England Self Catering

The market town of Brandon has a population of around 8,500 and lies mainly in Suffolk, although part of it is in Norfolk territory. The town lies next to the Little Ouse river and near Thetford Forest.

The range of tourist activities in the town and surrounding area is impressively varied. Nature lovers will appreciate the walking, cycling and relaxing opportunities presented by High Lodge Forest Centre, while music fans can enjoy the top quality concerts offered in the same place. (more…)

In the county of Suffolk, Halesworth is a charming market town which sits on the River Blyth. Located in north east Suffolk, the town has a population of around 6,000 and a rich background in agriculture and brewing.

St Mary’s church is one the town’s standout buildings, while the old Almshouses and the many interesting old buildings lend a very picturesque quality as well as historical value to Halesworth. As the town houses the country’s biggest Millennium Green it is easy to reach the countryside and enjoy nature in all its glory. (more…)

The town of Chagford in Devon has a population of around 1,500 and is located on Northeastern edge of Dartmoor. Beautifully positioned above the River Teign, it proudly shows its ancient roots but has also managed to keep with times enough to provide modern facilities to the many tourists who come here. (more…)

The Hampshire village of Brockenhurst is the most populated settlement within the delightful New Forest area. Being part of the New Forest you do not have to go far to see deer and cows wandering freely or to enjoy lovely country walks among babbling streams, blossoming flowers and ancient trees. (more…)

In the county of Shropshire, Whitchurch is a small, pretty market town which houses some lovely architecture from various points in its long history. It also holds a couple of interesting records. Not only is it the oldest inhabited town in Shropshire but it is also home to JB Joyce Tower Clocks, the world’s oldest tower clock making company. Being the base for a company which has been turning out clocks for cities all around the world since the 17th century makes it easier to explain the number of fine clocks which are to be seen around town. (more…)

The history of Potter Heigham is strongly linked to its location on the River Thurne, firstly seen as a strategic point on the Norfolk river system and then as an attraction for the tourist boating industry.

The original name for the area seems to have been Staunford, while the 12th and 13th centuries saw the village’s name changed from Hecham to Hegham Potere to Potteres Hecham, with the area’s fame for it’s pottery industry showing in the new name. (more…)

Buxton is a market town in the High Peak district of Derbyshire which sits on the River Wye and which has several claims to fame. Not only can tourism in the town be traced back several centuries, thanks largely but not entirely to the famous thermal spring waters which well up here, but it also the proud holder of several interesting titles. “Highest market town in England”, “Culture capital of the Peak District” and “Gateway to the Peak District National Park” are all names which are used to describe this ancient Roman town, and all give tantalising hints of the wealth of activities which are on offer in and around Buxton.

Despite being regarded as the biggest town within the Peak District, Buxton is a smallish town of around 20,000 residents which has managed to maintain it’s identity and independence despite the nearby presence of larger cities like Manchester and Sheffield. The Roman’s name for the settlement of Aquae Arnemetiae (spa of the goddess of the grove) shows that the benefits of the local water was already well known during their time here, and since then the charms of the local architecture and the proximity to natural attractions along with the wide variety of the cultural offerings in town have been attracting tourists to Buxton.

As is to be expected from a town with such a long history of tourism, and which is regarded as being of being one of the pioneers of leisure tourism, there is an excellent infrastructure in place for visitors, with hotel, shops, restaurants, sight seeing trips and cultural events all easily available. Amongst the delights which can entice the traveller to stay on a little longer are the limestone caverns known as Poole’s Cavern and which contain the biggest stalactite to be found locally, the Annual Buxton Festival, the peaceful Pavilion Gardens, the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival and the elegant architecture found throughout this charming town.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing break in the country, a trip to a town steeped in rich history or the chance to enjoy a colourful carnival or festival you will find that Buxton offers a wide varieties of treats and entertainment.

The history of Canterbury cathedral is rich and famous around the world. Not only is this cathedral haunted by ghosts, but it has been home to many great events of history. It is famously known as the site where Thomas Becket was killed by knights sent by Henry II in 1170. It is still possible to see the very spot of his murder.

However, the ghosts that haunt Canterbury cathedral are unrelated to Becket’s bloody murder. The ghost of another Archbishop, Simon Sudbury, is said to roam the Cathedral. He too was murdered in 1381, and his body and head were buried separately though his ghost has both a head and body.

One of the most well-known ghosts of the cathedral is Nell Cook, who was once a servant there. She poisoned her employer upon discovery that he was having an affair, which killed both the man and his lover. This act led to Nell being buried alive under the passage known as the Dark Entry.

It is now thought that Nell’s ghost haunts that passageway, and she is often spotted after darkness on Friday evenings. Those who are unfortunate enough to spot the ghost are said to perish not long after.

Blackpool Illuminations is an annual festival founded in 1879 which is held each autumn in the town.

The festival runs annually for sixty six days, spanning from late August until early November The amazing array of lights run for six miles and are believed to use over one million light bulbs. The display stretches along the Promenade from Starr Gate at the southern end of the town to Bispham.

Originally described as Artificial sunshine the first display consisted of just twelve Arc lamps which gleemed along the Promenade. The first display which showed any resemblece to todays was held in May 1912 to mark the first British Royal family visit to Blackpool when Princess Louise opened a new section of the Promenade, know today as Princess Parade. The Promenade was decorated with what was said be described as festoons of garland lamps using about 10,000 light bulbs.

The event was such a success, that in 1913 the council asked to stage the Illuminations as an end of season event.

In more recent years, BBC Radio 2 have hosted the event with a pre-switch on concert featuring bands, singers and comedians.

Source: Blackpool.

Beach huts of the future will be displayed in an exhibition at a Norfolk resort next month.

The exhibition of futuristic designs came about after a worldwide competition for architects to imagine beach huts in the 21st Century.

More than 240 entries were sent in by architects from 15 different countries across four continents.

The Bathing Beauties exhibition is to be mounted at The Henry Blogg Museum in Cromer from Saturday 4 October.

Jim Bond, the architect who designed the North Norfolk District Council offices, has brought the exhibition to Cromer and his own Top Shed will be one of the 50 or so models on show.

Jim said: “It has special significance as the town lost so many of its beach huts in the November storms – it shows they can be so much more than a painted shed.”

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/7637106.stm