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.