Q and A – Part 3
What’s the best thing about being a Blue Badge Guide? There are lots of things I like about it but I’ll pick just a few. Firstly, the opportunity to show off the best of our country to visitors from all…
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Tag Archive: places to visit
Rushton Triangular Lodge
Rushton Triangular Lodge is an oddity set in the middle of nowhere. As its name suggests, it’s built in the shape of a triangle. Everything about it relates to the number three: there are three floors, three windows per wall…
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Burghley House
Burghley House is, in my opinion, one of the most impressive stately homes in the country. On entering the building via a converted barn, visitors are treated to a history of the house, recounted by the family themselves, projected onto…
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Q and A Part 2
So here are some more questions about me and my work as a guide… What do you do when you’re not guiding? Alongside my guiding, I work as a freelance German-English translator. I am fluent in German – which I…
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Top Ten Things to Do in Birmingham
Birmingham is such a huge, thriving city that it’s hard to choose just ten must-do things. My original list was much longer, and it took a long while to whittle it down, but (in no particular order) here goes… 1 …
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Birmingham’s Christmas Markets
The latter part of the year can mean only one thing in Birmingham, and that’s market time! Since it began more than 15 years ago, it’s become as much a part of Christmas for Brummies as carol singers, presents and…
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Sarehole Mill
Tucked away in the residential suburbs of South Birmingham is a hidden gem. Worth visiting in its own right, and linked to two of Birmingham’s most famous residents too – that’s Sarehole Mill. Starting life as a rural mill several…
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Aston Hall
It is easy to spend a whole morning or afternoon at Aston Hall. It is a beautiful manor house in the Aston area of Birmingham, which was involved in the Civil War – you can still see the hole in…
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Aston Hall
It is easy to spend a whole morning or afternoon at Aston Hall. It is a beautiful manor house in the Aston area of Birmingham, which was involved in the Civil War – you can still see the hole in…
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Cannock Chase
Not far outside Birmingham, you will find Cannock Chase, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a lovely place for a picnic. It is a really peaceful place to stroll around, with trees, heathland, and streams – and…
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Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so with this many beautiful pictures we don’t think we need to add anything, other than “Go and visit”! [slideshow] For more ideas for places to visit, come and browse the…
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Black Country Living Museum
Visiting the Black Country Living Museum is like taking a step back in time, and there is so much to do you can easily spend a whole day here and not have time for everything. The buildings have all been…
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The Monkey Forest
For a fun, family day out, the Monkey Forest in Staffordshire is a good choice. As you enter, there are information boards telling you about the monkeys that live here, where their natural habitat is, what they eat, and so…
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Weston Park
Weston Park may not be as famous as Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court, or even Chatsworth House, but it is well worth a visit and considerably cheaper than many stately homes and gardens. It is located in the superbly named Weston-under-Lizard,…
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Charlecote Park
If you like stately homes and gardens, then Charlecote Park is a must-see. The house itself is quite small by stately home standards, but, as you would expect from a National Trust property, there is a guide in every room…
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Nunney Castle
It’s small. It won’t take you long to look round – about 15 to 20 minutes is plenty – but if you are in the area, Nunney Castle is worth a look. It’s free to enter, so you don’t need…
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Winterbourne House and Gardens
Winterbourne House is one of Birmingham’s hidden treasures – even many of the locals don’t know it’s there. It’s just a short walk from the Birmingham University campus, and easily accessible by bus and train. The house is small, but…
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Bush Farm Bison Centre
You don’t expect to find bison in the UK, but if you visit the Bush Farm Bison Centre in Wiltshire you will find plenty. There is a lovely woodland walk which takes you past a variety of animals which include…
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Selly Manor
One of Birmingham’s well-kept little secrets is Selly Manor. It’s a small, beautifully preserved, Tudor house in Bournville. It’s inexpensive to visit and although there are only a few rooms, there are plenty of activities to do – especially if…
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The Pen Room
Situated in the Argent Centre, on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter, just a few minutes walk from the city centre and Brindley Place, The Pen Room is one of Birmingham’s best kept secrets. It is a privately owned museum…
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SS Great Britain, Bristol
Regarded as one of Bristol’s leading attractions, and the recipient of various awards in recent years, I was eagerly anticipating my visit to SS Great Britain, especially as I have always loved ships and I’m such a fan of industrial…
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Althorp House
When you think about stately homes, Althorp House probably isn’t one that would immediately spring to mind. However, it is a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon. It is smaller than places such as Blenheim Palace or Chatsworth,…
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Conwy Castle
This month we have a guest post from Phoebe, aged 11: In north Wales there is an old, rugged and big castle called Conwy Castle. At the castle there is a free quiz book in English and Welsh, which you…
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Sutton Park
Sutton Park, in the north of Birmingham, is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, with 2400 acres of land. There are paths suitable for bikes and pushchairs, but you are also free to leave the path and stroll…
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