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Andrew's Travels
Andrew's Travels

Andrew's Travels

traveled in 66 countries Read more🌍Cambridge
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  • Andrew's TravelsHistoric Baltic RepublicsTraveler
    Toompea Castle; view from Dome Park, on the west
    Toompea Castle; Landskrone Tower / Pikk Hermann Tower (Tall Hermann)Toompea Castle; National Council ( the old fortress was updated by Catherine the Great)Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox CathedralSculpture on the side of a house / St Mary's Lutheran CathedralLookout views; Rear of building in Upper Old Town / View down to Lower Old TownLookout views; Niguliste Church, now restored to a museum / St Olaf's ChurchDanish King's Garden; viewsDanish King's Garden; Maiden's Tower (access to the walls) / Cafe Culture exhibitionKiek in de Kok Tower; part of the museum with access to the underground Bastion Passages (closed)

    Tallinn 2; Old Town - Upper (Toompea)

    June 2, 2024 in Estonia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We start the day with a guided tour of Tallinn Old Town. We start by walking up towards Toompea Castle; originally built in the 9th century. It was overtaken by Danish crusaders in the 13th century; when Estonia became part of the Russian Empire, there were Baroque modifications. We are led through the Upper Old Town and see any of the sites (see photo captions), including lovely views down onto the Lower Old Town.

    I revisited later alone to spend more time in the Danish King's Garden, going up to the accessible walls and museum there, as well as visiting the Kiek in die Kok Tower; this means "peek into the kitchen" in the German dialect of the time, but is amusing when spoken in English!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsHistoric Baltic RepublicsTraveler
    Along Snell Pond in Dome Park
    Balti Jaam MarketStreet Art on old buildings in TelliskiviStreet Art on old buildings in Telliskivi2Old chimney stackOld water towerStreet Art on old buildings in TelliskiviRepurposed generator

    ESTONIA Tallinn 1; Telliskivi

    June 1, 2024 in Estonia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    I flew to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, via Helsinki, arriving early in the afternoon.

    Tallinn is UNESCO listed and one of Europe's most complete walled cities. It was originally settled by Finno Ugric people in 2,500 BC; Estonia is apparently still similar to Finland to this day, people and character wise. Tallinn was invaded by the Danes in 1219, who built a castle on Toompea, a small hill here.

    Tallinn joined the Hanseatic League in 1285 for trade and eventually became part of the Russian Empire in 1870, after it was surrendered to Peter the Great in 1710. By WWII, Tallinn had many shipyards and was capital of the brief Estonian Republic from 1920-1940; it suffered badly in WWII and became a main grain handling port for Moscow with much subsequent urban development. It has been transformed since 1991, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and is now part of the EU.

    After settling into the hotel (L'Ermitage), I walked close to the western edge of the Danish Castle walls, along Snell Pond in Dome Park; the pond was once part of the preserved moat around the castle. There were tantalising views of the Old Town as I walked to the Kalamaja District of West Tallinn.

    I walked through the interesting Balti Jaam Market, a renovated hall with stalls on 3 levels and into Telliskivi. This is an area of the former industrial complex of Tallinn, including the electrochemical plant, but the old buildings now comprise of many shops, bars, and restaurants, with modern street art decorations on many walls; Telliskivi is known now as the Creative City and is the area to go for reasonably priced food and drink - which the Explore Group did, later on!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; South DistrictTraveler
    Toft; Village Sign / Parish Church of St Andrew
    Toft; Old well next to the church - originally for the cottages oppositeToft; Millenium Beacon on footpath to CombertonComberton; Village Sign / Parish Church of St MaryComberton; War Memorial - a resting head sculptureHardwick; Village Sign / St Mary's ChurchHardwick; Original Water Pumps - one near the church, the other off Pump LaneHardwick; The Blue LionEn route back to Toft; View of Caldecote Church / Strip Lynchets, a feature of ancient field systems

    Toft, Comberton and Hardwick

    May 15, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    These three villages were visited during a 12 mile walk with the Cambridge Rambling Club.

    Toft is a small village 6 miles west of Cambridge.  We walk east across part of the Cambridge Meridian Golf Club, which has the Prime Meridian running through the 14th fairway, and reach the southern part of Comberton.  This is a much larger community than Toft, having the local village college and various other amenities.  Our route is through part of the village northwards before we cut across to Hardwick.

    Hardwick is historically very old and is now another large village approx. 6 miles west of Cambridge and 4 miles east of Cambourne (see previous post in Cambridgeshire; South District); it has a large housing estate area north of the centre, but the older area is attractive and interesting.  From Hardwick, we walk west and then south along the edge of Hardwick Wood (rather wet and muddy) before crossing back to Toft.

    A good day out (despite some rai) and some interesting views (details are on pictures).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; Cambridge CityTraveler
    The Grafton Centre, In My DNA / Anglia Ruskin University, Endangered
    Parker's Piece; Evie / Swifts - Visitors to CambridgeParker's Piece, Savannah's Golden Guardian / The Gonville Hotel, Strawberries and CreamHills Road War Memorial, Jungle Giraffe / Cambridge Railway Station, Kind HeartedCambridge Railway Station, Glisten UpCambridge Railway Station, Born to Stand OutCambridge North Railway Station; Kickers / Honey

    Standing Tall; Giraffes in Cambridge 2

    May 13, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    This post follows on from Standing Tall; Giraffes in Cambridge 1, and shows the rest of the sculptures in Cambridge Cilty Centre as well as those at the two railway stations; once again, location and sculpture name are indicated on the the photo captions.Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; Cambridge CityTraveler
    Eddington; Giraffodil / Cosmic Explorer
    West Hub, Hubert the Giraffe / University Library, UmnyamaSt John's Street; Grandifolia Camelopardalis / Anne of Grey GablesGreat St Mary's Church; Growth / Theory of EverythingSt Mary's Street, Find a New Perspective / Market Square, CaratThe Graduate Hotel, Boaty / The Hilton Hotel, On Yer BikeLion Yard; Gearaffe / Nelson MandelaGrand Arcade; Metropogiraffoplis / Gina GiraffactsDrummer Street, Go Wild / Christ's Pieces, PoppyNew Square Park, Jiggles and Iggles

    Standing Tall; Giraffes in Cambridge 1

    May 12, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Cambridge Standing Tall is a giraffe sculpture trail in Cambridge city centre from 21 March to 2 June 2024; after this the sculptures will be sold off to raise money for Break, a charity organisation working in Cambridgeshire.  Break "gives vulnerable children, young people and families the time, support, and care they need to achieve their full potential", and the purpose of the trail is to raise the aspirations of the county’s young care leavers.  

    The trail comprises 31 large giraffe sculptures, each decorated by an artist and sponsored by a local business; en route, there are also 60 mini giraffes created by local schools and community groups.

    We followed the trail for the large ones, and these are shown in the order on the Trail Map. This post covers Eddington, on the northwest of the city centre, to New Square Park, in the centre. Captions on the photos indicate the location and the name of the sculpture.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; East DistrictTraveler
    Dullingham; Village Sign
    Dullingham; The Parish Church of St MaryDullingham; Sneaky view of Dullingham House / Cottage on Station RoadViews en route to WooddittonWoodditton; Water TowerThe Devil's Dyke; View along path / View down one sideStetchworth; Village SignStetchworth; The Parish Church of St PeterStetchworth; the shadowed side of The Old Mill, now a private residenceStetchworth; Flint cottages / View en route to Dullingham

    Dullingham and Stetchworth

    May 8, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    These villages were visited on a 7.5 mile walk with the Cambridge Rambling Club

    Dullingham is a small village and civil parish situated 4 miles south of Newmarket and 14 miles east of Cambridge.  It is a pretty place with a village green, local pub, church and nice properties, and even has its own railway station; opened in 1848, it lies on the Cambridge branch of the Ipswich to Ely Line, via Newmarket.  We leave the village, passing by several small horse stud farms on our way to the small village of Dullingham Ley, where we head north along Basefield Wood towards Woodditton.

    Woodditton is a small village that lies at the south-eastern end of the Devil's Dyke, a defensive earthwork thought to be of Anglo-Saxon origin (see FP post in The Cambridgeshire Dykes).  The embankment is high here and thickly enclosed by scrub and bushes, with large roots crossing the path.  After a short walk of about 1/2 mile along it, we turn off for Stetchworth.  

    Stetchworth is another small village and civil parish and we are now 3 miles south of the horse-racing centre of Newmarket and around 12 miles east of Cambridge; typically, there is a pub, church and interesting properties here; the Ellesmere Centre is a community centre, including a post office, and community store, serving Stetchworth and the neighbouring villages mentioned above - we have our lunch here before heading back to Dullingham.

    Another good walk - in splendid weather, this time    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; Cambridge CityTraveler
    Nine Wells; general view / one of the springs here
    Nine Wells; the waterway / monument to the conduitHobson's Park Bird Reserve, with the biomedical campus behind itSmall Lake on Darien Meadow / Bridge on the other side of the Long Road crossingThe junction where the man-made Channel branches from Vicar's BrookEn route to, and the Empty Common Community Garden allotmentsBotanical Gardens; the cottage at the edge / an unused entranceBrookside / The conduit head at Lensfield Road; the old market Fountain was moved here as a monumentTrumpington Street branch; runnels run along both sides of the road / View to Fitzwilliam MuseumThe fountain in Cambridge Market Square

    Hobson's Conduit; Nine Wells - Cambridge

    May 2, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    I have long wanted to do this complete walk, from the source of Hobson's Conduit to the city centre, having walked parts of various sections over the years.  Hobson's Conduit, also called Hobson's Brook, is a watercourse that was built from 1610 to 1614 to bring fresh water into the city of Cambridge from the freshwater chalk springs at Nine Wells; the scheme was financed by Cambridge University, but Thomas Hobson, a local businessman, was involved in the construction and set up a maintenance endowment for the waterway which is now named after him.  

    Nine Wells is a nature reserve close to Addenbrooke's Hospital; there are four springs here and a monument, one of two, to the conduit.  Hobson's Brook runs past the hospital and biomedical campus; there is a slight diversion for walkers away from the brook due to ongoing building work at the new Cambridge South railway station, but I soon re-join the path and follow it with the Hobson Park Bird Reserve on one side and the edge of Great Kneighton village on the other.  I then cross the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway track before walking through more green space to reach Long Road (A1134); after this, the waterway reverts to its original name of Vicar's Brook as I cross over and onto Darien Meadow.

    At the end of the meadow, the man-made channel of Hobson's Brook branches off from Vicar's Brook - there is a small bridge to cross here (obviously) and the two run parallel for a while enclosing a stretch of common ground, now used for allotments (the Empty Common Community Garden), emerging at the junction of Brooklands Avenue and Trumpington Road.  The waterway passes the west side of the Cambridge University Botanical Gardens (it supplies water to the small lake here) before reaching the conduit head at Lensfield Road, where there is the second monument to Hobson and the conduit - the original Market Fountain was moved here in 1856.  

    The flow of water was divided into four separate branches from here for different uses, but only one branch remains - the Trumpington Street branch, which fed Peterhouse and Pembroke Colleges, as well as the original Addenbrooke's Hospital.  I follow this, seeing the deep channels known as runnels at the side of the road that did this, and then divert to the Market Square; the original fountain was partly moved to form the monument in Lensfield Road and soon after a Gothic Revival gabled fountain was erected, but most of this Victorian fountain was pulled down in 1953.

    It has been a very interesting 4.4-mile walk with great views in places (see captions on photos).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    The dramatic frontage to Oxburgh Hall
    Entrance; entry / view from courtyardSide view of moat and HallSide view / view from the other side, showing the French Parterre gardenClose up of the chimneys and crennelationsChapel of St Margaret and Our Lady, built in the 18th centuryInside Oxburgh HallInside Oxburgh HallClose up of the Oxburgh Hanging; needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bess of HardwickKing's Room / priest hole: accessed via a closet and lavatory, and used to hide priests

    Oxburgh Estate

    April 21, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 8 °C

    We stop off at the Oxburgh Estate, near Swaffham, on our way home. Oxburgh Hall is a moated Manor house originally built by Sir Edmund Bedingfield as a symbol of power in 1482. It underwent extensive refurbishment in the mid 19th century, and this Grade I listed building is now managed by the National Trust

    The Bedingfield family were strong Catholics, but things changed in the 16th century during the reigns of Elizabeth I and Henry VIII when Catholics were persecuted and even executed for sheltering Catholic priests.

    We walk around the gardens and part of the grounds before visiting the house itself (part is still used as a family residence); there are many portraits and artefacts describing the Bedingfield family's turbulent history. The house is particularly noted for the Oxburgh Hanging and a priest hole (see pictures and captions).

    It has been another excellent visit to Norfolk.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolk Coastal PathTraveler
    Old Hunstanton; View from beach / Beach huts seen from the coastal path
    Hunstanton; Coastal Lookout / Lighthouse1Hunstanton LighthouseThe Ruins of St Edmunds ChapelSt Edmund Wolf SculptureThe path follows a long recreation ground along the top of the cliffThe Striped Cliffs of Hunstanton; Norfolk Carrstone, Red chalk, White chalkView of groynes / Esplanade Gardens, columns from the pier, destroyed in 1978 in a stormThe War Memorial in the Esplanade GardensThe Bandstand on the Green; behind it are The Golden Lion Hotel and Town Hall

    Old Hunstanton to Hunstanton

    April 20, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 7 °C

    It's a short walk from our accommodation to Old Hunstanton Beach, where we rejoin the coastal path and walk up to the lighthouse and cliffs at Hunstanton (a popular coastal resort on the North Norfolk coast). Both the coastal lookout and the lighthouse at the top are now holiday homes that are available for rental.

    A stone's throw away is the ruin of St. Edmunds Chapel, which was erected in 1272 in memory of Edmund who landed in 855 and was crowned King of East Anglia. He led an army against Viking invaders but was captured and killed. He was later martyred, becoming a patron Saint of England; when his body was found, it was being guarded by a wolf.

    We follow the path along the top of the cliffs, noted for their distinctive stripes of carrstone, white chalk, and red chalk, to the Esplanade Gardens and then further to The Green. The Norfolk Coastal Path starts or ends here.

    By coincidence, some family members are staying in Hunstanton this weekend, and we meet up with them for coffee.

    It's been a good morning!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    Burnham Thorpe; Village Sign / Carving of Nelson on the village green
    Burnham Thorpe; Plaque on the wall of The ParsonageBurnham Thorpe; All Saints ChurchBurnham Thorpe; All Saints Church;Views en route to North CreakeNorth Creake; Village Sign / Bridge over the River BurnNorth Creake; St Mary's ChurchNorth Creake; St Mary's ChurchRuins of Sy Mary's Abbey, aka Creake AbbeyRuins of Sy Mary's Abbey, aka Creake Abbey

    Burnham Thorpe and the Creakes

    April 19, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 10 °C

    We drive to Burnham Thorpe and park near the church. Burnham Thorpe is a hamlet on the River Burn and famous for being the birthplace of Horatio Nelson, the victor at The Battle of Trafalgar on HMS Victory. His father was the rector of All Saints Church when he was born; the house where Nelson was born was demolished soon after his father's death, but a plaque commemorates his birth.

    We start our walk at the church, passing a flint and stone barn, to meet the wall around Holkham Park. Here, we follow the course of an old Roman Road south and then turn down a farm track. There are good views en route before we turn to follow the road to North Creake, also situated on the River Burn. We visit St Mary's Church and walk through the village before taking the road and then a bridleway north towards Creake Abbey ruins; these Grade I listed ruins are St Mary's Abbey and now under the care of English Heritage.

    The Abbey was at its peak in the 14th century but was destroyed by fire in 1483. It was rebuilt in parts, but the Monastic community was wiped out by sickness in 1506.

    We walk on to Burnham Thorpe, seeing some more of the pretty village. Another great day out, and 10.1 miles of easy walking.

    In the evening, we meet up with our old friends Paul and Miriam for dinner; they used to live in Duxford, but now live in Norfolk.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolk Coastal PathTraveler
    Brancaster Staithe; Harbour / En route
    Brancaster; Village Sign/ Church of St Mary the VirginPig farming north of TitchwellView of countryside north of TitchwellThornham; Village Sign and Old ChapelThornham; Old School House / ChurchThornham; Old Coal Hall / View the other side of the coastal defenceHolme Dunes Nature Reserve; Views towards the seaEn route to Old HunstantonViews from Old Hunstanton Beach; Groynes / St Edmund's Point

    Brancaster Staithe to Old Hunstanton

    April 18, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    It's a nice day as we set off on the 9:34am Coastal Hopper to Brancaster Staithe to resume the walk from where we left off. After a short while, though, we had to retrace our steps as the path was flooded and workmen were rebuilding it. We walked back and followed the diversion to Brancaster along the A149. From there, the coastal path and diverts inland behind Titchwell.

    There are good views of the countryside and of a pig farm before the 1 mile walk down to Thornham and the coast. The path is raised as we walk along a coastal defence towards the Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve, enjoying great views of saltmarsh, water pools, and pasture. There is a "wild" beach at the Nature Reserve; this is ideal for coastal breeding; we see a lot of bird watchers and stop here for a late cappuccino and lunch.

    We then set off for Old Hunstanton along the coastal path and have good views from the beach on the walk there. Another good 12 mile walk.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    Sandringham House; entrance on the east side
    1Sandringham House; view from the west sideStatue of Estimate; a favourite horse owned by Queen Elizabeth II, and an Ascot winnerOld Stable's Courtyard; Former Coach HouseSandringham House Museum; 1969 Austin Princess / Sandringham Fire EngineSandringham GardensSandringham GardensSandringham Gardens; Statue of Father Time / Chinese Buddha StatueSandringham, St Mary Magdalene Church; View/ ChancelSandringham; War Memorial

    Royal Sandringham; House and Garden

    April 17, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Sandringham House is a royal residence of King Charles II, and usually used by Royalty in the winter; it was originally a large manor house in the Elizabethan era and was rebuilt in the Jacobean style between 1870 and 1900. It is the home of the Royal Stud and has excellent shooting on the grounds.

    We visit inside the house, where there are excellent guides to describe the various rooms downsrairs that are open to the public; these include the saloon, drawing rooms, dining room, and no photographs are permitted. We also see a collection of 26 innovative garments and accessories, made using plant waste taken from Royal Gardens, including Highgrove and Sandringham, as part of an ongoing collaboration between VIN + OMI and His Majesty.

    Outside, we visit The Old Stables Courtyard and former Coach House, where there is a small museum showing old Royal Cars and the Sandringham Fire Engine (now no longer used). We walk around the Sandringham Gardens via the stream, Lower Lake, Upper Lake, Topiary Garden, and North Garden before visiting St Mary Magdalene Church; this is used by the Royal Family when in residence. After lunch, we follow the 3 mile Nature Trail walk around the Royal Parkland.

    It has been a really interesting visit.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolk Coastal PathTraveler
    Wells-next-the-Sea; Quayside / Lifeboat station
    Holkham Nature Reserve; by the pine treesHolkham Nature Reserve; viewsHolkham Nature Reserve; sand dunes along the tidal foreshoreBurnham Overy Staithe; from the eastBurnham Overy Staithe; Tower WindmillBurnham Overy Staithe; from the westViews en route to Burnham DeepdaleViews en route to Burnham DeepdaleView from Burnham Deepdale / View of Mow Creek from Brancaster Staithe

    Wells-next-the-Sea to Brancaster Staithe

    April 16, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 8 °C

    We take the Coastal Hopper 36 bus (free for people of a certain age) from Old Hunstanton to Wells-next-the-Sea and get off at Quayside to resume the Norfolk Coastal Path.

    We follow the coastal path to the lifeboat station, where it diverts across and through Holkham Nature Reserve. We walk along the outskirts of pine woods and then along alongside salt marshes and the tidal foreshore. We then turn sourh west through the Overy Marshes, water meadows, and the Overy Creek towards Burnham Overy Staithe, a hamlet and small harbour one mile north of Burnham Overy (Staithe means a landing place for boats in the local dialect).

    We walk close to the Burnham Overy Staithe Windmill, a Grade II listed Tower Mill that is now holiday accommodation, where the coastal path doubles back around the Norton Marsh and then goes on west past Deepdale Marsh and down to Burnham Deepdale. We then walk on to the neighbouring village of Brancaster Staithe - a landing place / harbour for the nearby Brancaster- with more saltmarsh on our right.

    Then it's back on the 36 bus, for a well-deserved cup of tea after a lovely 12 mile walk (despite the wind and rain at times!)    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    Old Hunstanton; Village Sign
    Old Hunstanton; Church of St Mary the VirginOld Hunstanton; there are still some original houses here!Old Hunstanton; Hunstanton Links Golf CourseAlong the River Hun to Holme-next-the-SeaOn the Peddars WayRingstead (aka Great Ringstead locally); Tower windmill (now disused) / Village SignRingstead; Church of St AndrewRingstead DownsThe ruins of the Chapel of St Andrew at what was the medieval village of Little Ringstead

    Old Hunstanton and Ringstead

    April 15, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 8 °C

    It started off very windy and wet today but perked up before midday when we went out.

    Old Hunstanton is a quiet, small village compared to what is known locally as "New" Hunstanton. We walk around the village and see many very expensive houses that have been built or are being built. Hunstanton Golf Course is here, and we walk along a footpath, skirting the edge of the links course and following the course of the River Hun, to the next village, which is Holme-next-the-Sea This is the meeting point for the Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coastal Path; we follow the Peddars Way as far as Ringstead. This is a small village, also known as Great Ringstead, to distinguish it from the nearby deserted medieval village of Little Ringstead, aka Barret Ringstead.

    We walk across the attractive Ringstead Downs, a chalk grassland nature reserve on the edge of the L 'Estrange family estate where Hunstanton Hall, the original family home, is situated; as we head back up to Old Hunstanton, we see the ruins of the Chapel of St Andrew at what was Little Ringstead.

    It's been 8.4 miles and a good walk.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    Bailey Gate
    CastleChurch of St James the GreatInside the Church of St James the GreatPriory GatehousePriory; West frontage / NavePriory; NavePriory; General view / Cloister2Priory; Prior's lodging viewed from the River Nar

    Castle Acre; Town, Castle and Priory

    April 14, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    We're staying in Old Hunstanton in North Norfolk for a week and stop off at Castle Acre on the way here.

    Castle Acre is a rare and complete survival of a planned Norman settlement; it includes a castle, town, parish church, and associated monastery. It is situated on Peddar's Way, a trade and pilgrim route. There is a 12th century Bailey Gate as you enter the main street

    The Castle was founded as a country house after the Norman Conquest by William de Warenne, a Norman Knight who fought at Hastings. It was converted to a strong keep in the 12th century.

    From the Castle, we walk up to the Church of St James the Great; this has Norman origins but was restored in the 14th and 19th centuries - it is very large, reflecting how busy the town was then.

    Castle Acre Priory is one of the best preserved Monastic sites in England. It was founded around 1090 by the son of William de Warenne and was inspired by the monastery at Clunes, France. We enter via a 15th century gatehouse; the Priory has a spectacular west frontage, with access to the 12th century Priory Church. We follow the route via the nave, cloister, and chapter house to the Prior's lodging, chamber, and chapel (dating from the Tudor times).

    A spectacular start to our week away.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsHertfordshireTraveler
    Reed; the village sign at the edge of the green
    Reed; The Old Chapel / St Mary's ChurchReed; inside St Mary's ChurchEn route to Buckland / St Andrew's ChurchAnstey; St George's ChurchAnstey, St George's Church stained glass windows in memory of USAAF 398thNuthampstead; the runways of what was USAAF Station 131Nuthampstead; Barkway DVORNuthampstead; monument to the USAAF 398thView of Cokenach House

    Reed, Buckland, Anstey, and Nuthampstead

    April 10, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    This post describes a 12 mile circular walk from Reed done with the Cambridge Rambling Club, combined with a follow-up trip by car to visit the churches properly.

    Reed is a small, pretty village in North Hertfordshire and is situated on a chalk ridge approximately 3 miles south of Royston.  We walk around the village green, past the old chapel (used as the local school for many years before becoming a private residence) and down to St Mary's Church; this had a new organ installed at a cost of £170,000! We then walk north for a while to the main footpath and past Reed Wood on the route to Buckland (another small village).  Then it is east and over towards Anstey, passing Anstey chalk pit.  The church here, St George's, is cruciform in shape and noted for its stained glass windows in memory of the USAAF 398th Bombardment Group who lost their lives in combat in WWII - they flew from the nearby former air station at Nuthampstead.  This is a short distance away, and we walk up along one of the runways of what was USAAF Station 131 during the war; the airfield was constructed by the U.S. Army engineer battalions starting in 1942.  We pass the Barkway DVOR (Doppler Very high frequency Omnidirectional Range Station), an aeroplane navigation aid that is in active use.  There is another monument to the USAAF 398th outside the Nuthampstead Airfield Museum, but this is unfortunately closed.  

    After a break - we have walked over 8 miles so far - it is back to Barkway via a footpath along the Cokenach Estate and then back to Reed.  Another great day out in a local area not that far from Duxford.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; East DistrictTraveler
    Six Mile Bottom; the old railway station
    Six Mile Bottom; View of windmill / Church of St GeorgeViews en route to Burrough GreenBurrough Green; village signBurrough Green; View over the GreenBurrough Green; Primary School / Reading RoomBurrough Green; Church of St AugustineWestley Waterless; village signWestley Waterless; Church of St Mary-the-LessBrass monument to Sir John de Creke and his wife, Alyne (Anne) Clopton

    Six Mile Bottom and Burrough Green

    April 3, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    This post describes a 12-mile walk with the Cambridge Rambling Club.  

    Six Mile Bottom is a hamlet within the parish of Little Wilbraham, near Cambridge; it is 6 miles from Newmarket and located in a "valley."  There are few houses here and a small church, but the A1304 main road runs through it and it is on the Cambridge to Ipswich railway line; the station here was closed in 1967, however, and is now a private residence.

    We circle round the back of Six Mile Bottom and cross open countryside towards Weston Colville; we then join the Icknield Way Trail and head through Brinkley towards Burrough Green - this is a small parish in Cambridgeshire, close to the Suffolk border, and also 6 miles from Newmarket.  There is a lovely village green here, a pub and the parish church of Church of St Augustine (a Grade II listed building dating from the 13th century); nearby the church is the Old Hall, a manor house which is now a farm.  Also of note is the primary school, which has been operating for over 400 years and the Reading Room dating from 1887.

    We then walk to Westley Waterless; this is a small, long, and thin village that is featured in the Domesday Book.  The recently restored Parish Church of St Mary-the-Less is known for its 1324 brass monument to Sir John de Creke and his wife, Alyne (Anne) Clopton.

    It has been a really interesting walk.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; South DistrictTraveler
    Cambourne; Morrisons supermarket and flight themed sculpture
    Cambourne; The Monkfield Arms / Cambourne ChurchCambourne Nature Reserve; Great Cambourne / Lower CambourneCambourne Nature Reserve; Lake EwartLower Cambourne; Whomping Willow Lake (for Harry Potter fans)Bourn MillEltisleyEltisley, Church of St Pandionia and St John the Baptist; Lychgate / ChurchCaxton; Church of St AndrewCaxton Gibbet

    Cambourne and neighbouring villages

    March 20, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Cambourne is the largest town within the South Cambridgeshire district, comprising the villages of Lower, Great, Upper, and West Cambourne.  It is a new town, and construction began in June 1998 on what was previously the land of Monkfield Farm, with Upper Cambourne completed in 2016. In January 2017, outline planning consent was granted for a further 2,350 homes to the west of Lower Cambourne.  The name of the community was created from the names of Cambridge, the nearest city, and Bourn, a nearby village; the local area is interesting, with some good walks - this post is a compilation from two of them.

    We start off from Cambourne, up to the local nature reserve and pass by couple of small lakes (see picture captions) enroute towards Bourn, but not into the village itself; we visit the local landmark that is Bourn Mill, which dates from 1636 and has been recently restored (thanks to the Cambridge Past, Present and Future organisation).  Another nearby village is Eltisley, which has a large village green and an interesting church with a lychgate (a covered gateway found at the entrance to a traditional English or English-style churchyard).  We then walk to Cambourne via the village of Caxton; note that Caxton Gibbet (now a replica of the original) is a long way outside of Caxton itself, on small knoll on Ermine Street (now the A1198) - the original was reputed to be a gruesome example of the cage variation of the gibbet, into which live victims were allegedly placed until they died from starvation, dehydration or exposure!

    It has been an interesting couple of walks, and there is more to the Cambourne area than I originally thought.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    1Blickling Hall; Front of Hall / View from Parterre Garden
    The Great HallThe Brown Drawing Room; general view / the ceilingThe Dining RoomThe West Turret Bedroom / The South Drawing RoomThe top of the stairs of The Great HallThe Long Gallery (now the library) / The State BedroomBlickling Estate Walk; views over the lakeBlickling Estate Walk; The Mausoleum / The TowerBlickling Estate Walk; View of Blickling Hall / Church of St Andrew

    Blickling Hall, Gardens, and Estate

    February 27, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    After a visit to Cromer yesterday, as part of a circular walk from the hotel, we are now on our way home and visit Blickling Hall en-route (this is also a National Trust property).

    Blickling Hall is a Jacobean stately home built on the ruins of a Tudor house; this is believed to have been the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, one of the future six wives of King Henry VIII.  During the Second World War, RAF air crew were billeted here while its owner, Lord Lothian, influenced Winston Churchill’s actions; the Hall was the Officer's mess, whereas service men where in Nissen huts. Blickling Hall is very large and really beautiful, a jewel in the NT crown; we are able to walk round parts of the ground and first floors (see captions on photos) - the Long Gallery, now the library, has 12,500 books and is the largest book collection cared for by the NT.  

    We visit the Gardens - seeing the parterre garden, the Doric Temple and the Orangery - before setting off on an Estate Walk (excellent maps are provided by the NT).  We walk up past the lake behind Blickling Hall and across to the Great Wood, seeing The Mausoleum; this large pyramid was built in 1794 for John Hobart, the second Earl of Buckinghamshire.  Then it's across to The Tower; this was built in the 18th century as a grandstand for the steeplechase racecourse that occupied what is now Tower Park (now a grazing area).  Then it is through Plantation Wood and via Pond Meadow to Blickling to pass the Church of St Andrew on our way back to Blickling Hall. It has been another excellent walk; this is followed by a quick lunch and the journey back home to reality!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkTraveler
    Felbrigg Hall
    The Great HallDrawing Room / Cabinet Room, showing pictures and exhibits from the European Grand TourLibrary; Secret cupboard with chamber pot / Servants library (the small cabinet!)Library; Celestial Globe (1799) and Terrestrial Globe (1814)Victorian slipper bath / Rose BedroomChinese Bedroom / KitchenWalled Garden; octagonal dovecoteWalled Garden / Felbrigg LakeFelbrigg Church; St Margaret's

    Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

    February 25, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    We're off to Cromer in Norfolk for a couple of nights and stop off at Felbrigg Hall en-route (to make full use of our National Trust Membership!).

    Felbrigg Hall is a 17th-century English country house noted for its Jacobean architecture and fine Georgian interior.  We visit the house interior (see captions on photos); it is very attractive and interesting.  We look round the Walled Garden (not the ideal time of year to do so, unfortunately) and then head off from the Hall on a circular walk via the Estate (seeing St Margaret's Church and Felbrigg Lake) and through the nearby villages of Metton and Sustead; it is 6.2 miles and a good walk.

    After that, it's off the Cromer Country Club, where I enjoy a swim, hot jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna before dinner!  A good day.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsHertfordshireTraveler
    Ashwell; War Memorial / Church of St Mary
    Ashwell; Church of St Mary / Medieval graffiti showing St. Paul's before the Great Fire of LondonAshwell Church of St Mary; Resurrection Cross / Banner of Christ in MajestyAshwell; Museum /St John's Guildhall on the High Street / Ashwell BuryAshwell; former Fordham Brewery Maltings / former WatermillAshwell Springs; this is one of the sources for the River CamHinxworth; Church of St NicholasHinxworth Place; a medieval Manor House now owned by the sculptor John W MillsCaldecote; Church of St Mary MagdaleneNewnham Hill; view of Ashwell on the walk back

    Ashwell, Hinxworth, and Caldecote

    February 21, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    This walk was done with the Cambridge Rambling Club, taking in 3 villages off the beaten track on the border of Hertfordshire with Cambridgeshire.

    Ashwell is 4 miles north-east of Baldock; it is a pretty town that I explore over the lunch break, with some of the sites being seen on the walk back.  It is well preserved, with many listed and other buildings of note (see captions on photographs); these include a the 16th-century town house (now a local museum) and the Maltings (now converted into flats).  Ashwell Bury, a large Victorian house, was remodelled by Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s; Lutyens also designed the Grade 2 listed Ashwell War Memorial, unveiled in 1922.  

    The village is noted for Ashwell Springs, a site of Special Scientific Interest; the site consists of a series of freshwater springs, which form the start of the river Rhee, one of the main sources of the River Cam.
    The Cam flows through the centre of Cambridge, then to Ely, where it joins the Great Ouse and eventually reaches the Wash 65 miles away.

    We leave Ashwell via the Church and follow footpaths, including part of the 12th century Ridgeway, to Hinxworth; we stop at the Church of St Nicholas and pass the home of John W Mills, a British Sculptor.  We continue on to Caldecote; this tiny village consists of a cluster of cottages around the redundant Church of St. Mary Magdalene, which dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and is currently in the care of the Friends of Friendless Churches charity.  From here, we walk back to Ashwell via Newnham Hill; it has been an enjoyable 7.1 mile walk (although the conditions were rather muddy).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridge University CollegesTraveler
    The Gate House; main entrance along King's Parade
    King's College Chapel viewed from King's ParadeFront Court; Gibb's Building / Wilkins BuildingFront Court; the fountain, with a statue of King Henry VI above figures of Religion and LearningKings College Chapel; interior, showing rood screen, organ, and fan vaultKing's College Chapel; Great East WindowKing's College Chapel; Rubens's Adoration of the Magi, behind the chapel altarKing's College Chapel; Losen's "The Madonna in the Rosary" on the altar within St. Edward's ChapelView from the bridge over the River Cam / Xu Zhimo memorial stoneClassic view of King's College Chapel and the Gibbs Building from the backs

    3; King's College

    February 17, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    The King's College of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas in Cambridge, known as simply King's College, was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI soon after he had founded its sister institution at Eton College.  King's College Chapel is regarded as one of the finest examples of late English Gothic architecture and has the world's largest fan vault ceiling, while its stained-glass windows and wooden chancel screen are considered some of the finest from their era; the building is an emblem of Cambridge.

    We enter via the Gate House along King's Parade and face the magnificent Front Court with the Chapel on our right, Gibb's Building (used for teaching, study and admin) straight ahead and the Wilkin's Building (used for dining) on our left; in the centre of the Front Court is the Fountain with a statue of Henry VI, the "boy-king", on it - he was born in 1421, the only child of Henry V, and succeeded to the English throne at the age of nine months upon his father's death!  We enter the chapel and see the dark screen from the ante-chapel area, before passing through this to the magnificent choir area with its many stalls; ahead of us is the Great East Window and the Rubens painting "The Adoration of the Magi", a gift to King's College in 1961.  We visit the Chapel of All Souls and St Edward's Chapel before passing an exhibition housed in various side chapels.  

    We exit the chapel and walk around the Back Lawn to the bridge over the River Cam; just after this is the Xu Zhimo memorial stone and Chinese Garden built in his memory. He was a student here in 1922 and his poem “Second Farewell to Cambridge” has become emblematic of modernist Chinese poetry - it has been learnt by millions of schoolchildren in China. Chinese tourists have flocked to Cambridge ever since in search of the scenes that so inspired him. 

    We exit via the backs; what a day!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridge University CollegesTraveler
    The Great Gate
    The Great Court; left to right, is the Clock Tower, the Chapel, the Fountain, and the Great GateThe Clock Tower, entrance to the ChapelStatues in the ante-chamberSir Isaac Newton, Lord Tennyson, Francis BaconTrinity ChapelTrinity Chapel; stained glass windowNewton's Apple Tree, situated outside near to the Porter's lodge

    2; Trinity College

    February 17, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Trinity College was founded by King Henry VIII in 1546, by merging the existing colleges of Michaelhouse and King’s Hall; Michaelhouse had existed since 1324, whereas King’s Hall had been established by Edward II in 1317 and re-founded by Edward III in 1337.  Trinity is one of the largest Cambridge colleges, with the largest financial endowment of any college at either Cambridge or Oxford.

    We enter via The Great Gate, the main entrance to the college; a statue of the college founder, Henry VIII, stands in a niche above the doorway.  We cross the Great Court, and from the far side, we have a great overview of the Clock Tower, Trinity Chapel, the Fountain, and the rear of The Great Gate.  We enter the chapel via the clock tower and see the fine statues of notable Trinity College alumni in the ante-chapel; the chapel itself is magnificent with a fine organ and stained glass windows.

    From here, we leave to visit King's College.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridge University CollegesTraveler
    The Great Gate
    View back to The Great Gate / View down to the tower of the Second CourtThe Chapel of St John's CollegeOn the Bridge of Sighs; view to Wren Bridge / the other side1On the Bridge of SighsOn Wren Bridge; view of The Bridge of SighsOn Wren BridgeView acoss St John's Meadow to The New Court

    1; St John's College

    February 17, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We are out with our daughter Sarah today; as an employee of one of the Colleges, we can visit them with her - even if they are not open for visitors.  First of all, we visit St John's College; St John’s is one of 31 colleges at the University of Cambridge and was founded in 1511 - it is one of the largest colleges here.  Although self-governing, colleges are all part of the university.  

    St John's entrance is via the Great Gate (1516) and features a carving of the coat of arms of the Foundress, Lady Margaret Beaufort, supported by mythical beasts called yales; above is a statue of St. John the Evangelist and at his feet is an eagle, the traditional symbol of the Saint. From here we cross the First Court and visit St John's Chapel before crossing the Second Court to have a quick lunch at the College cafe; from here we cross the Third Court and pass over the Bridge of Sighs.  Named for the famous Venice landmark, this 1831 covered arch bridge connects College buildings on the other side of the River Cam, on the Backs; the bridge is a famous Cambridge landmark, usually only visible from a punt.  We see The New Court at St. John’s College,  a significant building built in response to increased demand for housing inside the college during the 1820s; it has a Gothic Revival design.

    From here, we leave St John's on our way to visit Trinity College, the next college along.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; Cambridge CityTraveler
    Cambridge University Library
    Spitting Image; Margaret ThatcherSpitting Image; John Major / Jacob Rees-Mogg / Tony BlairSpitting Image; Mikhail GorbachevSpitting Image; Prince Charles / Princess DianaSpitting Image; The Queen MotherSpitting Image; Sting / Gary LinekerSidgwick Site; Sculpture / DAZE IV, a human form by Sir Anthony GormleyRidley Hall

    University Library; Spitting Image

    February 17, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Cambridge University Library is the main research library of the University of Cambridge and the largest of over 100 libraries within the university; the current building opened in 1934. The main University Library hosts exhibitions in its purpose-built Milstein Exhibition Centre; this is the reason for our visit, as there is an exhibition relating to Spitting Image, a British satirical television puppet show, created by Peter Fluck, Roger Law and Martin Lambie-Nairn in 1984.  There is a Cambridge connection as Fluck and Law both attended the Cambridge School of Art; indeed, Robert Fluck used to live in Duxford, where I live.

    The series featured puppet caricatures of contemporary celebrities and public figures, including British Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major and the British royal family.  Some of these were on display together with original drawings, letters, and notes at the small exhibition.  It was excellent and brought back many memories of the program.

    From there we walked across the University's Sidgwick site (home to several of the university's arts and humanities faculties, and where there are a couple of interesting statues and carvings) and past Ridley Hall (a theological college that trains men and women intending to take Holy Orders as deacon or priest of the Church of England - it is not a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, but the school does have ties with the university's Faculty of Divinity).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsImperial War Museum DuxfordTraveler
    Overview of the aeroplanes used
    Lockheed 12A Electra JuniorSpitfire PR Mk XIAnother Spitfire PR Mk XISpitfire FR Mk XIVESpitfire PRMk IG replica; it was painted pink for camouflage at sunrise and sunsetExamples of spy cameras on the Spitfires (with mirrors to reflect cameras underneath)Westland Lysander Mk IIIA

    Spies in the Skies

    February 15, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    During the Second World War, Aerial Reconnaissance Units special squadrons - such as the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) - were tasked with flying behind enemy lines to gather intelligence from the air, operating far behind enemy lines in specialised aircraft modified to carry high performance cameras.

    The Lockheed 12A Electra Junior G-AFTL was a civilian aircraft adapted for use as a reconnaissance in 1939; the Spitfire was continuously modified during the war for this purpose and a Westland Lysander V9312 served as a reconnaissance aircraft with 225 squadron, flying over 30 sorties in 1940-41.

    These were all on display at an interesting and informative exhibition in the AirSpace super hangar.    Read more

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