Sunday, December 03, 2017

GLENCOE, BEN NEVIS, SCOTLAND


Since the Fort William and Lochaber area is a very mountainous part of the west Highlands, it is no surprise that it is well serviced with Mountain Guiding businesses who can collectively provide hill-walking, scrambling, ridge-walking, rock climbing, and winter climbing guiding courses and personal tuition from beginners to experienced walkers and climbers. Fort William is a key destination for novice and experienced climbers and mountaineers, with a good range of accommodation to suit your needs. One of Scotland's experienced mountaineers Alan Kimber has a mounteering-friendly self catering "Calluna" which I recommend.

Thursday, November 02, 2017

PEEBLES, CORNWALL


Nestled within an area of outstanding beauty and only 23 miles south of Edinburgh, the Borders town of Peebles sits straddling the majestic River Tweed.
But the world famous salmon fishing river - Peebles motto is "Against the stream they multiply" - is only one of the many treasures on offer to visitors.
A Royal Burgh since 1152 and the rule of King David I, Peebles has for many years been a market town cherished by locals and visitors alike for its picturesque and unspoilt character.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

CONWY CASTLE, WALES



With over a hundred current castles, Wales is rightfully known as the ‘Land of Castles.’ Located on the North coast of Wales, the Conwy Castle is another one of Edward I’s chain of beautiful castles in his fortification of Wales. Made out of limestone and sandstone, today this castle lies in sublime and picturesque ruins. Built between 1283-89 this Conwy Castle has seen many wars including the Revolt of Madog ap Llywelyn and the Revolt of Owain Glyndŵr. This enticing Castle has been considered as one of the best architectural works of Edward I. The interior is a maze of great halls, chapels, and royal chambers that evoke a sense of awe in the tourists.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

CHATSWORTH HOUSE, DERBYSHIRE


When you come across the surrounding park and see Chatsworth House for the first time, a sumptuous pile of yellow stone surrounded by gardens, fronted by the River Derwent and backed by a tree-covered hillside, it fairly takes your breath away. Chatsworth is home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It is set in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire. Home of the Cavendish family since the 1550s, it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations.
Chatsworth House has over 30 rooms to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall, to the family-used chapel, regal State Rooms and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. Chatsworth also houses the Devonshire Collection, one of Europe's most significant art collections, which is continually added to, encompassing Old Masters to contemporary ceramics and artefacts from Ancient Egypt to cutting edge modern sculpture.

Tuesday, August 01, 2017

CHEDDAR GORGE, SOMERSET


It is one of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks. This world famous beauty spot is not only a National Nature Reserve but also a famous site of prehistoric discoveries. Once an ancient river bed - its limestone cliffs and beautiful caves are now home to rare bats, dormice, water voles and Peregrine falcons.Cheddar Gorge itself can be explored in several ways – one of the most popular of all being the open-top bus tour, which offers 20-minutes of amazing views and informative commentary.
For the more active visitor, climb 274 steps up to The Lookout Tower, where the rewards on offer are the breath-taking views or enjoy one of the most stunning walks in England. The three-mile Cliff Top Gorge Walk, which usually takes around one-and-a-half hours and offers arguably the best picnic spot in the country! So ready??

Thursday, July 13, 2017

BRIGHTON, SUSSEX


Brighton isn't only associated with the Brighton Pier. Another thing this coastal city is known for, is its long rows of colourful huts located near the beach. And when everyone ask me "what else is there to do in Brighton?" I just go "Let's find the colourful houses!". But they are located in Hove actually.
Hove is a town that is probably about 30-40 minutes walk from the Brighton Pier. The two towns Brighton AND Hove both make up ONE City

Monday, May 08, 2017

HIGH FORCE, TEESDALE, COUNTY DURHAM


The thundering falls of High Force in Teesdale. From high on the North Pennines, the River Tees rushes and gushes until it reaches a precipitous rock ledge, where it plunges 70 feet into the raging pool below. There are steps down onto the rocks in front of the falls, from where you'll be able to get some amazing photos, and there are also steps up to a viewing area at the top of the falls – though, fairly sensibly, there's no longer any access on to the rocks there. The falls are part of Lord Barnard's Raby Estate, and in summer a shop sells gifts, snacks and ice cream. But at any time of the year you can call into the High Force Hotel by the car park for a handpulled pint and a cheap homemade lunch. If you're up for more of a hike, you can also walk up to the falls from Bowlees Visitor Centre.

Saturday, April 08, 2017

BLISTS HILL, VICTORIAN TOWN, MIDLANDS

Back to 1900. Let's escape to Blists Hill and Irongate. Once you've bought your tickets you get shown a film of various Victorian workers and the conditions they worked in. Then you go upstairs, through a door and back in time! The town has been rebuilt with shops, bank, Dr's house with surgery attached, workers cottages, pub, school, businesses such as foundry and candle makers, bakery, chip shop and more. Many of these have staff in Victorian clothing who are working and producing goods to sell. On this picture you can see the Doctor's House.

Wednesday, February 08, 2017

ROSE COTTAGE, COCKINGTON, DEVON


Cockington is a hidden gem in the Torbay area. It is situated just outside of Torquay as you head towards Paignton. Signposted off the main seafront road, Cockington Lane transports you back in time.  As you enter Cockington, you notice the thatched cottages, stone walls, glorious country gardens and narrow roads occupied by walkers, cyclists and horses.
Rose Cottage Tea Rooms certainly catches your eyes and ears as you walk past.  The low stone wall leads your eyes into the stunning and immaculate garden. With a beautiful display of flora, ornamental ponds, meandering stone paths, little bridges and a wishing well it is the perfect garden to explore and escape from the hustle and bustle of 21st century living.  In the centre of the garden there is a pagoda and a piano. You can enjoy impressive cream teas with tuneful jazz accompaniment.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

YORK MINSTER, YORK, YORKSHIRE


One of the most beautiful cathedrals in York, and the largest in northern Europe. Its medieval stained glass windows and the Five Sister Windows which are over 16 meters tall are a big attraction for tourists. It was constructed in the 14th century and has an attached library and school. The minster has a very wide Decorated Gothic nave and chapter house, a Perpendicular Gothic Quire and east end and Early English North and South transepts. The nave contains the West Window, constructed in 1338, and over the Lady Chapel in the east end is the Great East Window (finished in 1408), the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.