A Regal Day Out

This summer why not head on over to Arundel Castle for a truly regal experience. A Castle has stood guard over the people of Arundel since 1067, when on Christmas day William the Conqueror’s most loyal baron, Roger de Montgomery was awarded a third of Sussex. One of the longest inhabited country homes in England – the seat to the Dukes of Norfolk – there are a…

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)…

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…

Birdworld: where flamingos roam …

I am often reminded by my Godmother (A3Traveller herself) of what I was like as a child – I am sure that I am not the only one who is!  She has two favourite tales to tell.  The first how as a blonde ringlet-ed child, in pink dungarees, I tried to pick up cannon balls…

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…

The alternative Nelson’s column

When you come from a major naval port like Portsmouth, you can’t help but be aware of the daring exploits of the ‘senior service’ – as my mother (a former Wren) always referred to the Royal Navy – and Lord Horatio Nelson. Though from childhood, I knew of Nelson’s various memorials dotted around the city and…

Pawprint Series: Queen’s Inclosure

When you move to the country and have a faithful Hound to walk, fellow dog walkers immediately tell you of their preferred routes and one is quite close to me – Queen’s Inclosure. It’s an Inclosure rather than an Enclosure so the signs tell me and was probably named in honour of Queen Victoria.  It…

Singular Statues: #11 Sir John Betjeman

It was only when reading coverage of Martin Jennings’ recent statue of Charles Dickens, just unveiled, that I recalled that I have seen his work – and admired it – before.  It’s at St Pancras International and it’s a statue dedicated to Sir John Betjeman who was instrumental in the fight to save Sir John…