Avoncroft Museum - History all in one place!

I have always had a big soft spot for this museum and a very recent trip has shown me that I will probably never get bored of the place.
Located near Bromsgrove in Worcestershire you may have driven passed this place if you come off the M5 near Droitwich and head towards both Bromsgrove and Redditch.

The museum is dedicated to the preservation of historic buildings. Amazingly, the buildings have been relocated so they are all on this one site. You really can move from Tudor England to post war Britain in a couple of minutes.

Church Spire that was relocated to the site

There is ample parking when you turn up and the staff in the visitor centre at the entrance are lovely taking time to explain the site and everything there. 

Once you are back out in the open the site is your to enjoy. Even on a busy day because the site is large enough you will find your own little spot to enjoy the many buildings on offer.

I really like taking my time. I also visited with my two children. My 3 year old loves the place. So much to explore and space to fully soak up the whole experience.

They really have done a fantastic job relocating all the buildings to the site that you would be forgiven for thinking they have always been there. The variance in buildings is also quite incredible.

So much attention to detail

I just want to quickly list some of the buildings within the museum. They have a Threshing Barn, Tudor House, Mission Church, Toll House, Forge, Post War Pre-Fab and Air raid shelter, Orchard, Chain Shop and even an old cell. Perhaps somewhere to leave the kids if they do misbehave?

This list just scratches the surface and please take time to enjoy every exhibit.

Throughout the site there are nods to the areas industrial past. They even have opportunities on site to learn how to be a blacksmith!

Presentation inside the buildings is really well done. This is the view from the TollHouse window.

It is difficult for me to pick my favourite exhibit. Worth a mention is the pre-fab. Well laid out when you are exploring the building you will start to question your modern living and realise that all home comforts are were catered for. You can see why people loved their pre-fabs so much. Its actually quite sad they are nearly all gone.

I also like the Mission Church. From what I can make out this can be used for weddings. Certainly the site does cater for weddings so if you are planning your happy day, looking at Avoncroft as an option is an absolute must. Please don't quote me but I believe that your guests will get the freedom of the museum once it closes for the public on the day!

The mission church. Actually originally from Herefordshire but on a hot day you are transported to colonial Africa for a short time.

Most peoples star of the show is the windmill. On some days and weather permitting a team of volunteers actually operate the mill. This is an absolute must see especially when it is open. You can climb up (steep steps mind) and have a good look inside. The views from the mill are not too bad either!

For an outdoor attraction accessibility is rather good. Everything is quite level around the site and you can access most buildings. Don't be put off either if the weather is not too bad. Remember that this is a museum of buildings - if you are allergic to rain then take an umbrella and spend more time exploring the inside of the exhibits.

On site they also have an Edwardian tea shop. Very pleasant atmosphere inside. I chose to take a little picnic with me and was able to find a beautiful shady spot under a tree to feed and water the nippers.

One of the museum stars. I don't need to point out that this is a windmill. What I do need to point out is it works!

Remember, places like this museum survive by you visiting. If you are local and you have never been then what a shame. Rectify it and ensure you go. 

If you are in the area then put this on your list of must see things to do.

And if you have been inspired enough to travel specifically to visit - it will be well worth the trek! 

The mantra of this blog is 'embrace the weather'. Get outside and enjoy this absolute treasure of Worcestershire.

Happy Exploring...........

Harlech Castle - How to build a fortress with a view

After focusing on the South West of England in my first two blogs I am now switching to the West Coast of Wales and in particular the castle which jumped straight to my number one spot of favourite castles - Harlech Castle.

I visited Harlech in September 2013 staying a little further down the coast near Barmouth (which I am bound to write about at some point).
By going this time of year you risk the rain but, apart from another American tourist, the family and I had the place practically to ourselves. This gave some time to soak in the atmosphere. Believe me, this place has one special atmosphere.

Harlech Castle. A World Heritage Site in the shadow of Snowdonia

Built by Edward I between 1282 and 1289 the castle cost an absolute fortune comparing to today's money however, the best stonemasons were used to put together this imposing structure. 

I am not going to go deep into the history of the castle. There are plenty of other sites describing its purpose and past, what I want to do is try and give you a reason for visiting Harlech and the castle whether you are a signed up castle nerd (which I am) or someone who views history as a TV channel where you watch Pawn Stars or Swamp Men.

Let us begin with Harlech itself.

Finding a place to park can be tricky if the car park I found is full. If however you are really going to embrace the weather you won't find any problem out of season. The town itself is really very pretty. Full of your usual antique shops and B&Bs it is quite a pretty area to stroll through.

You can't really miss the castle as it really dominates the town. I may be stating the obvious here but you are talking to the man who struggled to find Tintagel castle on my first visit there.

Inside there are plenty of tucked away places to explore

The site is ran by Cadw which is the organisation charged with looking after heritage sites in Wales. They are in the process of building a new visitor centre so for future visits the trip will be enhanced further.

Like all castles, access is difficult. Certainly a walk around the ramparts is not for vertigo sufferers as there is no guard rail between you and a considerable drop.

But once inside you are struck by how imposing the structure is. 

Looking ahead you are treated to views out to the Irish Sea. The coastal vistas in this area are stunning and you will be treated to some stunning beaches when you venture down to the shore. It is however the view to your right that takes the breath away.

Right on the fringes of the Snowdonia National Park, the mountain view you are presented with is something truly special.

Views over to Snowdonia National Park from the castle

Within the castle you get the usual displays about the castle's history, construction and preservation. Something about being within the castle walls makes you want to just sit and be still for a while. I could give you the old cliches about 'if walls could speak' but being able to breath in the air within such an imposing structure does make you try and reconstruct in your mind what this place would have been like filled with troops during Edwards campaigns in Wales.

Inside the castle. Wish the lawn at home looked this good!

I really took my time slowly working my way from room to rampart. As I mentioned earlier, the ramparts are exposed with no guard rails so think twice about going up there if you a) have children, b) are unsteady on your feet or c) an idiot.

As you walk round you will be getting to know one of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in Europe. I absolutely love the fact that they have kept it simple and not tried to fill the place with facts and activities. Trust me, if you can take your eyes of the castle you will be looking out on some amazing views which will keep you in awe throughout your visit.

It really is hard to tear yourself away.

Look at the view, look at the castle

Well I had to tear myself away eventually. A hungry 3 year old needed refueling (by the way my daughter had so much fun jumping in puddles so who needs full on kids activities).

Back to the town and there are plenty of cafes to choose from.

What I will say is whether you choose to base yourself in or near Harlech or you are exploring the area, a visit to the castle is absolutely necessary. We stayed on a caravan park near to Barmouth and despite it being windy, wet and a little bit chilly we had an amazing time exploring the area.

So remember the mantra, there is no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothes. If you want to get a World Heritage site practically to yourself then wait for those skies to leaden and head off to Harlech. 

Taken near to Harlech

For more information about visiting Harlech visit http://cadw.wales.gov.uk

I hope this has gone someway to inspire you to visit. I will be returning to the area on future blogs but for now.............Happy Exploring

West Bay Dorset - Not a murder in sight!

Simplicity and everything you want for a perfect relaxing seaside break. This probably sums up my experience of West Bay in Dorset perfectly.

Due to the popular ITV Drama Broadchurch, West Bay will probably gain more visitors wanting to see where the program was filmed however it is already a firm favourite with British holidaymakers. When I mentioned I was going for a weeks break here everyone I spoke to practically gushed with nostalgia at great family holidays in the area.

Ok I thought, let me see if it lives up to its reputation.

The imposing cliffs of West Bay form part of the World Heritage area of the Jurassic Coast

My intention for the weeks break was to spend some quiet time recharging the batteries with the family so I had not planned any elaborate trips out. I was staying in the Parkdean holiday park located right by the harbour so was quite pleased that everything I needed was a short walk away.

Around the harbour there are little kiosks selling fish and chips but it was the ice cream 'volcano' I fell for. Imagine a doughnut covered in whipped ice cream and you have a little insight into my weeks diet.

Feeling sluggish after a day or so indulging around the harbour I set myself the mission of tackling the cliff walk heading east towards Burton Bradstock. The east cliff (pictured above) looked steep enough however I was able to haul my unfit frame to the top to start the walk.

Looking down to West Bay from the top of East Cliff

I was actually blessed with beautiful sunny weather when I began the walk and from high the sea certainly took on a stunning azure blue. Again enough proof that coastal vistas such as this are not exclusive to the Med.

The walk begins with the sea on your right and Bridport golf course on your left. It is quite an undulating walk but the views are absolutely worth it. As you climb down the other side of East Cliff you then head up what appears to be an even steeper section over the top of the next cliff top. Don't worry too much as this one has steps to aid the ascent and descent.

You are then presented with a compact but stunningly located caravan park which is located right on the beach. The walk is well worth doing but remember in hot weather take plenty of water and cover your head to the sun. In the winter months check for local reports of cliff falls as parts of the path may become dangerous.

While you are walking also remind yourself that you are actually strolling through a World Heritage site. The Jurassic coast in Dorset enjoys the same elevation in world significance as the Taj Mahal, Great Barrier Reef or the Great wall of China. Again, you don't have to travel half way round the world to visit somewhere as important to world heritage to receive UNESCO protection.

View back down the cliff path

So, back in to West Bay itself. I mentioned earlier that a certain ITV drama was filmed here. During my visit the area again was taken over by film crews. In fact, as a began my cliff walk I was stopped by the beach by a security man who said they were filming on the beach. Apparently I was welcome to watch but not allowed to take any photographs. When I asked what they were filming (in a hope to engage the gentleman in friendly conversation) I was snapped at that he could not tell me. 

Anyway, I won't spoil the surprise and I cannot possibly confirm a second series of Broadchurch. 

I did however see David Tennant.......at a distance.....talking on the phone. 

Although this looks a good distance, he very nearly took my head off when I was having a water break on top of the cliff. The area is quite popular with this sort of thing.

West Bay is really perfect for its absolute simplicity. It is unspoilt by tacky gift shops and has kept a certain community charm. The harbour appears to be busy and there are a handful of reasonably priced boats offering fishing trips or a quick half hour 'blast' down the coast.

Whether you use West Bay as a base to explore the surrounding area (The famous Chesil Beach leading to Portland Bill is not far) or just visit for the day you will certainly find your own spot to unwind. West Bay seems to make it impossible to do anything else.

The Harbour area

The River Brid looking away from the Harbour

For further information about visiting West Bay and the town of Bridport visit http://www.visit-dorset.com/about-the-area/towns/bridport-and-west-bay

Happy exploring

Fingle Bridge, Devon. Ham, egg, chips and a pint (and a cracking walk)

So, its time to kick off with my first location and I have chosen one which I personally have visited many times since childhood, Fingle Bridge in Devon.

The bridge from the Inn

Located on the edge of Dartmoor, Fingle Bridge is a 17th Century bridge spanning the River Teign near the village of Drewsteignton.

Now, the National Trust members amongst you have probably been in the area visiting the stunning Castle Drogo. Fingle bridge is not far and you can reach the grounds of Castle Drogo by taking the path turning right once you have crossed the bridge.

I want to concentrate on not just the bridge itself but the woodland walks you can take along the banks of the River Teign.

If you arrive by car you can either park up next to the Fingle Bridge Inn (yep, there is a pub which I will most certainly come to later) or drive over the bridge to park on the other side of the river. Now the choice is yours which way you wander. As I mentioned, I have been coming here since I was knee high and have always been drawn to turning left and taking the woodland path.

Those of you who like your mountain bikes will really enjoy the trail here. Keep an eye out especially during the summer if you are walking for people tearing by on bikes but there is more than enough space for you to lose yourself along the walk.

When you start your walk (with the river on your left shoulder) you will notice what looks like ruined stone cottages. These are the remnants of the old corn mills that used to operate in the area. Pushing on deeper into the wooded area you will still have good access to the river banks.

The view in this picture shows the sort of terrain and scenery you will be walking through.

Other view looking up towards the moors.

Now sadly i am no wildlife expert and I cannot claim to have witnessed this however, I am told that there are otters in the area so try and keep an eye out when the path does take you closer back to the river. It is up to you how far you push on. Personally, being quite lazy and always thinking about where my next meal is I tend to spend an hour or so exploring and just soaking in the area before heading back to the bridge. I do prefer to stay down in the gorge around the fishermans path.

The River Teign. 

Right, back to the bridge and straight into the Fingle Bridge Inn. This is a cracking pub and I have to say I had one of the best meals there once. Back in 2007 I spent a rainy week in Devon with the wife. After a bit of a drenching we stopped for lunch at the Inn. 

Now this is the point of the blog I suppose.....the rain had clearly kept everyone away so not only did we have the whole area to ourselves, the pub also was deserted. Sat next to a real open fire watching the river from the window whilst devouring ham, egg and chips (plus a pint) was pure luxury. And I have the rain to thank for this experience. 

Stick your waterproof on and Embrace the Weather.........

Now, as this blog progresses I am bound to rattle on about Dartmoor a few times. Keep your eyes open for those special little places and if you are visiting Castle Drogo, make the detour. I however would certainly say a visit to this tranquil part of south Devon is well worth it to escape the usual crowded spots. 

Happy exploring

Fingle Bridge - my ham egg and chips moment