Working on cosmic rays from the University of Manchester after the Second World War, Sir Bernard Lovell (1913 – 2012) established Jodrell Bank Observatory in a rural area, away from the radio interference he was experiencing in a busy city. His observatory is still in operation and is home to the famous giant Lovell Telescope.
King’s College was founded by King Henry VI in 1441, the year after he founded Eton College, originally a sister college which sent scholars on to King’s. It is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge and parts are open to the public. The highlight is undoubtedly the chapel, begun by Henry
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HMS Belfast has been one of London’s landmarks since 1971, a World War Two Royal Navy cruiser permanently moored by London Bridge. Launched just in time for World War II, Belfast saw service on the Arctic Convoys, taking supplies to the Soviet Union (Russia), during D-Day when she supported troops on Gold and Juno beaches
The Derbyshire village of Eyam has a history that goes back at least as far as the Anglo-Saxon period. Yet, despite that, and its many other attributes, it is chiefly remembered as a plague village. Exceptionally, Eyam put itself into voluntary quarantine when the Plague arrived from London in 1665. Their sacrifice was led by
Chysauster is one of the best-preserved ancient villages in Britain. A small community lived and worked here for around 400 years, from about 100BC until the third century AD – by which time much of Britain was under Roman rule. The villagers lived in stone-walled houses, each with a number of rooms arranged round a
Normanton church is a historic neoclassical church – or half a one, anyway – saved from a watery fate at the bottom of Rutland Water. Apart from being Instagram fodder, it is used as a wedding venue.
Lichfield Cathedral is the only 3-spired medieval cathedral in England; its spires have long been known as ‘the Ladies of the Vale’. Founded by Chad in the 7th century the present Gothic building fates from the 12th century. The Cathedral is known for its treasures, which date from the Saxon period.
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One of Britain’s largest colonies of common and grey seals is at Blakeney Point, a 4-mile long spit that sticks out into the North Sea in North Norfolk. It is a national nature reserve, and a favourite spot for birds, native and foreign, as well as seals. Various companies run trips in small, open, boats, which last an hour and are well worth it.
The Runnymede Air Forces Memorial is enormous, with names carved into panels around a sort of cloister. It is located off a quiet residential lane overlooking the River Thames, Runnymede Meadow, and Heathrow Airport’s flight path. The air forces memorial at Runnymede commemorates by name over 20,000 airmen and women who were lost in the Second World War during operations from bases in the United Kingdom and North and Western Europe, and who have no known graves.
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Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel aged just 23, took 33 years to build. It operates as a toll bridge for motor vehicles, but is free for pedestrians and cyclists. It is open all year, is one of Bristol’s top visitor attractions and there is a free visitor centre.
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Pen-y-Ghent is one of the Yorkshire Dale’s Three Peaks and the lowest at 2,277 feet (694 metres). There are good paths to the top from most directions, the most popular route starting and ending in Horton in Ribblesdale. A diversion to Hull Pot, a collapsed cavern, is highly recommended. Pen-y-Ghent is tackled by many as part of the Three Peaks Yorkshire Challenge.
Discovered during building work, the remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre lie 20 feet beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery. Dating from the 2nd century, here up to 7,000 people would watch animal fights, executions and gladitorial contests.
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