You have heard the throwaway phrase, 1066 and all that – but when you visit Battle (yes, the name of a village in East Sussex), with its rather impressive castle, you are aware you are stepping in the footsteps of history. For this was the start of Norman Britain – the last successful military invasion of…
Category: Travel
The World’s Longest Bench?
Sometimes I come across objects on my travels which really do stir my imagination. In the rather traditional beach resort of Littlehampton in West Sussex, I came across – what I am told is – the world’s longest bench. It is apparently 324 m long (1,062 ft), is still growing and offers a seafront perch to all…
A Beach Hut is a peculiar thing …
Have you ever wondered why The Beach Hut exists and people spend thousands trying to obtain prime huts in key locations? Apparently, reports say there are 23,000 of them up and down our coastline. I keep looking at them, and for me, I just don’t really get it – I don’t understand their allure. My…
South Parade Pier: A shadow of her former self
I’ve lived in Southsea, Portsmouth for a good part of my early life and find the sad demeanour of South Parade Pier a little hard to take. I worked as a student in the gift shop at the Pier’s entrance when the Pier was at the centre of a thriving tourism industry. My brother can…
A touch of Downton …
With the new series of Downton Abbey about to hit our screens, why not fit in a visit to Stansted Park in Hampshire? I have long intended to visit but for some reason or other, I put it off until a couple of weeks ago. Now I wish I had visited sooner and I will definitely…
Mottisfont – a Hampshire find
It was the name that spoke to me – Mottisfont – I have never heard of it and until I joined the National Trust, it would have remained a mystery. Thank goodness I joined for this is a spectacular house – and one of the few that I have seen that was successfully transformed from…
Regal Ruin – Fishbourne Roman Palace
I suppose the Roman Palace at Fishbourne can be termed a ruin? It’s definitely a well thought out attraction with enthusiastic staff who bring the remains to life and you find yourself pondering about life in Roman Britain. It’s one of the biggest villa complexes in Europe – discovered by a workman in 1960 –…
Country Pub Series: The Queen’s, Selborne
Whilst visiting the gorgeous village of Selborne in Hampshire, I felt the need for sustenance …. after all, wandering around a museum, gardens and looking at village churches takes its toll on a girl. Locals directed us to an historic inn that crossed all the “t’s” and dotted all the “i’s” – The Queens, formerly known…
Loseley House – A little gem hidden in the Surrey Hills
I have passed the sign to Loseley House on the A3 countless times – but have never really had any idea of what it signified. At a loose end one bright summer’s day, I decided to join the 130,000 or so other annual visitors to satisfy my curiosity. Loseley House is situated within 1,400 Surrey acres of which…
Regal Ruin: Waverley Abbey – a treasure lost
I love a good ruin and heard via a friend about the remains of Waverley Abbey located on a peaceful loop of the River Wey in Surrey, now looked after by English Heritage. It’s free to visit and can be accessed within “any reasonable time in daylight”. This Abbey was the first Cistercian house to be established…
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