Trinity Bridge, Crowland, England was built 1360. This is an unusual 3-way bridge that now sits…read morehigh & dry in the center of Crowland. Sure enough, the River Welland now flows on a dead straight course to the west of the town along what is termed the Deeping High Bank. The Trinity or Triangular Bridge is said to be unique. Certainly, it is unusual and rather special. It stands in the middle of the town, at the junction of North, South, East and West Streets. Before the town was bypassed by the A1073 leading south to Peterborough, it was a familiar landmark for through traffic. It holds at least one mystery the identity of its mysterious carved stone figure, which people still argue about. The story of the bridge goes back to the 7th century when this part of the country was very different a time when England was divided into many kingdoms and when lonely saints found their way to remote islands. Some say it is King Ethelbald, complete with royal orb. Far more likely is that the statue is a representation of God or Jesus holding the world in His hands. If so, it bears a striking resemblance to statues on the surviving west front of the abbey and it is more than likely taken from there and placed in a more lowly position on the bridge. The current bridge dates to the 14th century (built between 1360 and 1390) and replaced previous wooden bridges but the earliest known mention of the bridge is by Ethelbald of Mercia in 716. The early bridge was probably made of timber, and not a trace survives. What we see today has an odd triangular design it has three arches but is one structure hence its name 'Trinity' or three in one. This came about because in those days it stood at the point where the River Welland divided into two streams. One led past the abbey at the water gate on the south side of the abbey site and the townspeople used it for sanitary and sewerage purposes. It drained into the River Nene. The main branch of the Welland meanwhile carried on northwards towards Spalding. These waterways were eventually covered over by the current street pattern. Arched over, they now serve as sewers. The bridge at one time had a large cross at its apex. It may have been used as a platform by preaching monks and as a centre of devotion for pilgrims approaching the abbey. During the Middle Ages it had gentle slopes leading upwards in more recent times steep steps have been substituted. If you are close by it is well worth taking time out to see the bridge and the abbey.

Burghley House is one of the grandest Elizabethan stately homes in the UK, and is surrounded by…read moregardens and extensive parkland. It has been used in over a dozen films and TV productions, including "Pride & Prejudice", "The Da Vinci Code", "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"; and "The Crown". To understand the significance of the house, a little history is helpful; it was built by Sir WIlliam Cecil (1520-1598), later Lord Burghley. He was one of the pre-eminent advisors of the Tudor period, and the closest advisor to Elizabeth I for most of her reign, acting variously as Secretary of State, Lord High Treasurer and Lord Privy Seal. His impressive tomb is in St Martin's church, in nearby Stamford. The house was built to reflect his status, paid for by the wool wealth from the Burghley estates, and his substantial income from the state appointments. As such, it is sometimes referred to as a "Prodigy House", one built on a palatial scale by noble families and courtiers, and capable of housing visiting Tudor and Stuart monarchs and their extensive retinues. The house itself was built between 1555 and 1587, and the exterior is largely faithful to this period. The design reflects the transition from a mediaeval courtyard house, with the Elizabethan desire for symmetry, to the emerging classical tastes of the Renaissance. The profusion of obelisks, turrets, chimneys and pennants is, however, thoroughly Tudor in style, and gives the house its unmistakeable profile. The interiors were not completed at Burghley's death, and reflect the emerging Baroque tastes of the 17th and early 18th centuries. There are 35 major rooms, many incredibly opulent, including those painted trompe d'oeil walls and ceilings by Antonio Verrio in 1697-99. A number of the rooms include stained glass windows, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The house also contains an impressive collection of over 300 paintings acquired by the 5th and 8th Earls of Exeter, mostly from Italy, as well as an important collection of Japanese export porcelain from the 17th century, and 18th century English furniture. Tours include the impressive Tudor kitchens, although the route doesn't enter through the main courtyard entrance, so it can be a bit puzzling. Much of the house remains in private occupation, though there is a lot to see in what is open to the public. The audio tours are very helpful at putting the interiors and collections into context, in what otherwise can a feel a slightly overwhelming experience. The gardens include a formal "Garden of Surprises" with a number of water features, a sculpture park, and more extensive parkland, modelled in the 18th century by Capability Brown. You can buy tickets just for the gardens, or a combined ticket for both gardens and the house. I'd leave at least an hour for the house, though we took two hours to go around (it all depends on your appetite for art and architecture). There's a cafe-restaurant in the Orangerie, and a smaller "Garden Cafe". We ate in the latter: it is a little pricey, but I found the food to be a cut above your average sandwich, and they had locally made ice cream as an extra treat.

It's okay. Very expensive for not great touring…read more Your ticket gets you into the gardens and house but only a very small portion of the home is available for viewing. In this section there are an astounding number of paintings but most are copies or unattributed. The furniture is beautiful. The gardens are pleasant but garden is a loose term. The best part was the mirror maze and the lake overlook but there were sparse plantings and almost no flowers. The orangery is one food option but the food is incredibly esoteric for a small, over priced cafe. The chicken tenders are a mediocre but safe option. Not impressed, wouldn't go back

The Estate: Elton Hall lies at the heart of a 3,800 acre Estate made up of a mixture of property…read moreincluding farms, houses and cottages, commercial property and woodland. The Estate straddles the Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire borders and is well located for access from the East and West along the A14 and A47 and is 86 miles North of London, just off the A1.

.This historic estate holds antique fairs and other events I have been several times and always…read moreenjoyed myself.

Pleasant, especially on a day with nice weather.read more

Good place to come to once with kids I think. Need lots of imagination for some exhibits (this tiny…read moreblack stick is three thousand years oldwooohoooooooooo). But has good outdoor sets and detailed historical displays. I'm probably not the best judge here but I would recommend it once.

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.

Kirby Hall is an amazing place. You can go inside and walk around looking at the sky as there is no…read moreroof in parts of it. A family ticket caost about £12.00 and is well worth it to get a little glimpse of the gradour. The hall has been used in some filming including Jane Austin's Mansfield Park. The gardens ane beutifully kept, there is access for disabled,a small shop,picnic area and toilets

Although barely more than an uninhabited and ruinous shell, this fine Elizabethan house still…read moredisplays many of the ornate external features that formed part of the original building, which dates from 1570. Kirby Hall was built for Sir Humphrey Stafford, a distant family descendant of the Earls of Stafford, but he died before the work was completed, and the property was sold to Sir Christopher Hatton. Financial difficulties eventually caught up with the family successors, resulting from the cost of continual improvements and maintenance, coupled with the vast sums of money lavished on entertaining. Inevitably, Kirby Hall's importance began to decline during the 18th century, and by the middle of the 19th century this imposing and beautiful family home had been deserted, neglected, and subjected to shameful destruction in order to pay off a substantial gambling debt. Thank fully the national trust have tried to preserve this magnificent home and it really is breathtaking.

Oxburgh Hall is a place that shouldn't be missed when visiting the area. It sits within a moat and…read moreis a great example of English brick gatehouses of the 15th century. It was originally built circa 1482 by Sir Edmund Bedingfeld and has been continuously occupied by the family ever since. There have been several upgrades as well over the years...centuries. There are Victorian additions that were added later in the 1800's like the terracotta chimneys and windows along with amazing gardens to name a few. It has always been used as a home, and not a fortress. The home has seen the War of the Roses, survived a fire and near demolition prospects and still stands. It is truly an amazing place to visit and I'm happy it's under the care of the National Trust. The hall is known for its "Priest hole". In the event of a raid a priest could hide in the wall and couldn't be found. This is open to the public, whereas most like it are closed. That makes this is a fantastic historical opportunity alone. I must say, it is a little unsettling to go into the hole and you definitely get the idea of how the priest must have felt. The home is also known for the needlework on display by Mary, Queen of Scots while imprisoned in England and Bess of Hardwick. You can also tour the Kings Room where King Henri VIII stayed when visiting. Photos are not allowed inside...darn it, but you are welcome to take pictures of the grounds and such. You can obtain books and postcards in the gift shop. This review was overdue and I simply can't believe that I didn't finish it. But I'm even more surprised that no one else has reviewed this place when it is so extraordinary. It shouldn't be missed if you are in the area. If you are a history buff like us, then you'll truly enjoy it. Gee Whiz info...the name is pronounced: "OX bru" Note: I also recommend becoming a member of the National Trust. They do great things and keep history alive. Whether you are from or live in the UK or just visiting from outside the country...it's well worth it and goes to a great cause...it's a win/win for all!