I admit to being fascinated by hovercraft but I have left it until now to hop onto one to travel the short ten minute journey via HoverTravel from Portsmouth over to the Isle of Wight for a day trip. And I am so glad I did – I’ll be using it again soon no doubt! If like…
Category: Hampshire
The Lavender Fields are Calling!
Make a date for your diary as the open days for some of Hampshire’s most beautiful lavender fields – located between Selborne and Alton in Hampshire – will soon be upon us! There are two open day weekends planned – Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July and Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July – 11.00…
Five of the Best: Southern England’s Country Estates
Having been a recent convert to the National Trust and English Heritage, I find myself seeking out places to visit during the weekend and here are some of my favourites. My enthusiasm, as you will see, has even led me to visit independently owned properties too! Little gems all. If you visit Goodwood House for the…
The beauty of architecture: The Grange at Northington
There is something very appealing about a partially derelict building – and something very sad about its abandonment too. My visit to The Grange at Northington evoked both of these emotions but principally, the great pity of an unloved but beautiful house. The track leading up to the mansion is basic, to say the least, but…
The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower is one of the city’s most noticeable landmarks. A Millennium project which finally opened in October 2005, The Spinnaker Tower has since attracted over two million visitors. With views stretching over 23 miles, there are three viewing decks – the first at altitude 100m (328 feet), the second at altitude 105m (344 feet)…
The Garrison Church – a memorial to the fallen
When walking along the seafront, close to Old Portsmouth, I often passed The Garrison Church without really thinking much about it. Finally, one day, seeing the doors open, I entered the building and became intrigued as to history of the site. Research tells me that it was originally part of “Domus Dei”, a hospital founded in 1212…
Singular Statues: #12 – The Pioneer Statue
The Pioneer Statue is located on Broad Street, Old Portsmouth close on the water side to one of the old Sally Ports. It was presented to the City of Portsmouth by The Pioneer Heritage Foundation on 27th August 2001 to act as a “permanent legacy to the commitment of the Europeans who courageously left their…
The first sign of Spring: Hampshire’s golden fields
For me, the ripening fields of bright yellow rapeseed signal the first sign of spring. This year, they seem to have appeared a little earlier than usual along Lovedean and Chalton Lanes near Clanfield, Hampshire. I wonder where the next crops will – well – crop up – as normally, I would expect to be…
HMS Warrior
I fleetingly remember the excitement shown by my mother, an ex-writer wren, when HMS Warrior came to town in 1987. I seem to recall Warrior tea-towels, place settings, mugs and key rings being given to us for birthdays, at Christmas and well, at every opportunity. So truth be told, I never really wanted to hear any…
The best view of The Solent: Portsdown Hill
I would suggest to any Portsmouth visitor that they should first drive up to Portsdown Hill to gain an unbeatable vista over the city and the Solent. Obviously it’s best when the weather is clement but that view is intriguing for me (and most locals) in any weather system. To orientate you, on the left hand…
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