Bethlehem in Wales

© Copyright Alan Bowring

Yes, we have a Bethlehem in Britain. It's a hamlet in south-west Wales and gets its name from the non-conformist chapel there. Not surprisingly it attracts a lot of tourists at Christmas time, all eager to get a Bethlehem postmark on their Christmas cards! Every year, a Christmas market is held in the hamlet.

Good walking country

The path up Carn Goch near Bethlehem
© Copyright Jeremy Bolwell

The terrain of the Welsh Bethlehem could not be more different from that of its Middle East counterpart. It lies in one of the remotest parts of the Brecon Beacons, a range of old red sandstone peaks to the south of Brecon (in Carmarthenshire). It's an area that is very popular with walkers. The hamlet itself is overlooked by Carn Goch, an iron-age hill fort, which sits on open access land and is therefore freely accessible to the public.

The Beacons Way, which starts in Bethlehem, runs west-east over the hill.

Click here for more information about Bethlehem and the Carn Goch Hill Fort.

The photographs used in this post are licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Posted by Louise Lambert

Braemar: The Coldest Place in Britain

Braemar, the coldest place in Britain
© Copyright Paul Chapman

We don't get really cold weather in Britain - not compared to other places around the world. But we do get 'big freezes' from time to time. Scotland usually sees the worst of the snow and ice, and the small town of Braemar in the Scottish Highlands has twice recorded the lowest ever temperature anywhere in Britain of 27.2 degrees C. By our standards that's pretty freezing and way below our usual winter lows. Braemar is also the coldest place overall in Britain with an average annual temperature of just 6.5 degrees C.  

Braemar is one of the highest towns in Britain at 1112 ft (339 m), and lies within the Cairngorms National Park. This is one of the most remote areas of the country and it's here that you'll find our highest mountains, also known as 'Munros', the name given to mountains over 3000 ft (914.4 m).

Glenshee Ski Centre, a 10 minute drive from Braemar, is Scotland's largest winter resort. The area is also popular with rock climbers. And every year on the first Saturday in September tourists and locals alike flock to the Braemar Gathering to watch the annual highland games. Members of the British Royal family have been attending 'The Games' (as the gathering is known), for generations.

To read more about skiing in Scotland click here

Photograph licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Walking Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall
© Copyright David Dixon

Back in AD 122, when much of Britain was part of the Roman Empire, Emperor Hadrian ordered his soldiers to build a wall to keep the people of Scotland out. The wall stretched from the Tyne on the east coast to the Solway Firth in the west and was 80 Roman miles (about 73 modern miles) long, 8-10 feet wide, and 15 feet high. Small forts called milecastles were also built every Roman mile along the wall's length, with towers every 1/3 mile. Sixteen larger forts holding from 500 to 1000 troops were built into the wall, with large gates on the north face. To the south of the wall the Romans dug a wide ditch, (vallum), with six foot high earth banks. The entire construction took around six years to complete.

Birdoswald Fort, Hadrian's Wall
© Copyright David Dixon

Hadrian's Wall today
Thanks to extensive preservation and restoration work, a significant portion of the wall still exists and in 1987 it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. English Heritage, a government organisation in charge of managing the historic environment of England, describes it as 'the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain'. It is now a very popular tourist attraction and can be followed for much of its length on foot (along Hadrian's Wall Path) or by cycle (on National Cycle Route 72).

Hadrian’s Wall Path
So called because it follows Hadrian's Wall for most of its length, this long distance path  (135 km / 84 miles) runs from Wallsend on the east coast of England to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. The walking is relatively easy, that is to say more or less flat, although muddy in places. The highest point on the path is only 345 metres (1130 feet) high. Though most of the Wall runs through remote countryside featuring rolling fields and rugged moorland, there are sections which pass through the cities and suburbs of Newcastle and Carlisle. The section between Chollerford and Walton is the highest and wildest part of the path; it is also where the Wall is most visible, and includes several important Roman forts.

The path is well signposted and there are many interesting places to visit along the way.

For more information about Hadrian's Wall, click here.

The photographs used in this post are licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Sandringham House: A Royal Retreat

Sandringham House
© Elwyn Thomas Roddick

Sandringham House, in Norfolk, has been privately owned by the British Royal Family for four generations. Built in 1870 by the Prince and Princess of Wales (later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra), it lies within the Royal Sandringham Estate - 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres) of land near the village of Sandringham.

Sandringham House is a regular and favourite country retreat of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who spend every Christmas there surrounded by other members of the royal family. On Christmas morning hundreds of royal fans gather to get a glimpse of the family members as they attend the service at the small church that lies on the estate. Last Christmas (2011) was the first Christmas together as a married couple for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka Prince William and Kate Middleton) - see picture below.

Christmas Day 2011
© Richard Humphrey

In 1968 part of the Sandringham Estate was designated a Country Park. Today nearly 243 hectares are freely open to the public

The Sandringham House gardens were opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908, and the Museum (which has displays of royal life and the estate's history) by King George V in 1930. Sandringham House itself was opened to the public at the Queen's wish in 1977, her Silver Jubilee year.

The Royal Sandringham Estate lies within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For more information about Sandringham House and the Sandingham Estate click here

The photographs used in this blog licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Stonehenge: Landmark of Mystery

© Copyright Peter Trimming

Stonehenge in Wiltshire is a World Heritage Site and one of Britain's most striking landmarks. Standing just off the A344 near Salisbury (and quite visible from the road), this prehistoric monument is thought to have been constructed between 3000 BC to 1600 BC. Its original purpose is still something of a mystery. Possible explanations are that it was a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar.

Evidence of the peoples who built Stonehenge exists through their tools, artefacts, pottery and even the contents of their graves. Some of these are displayed in the museums at Salisbury and Devizes.

© Copyright Peter Trimming

Stonehenge attracts visitors all year round, and many people report powerful energies at the site. For neopagans, druids and new age devotees it is a place of pilgrimage and worship.

On the summer and winter solstices (21st June and 21st December) literally thousands of people gather before daybreak to see the sun rising above the stones. Although the summer solstice celebrations attract more public attention, it is thought that the winter solstice was actually more important to the people who constructed Stonehenge. The winter solstice was a time when most cattle were slaughtered (so they would not have to be fed during the winter) and the majority of wine and beer was finally fermented.

Click here for more information about Stonehenge, including how it was built

Click here to browse books about Stonehenge

The photographs used in this blog licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Ski Scotland

By Tom Pearson

Skiing off Aonach Mor (Nevis Range)
© Copyright Iain McLean

When considering where they will ski this coming season, most people won't even consider Scotland as an option. They associate skiing with the Alps and completely ignore the fact that there can be great skiing on offer here in Britain.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Albert Square, Manchester
© Copyright David Dixon

Manchester is the third largest city in Great Britain. A popular destination at any time of year, it's particularly hectic and thriving in the run up to Christmas, thanks to its world famous Christmas Markets, which this year will be open from 17 November to 23 December.

The Edinburgh Hogmanay (New Year) Party

By Janine Barclay

Edinburgh (with the castle in the distance) at New Year
(c) Robbie Shade

Globally recognised as the biggest New Year street party in the world, Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations draw hundreds of thousands of people from all over to party on down as the bells ring at midnight to indicate the coming of a new year.

Coombs Dale in the Peak District: The hidden valley

Above Coombs Dale
© Copyright Jonathan Clitheroe

Many people like getting out on long walks in the country at this time of the year. Conditions are (usually!) cooler than in the summer and the wonderful autumn colours are an added bonus.

The Derbyshire Peaks attract walkers whatever the season. Most of them lie within the Peak District National Park which covers 555 square miles (1,440 km2) of the country, mainly in northern Derbyshire, but also reaching into parts of Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire.

Corfe Castle, Dorset - England at Her Most Picturesque

Corfe Castle, Dorset: village and castle ruins
© Copyright Derek Voller

By Denise Pienaar

Corfe Castle's crumbling remains stand high upon a hill with a delightful medieval village sprawled at its feet. Take a step back in time as you explore this unique landscape and uncover the turbulent history which left the 1000 year old castle a mere skeleton of its former glory but retaining its position of dominance, nonetheless.

Blues Festival in Tenby, South West Wales

Tenby from the harbour
© Copyright David Lewis

Tenby is a walled seaside town in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales on the west side of Carmarthen Bay. Its notable features include 4 km of sandy beaches, the 13th century medieval town walls, the 15th century St. Mary's Church, the Tudor Merchant's House (owned by the National Trust), a museum with art gallery, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, part of Wales' only coastal National Park. 

Blackpool's Attractions

Blackpool 

© Copyright John M Wheatley

Blackpool is one of Britain's most popular seaside resorts. It's lively and loud, with long stretches of sandy beaches, lots of entertainment, and an exciting night life. It's a particular favourite for hen and stag parties.

Several attractions give Blackpool its special appeal.

The Colours of an English Autumn

Woodland Magic, Westonbirt Arboretum
© Copyright Anthony Volante

Autumn is a favourite time for many people, especially those who love the show of rich colours it brings with it. Of course you don't have to go far to the enjoy this seasonal spectacle (everyone has a tree or two near them!), but I thought it might be worth pointing out a few places in England where you're guaranteed a feast for your eyes as the leaves on our trees begin to 'bow out' in style.

Walking in the Lake District

Anyone looking for some serious walking in Britain will head for one of four places: the Lake District, the Derbyshire Peaks (both in England), the mountains of Snowdonia (Wales) and the Scottish Highlands. Click here for an overview of walking in these regions.

Ullswater

© Copyright Chris Heaton

The Best Destinations for a UK Walking Holiday

By Tony Maniscalco

Edge of the Kinder Plateau (Peak District) from the Pennine Way
© Copyright Peter Barr

With worldwide trekking growing ever more popular, it's easy to forget that some of the world's finest walking country and most beautiful peaks are located just on your doorstep. The mountains of the UK may not be able to match the Alps or the Himalaya for size and sheer spectacle, but they provide breathtaking vistas and enjoyable routes for walkers of all levels of experience.

Bath: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Royal Crescent, Bath
© Copyright Oast House Archive

Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, Bath is full of beautiful old buildings and oozes elegance and style. It also has great shops, with lots of classy independent boutiques as well as the high street names you'd expect to find in any UK city.

Rutland: Much in Little

Rutland is the smallest county in England. Stone cottages and gently rolling landscapes are its distinguishing features, along with its two delightful market towns - Oakham and Uppingham - and of course Rutland Water, the largest man-made reservoir in Europe. The county's motto 'multum in parvo', meaning much in little, couldn't be more fitting.

Cardiff Castle: An Extraordinary Ancient Castle

By Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Cardiff Castle from Bute Park
Q Copyright D Johnston

Cardiff Castle is an internationally acclaimed heritage site in Wales. With over 2000 years of history, this castle was once a Roman fort, a Norman monopoly and a Victorian Gothic architecture mansion.

Cornwall: South East, West & North Features

Author: Tory Cale

Polruan from Fowey
Q Copyright Louise Lambert

Cornwall, the delightful and picturesque county found in the South West of England is a popular tourist destination. With a population of over half a million, Cornwall is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel and to the east by the county of Devon. Historically, tin mining was important to the Cornish economy, along with fishing and agriculture. These days however, tourism is the main industry in Cornwall – the area is noted for its wild moorland landscapes, picturesque coastline and mild climate. Cornwall is roughly split into three areas – South East Cornwall, West Cornwall and North Cornwall.

Islay: Queen of the Hebrides

By Rob Berry-Smith

There's more to Scotland than the enchanting Edinburgh and the fascinating Glasgow. Further north, the country has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, not to mention eclectic wildlife and rich historic culture.

One place of note is the isle of Islay, Queen of the Hebrides, with its 3,200 passionate residents and 130 miles of largely unspoilt coastline.

Lossit Point, Islay
Q Copyright Mary and Angus Hogg

Many tourists flock to the Scotland's fifth largest Scottish island for its wildlife, particularly bird species. During February, birdwatchers arrive on the island to see a large colony of barnacle geese, while resident birds include the hen harrier, sea eagle, chough, oystercatcher and cormorant. Meanwhile, other wildlife enthusiasts come to Islay to see the working farm of Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve.

Wensleydale – Beer, cheese and beautiful scenery

By Peter Hunt

Wensleydale is one of the most northerly of the Yorkshire Dales, with beautiful scenery, excellent walking and plenty to see and do for all ages.

Wensleydale from Capplebank
Copyright Anthony Harrison

Wensleydale is home to the famous cheese, made with milk drawn from cows grazing the limestone pastures in the upper dale. The modern creamery is in the thriving market town of Hawes towards the head of the dale and is a great example of a local enterprise benefiting the community. In 1992 the then owners Dairy Crest, a London stock market listed company, planned to close the creamery and move production of Wensleydale cheese to, heaven forbid, Lancashire. A management buyout not only saved the jobs and brought ownership into local hands, but has grown the business, developed a major tourist attraction and created employment in a rural area, thanks in part to the marketing campaign based around the animated characters Wallace and Gromit, the former who in his own words, ‘likes a nice bit of Wensleydale'.

Why Alnwick is fast becoming a popular short break destination

By Peter Hunt

The delightful market town of Alnwick in Northumberland is fast becoming a highly popular short break destination, and when you visit you will soon discover why. The town is home to the magnificent Alnwick Castle and the inspired Alnwick Garden. It also has one of the largest second hand bookshops in the UK - Barter Books which is housed in the town's old railway station.

Alnwick Castle
Q Copyright Ken Crosby

The castle dominates Alnwick. It is one of the most stunning fortified buildings in Europe and one of the largest inhabited castles in England. Not surprisingly it is known as The Windsor of the North. The castle has stood over the town since medieval times and you may recognise it from its recent starring role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of films.

Cambridge Attractions: Old and New

By Sean Nicholls

Cambridge is perhaps unique in the UK as a place where the progressive and modern exist comfortably alongside the genteel and traditional. At any time of the year, hotels in Cambridge are booked up by visitors from around the world hoping to take in all the city and its surroundings have to offer.

Clare College & King's College Chapel, Cambridge
Q Copyright Oast House Archive 

Cambridge is arguably most famous for being a university town. Many of the university's buildings are iconic structures in their own right and boast long and fascinating histories. Fortunately, these beautiful and magnificent buildings not only add charm to the landscape of the city, they are also open to visitors most of the year.

Food and Drink in the Heart of Leicestershire

King Street, Melton Mowbray

Q Copyright Martin Addison 

Melton Mowbray is a small market town in rural Leicestershire. Every year at the beginning of October, it becomes a mecca for foodies from all over the country when it hosts the East Midlands Food and Drink Festival. (Dates for this year: 6/7 October)

Admission to the festival costs £6 per person or just £5 for pre-booked tickets and children under 16 go free! Click here to pre-book your tickets now.

York: A city rich in history

York has a rich Roman, Saxon and Viking history. It's a great place to go for a day out or week-end away.

York City Walls
Copyright Lisa Jarvis and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons licence 

A good way to start exploring York might be to take a stroll around the city walls, some of which have been there since Roman times. Within the walls, you'll find a network of historic streets full of interesting shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. The daily open air market has over 100 stalls selling fresh produce, clothes, plus crafts and gifts.