The Chalice Well is a natural chalybeate spring, with a red hue to the water, now surrounded by peaceful gardens, at the foot of Glastonbury Tor. The spring has been in use for at least 2,000 years and, inevitably, has mystical and religious associations; it is popular with pilgrims of all sorts. According to one
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is a mountain in the Snowdonia National Park (Eyri) in North Wales. It has a height of 3,560 feet (1,085 metres), is the highest mountain in Wales and the second highest in Britain after Ben Nevis in Scotland. It is a designated nature reserve, but also one of the most popular mountains
The barely recognisable remains of one of the castles of Robert the Bruce – and possibly his birthplace – lie under and around a restored 19th century lighthouse, on a golf course, on a dramatic headland with views across the sea to Ailsa Craig. The castle, probably 13th century, was the seat of the Earls
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An avenue of ancient Yew Trees (Taxus Baccata), believed to be some 700 years old, flank the path leading to Nevern’s church of St Brynach. One of these is known as the bleeding yew, because it secretes a blood-red sap, and has done so for – apparently – as long as anyone can remember. Sap
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A visit to Whitby is not complete without seeing the dramatic and iconic medieval ruins of Whitby Abbey. They stand on a headland overlooking the harbour. The original Saxon buildings have long vanished. The more recent church building was constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries, and was dedicated to St Peter and St Hild,
St Michael’s Mount is an evocative and picturesque island in Mount’s Bay, with a small village, a castle and exotic sub-tropical gardens. Access is by boat (of course) or on foot via a causeway at low tide. It is an ancient site, with plenty of legends – including of mermaids and Jack the Giant Killer
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Bedd Arthur, Beddarthur (Arthur’s Grave) is one of many sites in Britain associated with the burial of the legendary King Arthur. It is thought to be a small stone circle – actually vaguely elliptical in shape – now comprising 13 upright stones and 2 fallen ones. It is an unimpressive sight unless you are an
Lindisfarne – also known as Holy Island – is an atmospheric tidal island and village packed with history, as well as being famous for its wildlife and mead. It is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. King Oswald invited Celtic monks from Iona to spread Christianity in the old Kingdom of
Swinside Stone Circle is one of the most perfect Neolithic stone circles you ever will see. It is some 5,000 years old, consists of 55 stones and is about 90 feet in diameter. Swinside is also known as ‘Sunkenkirk’, from a legend that folk tried to build a church there, which kept falling down –
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St Ninian on the Isle of Whithorn, at the south-east corner of the Machars Peninsula, is known as the Cradle of Christianity in Scotland. This is the place where St Ninian, Scotland’s shadowy first Christian missionary, landed in 397AD and showed the pagan Picts The Way. A chapel for pilgrims was established for pilgrims, close
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The Cerne Abbas Giant is one of Britain’s best known hill figures, cut into the hillside near the pretty Dorset village of Cerne Abbas. It is formed of a cut trench about 1 foot deep and across, stands 180 feet (55 metres) high and depicts a nude male wielding a large club. Possibly its most
Coetan Arthur (or Arthur’s Quoit), according to legend, was thrown from nearby Carn Llidi by King Arthur. This is one of many ‘Arthur’s Quoits’ in Britain – one source identifies more than 30. It is the remains of a single-chambered Neolithic burial chamber, or Dolmen, between 4 and 6,000 years’ old; the capstone (the bit
