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This is the place to search for places and things of interest to visit in Britain, by name, location, type, keyword – or just have a browse. It is a growing directory – well over 700 entries as of February 2020. Most entries have links for further information.
Transport
The famous ferry 'cross the Mersey runs between Liverpool's Pier Head, Birkenhead (Woodside) and Wallasey (Seacombe). The company also offers cruises - eg up the Manchester Ship Canal and other excursions. In 2014, one of the ferries was painted in 'razzle-dazzle' style, designed by Sir Peter Blake, to mark the centenary of the First World War.
There has been a ferry across the Mersey since the 11th century, at least. These days, passengers include commuters as well as tourists.
A heritage railway running steam and diesel locomotives on a former branch line of the Furness Railway. The line is just over 3 miles long, between Lakeside Station at the southern tip of Lake Windermere and Haverthwaite (journey time about 20 minutes). Steamers run to Lakeside from Windermere and Ambleside. At Haverthwaite Station are all things railway, including engine sheds where locos can be inspected. Thomas the Tank Engine has been known to visit sometimes.
The North Yorks Moors Railway is a heritage railway that runs across the North Yorks Moors through great countryside between Whitby and Pickering, taking in the stations of Grosmont, Goathland, Newtondale and Levisham. Total journey time one way is between 1hr 40minutes and 2hrs. Many of the stations have been refurbished in period style. The railway runs as a not for profit charity and, from an initial meeting of enthusiasts in 1967, now employs about 100 full-time staff supported by more than 500 volunteers, operating a range of steam locomotives. Each station has its attractions: Whitby, famous fishing port with its abbey and associations with Captain Cook and Dracula; Goathland featured as Aidenfield in the TV series Heartbeat; Pickering is a bustling town with a castle, impressive church, museum etc.
It is essential to visit the NYMR website and check the timetable before making a special trip.
The Ouse Valley Viaduct, aka the Balcombe Viaduct, is a photographer's dream. It isn't just its size - just under 1,500 feet long and about 100 high (450 x 29m), or the elegance of 37 brick arches stretching across the Sussex countryside, but the design. The arches are symmetrical and create an artistic tunnel - quite extraordinary. It is built of 11 million bricks, originally from Holland, but has been repaired so often with different bricks that it's now a kind of brick patchwork. Completed in 1842, it is a remarkable Victorian structure and carries more than 100 trains a day between London and Brighton. There's a small lay-by on Borde Hill Lane, between Balcombe and Haywards Heath, large enough for 2 or 3 cars. Take boots if it's wet.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain and a World Heritage Site. It was designed by Thomas Telford and carries the Llangollen Canal over the valley of the river Dee. The Aqueduct is 336 yards long, 42 yards high and 4 yards wide. You can walk across (the advice is not to look down), or take a boat.