50 Gems – serie

Guernsey is a beautiful Channel Island with a fascinating history and breathtaking scenery. With an area of just 24 square miles, visitors are astonished at just how much there is to see and do. The island’s varied landscape ranges from beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs and lush countryside to the quirky, cobbled streets of the harbour town of St Peter Port.In this book, accredited tour guide Soo Wellfair takes us on a journey around the island to discover fifty of its cherished places. Guernsey’s many visitors find themselves immersed in the delights of this quaint and charming island and the author leads us to some of her favourite hidden treasures. Seek out the tiny chapel decorated in broken pieces of pottery and the clifftop woodland that comes alive every year when it is swathed in a blanket of bluebells. Explore Guernsey’s historic sites from throughout the island’s history. From Neolithic times through to the medieval and Tudor periods, and even to the more contemporary structures built during the occupation of Guernsey in the Second World War, this is an island that is small in size but immense in history and beauty.Illustrated throughout, 50 Gems of Guernsey will appeal to residents, visitors and all those interested in the island’s history.

Herefordshire has had the mixed blessing of being a border county, predominately rural and far away from any metropolis. Lying between England and Wales, its past has been bloody, with raids and an unstable boundary. Borders are always porous and much Welsh influence can be found, especially in the west of the county.The county did not play a major part in the Industrial Revolution, which meant it became something of a backwater. Its unspoilt countryside provided a pleasant place to visit, but not such an easy place to make a living. Herefordshire can make the claim of being the birthplace of tourism as rich travellers, thwarted by the Napoleonic War from making the Grand Tour of Europe, found journeys down the beautiful River Wye some compensation. Now modernity is making changes to the county, with pressure for more houses, large-scale agriculture and the climate crisis all having their effect, but Herefordshire remains an intriguing and fascinating place.In 50 Gems of Herefordshire, local author David Phelps visits some of the favourite and lesser-known locations that reflect its heritage, culture and scenic splendour. From churches to castles and cider factory to cathedral, this is a county with much to discover and enjoy. Well-illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to residents and visitors alike.

Oxfordshire is rich in many things: fine agricultural land and areas of dense woodland; delightful towns like Burford, Woodstock, Dorchester and Henley; the stately River Thames that bisects the county; the ironstone villages of the northern border; the Oxford Canal meandering its way through remote countryside; and splendid country houses at Blenheim, Chastleton and Rousham. The jewel in the crown is the city of Oxford itself, with its ancient honey-coloured buildings and dreaming spires.This book celebrates both Oxfordshire’s well-known glories and hidden gems such as the ruined manor at Hampton Gay, the brewery at Hook Norton and the glories of Wytham Woods. Highlighting these and other gems, this book gives an enticing picture of the rich variety of experiences and sights the county of Oxfordshire has to offer.

Lincolnshire is a county of contrasts, ranging from the seaside resorts on the east coast to the rolling chalk hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds and the fenland area of the south-east. The area has been settled since prehistoric times, the Romans established the town of Lindum (present-day Lincoln) for retired legionaries, a number of churches date from the Saxon period, and place names provide a reminder of the county's Viking past.Lincoln became a thriving medieval settlement, evidenced by its magnificent cathedral and castle. The coming of the railways in the nineteenth century created the seaside resorts of Skegness, Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe. During the Second World War Lincolnshire became ‘Bomber County’ as it was home to a large number of airbases. It was from here that the daring Dambusters raid was launched. The county also boasts a proud cultural heritage. The writer Alfred Lord Tennyson and the landscape artist Peter de Wint both drew inspiration from the Lincolnshire countryside. Annual events include the Lincoln Christmas Fair and the quirky Steampunk Festival, as well as the famous Haxey Hood game.50 Gems of Lincolnshire explores the many places and their history that make this part of the country so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown but all have an interesting story to tell.

The historic county of Fife is a natural peninsula on the east coast of Scotland, bordered by the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay. Alongside its three largest settlements of Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes it is also home to the ancient city of St Andrews, with its world-famous golf course and university. The often turbulent history of Fife is reflected in its royal palaces, castles and other ruins, such as Ravenscraig Castle and Dunfermline Abbey.Fife’s picturesque coast draws visitors to places like Crail Harbour and Pittenweem. Fife’s cultural and industrial heritage are also celebrated, including the Fife Folk Museum, the Anstruther Fisheries Museum and the Fife Heritage Railway.50 Gems of Fife explores the many places and their history that make this part of Scotland so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown, but all have an interesting story to tell.

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is a self-governing dependency of the British Crown. It has retained its special identity through the centuries with many historic buildings, both in the capital St Helier and spread through the rest of the island, and rural and agricultural areas alongside more modern developments. The coastline to the south of the island boasts sandy bays while to the north the coast is distinguished by large cliffs.50 Gems of Jersey explores the many places and their history that make this unique island so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown but all have an interesting story to tell.

The county of Berkshire is home to a through route from east to west following the River Thames, the ancient Ridgeway, the A4 trunk road, the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Great Western Railway. Within this long, slipper-shaped county there is something for everyone - gems from medieval to modern times. It can be divided into five geographical sections: the Vale of the White Horse, the Chalk Downs, the Kennet Valley, the district east of the River Loddon and the Thames Valley itself. Glorious buildings stand at Bisham and Ufton Court, there is the splendid gatehouse of Donnington Castle and the crowning glory of all, Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel. There are fine market towns, the White Horse at Uffington, Roman Silchester, the medieval barn at Great Coxwell, grand stately homes and fascinating medieval churches. Other attractions include the Savill Gardens at Windsor, the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, the Stanley Spencer Gallery at Cookham and the Sandham Memorial Chapel, the Thames Valley Police Museum, the Beale Wildlife Park and the Windsor and Eton Brewery.50 Gems of Berkshire explores the many places and their history that make this part of the country so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown, but all have an interesting story to tell.

Stretching almost 40 miles between the rivers Derwent, Tyne and Tees, and contained roughly by the Pennines to the west and the North Sea on the east, County Durham has retained a unique sense of identity and independence. For many centuries it was indeed a place apart, a territorial buffer against invading Scots. A sense of belonging and collective pride was born there and continued afterwards in the close-knit communities of the region’s more recent industrial past. Encompassing three great rivers, the Tyne, Wear and Tees, it has a landscape of great contrast and variety, a dramatic coastline, rugged moorland, dales and fells and the historic city of Durham. As well as age-old churches and castles, industrial monuments and museums, historic towns and villages, the region boasts world-class art and architecture and has a lively cultural scene.50 Gems of County Durham explores the many places and their history that make this part of the country so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown, but all have an interesting story to tell.

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons, founded in 1957, is a hugely popular area of South Wales. Not only does it cover mountainside and moorland, forestry and farmland, but it also includes a number of historical settlements in and around its border, including Brecon, Hay-on-Wye and Abergavenny. Visitors come for its landscape, flora and fauna, outdoor activities and attractive towns and villages. Alongside the well-known areas are many tucked-away and little-known places in the park, and the history of the area also has its own special folk tales.50 Gems of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) explores the many places and their history that make this unique area so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions some will be relatively unknown, but all have an interesting story to tell.

Bedfordshire may be among England’s smallest counties, but its 700,000 residents and increasing visitor numbers have a wealth of places to explore within its boundaries. Alongside the urban areas of Luton and Bedford, the county offers plenty of green spaces, including the Chiltern Hills. The county has connections with John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, Catherine of Aragon and the Whitbread family, dating back some 250 years when the brewing pioneer was MP for Bedford. In this book local authors John Jackson and Jenny Jackson reveal the vital role a Bedfordshire barn played during the Second World War, exactly why Luton Town Football Club are appropriately nicknamed ‘The Hatters’, the churchyard that inspired J. M. Barrie’s character of Wendy in Peter Pan, and much more.50 Gems of Bedfordshire explores the many places and their history that make this part of the country so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown, but all have an interesting story to tell.

The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most diverse and rich landscapes in the British Isles. Limestone interlaces with sweeping and rolling fells, and dramatic peaks arise from its plains. There are caverns that stretch for miles under the surface, abundant flora and fauna that thrive in this unique environment and the hardiest of local folk who eke out a living in unison with their surroundings.This equilibrium is harnessed and interwoven by a revered heritage that not only stretches back hundreds of years but is retained, protected and celebrated today.In this book, we explore fifty of these magical places and discover what makes the Yorkshire Dales a unique place to live in and visit. See the majestic Skipton Castle, enjoy the splendour of Bolton Abbey and take in the fascinating views and history from the three peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. Compare this to the tragedy and triumph of Ribblehead Viaduct. Follow the underground routes overground at Clapham and The Churns and find out the secrets of life in Dent, Malham, Settle and Gunnerside.Discover some of this area’s secrets and treasures and learn the fascinating history behind them with this handy guide.

Famous for inspiring artist John Constable, Suffolk is a county filled with natural appeal. From the glorious coastline to medieval towns such as Bury St Edmunds, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through timeless villages, vast landscapes and special places of historic interest. Boats and beaches, castles and museums and those scenes of bucolic beauty that continue to attract artists and writers are all here in a lovingly painted picture of Suffolk today. In 50 Gems of Suffolk, writer Kate J. Cole explores the places that make this county special.

Famous for its golden sandy beaches and white chalk cliffs, East Kent is a region with huge appeal. From the cool and stylish delights of Whitstable to the otherworldly landscapes and huge vistas of Romney Marsh and Dungeness, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through spectacular coastal scenery, old fishing villages and historic market towns. Beaches and coves, ancient castles, modern art galleries and those magnificent skies that have inspired many a famous artist are all here in a lovingly painted picture of East Kent. In 50 Gems of East Kent author Paul Harris explores some of the places that make this part of the country so special.

Famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery, beautiful beaches, ancient culture and heritage, North Wales is a region with huge appeal. From the delights of the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog to the wild landscapes of the Snowdonia National Park, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey along ancient routes and through spectacular scenery, sleepy villages and historic castles. Beaches and coves, castles and museums and magnificent mountains, they’re all here in a lovingly painted picture of North Wales today. In 50 Gems of North Walesauthor John Idris Jones explores some of the places that make this part of the United Kingdom so special.

Famous for its spectacular coastal scenery, beautiful beaches and ancient castles, Dorset is a county with a huge and diverse appeal. From the delights of Lyme Regis to lovely Lulworth Cove, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through picturesque surroundings, sleepy villages, beaches and coves, ancient castles, museums and the magnificent Jurassic Coast. They’re all here in a lovingly painted picture of Dorset today. In 50 Gems of Dorset author John Megoran explores some of the places that make this part of the country so special.

The county of Shropshire holds many delights, from the beauty of Ellesmere, at the heart of Shropshire’s Lake District, to the glories of Wenlock Edge and The Wrekin. Shropshire also boasts more than its fair share of heritage and history, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Coalbrookdale to the vertiginous cliff railway at Bridgnorth, as well as many fascinating historic castles, houses and religious buildings that tell tales of the region’s varied past.50 Gems of Shropshire is filled with stunning photographs that will draw you closer to the places you already know and love and tempt you to discover new gems of your own.

The county of Northumberland holds many delights, from the stunning landscapes along Hadrian’s Wall to the many unspoiled beaches that line its spectacular coastline. Northumberland also boasts more than its fair share of heritage and history, from the unique Holy Island of Lindisfarne to the medieval market town of Alnwick, as well as many ancient castles -- more than any other county in England -- houses and religious buildings that tell fascinating tales of the county’s rich and varied past. 50 Gems of Northumberland is filled with stunning photographs and interesting facts to draw you closer to the places you already know and love, and to tempt you to discover new gems of your own.

North Devon is famous for its rugged coastline and beautiful beaches, its dramatic moorland scenery and much more. The region is filled with places of both natural and man-made appeal. This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the many delights of the area. Along the coast, from the spectacular Hartland Point where land meets the Atlantic Ocean, to the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth on the edge of Exmoor, there are a myriad of fascinating places to visit, including the fishing village of Clovelly with its steep streets down to the harbour and the ancient ports of Bideford and Barnstaple. Inland, North Devon has many diverse attractions, from the ancient landscape of Exmoor, forests and rural countryside, attractive market towns and villages, historic buildings and magnificent country houses and gardens.In 50 Gems of North Devon local authors Denise Holton and Elizabeth J. Hammett explore the many places and their history that make this part of the country so special.

The Peak District, designated as Britain’s first national park in 1951 and now one of the most visited national parks in the world, holds many delights, from high moors and narrow gorges to dark gritstone edges and white limestone cliffs, and from grand country houses to stone-built villages and spa towns. Some of the fifty gems featured in this book will take your breath away, some will make you pause and think about how our ancestors shaped the landscape, while others have a fantastic tearoom or cosy pub nearby.50 Gems of the Peak District is overflowing with awe-inspiring photographs and fascinating facts to draw you closer to the places you already know and love and to tempt you to discover new gems of your own.

The historic county of Lancashire holds many delights, from the vast seascapes and long sandy beaches of its west coast to the unspoiled beauty of the Forest of Bowland and the dramatic limestone pavements around Silverdale. Lancashire also boasts more than its fair share of heritage and history, from the infamous Pendle Witch Trials to the many textile mills that drove the Industrial Revolution, as well as ancient castles, houses and religious buildings that tell fascinating tales of the county’s rich and varied past. 50 Gems of Lancashire is overflowing with lovely photographs and interesting facts to draw you closer to the places you already know and love and to tempt you to discover new gems of your own.

The county of Somerset can trace its origins back to Anglo-Saxon England, when it was a distinct part of the kingdom of Wessex, although the history of its peoples stretches back much further. Much of the county is agricultural and its wealth in the Middle Ages is seen today in Wells Cathedral, churches and the remains of abbeys. The north-east of the county was also a coal-mining area and Bridgwater became an important port in the Industrial Revolution. Today the county is as well known for the annual Glastonbury Festival as it is for its many tourist attractions.In 50 Gems of Somerset, author Andrew Powell-Thomas explores the many places and their history that make this part of the south-west of England so special. It includes Roman remains, castles, magnificent houses and churches, and historic towns, as well as present-day festivals and events. There is also a living heritage of military, transport and industry and natural attractions that include moors, hills, coastline, parks and many other treasures. Alongside the justly famous sites such as Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole the author includes many lesser-known gems that are equally deserving of attention.

The county of Essex is a county of contrasts, shaped by its geography and history. Early travellers had to cross numerous forested areas to reach the capital, the most famous of which is Epping Forest, site of Queen Elizabeth’s hunting lodge, Waltham Abbey, gunpowder mills and the Saxon church at Greenstead, the oldest wooden church in the world. Water has also shaped Essex, travelling historically being easier down the rivers and along the coast than inland. Alongside many nature reserves are historic coastal towns such as Maldon and Harwich and resorts such as Southend. Inland, the Romans established their first capital of Britain in Colchester but today the county town is Chelmsford, granted city status in 2012. The attractive hinterland of Essex is also home to ancient towns such as Saffron Walden and numerous buildings of historic interest, from grand country houses such as Audley End, mediaeval buildings such as Hadleigh Castle and Cressing Temple Barns and more recent attractions such as North Weald Airfield and it museum and the Epping-Ongar steam railway.In 50 Gems of Essex author Kate J. Cole explore the many places and their history that make this part of southeast England so special, including many lesser known gems.

Situated in the south-western corner of Ireland, the region of West Cork attracts millions of visitors each year to discover its spectacular coastline and dramatic landscapes. It is known for many aspects: its scenery, its serenity, its culture and its people. 50 Gems of West Cork takes the reader from Bandon to Castletownbere, through the changing and unspoilt landscapes and seascapes, and provides an insight into the uniqueness of the region. The necklace of towns and villages are all linked together through a striking section of Ireland’s coastline, encompassing a raw coastal wilderness with expansive inlets. Together with the exquisite coastal scenery are undulating inland landscapes criss-crossed by mountains, hills, streams and rivers, imposing old-world villages and wonderful discoveries at every bend in the road. In this book, local author Kieran McCarthy seeks out the essence and the character of the area to show how special it is.

Hertfordshire, one of the Home Counties close to the capital, features some spectacular countryside including the chalk escarpment fringes of the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and many beautiful valleys including the Lee and the Colne.In 50 Gems of Hertfordshire local author Abigail Hamilton-Thompson explores the unique locations that make the county special and the many breathtaking views in the unspoiled countryside. She investigates the hidden delights in historic towns such as Ware, Royston and the city of St Albans. From nature reserves to Roman Verulamium, churches to caves, watermills to windmills and the geological rarity that is Hertfordshire puddingstone, readers will venture on a journey of discovery around the treasures of the county.

Wiltshire is one of the largest counties in southern England. Much of it is comprised of high chalk downland, most famously on Salisbury Plain, and wide valleys and vales, often with rivers running through them, but in the north-west Wiltshire runs into the Cotswolds and south-east Wiltshire lies on the edge of the New Forest. Wiltshire is unsurpassed in its ancient sites, from the Neolithic monuments of Stonehenge and Avebury to numerous barrows and burial chambers. Later ages have also added to Wiltshire’s gems, from the distinctive white horses cut into the chalk on hillsides, to Salisbury Cathedral, Longleat and the gardens at Stourhead.In 50 Gems of Wiltshire author Andrew Powell-Thomas explores the many places and their history that make this part of the South West so special. The 50 Gems include ancient sites of the earliest settlers in the area, castles, historic towns and villages, stunning country houses and estates, natural beauty spots and many other treasures. Alongside the justly famous the author includes many lesser-known gems that are equally deserving of attention.

Think of Cambridgeshire and images of dreaming spires, gowned students and river punting probably spring to mind. It is a county unlike any other in England. In 50 Gems of Cambridgeshire local author Abigail Hamilton-Thompson shares some of the lesser-known jewels of the city of Cambridge and the tucked-away treasures to be found across the county. She explains its geography and history and shows how town, gown and the unique, watery landscape have shaped each other throughout the centuries. From Whittlesey’s unique Straw Bear Festival and the soaring splendour of Ely Cathedral to the ghostly goings-on in a historic riverside inn, Cambridgeshire offers something for everyone.50 Gems of Cambridgeshire celebrates the county’s remarkable landscapes, buildings, stories and festivals. Fully illustrated throughout, readers will discover the places and heritage that make Cambridgeshire so special.