NORWICH, NORFOLK

Norwich (pronounced (NORR-idj) is a city in Norfolk, East Anglia (Eastern England). During the 11th century Norwich was the second largest city in England, after London, and one of the most important places in the kingdom.

TORQUAY, DEVON

Let's go to the beach!! Brightly coloured beach huts are an essential part of the British coast. They go together with ice creams, sandcastles and the unreliable British weather. Recently the spirit of nostalgia for the British coast has meant that beach huts, in some locations, can sell for more money than houses in other areas. This picture was taken in Torquay in South Devon. Torquay has been one of the UK 's top holiday destinations since Victorian Times when the gentry promenaded, bathing huts were wheeled down to the beaches and anyone who was anyone had an attractive villa overlooking the sea.

HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX

Hastings Castle is located high atop a cliff overlooking the old town of Hastings and the North Sea towards France. It was from this location that William the Conqueror built a wooden motte and bailey castle and rested his army before heading north to face King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.

Hastings castle evolved from a wooden castle to one made of stone which included an outer curtain wall and central Keep. The Keep and curtain wall along the edge of the cliff are now gone as the edge of the cliff gave way causing those sections of the castle to fall over the edge.

Today only small ruins remain, but the history of the castle and its ties to the Norman Invasion still make it an important location in regards to the History of England. The castle ruins are also still home to a few spirits....

A MYSTERY PHOTO (09)

I know it may look a bit easy but it is the first attempt of the year, isn't it?*
So let's go to work: WHERE IS IT and WHAT IS IS?

BOSCASTLE, CORNWALL

Boscastle is a natural harbour along the North Cornwall Coast. A hundred years ago the village was a thriving port. Boscastle village, complete with cottages clings to the side of the beautiful Valency valley. You can explore the delightful High Street, many of whose properties have stone and slate porches, and large slate flagstones leading up the garden path. Craft and gift shops, a Museum of Witchcraft, a former water mill, newsagents, tea gardens, restaurants, even a bakers. Old inns such as the Napoleon dating from the 16th century, and the Cobweb, once a warehouse, both full of character. If you want to know some more or prepare your next trip ( Edmée !!) click here.

RYE, EAST SUSSEX

For a most rewarding stroll in Rye, visit this incredibly picturesque cobbled street. It retains many of its late 15th - 17th buildings. The Mermaid Inn is to the right. It is a 15^th century half-timbered pub rich in tradition. It was also a notorious meeting place for smugglers. At the end of the street is an elegant18th-century house called « Lamb House » .The American author Henry James (1843-1916) spent the last years of his life and wrote the novels « The Wings Of The Dove » in 1902 and « The Golden Bowl » in 1904.

HAMPTON COURT, HEREFORDSHIRE

Hampton Court near london is a castle on the meadows of the river Lugg, backed by a steep wooded escarpment and surrounded by woodland and grounds of 1,000 acres. Founded by King Henry VIII in the early 15th century the castle has been completely restored. The Gardens at Hampton Court are spectacular. you should see the famous MAZE.... Some of you went there with me a feew years ago... Mind you nobody eventually got lost.

CORFE CASTLE, DORSET

The village of Corfe Castle stands in a narrow gap where the road from Wareham to Swanage passes through the Purbeck Hills. It is dominated by the ruins of the mediaeval castle, after which it is named.
Much of the present day village was built in the 1700's to a consistently high standard of craftsmanship. There followed a decline in prosperity when the centre of the Purbeck Stone trade moved from Corfe Castle to Swanage. As a result, the village has retained a remarkable unity and a picturesque quality which makes it unique, and the setting for several historical feature films.

ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, LONDON

St Paul’s, with its world-famous Dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline, but there is so much more to Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece than its impressive facade. Look at this photo taken at night from the Millenium bridge (South Bank). I love the ancient - modern blend.

PRIMROSE HILL, LONDON

Lying between St John's Wood and Chalk Farm/Camden tube stations on the jubilee and northern lines respectively, Primrose Hill is a beautiful parkland area near Regents Park. The green space is next to Primrose Hill 'Village' which has now become a favourite spot for many of the capitals media stars and personalities.

Primrose Hill lies at one of the highest points in London (though admittedly being quite a flat city, this still isn't very high!) which means that there are very good views to be had looking out from one of the park benches which have been strategically placed to maximise this view. As a result of this position at the geographical top of the city, it has also attracted many writers and artists over the years as a place which provides inspiration. Take a stroll around Primrose Hill and the Village itself to see where the other half live in this stunning London enclave.

MORECAMBE BAY, LANCASHIRE

Morecambe is located on the north coast of Lancashire (north west), just after Blackpool and before the English Lake District. Morecambe has become a new seaside venue for millions of visitors each year. It is also a major migratory stopover for many species of birds.

FRESHWATER, ISLE OF WIGHT

Freshwater Bay golf course is one of the most spectacular golf courses in the UK. Set on the ISLE OF WIGHT overlooking the English Channel, this course is 5,725 yards long, par 68 which provides a challenge for golfers of all abilities.

This is a beautiful part of the Isle of Wight and an excellent base for a holiday. Landmarks include Freshwater Bay, The Needles, Tennyson Down, Fort Victoria, Alum Bay Cliffs and Yarmouth Castle but there are other places like Newtown Creek - an unspoilt haven for wildlife, Hannover Point with it's dinosaur footprints on the rocks, the ancient standing stones at Mottistone and Hulverstone and beaches ranging from safe and sandy to wild and rocky!

KEW GARDENS, LONDON

The Royal Botanic Gardens, usually referred to simply as Kew Gardens, are extensive gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in southwest London. It is an internationally important botanical research and education institution with 700 staff and an income of £44 million a year, as well as a visitor attraction. This is a picture of The Palm House built between 1844 and 1848. A tropical rainforest habitat is created in this massive greenhouse.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH, LONDON

Hampstead Heath (locally known as "the Heath") is London's largest ancient parkland covering 320 ha. The Heath is hilly, there are ponds, recent and ancient woodlands, a lido, playgrounds, a training track. South of the Heath is Parliament Hill, a focal point and one of the highest points in London with the view protected by law.

The Heath has long been a popular place for Londoners to walk and take the air. Running along its eastern perimeter lies a chain of ponds - including three open-air public swimming pools - which were originally reservoirs for drinking water from the River Fleet. It's a fantastic place if you like walking. I love the peace and quiet of this place.

HADRIAN'S WALL GREENHEAD LOUGH

Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.

It stretches seventy-three miles from Wallsend near Newcastle, across the neck of England to Bowness-on-Solway in North West Cumbria, and stands today as a reminder of the past glories of one of the world's greatest empires.

It was built in the 120's AD and because it was not an impenetrable barrier, forts were built at seven mile intervals, milecastles (small guard posts) were built at one mile intervals, and two turrets (towers) were placed between each pair of milecastles, for observation. In front of the wall lay a ditch, except where the crags made it unneccessary. The wall crossed three rivers, and bridges were built.

DAWLISH, DEVON

Dawlish is a pretty resort, on the south Devon coastline, between Torquay and the city of Exeter. Dawlish has excellent rail links, with a mainline station situated right on the sea front.

The town itself has a quiet, relaxing feel to it - full of charm and loaded with atmosphere. Dawlish, was once the haunt of such literary giants as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. Charles Dickens used the town as the birthplace of Nicholas Nickleby...

ABBEY GARDENS, BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK

Abbey Gardens stand in the heart of Bury St Edmunds on the site of a great Benedictine abbey. The gardens contain magnificent floral displays and impressive ruins of the abbey. They stand adjacent to St Edmundsbury cathedral that is only now in the final stages of completion after nearly 500 years with the addition of a central tower.

BIBURY, THE COTSWOLDS

This is a picture from Bibury. It was once described as 'the most beautiful village in England'. The River Coln, teeming with trout and inhabited by ducks, runs through what is effectively two villages, Bibury and Arlington. The river is sandwiched between the main village street and an expanse of boggy water meadow known as Rack Isle, owned and managed by the National Trust.

CLIFTON, SOMERSET

Brunel's Suspension Bridge, Clifton Tower and the Observatory behind, from Greville Smyth Park.
This photo was Taken in Bristol not very long ago... It's a wonderful bridge and on top of the Hill the view is incredible, just awesome!! I could spend ages watching the Avon below and the countryside in the distance. So get a cheap ticket and spend some time in Bristol!!!

WESTON SUPER MARE, SOMERSET

Weston-super-Mare Grand Pier is a pier in Weston-super-Mare, in Somerset. It is situated on the Bristol Channel approximately 18 miles (29 km) south west of Bristol. The privately-owned Grand Pier is one of three piers in the town together with Birnbeck Pier, which now stands derelict awaiting possible restoration and the much shorter SeaQuarium aquarium built towards the south end of the seafront. The Pavilion at the end of the Grand Pier has been destroyed by fire on two occasions, 13 January 1930 and 28 July 2008.

RYE, SUSSEX

When you're in need of a treat or want to escape the pressures of modern life, come to Rye in the East Sussex countryside, in the south east of England.
Perched on a hill, overlooking the River Rother and Romney Marsh, this ancient town is the sort of place you thought existed only in your imagination.
With enchanting cobbled streets, medieval church and beautifully preserved historic houses from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times, Rye is almost suspended in time and has a uniquely unhurried atmosphere. Compact enough to discover the key places of interest over a week-end but with plenty of secret treasures to entice you to stay much longer and to return again.

BRIGHTON PIER

With filigree arches and a few kiosks, Brighton Pier was opened in grand ceremony on May 20th 1899. By 1901, the pier consisted of a building with minaret corner towers housing dining, smoking and reading rooms and its first concert hall. By 1911, the concert hall had become a theatre attraction. 21 years elapsed before the next major phase saw the addition of a big wheel, heralding an extension to the piers' length and a widening of the promenade. The wars interfered with development and, as with most seaside piers, a section of the middle was removed to discourage enemy landings. Post war euphoria saw business booming and by the Summer of 1946 day sea trips from the pier along the coast prospered until 1960.

In 1984, the pier was destined to be revitalised under new ownership. New innovative features were introduced such as free admission, free deck chairs, new food outlets on the forecourt and a traditional fish & chips restaurant. At 1,722 feet long, Brighton Pier is acknowledged as the finest pier ever built.

EMBANKMENT, LONDON

This is a picture of Embankment in London at night. It is taken from the South Bank of the river Thames not too far from the London Eye.

RIVER CHERWELL, OXFORD

Here is a photo of punts moored near the Magdalen Bridge in Oxford. You can go cruising the tranquil river Cherwell in Oxford. It offers a taste of a slower life, where cares drift away with the gentle flow of the water and life’s pleasures can be enjoyed to their utmost.

DONEGAL, IRELAND

The County Donegal presents an ever-changing spectacle of landscapes and seascapes set against a backdrop of mountains and moors. Traditional Irish culture is everywhere. Donegal boasts a vast rugged coastline softened regularly by a succession of beautiful beaches with golden sand and clear fresh waters. Inland, Donegal is wild and unspoilt with winding roads. So get your plane ticket and have a dream holiday....

THE CROSS KEYS, LONDON

Here's the picture of a pub in the centre of LONDON called the Cross Keys. It's a pleasant pub, lovely interior which takes you back to ye olde days when pubs were low-lit, musty, but also enjoyable venues. According to some friends of mine who love Beer, the beer selection is actually poor but those they do stock are reasonable enough. There are superb sandwiches, though. There is some interesting pop memorabilia on the walls. An attractive painted façade is almost hidden behind baskets and pots of tumbling foliage. The unusual pub sign shows cherubs holding the crossed keys of Saint Peter, keeper of the gates to Heaven. Pub names often have religious connections. This architecturally unusual pub was built in the mid 19th. Century and is grade II listed.

You can go there for just a nice calm surrounding away from the madness of Covent Garden. Now the address: 31 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9BA. If you go there don't forget to post a comment on this Blog.

BURNSALL, YORKSHIRE

Burnsall is a small riverside village near Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales and a popular destination for weekend tourists enjoying a sunny afternoon by the river. The delightful bridge which spans the river Wharfe is one of the most photographed of all bridges within the Dales National Park. Burnsall is surrounded by some lovely walks. A short walk along the river Wharfe takes you to the Hebden suspension bridge from where you can divert in several directions, making Burnsall an ideal location from which to explore the Yorkshire Dales.

BODIAM CASTLE, SUSSEX

Bodiam castle is a National Trust property located in Sussex (not far from Hastings). It was built in the late 13th century as a “fortified home” for an English adventurer returning from France. It could well be argued that it isn’t really a castle, as it was more of a “manor house” with a moat and crenelations… This picture shows the front entrance of the castle - This is the very first castle I visited in England I was only 11 at the time !!!

KENWOOD HOUSE GARDENS, HAMPSTEAD HEATH, LONDON

I'm going to show you a part of one of my favourite walk in London. It is in somewhere in Hampstead Heath. It is set in tranquil parkland with panoramic views over London. Brewing magnate, Edward Cecil Guinness, first Earl of Iveagh, bought Kenwood House in 1925. Thanks to him, you can admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Vermeer. Admire the Suffolk Collection, with its magnificent full-length Elizabethan portraits and stunning costume details. Or take a turn outside, in parkland influenced by the great English landscape gardener, Humphry Repton. There are also lakeside walks and meandering woodland paths to explore and enjoy. This is where that false bridge is.

CLARE BRIDGE, CAMBRIDGE

Clare college in Cambridge has a much-photographed bridge over the river which has fourteen stone balls decorating it. One of the balls has a missing section. A number of apocryphal stories circulate concerning this - the one most commonly cited by members of college is that the original builder of the bridge was not paid the full amount for his work and so removed the segment to balance the difference in payment. This bridge is the oldest of Cambridge's current bridges. You should go there and rent a small boat and don't forget to bring your picnic....

PEEL, THE ISLE OF MAN

Peel is often called the only 'city' in the Isle of Man because it is the home of the Island's cathedral; but it is the fourth largest town on the island after Douglas, Onchan and Ramsey. Peel was never capital of the Island, but Peel Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Sodor and Man. It is the Island's main fishing port.Peel is often referred to as the rose red city or sunset city due to the red sandstone used to build the castle and other important buildings. It also faces west and enjoys beautiful sunsets over the Irish Sea. Peel is a popular seaside destination for Manx citizens and visitors in summer and is noted for its narrow streets of fishermen's cottages and a sizeable promenade and sandy beach. Usually, at least one seal can be seen in the harbour or just outside it.

CARNABY STREET, LONDON

Carnaby Street is a leading fashion and lifestyle street in London, located in the area of 'Carnaby' in the district of Soho, near Oxford Street, and just to the east of Regent Street. It derives its name from Karnaby House, located to its east, which was erected in 1683. It is not known why the house was so called. The street was probably laid out in 1685 or 1686 and first appears in the ratebooks in 1687. It was almost completely built up by 1690 with small houses.

In the 1960s, Carnaby Street was made popular by followers of the Mod style. Many independent fashion boutiques, and designers such as Mary Quant and 'Lord John' were located in and around Carnaby Street as well as various underground music bars such as the 'Roaring Twenties'. With bands such as The Beatles, Small Faces, and Rolling Stones appearing in the area to work, shop, and socialize, it became one of London's coolest destination associated with the Swinging Sixties.

So enjoy this picture with Christmas lights and have a great holiday!! See you next year.

RAMSGATE, KENT

Margate is a seaside resort town in Kent. It lies 38.1miles (61.3km) east-northeast of Maidstone, my « Hometown » as you already know.

Margate's history is closely tied to the sea; it was a "limb" of Dover in the ancient confederation of the Cinque ports. Margate, also known as Margetto, has been a leading seaside resort for at least 250 years, drawing Londoners to its sandy beaches. It was the first resort to introduce bathing machines and deck chairs, in 1898. In more recent years, as tourists have travelled further afield, Margate's unemployment rate has become higher than much of the rest of southeast England.

GATESHEAD MILLENIUM BRIDGE, MANCHESTER

Nicknamed "The Winking Eye", the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a world famous landmark with its tall white arch and it's the only tilting bridge in the world.

Although Newcastle has six bridges crossing the River Tyne, none of them are dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians. As part of the regeneration project of the Quay, it was decided to build a foot bridge in order to connect the newest venues such as The Sage and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art to the centre of Newcastle.

ST PANCRAS, LONDON

The photo was taken during the Grand opening of the Station on November 7th 2007: The Queen officially opened the revamped St Pancras.

SANDOWN, ISLE OF WIGHT

This picture was taken in Sandown on the Isle of Wight. The cliff-top gardens have superb views across the English Channel.

ANOTHER MYSTERY PHOTO (8)

So now back to our little game again. This picture was taken in LONDON but where exactly and what is the exact name. The first to find out will get a special prize so don't forget to put your name and e-mail address. Good Luck!

ST PANCRAS, LONDON

St Pancras is termed as the "Cathedral of the railways" and includes two of the most celebrated structures built in Britain. The main trainshed (completed 1868), was the largest single-span structure built up to that time. In front of it is St Pancras Chambers, formerly the Midland Grand Hotel (1868-77), one of the most impressive examples of Victorian gothic architecture. It will will accommodate Eurostar trains when the station becomes the London terminus of Channel Tunnel Rail Link on 14 November 2007. But we'll surely talk about this event in the Blog....

TINTAGEL, CORNWALL

Tintagel Castle, King Arthur's legendary birthplace, is set on a dramatic and picturesque headland that is virtually an island, connected to the mainland by a slim finger of land. Over the centuries much of the castle has fallen into the sea and very little remains today, but it is worth the steep climb up the steps to either part of the castle for the setting alone.

YOUGHAL, IRELAND

Youghal situated in the South East of Cork has been a popular holiday destination for centuries. It is an ideal family destination with its 2 Beaches and numerous entertainments . I really enjoyed my two weeks there 4 years ago.

TOWER BRIDGE, LONDON

Tower Bridge on a typical day in May 2005, I particularly enjoyed the colour of the sky and the reflection on the river Thames. Always a great pleasure walking from Westminter bridge to London bridge (Southbank)

GROOMBRIDGE GARDENS, KENT

This place has been the inspiration for books, films and television programmes. Over the centuries its beauty has inspired writers, gardeners and artists. It is situated near the town of Tunbridge Wells in Kent (the garden of England). It has been used as the major location for the film that some of you saw with us: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

GOLDEN JUBILEE BRIDGE, LONDON

Two stunning footbridges opened up the heart of the river at its most historic location, linking the South Bank with the West End. The Golden Jubilee Bridges were officially opened in summer 2003 and became a great new landmarks for London.The elegance and tranquillity they offer in one of London's most breath-taking locations, with the Palace of Westminster on the north bank facing the London Eye on the south bank, have made the footbridges an attraction in their own right.At night the award-winning lighting, created by Speirs and Major, creates an iridescent effect which adds an entire new dimension to central London.

INGLEBOROUGH, NORTH YORKSHIRE

The village of Ingleton is surrounded by magnificent countryside with caves, waterfalls, and mountains. Directly from the village you can ascend the 2,373 feet of Ingleborough and take in the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales from it's summit. For the more experienced, try the Three Peaks Challenge, with Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent offering 25 miles of outstanding natural beauty

MYSTERY PHOTO (7)

Another go before the Summer. Where is it ?

ST PETER'S, OXFORD

This picture's from St Peter's college in Oxford. It is just to say a quick Hello to Simon. Good luck on "your exams"... I wish you a prosperous exam period. I'm sure that you will do great.

BLACKHEATH, LONDON

Blackheath is a village in London, centred on an area of open grassland ('the heath') and straddling boundary of the London Borough of Lewisham and the London Borough of Greenwich. Can you believe that this open space lies somewhere in the centre of LONDON.
Unbelievable ?? Blackheath is also well-known as the start point of the London Marathon. The pub near the church is ever so crowded (both inside and outside) on a hot summer day.

CITY HALL, LONDON

This is the City Hall (home of the Mayor of London, the London Assembly and the GLA). In July 2002 they all became tenants of this striking rounded glass building on the south bank of the Thames near Tower Bridge. Maybe you could post a comment on this strange building... Do you like it or not and why?
And if you want to know why this building is "Green", just click here: http://www.london.gov.uk/gla/city_hall/city_hall_green.jsp

THE GLOBE THEATRE, LONDON

Here's a picture I took last week while I was in London.The foundations of the Globe were rediscovered in 1989. Led by the vision of Sam Wanamaker, workers began construction in 1993 on the new theatre near the site of the original (about 200 meters). The latest Globe Theatre was completed in 1996; Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the theatre on June 12, 1997 with a production of Henry V. The Globe is as faithful a reproduction as possible to the Elizabethan model, seating 1,500 people.

WINDERMERE, CUMBRIA

After watching the film MISS POTTER it's time for me to show you a beautiful picture of Windermere. Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, and is entirely within the Lake District National Park. It has been one of the country’s most popular places for holidays and summer homes since 1847, when the Kendal and Windermere Railway built a branch line to it.Oh just a detail ‘mere’ means ‘lake’.