The ‘Stinky’ Gas Light Tour: Tyneside’s ‘Fart’ Lamps
They were nicknamed ‘fart lamps’ in Edwardian times and caused quite a stink in their day. The gas sewer lamps of North Tyneside were unusual engineering wonders.
Starlight Castle – Northumberland’s Ruined Folly
Starlight Castle is an intriguing name. It sounds like a Romantic castle or a Gothic house perched high on a hill in a novel by Mary Shelley or Bram Stoker. But what’s the story behind this mysterious castle not far from where I live in North East England? […]
Tourism in The Lake District: Life After Lockdown
Having a holiday or weekend break is something we’ve all taken for granted over the last few years. But the travel industry changed beyond recognition in the blink of an eyelid when the Covid-19 pandemic struck . The world of travel is now a very different place to […]
Van Gogh in Britain – A Lust for English Life?
If you ask the average man or woman in the street to name a famous painter, they’d probably pick Vincent Van Gogh. He’s one of the most memorable artists who ever lived with his vibrant paintings which strike a powerful emotional chord. Van Gogh has been immortalised in […]
Christian Dior – The Love of Couture
Christian Dior – his very name conjures up images of elegance, style and beautiful clothes. This was a man who was a giant of French couture whose clothes were renowned for being jaw droppingly gorgeous, but beyond most people’s means. That’s not to say we shouldn’t admire them, […]
Birdwatching – How to Spot Hundreds of Birds
Bird watching is a funny old game. Birders love nothing better than to count the numbers of birds they’ve seen every year. The more species the better, the rarer the birds, the greater the satisfaction. I’m not immune to the challenge of counting birds. This year, I’ve managed […]
Aldborough’s Hidden Roman Town
It’s hard to imagine that the sleepy town of Aldborough was once on the front line of the mighty Roman Empire. Today, it’s a charming but sleepy backwater in north Yorkshire, by-passed by motorists who zoom past on the A1 on their journeys to bigger places. But back in the 2nd Century, Aldborough was […]
The ‘Jitties’ – Broseley’s Hidden History
Fancy a trip to The Jitties? It’s an odd name. A jitty sounds like a bad case of stomach ache or an anxiety attack. Or perhaps a type of boat? But you’d be wrong. Actually, they are hidden alleyways bursting with history, lying off the beaten track in deepest Shropshire. ‘The Jitties’ are a maze of […]
Great English Travel Destinations
Looking back over the last 12 months, I was struck my how many great breaks I’ve enjoyed in the UK. I’ve not had the chance to get abroad much this year so short holiday trips close to home have been a treat. From the wilds of Dorset and the craggy coasts of Cornwall […]
Northumberland – Great Days Out
Northumberland is one of Britain’s most beautiful counties, but this wild and wonderful place is also one of the least visited. It’s on my doorstep so no surprise that I’m its biggest fan. With fabulous beaches, historic castles and a stunning coastline, it’s a shame that more people haven’t discovered its […]
