Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for england
Levels and Moors in Somerset
By Linda Tancs
Among the lowest, flattest areas in the U.K., England’s Somerset Levels & Moors are an intricate, managed landscape developed over centuries from the drainage and irrigation of land for agriculture and to manage flood risk. At its heart lies a beautiful, internationally renowned area called the Avalon Marshes, one of the finest remaining lowland wetlands left in Britain and a critical home for vulnerable wetland bird populations such as the Bittern. Off the beaten track, its tranquility is often overlooked but it’s well served by footpaths and cycle routes.
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A Wonky House in Lavenham
By Linda Tancs
Built in 1395, The Crooked House in Lavenham, England, is said to be inspired by the old English nursery rhyme “There was a Crooked Man.” Its off-centeredness owes to the hastiness of the wealthy wool merchant who wanted a grand estate. The wood used to build the house wasn’t properly seasoned; as it dried, the timber-framed house twisted and contorted, resulting in a very strong but also very crooked house. One of Britain’s favorite fairytale homes, it’s arguably also one of the most photographed in the world. Today it’s owned by two self-proclaimed “Crooked Men” who offer immersive experiences like theatrical house tours and black tie dinners.
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Two Centuries of Shoemaking
By Linda Tancs
Boasting two centuries of history, Clarks shoes began with James Clark’s idea to turn leftover rug-making material from the company’s origin into slippers. Now in a striking modern building beside Clarks Village (an outlet shopping center spread across the company’s former factory site), Shoemakers Museum documents the development of the global footwear retailer. Located in Street, England, the 100,000-strong collection of objects is complemented by historical accounts of shoemaking technology amid cultural and social evolution.
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Views Over Eden
By Linda Tancs
A formidable barrier against Scots invaders, England’s Brougham Castle in Cumbria was founded in the early 13th century by Robert de Vieuxpont, a powerful local baron who was granted the lordship of Westmorland by King John. Largely in ruins, the keep still stands today, a fine example of medieval military architecture. Climb its spiral stairs to the top for panoramic views over the Eden Valley.
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Yorkshire’s Industrial Village
By Linda Tancs
Taking its name from founder Sir Titus Salt and the River Aire which runs through it, Saltaire is an industrial village built in the 1800s by textile magnate Sir Titus Salt for his workers. Located in Shipley, England, the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasted about 4,000 inhabitants at its peak, housed in 850 dwellings. The visitor’s center is in Salts Mill, a Grade II-listed historic mill building that’s home to one of the largest collections of art of David Hockney, a central figure in British Pop Art. In addition to a walking tour of the village, consider a ride on Shipley Glen Tramway. A short walk from the village, this unique tramway was built in 1895 and operates narrow-gauge ‘toastrack’ cable-hauled trams with canopy tops that travel through scenic woods down the glen.
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British Cars in Warwickshire
By Linda Tancs
Located near Aston Martin’s current headquarters in Gaydon, the British Motor Museum touts the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. Of course, you’ll find displays of much-loved British sports cars from manufacturers such as Morgan, Lotus, Triumph, McLaren and Aston Martin. Other displays depict a different aspect of Britain’s varied and extensive motoring history. Special features include royal cars, Rover gas turbine cars, film and TV cars and four of the world’s fastest MGs. The museum is open daily.
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French Inspiration in Bedfordshire
By Linda Tancs
Wrest Park is a country estate located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire, England. It comprises a Grade I-listed country house as well as formal gardens. Wrest Park’s significance lies in its unique architecture, a rare example of a 19th-century mansion built in the style of an 18th-century French chateau. This time of year it hosts the biggest, most action-packed St. George’s Day celebration in the country. Enjoy a weekend of shows, battles, games, performances and activities culminating in England’s most legendary battle between George and the dragon.
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A Medieval Gateway in Cornwall
By Linda Tancs
Of Arthurian legend, Tintagel Castle is a medieval fortification located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island adjacent to the village of Tintagel, North Cornwall, in England. Cross the footbridge to the island, where you’ll delight in amazing views of the Cornish coast and the sea. Key highlights include the remains of the Great Hall with its spectacular coastal views and the medieval chapel ruins. You can also visit Merlin’s Cave via a steep path down to the beach below the castle. At low tide, you can walk directly into the cave, so sturdy footwear is recommended as the rocks can be slippery. Be mindful of the tide schedule to ensure a safe visit, as the cave is completely submerged at high tide. You’ll need a timed ticket to access the castle and explore the area. Visit this time of year for clearer views and fewer crowds.
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Seahenge
By Linda Tancs
Norfolk’s hidden gem of a beach, Holme Beach, came into the spotlight in 1998 with the historical discovery of Seahenge, a 4000-year-old Bronze Age timber circle so named for its resemblance to Stonehenge in Wiltshire. The structure comprised a large tree stump surrounded by 55 timber posts. Its exact purpose remains unknown although many theorize it was part of a funerary ritual representing a mortuary enclosure for excarnation. The site was eventually excavated and restored and can now be seen at Lynn Museum in Kings Lynn, England.
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The Ornament of Bristol
By Linda Tancs
Britain’s Sir Abraham Elton referred to Clifton Suspension Bridge as “the ornament of Bristol and the wonder of the age.” Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (a key figure in Victorian engineering), it was completed in 1864, standing majestically 245 feet above the Avon Gorge. The city’s icon boasts Egyptian-inspired towers and sweeping suspension cables, its original chains still intact. On the Leigh Woods (North Somerset) side of the bridge, a museum is open daily with free admission. It features displays and artifacts on the bridge’s construction and ongoing maintenance.
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