I expected a lovely historic church, but the Church of St Cross completely surprised me. From enormous Norman arches and beautiful stained glass to a medieval trick involving sunlight, this quiet Winchester treasure has far more to discover than I imagined.
A blue plaque on Bournemouth’s East Cliff reveals an unexpected guest: J.R.R. Tolkien. I explored Hotel Miramar’s rooms and gardens and discovered a fascinating history beyond Middle-earth.
Upper Slaughter looks like a Cotswolds fairytale, but our visit wasn’t quite as peaceful as the photos suggest. From a lost castle to an extraordinary wartime story, here’s why this beautiful Gloucestershire village is still worth stopping for.
Could you really retire to a medieval almshouse in Winchester? I explored the Brothers’ historic hall, kitchen and cellar at St Cross, and discovered who can apply, what daily life is like and why this extraordinary community still matters.
What began as an unexpected stop on our journey home from Blackpool turned into a fascinating discovery. A magnificent Cheshire church, a famous pottery wedding, and a family connection to Charles Darwin — all in a village we’d never heard of!
I nearly skipped the Hospital of St Cross in Winchester because I thought it was an old medical museum. Instead, I discovered beautiful medieval buildings, peaceful gardens, a magnificent church and the centuries-old tradition of free bread and ale.
Is Bournemouth Pier better to photograph than walk along? Discover its unlikely royal beginnings, Victorian roller skating, wartime explosion and surprising showbusiness connections, plus what visitors can enjoy today.
Sherborne Old Castle is free to explore, but these scattered Dorset ruins once formed a vast medieval palace. Discover its bishops, Sir Walter Raleigh, Civil War siege and what it is like to visit today.
Three Red Arrows rise above Bournemouth’s cliffs, but why are they there? Discover the story of Jon Egging, the children who helped design his memorial, its dramatic relocation and another forgotten aviation tragedy nearby.
