SELSDON, SURREY

Selsdon is an area located in South London in the London Borough of Croydon. The suburb was developed during the inter-war period during the 1920s and 1930s, and is remarkable for its many Art Deco houses. It is also well known for the Selsdon Park Hotel, the venue of a 1970 meeting of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet to settle the party manifesto for the impending general election. Labour Party leader Harold Wilson coined the phrase Selsdon Man to describe the free market approach which was agreed. The park is of absolute beauty.

LLANRWST, NORTH WALES

This is the Tu Hwnt l'r Bont tearoom in the Conwy valley, Snowdonia. The old cottage's name translates as 'beyond the bridge'. This wonderful picture was taken by Paul Kingston.Here on the west bank of the flowing River Conwy is the award winning, family run Tu Hwnt i’r Bont. Built as a residential dwelling in 1480, it is actually considerably older than the Inigo Jones bridge it stands beside. Some years later the building was used as the Courthouse for the surrounding area. From here the most serious offenders could have been taken to Tan y Craig in Llanrwst where they could be hanged outside the old gaol!

BRORA, SCOTLAND

This is Brora in Scotland. The name Brora is derived from ancient Norse, meaning 'river with a bridge.' A small industrial village having at one time a coal pit, boat building, salt pans, fish curing, lemonade factory, the new Clynelish Distillery (as well as the old Clynelish distillery which is now called the Brora distillery), wool mill, bricks and a stone quarry. Stone from the quarry was used in the construction of London Bridge, Liverpool Cathedral and Dunrobin Castle. When in operation, the coalmine was the most northerly coalmine in the UK. Brora was the first place in the north of Scotland to have electricity thanks to its wool industry.

CUBONE CHURCH, SOMERSET

Culbone Church, located in the village of Culbone in Somerset, is said to be the smallest church in England. The church, dedicated to the Welsh Saint Beuno, has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building and the churchyard cross is Grade II*. This beautiful church is recorded in the Domesday Book.

NORWICH, NORFOLK

Norwich is a city on the River Wensum in England. It is the regional administrative centre and county town of Norfolk. During the 11th century, Norwich was the largest city in England after London, and one of the most important places in the kingdom. Until the Industrial Revolution, Norwich was the capital of the most populous county in England.

LINCOLN CASTLE, LINCOLNSHIRE

William the Conqueror built Lincoln Castle, in 1068, on a strategic site that had once been used by the Romans. The castle unusually has two mottes, one is topped by a 12th century shell keep called the Lucy Tower, and the other is topped by a 19th century tower that was used as an observatory. A full circuit of curtain walls remain, most of which can be walked on.
The buildings that remain within the castle are from its later use as a prison and court. The Victorian court is still used today, but the prison is no longer in use and can be visited. The prison has the world's only surviving 'Pentonville System' chapel, where prisoners were kept apart in separate cells. Many of the prisoners who were executed at the castle where buried at the base of the Tower mound or inside the Lucy Tower. The castle also has one of the four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta, which can be viewed in an exhibition area in the old prison building.

WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE

Windsor is one of England's premier tourist and weekend break destinations.Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, the Castle remains a working palace today. The town of Windsor has a population of over 31,000 people and is situated beside the river Thames in Berkshire. It is arguably one of Berkshire's prettiest towns.

ARGYLL, SCOTLAND

Argyll is situated in the west part of Scotland. Here you'll find the magic of the west: sea-lochs and mossy, lush woodlands, long views to a horizon where the sun sinks behind the islands. This is a beguiling and romantic kind of place.

DERWENTWATER LAKE, CUMBRIA

Derwentwater is one of the principal bodies of water in the Lake District National Park in north west England. It lies in the county of Cumbria. The lake is both fed and drained by the River Derwent. It measures approximately 3 miles long by 1 mile wide and is some 72 feet (22 m) deep. There are several islands within the lake, one of which is inhabited. Derwent Island House, an 18th-century residence, is a tenanted National Trust property open to the public on five days each year.

Derwentwater is a place of considerable scenic value.

DARTMOOR, DEVON

Dartmoor is an area of moorland in south Devon, England. Protected by National Park status as Dartmoor National Park, it covers 954 square kilometres.

The moorland is capped with many exposed granite hilltops known as tors, providing habitats for Dartmoor wildlife. The highest point is High Willhays, 621m above sea level. The entire area is rich in antiquities and archaeology.

Parts of Dartmoor have been used as military firing ranges for over 200 years. The public enjoy extensive access rights to Dartmoor (including restricted access to the firing ranges) and it is a popular tourist destination.

ARTHUR'S SEAT, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

The highest point of Holyrood Park is Arthur's Seat, a dormant volcano, and sits 251metres above the sea level giving excellent view of the city; it is also the site of a large and well preserved fort.  This is one of four hill forts dating from around 2000 years ago.  With its diverse range of flora and geology it is also a site of Special Scientific Interest.
Within the park you can also visit St Anthony’s Chapel - a 15th century medieval chapel, Salisbury Crags – a series of 150 foot cliff faces dominating Edinburgh’s skyline as well as Duddingston Loch – a fresh water loch rich in bird life.

CONNEMARA, IRELAND

Connemara, situated at the very edge of Europe, on the west coast of Ireland, is one of the most beautiful, unspoilt places it's possible to find. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland.

LEEDS, YORKSHIRE

A beautiful photo by Jonathan Emery. Leeds Bridge is a historic river crossing in Leeds. The present cast iron road bridge dates from 1730.The medieval town of Leeds centred on 13th century burgess building plots either side of a wide road from the river crossing called Bridge Gate, now Briggate. A wool cloth market operated at Leeds Bridge, becoming the centre of wool trade for the West Riding of Yorkshire in the late 17th century.

CANTERBURY, KENT

Enjoy Canterbury's history and heritage. See the stunning architecture and the famous buildings. Visit the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and stroll along the river Stour. Canterbury has the perfect blend of city, coast and countryside. Canterbury is simply inspirational.

CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE, NORTHERN IRELAND

 

Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle in Northern Ireland, situated in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. It's a striking feature of the landscape from land, sea and air. Carrickfergus Castle greets all visitors with its strength and menace. It represents over 800 years of military might. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the Castle saw action right up to World War II. Today it is maintained by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and can be enjoyed by visitors wanting to learn more about its history or just looking for a fun day out in a unique setting.

HAWKERS COVE, PADSTOW, CORNWALL

 Situated at the mouth of the River Camel, near Padstow is Hawker’s Cove beach. The beach has an expanse of sand stretching almost 1.5 miles towards the old lifeboat station at the north-western end. Despite being a beautiful spot and located close to Padstow the beach here doesn’t really get crowded. This is largely due to the limited parking and convoluted access. Perhaps the best way to approach the beach is along the coast path following the Camel Estuary and past the old fortifications at Gun Point. Along with the row of coastguard cottages, the lifeboat house at Hawker’s cove dates back the 1820s when it housed the original Padstow lifeboat, a four man rowing boat.

CASTLE RISING, NORFOLK

Castle Rising is one of the most architecturally powerful Norman ruins in the country but it also exhibits many ecclesiastical designs.One of the largest, best preserved and most lavishly decorated keeps in England, Castle Rising near King’s Lynn in Norfolk, has an intriguingly chequered history. Built from 1138 onwards by William d’Albini for his new wife, the widow of Henry I, it has served as a hunting lodge, a royal residence and home to Isabella the mother of Edward III. Here is a photo of the little post office, near the castle.

CASTLE COMBE, WILTSHIRE

Castle Combe is a small village in Wiltshire, with a population of about 350. Ranked No. 2 in The Times's 30 best villages, it is renowned for its attractiveness and tranquillity, and for its fine buildings including the medieval church. The 14th century market cross, erected when the privilege to hold a weekly market in Castle Combe was granted, is situated where the three principal streets converge. Some small stone steps near the cross were for horse riders to mount and dismount and close by are the remains of the buttercross.

ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL, KENT

Another beautiful place in my favourite county ''Kent''. Rochester Cathedral is England's second oldest, having been founded in 604AD by Bishop Justus. The present building dates back to the work of the French monk, Gundulf, in 1080. The glorious Norman architecture of the nave, parts of the crypt, as well as one of the finest Romanesque façades in England, make this an inspirational place to visit. The Cathedral has some fine examples of later Gothic styles as well as the magnificent 14th century Chapter Library door.  Hidden from view (although it can be viewed by special appointment) is one of the oldest doors in England.

CLANDON PARK, SURREY

Clandon Park is located at the foot of the Surrey hills. Clandon Park is one of the country’s most complete examples of a Palladian mansion, built by a Venetian architect for the Onslow family in the 1720s. The magnificent interiors are faithful to the period, featuring original plaster ceilings, the most impressive of which is in the breathtaking Marble Hall. Since then the estate has been passed down through generations of Onslows.

Today the house at Clandon Park contains a superb collection of 18th-century furniture, porcelain and textiles, much of which was acquired by the remarkable connoisseur Mrs Gubbay.

PEEL CASTLE, ISLE OF MAN

Peel Castle is a castle in Peel on the Isle of Man originally constructed by Vikings. The castle stands on St Patrick's Isle which is connected to the town by causeway. It is now owned by Manx National Heritage and is open to visitors during the summer.

The castle was built in the 11th century by the Vikings, under the rule of King Magnus Barelegs but was eventually abandoned in the 18th century.

BARAFUNDLE BAY, PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES

Barafundle Bay is a remote, slightly curved, east-facing sandy beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, near Stackpole Quay and is part of the Stackpole Estate, managed by The National Trust. The beach, as the whole Stackpole Estate, used to be owned by the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court and it was their private beach. On the northern approach to the beach are steps and a wall which were built by the owners to ease access to the beach. Barafundle Bay is set between cliffs to the north and south.

In 2004, Barafundle Bay was included in a list of the Top 12 beaches in the world. The Good Holiday Guide also said that it was the 'best beach in Britain'. In 2006, it was voted the best place in the United Kingdom for a picnic by Country Life magazine

OSBORNE HOUSE, ISLE OF WIGHT

"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" - such were the words of Queen Victoria after her first visit to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. This is the royal seaside palace where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children. 

You can also explore Queen Victoria's private beach, now open to the public for the first time. The beach is a pleasant 20 minute stroll from the house down the Valley Path. You will enjoy views across the Solent from Queen Victoria's alcove, and spot seabirds from the shore.

NEWQUAY, CORNWALL

The town of Newquay is the perfect place for a sunny Cornish break and full of top tourist attractions. Newquay has been a major holiday destination since Victorian times.

Today Newquay is one of the most visited areas of Cornwall and its many tourist attractions just get better and better. Newquay's countless attractions are almost endless and include superb sandy beaches, exceptional surfing conditions, many lively nightclubs, Cornwall's only zoo, a central aquarium, and a popular waterpark with fast slides.

THE TRANSPORTER BRIDGE, NEWPORT, WALES

The transporter bridge in Newport is an iconic symbol, the one structure that any visitor to the town has to see. It is one of only three such bridges in Britain, one of only eight in the whole world. The bridge was opened on 12 September 1906. Designed by French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin and built by the contractor Alfred Thorne of Westminster, it was the culmination of many years' discussion and consideration.

There had been numerous proposals for bridges and subways under the River Usk at this eastern end of the town but none of them had come to life, mainly due to the nature of the work required and the high cost.

The banks of the river were - and still are - very low at this point and it would have required long steep approach ramps to build a bridge with sufficient height to allow ships to pass underneath.

WOTTON, SURREY

This the church of St John the Evangelist in the village of Wotton in Surrey overlooking a broad sweep of the North Downs.

This isolated church, sitting below the North Downs, has parts dating from the 11th century. The church also contains the Evelyn Chapel where there are some magnificent monuments and the tomb of John Evelyn, the diarist.

GLENFINNAN, SCOTLAND

This small, beautiful village has sat comfortably among the hills of Glen Finnan for centuries. The village is located within a lovely u-shaped valley that follows a north-east to south-west route with Loch Shiel in the centre of the glen. This unique site at the head of Loch Shiel is to the memory of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745. Erected in 1815 the monument is a tribute to the clansmen who fought and died in the Jacobite cause.

DUBLIN, IRELAND

The Liffey (An Life in Irish) is a river in Ireland, which flows through the centre of Dublin. Its major tributaries include the River Dodder, the River Poddle and the River Camac. The river supplies much of Dublin's water, and a range of recreational opportunities.

The song about Seamus Rafferty refers to the "bowsies on the quay" - However, recent years have seen much development on the quays, with the addition of linear parks, and overhanging boardwalks which give the river banks renewed life.

There are quays on the North bank and the South bank of the Liffey, extending from the weir at Islandbridge to Ringsend bridge over the river Dodder, just before the East Link Toll bridge.

AVEBURY, WILTSHIRE

Avebury is a Neolithic henge monument containing three stone circles, around the village of Avebury in Wiltshire, in southwest England. Unique amongst megalithic monuments, Avebury contains the largest stone circle in Europe, and is one of the best known prehistoric sites in Britain. It is both a tourist attraction and a place of religious importance to contemporary Pagans.

Constructed around 2600 BC, during the Neolithic, or 'New Stone Age', the monument comprises a large henge that is, a bank and a ditch. Inside this henge is a large outer stone circle, with two separate smaller stone circles situated inside the centre of the monument. Its original purpose is unknown, although archaeologists believe that it was most likely used for some form of ritual or ceremony.

THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER, KENT

This is an iconic place bringing back sweet memory to all of US who took the ferries to come to England. For almost 1,000 years, Dover Castle, perched on top of the white cliffs, has stared back at those who may have cast an envious eye at England from only 20 miles away.
But why are the cliffs so white? Well they are made up of billions of the crushed shells of tiny sea creatures. A hundred and fifty million years ago in the Cretaceous period, these organisms gradually settled in shallow seas.The sediments built up were gradually lifted to form the chalk cliffs.
These are eroded by the sea, keeping them white.
But where the sea cannot reach the cliffs because of beach and sea defences, then erosion stops and the cliffs become vegetated with trees and shrubs.

PORT ISAAC, CORNWALL

Port Isaac in Cornwall is where the ITV comedy drama Doc Martin has been filmed and also where the BBC’s Poldark series was filmed in the ’70s.  It is a beautiful Cornish harbour town with good pubs, restaurants and gift shops.

THE GIANTS CAUSEWAY, NORTHERN IRELAND

For centuries countless visitors have marvelled at the majesty and mystery of the Giants Causeway. At the heart of one of Europe’s most magnificent coastlines its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire the visitors. To stroll on the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time.

THE OLYMPIC STADIUM, LONDON

July is the perfect time to post a picture of The Olympic Stadium in London. It is the centrepiece of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the last stop in the 2012 Olympics torch relay, and the venue of the athletic events as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.

It is located within the Olympic Park in Stratford, in the Lower Lea Valley of east London. The stadium has a capacity of 80,000, making it the third-largest stadium in England behind Wembley and Twickenham.

Land preparation for the stadium began in mid-2007. The stadium will also host the 2017 World Championships in Athletics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !!!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.