Images of England – Page 7

A – Z of Locations: I is for IOW

During this year I shall be posting photographs from places around the UK, many of which have not been published before. Where I have previously blogged about a location I will provide a link to the post, though you won’t be able to comment on it as I restrict comments to six months.

I is for IOW – Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a small island measuring 23 miles by 13 miles off the coast of Hampshire in the south of England. Regular ferry services cross from the mainland at Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. Passengers can also choose from catamarans and hovercraft options to Ryde. We went over for a few days break during August in 2008. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side.

There is a lot packed into such a small island from the busy seaside town of Ryde on the north coast to the quieter south coast. The Military Road which runs along the coast between Chale and Freshwater Bay was built by the military in the 1860’s as part of the defence of the Island.

South Coast where dinosaur fossils can be found

Also known as the Dinosaur Island it is regarded as one of the richest areas for Dinosaur discovery in Europe. There are picturesque inland villages with thatched roofed buildings, traditional seaside resorts, beautiful beaches and a botanic garden and miles of footpaths and cycling tracks.

The Needles is a row of three stacks of chalk that rise about 30 metres out of the sea off the western extremity of the Isle of Wight

The Needles from the mainland. The Needles Lighthouse stands at the outer, western end of the formation. Built in 1859, it has been automated since 1994.

Alum Bay is well known for its multi-coloured sand cliffs. The Needles offers a range of attractions and rides for all ages. No visit to The Needles would be complete without a visit to one of their entertaining demonstrations, where you can get hands on with fascinating glass blowing, sweet making and sand filling and take away a piece of the Isle of Wight you won’t find anywhere else.

On the north coast is the lovely town of Yarmouth with ferry crossings over to Lymington (New Forest). The historic port town sits at the mouth of the River Yar and contains some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight, including a 16th Century castle.

A little further east is the Newtown National Nature Reserve with several bird hides which is a nice place for some quiet time.

Newtown National Trust West Bird Hide – a unique bird hide that feels more like home. Set on two levels, it has windows all around. Inside you can find books, chairs, binoculars and a lot of information about the local wildlife.

And if you like visiting historic houses then there is Osborne House. Queen Victoria and Albert bought the Osborne estate in 1845, and built a new mansion here as an escape from court life in London and Windsor.

The Italianate design of the house, in which Albert was closely involved, became known as ‘the Osborne style’ and was imitated throughout the British empire.

There are extensive grounds to explore including a walled garden and the ornate terrace garden which is a riot of colours in spring and summer. Take a walk to the private beach where Victoria and the royal children used to swim.

Complementing the magnificent Italianate ‘royal palace by the sea’, are gardens and grounds filled with breathtaking views.

The Isle of Wight has been known as a holiday destination since the Victorian era and it is definitely worth visiting.

A – Z of Locations: H is for Hartland Quay

H is for Hartland Quay

Hartland Quay on the north coast of Devon is wild and rugged with contorted rock layers.

The wilderness of Hartland Peninsula is well worth exporing – it is a lost world of narrow roads winding their way to the coast. Visit Hartland Point, the Quay, Speke’s Mill Mouth and the glorious Hartland Abbey where paths around the estate lead to the beach and Blackpool Mill Cottage where ‘Sense and Sensibility’ was filmed. Nearby St Nectan’s Church has been a landmark for sailors for generations with its tower believed to be the highest in Devon.

It is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK with the highest granite cliffs overlooking Atlantic rollers. Take a walk along the coastal path here for wonderful views of the rugged coastline, astonishing folded and compressed rock formations, jutting ribs in the sand and waterfalls and inland moorland, heath and wooded valleys.

North Devon is often overlooked in favour of its southern neighbour, but it is a stunning part of the county. And much less traffic.

A – Z of Locations: G is for Grasmere

G is for Grasmere

Is there any landscape more beautiful in England than the Lake District? Known for its glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains and historic literary associations. Throw in a few market towns, lakeside walks and cruises, good food and fresh air. Lots of fresh air.

It has links with the Lake Poets: William and Dorothy Wordsworth lived in Grasmere for 14 years and called it “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”

For a walk around Grasmere click here

A – Z of Locations: D is for Dartmoor

D is for Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park is a vast moorland in the county of Devon, in southwest England. Dartmoor ponies roam its craggy landscape, defined by forests, rivers, wetlands and tors (rock formations).

We had an incredible day driving around Dartmoor National Park back in June 2022, stopping in various places to have a short stroll to admire the views.

click here to read more about my Dartmoor visit

A – Z of Locations: C is for Chilham

C is for Chilham

Renowned for its beauty and charm, the Kentish village of Chilham lies high above the valley of the River Stour in the picturesque Kent Downs. The market square is full of historic medieval buildings, timber framed houses of Tudor origin, the 16th century church and the imposing Chilham Castle.

Chilham Castle – sadly the gardens are only open on Tuesdays during the summer months.

Chilham lies on the routes for the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims Way to Canterbury.

Half timbered cottage gable end which you pass on the way to the Free Parking just outside the village.

Featured in the book ‘A Thousand Best Churches’ by Simon Jenkins, the XIII century church is noted for its stained glass windows and fine monuments. My visit coincided with the Harvest Festival and the church was exquisitely decorated.

Much of the village is designated a heritage conservation area, in recognition of the historic value of the many of the buildings. Because of the beautiful old buildings, Chilham is often used as a setting for film and television productions.

My visit was in September 2010. I often accompanied my OH in those days when he attended conferences in nearby Canterbury (yet another C well worth exploring) and whilst he was busy in meetings I was busy exploring the Kent countryside, towns and villages and gardens.