Red House – The Arts and Crafts home of William Morris

Red House – The Arts and Crafts home of William Morris

William Morris was an influential designer and one of the leaders of the Arts and Crafts movement - that started in Britain before becoming a world-wide phenomenon.  This is the house where the movement started. 'Arts and Crafts' rejected plain mass produced household furniture and fittings in favour of ambitious, creative and bespoke designs for [...]

Hidden treasures of the Cotswolds

Hidden treasures of the Cotswolds

This article gives a route to visit some of the hidden treasures of the Cotswolds, an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' of around 800 square miles in size and sixty miles to the north-west of London.  Once in the Cotswolds, the route will take you around five hours allowing for stops. Head up the M40 [...]

48 hours in ‘The Athens of the North’

48 hours in ‘The Athens of the North’

Earlier this year, we set off to 'The Athens of the North' to visit some of my old haunts, see the key sights once again - and watch a rather important rugby match. In the early 1800's Edinburgh re-branded itself 'The Athens of the North' to reflect its growing importance.  It has been the capital [...]

How to watch the final stage of the Tour de France in Paris

How to watch the final stage of the Tour de France in Paris

The 105th Tour de France starts on Saturday 7 July in the Vendee.  Some 3500 km later, the 22 teams and 176 riders will aim to complete the 21 stages in Paris, on Sunday 29 July. To see the final stage in Paris, book an early departure (c.7am) on Eurostar (St Pancras to Gare de [...]

Where the Normans landed in 1066!

Where the Normans landed in 1066!

In September 1066, Duke William II of Normandy landed a French force at Pevensey, intent on taking the English throne from King Harold II.  Two weeks later, the English forces were defeated at the Battle of Hastings.  And in December 1066, William II was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day - so called William [...]