Old Harry Rocks

The world famous Jurassic Coast stretches along a 95 mile length of Dorset and Devon coastline and makes a mighty fine day trip from Bournemouth. It’s not even a long day, if you’re pushed for time. Old Harry Rocks marks the eastern most point of the Jurassic Coach and is only a few miles from … Continue reading Old Harry Rocks →

The Year of Mexico

This year will be different things to different people. And different organisations, nations and other entities. According to the UN, 2015 is the Year of Light. The Chinese are convinced that this is the year of the sheep. Or goats. One or the other. What sort of offspring do you get from a papa sheep … Continue reading The Year of Mexico →

Basildon Park

I must start watching Downton Abbey. Everyone says it's a fine show. But...I don't know. It just seems all a bit meh. Especially when I can be in Downton Abbey. If only for a few hours. We recently visited Basildon Park, a National Trust property, and scene of one of the recent episodes of the … Continue reading Basildon Park →

Petworth House

In the middle of the West Sussex countryside lies a grand old stately home, Petworth House, owned and managed by the National Trust. A late 17th century building, with links to Henry VIII would you believe? And it's all set in 700 glorious acres of rolling green hills and woods that are home to herds … Continue reading Petworth House →

Montacute House

Mrs P and I are still on our mission to make the most of our annual National Trust membership. It was certainly a smart move paying out the initial £70 for joint membership. We've saved a small fortune, visited a dozen fabulous sites and enjoyed every minute of it. Our latest trip was to Montacute … Continue reading Montacute House →

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Once upon a time I wanted to be a palaeontologist. I must have been 11 or 12. I liked dinosaurs, I liked digging holes in the ground and I liked puzzles. I also felt that having any sort of career with 'ologist' at the end could only be a good thing. There was also the … Continue reading The Royal Navy Submarine Museum →

Year of Mexico in the UK

And simultaneously, it will be the Year of the UK in Mexico. It's a plan, and everyone's invited. It's one of those wishy washy government level type cultural exchanges that are all jolly well and good, but fairly limited in scope beyond getting a few big wigs together for a bit of a pow-wow over … Continue reading Year of Mexico in the UK →