Originally posted on Heritage Weekends:
If I were ever so unfortunate as to be imprisoned in the Old Gaol at Hexham, I would definitely want to be accommodated on the first floor. The gaol was built on the orders of… Continue reading Hexham: The Moving Skull and other stories

Originally posted on Heritage Weekends:
My ingredients for a perfect day out, in no particular order, are historic buildings and gardens, bookshops and tea shops.? The town of Alnwick in Northumberland offers all these and more. Alnwick Castle has been… Continue reading A Perfect Day in Alnwick

First: Merry Christmas! Or, at least, as merry a Christmas as circumstances will allow. Our thoughts go, in particular, to everyone who’s alone and doesn’t want to be, and/or those who have lost loved ones and friends in 2020. The hamper pictured above is courtesy of Orchard View Farm – one of many local food […] World go local Continue reading World go local

Originally posted on Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley:
In the midst of various stages of lockdown, we always remember how lucky we are to live in the Chilterns. And even though the region is now, like much of… Continue reading A Christmas walk: Chequers

There’s a great opportunity for young people to gain artistic inspiration, and learn more about how to protect local wildlife and the landscape, at a free event in High Wycombe next month. The Big Draw at Kingsmead Recreation Ground will offer valuable advice on textile design, with objects from nature providing the inspiration for you […] Natural creativity — Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley Continue reading Natural creativity — Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley

Originally posted on Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley:
Those lovely people at Wanderlust magazine have published a list of 30 “Secret Britain” locations – places you may not know which are well worth a visit. They include three… Continue reading Secret Britain

Originally posted on Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley:
Hildreth’s in Prestwood isn’t quite as old as the dinosaurs, even though a model tyrannosaurus rex used to adorn the entrance to the garden centre. These days it’s reproductions of… Continue reading Old business, new cafe: bear with us

Unlike the Moon landing, there was never going to be one giant leap back to normality. A series of small steps will be the way out of lockdown. Yesterday we took three, in and around our home village, supporting local businesses. Step one: a trip to The Framing Gallery in nearby Cryers Hill, to select […] Local returns: three small steps — Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley Continue reading Local returns: three small steps — Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley

Originally posted on Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley:
How many local businesses and visitor attractions will survive the current crisis? As the UK goes through multiple phases in relaxing its lockdown, opportunities are slowly opening up to re-visit… Continue reading A slow escape: Stonor out of lockdown