Leeds has more listed buildings than any other city outside London. The built heritage here is one to marvel at and enjoy. For a slice of British history the city has plenty to offer. It has a number of nearby historic houses, including Harewood House and Temple Newsam. While Kirkstall Abbey, is one of the […]
Williton is a small town on the West Somerset Coast Path – 25 miles coastal with splendid views, geology and archaeology. Visitors can join the Coast Path at Williton just by the train station, or walk along the path towards the town. You can download a guide to the West Somerset Coast Path here. A […]
For anyone with an interest in church buildings Reigate has plenty to offer. St Mary’s is another large parish church. It possibly dates from the C12th but the exterior appears Perpendicular, it also had some restoration in the C19th. An interesting point is that the Nave has no clerestory. There is a tower with embattled […]
Chertsey is a market town on the banks of the Thames which grew around a Benedictine Abbey founded in 666. The Vikings destroyed the Abbey in 871 killing the Abbott and 90 monks. King Edgar refounded the Abbey in 964 and some ruins, mostly the gardens, still remain. The Abbey fishponds remain and fill with […]
The early town grew in importance because of its situation on the River Wey. It was a resting place for pilgrims on the medieval Pilgrims Way. Later the town was a coaching stop on the route from London to Portsmouth. The Angel Inn, a medieval timber-framed building on the High Street, remains a hotel to […]
The centre of the City of Derby is an eclectic blend of old and new. The mix includes the Cathedral, Georgian buildings in Friargate and cobbled streets, next to C20th urban townscape. The once splendid Friar Gate Bridge dates from 1878. Local iron foundry Andrew Handyman & Co. designed the bridge for the Great Northern […]
Windsor Castle has the distinction to be the residence of the Royal Family. And is the oldest and the largest occupied castle anywhere in the world. It has been home to 39 monarchs. The first Norman castle was the typical motte and bailey, which was part of the Conqueror’s ring of castles surrounding London. It […]
In the heart of west Wiltshire, Trowbridge is a vibrant town with truly ancient roots. Here you can wander through streets where Romans, Saxons and Normans have all left their mark. In the C13th the town was the headquarters of a Magna Carta Baron. With 24 others, he forced King John to sign the ‘great […]
The beautiful medieval market town of East Grinstead is in reach of Gatwick Airport, London, Ashdown Forest and the South Coast. It is therefore an ideal base from which to explore the South East. The Bluebell Railway runs steam trains from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park Station. And, the return journey covers 20 miles of […]
In the heart of Cumbria, Penrith is the social and commercial centre of the Eden District. It is the perfect base from which visitors can explore the Eden Valley and the Lake District National Park. The cobbled lanes in the town centre have independent shops and a range of eateries which range from cafes to […]
