Monday, June 11, 2012

GLENDALOUGH, COUNTY WICKLOW, IRELAND



Glendalough or Glendaloch (/ˌɡlɛndəˈlɒx/ GLEN-də-LOKH; Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning "glen of two lakes") is a glacial valley in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is renowned for its Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit priest, and partly destroyed in 1398 by English troops. Every time I visit Ireland, I'll spend some tome there... Definitely my favourite place.

Friday, May 11, 2012

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND



Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, draped across a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea. It's a town intimately entwined with its landscape, with buildings and monuments overshadowed by cliffs. From the Old Town's picturesque jumble of medieval tenements piled high along the Royal Mile, its turreted skyline strung between the black, bull-nosed Castle Rock and the russet palisade of Salisbury Crags, to the New Town's neat grid of neoclassical respectability, all columns and capitals, porticoes and pediments, the city offers a constantly changing perspective. And it's all small enough to explore easily on foot.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

SALT CELLAR, DERWENT EDGE, DERBYSHIRE


Derwent Edge is a Millstone Grit escarpment that lies above the Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District National Park in the English county of Derbyshire. The highest point of the Edge is at Back Tor at a height of 538 metres (1765 feet). North of Back Tor the edge extends into Howden Edge and enters the county of South Yorkshire.

The Edge itself is notable for its unusual gritstone tors and its views of the Derwent Valley and the Dark Peak landscape; these features along with its proximity to Sheffield have made it a popular venue for walkers. Its popularity has led to substantial path erosion and the most affected parts of the edge between The Salt Cellar and Lost Lad Hillend have been paved with natural stone slabs to reduce further damage as part of the Lottery Paths Project.




Wednesday, March 14, 2012

BODNANT GARDEN, NORTH WALES


Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK, spanning some 80 acres and is situated above the River Conwy near Snowdonia in North Wales.

The Garden has two parts. The upper garden around Bodnant Hall consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns shaded by trees. The lower portion, known as the "Dell" is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn and contains the Wild garden.

An endeavour has been made at Bodnant Garden to grow a wide range of interesting and beautiful plants from all over the world, particularly China, North America, Europe and Japan that are suited to the Welsh climate and soil.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

ROCHESTER CASTLE, KENT


After talking so much about Dickens let's go to Rochester in Kent!! And here is its impressive Castle. The first castle was raised in Rochester at the time of the Norman Conquest and is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. This early fortification was rebuilt for King William Rufus between 1087-89 by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, and was one of the earliest castles in this country to be fortified in stone. Much of the documentation on Rochester survives, along with the many dramatic details of its military history - which saw the castle suffer three major sieges within two centuries of its foundation.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

DROMBEG STONE CIRCLE, CORK, IRELAND

The Drombeg Stone Circle is situated on the Glandore Road, west of Clonakilty, County Cork. It dates back to 150 BC, and is locally known as the Druids Altar. The circle has 17 standing stones, and is approximately 30 feet in diameter. At the winter solstice, the rays of the setting sun fall on the altar stone, which faces the entrance to the circle, marked by two upright stones. The word Drombeg means "the small ridge"

Saturday, September 24, 2011

YARMOUTH PIER, ISLE OF WIGHT

Yarmouth is located on the western side of the Island and the town has grown up as a result of its natural harbour, which is guarded by Yarmouth Castle, a fortification built to protect the Solent from invading forces by Henry VIII in 1547. The Harbour attracts many yachts and motor cruisers which take advantage of the estuary afforded by the River Yar.

The Isle of Wight has reinvented itself in recent years, changing from a tacky mass-market tourist place with little on offer beyond burgers and chips, to a more up-market destination, with good food, good accommodation and its still unspoilt areas, particularly in the west (with maybe the exception of Alum Bay). To walk along the cliff top footpath is unparalleled for isolation. When the sun shines it is a delightful place.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

CORFE CASTLE, DORSET.


Corfe Castle's 1,000 year-old ruins lie in Dorset's rolling, rural Purbeck Hills, just beside the charming little village of Corfe and not far from the start of the 630 mile [1014 kms] South West Coast Path, Studland Nature Reserve, superb beaches at Bournemouth and Studland and pretty good in Weymouth.

Monday, June 20, 2011

KERSEY, SUFFOLK


Here are some nice medieval weavers houses in Kersey.

Kersey is a beautiful village in the Babergh district in Suffolk, in the east of England. The main street has a ford across a stream. A coarse woollen cloth called Kersey cloth takes its name from it. The cloth was presumably originally made there, but later in many other places too. Kersey's church is St Mary's, and the village also contains a primary school. The village is also the filming location to a popular television advert.


Monday, May 16, 2011

AVON GORGE, BRISTOL, SOMERSET


Avon Gorge at Clifton, Bristol.
It's a view of the Suspension Bridge (west side). The cliffs on the left of the photograph are Clifton Down Limestone of Observatory Hill bounded on the north by the Avon Thrust Fault.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

KILCHURN CASTLE, LOCH AWE, SCOTLAND


Kilchurn Castle is located at the northeastern end of Loch Awe in Argyll, Scotland (15th century) . It is one of the most photographed castle ruins in the country because of the picturesque location and the romantic images it evokes, even in its current state of decay. The only access to this castle is by boat, during the summer months. You will have to take the A85 road to Lochawe, from where the boats for the castle leave from the pier. A visit to Kilchurn Castle will entrance you and take you back in time to the days of the clans. Imagine yourself standing on the turret looking out to sea as you stand guard over the castle. Now book your plane ticket at once !!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

MYSTERY PHOTO (14)

Hello everyone,

I think it is high time to give you the opportunity to find a new place again. This time it is very easy! However, you know why I'm doing this little game: my goal is to answer your questions in English of course. Good luck!


Monday, February 21, 2011

WEST DEAN, CHICHESTER, WEST SUSSEX

This is a picture of West Dean near Chichester in West Sussex. There is a horticultural college there, lots of sheep on the hills, and of course a wonderful tearoom. Now, the tearooms you can find in some gardens are sometime a fountain of wisdom, old gardeners’ tricks, elder gossip (all England’s country houses and gardens are popular with retired people) and pleasant smiles and the sort of strangers passing. I know I said before but you should really visit one of those places some day.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

St DAVIDS, PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES


The St Davids lifeboat station is situated a couple of miles from Britain’s smallest city at Porthstinan (St Justinans) in Ramsey Sound. The station operates two lifeboats - the Tyne class all-weather lifeboat 'Garside' and the D-class inshore lifeboat 'Dewi Sant / St David'.
On the picture you can see the amazing Boathouse and Slipway.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

FROZEN SOUTHBANK LONDON

Frozen London in December 2010. The offices are eerily quiet. Many people are snowed in and couldn't get in to work. The Southbank gets a rare moment to itself - devoid of people, tourists and fast-pacing salarymen. A stunning backdrop in white punctuated by the rare sight of human lives dressed in black; the only time the colour of misery contrasts sharply with the colour of fantasy

Monday, September 20, 2010

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park, a wild piece of highland landscape in the centre of the city of Edinburgh, about a mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle. The hill rises above the city to a height of 251m (823 ft), provides excellent panoramic views of the city, is quite easy to climb, and is a popular walk. Though it can be climbed from almost any direction, the easiest and simplest ascent is from the East, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch. If you go to Edinburgh for a visit don't forget to go there.

Sunday, August 01, 2010

CLIFTON, SOMERSET

The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge, is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. Its story began in 1754 with the dream of a Bristol wine merchant who left a legacy to build a bridge over the Gorge. Designed in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic it still meets the demands of 21st century commuter traffic with 11-12,000 motor vehicles crossing it every day.

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

OXFORD, THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS

Hertford Bridge is a skyway over New College Lane in Oxford. This bridge is often referred to as the Bridge of Sighs because of its similarity to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice. However, it was never intended to be a replica of the Venetian bridge, and indeed it bears a closer resemblance to the Rialto Bridge in the same city.

The bridge links together the Old and New Quadrangles of Hertford College, and much of its current architecture was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson. It was completed in 1914, despite its construction being opposed by New College.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

FORDE ABBEY, DORSET


Forde Abbey is a treasure in an area already known for its outstanding beauty. More than 900 years of history and romance are encapsulated in this elegant former Cistercian monastery and its 30 acres of gardens.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

BASS ROCK, SCOTLAND

After a few days in Scotland I had to post something about it. So here it is.

Only a few miles from the centre of Edinburgh and situated in the Firth of Forth, lies a rock tooth island. This is the renowned BASS ROCK famous for its history and amazing wildlife. The Bass Rock is the closest sea bird sanctuary to the mainland and was the first to be studied by ornithologists during the 19th century. This colony is the largest on the east coast of Britain and holds approximately 10% of the world population of North Atlantic Gannets.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

THE ROYAL CRESCENT, BATH, SOMERSET

The Royal Crescent is a residential road of 30 houses, laid out in a crescent, in the city of Bath, England. Designed by the architect John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774, it is among the greatest examples of Georgian architecture to be found in the United Kingdom and is a grade I listed building.

The houses have been home to various notable people for over 200 years. Changes have been made to the interiors, however the facade remains much as it was when it was built.

The Royal Crescent now include a hotel and museum with some of the houses being converted into flats and offices. The buildings have been used as a location for several films and television programmes.


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

LOCH OSSIAN, SCOTLAND


Loch Ossian (Scottish Gaelic: "Loch Oisein") is a fantastic narrow loch that is about 5 km long on the north eastern edge of Rannoch Moor, on The Corrour Estate, with its western corner 2 km east of Corrour railway station. It is drained by the River Ossian, flowing north into Loch Guilbinn and ultimately to the River Spean. Mind you Loch Ossian is remote from public roads, and the nearest access is from Corrour railway station. That is why it remains unspoilt..... Just enjoy the picture.


Sunday, February 28, 2010

THE GOTHIC TEMPLE, STOWE PARK


Stowe House is a Grade I listed country house located in Stowe in Buckinghamshire.
It is a fantastic Landmark. A James Bond film ('The World is Not Enough') starts with this Temple as its back drop for a funeral scene. (cleverly shot to double as a Scottish castle).
It has an amazing domed ceiling inside with a gallery.
There are wonderful views across Stowe Park with its landscape of buildings, statues and bridges.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

KYLEMORE ABBEY, IRELAND

Kylemore Abbey is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Unlike many Abbeys we can visit, Kylemore Abbey is no ruin, it is a working boarding school. Before you get too excited about visiting the Abbey; only five rooms are open to the public. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting the gardens and grounds of this picturesque site. The Community of nuns, who have resided here since 1920, have a long history stretching back almost three hundred and forty years.

Monday, December 21, 2009

LONDON IN THE SNOW



Road and rail transport are severely disrupted, some of the airports are closed and the Thames is nearly freezing over. It looks like a catastrophe but it's great for unusual pictures... So enjoy!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A MYSTERY PHOTO (10)


I know you've been desperate about another mystery photo. It has been quite a while but stop complaining... Here's another little Mystery Photo. So, Ready, Steady, Go! Where is it????? You can ask as many questions as you wish (not the place, though!) I want the exact place and not only the Town. Good Luck!

Sunday, November 01, 2009

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND



This is a cobbled street in Stockbridge. Stockbridge is an area of Edinburgh located towards the north of the city, bounded by the New Town and by Comely Bank. The name is Scots stock brig stocc brycg, meaning a timber bridge, in particular, a footbridge. Originally it was a small village incorporated into the City of Edinburgh. The actual "Stock Bridge" was built in 1801 and spans the Water of Leith.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

BIBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

This picture shows Arlington Row in the village of Bibury in the Cotswolds. This picturesque row of weavers' cottages with higgledy-piggledy tiles on their low roofs, cheerful window-boxes, deep-set windows and sloping gables, mellowing grey local stone is a vision of rural England past.

William Morris, who had his summer home nearby, declared Bibury “the most beautiful village in England”, the photographers, artists and tourists have been flocking here. Arlington Row is probably one of the most photographed views in the Cotswolds, although nowadays you’d be lucky to get a shot that didn’t include a tour bus.

Friday, September 11, 2009

LANGDALE, LAKE DISCTRICT

Langdale in Cumbria 's central Lakes is a superb corner of a hidden Britain , a favourite of many and home to some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery. Famous as the home of the Langdale Pikes, Little Langdale, Great Langdale, Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle, Langdale hosts some of the most photogenic scenery in the whole of the Lake District ,especialy along the stunning river Rothay, passing t hrough Skelwith Bridge and the Skelwith falls . The surrounding area is really awe inspiring.

Friday, August 14, 2009

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.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

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.

Friday, July 10, 2009

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....

Monday, June 22, 2009

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?

Sunday, June 07, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

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 15th 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.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

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.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

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.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

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.

Monday, January 05, 2009

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.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

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.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

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!

Monday, November 17, 2008

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.

Friday, October 31, 2008

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.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

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.


Sunday, October 05, 2008

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...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

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.

Monday, September 08, 2008

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.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

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!!!

Sunday, August 03, 2008

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.