Bibury is a charming, typically Cotswold. It's easy to see why William Morris called Bibury 'The…read moremost beautiful village in England' - wonderful stone buildings strung out along the banks of the River Coln. Arlington Row, owned by the National Trust, is one of England's most iconic and photographed sites - it even appears on the inside cover of UK passports! Originally built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store, it was converted in the 17th century into a row of weavers' cottages. The River Coln flows through Bibury sandwiched between the main village street and an expanse of boggy water meadow known as Rack Isle, so called because wool was once hung out to dry there on racks after it had been washed in Arlington Row. You can even see some trout in the river, which the trout farm owners told us they are the escape artists! With Arlington Row as a backdrop, it makes one of the most picturesque scenes you will find in the Cotswolds. Other attractions in Bibury include: Bibury Trout Farm, (see my other review) one of the oldest and most attractive trout farms in the country covering almost 15 acres, where you can learn about trout or event catch your own dinner. This village is stunning, perfect photographers dream. Do come you will not be disappointed.

If traveling past Oxford don't miss out on this picturesque little town, offering a prime example…read moreof the Cotswold way of living. Houses are maintained in much the old fashion, offering not just wonderful photo opportunities but also a glimpse into housing of the past . You will find several small tea houses and shops here, as well as a trout farm and hotel. Well worth a visit or even a relaxing weekend.

I didn't expect discovering Rock of Gibraltar is owned by the British Peeps! Who knew? I surely…read moredidn't know this fact . . . I was also surprised learning that Spain wants the Rock returned to them, too. Visiting here was astonishing because Spain is right outside, but peeps living on the Rock-everyone uses British currency. Everyone in McDonald's spoke with a British accent! http://gibraltar.costasur.com/ http://www.gibnet.com/tourist/basics.htm http://www.gibnet.com/tourist/general.htm http://www.andalucia.com/gibraltar/home.htm

The rock of Gibraltar is indeed something very, very special. Just the thought of all sailors that…read morefor thousands of years that have shared this grand view is breathtaking. Lord Nelson, Marco Polo, Vasco da Gama are just a few that have passed this mighty rock. The view from the top of the Rock is just as breathtaking as its history. If possible - wait for clear skies before going to the top. It is worth it. Clear days it is possible to see far along the Spanish coast and across the sea to Africa. And - beware of the apes. No kidding. Already when docking at the top they may enter the cabin in search for food. According to the guards they are calmer and nicer in the morning than in the hot afternoon.

An idyllic place to study for a young art student & I was…read moreone. Inspiring place, once owned & leased by Lord Methuen to the Bath Academy of Art Once a royal Saxon manor it was later designed to house flemish master paintings.The gardens are lovely. Designed by Capability Brown complete with peacocks & a Ha-Ha.There are state rooms to visit & a picture gallery.Now the Art college has returned after 20 years,the current owner James Methuen Campbell, said: I am especially happy that artists will continue to draw inspiration from these beautiful surroundings; the setting here is unique.

Long country walk to the shell of a mansion. Good audi tour…read moreas you wander around the ruin, and then they turn the fountain on which is spectacular. Finish it off with tea and cake as the church tea rooms The Perfect Sunday afternoon

The ancestral home of the Washingtons in Britain offers 'a gentle stroll through three centuries of…read moreEnglish history' and houses the largest UK collection of George Washington memorabilia. A favourite place to visit for our Banbury team.

This is a wonderful historic site. The morning tours are longer, but we did an afternoon tour due…read moreto our schedule (wish we had done the longer tour!). There is a lot to see and the grounds and gardens are beautiful. The tea room is lovely and has very nice refreshments. I particularly enjoyed reading about how the home was acquired and turned into a historic site, the article is posted on the wall in the cafe. It's a bit of a drive from London but well worth it for those interested in the Washington family history or historic house museums of the period!

The Pulteney Bridge in Bath is one of only four bridges in the world to have retail shops spanning…read moreboth sides of the bridge. Construction of the stone arch bridge was completed over the River Avon in 1774. Crossing the bridge (I was on a bus) has a very Old World feel. I was excited by the history and seeing the little shops on the bridge. The shops were packed with tourists.

Bath's iconic architecture is one of the many reasons why the city is a designated UNESCO World…read moreHeritage site, from its Roman origins to the fashionable eighteenth-century designs that form many of the city's most recognizable buildings. The guide informed us that the historic bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides. (he meant Inhabited Bridges where shops/houses are built on the bridge) 1. Ponte Vecchio, Florence 2. Krämerbrücke, Germany 3. Pulteney Bridge, UK 4. Ponte di Rialto (Venice) I had been to #1,3,4 now. Pulteney Bridge is an impressive structure, its three arches sitting astride the River Avon, a splendid backdrop to the crescent-shaped river weir. The bridge in Bath is one of the most photographed examples of Georgian architecture in the city. it was designed in 1769 by Robert Adam and named after Frances Pulteney, wife of William Johnstone Pulteney. He had grand plans to create a 'new town' to rival that of John Wood's on the west side of the city. His grand scheme needed a new bridge, and he didn't want just any old bridge; he wanted a spectacular bridge, one which everyone would talk about, and that's how this came into existence.

Beautiful spot in the Cotswolds to sit and let the day wind away, very picturesque next to the…read moreriver windrush lots of history to find out about and beautiful old ruins great for photography and art drawing etc. I have spent many a day with my young children having picnic and playing with friends even making dens. You can also walk into the ajoining field and go and look at the old dove cot too, this does belong to the house baking onto the church grounds but they are happy for you to look. Also the church of the same site is also a must look, great features inside and as always beautiful stained glass.

What a fantastic day out. This place offers a lot for family's…read more Great value for £8 per adult and £5 for children over two, under twos are free ! The grounds are fantastic lots of open space for the children to wonder and explore and also paths that follow through the trees and gardens. There's a big adventure playground full of lots to explore, zip wire, slide climbing frame etc. There were also blow up slides and a paddling pool. There was a separate area with Wendy houses, trampolines and a climbing frame for the smaller children which was in a really nice relaxing area. You can get up close with pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens in Pet's Corner. There is 66 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland walks, the views across the River Severn and Wales and spectacular ! There's also a cafe and shop. The cafe is really nice I had a caramel latte with a cheese and chutney sandwich came to £5.50 wich Is good value. Plenty of parking available. Overall a fantastic day out which was really enjoyed by all.

Old Down Country Park is not your typical stately home. It is a farm/zoo/park/house. Great for the…read morewhole family too. They have large lawn areas for picnics, a café for those who didn't pre-prepare food, and lots and ltos of animals. Expect to find your typical farm animals. Goats? Check. Pigs? Check. Sheep? Check. Ponies? Check. Wallabies????check!!! Entry is only a fiver and you can spend the whole day there (weather permitting) walking along the Victorian walls and cooing at all the cute animals.

The ancestral home of John Harvard, founder of America's most famous University - HARVARD! Actually…read morethis was his mother's home, built in 1596 it is a fine example of an Elizabethan town house. Harvard House is the home of the Museum of British Pewter. The Museum houses an extensive Neish Collection which illustrates the history of two thousand years of British pewter.The collection includes some rare and unique pieces including Roman items and medieval pilgrim badges. This is an interesting place and well maintained. A fun and educational place for kids.

The Harvard House spreads its exhibits over the three floors of the old building and seems to be…read moreaimed more at children or teenagers. It has several hands-on interactive exhibits and little note cards telling of customs of the olden days. It's quite interesting, but nothing much to rave about. It's part of the three-houses ticket of the Shakespeare houses, so if you're going to see the birthplace, you might as well check this one out too. I'm not sure if it's worth it in its own though.