And so we thought, ‘Do you know what? Let’s do it.’”

The Destination Rainbow founder quickly took advantage of the extra square footage, partnering with Heath and Down interior designer Nicky Guymer to create a uniquely stylish store.

“I wanted it to look as far away as possible from a traditional high street agency,” Elle admitted. “For me, Adventures By is somewhere people can sit down, be inspired and really think about the trip they’ve always wanted to do.”

Nicky Guymer

Nicky Guymer

Nicky Guymer

Clients are also welcome to tea, coffee and cakes, all courtesy of The Kitchen, the garden centre’s on-site cafe. 

“They can even have a glass of fizz if they want, though we’ve yet to be asked for one!” Elle said.

The LGBTQ+ travel specialist also believes Babylon Eco Centre, which is owned by three local families, is the perfect location to grow her business.

“I used to be a customer here, and I loved it because it's independent. It’s not part of any franchise,” she said. “The people who bought used part of their pension money and they are doing it up. I could see their vision for it so I wanted to get in early.”