Places To Go

Here are some details of places we have visited and think are well worth a trip.

The Geffrye Museum, London.

Delightful English interiors through the ages. Strong educational emphasis. Check the website for updates, additions and events.

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury.
Click on the thumbnails to see the full size images. Official website still under construction at the time of writing

Stately home in the style of 18C France. Ornately furnished with a staggering collection of porcelain, objets de vertu and art , including portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds. Rolling gardens, a gift shop with many interesting and good quality items, and very pleasant restaurant.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Well worth regular visits, as there are frequent special exhibitions. If you like looking at jewellery, set aside plenty of time for this section alone!

Chatsworth Country House, Derbyshire

We visited for the country fair, and it was the best event of its kind we have ever been to. Masses of things to do, something for everyone and all ages. Loads of interesting and useful things to buy. The craft tent was huge and full of superb quality items. Wish we'd had more time!

St Pancras Chambers, London

An Architect's View
Picture
Picture

Sadly, no official website for you to see, but for details of guided tours ring 0171-314-1000 or fax 0171-580-8905. This massive edifice, opened in 1873 was once a luxury hotel, but is now empty and in the process of renovation. See the faded splendour of yesteryear and a main staircase that makes the one in "Titanic" look like a stepladder!

The George Hotel - English Heritage at its best!

The George Hotel is a 14th Century Inn. With thatched roof, original oak panelling and blackened beams, it is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit, or stay. The food was delicious, and there was a real-ale bar with local cider on tap. Address:- Market Street, Hatherleigh, Devon EX20 3JN. Telephone 01837 810901.

England's Secret Nuclear Bunker

Telephone 01277 364883

Access from the A128 Ongar to Brentwood Road at Kelvedon Hatch.

Visit a Top Secret Underground Government Bunker! Set up during the Cold War and meant to house 600 key personnel, including the Prime Minister. The entrance looks like a normal bungalow, but then you walk down a long corridor taking you into the heart of a hillside and discover that Tardis-like it is a lot bigger inside than out! Three floors include a TV Studio, infirmary, briefing room, dormitories, and a Command Centre.

The Black Country Living Museum

Tipton Rd Dudley West Midlands DY1 4SQ

0121-557-9643

A great day out. Original houses and shops have been carefully reconstructed on the extensive site. Buy traditionally made sweets and fish and chips, have a ride on a canal boat through eerie caverns, go down a drift mine, ride a tram or horse-drawn omnibus, visit the old cinema, and watch demonstrations of traditional crafts. Something for everyone, rain or shine.

The National Museum of Photography Film and Television
Bradford

This is a fabulous day out for people of all ages. Mums and Dads can wallow in the nostalgia of the favourite TV shows of their childhood - kids
can revel in the many exciting interactive displays. Don't forget to visit the IMAX cinema. The 3D Mania film is state of the art.

The Royal Armouries, Leeds	Huge purpose-built museum of arms and armour from all over the world and from all ages. Superb displays, and regular themed weekends and other events.
Faversham	An attractive town in the hop-growing and brewing county of Kent. Many historically and architecturally interesting buildings.
The Russell Cotes Museum and Art Gallery, Bournemouth	A museum under constant development, well worth frequent visits. The result of a lifetime of collecting fascinating items from all over the world.