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.

I have a soft spot for Anthony Gormley's work, so much so I was even one of the lucky ones that…read morestood on the 4th Plinth in London. The statue represents the traditional skills of Birmingham and the Black Country practised during the Industrial Revolution. The controversy of public opinion when it was installed makes me further believe that it really does represent the Brummie and Yam-Yams naysaying nature. I can't really recall why it was so hated back in 1993 when it was given as gift from the Trustee Savings Bank, but when they moved down south there was an outcry that the Iron: Man should be moved with them. I love that it started out as an untitled work until the Iron Man nickname stuck, only for the artist to insist on making his own stamp by insisting on a stupid colon in the middle. Brilliant! Maybe my soft spot for Gormely is because he utilises many local resources to make his large scale iron works with the Iron:Man being cast at Bradley and Fosters Castings (now Firth Rixson Castings) in Willenhall. Whether you love or hate it this 6m tall, leaning man whose feet are sunk in the ground is worth a look.

The most overlooked art in victoria square. I love this art by one of my favourite artist/sculptor.read more

Founded in the 13th century by King John, the ruins of Halesowen Abbey are a pleasing reminder of…read morethe area's medieval history. The ruins are now under the stewardship of English Heritage and can be visited on foot free of charge (there is no on-site parking, so it best to ark on a nearby housing estate or on the Black Horse pub car park). They sit in the middle of a large field just off the Halesowen bypass/Manor Way. Not much of the abbey remains, though there is a relatively intact gothic archway to admire. Many of the buildings have been incorporated in the nearby farm. It isn't exactly a "must visit" site, but the abbey is probably worth a gander if you are curious and passing by. As Dr Johnson once declared: "It is worth seeing but not worth going to see."

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 .

'What's so landmark and historic about a small, anonymous residential road on the edge of Oldbury?'…read more I hear you ask. Well in the case Apollo Road, what's so special about it is that it's where Kevin Rowland lived in the late 1970s, around the time he formed Dexys Midnight Runners. When I moved to this part of the world, I knew that he had once lived round here and was chuffed to find that the leader of one of my favourite bands had lived just a few minutes stroll from own doorstep. However, anyone expecting blue plaques, guided tours or people dancing round in dungarees will be sorely disappointed. Despite it's significance in local music history, Apollo Road does still remain a small, anonymous residential road on the edge of Oldbury. Only really worth a look if you're a big Dexys fan and want to walk down the road trying to work out which house he lived in, whilst humming 'Geno'. That's what I did anyway, and it made me feel good.

Currently nestled under scaffolding, The Clock Tower is a former Adult Education College whose…read morerather grand exterior dominates the High Street. I used to do yoga here (before heading off to The White Horse afterwards for a pint - oops!) and it ran all sorts of classes - wine appreciation, life drawing, languages, keep fit etc until just over 2 years ago when it became obvious from the chunks of roof coming away that it needed some fairly major refurbishment. Thankfully the building itself has been saved and it's hoped that the space will be transformed into a rather exciting mixed development consisting of a up to three restaurants, a cookery school, a public square and 10 luxury apartments. The Clock Tower itself was constructed in 1881 as a school and designed by Martin & Chamberlain in gothic red brick and terracotta. According to local records the actual clock face was made just a few doors away. The building was closed as a school after 1961 - here's hoping its next incarnation will be a successful one.

As a fan of the arts and crafts movement Wightwick Manor was a delight to visit, home of the…read moreManders family (manders paint) the house was built in the 1880s in the style of a medieval manor house. The guided tour of the house was informal and informative, the rooms are in there original decor the only alterations that have been made are for health and safety reasons and you wouldnt notice if not shown. William Morris wallpaper and textiles William de Morgan tiles its an alladins cave of treasures. The gardens are well kept , and very pretty . There if a tiny tearoom where i had the best sandwich ,ever stilton and apple yum.The National Trust maintain this property but the family still keeps a flat in the house for their own use. Admission is by timed tickets and openings vary so it might be worth phoning beforhand well worth a visit (tel 01902 761400)

A lovely property, wonderfully preserved by the National Trust…read more I honestly do not think you will find a better example of the arts & crafts movement anywhere. There is an enormous amount of William Morris interior items - in fact the house stands pretty much as a William Morris museum. A lovely exterior too with quaint and attractive gardens.

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.