Category: Discovering Britain

Our day trip to Kingston upon Hull offered a fascinating mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. The journey began in Hull’s charming Old Town, where cobbled streets and historic buildings create a vivid sense of the city’s maritime past. Narrow alleys, traditional pubs, and Georgian architecture gave the area a welcoming character.

The next stop was the Streetlife Museum, which provides an engaging look at transport history. Vintage cars, bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and recreated street scenes made the museum both educational and entertaining. Nearby, the Hull and East Riding Museum displayed impressive archaeological treasures, including Roman artefacts and prehistoric remains, offering insight into the region’s ancient past.

Lunch was enjoyed at Trinity Market, a lively indoor market filled with independent food stalls and local produce. Although, some preferred a pint and Fish and Chips at the local Wetherspoons. Afterwards, a visit to Hull Minster revealed magnificent Gothic architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

The day concluded at The Deep, Hull’s spectacular aquarium, where sharks, rays, and colourful marine life provided a memorable ending to an enjoyable and varied day.

On 14 November, we visited Cambridge for a day of exploring its historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and unique academic atmosphere, except it was atrocious weather and threw it down with rain all day, our exploring was somewhat curtailed. However the first stop was King’s College, where the magnificent chapel dominated the scene with its soaring fan vaults and centuries-old stained glass. Standing in the courtyard, we gained a strong sense of the university’s long intellectual heritage.

From there, we walked to the Corpus Clock, an eye-catching and somewhat unsettling installation. Its grasshopper-like “Chronophage” creature dramatically marked the passage of time, drawing crowds of intrigued onlookers. A short walk further brought me to the Round Church, one of the oldest buildings in Cambridge. Its circular Norman design provided a stark contrast to the surrounding Gothic and modern structures.

Crossing the river, we paused at the Mathematical Bridge, famous for its elegant wooden engineering and the persistent myths surrounding its construction. The nearby Fitzwilliam Museum offered a rich cultural experience, with exhibits ranging from classical antiquities to European paintings, allowing for a brief but rewarding immersion in art and history.

We ended the day hurrying along the Backs to the bus, where we were able to get warm and dry off a little. 

Mark Thornley

On Monday the 6th of October, we enjoyed a delightful day trip to the picturesque town of Bakewell. The weather was pleasant, with clear skies and a mild breeze, which made exploring the town especially enjoyable.

Our first stop was the Bakewell market, where we spent time browsing the many stalls offering local produce, handmade crafts, and baked goods. The atmosphere was lively, and the friendly stallholders added to the charm of the experience.

After exploring the market, we visited the famous Original Pudding Shop, where we purchased some traditional Bakewell puddings to take home. We also stopped at the Old Cheese Shop nearby, sampling and buying a selection of locally made cheeses.

For lunch, we went to the Red Lion Inn, a cosy and welcoming pub that served hearty meals and excellent service. Following lunch, we made our way to the Old House Museum, one of Bakewell’s oldest buildings. The museum’s fascinating exhibits gave us an insight into the town’s rich history and heritage.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable day, filled with good food, interesting sights, and a lovely sense of local tradition.

Mark Thornley

Our most recent excursion began aboard a beautifully restored 1946 vintage bus, whose polished chrome and distinctive character instantly set the tone for the day. From Hucknall we travelled in style, enjoying the gentle hum of the old engine as we made our way through the countryside towards Wirksworth, in truth it was quite noisy, but fun.

At Wirksworth we transferred to an atmospheric steam train, its plume of white smoke curling above the carriages as we boarded. The rhythmic chug of the locomotive and the whistle’s call brought an air of nostalgia, transporting us back to a golden age of travel. The journey offered fine views across the Derbyshire hills, made all the more enjoyable by the leisurely pace.

We were treated to a hearty full English breakfast; with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, and toast, it was a satisfying highlight and provided the perfect opportunity to relax and chat while soaking in the traditional surroundings.

Re-boarding our vintage bus, we continued to the Crich Tramway Village. There we admired the heritage trams including a ride on the trams, an old fashioned sweet shop, ice cream and a satisfying pint in the Red Lion pub before beginning our final leg homeward, on ‘Walter’ our vintage bus. Returning to Hucknall in the ‘comfort’ of the 1946 bus completed a truly memorable day full of nostalgia, camaraderie, and timeless transport experiences.

Mark Thornley

Our visit to York was a memorable experience filled with history, culture, and charm. We arrived in the city and immediately felt its unique character, with winding streets, medieval buildings, and an atmosphere that blends the past with the present.  On our arrival we had a cup of tea together and then went our separate ways. One of the first places I visited was the Jorvik Viking Centre, which was truly fascinating. The exhibitions and interactive displays brought Viking history to life, and the ride through a recreation of a Viking settlement made me feel as if I had stepped back in time.

Afterward, I made my way to York Minster, one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe. Its sheer scale and breathtaking Gothic architecture were awe-inspiring. Inside, the intricate stained glass windows and grand interior filled me with admiration for the craftsmanship of centuries ago.

Later in the day, I wandered through the Shambles, one of York’s most famous streets. Its narrow, cobbled lanes and timber framed buildings are a throwback to another time. Exploring the surrounding old streets was enjoyable, each corner offering something new and picturesque.

Overall, York is a wonderful old city, rich in history and atmosphere, and my visit left me with lasting memories.

Mark Thornley