Built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright, Cromford Mill is the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. Today, the mill buildings house a variety of independent shops and a small museum, all of which are free to explore. To visit, there is (paid) parking on site (53°06'34.5"N 1°33'17.2"W)
Magpie Mine is a well-preserved disused lead mine, one of several such ventures working different lead veins in the same area. The earliest recorded workings there date from 1740. Right from the start, the miners had difficulty in keeping the workings free from water, but by 1824, a Newcomen-type pumping engine had been erected on the Main Shaft. This led to the production of 800 tons of…
Bleaklow is a place of remote beauty, a largely peat-covered moorland which rises almost 2,000 feet above sea level. As you can see, it was a wet foggy day when we went - the moors are largely peat-covered, which when drenched can create areas where the whole ground moves when you walk on it. A pretty cool experience! Yet for all its beauty, Bleaklow's moors betray times…
Half buried in the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes in Rimac Nature Reserve in Lincolnshire is a Comet Tank. It is unclear how the tank came to its final resting place in the national nature reserve – but one theory suggests the RAF could have been using it for target practice. Regardless of its story, this tank has become a tourist attraction for locals and visitors alike. The surroundings…
St Fagans National Museum of History is one of Europe's leading open-air museums. The Museum stands in the grounds of St Fagans Castle and Gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948. It allows you to take a walk through history (for free) with over 50 historic buildings dismantled from all over Wales and re-built…
Skyeskyns is Scotland’s only sheepskin tannery. They give free guided tours and teach about the historic craft of leather-making in their traditional working exhibition tannery. After the tour, you can browse the wide selection of sheepskins, bespoke throws and beanbags, as well as some contemporary knitwear. We had a great time here, and the bell tent cafe with gorgeous views finished off the visit nicely. To…
The weather was abysmal during our visit, meaning we didn’t enjoy the outside areas as much as we otherwise could have. But it was still an enjoyable day. The Dinosaur Park and Iron age village The whole park is littered with dinosaur models, which was fun for the little one. The 'iron age village' was frankly disappointing, especially with the large tv screen smack bang in…
This was without a doubt one of the best bird experiences any of us have ever had, it far exceeded our expectations. Well worth a visit, just a shame none of us had better cameras! This was the only time during this trip that we stayed in a camp ground. For obvious reasons, we chose the adjacent Black Mountain caravan park. This small family-run site also…
The journey takes you through Pontsticill and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservior before climbing to Torpantau in the Brecon Beacons and the summit of the original line. At the main station in Pant you can visit the Workshop where the Steam Locomotives and Carriages are repaired, there is also a cafe and gift shop. Trains travel nonstop from here to Torpantau. Returning…
The owl sanctuary at Festival Park was established in 1998 for the rehabilitation and care of injured, abandoned, and uncared-for wild owls, hawks and falcons. The main aim is to care for these animals until they can be released back into the wild. Unfortunately, some of the birds cannot be released due to being bred in captivity, being non-native species, or being injured in a way…
Chine is a word used only in the Isle of Wight and Dorset and means a deep narrow ravine with water running down to the sea. Carved by nature over thousands of years, the gorge cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade below. If you are looking for excitement or a big wow factor you won’t find it here but,…
The garlic farm is a must for all garlic fans visiting the Isle of Wight! Free to visit, you can wander the farm, try out different varieties in the tasting room, grab yourself some garlicky goodness at the shop or restaurant (garlic icecream, I kid you not), learn about growing and history in the education centre, or even take a tractor tour or stay at one…