Clava Cairns, Scottish Highlands
Stepping into the sacred landscape of Clava Cairns left me utterly awestruck. In this place, prehistoric farmers gathered to lay their own to rest. It is a place of peace, of tranquillity and of incredible history. And I felt honoured to walk among their spirits. Building Clava Cairns The farmers of the…
Read MoreCastle Leod, Scotland
I never need an excuse to explore a castle. So, making the trip North to the Scottish Highlands to visit Castle Leod, was no hardship. And, in the case of Castle Leod, we had another reason to visit – Castle Leod is the seat of Clan MacKenzie – and my partner is part of…
Read MoreFinchale Priory, Northern England
Finchale Priory in County Durham, Northern England has a long and interesting history – and it is incredibly beautiful to explore. What started out as a tiny hermitage, turned into a magnificent priory and even a holiday home for monks. It is here, in the crook of the River Wear, amongst leafy trees and…
Read MoreGastronomic Experience in a Smuggler’s Cave
Carved into the 112-foot cliffs towering over Marsden beach, is arguably Britain’s most unusual restaurant. And the history of these caves is as turbulent as the North Sea washing onto the pebbled beach. With characters such as “Jack the Blaster” and “Peter the Hermit” – and a smuggler’s ghost to boot – the stories around…
Read MoreHylton Castle, Sunderland
Robert Skelton was executed because he overslept. And so, he became the “Cauld Lad of Hylton” – a ghost said to haunt Hylton Castle. Or, at least, so the story goes. Robert was a stable boy at Hylton Castle and his master, the 13th Baron Hylton had ordered him to prepare his horse for…
Read MoreDutch National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam
“Water Connects Worlds” – A great motto for a maritime museum. And, if you think about it, it is very true. The Dutch have been pioneers in international trade and seafaring throughout the Middle Ages. And Amsterdam was often right in the middle of it all. So, I thought I had better learn more…
Read MoreOld St Mungo’s Church, Penicuik
Almost hidden behind the current St Mungo’s Church stands the ruins of the old, original church of the same name. It is surrounded by the most tranquil churchyard I have ever had the pleasure to explore – and I spotted a little deer on the other side of the fence too! 🥰 History…
Read MoreUttershill Castle, Scotland
With spectacular views over the little town of Penicuik and the Pentland Hills to the North and West, Uttershill Castle stands atop a rocky hill beside the B6372. It was pretty easy to find – Castle ruins tend to stand out against the landscape, even from a distance. Parking our vehicle was less…
Read MoreSt Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
From a Leper Hospital to violent riots to today’s popular visitor attraction, St Giles’ Cathedral on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile covers it all. Steeped in rich history and magnificent architecture, St Giles’ is a must-see for every heritage tourist. In The Beginning It is believed that the site where St Giles is located…
Read MoreYork’s Medieval Defensive Walls
Arriving in the city of York by railway, one of the first things one sees is a section of the magnificent Medieval Defensive Walls. These walls are still as impressive and solid as they must have been in the days when its purpose was the defence of the city. Planning a Tour of…
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