Historical landmarks: a walk through time

Oundle’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved architecture and numerous historical landmarks. A stroll through the town feels like stepping back in time, with buildings that date back to the medieval period. One of the most notable landmarks is St. Peter’s Church, with its impressive spire dominating the skyline. This church is not only a place of worship but also a treasure trove of local history, with its stunning stained glass windows and intricate woodwork.

Another significant historical site is the Oundle School, founded in 1556. The school’s picturesque campus is a testament to the town’s educational heritage and offers a glimpse into the life of one of England’s leading public schools. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the school’s beautiful buildings and expansive grounds.

For those interested in more recent history, the Oundle Museum provides an in-depth look at the town’s past. The museum’s exhibits cover a range of topics, from the Roman era to the present day, offering a comprehensive overview of Oundle’s development over the centuries.

Outdoor activities: embrace the natural beauty

Oundle is surrounded by picturesque countryside, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Nene Valley, with its rolling hills and meandering river, offers a perfect setting for hiking, cycling, and bird watching. One of the most popular routes is the Nene Way, a long-distance footpath that follows the River Nene through some of Northamptonshire’s most scenic landscapes.

Cyclists can enjoy the numerous trails that crisscross the countryside, offering both challenging routes and leisurely rides. The nearby Fermyn Woods Country Park is a haven for nature lovers, with its diverse wildlife and tranquil woodland walks. During the summer months, the park’s butterfly garden is a highlight, attracting visitors from far and wide.

For a more leisurely experience, the Barnwell Country Park, located just a short drive from Oundle, provides a serene environment for picnics, fishing, and boating. The park’s lakes and meadows are home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for bird watchers. Families will appreciate the park’s play areas and educational trails, which offer fun and informative activities for children.

Local cuisine: a taste of Northamptonshire

No visit to Oundle would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. The town boasts a variety of dining options, from traditional pubs to contemporary restaurants, all of which showcase the best of Northamptonshire’s produce. The Talbot Hotel, with its historic charm and modern amenities, offers a fine dining experience with a menu that features locally sourced ingredients. The hotel’s restaurant is renowned for its seasonal dishes and traditional British fare.

For a more casual dining experience, The Ship Inn provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, serving hearty pub classics and locally brewed ales. The inn’s Sunday roast is particularly popular, drawing both locals and visitors alike.

Oundle also has a thriving café culture, with numerous coffee shops and bakeries offering delicious treats and artisan beverages. The Beans Coffee Stop is a favorite among locals, known for its freshly roasted coffee and homemade cakes. The café’s cozy interior and friendly service make it a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

For those who prefer to cook their own meals, the Oundle Farmers’ Market is a must-visit. Held on the second Saturday of each month, the market features a wide range of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. It’s a great opportunity to meet local farmers and producers, and to sample some of the region’s finest food products.

In conclusion, Oundle is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and gastronomy. Whether you are exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or savoring the local cuisine, Oundle promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and set off on a journey to discover this charming market town

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Bathtub Refinishing: Restoring Vintage Elegance
Many homes in Oundle boast vintage bathrooms with classic clawfoot tubs and intricate tile work. Over time, these features can wear down, diminishing their aesthetic appeal and functionality. Bathtub refinishing offers a solution that restores the original charm without the need for costly replacements. This process involves repairing chips, cracks, and worn surfaces, followed by applying a durable new finish. The result is a tub that looks brand new while retaining its historical essence.

Refinishing is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, as it reduces the waste associated with disposing of old fixtures. For Oundle homeowners, this means they can enjoy a beautifully restored bathroom that aligns with the town’s commitment to preserving its heritage.

Professional Upholstery Cleaning: Reviving Antique Furniture
Oundle’s historic homes are often adorned with antique furniture that adds character and authenticity to their interiors. However, maintaining these pieces can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping upholstery clean and vibrant. Professional upholstery cleaning services are essential in preserving the fabric and structure of antique furniture.

These services utilize specialized techniques and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to remove dirt, stains, and allergens without damaging delicate fabrics. Regular professional cleaning not only extends the lifespan of the furniture but also ensures a healthy living environment. This is particularly important in homes with historical significance, where each piece of furniture contributes to the overall narrative of the property.

Enhancing Historical Homes with Modern Convenience
By integrating bathtub refinishing and professional upholstery cleaning into their home maintenance routines, Oundle residents can enjoy the best of both worlds: historical charm and modern convenience. These services play a crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic and functional value of historic properties, ensuring they remain a source of pride for their owners and the community.

Accommodating Tourists in Historic Settings
Oundle is not just a haven for its residents; it also attracts numerous tourists each year who are drawn to its historical allure and picturesque surroundings. To accommodate these visitors, Oundle offers a range of lodging options, from charming bed-and-breakfasts housed in centuries-old buildings to more contemporary hotels that provide all modern amenities.

Staying in these historic accommodations allows visitors to immerse themselves in the town’s rich history. Many of these establishments have undergone careful renovations to retain their original features while offering the comforts expected by today’s travelers. This delicate balance of old and new is achieved through meticulous maintenance and restoration efforts, similar to those used in bathtub refinishing and upholstery cleaning.

Bathtub Refinishing in Historic Hotels
For the historic hotels in Oundle, bathtub refinishing plays a vital role in preserving the authentic experience for guests. Many of these hotels feature antique bathrooms that are a significant part of their charm. Refinishing services ensure these bathtubs remain in pristine condition, providing guests with a luxurious and historically accurate bathing experience. This not only enhances guest satisfaction but also protects the hotel’s investment in its unique infrastructure.

Upholstery Cleaning in Guest Accommodations
Similarly, professional upholstery cleaning is essential for maintaining the appearance and comfort of the furniture in guest rooms and common areas. Clean, well-maintained upholstery makes a significant difference in guest perceptions and reviews. Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in Oundle rely on these services to keep their antique furniture looking its best, ensuring a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Explore the timeless beauty of Oundle and discover how the town’s commitment to preservation makes it a truly special place to visit and live. With services like bathtub refinishing and professional upholstery cleaning, Oundle’s historical charm is carefully maintained, offering a glimpse into the past while providing all the comforts of modern living.

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The benefits of scuba diving range from improving your mental health to gaining a new perspective on the world around you. Scuba diving can also be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. No matter your reason for diving, these three small towns offer great scuba diving experiences.

Swanage pier, Dorset

Swanage pier, Dorset, is a great spot for beginner scuba divers. The pier offers a calm and protected environment for diving, making it the perfect place to learn. Swanage pier is also home to various marine life, so you’re sure to see something interesting on your dive. The pier became a designated Heritage Site in 1987, so it’s also a great place to stroll and learn about its history.

Apart from diving, Swanage pier is also a great spot for fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. So whether you’re looking to try scuba diving for the first time or want to relax by the water, Swanage pier is the perfect spot. Don’t forget to bring your swimming goggles with nose cover so you can have an unforgettable experience. They have digital tours that guide you along the pier, so you can learn about its history while enjoying the views. Their conservation efforts are impressive, and they’ve even won awards for their work. If you’re looking for a small town with big diving opportunities, Swanage pier is the perfect spot for you.

Falmouth – Cornwall

Falmouth is a small town located in Cornwall, England. It is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it a popular destination for scuba diving. There are several dive shops in Falmouth and several dive sites nearby. Some popular dive spots near Falmouth include the Manacles, a group of reefs located off the coast of Cornwall, and the Eddystone Lighthouse, a popular dive site in Plymouth.

There are also some wrecks near Falmouth, including the SS Mohegan, a passenger steamship that sank in 1898, and the HMS London, a British warship in 1665. Falmouth is a great destination for scuba divers of all levels of experience, as there are dive sites to suit all abilities. Check with the local dive shops before diving, as some areas may have restrictions. If you are not experienced, there are several dive schools located in Falmouth that can help you to get started.

Newquay, Cornwall

The third town on the list is Newquay, Cornwall. Newquay is a small town on the coast of Cornwall in southwest England. The town is known for its surfing beaches and cliffs. Newquay is also a popular destination for scuba diving. Many dive sites are located around the town, including the famous Blue Lagoon. Newquay has a variety of dive shops and schools, making it a great place to learn to dive or to improve your driving skills. Many dive charter boats are also available so that you can explore the Cornwall coast and its underwater world.

Other popular activities in Newquay include walking, cycling, and golf. The town also has a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Newquay is a great place to stay if you want to experience the best of Cornwall. You can find accommodation for all budgets, from camping and caravanning sites to luxury hotels. So, if you are looking for a small town with strong diving possibilities, Newquay is the place for you. Whether a beginner or an experienced diver, there is something for everyone in this beautiful corner of England.

Is Britain Good for Scuba Diving?

Yes, Britain is a great place to dive. The country has a variety of scuba diving spots that offer a variety of diving experiences. There are also many dive operators in the country that can help you find the perfect spot for your diving trip.

Some of the best scuba diving spots in Britain include the Isle of Wight, Scilly Isles, and the Shetland Isles. These islands offer divers stunning views of marine life and crystal clear waters. Other great scuba diving destinations in Britain include the Isle of Man, Anglesey, and Orkney. All of these areas offer divers incredible diving opportunities.

Can You Scuba Dive Anywhere in the Britain?

Yes, you can scuba dive anywhere in the Britain! Although some of the most popular diving destinations are located near major cities, there are many small towns and villages that offer great diving opportunities.

We mentioned some of these small towns in our article.

Is Scuba Diving Expensive in Britain?

Scuba diving can be a very expensive activity in Britain. Dive clubs and resorts can charge very high prices for lessons, dives, and equipment rentals. In addition, many dive sites are located in very remote areas and may require long drives to get to.

However, there are some great places to dive in Britain that are much cheaper than other parts of the world. The Lake District in England is a great place to dive. It’s relatively affordable, has many great dive sites, and is located in a beautiful area. The Lake District is also a great place to visit during the summer months.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, three small towns in Britain that offer great scuba diving. Whether you are looking for a place to learn or a place to explore, these towns have something for everyone. As a beginner, Swanage Pier is a great place to start. For experienced divers, Falmouth and Newquay offer a variety of dive sites to explore. Safety is always the most important thing, whether a beginner or an experienced diver. Make sure you are familiar with the dive sites before you venture out, and always use a qualified dive instructor. With that said, get out there and enjoy the underwater world of Britain.

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Where to go:
Visit the National Museum of Scotland, which features more than eight thousand exhibits. Take a stroll by the Balmoral Hotel with its big clock on the tower: It’s considered one of the capital’s main attractions. And, of course, don’t forget to check out Princes Street, the city’s main street with many boutiques and the National Gallery of Scotland.

Brighton

Brighton is one of the best resorts in the UK, but deserves to be visited not only in summer, but in any other season. The south coast of England is buzzing with life all year round, and long walks along the pier are never off, even in winter. Local restaurants and clubs are not inferior even to London establishments, because in Brighton, it seems, the holiday season never ends.

Where to go:
The Royal Seaside Residence cannot be overlooked by any traveler, for its design is unequivocally impressive. The building is built in Indo-Saracenic style, and the inside is a combination of Indian and Moorish motifs. Don’t forget to also climb the world’s thinnest tower, which recently opened in Brighton.

Cambridge
One of Europe’s oldest university centers, Cambridge is famous for its ancient colleges, centuries-old architecture and scenic surroundings. Unlike its historic rival, Oxford, Cambridge has a more relaxed rhythm of life. Students relax on the lawns between classes and unwind in historic pubs in the evenings. Everything in the city is imbued with the spirit of learning, because here is the University of Cambridge, which gave the world about 100 Nobel laureates.

Where to go:
Stroll by King’s College Chapel, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, and check out Trinity College Library, where you can find more than 55,000 books, including manuscripts by Shakespeare and Newton. Don’t forget to include the Fitzwilliam Museum, which was one of the first public art galleries in Britain. There you can see works by Rubens, Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso. Lastly, take a ride along the Cam River in the Backs District, as you’ll be able to see the natural beauty and architecture of the city, including the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge, built in 1749.

York

You won’t find a more medieval city than York in all of Northern England. It’s a place of extraordinary historical and cultural richness. Here you want to wander for hours through the old narrow streets, woven into a web, at the center of which is the Gothic York Cathedral. Along with the ancient architecture, there is also a place for the modern establishments that every traveler needs: restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Where to go:
York Cathedral is number one on the list of attractions you should see in York. It is considered the largest medieval temple in all of Northern Europe and one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in the entire world. Go to the Yorkshire Museum, which houses more than a million exhibits – some more than 500,000 years old. Among the most iconic are a 6th-century bust of Emperor Constantine, maps and models of Roman York, and skeletons of ancient animals. And, of course, don’t forget to stroll through The Shambles, a lane of authentic houses and buildings, many of which date back to the 14th century.

Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has developed over the last few decades to become a modern metropolis with ancient cultural monuments. Glasgow is also rightly considered the center of arts in Scotland, because it hosts numerous music festivals and other events that attract visitors from all over the world.

Where to go:
Connoisseurs of modern architecture can’t ignore the Transport Museum, which displays the history of Glasgow’s transportation development. And even if the museum exhibits are not particularly interesting to you, it is worth at least seeing the design of the building itself, designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, which looks very futuristic. See the paintings of Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Gogh and Dali in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is the most visited in Scotland. And to finish your cultural program, head to Glasgow’s Royal Theatre to see a classic English drama.

Nottingham
Located in the heart of Great Britain, Nottingham is the largest city in the county of Nottinghampshire. It is surrounded by Sherwood Forest, famous for the legends of Robin Hood, and the city itself has a monument to the hero. Like many other British cities, Nottingham boasts a mix of styles and eras, as you can find modern buildings alongside authentic centuries-old buildings.

Where to go:
Perhaps the most popular attraction in the city is Nottingham Castle, whose foundations date back to William the Conqueror. It’s where many of the acts of the Robin Hood legends took place. Don’t forget to visit Wallaton Hall, as it’s one of England’s few surviving Renaissance palaces. Also, be sure to grab a pint at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, a pub in contention for the right to be England’s oldest. The pub claims it was built in 1189.

Chester
One of the most visited cities by travelers for its small size has managed to preserve ancient sights that reflect its two-thousand-year history. Located in the western part of the county of Cheshire, famous for the fairy tale character Cheshire Cat, so you can’t leave without a souvenir of a smiling cat. But the main gift Chester gives you is, of course, its unique architecture.

Where to go:
Connoisseurs of ancient architecture will love Chester Cathedral, built centuries ago. Check out the local zoo, even if animals aren’t the main thing you were planning to see in the city, as Chester Zoo is considered one of the best in the world. Also, don’t forget to stroll down Chester Rows, a street of half-timbered houses with projecting balconies that are considered one of Chester’s symbols.

Oxford
This English city, despite its ancient appearance, is completely saturated with youthful spirit, as every year the best students from all over the world come here to get an education at Oxford University. If you want to get closer to English traditions, Oxford is the best place to do so. It has ancient architecture, picturesque nature, and a rich history. Oxford definitely represents much more than just a college town.

Where to go:
Take a stroll around Oxford University’s campus to see its college buildings. Christ Church, Merton College, and Magdalene College boast beautiful buildings that date back centuries. Also worth a visit is the Bodleian Library, whose Radcliffe Rotunda is considered one of the city’s calling cards. Art lovers should definitely check out the Ashmolean Museum with works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Da Vinci. Finally, go to The Eagle and Child, one of Oxford’s oldest pubs and a meeting place for the Inklings, the literary club of which Tolkien and Lewis were members.

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Top 5 smallest cities in Britain
Southwold
Bakewell
Paradise
Beric-upon-Tuid
Whitby

Southwold is a small resort town by the river
At the top of the list is Southwold in Suffolk County. A verdant little town of 2.68 sq km, Southwold sits high on a cliff near the River Blyth. It was once a busy fishing port, though today you can still find fishermen at work in this seaside resort town. Southwold has a population of 1,098 and is the smallest town in Britain. For a time, it was home to the famous writer and publicist George Orwell. Today, tourists come here for a vacation.

There are ancient buildings, a small harbor, sandy beach, even set up a small production in the form of a brewery. The local pier was built in 1990 and is 190 meters long. For the entertainment of the townspeople there are rides, made in the style of retro, arcade machines.

The buildings in the town are built mainly in the Georgian style. A fire that broke out in 1659, destroyed many buildings of the city, after the residents have built all over again, near the houses were left special lawns, which, according to the people, will prevent the spread of fire.

The harbor at the mouth of the Blyth River, is a quiet beautiful place where fishermen’s boats are leaning against wooden piers. Along the shore, dried nets are scattered everywhere. Southwold is adorned by a tall lighthouse, towering proudly above the narrow streets. In honor of the battle against the Danes in 1672, a monument of six cannons was built in a line.

The pride and main attraction of Southwold is St. Edmund’s Church. It is a beautiful building erected in the 15th century. The symmetrical, plain walls are decorated with finely carved windows. Inside stretches a nave with beautiful proportions, crowned by a vault with statues of angels, a cross partition with images of prophets, apostles, who were deprived of their faces by Protestants during the Reformation. There is another church in town, Holy Trinity.

Bakewell is a picturesque old place
An amazing place, buried in greenery and flowers is located in Great Britain, the county of Derbyshire. It’s a small town, which locals insistently call a village. The history of the town goes back to the Anglo-Saxon times, the local church was built in 620 BC. There are beautiful old streets, centuries-old stone buildings and houses.

An ancient landmark of the city is the medieval castle Haddon Hall. It houses a chapel, partly preserved from late Romanesque times. The castle was built in the 15th century, the garden around it was arranged in the Baroque period. In 1990 the garden was completely renovated, from its terrace with stunning views. Not far from the city is the Peak District National Park. It was here, on the grounds of the castle, that the famous movies were once filmed:

“Jen Eyre.”
“Elizabeth.”
“Pride and Prejudice.
“One of the Boleyns.”
“The Princess Bride.”

Many tourists visit Bakewell in order to enjoy its antiquity. It has everything you need for the comfort of guests: hotels, including five-star, cafes, cozy restaurants.

The city is home to one of England’s most chic treasure houses, Chatsworth House, stunning with its sumptuous interiors and beautiful works of art from the collection of the Dukes of Devonshire. For several centuries it was their residence. The building is a rare example in Britain of a Baroque aesthetic that can rival Howard Castle and Blenheim Palace in architectural sophistication. The palace was begun to be built in 1687 by the first Duke of Devonshire, and for this he invited the best specialists of the time. Today Chatsworth House is very popular with tourists and is a colorful movie set.

Paradise – the medieval town of England
The small town of 4.2 square kilometers is located in the county of East Sussex, on a hill not far from the sea coast, on the right bank of the river Rother. There used to be a fishing settlement here, which existed before the Norman Conquest. In the 13th century Paradise became an important seaport and one of the most privileged ports in England. Over time, the sea began to recede, and the city lost its role as a port. Today the sea is 3 kilometers from it.

Rye was repeatedly attacked by the French and Spaniards in the Middle Ages. In the 18th century the second name of Paradise was “smugglers town”. The town’s cellars and dungeons were completely occupied by smugglers, who set up a network of hiding places in them.

The town has its own valuable attractions. The historical buildings have been preserved here. The main historic streets are rightly called Watchbell Street, Mermaid Street, and Church Square. Most of Rye’s houses were built in the 15th and 18th centuries.

One of the oldest buildings in the city is Ypres Tower. This tower was erected in 1249 and was also called the Biddings Tower. It protected the citizens from the French. Later its name was changed in honor of its founder by the name of John de Ypres. Today it houses a historical museum.

The city had 4 original fortified entrances built during the time of King Edward III, the only surviving one being the Landgate. In 2015, the arch was in danger of collapse due to a huge amount of pigeon droppings that weighed over 25 tons. Fortunately, the landmark was cleared and saved.

The historic building on Mermaid Street is occupied by the Mermaid Hotel. It is one of the most popular hotels in the southeast of England. The building was built back in 1420, with Tudor-style additions in the 16th century. The cellars, built in 1156, remain in good condition. Townspeople say that the hotel is sometimes haunted by the ghosts of executed criminals and women.

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Smaller British towns have their own charm, and their quieter life and two-storey houses can be just as much fun to explore as the big glass and concrete cities.

BOLTON
Bolton is a magnificent city built in the northwest of England, in the county of Manchester. Originally built in the second half of the nineteenth century, and at that time the city was a county. In 1644, a very significant Civil War battle took place in the town.

Bolton has attractions for all tastes, with historical walkers having a very popular old Smithill’s Hall homestead. Built in the 15th century, today it is one of the oldest manors in northwest England. Renovations of this ancient manor house have managed to preserve a number of pristine medieval elements, and an interesting museum was opened in the historic building in 1963.

HAYWOOD
A small town in the north of England with a population of just under 30,000. It is located in the county of Manchester, between Bury and Rochdale. After the Industrial Revolution, Haywood became a mill town, with large brick cotton mills dominating the landscape. Industrial textile production was introduced in Haywood in the late 18th century, and by 1833 the town had 27 cotton mills.

St. Luke the Evangelist Parish Church is Haywood’s main landmark, the center of the town. The place of worship at the site of St. Luke’s is known to have existed until 1611. The old Heywood Chapel was demolished in 1859 to make way for the present church, designed by Joseph Clark. The foundation stone was laid on May 31, 1860, and construction was completed in 1862

The Heywood War Memorial is located in the Memorial Garden across from St. Luke the Evangelist Parish Church and was originally erected for “the men of Heywood who gave their lives” during World War I and later World War II. It is a gray granite cenotaph decorated with wreaths and crosses. At the front is a bronze female figure with a laurel wreath, symbolizing peace.

ROCHDALE
Amazing nature, helpful locals, and plenty of opportunities for a fulfilling vacation – that’s Rochdale. The first mention of this city in historical documents dates back to 1086. Rochdale got its fame thanks to the rapidly developing trade; to be more precise – an unusually large number of markets.

The main attraction is the town hall, designed by architect William Henry Crossland. The town hall, which eventually reached a height of seventy-three meters, was completed in 1871. The entrance to the main city building was decorated by gargoyles and traditional English heraldic animals – lions. However, neither gargoyles nor lions statues did not save Rochdale Town Hall from a fire in 1883. In addition to this event, the town hall is famous for the fact that on its balcony the locals once declared the independence of the city – an event, of course, historical.

BERI
The name Bery comes from an old English word meaning “castle, citadel or fort”. The city was laid out around an ancient market place, but there is earlier evidence of the city’s origins, dating back to the Roman occupation.

A vase of Roman origin, studded with small-sized bronze coins dating from 253-282 AD, is on display at the local Beri Local History Museum. This find was discovered a little north of where the center of Beri is located today.

Of course, the most famous and popular building with tourists and visitors is the castle of Beri, a well-fortified manor house. It was built in 1469 by Sir Thomas Pilkington, Lord of Pilkington and Bury and a full member of the Lancashire nobility.

OLTRINGHAM
Alltringham was founded in 1290 as a mercantile town, although at the time of its founding agriculture prevailed over commerce. Altringham remains a market town to this day. The socio-economic development of the city was stimulated by the construction of the Bridgewater Canal in 1765 and the construction of the railroad in 1849, after which the city began to rapidly develop its industry. The city began to expand, absorbing the surrounding villages.

Today, Alltringham is an affluent bedroom community in Manchester, thanks in large part to its advanced transportation system. Alltringham has traditionally (since the 19th century) been home to a large number of “middle class” people. The city is home to the Alltringham Football Club and three hockey clubs, Manchester Storm, Alltringham Aces and Trafford Tornados.

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St Albans, Hertfordshire
St Albans was once known as Verulamium, one of Britain’s thriving Roman settlements. What reminds you of this former glory are the ruins of what is now a park with a lake, paths, and playground, the Roman mosaics, and a well-preserved amphitheatre which plays host to a variety of concerts every summer.

The city is very compact, and a standard walk through it includes a park, a visit to the cathedral (it has recently been restored and now looks as good as new) and the city center. In the center, in addition to a variety of stores, cafes and restaurants, there is a nice farmer’s market. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can go for a walk around the “bedroom” areas and out into the fields, where caring locals have posted signs telling you about farming and life in the area.

Dorking, Surrey
Dorking’s most famous native is actor and director Sir Laurence Olivier. His birthplace is still on quiet, residential Wathen Road, little changed since 1907.

A walk along the lake is a must in Dorking: the scenery is idyllic in any weather. And if you want to get out of the city, Dorking’s scenic fields also form the backdrop. If you want to confine yourself to the town, the grand rooster sculpture is a reminder of the importance of poultry farming to the town’s economy. You can have lunch or tea at the White Horse Hotel. You might find inspiration there: Charles Dickens was one of the inn’s guests when he wrote Notes of the Pickwick Club.

Salisbury, Wiltshire
God himself ordered support for this city after the international scandal of the poisoning of former GRU employee Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Fear has alienated tourists from Salisbury for a long time, and now guides complain that many visitors are only interested in “where Skripal was poisoned. Meanwhile, the city is worth spending at least half a day here: ideally, after a visit to the famous Stonehenge, where buses run from Salisbury Station.

Salisbury is charming – narrow streets, little cafes and stores, first-class restaurants, a big shopping mall, and lovely parks. The main attraction is the stunningly beautiful cathedral and its now-famous spire. The cathedral holds the Magna Carta, one of the copies of the Magna Carta.

Winchester, Hampshire
Ancient capital of England, Winchester is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the country. You can’t miss the cathedral (very different architecture than Salisbury) and the castle, home to King Arthur’s Table. The history of the origin of the table is obscure, but it’s really round, really huge and really old. Let’s warn you right away – don’t get your hopes up about sitting at the table imagining yourself as one of the knights. No, all that remains of the table is a tabletop hanging on the wall of the Great Hall, which, in turn, is the only thing left of the medieval castle.

In the cathedral rest the remains of several English kings and writer Jane Austen, whose works are loved not only in England but also in Russia.

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Henley is most famous for its regatta, an annual English social calendar event. But you’ll get more out of the action if you visit Henley without the crowds and fences.

You can take a long walk along the banks of the River Thames and watch the owners of the boats and small yachts leisurely moor and manually lower the locks to continue their journey down the river. Henley is a city of the wealthy, as evidenced by the prices in local restaurants and pubs, but coffee and scones are readily available in the town square.

It’s worth wandering into the residential blocks and the neat homes with orchards and front gardens to discover why former Beatles star George Harrison stayed hidden in Henley. They say his widow still lives in Friar Park. The gate and gatekeeper’s lodge are the only things that passers-by can see, giving an idea of the scale of the 25-hectare estate.

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