Places are something that I've always found inspiring. The Museum of the History of Science is an inspiring place. Less so because of the setting (which is still grand as a lot of buildings are in Oxford), and more because of the objects it holds. The museum is open Tues-Sun, from 12pm-5pm. It's also free... Continue Reading →
Oh look another ruined building! If you're a regular reader, you'll know these pop up a lot, but this one has a twist - it was ruined on purpose. Scotney Old Castle sits in lovely landscaped grounds, below Scotney New Castle, a Victorian house built to replace it between 1835 and 1843. If you didn't... Continue Reading →
Funny what you find when you're out and about. Take Masseys Folly, a large, red brick Victorian construction complete with two towers and adorned with carvings. It's like something out of a Bronte novel - and it's slap-bang in the middle of a small village in Hampshire. The story behind the folly is just as... Continue Reading →
If there one period of history I love most it's got to be ancient history. The pre-history of the UK holds a special fascination and seeing as I live here, it's easier for me to visit what remains of it. Chysauster Ancient Village near Penzance in Cornwall, is an Iron Age settlement consisting of a... Continue Reading →
If you're not familiar with BBC series "Poldark" let me sum it up - set in Cornwall in the eighteenth century, it focuses on Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner, who's trying to make his fortunes by mining copper, and has a penchant for scything things with his top off. Ok, so there's actually far... Continue Reading →
If you're a regular reader, you'll know I'm rather interested in history and cemeteries. So the 'Roman Dead' exhibition at 'The Museum of London Docklands' was definitely worth a visit. And as an added bonus it was free. The exhibition showcases finds from excavations around London, with the focus being on a stunning sarcophagus... Continue Reading →
Brookwood Cemetery is the UK's largest graveyard. It was built in 1854 and covers around 400 acres. In Victorian times trains carried the dead, divided by class, from the London Necropolis Station to this quiet, leafy town. I've wanted to visit Brookwood ever since reading 'Necropolis: London and its Dead' by Catharine Arnold. I've passed it... Continue Reading →
It's always nice to find an unexpected treat. At 'Velvet Rose' in Whitchurch, we discovered a whole shop full of them. If you love quirky, vintage jewellery, scarves, skirts, gloves and much more, this is the place for you. And as if it was meant to be, I'm now the proud owner of this gorgeous... Continue Reading →
Following in the footsteps of Harry Potter, a visit to the ancient Bodleian Library in Oxford is a treat for fans of the HP movies and of course, books. The Bodleian Library is one of a group of libraries across Oxford collectively known as the Bodleian Libraries. The library tours take place in and around... Continue Reading →
Barcelona is the home of many things - great tapas, Estrella beer, possibly the most famous football club in the world, and modernist architectural legend Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi's buildings and parks are everywhere in Barcelona and his style of architecture is now synonymous with the Catalan city. There's plenty of places to visit, some of... Continue Reading →
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