Belfast

Belfast takes its name from the Irish 'Beal Feirste', which means the "mouth of the sandbanks". It is the capital city of Northern Ireland and although Dublin in Ireland is nearly twice its size the city has an impressive array of things to see and do.

Known historically as Linenopolis due to its linen industry, the city is also famous for its shipbuilding. The shipyard of Harland and Wolff which built the Titanic now rely on ship and oil rig repairs as well as being involved in the renewable energy sector of industry.

Any visitor to Belfast must visit the Titanic Experience. With its modern ship like building the history of the worlds most famous ship and how it was built is documented here along with interactive tours and realistic rides through a virtual shipyard. 

Although Titanic might be the most famous ship to come from Belfast there were two almost identical ships that went into service called the Olympic and the Britannic.

For all its past troubles a visitor gets the impression that Belfast is very much an up and coming city looking forward to its future. The Europa Hotel once the most bombed hotel in Europe and the famous Crown Bar over the road now restored by the National Trust are just two examples of how things have changed.

The barricades still exist and some police stations look more like heavily protected army bases and the legacy of the troubles can be seen in many murials and banners across the city but finally it looks like the city has a future to look forward to. As with any city it is often the people that make it what it is and the hospitality and friendly nature of the Irish makes Belfast a welcoming place for the visitor. 

The best way to see Belfast is to get a day or weekend ticket on one of the tour buses. These guided tours tell you all about the history of the city and the tour guides are humorous and entertaining. 

For more photos please click here or view on You Tube

Bushmills

Bushmills in County Antrim is situated on the north coast along the Giant's Causeway scenic route. The village is 9 miles from Coleraine and gets its name from the River Bush. 

The village is famous for being the home of the Old Bushmills Distillery which produces fine Black Bush blends and single malt whisky. The village is also very near the Giant's Causeway.

For photos of Bushmills click here

Rope Bridge, Carrick-a-Rede

The rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede near Ballintoy is a busy tourist attraction which is owned by the National Trust. It is a rope bridge spanning 20 metres that connects the mainland to a series of rocks. 

The bridge is reputed to have been built by salmon fishermen. There is still a fisherman's cottage perched precariously on the rock face near the bridge complete with fishing boat which has to be lowered by hoist into the water.

The views along the coast at this point are absolutely stunning and on a fine day you can see Rathlin Island and Scotland from this vantage point.

For more photographs of Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge click here or view on You Tube

Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus is just 11 miles from Belfast and it is one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland. The town has a harbour and is a busy tourist attraction along the Giant's Causeway route. 

With its pretty little harbour records show that the town was established in 1170 after John de Courcy, an Anglo Norman Knight, invaded Ulster and built Carrickfergus Castle on the 'Rock of Fergus' in 1177. The castle is one of the best preserved Norman castles in Ireland.

For more photos of Carrickfergus click here or view on You Tube

Coleraine

Coleraine near the River Bann in the county of Londonderry is a prosperous town with some of the highest property prices in Northern Ireland. The town centre is vibrant and attractive and this busy town is situated along the Giant's Causeway coastal route.

Due to its location the town benefits from tourism and it prides itself in being the best kept town in Northern Ireland. Coleraine has a large number of Polish residents. 

Downhill Demesne

Downhill Mansion House was built in the 18th century for Frederick Hervey the Bishop of Derry. Destroyed by fire it was rebuilt in 1851 only to fall into decay and disrepair after the Second World War. The property and the surrounding grounds are now part of the National Trust.

The Mussenden Temple  formed part of the huge estate that cost an enormous £80,000 to build, a fortune in those days. The entrance to the estate was via the Lion's Gate which still stands. During the Second World War the house was used by the RAF. 

For more photos of Downhill Demesne click here or view on  You Tube

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce castle is situated between Portballintrae and Portrush. It is an amazing piece of architecture especially when you examine how the walls were constructed on steep cliff faces. 

Alongside the castle there existed the Lost town of Dunluce. Recent excavations have uncovered artifacts from the medieval period. Although the castle is very much a ruin it is easy to comprehend how it might have looked in its original state. 

Dunluce Castle is reputed to have been the inspiration for the C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia.

For more photos of the castle click here or watch on You Tube

Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway is according to legend built by a giant. In reality it consists of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns which were caused by an ancient volcanic eruption.This is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 1986. It is also a nature reserve along some of the most beautiful coastline in Europe.

The Giant's Causeway has bee named as the fourth greatest natural wonder in Britain. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland and is operated by the National Trust. Entrance is via a new state of the art building which was specially designed to blend with the landscape and which has a low carbon footprint.

 

The intense volcanic activity around 50 million years ago pushed molten basalt through chalk which resulted in the cooling and contraction leaving the pillar like stone behind. As the molten mass cooled it cracked in a similar way mud cracks under the sun and what you see today is the result of this rapid cooling of the stone.

For more photos of The Giant's Causeway click here or view on You Tube

Londonderry

Derry or officially Londonderry, the walled city, is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. The River Foyle separates both sides of the city with the old walled city being on the West Bank.

Londonderry is always referred to as Derry by nationalists. Known as the Maiden City by virtue of the fact that its walls were never breached. There is a vibrant business community and two busy shopping mall. The city has a host of independent traders and a thriving craft industry. 

The nearby Derry Airport at Eglinton has brought a much needed boost to local tourism for the region. 

For photos of Londonderry click here or view on You Tube

Coleshill

Coleshill is a market town in the North Warwickshire district of Warwickshire, England. It has a population of 6,343 (2001 census). Coleshill is next to the border with the West Midlands just outside Birmingham. Coleshill narrowly avoided being absorbed into Birmingham.

Coleshill dates back to Saxon times, but became important as a staging post on the coaching road from London to Holyhead. At one point there were over over twenty inns in the town.

One of the most notable buildings in the town is the Chuch of St Peter and St Paul which has a 52 metre (170ft) high steeple, and which dates from the 13th century. The font of the church dates from the 12th century.
The town is close to the M6 and M42 motorways.

For more photographs of Coleshill click here or view on You Tube

Crooked House

A well known watering hole on the edge of the Himley Estates is the Crooked House which is excellent for drivers who want the experience of being drunk without being over the legal limit. You can literally watch beer bottles roll up the table here.

The reason for its strange uneven exterior and interior is down to the fact that the house has subsided on land that was used for mining. Too much coal had been extracted from the ground beneath the building and it had to be shored up to prevent its collapse.

Further information and old photographs can be found herehttp://www.sedgleymanor.com/historical/crooked_house.html

Update: Unfortunately, on August 5, 2023, a fire devastated the building, severely damaging the structure. The fire caused the roof and upper floors to collapse, leaving the iconic crooked shape still visible but the building in ruins.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and it has sparked widespread concern over the preservation of this iconic landmark. In the wake of the fire, plans have been put in place to restore the building, with efforts focused on stabilizing the remaining structure and rebuilding it in a way that respects its historic significance. Various restoration plans and proposals are under discussion, including potential plans to re-open the site as a pub or as a tourist attraction, with extensive care to preserve its architectural legacy.

Local authorities and heritage groups are working together to ensure the Crooked House is restored properly, with consultations ongoing about the future of the site and its place in the community.

Hagley Hall

Hagley Hall and Park is a wonderful example of 18th century English Architecture. Boasting 350 acres of deer park with its own church, the hall houses Van Dyke paintings, fine Chippendale furniture and Rococco plasterwork. The property once belonged to George 1st Lord Lyttelton who was secretary to the Prince of Wales. The hall was completed in 1760.

In 1925 a terrible fire destroyed a large section of the property and much of its contents. However, the damage was repaired and the hall restored to its former glory. Today the hall is home to Lord and Lady Cobham who own the residence which is used as their family home. The hall also caters for conferences, business meetings and events throughout the year. No trip to the West Midlands is complete without a visit to this fine example of architecture and glorious parkland.

Further information about Hagley Hall can be obtained by visiting their website at:

www.hagleyhall.info

Apple Day

The theme of Mary Arden's house is devoted to the history of farming and agriculture in the region. The exhibits in the outbuildings include a stable and barn, a wheelwrights shop, tack room and stables. The country trades are well presented and examples show how the tools were used. The Blacksmith's trade and carpentry section depicts country life as it would have been up to the turn of the 20th Century.

We visited on 'Apple Day', dedicated to the numerous varieties of apple, when a host of country trades and traditional skills were presented with real live demonstrations and presentations.

For more photographs of Apple Day click here

Avoncroft Museum

The Avoncroft Museum can be found just 2 miles from Bromsgrove off the A38. It is signposted from Junctions 4 and 5 of the M5 motorway. The museum features historic buildings in an open air site situated in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside.

The museum was opened in 1967 to provide a location for the reconstruction of a 15th century timber-framed house in Bromsgrove. Since then the collection has grown magnificently into a diverse range of interesting buildings which have been relocated from their original sites.

The collection includes a working windmill, a 1940's prefab house, a church, barns and houses, telephone kiosks of all types including a real live Dr Who Tardis! In fact, this is also the home of the National UK Collection of telephone kiosks, including a complete working telephone exchange.

The museum does its best to depict what West Midlands working life must have been like through the ages. There are workshops from the chain making trade and nail industries. This truly is an insight into the social history of the region as much as it is for the architecture.

On event days there are often demonstrations and crafts people who portray the domestic, working and religious lives of our ancestors. The museum also features a children's playground, gift shop and tea room and a picnic site.

There are buildings from many different periods and the unique setting and diversity of the museum should be of interest to all age groups. Check with the Avoncroft Museum website for the latest news and events. http://www.avoncroft.org.uk/

For more photographs of Avoncroft Museum click here or view on You Tube

Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4JR. Tel: 01527 831363

Bodenham Arboretum

The historic town of Droitwich Spa is known for being a Brine Spa. Surrounded by rural countryside and approx 15 miles south of Birmingham, Droitwich is a town of great charm and character, offering both visitors and locals plenty to see and enjoy. Droitwich was known as "Salinae" by the Romans - this means the place of salt, salt was originally produced here by prehistoric salt makers.

Droitwich developed as a fashionable Spa through the efforts of the leading entrepreneur of the day - John Corbett, the member of parliament and Droitwich "Salt King", who built the truly magnificent Chateau Impney (now a hotel) with its castle turrets and splendid French gardens. The natural Droitwich brine contains 2 1/2 lbs of salt per gallon - ten time stronger than sea water and only rivaled by the Dead Sea. The historic Brine baths built in 1876 are known for their therapeutic and remedial benefits, you can float in the water weightless in the warm brine of the bathing pool.

Droitwich High Street boasts many timber-framed buildings. The heart of the town is Victoria Square. The magnificent Worcestershire Brine Baths Hotel and the attractive Raven Hotel can be found here as can St Richard's House, once the entrance to the old St Andrew's Brine Baths.

The original Brine baths no longer exist, but today's visitor can experience the benefits of great natural resource in the new Brine Bath located off Victoria Square - opened in 1985, and the first new Spa facility built in Britain this century.

Now Droitwich Spa boasts a thriving shopping centre, and an excellent variety of sporting facilities. The Lido swimming pool is open in the Summer months which has natural Droitwich brine still used in it, to give users the taste of the seaside in the heart of rural Worcestershire.

Droitwich

The historic town of Droitwich Spa is known for being a Brine Spa. Surrounded by rural countryside and approx 15 miles south of Birmingham, Droitwich is a town of great charm and character, offering both visitors and locals plenty to see and enjoy. Droitwich was known as "Salinae" by the Romans - this means the place of salt, salt was originally produced here by prehistoric salt makers.

Droitwich developed as a fashionable Spa through the efforts of the leading entrepreneur of the day - John Corbett, the member of parliament and Droitwich "Salt King", who built the truly magnificent Chateau Impney (now a hotel) with its castle turrets and splendid French gardens. The natural Droitwich brine contains 2 1/2 lbs of salt per gallon - ten time stronger than sea water and only rivaled by the Dead Sea. The historic Brine baths built in 1876 are known for their therapeutic and remedial benefits, you can float in the water weightless in the warm brine of the bathing pool.

Droitwich High Street boasts many timber-framed buildings. The heart of the town is Victoria Square. The magnificent Worcestershire Brine Baths Hotel and the attractive Raven Hotel can be found here as can St Richard's House, once the entrance to the old St Andrew's Brine Baths.

The original Brine baths no longer exist, but today's visitor can experience the benefits of great natural resource in the new Brine Bath located off Victoria Square - opened in 1985, and the first new Spa facility built in Britain this century.

Now Droitwich Spa boasts a thriving shopping centre, and an excellent variety of sporting facilities. The Lido swimming pool is open in the Summer months which has natural Droitwich brine still used in it, to give users the taste of the seaside in the heart of rural Worcestershire.

Kinver Edge

Kinver Edge is a sandstone ridge with views across the counties. It is also famous for the Holy Austin Rock Houses which were used as recently as the 1950's. 

To view the photographs of Kinver Edge click here or view on You Tube

Kinver Edge, Wardens Lodge, Kinver, Nr. Stourbridge, DY7 6HU. Tel:01384 872418

Hatton Country World

Hatton Country World combines the best of select shopping and leisure. The shopping facilities at Hatton Country World contain shops that have, and maintain, unique crafts and craft work using traditional methods. There are also 20 antique shops, adequate restaurant facilities and a butchers shop where you can buy fresh game meat and poultry depending on the season. The Country Village has free parking and the small shops are a treat to walk round.

The Farm Park does have an entrance charge but there is plenty to do and see for the children. With many farm animals the park has a host of smaller attractions and games to help keep the kids amused. This is a great place for a family day out. Smaller children will love feeding the animals which range from guinea pigs, falcons and rabbits through to horses, pigs and goats of many varieties.

Other facilities on site include a soft play centre and a public house.

Further information about Hatton Country World can be obtained by visiting their website at www.hattonworld.com

Hawkstone Park

Hawkstone Park is a wonderful place to visit for a good traditional family day out. It holds several themed events throughout the year but Hawkstone Park Follies is more than just a park. This year it was placed 14th in the Sunday Times ‘Britain’s Best 50 Days Out feature. Surprisingly, quite a few people from the West Midlands are unaware of its very existence.

When Samuel Johson wrote about the Follies of Hawkstone Park in 1774 he described it as a park with ‘Striking scenes and terrific grandeur. The same is true today and little will have changed in this fantasy land of natural cliffs, caves and woodland.

The Follies had fallen into years of neglect but were restored and opened again in 1993. English Heritage named it as Family Attraction of the Year in 2004. A walk around the park features places with names such as Grotto Hill, a network of old mines cut deep into the cliff face. Swiss Bridge perched high over a deep gorge, and the Monument, a large 100 foot high column on top of the hill with views across spectacular countryside.

Twisting and windy paths along the cliff face take the walker to various tunnels and structures that will keep the kids amused for hours. Children and adults alike will find this park magical and full of adventure. Let them run around and enjoy themselves. Some of the routes are fairly steep and pushchairs, the elderly, or very young children may struggle negotiating the route. The guide recommends allowing three hours but you could easily make a day of this if you took a picnic lunch and explored everything in a leisurely manner.

There are picnic tables available and refreshments on route with a dedicated cafeteria near the entrance at the Greenhouse Tearoom and Visitor Centre.

Nearby places might include Haughmond Hill Abbey and Attingham Park. Reviews on both of these places can be found on the website ( use the search box ) Hawkstone Park Follies also has a Gold Course and a Hotel.

The landscaped grounds of Hawkstone Park were originally established by Richard Hill of Hawkstone in 1655 and then developed by subsequent members of the Hill family. Sir Rowland Hill of Hawkstone ( 1705-1783 ) was mainly responsible for the works on the estate. Hawkstone Park is now being restored and is protected as a Grade I historic park.

Hawkstone Park, Weston-Under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY4 5UY. 

Tel: 01948 841700

For more photographs of Hawkstone Park click here or view on You Tube

Attingham Park

Built in 1785 for the 1st Lord Berwick. The property features a picture gallery by John Nash and collections of silver, Italian furniture and Grand Tour Paintings. There is a Deer Park with walks alongside the river Tern. 

For more photographs of Attingham Park click here or view on You Tube

 

Attingham Park, Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP. Tel: 01743 708123