The best pumpkin patches to visit this autumn

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During the darker days and nights of autumn, there are some flashes of colour, with the distinctive orange hue of pumpkins representing the brightest and most traditional for this time of year.

Carving a pumpkin is a great activity to enjoy on your next caravan or motorhome trip, but you’ll want to head to a pumpkin patch to get the best selection in terms of size and shape to choose from.

With this in mind, the houseplant experts at Beards & Daisies and writers at CaravanTimes have put together a list of the patches worth visiting on your next touring adventure.

Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Offering everything from full pumpkin day experiences to a UV nighttime pumpkin trail, Cotswold Farm Park will quickly get you in the mood for autumn.

A corn maze, spooky face painting and a chance to meet rare breed animals means there’s enough excitement to keep the whole family, including your dog, entertained for hours.

Tulleys Farm, Crawley, West Sussex

While Tulleys Farm is a fun pumpkin patch by day, it really ramps up the atmosphere in the evenings, where you’ll find twinkling lights and live entertainment.

If your leisure vehicle is safely parked up, then you can indulge in seasonal cocktails and an array of street food specialities.

Garsons Farm, Esher, Surrey

The expansive pumpkin patch at Garsons Farm is a pick-your-own paradise, where you can get your hands on a huge gourd for carving or mini pumpkins to decorate your caravan.

Themed displays made from pumpkins grown on the farm add to the experience and are sure to capture the kids’ imaginations.

Pumpkin Picking Village, Chelmsford, Essex

Pulling out all the stops is the Pumpkin Picking Village, where you’re sure to find the perfect specimen this October.

Expect hay bales, farm animals and pumpkin-themed games, as well as fields and fields of pumpkins just waiting to be picked.

Brockbushes Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland

Growing 90,000 pumpkins every year, Brockbushes Farm has every variety you could imagine, from the large white polar bear to the Hoargarth with its warty skin.

Pimp your pumpkin, get a spooky tattoo or toast marshmallows at the farm during your visit, as you try to decide which type of pumpkin to take home with you.

Balgone Estate, East Lothian, Scotland

Scotland’s biggest pumpkin patch can be found on the Balgone Estate, where they grow 70,000 gourds a year in 27 different varieties.

Pick your pumpkin, walk the haunted trail and visit the crooked cauldron for some Halloween surprises.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Inna Heasley



Redline Campers to debut new model at NEC show

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Redline Campers, which specialises in van conversions, is set to debut a new model based on the Ford Transit Custom at the Motorhome & Caravan Show.

Visitors to the event at the NEC in Birmingham from November 15th to 20th will be able to stop by Stand 40 in Hall 11 to see what the company has on offer.

With a starting price of £58,995, the new Redline GT will be based on the new Ford Transit Custom and orders can be placed immediately.

Key features of the new camper include:

  • Thermo-Shield construction with 8mm foil back foam and lightweight 25mm Dacron insulation.
  • Redline’s exclusive glass reinforced plastic twin-polycarbonate elevating roof with aerodynamic, noise-reducing front roof spoiler.
  • Premium roof tent with twin mesh ventilation windows and a large front window.
  • Lightweight furniture made using precision computer numerical control machine technology.
  • RIB Altair 112 ISOFIX seating and bedding system with an M1 certified fitting kit.
  • Pull-down upholstered double roof bed with a memory foam mattress and a safety net.
  • Dometic 12V fridge with space-maximising design and removable freezer compartment.
  • Dometic two-burner gas hob with a glass lid.
  • 45-litre onboard water tank with external filling point.
  • Bespoke power management system and wiring loom compliant with BS EN1648.
  • 110Ah AGM leisure battery.

The base vehicle options are:

New Ford Transit Custom Titanium 150ps 6-Speed Manual

  • SWB: From £58,995
  • LWB: From £60,845

New Ford Transit Custom Titanium 170ps 8-Speed Automatic

  • SWB: From £62,995
  • LWB: From £64,845

The new model will be available to view for the duration of the show, with Redline staff on hand to answer any questions prospective buyers may have.

Caravan shows are a great opportunity for anyone looking to purchase a leisure vehicle to actually see what’s available and refine their search.

With so many options available for caravans, motorhomes and campervans, it can be difficult to know what will suit your needs without having a look in person.

Redline Campers was born in 2017 as the dedicated campervan conversion brand from the award-winning leisure vehicle retailer, Venture Caravans & Motorhomes, which was established in 1971.

If you can’t make it along to the Motorhome & Caravan Show, you can register your interest in the Redline GT on the converter’s website.

How to spot blue green algae on your next caravan trip

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Spending time in, on and around lakes, reservoirs, canals and rivers is a lovely way to enjoy being out and about in your caravan, but these locations can be hotspots for blue green algae.

It’s important to be able to identify blue green algae, as it’s a type of bacteria, known as cyanobacteria, that can produce chemicals that are toxic to people, birds and animals.

If you like to combine caravanning with swimming or other watersports, knowing when it’s not safe to go in is crucial to staying healthy.

Swimming in, or drinking, water contaminated by an algal bloom can cause skin rashes, vomiting, liver and kidney damage, and could even be fatal, for humans and dogs.

Blue green algae – there’s an app for that

The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is asking members of the public, particularly people who use lakes, reservoirs and canals recreationally, to report sightings of blue green algae.

This can be done easily by downloading the Bloomin’ Algae app to your phone and submitting any pictures of suspected algal blooms, which will be checked by scientists.

A photo guide included on the app can also help you assess if it’s blue green algae yourself, while you can also opt in to receive notifications about confirmed blooms in areas where you’re holidaying.

Crowdsourcing information

The app has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and around 300 to 400 sightings are logged each year, but more people need to be involved if scientists are to get an accurate idea of the scale of the problem.

At present, the majority of the cases reported are in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but it’s a problem nationwide.

The Bloomin’ Algae app has a wide network of users across the UK, Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Lichtenstein.

There are also plans to roll it out in Kenya and Chile, so you can log sightings on trips overseas with your caravan or motorhome.

Dr Linda May, freshwater ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said: “Climate change is making algal blooms more common. So, it’s really important for us to be able to track when and where these blooms are occurring.

“The more data we collect through the app, the more this helps our research into algal blooms, including ways that we can control them and reduce health risks to people and animals.”

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Tom Fisk



3 tips to make your caravan more environmentally friendly

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Getting out and about in your caravan is a great way to enjoy nature and if there are ways we can help preserve it while using our leisure vehicles, then that’s even better.

The benefits of making your caravan as eco as possible extend to saving money and being more comfortable, so it’s a win-win situation.

With this in mind, the experts at Towergate Insurance have put together their three top tips for minimising your caravan’s impact on the environment.

Keep on top of maintenance

Maintaining your leisure vehicle well has a number of advantages for the environment, including:

Prolonged vehicle life

Keeping on top of small repairs helps to extend the life of your leisure vehicle and prevent the need to buy a new one.

The manufacturing process for new models involves metals, plastics, energy and water, so cutting down on the frequency of replacing your caravan can be very eco-friendly.

Of course, discarded caravans also need to be scrapped, which can mean waste going into landfill and hazardous materials like batteries and oil needing to be dealt with.

Fuel efficiency

Caravans don’t make it to their destinations on their own and the towing vehicle you choose can have a big impact on the environment too.

No matter what type of towcar you own, you can make the engine more fuel-efficient with regular care and frequent oil changes.

Maintaining the outside of your caravan by removing moss and any unnecessary weight can improve its aerodynamics and cut down on fuel consumption too.

Minimise fluid leaks

Checking for leaks and making necessary repairs immediately can prevent substances like oil, coolant and brake fluid from escaping into the environment.

Contaminated soil or water sources can damage local ecosystems and disrupt the balance of natural habitats.

All chemical toilet waste from caravans should also be disposed of properly to prevent spillage into the countryside.

Find alternative power sources

There are ways to reduce the amount of energy you use while caravanning, but it’s also worth considering where the power for your appliances is coming from.

Solar panels attached to your leisure vehicle’s roof are an effective way to power items like the kettle, fridge and toaster, as well as LED light bulbs and to charge phones.

Installing solar panels can mean an initial expense, but most arrays have a 30-year lifespan, making them a good investment.

Upgrade your windows

Single-paned plastic windows, which are often found in older caravans, can result in heat loss and drafts, as well as condensation.

Upgrade your windows to use less energy or put up heavy-duty curtains to prevent the warmth from escaping.

Make sure the seals around the windows are doing their job too, since replacing these can make a big difference as the autumn and winter months approach.

Gary Turner, head of caravan and equine insurance at Towergate, said: “These three helpful tips are great for caravanners who are trying to be more mindful of their impact on the environment. 

“These maintenance tips and caravan additions or upgrades could also help the insurance industry, as a whole, to price future premiums.”



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Mitchell Orr

From badger browsing to alpaca walking: The best animal experiences in the Lake District

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As caravan and motorhome fans, we’re all familiar with the stunning scenery of the Lake District and the calming effect it can have on people needing to take a break.

But what about the area’s furrier inhabitants? From spotting wildlife in its natural habitat to ready-made animal packages, there are plenty of opportunities to get up and close to the Lakes’ fascinating creatures.

Badger browsing in Haweswater

Despite being native to the UK, it’s hard to see badgers in the wild, as they are nocturnal creatures.

That’s why the RSPB has opened a badger hide in Haweswater, allowing visitors to see the animals going about their nighttime business.

Built in an area where there were already lots of badgers, holidaymakers are guaranteed to see the creatures from the hide without disturbing them.

Annabel Rushton, RSPB visitor experience manager at Wild Haweswater, said: “This is all about giving the public a unique nature experience with one of the UK’s most iconic but secretive mammals.

“To see these beautiful creatures up close – they can come within a metre of the hide – is a truly magical experience for people of all ages.”

Visiting the Lake District Wildlife Park

The Lake District Wildlife Park is a treasure trove of local, national and international animals, boasting more than 100 species.

There’s a lot of focus on conservation at the park and as well as seeing the animals up close, visitors can attend talks about how the meerkats, lemurs and red pandas are cared for.

Book the Ultimate Animal Experience package to prepare food for some of the creatures, including tapirs and lemurs, as well as finding yourself with meerkats climbing all over you.

Pony trekking in Ullswater

Exploring the Lake District fells by horseback is a wonderful way to pass the time and Park Foot Pony Trekking offers excursions for all abilities.

Open until mid-November, the riding experience offers unparalleled views across Ullswater and the surrounding countryside.

Park Foot Pony Trekking has been in business for more than 30 years, so you can be confident that you’re in experienced hands on one of their supervised excursions.

All safety equipment, including riding hats, are included and you’ll even get a waterproof to wear if the weather turns wet.

Alpaca walking

Known for their friendly nature and distinctive personalities, alpacas are great companions for exploring the local area.

Despite being native to South America, alpacas have been found to be quite happy in the UK and Armathwaite Hall is home to four of the beloved creatures.

Take a wander around the estate with the alpacas and benefit from the calming influence they have on their human companions.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Mateusz D



DFDS offering out-of-season deals for caravans and motorhomes

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If you like to get away in your leisure vehicle out of season, then there are a number of deals being offered by DFDS.

The ferry operator will only charge travellers taking a caravan or motorhome for a car on selected sailings between Newhaven and Dieppe in 2025.

Instead of paying extra, the standard vehicle rate will apply to Saturday night and Sunday morning departures from Newhaven between January 7th and April 30th next year.

It will also be available for autumn sailings between October 1st and December 15th. To take advantage of the offer, it must be booked by December 11th, 2024.

Tourist vans up to seven metres in length and campervans measuring ten metres or less travel for the same price as single cars, as per DFDS’ standard policy.

Sailing from Ireland

Travellers hitting the open road on a motorhome or caravan trip to France from Ireland this autumn can take advantage of 20 per cent off with DFDS.

It’s offering the discount on sailings between Rosslare and Dunkirk, as long as the voyage is taken before December 12th, 2024.

Fares on the route include a cabin and all meals on board and those booking by December 11th also get a free camping pitch in Rosslare the night before the ferry crossing.

Dieppe

Upon arriving in Dieppe, the whole of France and in fact continental Europe is open to you to explore in your caravan and motorhome.

Before heading off on a touring adventure, the fishing port on the Normandy coast is worth checking out.

Dieppe Castle boasts an impressive clifftop position and its museum tells the history of the local area, while the beach, quays and eateries make for great places to relax and unwind.
If you’re in Dieppe over the weekend, don’t miss the Saturday morning market to stock your caravan or motorhome with French produce for the rest of your trip.

Dunkirk

Unsurprisingly, many of the interesting sites to visit in Dunkirk are based around its maritime history, so why not start at the Dunkirk 1940 Museum, which documents Operation Dynamo when Allied soldiers were evacuated from the city’s beaches during WWII.

Going further back, the Duchesse Anne, a three-masted sailing ship built in 1901, can be found at the Port Museum and is the last remaining full-rigged ship under the French flag.

Half an hour’s drive from Dunkirk is the walled town of Gravelines, which was built in a star shape. Its ramparts, vaults and bastions can all be explored on foot.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Bernd 📷 Dittrich

Halloween at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

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The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is gearing up for October half term and Halloween with a series of events, making the attraction the perfect addition to a touring trip.

Families enjoying a caravan or motorhome holiday near Pickering, where the railway is located, may want to take advantage of the full calendar of activities between October 26th and November 3rd.

The award-winning heritage railway invites children and their parents to visit stations along the line, which runs to Whitby.

Spooky station stories

Pickering and Grosmont stations will be hosting a seasonal story competition for the duration of half term, encouraging youngsters to use their imaginations.

They’ll learn about the histories of these supposedly haunted destinations and can pick up a competition sheet from one of the station shops.

Wand making

Expected to be very popular are the drop-in wand making sessions at Goathland Station on October 28th.

Budding witches, wizards and sorcerers will find everything they need to draft a magical wand ready to cast spells on unsuspecting parents and grown-ups.

Storytelling with Hoglets Theatre

The actors from Hoglets Theatre will be gracing Pickering Station on October 29th for a day of captivating storytelling.

Bringing the mysteries of the Moors to life, these sessions are limited to 25 children each, so pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Owl crafts

All young fans of the wizarding world know that an owl is an essential companion and kids will be able to create their own on October 30th at Goathland Station.

Just in time for Halloween, each participant will have a feathered friend to take home with them after crafting it from the supplies available.

Potion classes

Do your kids know their eye of newt from their frog’s leg? Find out on Halloween itself as Goathland Station hosts position classes on October 31st.

The drop-in sessions will be held throughout the day and the best bit is your children won’t even notice they’re doing science along with all that magic.

Mini broomstick craft

Even after Halloween, there’s still time for your little ones to channel their inner witches and wizards with a mini broomstick making activity.

Head to Goathland Station on November 1st and get ready for your kids to fly away on their own broomstick.

Riding the railway

Of course, no visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway would be complete without a ride on one of its steam trains.

There are daily services seven days a week up until November 3rd, with the chance to ride the whole 24-mile route, hopping off at stations as and when you choose.

Alternatively, you should choose to travel between one or two stations at a reduced price. Only adults pay, as kids go free.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Andrew Jeffery



Listen to birdsong on your next caravan holiday to improve wellbeing

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Getting out into the countryside and hearing the sound of birds singing on your next caravan holiday could be beneficial to your wellbeing, according to research.

While the study found a 35 per cent decrease in stress levels among those who listened to natural soundscapes on their way to work, experts emphasise that the benefits of hearing birdsong extends far beyond commuting.

Maria Kincaid, the head ornithologist at FeatherSnap, said: “Listening to birdsong not only lowers stress but also promotes better sleep, enhances focus, and offers a range of other therapeutic effects.”

She went on to explain the key advantages to hearing bird sounds and some of the best locations in the UK to pitch up and listen to them on your next caravan trip.

What are the benefits of hearing bird sounds?

Birdsong has a strong association with reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels in the body, with the gentle chirping of birds having a calming effect on many.

If you live a fast-paced life and use your caravan getaways to relax, then choosing a destination where you’re likely to hear the birds could be an effective method for relieving stress.

Anyone suffering from anxiety and depression could also benefit from focusing on the sound of birds, as it provides a useful distraction for the mind.

Ms Kincaid said: “Their tunes can shift our focus away from negative thoughts, helping to improve our mood over time.”

Birds only sing when they’re free from danger, so naturally, we associate their tunes with peace and tranquillity, which might be why their chorus has been found to help some people sleep.

Birdsong with the most benefits

If you’re trying to get to sleep then the melodious sounds of blackbirds, nightingales and robins are the best species to hear singing.

Conversely, the complex and varied songs of mistle thrushes and song thrushes have highly engaging tunes, which can promote mindfulness and distract from anxious thoughts.

Where to hear birdsong

If you’re thinking about planning a relaxing caravan break in an area where you’re likely to hear birdsong, then pitching up near nature reserves and parks is a good idea.

Ms Kincaid recommends the New Forest, the Peak District and the Scottish Highlands as locations to increase your chances of listening to the birds singing.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be woken up in the morning by the sounds of the dawn chorus from your caravan, setting the tone for a restful day.



 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

 

Ride a 1920s steam train this half term

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When deciding on a destination for a half term caravan break, it can sometimes be a good idea to base your trip around one standout attraction.

If you’ve got west Wales on your shortlist, then a family trip to Aberystwyth and a ride on the Vale of Rheidol Railway could be perfect this October.

The railway’s beautifully restored 1920s steam locomotives offer the perfect vantage point from which to view the stunning Cambrian Mountains.

Travelling the 12 miles from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, you’ll see some of Wales’ most pristine countryside as the driver and fireman do all the hard work.

Having been returned to their former glory, these steam trains are powered by vintage engines that make an unmistakable rhythmic noise as they travel.

The kids will be delighted by the sound of the whistle as the locomotive approaches crossings, while the onboard crew will be pleased to answer questions from inquisitive young minds.

Autumn is the ideal time to ride the train as the trees are changing colour and the leaves falling to open up the views.

The low autumnal sunshine sends long shadows over the landscape below and red kites, once threatened with extinction, fly overhead.

Exploring Devil’s Bridge

Upon arrival at Devil’s Bridge, disembark the locomotive to visit the waterfalls and find out more about the legend that gave the area its name.

Stop at Woodlands Tearoom to refuel with a Welsh cake or indulge at the award-winning Sarah Bunton’s Chocolate Shop.

Railway enthusiasts can use the stop as an opportunity to walk between the restored stations and get an even greater sense of stepping back in time.

Returning to Aberystwyth

Back in the seaside resort of Aberystwyth, you can visit the museum in the Engine Shed Display Building and see the Vale of Rheidol Railway’s extensive collection of historical narrow-gauge locomotives and rolling stock.

Spend the rest of half term exploring the castle overlooking the bay, riding the funicular to the top of Constitution Hill and playing at Aber Game Park.

There’s also Aberystwyth Museum, the Marina and the National Library of Wales to keep everyone entertained on your caravan holiday.

Where to pitch up near Aberystwyth

October half term is the last opportunity to stay at Nantcellan Barns, just a five-minute drive from Aberystwyth, before it closes for the season on October 30th.

Back-to-basics grass pitches make this family-run site on the Welsh coastline a great opportunity to enjoy nature and switch off from the pressures of the modern world.

Riverside Caravan Park is located in 14 acres of wooded valley landscapes, close to the beach and right next to the River Leri.

Its hardstanding pitches, with electric and awning space suit touring vehicles, with the site open until October 31st.

 

Photo credit: Andrew Simmonds



Full line-up of speakers for the Motorhome & Caravan Show announced

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As we gear up for the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC next month, a comprehensive list of all the speakers signed up to appear has been released.

Running from Tuesday, October 15th to Sunday, October 20th, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in everything leisure vehicle related.

While there’s plenty of opportunity to peruse new caravan and motorhome models, the show also boasts a number of other activities.

For the duration of the event, the Inspiration Theatre will host outdoor adventurers, bloggers, vloggers and lots of other familiar faces to share their experiences, tips and advice.

Headline speakers

TV presenter Matt Baker MBE, Springwatch’s Kate Humble and Race Across the World’s Betty Mukherjee have been announced as some of the headline speakers.

Visitors will also recognise former professional tennis player Annabel Croft, who is a Caravan and Motorhome Club member and campervanner.

President of the Camping and Caravan Club, wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin will also be in attendance, addressing the audience.

Destination-focused talks

Those looking for inspiration on where to travel next with their caravan or motorhome may want to attend one of the destination-focused talks.

Travel writer Marcus Leach will be presenting a talk titled A Journey Through Northern Spain every day of the show, while Scotland’s Best Road Trips & Hidden Gems will be hosted by highlands2hammocks.

There’ll be Crossing the Pond: Top Destinations, Road Trips, and How to Get There with FnA Van Life, and West Country by The Caravanning Mummy.

Cookery spots

Rustling up delicious meals in a caravan or motorhome requires extra ingenuity and the Campsite Cooking slot with Vanlife Eats should help you refine your culinary skills.

There’s a number of prize giveaways built into the schedule, including the chance to win a knife set from Magic Knife worth £145.

Tickets for the Motorhome & Caravan Show are on sale now for just £14 and will increase to £16.50 after October 14th.

Parking is included and children under the age of 16 go free. A booking fee of £1.25 is applied to all purchases made online.



Best tourist attractions for October half term

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It may feel like the summer school holidays have just come to an end, but parents are already looking at how they can keep their kids entertained during October half term.

If you’re a caravan or motorhome owner, you may be thinking of heading off with your brood for a low-cost staycation in the UK.

Even with your accommodation and travel sorted, there’s then the entertainment to consider and credit card company Aqua has analysed some of the options.

Head north for free attractions

The two best attractions recommended by Aqua – the Angel of the North and the National Museum of Scotland – are both free and located towards the top of the UK.

In fact, you could stop off at the Angel in Gateshead as you travel up to Edinburgh to visit the museum if you’re taking your caravan or motorhome.

Occupying a panoramic position on a hilltop just off the A1, Antony Gormley’s statue doesn’t require much of a detour on the way up to Scotland.

At 54 metres wide and 20 metres high, it’s hard not to be impressed by the Angel’s colossal wingspan, with the piece of public art attracting 150,000 visitors a year.

Continue up to Edinburgh and take the kids to the National Museum of Scotland for exhibits on everything from nature, science and technology to fashion and world cultures.

No matter how different your children’s interests are to each other, they’re bound to find galleries to spark their imagination and many of the exhibits are interactive.

Also making the list were the Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Castle, but both of these attractions charge a £20 admission fee.

Good old-fashioned fun

Blackpool Tower came in at number four on the list, despite costing £19 to get in. However, an affordable meal nearby is priced at £11, the cheapest of all the attractions mentioned.

Traditional British beach resorts like Blackpool are great places to take a family holiday with your caravan or motorhome – just be sure to pack appropriate gear if you’re visiting in October.

In tenth position is Brighton Palace Pier, which costs just £1 to get into, although strolling along and taking in the atmosphere is free.

Of course, you may need a bag of loose change for the kids to use on the arcade games, helter skelter and other classic seaside attractions.



 

Photo credit: Pexels/Mike Bird

Visit south east England’s historic buildings with your caravan

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Some of the most stunning and well-protected historical architecture in Europe can be found in south east England, making it the perfect place for a touring trip.

From Gothic churches to Regency buildings, it’s time to pack up your caravan or motorhome and discover what’s on offer in quaint market towns close to London.

The folks at The Heritage Window Company have collated data from Historic England to definitively rank the towns and cities in south east England to inspire you with where to go.

Southend-on-Sea

With its 62 listed buildings, Southend-on-Sea is a gem when it comes to historic architecture, but there’s one place that shines brighter than everything else in the Essex town.

South Church Hall is an intriguing fusion of Gothic and Tudor architecture, having been constructed between 1321 and 1364, and later extended in 1560 in the differing style.

The hall was home to farming families until the 1920s, extensively restored in the 1930s and finally listed in 1951.

Luton

Luton is mainly characterised by 1930s architecture, including a town hall, churches, cinemas and private residences all dating from this period.

The oldest building in the town is St Mary’s Parish Church, which is 850 years old, although people have been worshipping at the site for millennia.

Visit the largest medieval church in Bedfordshire and admire its original features and tasteful renovations.

Colchester

Colchester is England’s oldest recorded town and has the biggest Norman keep in Europe, Colchester Castle, as well as 382 listed buildings.

In the late 14th century a gatehouse was added to St John’s Abbey, which features two storeys, a battlemented roof, turrets at each corner and large pinnacles.

Don’t miss the northern-facing side, which is beautifully  decorated with flintwork panels and ornamented niches.

Canterbury

It’s not surprising that Canterbury has UNESCO World Heritage Site status since it boasts 1,880 listed buildings.

The Anglo-Roman design of the Church of St Martin makes it truly unique, as does its Saxon frontage, which was built with flint, Roman brick and rubble.

St Martin’s is the oldest parish church in England that is still used for its original purpose and there’s history everywhere you look.

Maidstone

Maidstone has been inhabited by Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans throughout its history, with all of them leaving their mark on the town.

The Archbishop’s Palace, Tithe Barn Stables and the College of All Saints are all examples of stunning architecture worth a visit.

Walking through the college’s gateway is particularly spectacular and has been described as like stepping back in time.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Hadyn Cutler