The castle is lovely and grounds are absolutely stunning. Although the structure and landscaping…read moreare lovely, our tour guide felt the need to weave her strong political views into most topics. Examples would be regarding a pitcher/jug that is displayed in one of the glass cases. She said the pitcher "should not be here" and if she had her way "it would be returned" because it was "stolen from a masque." She also said when referring to Dr. Edward Jenner being the first to develop a successful vaccination for small pox that "it really is a question if he were the first." She said he barely beat Africa and Turkey in this world altering vaccine. To which doctors to whom was she referring to in Africa or Turkey? She made a comment of, " My grandfather always said, 'Whatever horrible acts done have been done have been done by the English first.' and I firmly believe this." She was also railing against the decisions of the monarchs before the addition of the parliament. Then she went on to say she wished she could get rid of the current government. A guide should concentrate on the facts and remove biases. It is quite distracting and unnecessary.

What can you say about one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world which is still owned by the…read moresame family from 900 years ago. You have to go. Its where Edward II was murdered with a red hot poker up his fundament .

I almost feel educated!‍ We enjoyed this pre Stonehenge!…read more Keeps getting ! Keeps getting stranger!

The lesser known but older than Stonehenge is often passed by, but I recommend you visit. You are…read moreallowed to get up close and personal with the stones and walk the circle which is very wide. The price of admission is cheap and includes parking per family. £7 for two adults and a car. You can upgrade by buying tickets for a tour and seeing some of the onsite buildings. Note that the parking lot pay machines only take coins but the admission desk takes card. Note your registration if you pay at the admission booth. I also recommend you check out the neighboring town and the Red Lion pub.

Okay, so at one level this is just an artificial mound. But it happens to be nearly 4,500 years old…read moreand, at over 30m in height, is the largest prehistoric artificial mound in Europe. So it something special. It forms part of the Avebury UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby West Kennet Long Barrow, and the Avebury Stone Circle and adjacent avenues (see separate reviews on Yelp), and can be visited as part of a day trip around all of the sites. Excavation has shown the mound was not built in one go, but in a series of enlargements, undertaken between about 2470 and 2350 BC. These included excavation of a series of increasingly larger outer ditches (one of which was water filled), and placing the chalk rubble onto the mound. It is not known what the mound was used for, but it was clearly something of great significance to the Neolithic people, and forms part of the wider Neolithic landscape of henge monuments and burial mounds. Over the course of the following years, a small Roman settlement was built next to the mound, and in mediaeval times, the top of the mound was flattened, possibly for defensive use. Inevitably, over the years, the mound has become the subject of a number of myths and legends. There have been three major campaigns of excavation. The first was financed by Hugh Percy, Duke of Northumberland, in 1776. Overseen by Edward Drax, miners were employed to dig a vertical shaft from the summit to the centre of the hill. They had hoped to discover a burial in the centre, but found nothing. The next attempt in 1849 saw John Merewether, the Dean of Hereford Cathedral, excavating a horizontal tunnel into hill from its base. Again, no burial was found. It is possible that these earlier excavations may have damaged fragile organic remains. I am old enough to remember the third major investigation, which was undertaken between 1968 and 1970. Televised by the BBC, it was a major and regular item on the news. Professor Richard Atkinson excavated a new tunnel on a similar line to Merewether's, and identified three phases of construction. Further work was undertaken in 2000, when it was found necessary to restore part of the mound, which had begun to collapse because of the earlier excavations. This has added significantly to understanding of the complex process of construction. Located alongside the modern A4 road, there's a decent sized car park just west of the site, with a path to a viewing area with information boards. You are no longer allowed to scramble over the mound itself, but a footpath to the north allows a different perspective. You can get another close view from the nearby A4 road if you can brave the traffic (there is a narrow pavement, but with vehicles whizzing close by at 60mph, it is not very pleasant, nor safe for those with children).

This is a sight to see. No solid reason why the Neolithic population spent decades raising a hill…read morethis high. Science has done 3 tunnels over 150 years for discovery, but no result. Each 50 years apart. Why? Another religion or astronomy guess. Done by hand over decades. That would involve generations and continued guidance and a firm purpose. No one is allowed on the hill. Privately owned by one family for many generations to preserve its history. There are sheep trails on it. All done by hand, a basket at a time. . Who decided when it was done. ?

On our Road Trip through England, Wales and Scotland we focused on Castles, Abbeys and walks…read more The Titchfield Abbey we've visited on our first full day here in England. It was a hot summer day. A monday. And only really a handful people on site. Which is surprising, because these are beautiful remains of a former abbey and mansion. It's almost still fully complete even. There's no entrance fee. And even parking is free if you're a member of the EH. If not it's 2£ only. The building is very impressive. Built in the 13th Century it was first in the hand of monks. Then it changed hands under Henry VIII. And was turned into a Tudor mansion. It's quite a sight to behold. And you can walk around the whole site. But as usual: Be respectful, don't climb around and pick up your litter and after your dog (which are allowed here on the site). A very good start for this year's Road Trip. A great place to visit. And there are even one or two lunch options around, if you feel hungry after your visit.

Titchfield Abbey is a ruined former country home, which was itself adapted from an Abbey during the…read moreDissolution. The Abbey was founded in 1222 by the Premonstratensian Order of canons. It was founded as a daughter house of Halesowen Abbey, and endowed both by its founder Bishop Peter of Winchester and Henry III. Never especially wealthy, the Abbey was nevertheless noted for its scholarship and held a substantial library. The Abbey buildings followed a standard plan, albeit on a relatively modest scale. The Abbey seems to have had a quiet and ordered existence, although it's location near the south coast on one of the main routes to France meant it hosted both Richard II and Henry V, and was the location of Henry VI to Margaret of Anjou in 1445. The Abbey was dissolved in 1537, at the behest of Thomas Wriothesely, Chancellor to Henry VIII. Unlike many dissolutions, the Abbott John Salisbury secured a peaceful handover, with pensions provided for the canons and the position of Dean of Norwich for himself in 1539. Wriothesely adapted the buildings to form a n impressive country home for himself, called Place House. The Abbey church itself was converted to a grand gatehouse and accommodation wing, with a long gallery and hall formed around the former cloister. This involved taking down the church tower and chancel. The house hosted Elizabeth I, Edward VI, Charles I and Charles II. It continued in use as a home until the 1780s, when the decision was taken to abandon and deliberately demolish much of the complex to form a romantic ruin. Today it is in the care of English Heritage. The impressive turreted gatehouse forms the larger part of what is visible today, the bare structure enabling much of the former church to be traced. There are also remains of the cloister walls, with the foundations of the demolished buildings traced out on the ground. The site is also known for its collection of decorative mediaeval floor tiles. The adjacent fish ponds have survived but are no longer part of the site. Practicalities: the gravel drive is quite narrow and leads to a gravel car park. Although there is level access the rough surfaces make for challenging wheelchair access. There are no toilets on site.

Grade II listed block of 164 flats designed by American architect Hector O'Hamilton, in Los Angeles…read moreSpanish style. It is a marvellous confection, with lovely tiled detailing. Built in 1935-38, it has worn remarkably well, and still looks 'fabulous, darling' today.

The freehold of San Remo Towers was sold for the first time whilst it remained as a 100% rental…read moreblock in 1992 to Roger Byron-Collins' company Welbeck Estate Group and the Hodge Group. It underwent a major upgrading programme. After several years of overall enhancement the freehold was sold whilst it was still a rental building. In 2000 it's freehold was sold whilst still a rental block by Welbeck and Hodge., The new owners then embarked on a programme of selling off the individual apartments.

West Kennet Long Barrow is a burial chamber, situated in a field about a mile south of Silbury Hill…read moreand a couple of miles south of Avebury Stone Circle and village. As well as being one of the largest and oldest such monuments in the UK, it is also one of the most accessible*, as you can walk right into the burial chambers. The barrow itself is a Neolithic chambered tomb, comprising a long mound of about 100m, part of which has a series of stone lined and roofed chambers, in which nearly 50 people being buried here before the chambers were blocked. It was built in around 3650 BC, making it one of the oldest man-made structures in Britain. The stones which form the walls and ceiling weigh several tons each, making the achievement of building it over 5,500 years ago even more impressive. Practicalities: there is a small lay-by for parking on the A4 road just west of West Kennet, but before you get to Silbury Hill. Alternatively, you could park at Silbury Hill, where there is a better car park, and walk along the A4, although it is a very busy road and not the most pleasant of walks. The plus side is that you get to see more of Silbury Hill. Once at the lay-by, it is a 700m walk (and an ascent of around 50m) along an unmade footpath (and via a "kissing gate") and then alongside a field. In wet weather, it can get very wet and muddy, so proper walking footwear is absolutely essential. bring a torch or phone with light with you, as the burial chambers are pretty dark, and you need to stoop at various places because of low ceilings. It is part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, and in the care of English Heritage and the National Trust. * Accessible in this sense compares with those monuments which are unexcavated and/or more remote. See above for access information: it is not accessible for those using wheelchairs, and involves a 1.5m return walk, up a hill and along unsurfaced footpaths.

The great thing about this site is that it is possible to stand inside the burial chamber and…read morewonder about who built it, why and how it has lasted for so long. It is history that you can touch and walk round. It is a great place to take children to. See Jane Elizabeth for how to get there.

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.

Incredible location, very fun to get to via ferry but you take the 45 minute walk…read more Used by Henry VIII, the Ministry of Defence and now taken over by English Heritage, Hurst Castle offers a varied history. The castle does a good job of showing all the changes that have happened throughout its history. From seeing several different castles open up to the public, Hurst Castle stood out. Would completely recommend the audio tour. Absolute bargain at £2 each with a offer of two audio tours for £3. All the staff were very friendly and know the Hurst ferry staff.

A brilliant day out! The amazing adventure starts by parking…read moreyour car at Keyhaven. You then discover this massive pebbles barrier protecting the marshes from the waves. From very afar you can see the round shape of Hurst Castle: it looks small from there, but don't judge it yet. Walk all the way to the castle by using the barrier and then you'll see that there is more than meets the eye. Entry is about 3 pounds for an adult, which is a true bargain for a National Trust site. There is plenty to see and do and the views are fantastice. There is also plenty of exhibitions about the Bournemouth coastline and life in the castle and its strategic position. All in all, a cheap and great day out for the whole family.

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.

The Tree Cathedral is another hidden gem of Milton Keynes. I walked in the area back in March when…read morethe trees were all bare but even then it looked insanely cool. I've looked up photos of the tree cathedral in full bloom and it's just beautiful. Constructed in 1986 to look like Norwich Cathedral, I'm sure it's a great spot for small ceremonies. It's divided into various sections all meticulously planned which you can read about on the plaque right in front of the cathedral. It has a nice stone path down the center for easy navigation. Upon reading a bit more on the Tree Cathedral when I got home - you can now scatter ashes there. Peaceful and creepy at the same time. The Tree Cathedral can be found opposite of Willen Lake.