The site of Hardknott Roman Fort (Mediobogdum) is one of the most spectacular in England. The fort was built in the 2nd century AD, probably by men of the 4th Cohort of Dalmatia, to protect the trade route across the fells to/from the vital port of Ravenglass (Glennaventa). The ruins, which consist of well-marked layouts
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Established by an Act of Parliament in 1753, the British Museum opened its doors in Montagu House, on its present site in London’s then fashionable Bloomsbury area, on 15 January 1759. It is an astonishing place that, in its own words, tells the story of cultural achievement throughout the world, from the dawn of human
The castle at Newark upon Trent occupies a strategic position in the English Midlands, where the Roman Fosse Way meets the Great North Road at the River Trent. Developed from an original timber episcopal fortress, the impressive ruins of 12th century Newark Castle sit on the bank of the river, the interior now home to
Whernside is the highest of the Yorkshire Dale’s Three Peaks at 2,415 feet (736 metres). There are good paths to the top from most directions, the most popular being from Ribblehead via the famous viaduct, where you can learn a bit about the shanty towns that existed when the railway was being built. The path
St Dogmael’s Abbey was founded by the Norman lord Robert Fitz-Martin and his wife, Maud Peverel, in 1120. It is reputedly on the site of a Celtic monastery founded by Dogmael, a now obscure 6th-century saint said to have been the son of Ithel ap Ceredig ap Cunedda Wledig and also the cousin of St
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The Silver Sands of Morar are a series of spectacular Scottish beaches next to the coastal stretch of the B8008 between Arisaig and Morar, part of the old Road to the Isles. The beaches are easily accessible by road, the water is crystal clear, the sand almost white and there are wonderful views across to
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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
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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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.
