The South Of England: Places To Go And Things To Do

Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire. Nannery, family house and school of Wichcraft and Wizardry

2011-04-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire (photo by Derek Harper)After the death of her husband, Lady Ela, Countess of Salisbury, didn’t marry again. With the grant of Henry III, allowing her the free widowhood, a rather exceptional favour at that time, she could brush aside the officious wooers and concentrate on her motherhood, and later on devotion to God. Lady Ela founded Lacock Abbey that was thriving as a

Nymans Gardens. The elegant garden set in Victorian era with a Tudor touch

2010-11-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

Tudor Manor House at Nymans Gardens (Photograph by Pamm Goodey)Nymans Gardens in West Sussex, concentrated around an old semi-ruined manor house, looks like a perfect set for a period drama, with a romantic twist, probably. The imagination easily draws a languorous Tudor lady, strolling in rustling puff dresses along Nyman’s Rose garden, accompanied by her gallant suitors, attired in hoses and

Claremont Gardens and House that…John built

2010-11-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Belvedere Tower at Claremont Gardens (photograph by James Long)Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726) was a colourful figure of his time. Until his late thirties, he’s been known as a quite popular playwright. His plays were accepted by public with enthusiasm, although not without caustic criticism from some people, who blamed his writing in frivolity and lack of virtue. But then, he suddenly found

Top 5 places for enjoying the autumnal colours near London

2010-10-26T03:37:00.000-07:00

Every season has its strongest and weakest features. Like probably most of us, I dislike autumn for its dank weather, and swiftly shortening daylight, and heavy showers, bringing loads of mud, and… And simply for that it’s not summer anymore. But I’m prepared to accept all this grey doom and gloom, only for that extravaganza of colours, having given inspiration to such many artists, for that

Lyme Regis, Dorset. The town of the “French Lieutenant’s Woman” and the place where “she sells seashells”

2010-08-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Lyme Regis in Dorset (Photograph by Eugene Birchall)The South Coast of England does not suffer from the lack of lovely seaside towns, with ubiquitous smell of fish and chips, long promenades, winding steep streets, breathtaking views and that special unhurried atmosphere of provincial resort towns. Lyme Regis that is in Dorset, almost on the border with Devon, is one these charming spots. Besides

Gatcombe – the mysterious spot of Isle of Wight.

2010-08-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

St Olave's Church at Gatcombe, Isle of Wight (Photograph by David Oxtbay)Whether you’ve visited the Isle of Wight or not, when you hear or read its name, it is more likely that in your mind automatically emerge the images of the sugar-alike Needles, Queen Victoria’s cherished Osborne House or Carisbrooke Castle, infamous for once having been the place of imprisonment of Charles I. But in the

Ightham Mote. In the centre of the Gunpowder Plot or what lies behind the myth

2010-08-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ightham Mote,6 miles east of Sevenoaks (Photograph by Brian Snelson)Although this splendidly preserved 14th century manor house is surrounded by water, Ightham Mote has nothing to do with any moat. In fact, its name takes its origin from the Old English word “moot” for “meetings”.Having been enclosed by the dense wall of trees, Ightham Mote pops up unexpectedly in front of the visitors surprised

Corfe Castle and the curse of treachery

2010-08-15T23:08:00.000-07:00

Photograph by Peter Langsdale The Middle Ages left after themselves a wide heritage of miscellaneous castles and strongholds scattered all around Britain. Some of them have been keeping the stories about valiant victories or shattering defeats, the others have been enveloped into romantic tales about audacious knights and dames of their hearts, but there are also those whose walls witnessed some

Kingston Lacy and the story of its exiled collector

2010-08-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Kingston Lacy in Dorset (photograph by Chris Downer)Twenty years after their ancestral nest in Corfe castle had been destroyed by the Parliamentarian forces and the monarchy came back to the throne, the royalist family of Bankes instead of resurrecting their badly damaged former residence moved 19 miles to the north of Corfe castle into just having had built for them Kingston Lacy (Kingston Hall

Cockington village – a secluded corner unspoilt by civilization

2010-07-28T05:09:00.000-07:00

Cockington village (photograph by David Dixon)Cockington village with its toy-looking thatched cottages, looking more like the set for a period dramas than real settlement, is only 1 mile from Devon’s most popular resort of Torquay, but miraculously managed to elude the influence of the town with its erratic life style and encroachment of modern buildings. The horse-drawn carriages plying from

The haunted ghosts of Hampton Court Palace or beware of tourists

2010-07-23T03:48:00.000-07:00

Ghost stories have always been exiting people minds, giving rise to numerous speculations regarding the nature of wraiths. In the past centuries they were automatically associated with something diabolical and cursed, nowadays we are more inclined to take it as a fun, pragmatically trying to find more reasonable explanation for this phenomenon. One of the theories says that the phantom is nothing

Hampton Court Palace – the favourite residence of Henry VIII

2010-07-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Although this monumental russet building is vastly associated with Henry VIII initially it was not meant for him but for his ambitious chief minister Thomas Wolsey. By 1514 on the site of Hampton Court Palace was situated an unprepossessing manor that had been occupied by the Order of St John Jerusalem since the 12th century. Hampton Court Palace by Patrick GrubanHaving had acquired the 99-year

Sheffield Park – the sanctuary of harmony and serenity in East Sussex

2010-07-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

Although this 120-acre oasis of sheer serenity was laid out in the 18th century by Capability Brown, the chief developer of “natural” landscape gardens in England, and afterwards completed by his talented follower Humphry Repton (the creator of Antony House, Woburn Abbey gardens etc), Sheffield park had already existed long before that, most probably as deer park. Once it was owned by Thomas

Scotney Castle, Kent. The secret place of Catholic priest during the English Reformation

2010-07-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Scotney Castle in Kent. Photograph by Brian SnelsonAlthough this one of the most picturesque sites of National Trust (according to some guide books) is proudly called “the castle”, it certainly bears relation to manors than castles. In the 14th century, when the castle was built, the local landholders, seized with panic of potential French raids during the Hundred Year War, by all mean tried to

Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire. The last resting place of the sixth wife of Henry VIII

2010-07-05T02:10:00.000-07:00

Sudeley castle in GloucestershireIf you are going to visit Sudeley castle from London, it will take about 2.5 hours drive, but it is unlikely that you will be left indifferent by the place, because it is well worth a journey even if only for enjoying the idyllic pastorals of the Cotswolds. The castle itself was built in the middle of the 15th century by Ralph Boteler, the military commander and

Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. Home, Sweet Home of Queen Elizabeth I

2010-07-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hatfield House in HertfordshireIt is always quite fascinating to visit someone’s childhood home, to see the items that surrounded this person, to feel the whole aura of the house, the place where this someone’s character had shaped. It is especially intriguing if the individual is as legendary as Queen Elizabeth I, who spent pretty much of her turbulent younger years at the Hatfield estate. Not

Cornish Wonderland or Down the rabbit hole at scenic Antony House.

2010-06-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

Antony House in Cornwall. Photograph by Mark ColemanHaving been settled on a miniature peninsula about 5 miles from Plymouth, and surrounded by 75 acres of woodland and landscaped garden, Antony house presents itself to being a lovely secluded spot, turning into the paradise in spring time owing to the exuberance of azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons and huge array of camellias having over 400

Windsor Castle, Berkshire. The residence of past and present monarchs and the place steeped in history and local legends.

2010-06-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that back to the Tudors time Windsor, this flourishing and well-cared-for town, priding itself on the neighbourhood with the Royal Family, fell in somewhat of decay and oblivion. Nowadays Windsor is one of the most visited places in England, and probably only a rare tourist has not visited the town with its sumptuous Windsor castle, having been extremely popular not only

Port Lympne and Howletts – exotic wild animals in the surroundings of Kent.

2010-06-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

The brief history of zoos.According to some archaeological excavations of menageries, the ancestors of contemporary zoos, had already existed in Egypt by 3500 BC. During the Middle Ages it was also quite popular with the monarchs, competing with each other in generosity, to present each other with exotic animals. We all know the Tower of London as the ancient prison, but from the 13th century

Some interesting facts about Oxford – The birthplace of Alice from Wonderland and bright hobbit Frodo

2010-06-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

For many years Oxford has remained the position of one of the most attractive tourist places in England. It is quite understanding with Oxford’s architectural sophistication and unspoiltness, the fame of the 3rd honourable place in the midst of the oldest universities in the world (the 1st place belongs to the University of Bologna and the 2nd is after the University of Paris) as well as the

Saint Nectan’s Glen in Cornwall - the unspoilt sanctuary of magic beauty and salubrious energy.

2010-06-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

St Nectan's Glen in CornwallSaint Nectan’s Glen, situated in the immediate vicinity of popular Cornish village of Tintagel, is a secluded woodland area that stretches along the cheerfully babbling Trevillet River, looking more like a brook than a river. For centuries it has been known as somewhat of a sacred place, like a magnet attracting the pilgrims from various corners of Britain. According

Tintagel, Cornwall. The place where rigorous nature interlaces with fanciful Arthurian legends.

2010-06-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

Tintagel in CornwallThis lovely Cornish village, exposed to strong Atlantic winds, has been popularized mainly for Tintagel castle’s ruins, to be more precise for its connection to the legendary King Arthur. Although the castle was built in the middle of 13th century, there are enough people who believe that infamous Camelot had already existed there long before Tintagel castle was built. On

Petworth House. A finest art collection hidden in picturesque sceneries of West Sussex.

2010-05-28T08:42:00.001-07:00

The history of this elegant manor, settled in 12 miles from yet another local attraction of Arundel castle, goes down with its roots to the ancient Percy family (later also known as the Earls and Duchess of Northumberland), who came into possession of the site in the 12th century. In the 17th century a beautiful 16-year old Elizabeth Percy wedded for the third time with Charles Seymour, the 6th

Bateman’s House – Rudyard Kipling’s sanctuary in the Weald of Sussex.

2010-05-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever bought a house of you dream you might know this feeling of pure harmony wrapping you up when you first visit the building. It can have some flaws, but it doesn’t really matter for you, because the minute you step across its threshold, you know for sure that this place was creating exactly for you. This sort of unison with the 17th-century Bateman’s house suddenly felt Rudyard

Wisley Gardens. The mini version of Eden Project in Surrey.

2010-05-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Within 25 miles from the concrete jungle of London is the sprawling 240-acre horticultural paradise of RHS Wisley Gardens. But the Royal Horticultural Society took over the gardens in the 1903 as a generous donation from Sir Thomas Hanbury, who is also renowned for the creation of La Mortola garden on the Italian Riviera. Initially Wisley Gardens were situated on modest 60 acres of farmland and

Walmer Castle, Kent. A charming stately home that was born to be a brutal fortification.

2010-05-21T01:10:00.000-07:00

After having had divorced with Catherine of Aragon and broken with the Catholic Church, Henry VIII suddenly felt vulnerable and started to consider the possibility of being attacked by Spain or France. As the result on the southern coast of England appeared the chain of fortifications, one of those was called Walmer castle. With the development and perfection of weapons it became obvious that the

Dover Castle, Kent. The invincible guard of the southern coast of England.

2010-05-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

During the last tumultuous millenniums of wars and conflicts between the British Islands and the Continent, the Strait of Dover, having been kept apart from France only by 26 miles, had been a somewhat of Achilles heel of England that was in desperate need of strong fortification. Knowing that, the inhabitants of the site began to strengthen it yet in the Iron Age, the Romans and then the Saxons

The White Cliffs of Dover. The Gateway from the Continent to Britain.

2010-05-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

Every day about 200 ferries cross the English Channel, making it one of the busiest sea lines in the world. So for a lot of travellers the White Cliffs of Dover is the first impression of Britain, and having been seen once, they are etched in the heart forever. Exactly for this milky shoreline the British Island were dubbed Albion in the distant past that derives from “albus" meaning "white”.The

Hever Castle, Kent. Part II: Some interesting facts about Hever Castle

2010-05-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

• The Gatehouse, containing the Chamber room, is the oldest part of Hever Castle and it dates from the 13th century. It used to be the place where the Lord and Lady of Manor were spending most of their time that included having a meal, sleeping and entertaining. Nowadays this chilling and damp, even during the warm months, room houses the collection of ancient armour as well as the items of

Hever Castle, Kent. Part I: The childhood home of Anne Boleyn.

2010-05-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

Although Hever Castle’s history descends from the 13th century, and it was in the possession not only of the Boleyns, but of many owners, such as the Waldgraves, Humphreys or Astors, this place is usually associated with the notorious Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife.About 30 miles from London to Hever castle doesn’t seem to be a long distance, especially nowadays, when we can easily reach

England in pictures

2010-05-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Camelot Castle Hotel in Tintagel, CornwallA profusion of colours in Eynsford, KentA view of East Dean and Friston, East SussexFamous for King Arthur's Castle Tintagel in CornwallWalking along the Thames in WindsorBeautiful English countrysideWinter Wonderland in KentEnglish sense of humour or Halloween preparation in KentHarvesting in KentThe Weald of KentThe town of Dover in KentWinter scenery

Seven Sisters, East Sussex. The siblings of the White cliffs of Dover in Sussex.

2010-05-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

The White cliffs of Dover might be the most well known and popular, especially by the tourists, but Seven Sisters certainly don’t give in to them their attractiveness. Looking on these undulating chalk cliffs that seem like a huge piece of cheesecake, you can highly appreciate the power of the elements, which created this breathtaking beauty. Although it’s fair to say that this power haven’t been

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire. The hidden gem of French style in English countryside.

2010-05-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

Waddesdon Manor is a real hidden gem. Although this stunning place is situated not too far from London (somewhere about 1,5 hours drive), there are plenty of people who have never ever heard of it before. It’s quite an omission, because Waddesdon manor is complete different to any other English stately homes not only in the south of England, but probably throughout the whole of Britain.The first

Eden Project, Cornwall. One of the seven wonders of the UK.

2010-05-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

Of course some people might dissent and name other sights throughout the UK as being one of seven British wonders, but Eden Project is indisputably the number one attraction in Cornwall. Those, who had never seen Eden Project before, normally raise their eyebrows in surprise and ask what all these weird glass bubbles are about. Well, these bubbles, called Biomes, are the biggest conservatories in

Bodiam castle, East Sussex. The fairy tale castle from childhood dreams.

2010-05-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, in the 14th century when England and France were torn by the conflicts of the Hundred Years War, there lived an intrepid English knight Edward Dalyngrigge. He devoted the years of his youth to fighting in France as a mercenary and at free time, when there weren’t any battles, he was robbing French towns and villages with his fellow citizens. During the years of serving the

Salisbury, Wiltshire. The city of the oldest clock in the world and neighbour of the most famous megaliths in the world.

2010-04-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Salisbury and Stonehenge are separated by some 20 minutes drive, so after having had visited the prehistoric megaliths, it would be simply unforgivable to not pop in on this medieval town (though it has the status of city), which is first of all famed by its 13th century gothic cathedral.The construction of Salisbury cathedral became one of those rare examples where only one generation of people

Stonehenge, Wiltshire. 10 myths and theories about Stonehenge.

2010-04-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

During the last century Stonehenge became the sort of symbol of Great Britain, the place where every decent tourist considers as a duty to be snapped on the background of, as the proof of having holiday in that particular place.I clearly remember my first imprassion on Stonehenge. Notwithstanding the rapturous reverence and joyful satisfaction of my childhood dream was fulfilled there, at heart I

Knole House, Sevenoaks. The Magic of Knole.

2010-04-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

Everyday the capital of Great Britain embraces the scores of thousands of tourists, offering the entertainments for every exacting taste. It can be a walk around Westminster, City or Knightsbridge, a breathtaking flight on the London’s Eye or a refreshing boat trip along the Thames or something else – tastes, as they say, differ. But there is something in common that unites different tastes of

Penshurst Place, Kent. The romance passed through centuries

2010-04-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

A few miles to the south of Sevenoaks, framed by the rural beauties of Kent, is settled Penshurst Place. For more than 450 years the descendants of Sir Philip Sidney, an illustrious poet of the Elizabethan Age, which has been living through the centuries due to the talent and the stories of his chivalry, have owned it.Every place has its own character. There are houses, which oppress by an

Leeds Castle, Kent. One of the most favourite castles of Henry VIII and the residence of many English queens.

2010-03-25T03:35:00.000-07:00

A very long ago there was an old trading route near Leeds castle, subsequently the pilgrims, travelling to neighbouring Canterbury, were using it.The hundreds of years have gone. The new roads were laid instead of the old ones, and in place of the pilgrims appeared the tourists, flooding not only Canterbury but also Leeds castle – one of the most visited castles in the United Kingdom.The history

Arundel Castle, West Sussex. The ancient residence of the duke and duchess of Norfolk.

2010-03-06T22:49:00.000-08:00

Arundel castle, like its renowned neighbour Bodiam castle, is yet another charming pearl, having been lost in the abundant expanses of West Sussex, which many of the local and foreign travellers persistently don’t notice, chasing the more well known sights of Southern England.The town of Arundel, home of the castle, can be reached in about 90 minutes drive from London. This miniature cosy spot

Chartwell - Winston Churchill’s beloved home in Kent.

2010-02-16T04:14:00.000-08:00

They say that home isn’t where you were born but where your heart is. Well, the heart of Sir Winston Churchill definitely belonged to Chartwell, an extravagant estate located in 30 miles from Central London and 8 miles from Sevenoaks.Churchill fell in love with Chartwell at first sight, to be more precise with a heavenly panorama unfolding from the height of the site. The