Essex is not renowned for tourism, but head to the far NW corner of the county and you will come across the attractive market town of Saffron Walden. Nearby is Audley End, a fine Jacobean house with landscaped gardens. Together they provide much of interest for anyone wishing to take a relaxed short break in an unspoiled part of rural England. The town was originally called Walden, […]
Whilst arrangements for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations were getting into full swing I spent a day visiting the Isle of Wight and Osborne House. This palace was a favourite retreat for Queen Victoria, the only other monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee – back in 1897. My travel across to the Isle of Wight was care of Red Funnel Ferries, […]
• For a £5 discount on new membership, use code STEW05 on the Historic Houses website.
• To get a £10 National Trust gift card with membership by direct debit, click on National Trust.
Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey – Short Break
The market town of Helmsley and the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey lie on the south western boundary of the North Yorkshire Moors. An ancient three mile footpath links the two, well-trodden by monks and townspeople many years ago, and popular now with visitors to the area. After my recent Short Break in the seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby, I moved 30 […]