Hello! We want to tell you about our travels across the British Isles. We’ve been to lots of cool places including Gibraltar; There’s one place we haven’t been to yet though – Northern Ireland.
We’ve explored other parts of Britain, like Scotland and Wales. Scotland was special for my family because we have roots in the MacGregor Clan. My family came together in Liverpool and moved with work across South Lancashire.
I was born in Greater Manchester (West side) and have relocated around England; firstly to Preston where I grew up followed by a short return to Leigh – the town of my birth. then we moved to Coventry where I lived for 20 years meeting my wife and having our two children there. My wife’s family is from places in Ireland – Kilkenny and Dublin, and she is from the Irish Lake District in County Westmeath. From Coventry work took us to Swindon in South West England and then after 37 years there retirement returned us to Greater Manchester’s Cheshire/Derbyshire’s Pennine border.
The many beautiful Cities, Towns and Villages of England that do not have an area grouping are shown here. From the magnificense of York Minster to the amusement of the National Arboretum at Westonbirt these are the places that merit a visit.
Burford in the Cotswolds; Glossop in the High Peak District; Swindon in Wiltshire and Westonbirt in Gloucestershire each have some of their features shown here in photographs.
Hayle is a Surfers Mecca with long sandy beaches facing out onto The Atlantic Ocean. There are many fine restaurants in or close to Hayle along with most excellent Cornish Pasties available everywhere.
A good base to explore the many attractions of the South of Cornwall that include Lands End; St Ives; Penzance; St Michaels Mount; Lizard Point and The Eden Project.
The Isle of Wight is a modest sized island off the southern coast, connected to the mainland by many ferries; from Southampton there is Red Funnel Car Ferry (AKA Green Funnel) and Red Jet Passenger ferry, the former to East Cowes and the latter to Cowes. There is a hovercraft service from Portsmouth to Ryde together with many other ferries.
The Isle of Wight has many visitor attractions that due to its size are all easily accessible. There are bus tours that circle the island with Hop ON/Hop Off fare deals that make seeing many of the attractions just a matter of deciding how long you want to spend there. One or two are better served by car to which end there is a good network of roads. The island also has a rail network.
🧭 Discover Northumberland: England’s Untamed Treasure
Northumberland is the UK’s best-kept secret for travellers seeking history, nature, and authentic charm — all without the crowds. Located in the far northeast of England, this wild and windswept county borders Scotland and boasts more castles than any other English region. From Roman ruins to medieval strongholds, it’s a landscape shaped by centuries of conflict, resilience, and reinvention.
🌄 Why Visit Northumberland?
🛍️ Local Life & Culture
Castles of Northumberland: A Journey Through TimeNorthumberland is home to some of England’s most iconic castles — each with its own story carved into stone. From coastal citadels to riverside ruins, these fortresses offer a window into centuries of border warfare, noble ambition, and cinematic grandeur.
Alnwick Castle: Grandeur & LegacySummary: A living castle and seat of the Percy family, Alnwick blends medieval might with Renaissance elegance. Famous for its role in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, it’s one of Britain’s most visited castles. While in Alnwick Castle grounds visit the Poison Garden (Setting of one of L J Ross’s books – Poison Garden) and learn justt how many garden plants can be quite a challenge.
Photo; Alnwick Castle’s majestic façade — where history meets Hogwarts.
Bamburgh Castle: The Coastal CrownSummary: Perched on volcanic rock above the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle commands breathtaking views and ancient prestige. Once the capital of Anglo-Saxon Bernicia, it’s a symbol of resilience and restoration.
Photo : Bamburgh Castle rising from the cliffs — a fortress sculpted by sea and time.
Warkworth Castle: Romance & RebellionEnglish Heritage Link
Summary: Nestled in a loop of the River Coquet, Warkworth Castle was the Percy family’s preferred residence. Its dramatic keep and hidden hermitage evoke tales of medieval intrigue and Shakespearean fame.
Photo : Warkworth Castle’s towering keep — echoing the legacy of Hotspur.
