Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for england
Gateway to the Durham Dales
By Linda Tancs
Known as the gateway to the Durham Dales, Bishop Auckland is a bustling market town in England’s Vale of Durham. As the name implies, the town was home to the bishops of Durham. Their principal residence for centuries was Auckland Castle, one of the best-preserved bishop’s palaces in Europe. Also known as “Kings of the North,” they would come to be known as prince-bishops owing to the princely powers granted to them by the king, such as the power to mint their own coins and levy taxes, raise an army and establish their own legal court. Now a tourist attraction, the castle still houses the bishop’s offices.
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The Key to England
By Linda Tancs
The history of England’s Dover Castle begins in the 1180s, when King Henry II commenced building of the present fortress. It’s known as the “key to England” because of its strategic location overlooking the English Channel from the White Cliffs of Dover and its defensive significance. In fact, the castle has played a crucial role in the defense of the realm for over nine centuries, a span equaled only by the Tower of London and Windsor Castle. Remarkably, an even older structure exists within the castle walls, a lighthouse built by the Romans to guide ships into the harbor after they invaded in A.D. 43. One of only three Roman lighthouses to survive from the whole of the former Roman Empire, it is also the most complete standing Roman building in England.
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The Magic of Ashdown Forest
By Linda Tancs
Ashdown Forest is an ancient area of open heathland occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, England. It’s perhaps better known as the woodland that inspired one of the best-loved children’s stories of all time, Winnie the Pooh. The loop trail around the forest explores locations that correspond to the Hundred Acre Wood from the story. The route begins at Gill’s Lap car park and heads north, passing Gill’s Lap Clump. There you’ll find a commemoration stone for the author A.A. Milne and the illustrator E.H. Shepard. The route continues to Wrens Warren Valley, known as Eeyore’s sad and gloomy place in the story. The trail is open year round.
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Robin Hood’s Castle
By Linda Tancs
Robin Hood is a product of English folklore famous for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire is dubbed “Robin Hood’s castle” because it served as inspiration for the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Built in the 1300s for John, Lord Lovell, its hexagonal shape may have been inspired by Queenborough Castle in Kent. Now a picturesque ruin following the English Civil War, a free audio tour will bring its history to life. For great views of the estate as well as the surrounding countryside and woodlands, be sure to climb the East Tower.
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Railway 200 Celebrations in Britain
By Linda Tancs
The Railway 200 celebrations in 2025 mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway in the U.K. As part of the festivities, the iconic No. 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ will be in operation between Pickering and Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one of Britain’s most popular heritage railways. Between March 22 and March 30 you’ll have an opportunity to ride on this locomotive designed by celebrated railway engineer Sir Nigel Gresley. It became famous in 1959 for setting the post-war steam speed record of 112 mph during a test run, due in no small part to its sleek, aerodynamic design that reduced air resistance and enabled exceptional performance. Don’t miss the chance to see this masterpiece of British innovation.
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A Quaint Toll Bridge
By Linda Tancs
During the 18th and 19th century, many roads in England were maintained by turnpike trusts established by Parliament which had the power to exact tolls for road maintenance. One of those toll bridges is the Bathampton Toll Bridge outside Bath. It includes a toll house, which is still functioning as accommodation for a toll collector and is thought to have been built for the Bridge Company Turnpike Trust in the 19th century. The iconic arch stone bridge carries a minor road across the River Avon. Both the house and the bridge are Grade II listed properties.
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The Fame of Godstow
By Linda Tancs
Located on the banks of the River Thames between the villages of Wolvercote (the site where renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien is buried) and Wytham is the hamlet of Godstow. Godstow Lock has the distinction of being the highest hydraulic-operated pound lock on the River Thames, but the village might be better known for the ruins of Godstow Abbey. It became the burial place of Rosamund Clifford, also known as the “Fair Rosamund,” a longtime mistress of Henry II during the 1170s. Henry VIII destroyed Godstow Abbey during the dissolution of the monasteries. Later, the village was used by Royalists during the Civil War to defend Godstow Bridge. When the Parliamentarians attacked, the whole site was burned down.
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The Calendar House
By Linda Tancs
A calendar house is a form of house dictated by the calendar. The principle of the calendar house is that the number of external doors, windows or panes of glass, chimneys, staircases or other elements should total four (the number of seasons), seven (days in a week), 12 (months in a year) or 365 (days in a year). Dating to around the Elizabethan era, the first such house is Knole in Kent, built after Elizabeth I’s death by one of her courtiers, Thomas Sackville (1st Earl of Dorset). The calendar in this case is represented through the 365 rooms, 52 staircases and seven courtyards. Once an archbishop’s palace, King Henry VIII liked it so much that he forced his archbishop to hand it over to him. Now owned by the National Trust, the Sackville family still occupies a portion of the estate, where you’ll find a medieval deer park and showrooms featuring textiles, paintings and a world class collection of Royal Stuart furniture.
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The Home of Concorde
By Linda Tancs
England’s Bristol Aeroplane Company at Filton was the heart of aviation excellence for over 100 years. At that site began one of the most famous aircraft projects in the world—the design, development and production of the world’s first and only supersonic passenger aircraft, Concorde. The first flight of Concorde took place from the Filton tarmac on April 9, 1969, a short but historic trip to nearby Fairford. Thereafter every British Concorde made its maiden flight from the airfield. Although Filton airport eventually closed, it is now redeveloped and hosts Aerospace Bristol Museum. Set over three hangars, the most exciting exhibit is arguably Concorde, boasting a multimedia experience all around the jet to educate visitors on its history. You can board the plane, once a benefit reserved for the wealthiest of travelers (or their employers). Give yourself three or four hours to tour the facility and learn about all the important flight developments that occurred at Bristol Filton. The museum is located on Hayes Way, adjacent to the historic Filton Airfield.
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Nine Ladies in Derbyshire
By Linda Tancs
The Nine Ladies is a standing stone circle located on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire in the English East Midlands. Dating to the Bronze Age, it is thought to depict a folk tale concerning nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday. Actually, there were 10 ladies; one stone was discovered on its side in 1977. Although the circle’s purpose is unknown, it is not uncommon for formations of this sort to have been used as a meeting place, landmark, or place of ceremony or burial. The site can be accessed via a number of footpaths depending upon your start point. Formal car parking is available just outside of Birchover, less than a mile from the circle.
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