Attraction Reviews
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
When I was living just south of Devizes, I used to love dropping by Stonehenge on the way past to London, or Salisbury, or wherever. It was easy to park the car and amble across the road to look through the chain fence, or take a stroll round the landscape.
Hall's Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon
Hall's Croft was the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna, and her husband, Dr John Hall. This Tudor house has main rooms which are decorated and furnished as they would have been during Susanna’s time, but with some rooms on the first floor given over to exhibition space.
Shakespeare's Grave, Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare is one of the best known, and loved, playwrights of the Tudor (or indeed any) age, and Stratford has become synonymous with his name. So, a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon really should include a visit to the great man’s grave. Shakespeare's grave can be found near the altar in Holy Trinity Church, and visitors can expect to be charged a £2 entrance fee to get into the church to see it.
Restormel Castle, Cornwall
Restormel Castle in Lostwithiel was built around 1100, but what we see today mainly dates from the 13th century. It was owned by the Cardinhams, who supported de Montfort during the Second Barons’ War, but the Castle fell into the hands of Henry III’s brother, Richard of Cornwall, after Sir Ralph Arundell ‘claimed’ it in 1265.
HMS Warrior, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
HMS Warrior is one of the lesser known ships in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is a massive site containing a number of museums and other attractions. Launched in 1860, HMS Warrior was part-steam and part-sail powered, and the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet. As the first iron-hulled armoured warship she was the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day.
HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
HMS Victory was Nelson’s flagship, on which he fought, and died, in the Battle of Trafalgar. As such, it is of massive historical importance, unlike many other ships that are open to the public. Not only has this warship seen battle, but it led the strategy for the whole fleet in the most decisive sea battle of the Napoleonic Wars.
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Set in delightful Georgian buildings at Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum (NMM) was established by Act of Parliament in 1934 and opened to the public by King George VI on 27th April 1937. It offers free entry to most exhibits covering several floors (special exhibitions incur a charge, but are included in the big ticket, which covers most of the Greenwich museums).
The Cutty Sark, Greenwich, London
Dry docked, and raised three metres off the floor, at Greenwich, the Cutty Sark was one of the last – and one of the fastest – wind powered tea clippers. Designed to sail from London to China and back again faster than her competitors, her speed would have let crew gain a greater return on their cargo of tea, as the first delivery of the season was always bought at a premium.
Shrewsbury Castle, Shropshire
Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, with an interesting history and interesting buildings to go along with it. The Shrewsbury Castle promised to be one of these interesting buildings: King Stephen lay siege to it in 1135, and it was briefly held by the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Iorwerth in 1215.
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
Cornwall lacks many rainy-day activities that are family friendly. The Royal Cornwall Museum could potentially fill this gap. It is housed in the centre of Truro, and is therefore easily accessible from most of the county (although there is no immediate parking and it is badly signposted after entering Truro), and has links to the British Museum.
