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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Historic Things to do in the UK!

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception


The Cromwell House Hotel

The Cromwell House Hotel is a comfortable family run hotel only 200 yards from Lulworth Cove. Built 100 years ago in a quiet elevated position overlooking the Cove and Stair Hole it is unspoilt by modern development and enjoys spectacular sea views from many rooms and from the swimming pool. Within easy walking distance are St Oswald’s Bay, Man of War Bay and Durdle Door.
Tel: 01929 400253

Swiss Reformation Tour

Swiss Reformation Tour is led by Professor Peter Stephens, until retirement Professor of Church history at Aberdeen University. 15th to 21st September we will visit Geneva, Zurich and Constance, staying in both the Swiss mountains and overlooking Lake Constance with lectures throughout on the John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli and others.
Tel: 020 8530 3029

FFestinog Travel

FFestiniog Travel are experts in Rail Holidays of the World creating 30 escorted rail tours each year; are specialists in Signature bespoke rail tours for the independent traveller; act as travel consultants for Special Interests Groups. Travel on the world’s famous rail routes, historic railways and stunning scenic train journeys.
Tel: 01766 772030

Raby Castle

One of the country’s finest medieval castles, Raby has a history reaching back over 700 years. It was formerly the seat of the Nevills and has been home to Lord Barnard’s family since 1626. Raby houses a fabulous art collection and sumptuous interiors and is situated amidst a 200 - acre Deerpark in the beautiful Durham Dales.
Tel: 01833 660202

Lincoln Castle

Discover a thousand years of history
Built in in 1068 on the orders of William the Conqueror, Lincoln Castle occupies a magnificent location occupied since Roman times. Used as a court and prison for 900 years, you can explore the coffin like pews in the chapel and experience the magnificent views from the wall walks. The castle is home to the Lincoln Magna Carta, dating back to 1215, as well as the Charter of the Forest. Lincoln Castle is the only place where you can see the two documents together in the world!
Tel: 01522 782040

Haddon Hall

The Peak District’s Haddon Hall has welcomed visitors for centuries, its beauty and atmosphere continuing to enchant. Sitting like a jewel in Elizabethan terraced gardens, Haddon has played host to films including three versions of Jane Eyre – fans can relive the romance in a special costume exhibition from 28 July to 2 September.
Tel: 01629 812855

Pontefract Castle

Pontefract Castle at its height was regarded as one of the most important castles in the north of England. Edward I described it as the “key to the north”, Richard II died there and Oliver Cromwell took personal charge of its downfall. Why not explore the historic ruins for yourself?
Tel: 01977 723440

Tamworth Castle

A visit to the stunning, award winning Tamworth Castle offers a rare opportunity to see how the Saxons, Normans, Tudors and Victorians shaped the history of this breathtakingly complete building. Enjoy living history, live re-enactments, and activities for all the family including evening events and outdoor key date celebrations in the wonderfully landscaped grounds.
Tel: 01827 709626/629

Sherborne Castle

Come and explore the Digby stately home built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594. See magnificent staterooms, a Tudor kitchen, relics from the civil war and archaeological treasures on view in the castle’s cellars. Enjoy delightful walks through one of the fi nest ‘Capability’ Brown landscapes you will see, surrounding the 50-acre lake.
Tel: 01935 812072

Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I Listed mansion set in cliff top grounds overlooking Christchurch Bay. Although it no longer possesses it’s original rich interiors, the Castle now houses a Heritage Centre, Gift Shop, Tearooms, exhibitions and events. The Castle is open daily from 1st February to 23rd December from 11am to 5pm.
Tel: 01425 278807

Guildford Castle

Founded by William I, Guildford Castle was used as a castle and royal palace by medieval Kings. Visit the Great Tower and learn about its history. Then head to the top to see a 360 degree panoramic view of Guildford and walk the ruins in the lovely Castle Grounds. Open daily April to September from 10am to 5pm; weekends in March and October from 11am to 4pm.
Tel: 01483 444751

Sandal Castle

Sandal Castle has spectacular views of the Calder Valley. During the Wars of the Roses the Battle of Wakefield took place within an arrow’s shot of the castle. The remains of the Great Hall, now known as the Sandal Arches, form the most famous image of the Castle.
Tel: 01924 249779

Langley Castle

A genuine 14th century castle hotel, with 4 stars and 2 AA Rosette restaurant. Sumptuous rooms with private facilities, some boasting four poster-beds, sauna & window seats set into 7 foot thick walls. The exclusive nature of the Castle, makes Langley the perfect destination to discover Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland.
Tel: 01434 688888

Southsea Castle

Built in 1544, the castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII along the south coast of England in case of invasion. The innovative design of its walls used ‘angled bastions’ projecting outwards for better all-round defence. The castle’s defences were regularly modernised until it left military service in the 1960s. Today its displays include many cannons.
Tel: 02392 827261

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England, home to the Percy family for over 700 years. Discover sumptuous State Rooms fi lled with a stunning array of art and furniture, including work by Canaletto, Titian and Van Dyck. Meet the knowledgeable guides and join a tour to fi nd out about the Castle’s fascinating history, architecture and starring fi lm roles.
Tel: 01665 511350

Arundel Castle

1,000 years of history await visitors to the picturesque Arundel Castle in West Sussex. Visitors can enjoy the 11th century keep, paintings, tapestries, furnishings, stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, and armour in stunning room settings. Outside, admire the award winning Collector Earl’s Garden. Events include medieval days, have-a-go archery and fencing and jousting.
Tel: 01903 882173

Mid Hants Railway

Let the train take the strain as you travel through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside to the soothing sounds of the steam engine and the clickety clack of the rails. Stations with period charm and the Georgian town of New Alresford await you at this living history attraction. Family events and dining trains throughout the year.
Tel: 01962 733810

Llangollen Railway

The seven and a half miles of the Llangollen Railway follows the River Dee through stunning scenery. Restored over 30 years, the line now portrays the life of a typical country branch line of the 1950`s. The line offers service trains for most of the year.
Tel: 01978 860979

Isle Of Wight Steam Railway

The multi-award-winning IW Steam Railway is a popular and fascinating destination for all age groups. Settle back aboard restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages hauled by vintage locomotives, and enjoy a leisurely 10-mile journey through the island’s unspoiled countryside.There’s also FREE parking, refreshment rooms, gift shop, children’s play area, woodland walk and a museum.
Tel: 01983 882204

Isle Of Man Steam Railway

Dating from 1874, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is the island’s oldest Victorian rail system. This narrow gauge railway still runs with its original locomotives and carriages through an ever changing landscape to a choice of destinations in the south of the island. Special events on all three of the island’s railways occur throughout the year.
Tel: 01624 663366

Epping Ongar Railway

Britain’s newest heritage railway is proud to be the closest heritage line to London and the longest heritage line in Essex. With a fantastic range of steam and diesel engines, period stations, countryside and forest, nearby WWII airfield museum, vintage buses serving Epping’s Central Line station, shopping opportunities in Epping & Ongar’s historic High Streets, the railway offers a fantastic family day out.
Tel: 01277 365200

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

There is now a great place to visit in Derbyshire! Take a train from Duffield, just north of Derby along the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to Wirksworth: an unspoilt and fascinating market town away from the usual tourist traps. Our lovingly-restored diesel railcars give you great views of Derbyshire’s Gentle Valley and there is lots to see and do for all the family!
Tel: 01629 823076
Website: www.e-v-r.com

Kirklees Light Railway

Climb aboard our little trains for a scenic railway journey from Clayton West to Shelley, in the beautiful South Pennine Foothills. Built on the historic Clayton West branch, the Kirklees Light Railway has developed into a popular destination for young and old. Various special events held throughout the year, runs regularly at weekends, driver experience courses and group discounts catered for.
Tel: 01484 865727

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch

85 years of steam railway heritage set against the backdrop of some of Kent’s most picturesque countryside is what makes a journey on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway a totally unique experience and is why it is one of Kent’s Top Ten Attractions. We are proud to operate the most complete collection of one third full size steam locomotives in the world.
Tel: 01797 362353
Website: www.rhdr.org.uk

Railtrail Tours

Take the spectacular line to Kyle of Lochalsh - just one of the many“ Great British Railway Journeys” you can enjoy on a Railtrail quality escorted holiday by train. Discover even more about Great Britain on Rail trail’s “Heritage & Explorer” tours - inclusive of ALL rail travel from your chosen station, ALL excursions and D, B&B at quality hotels.
Tel: 01538 382323

Pathfinder Tours

Indulge yourself with a four day trip to Scotland (Fri 28th Sept – Mon 1st Oct) with interesting off-train activities. Enjoy the first class seats, fine food and accommodation, the spectacular scenery, plus the visits to places like the Isle of Mull & Tobermory, the Burns Heritage Centre and Loch Lomond. All combine to make this a great relaxing break.
Tel: 01453 835414 / 834477

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum is the only preserved steam railway in Suffolk and runs trains on selected days of the year. All trains use vintage carriages and run on the museum’s demonstration line. The display rooms tell the story of the MSLR’s history and its life in preservation and the workshops show the latest restoration projects.
Tel: 01449 766899

Colne Valley Railway

Almost a mile long, Colne Valley Railway has relocated station buildings and signal boxes as well as a varied collection of steam and diesel engines and rolling stock. A small museum shows much of our railway history, and there are also miniature and model railways, a shop and buffet. Free parking. See website for open days.
Tel: 01787 461174
 

Council for British Archaeology

Treat someone you love to a year of archaeology.
Your gift includes:
• Welcome pack
• Six issues of British Archaeology magazine
• Newsletters and updates
• Archaeology events and activities
• Members’ offers and discounts
12 months for the price of nine (HTG12)
Tel: 01904 671417

The Horrible Histories

THE HORRIBLE HISTORIES ANNUAL 2013 is the must-have Christmas present for all Horrible Histories fans. Packed with foul facts, gory games, dreadful jokes and putrid puzzles, plus content from the BAFTA award-winning Horrible Histories TV show - it’s the annual with rat-itude!
Tel: 0845 603 9091

Historic Newspapers

Visit the world’s largest private archive of over seven million back issue newspapers. An original date of birth newspaper offers a fascinating insight into the past, creating a strong sense of nostalgia and prompting a fond trip down memory lane. They are sure to be treasured for years to come. All newspapers have been perfectly preserved and come with a personalised certificate of authenticity guaranteeing they are genuine originals.
Tel: 0844 669 9933

Beamish Museum

Do you know someone who would love to drive a tram or steam engine, learn Victorian cooking or proggy mat making? Our gift vouchers for a wide range of short courses make a unique Christmas gift. Or why not treat a loved one to a year’s entry to Beamish with a voucher for an Unlimited Pass, or membership to Friends of Beamish? Details about all these gifts are available at www.beamish.org.uk.
Tel: 0191 370 4000

Royal Armouries Museum

Royal Armouries is the United Kingdom’s national museum of arms and armour, including artillery, and is recognised as one of the finest collections of its kind in the world. Our Patrons receive VIP invitations to special events and exhibition previews at all three of our museums – Tower of London, Leeds and Fort Nelson. Annual membership (£1,500) also includes the opportunity to fire one of our big guns, plus regular updates, keeping Patrons in touch with the projects they are supporting
Tel: 0113 220 1915

IWM Friends

Membership of IWM Friends is the perfect gift for anyone with an interest in the impact of 20th and 21st century conflict on people’s lives. IWM Friends enjoy a range of privileges including free entry to paying exhibitions at IWM London, and free admission to IWM Duxford, the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast, as well as a special events programme and an annual subscription to Despatches magazine.
Tel: 020 7416 5255/5372

The British Museum

This holiday season give your loved one an enriching experience that will last all year. British Museum members enjoy free, unlimited entry to all special exhibitions, and can learn more about the objects in the museum's collection with a free subscription to the British Museum Magazine. Members can also enjoy exclusive evening events, with opportunities for private viewings of exhibitions, curator-led tours, lectures and performances.
Tel: +44 (0)207 323 8195

Historic Royal Palaces

Membership to Historic Royal Palaces makes the perfect Christmas gift, giving the lucky recipient free and unlimited access to The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, The Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace*. Members enjoy a packed calendar of exclusive events at the palaces all year round, plus lots of other exclusive benefits. There has never been a better time to be part of our historic royal family!
*A Kew Gardens ticket must be purchased separately in order to access Kew Palace

Tel: 0844 482 7788
Website: www.hrp.org.uk

English Heritage

A gift doesn’t have to be just for Christmas. Why not treat someone special this festive season to the gift that lasts all year? English Heritage’s Gift of Membership is the perfect present to treat a loved one, giving them great days out to over 400 amazing properties all year round. Your Gift of Membership comes as a beautifully packaged voucher and booklet, ready for your recipient to redeem when they choose.
Tel: 0870 333 1187

Brooklands Museum

Become a part of British Motorsport history by owning a square yard of Brooklands Banking – the race track that was built in 1907 and where it all began. This innovative scheme will give you a certificate, a place on our interactive Banking on Brooklands website along with a dedication of your choosing. An ideal way to commemorate an anniversary or a unique Christmas idea, this is one gift that they definitely won’t have received before!
Tel: 01932 857381 ext 241

Norwich Cathedral

Experience over 900 years of history and learn how the Cathedral survived riot, war, plague and fire. One of the most complete Romanesque buildings in Europe, the Cathedral also boasts the largest monastic cloister in England and houses a renowned collection of over 1,000 medieval roof boss sculptures. New Hostry Visitor Centre and award-winning Refectory Restaurant.
Tel: 01603 218300

The Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

Here’s a delightful meeting point between ancient and contemporary Coptic culture set in a British context. Bearing the name of the patron saint of England, the United Kingdom’s newest Cathedral also remains true to ancient Egyptian roots in its architecture. The high vaults and domes are harmoniously complemented by a neo-traditional modern style.
Tel: 01438 940970

St Nicholas Cathedral

A 13th-century church with a stunning lantern tower in the heart of medieval Newcastle, filled with an amazing collection of monuments and little known treasures, which tell the story of this region. Enjoy our celebrated collection of stained glass windows and exquisitely carved choir stalls, reredos and choir screen. Join our worship and listen to our choir. Services are held every day.

St Albans Cathedral

St Albans Cathedral stands over the place where Alban, Britain’s first martyr, was buried over 1700 years ago. The building's amazing mixture of architectural styles bears witness to the many centuries of its life, first as a monastic abbey, and now as a cathedral. You can visit the shrine of St Alban, see rare medieval wall paintings and walk the longest nave in England.
Tel: 01727 860780

St Davids Cathedral

Come and visit this stunning cathedral and the newly restored Shrine of St David. Open: Monday to Saturday 8.30am – 5.00pm & Sunday 1.00pm – 5.00pm •Daily services •Bookshop•Concerts •Guided tours•Refectory & Cloister Gallery•Porth y Twr Exhibition •Treasury•Disabled Access
Tel: 01437 720202

Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is full of stories. Founded by St Anselm in 1092 as a Benedictine monastery, it became a Cathedral after the Dissolution. Trace the daily lives of the medieval monks; writing in the Cloisters, meetings in the Chapter House, mealtimes in the Refectory, worshipping at the Shrine and daily services in the elaborate 14th-century Quire stalls.
Tel: 01244 500958

Coventry Cathedral

Designed by Sir Basil Spence and voted the nation's favourite 20th-century building, Coventry Cathedral is now a fascinating and moving mix of the old and new. An icon of hope, the cathedral is recognised internationally as a World Centre for Peace and Reconciliation and a ‘Casket of Jewels’ of 1950’s and 1960’s architecture.
Tel: 024 7652 1210

Lincoln Cathedral

The vibrant cultural quarter of Lincoln is home to one of the greatest Cathedrals in Europe. This iconic building houses breathtaking architecture, a medieval library, the shrine of St Hugh, the tomb of Katherine Swynford and many more hidden treasures. The Cathedral is open daily and tours can be booked on arrival.
Tel: 01522 561600

Rochester Cathedral

Fourteen hundred years of history under one big roof! Whether you are coming with young people or older generations, you will find a range of interactive trails and audio tours making it easy for you find out for yourself what makes this ancient Cathedral such a unique and special place. Entry is free!

Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral warmly welcomes you to one of the finest medieval buildings in the country.See the tomb of Edward II, Robert Curthose’s monument and some of the most important stained glass in the country – including the spectacular Great East Window. The extraordinary fan-vaulted medieval cloisters are famousthroughout the world.
Tel: 01452 528095

Wells Cathedral

One of England’s most beautiful cathedrals. A holy place for 2,000 years offering both intimacy and majesty. Enjoy tours with well-trained guides; a tower climb with fabulous views; a medieval chained library; Britain’s oldest chiming medieval clock; a lovely shop; a great little eatery; and one of the best Choral Evensongs to be heard anywhere in Europe.
Tel: 01749 674483

Brecon Cathedral

A site of Christian worship for more than 1,000 years. Brecon Cathedral is now the Mother Church of the Diocese of Swansea & Brecon, seeking to offer a ministry of worship and welcome for all who visit. The former monastic buildings in the Cathedral Close, said to be the finest collection of its kind in Wales, now has a Heritage Centre, shop & restaurant.
Tel: 01874 623857
Website: www.breconcathedral.org.uk


Durham Cathedral

Built in 1093, Durham Cathedral is famous for the shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of Bede. Entry to the cathedral is free. Charges apply for the cathedral tower, tours, group visits, some exhibitions and special events. Highlights for 2013 include Jewels of the North; a festival of flowers and design which will fill the cathedral. Restaurant and shop located off cloister.
Tel: 0191 386 4266
Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk


Winchester Cathedral

For over a thousand years, people have come to seek inspiration in this magnificent cathedral. Discover glorious architecture, priceless treasures and great works of art. See the 12th-century Winchester Bible, illuminated in gold and lapis lazuli, sculpture by Antony Gormley and Barbara Hepworth, and the grave of England’s much -loved novelist Jane Austen.
Tel: 01962 857200

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