Capernwray Hall, stately home and residence of the Founder…read moreof Toarch Bearer Community, Major Ian Thomas. After World War II where he served as an army officer in Germany with the British Army of The Rhine, he dedicated his life and his fortune, mainly his residence and whole property, the Lord Lieutenant of the county of Lancaster home Capernwray Hall, to serve as the central unit to all his enormous religious activities, founding lots of bible school places and establishing regional and local sections of his Toarch Bearer Fellowship all over the world. Here it all began, in 1946, when he set out to buy the castle and to converte it into what it is now, the heart of his sacred movement.

Towering 160m above both what was once the old-money village of Alderly Edge (now a mecca for…read morePremiership footballers and Wags) and the Cheshire Plain in general, the edge has some of the best views of anywhere in the area thanks to the dramatic edge - a steep cliff-like drop. The edge has historic associations with, somewhat incongruously, mining and wizardry, but these days it's a great place to go for a walk with either the kids, the dog, visitors or even a solitary stroll. There are car parks at both the foot of the edge and the top (the latter is the main one) giving the option of a quick trip to the edge itself and back or a longer, more demanding up-and-down walk.

Review 500! Wowzers…read more I'm chuffed that it's this local landmark, as we walked up to Peel Monument on what was probably the loveliest, sunniest first day of Spring that I can remember. Occupying a prominent position on Holcome Hill, you can see the monument from miles around and it serves as a beacon for walkers or those of us that just enjoying getting up to it "because it's there". It's a memorial to Sir Robert Peel, born in Bury, who twice served as Prime Minister and is regarded as the father of the modern British police. On a clear day, which we were lucky coincided with our visit, you can look out across the Greater Manchester landscape to the towns, villages and moorlands beyond. Sit down on the grass and take it all in. There are public footpaths leading up to it from Ramsbottom; we didn't need a map as you could see it above you most of the time. Alternatively, there are lanes you can park on further up the hill as it's a bit of a climb, but definitely worth visiting.

Legend has it that the Abbey on Inchcolm Island in the Forth, began when King Alexander I was…read moreshipwrecked in 1123, and took shelter in a hermit's hovel. After the hermit saved his life, the King decided to build a priory on the Island. In any case it was definitely a priory by the mid 13th century when in 1235 it became an Abbey and grew from there. Inchcolm Abbey is regarded as one of the best preserved medieval monastic building complexes. It really is impressive. To get here you need to get one of two ferry services from Queensferry (make you sure you choose the option to get off at the Island and don't just pay for the cruise) which takes about thirty minutes. Once there you are free to explore the Abbey (and the rest of the island). It really is a great trip, if you're anything like me and generally like ruined piles of stone. But in all seriousness so much of it is still intact, that you really get a feel for the place. Actually it can become a bit maze like with all its stairs and many floors. One particular nerve racking part involves a steep climb up some very small winding stairs. These monks really were midgets! In fact I'm quite surprised Historic Scotland still lets visitors climb these precarious heights, but I'm glad they do. From the top of the tower you get a fantastic view of the Island and across the Forth. It also makes a great family day out, especially with the cruise to boot. Kids love to run around the Island and if its a nice day it makes a perfect picnic venue.

Just because we live in Edinburgh doesn't mean we can't enjoy the city. The folks who run the city…read morecentre (Waverley Bridge) bus tours also run a boat to Inchcolm Abbey. Go for it - an absolutely brilliant and fascinating day out. Couple of tips, buy coffee on board, if you get off at Inchcolm (do, it's amazing) either take a picnic or have a meal before or after the cruise. They only have very expensive bottled drinks and biscuits and chocolate on the island. Take your camera, wear flat shoes and comfy clothes and go for a paddle if its warm. Look out for the seals, so cute. Fantastic day out for all ages.

On my to do list of must sees in liverpool was the Three Graces - The fundamental international…read moresymbol for Liverpool, is the Royal Liver Building, as well as The Cunard and the Port of Liverpool buildings. They are all side by side located on The Pier head in Liverpool. Stunning architecture, all majestic in their own right.

This is the first building you see when your ship arrives at the cruise port. One of the famous…read moreThree Graces it stands out more than the other two. On top of the two towers of the building are statues of Liver Birds which are said to be good luck to sailors and the city. probably one of the most iconic buildings in Liverpool. It is a must see when you visit.

Gawthorpe Hall is an Elizabethan stately home with extensive grounds on the outskirts of Burnley,…read morenow in the care of the National Trust in partnership with Lancashire County Council. It is well worth visiting if you are in the area. The origins of the building lie with the Shuttleworth family, who had owned a nearby manor since the 12th century. They erected a "pele" or "peel tower", a simple but strong defensive structure to defend against incursions by the Scots. In 1600, Richard Shuttleworth began building a new hall, using the original tower as its core (it now forms the staircase). The architect was reputedly Robert Smythson, better known for houses such as Longleat and Hardwick Hall. In 1849, Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth commisioned Sir Charles Barry (the architect behind the Houses of Parliament) to restore the house and add modern amenities. The present house is therefore a blend of 17th and 19th century elements. The exterior is an impressive example of an Elizabethan hall, marking the transition from Gothic to Renaissance architecture. The main areas of interest inside are the dining room and drawing room on the ground floor, and the Elizabethan long gallery upstairs. These are largely in their original form, with the drawing room and gallery retaining impressive 17th century panelling, fireplaces, ceilings and friezes. The bedrooms also have some original furnishings, including an impressive Elizabethan four-poster bed. The rooms and hall are home to paintings on loan from the National Portrait Gallery from the 16th-18th centuries - the largest such collection in the north west of England. The house also contains a selection of the extensive historic textile collection of Miss Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth. These are displayed museum-style, alongside changing exhibitions. The hall is set in extensive grounds, with lovely views down to the River Calder. The extensive outbuildings include an impressive barn and farmhouse, both contemporaneous with the house, although they are not normally open to the public. There is a tea-room - check website for opening times, which vary through the year. The house is open Wednesday-Saturday. There are 4 steps up to the entrance and thereafter level access to the ground floor rooms only: the staircase to the upper floors is narrow - large bags and pushchairs need to be folded and lodged at reception. Light levels are kept low to preserve the fabric of the building; large print and braille guides are available. The reception in the house has a small retail area selling guides and souvenirs. The grounds at Gawthorpe Hall are open every day. There are toilets (including a disabled toilet) in the outbuildings and a large free car park.

A good atmosphere for studing/working on things when your out in nature. You can also fish on the…read moreriver and explore there is a lot to do here

Whalley Abbey is a retreat house and conference centre owned by the (Anglican) Diocese of…read moreBlackburn. As well as organised events, the accommodation is available for weddings and bed & breakfast. The house is set among the ruins of the 14th century Cistercian Abbey, from which it gets its name - the entrance is via an imposing gatehouse. You can visit the ruins for a small fee (access is free for those staying). The house itself contains some original 15th century fabric but was substantially altered in the 19th century, and refurbished in 2005. The accommodation is all en-suite and very comfortable - my only quibbles were that the shower was a little small, and my pillow was hard (I like squishy ones). But the views were magnificent and the formal rooms very impressive. Wifi is available but the signal strength is variable, due to the thickness of some of the walls. (Clearly not an issue in the 14th century.) The food was nice and plentiful, if somewhat traditional in style, though for those booking for weddings etc there are separate packages with a range of choices. There is ample parking but potential visitors would need to ask about level access (there seemed to be quite a lot of steps).

Good because Eleanor's narration left us wanting more. Inside was out of bounds so we were left…read morewith a half hour outside tour and the mini museum of the witches. We were thirsty for much more history than was given but what was given was great. Eleanor was a born story teller and there is so much more to this history than was given. For 2 pound 50 it was a bargain. What stories this castle could tell.

You'd be silly to come all the way to Lancaster without seeing the castle!…read more The castle is still a working court and prison, but you can take tours there seven days a week if you head around back (near the requisite gift shop.) The keep dates to the 12th century and the history of the castle is very interesting. The guides are well informed and fun to listen to, and there are events here throughout the year. When you finish, it's worth heading out front, putting the castle at your back and taking a walk down the street towards town. On the right, you'll see a sign for the Nice Cafe, and inside that building is the tourism office, which always has more info on things to see locally. If you go a few feet further and look left, you will find the Merchant's Pub, one of the oldest and coolest pubs in town. Grab a burger and a pint and enjoy their patio!

I came across this odd landmark a few years ago doing geocaching. Having never seen or heard of one…read morein the UK before I found it rather intriguing. What it is, is a sulphur spring right beside the river tees. The smell of rotten eggs greats you as you approach down a small path but after about 5 minuets the smell no longer seems to be there however if you move away some distance and return it's back like a bad smell. Apparently it has some healing properties according to the Victorians who flocked to taste the waters. Having had a little taste my self it wasn't that inviting. The original fountain was replaced in 2000 but still looks the part (see images). If you are heading up teesdale via Barnard Castle then it's on the way. A small lay-by is provided to park in and then it's just a short 100m walk down a path.

A great place to visit the owner is really friendly and great value for money , see my full review…read moreand photos at http://www.kevinsimon.co.uk/?p=2303