England Self Catering

Echo Beach, first broadcast in the UK in 2008, was a brand new idea. Although it was a soap, the show was there to link up with a comedy series called Moving Wallpaper. The show preceded Echo Beach, following the “story writers” deciding on the story lines for that weeks filming. The programmes were cleverly linked with items and plots discussed in Moving Wallpaper appearing in the Echo Beach episode that followed. The Cornish town of Polperro provided the backdrop of the fictional town of Polnarren, with many locations used around the local area.

Read more on the Polperro Guide website: Echo Beach and Polperro.

Evidence of settlement have been found dating as far back as the Iron Age. There are no real records until after the Roman Conquest when Shropshire was colonised. The settlement we know as Wem was founded by the Saxons and called Wamm. This name came from the marshes that are found around the River Roden which runs through the town. Over the centuries the name has been corrupted, finally settling on Wem.

In 1202 Wem was granted a Market Charter by King John. Until 1351 the market was held on a Sunday, when it moved to a Tuesday. The market is still held on a Tuesday in the town today.

The Shaldon Bridge crosses the River Teign; this bridge has had many ghost sightings and reports are extremely recent – only going back to the mid 90s. Apparently, a young boys clothing was found on the bridge – no one ever owned up to owning the clothes and nobody has ever been found. Another person reported seeing a tall, cloaked figure in the middle of the bridge. Seconds later, he had disappeared as quickly as he showed up…

Read more about the ghosts and legends of Devon at Teignmouth Online.

If action is your thing, Padstow and the areas around here serve up a simply stunning amount of water-sports activities, from surfing to sailing to water skiing, you name it, it all within very easy reach from this highly popular location, or for the less adventurous, how about a relaxing boat trip either up the River Camel or across to the other side of the river to the village of Rock, nick named by locals Chelsea on the Sea, for it’s very expensive homes and residences. Again from here the choice of activities and beaches is truly bewildering. Padstow really does have something for everyone! (more…)

Bamburgh lies on the North East Coast of England, but this wasn’t always the case. In Neolithic times, it is thought that the sea level was much lower than it is today and the current coastline was well inland.

Evidence of neolithic nomads has been found in the area of Bamburgh in the shape of tools. It is thought that people soon settled to farm the fertile lands of the area including a period of deforestation during the Bronze Age. (more…)

One of the most famous legends associated with Cornwall, particularly Tintagel, is that of King Arthur. What is fiction and what is fact with regards to King Arthur is somewhat blurred, although the story remains as compelling as ever. (more…)

The White Cliffs of Dover are not only a National Treasure but an important historical site overlooking the English Channel, facing the Strait of Dover and France.

The cliff face reaches up to 350 feet high and is a brilliant white colour due to it’s composition of chalk with thin streaks of black flint.

Facing towards Europe across the narrowest part of the English Channel, the cliffs have been host to many historical invasions. They have also become a symbol of ‘returning home’ to many travellers, particularly prior to air travel.

A village has been on the site of Castleton since at least 1086, when it was mentioned in the Domesday Book. The settlement was linked to Peveril Castle which overlooks the town.

Peveril Castle gets its name from William Peverel who was granted Royal Manors of the Peak shortly after the Norman Conquest. It is suggested that he may have been the illegitimate son of William I. The castle was constructed to overlook the Hope Valley and Cave Dale, protecting the valleys. The castle was of traditional construction, with a central square keep and curtain walls.

Castleton continued to thrive, and prospered from Lead Mining, with the Odin Mine lying close to the village. It is the oldest documented mine in Derbyshire and one of the oldest in England.