Thursday, January 31, 2008

KENWOOD HOUSE GARDENS, HAMPSTEAD HEATH, LONDON

I'm going to show you a part of one of my favourite walk in London. It is in somewhere in Hampstead Heath. It is set in tranquil parkland with panoramic views over London. Brewing magnate, Edward Cecil Guinness, first Earl of Iveagh, bought Kenwood House in 1925. Thanks to him, you can admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Vermeer. Admire the Suffolk Collection, with its magnificent full-length Elizabethan portraits and stunning costume details. Or take a turn outside, in parkland influenced by the great English landscape gardener, Humphry Repton. There are also lakeside walks and meandering woodland paths to explore and enjoy. This is where that false bridge is.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

CLARE BRIDGE, CAMBRIDGE


Clare college in Cambridge has a much-photographed bridge over the river which has fourteen stone balls decorating it. One of the balls has a missing section. A number of apocryphal stories circulate concerning this - the one most commonly cited by members of college is that the original builder of the bridge was not paid the full amount for his work and so removed the segment to balance the difference in payment. This bridge is the oldest of Cambridge's current bridges. You should go there and rent a small boat and don't forget to bring your picnic....

Friday, January 11, 2008

PEEL, THE ISLE OF MAN

Peel is often called the only 'city' in the Isle of Man because it is the home of the Island's cathedral; but it is the fourth largest town on the island after Douglas, Onchan and Ramsey. Peel was never capital of the Island, but Peel Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Sodor and Man. It is the Island's main fishing port.Peel is often referred to as the rose red city or sunset city due to the red sandstone used to build the castle and other important buildings. It also faces west and enjoys beautiful sunsets over the Irish Sea. Peel is a popular seaside destination for Manx citizens and visitors in summer and is noted for its narrow streets of fishermen's cottages and a sizeable promenade and sandy beach. Usually, at least one seal can be seen in the harbour or just outside it.