Brean Down is a natural pier, protruding out between Weston-Super-Mare and Burnham-On-Sea in Somerset. At its very end lies what remains of Brean Down Fort, an eerie ruin. The Down appears to have had settlements on it from the early to middle bronze age. Some Roman artifacts have also been recovered there. Brean Down Fort... Continue Reading →
The Cork Convent Of Capuchos, Portugal
I was browsing through some old photos and discovered a set from a visit to a fascinating convent we visited near Lisbon, Portugal, in 2019. This winding, cramped religious complex was established in 1560 by just eight monks. It's tucked away from the world even now and, curiously, has walls, doors, and windows lined with... Continue Reading →
Sir John Betjeman’s Grave, St Enodoc Church, Cornwall
St Enodoc Church can be found hunkered down in the sand dunes at Trebetherwick, surrounded by a golf course. It's not the usual spot for a place of worship, and the building itself is also a curiousity. This unusual spot might be reason enough to visit, but it also happens to be where you'll find... Continue Reading →
Roman Riches Beneath Your Feet – Placa del Rei, Museu d’Historia de Barcelona
Places to go (when we can go places) I'm digging out and sprucing up blog posts to bring fantastically inspiring places to all you writers out there. Stay safe. Just a few metres underneath the city of Barcelona lies an ancient Roman world. On entering the Museu d'Historia de Barcelona, you first see all the... Continue Reading →
Bedknobs, Broomsticks and Boiling Oil – Corfe Castle, UK
If you're looking for a top class castle ruin, look no further than the dramatic Corfe Castle. Perched above the small town of Corfe in Dorset, it's a popular tourist destination (if you plan to visit, be aware that it will get busy), managed by the National Trust. And as the post title alludes to,... Continue Reading →
Steam Trains and a Harry Potter Footbridge – The Watercress Line, Arlesford, UK
It's not surprising that the Watercress Line, a heritage steam railway line between Arlesford and Alton in Hampshire, has an annual wizardry event. Steam engines are inextricably linked to Harry Potter and the iconic Hogwarts Express. So, if you're a fan of the books it makes for a fantastic day out. And it comes with... Continue Reading →
Seeking Sherlock – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Grave, Minstead, UK
In a quiet corner of a typical English churchyard, lies a man who was definitely not typical. In fact, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, would probably have a few things to say about being buried here at all. All Saints Church in Minstead is a quirky building, added to over the years... Continue Reading →
Visiting Batemans, the Home of Rudyard Kipling
The National Trust house Batemans is nestled in the East Sussex countryside. The 17th Century property is a nice place to visit anyway, but it has an added attraction as the home of Rudyard Kipling. I'm not the biggest fan of his work but you cannot argue with the importance of his works such as... Continue Reading →