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Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Five top hidden gem attractions in the UK according to experts from Venetian palaces to hidden gold mines
Plus, The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks OUT N' ABOUT Five top hidden gem attractions in the UK according to experts from Venetian palaces to hidden gold mines THE National Trusts boasts many hidden gems across the UK - including the UK's only Roman Gold Mine and a house with 'playful and mysterious' curiosities. With so many sites in it's collection, National Trust properties offer the perfect day-out this summer. 6 The National Trust has many different hidden gems Credit: Alamy And now, the charity has revealed some of it's top hidden gems. Dolaucothi, Carmarthenshire in Wales Dolaucothi, located in Carmarthenshire in Wales, is the UK's only known Roman Gold Mine. Head of visitor programming, Tom Freshwater, said: "Hidden in these wooded hillsides is evidence of Roman gold mining, dating back over 2,000 years. "On pre-booked guided tours, expert guides will unveil the secrets of Roman mining and take you underground into the mine itself, ending with the chance to try the gold panning experience." Mining continued at Dolaucothi into the 20th century, ending in 1938. Dolaucothi is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and visitors will need to prebook underground tours. The tours start from the 1930s mine yard where visitors will see buildings and mining machinery dating from that time. Orford Ness, Suffolk Orford Ness, Suffolk is one of the most dynamic landforms on the UK coastline and the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe. "A large proportion of the world's rare coastal vegetated shingle is found here, which together with the marshland provides important habitats for a range of bird species, mammals and invertebrates," said Tom. In 1915 the arrival of the Royal Flying Corps ushered in a 70-year period of secret military experimentation, mostly working on aerial warfare. Kids Country House Between 1935 and 1937, the first experimental work on radar was conducted on the Ness and from 1953, tests on Britain's atomic bombs. "The best thing about this place is the strangeness of the landscape: the juxtaposition of wild remoteness and fascinating but disturbing history," Tom added. Visitors can only get to Orford Ness via the National Trust ferry Octavia. There is no access on foot or by vehicle via Slaughden. There is a charge for ferry to Orford Ness and tickets, to the site, are limited and must be booked in advance. Smallhythe, Kent Originally built in the early 16th-century, Smallhythe used to be a thriving shipbuilding port. 6 Smallhythe Place is actress Ellen Terry's 16th-century home Credit: Alamy It was later purchased by the Victorian actress Ellen Terry in 1899 and ten decades later transformed by her daughter into a museum which now displays a theatrical collection reflecting Ellen's career and life. Also at the destination is a 17th century thatched Barn Theatre, which hosts a programme of productions throughout the year. Tom said: "[There is an] outdoor theatre programme and last chance to see the Beetlewing dress on display in the Dressing Lady Macbeth exhibition - Dressing Lady Macbeth." In the garden, visitors can find a traditional rose garden, orchard, nuttery and ponds. The garden also boasts a 55-metre-long rose pergola, with 52 roses of nine varieties, that flower from May to July. There is a Tea Room, too, that serves drinks, cakes and snacks. Kingston Lacy, Dorset The Bankes family bought Corfe Castle in 1635 but after it was destroyed in the English Civil War, Sir Ralph Bankes decided to relocate 20 miles north and build this handsome mansion house. 6 kingston Lacy boasts paintings by Velázquez, Titian and Rubens Credit: Alamy Between 1835 and 1841 the building was transformed by William Bankes, who employed Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, to create something similar to a Venetian palace. The building boasts paintings by Velázquez, Titian and Rubens. "It also includes the largest private display of Egyptian relics in the UK, including the nine-metre Philae obelisk in the grounds," Tom revealed. "The Spanish Room has walls of gilded leather, too" In 1841, to avoid prosecution for a homosexual act, William John Bankes fled England and lived the rest of his life in exile. Tom concluded: "He may well have returned in disguise before his death in 1855 to see the home he loved one final time." Snowshill Manor & Garden, Gloucestershire A personal favourite of Tom's is Snowshill Manor & Garden, Gloucestershire, even though picking on top spot "is so hard to choose". 6 Snowshill is a charming 16th-century manor house built of Cotswold stone Credit: Alamy Tom shared: "A truly unique place is Snowshill Manor - once visited, never forgotten. "I particularly love the hidden panels and mechanisms that are built into the house which makes it playful and mysterious." Outside, Snowshill is a charming 16th-century manor house built of Cotswold stone and set above a picturesque valley. Inside is a collection of mind-boggling variety gathered from around the world by Charles Paget Wade. Javanese and Balinese theatre masks adorn walls, while Penny-farthing bicycles hang from the rafters. Wade – architect, artist-craftsman, collector, poet and (crucially) heir to a fortune – bought the manor in 1919. He built his collection while living in fairly spartan style in a small cottage in the garden. 6 Many of the hidden gems have places to eat and gardens Credit: Alamy By the time he died in 1951, he had collected over 22,000 hand-made objects, including tiny toys, Samurai armour, musical instruments and fine clocks. "It's an eccentric collection, but one unified by Wade's love," Tom concluded. There is an 'Arts and Crafts' garden, which is an extension of the house and features a number of outdoor rooms full of doorways, hidden vistas and curiosities. In addition, there is Wolf's Cove - a model harbour based on a typical Cornish fishing village which Wade designed and built himself. The destination also has a café with indoor and outdoor seating, a shop that sells souvenirs and homeware and a second-hand bookshop. The National Trust also recently revealed its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and 'book jungles'. Plus, The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Urgent warning to tourists at UK beauty spot over common ritual
The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland has been damaged by tourists in recent years, with the National Trust now urging visitors not to take part in a common activity The National Trust has issued a fresh plea to visitors of Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway, urging them to stop pushing coins into the cracks of the site's iconic basalt columns. What may seem like a harmless or symbolic gesture is actually contributing to the gradual deterioration of one of the UK's most treasured natural landmarks. The Giant's Causeway, located in County Antrim, attracts over half a million visitors each year and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique geological formations and rich cultural history. The site is made up of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed around 60 million years ago during intense volcanic activity. As the lava cooled rapidly, it contracted and cracked into the remarkable hexagonal shapes that visitors marvel at today. But in recent years, a growing number of tourists have been wedging coins into the joints between the columns - sometimes for luck, sometimes to mark a visit, and sometimes simply copying what they've seen others do. The practice, which has reportedly increased in the past decade, is now causing noticeable and costly damage. 'The coins quickly rust and expand,' explained Dr. Cliff Henry, who works for the National Trust at the site. 'This leads to flaking of the rock and leaves behind unsightly reddish-brown streaks. Worse still, people often pick up nearby stones to hammer coins into place. When they miss, they chip or break the basalt columns.' The damage is not merely cosmetic. These coins, some of which are pushed deep into the stone, compromise the integrity of the columns themselves. While basalt is a durable volcanic rock, it's not immune to persistent mechanical stress or chemical reactions caused by oxidising metals. Recognising the seriousness of the issue, the National Trust recently trialled a coin removal project. The results were positive, and they now plan to expand the clean-up operation across the site. However, the full cost of safely extracting the coins is estimated to exceed £30,000, a significant sum that highlights how seemingly minor acts by individual visitors can lead to large-scale consequences over time. To combat the trend, new signs will be installed throughout the site warning visitors against the practice. Tour guides will also be briefed to include the message in their presentations. The Trust is hoping education and awareness will help reverse the damage and preserve the Giant's Causeway for future generations. The natural wonder is not only a geological marvel but also steeped in folklore. According to legend, the Giant's Causeway was built by the Irish giant Finn McCool as a path across the sea to challenge a rival Scottish giant, Benandonner. The myth adds an enchanting layer to the site's already powerful appeal—but the National Trust is reminding visitors that respecting the site's natural beauty is more important than leaving a personal mark. 'Our job is to protect this place not just for today, but for decades and centuries to come,' said Dr. Henry. 'We know most people don't intend to do harm, but even small actions - like pushing in a coin - can have a lasting negative impact.' The Giant's Causeway has stood for millions of years, shaped by the forces of nature. Now, it faces a different kind of erosion - from well-meaning but damaging human interaction. As the National Trust continues its efforts to safeguard the site, it asks visitors to admire the stones, learn their history, and take only photographs - leaving the columns as untouched as they have stood for millennia.
New York Post
4 days ago
- General
- New York Post
Archaeologists solve grim mystery of 1,500-year-old bucket found at historic tourist site
Archaeologists recently discovered the purpose of a mysterious 1,500-year-old bucket at one of England's most historic sites – and it wasn't pleasant. The National Trust released a statement about the Byzantine Bromeswell bucket, found at Sutton Hoo, in May. The site of two ancient Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, Sutton Hoo has offered a wealth of knowledge about pre-Norman British history since its first excavation in 1938. During an excavation last summer, archaeologists unearthed the base of the Bromeswell bucket, which dates back to the 6th century. Different fragments of the bucket were uncovered in past excavations, but this latest discovery gave researchers more to study. With the base in hand, researchers quickly went to work to analyze the artifact with a variety of techniques, including computerized tomography, CT scans and X-rays – and they found an answer. In a morbid turn of events, experts learned the bucket was used to hold the cremated remains of an important person, and their grave goods. 'The cremated human and animal bones uncovered confirm the find was used as a cremation vessel,' the National Trust noted. A statement was released by The National Trust that the Byzantine Bromeswell bucket was found earlier this month. National Trust/David Brunett The organization added, 'Cremated human bones included parts of a talus (ankle bone) and fragments of a skull vault (the upper part of the skull that protects the brain).' The bucket dates back to the 500s. It's decorated with a hunting scene depicting men armed with swords and shields, as well as dogs and lions – painting a vivid picture of life in the past. 'The latest fragments include feet, paws, the base of shields and even the missing face of one of the men,' the statement described. It is believed the bucket came from Antioch in the Byzantine Empire, now located in modern Turkey. The National Trust noted, 'Letterforms used within the bucket's design suggest it was made in the 6th century, meaning it was already 100 years old when it arrived here at Sutton Hoo.' Researchers also found 'a mystery object' that turned out to be a double-sided comb made from an antler. Interestingly, the object had not been burned. The National Trust said the presence of the comb suggests the Anglo-Saxons took grooming seriously, as combs have been found in male and female burials before. Archaeologists recently found a 1,500-year-old bucket at an ancient Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Sutton Hoo, one of England's most historical sites. National Trust Images/James Dobson 'Slightly less romantically, combs also would have been useful in the control of lice,' the statement said. 'Although the human bone in the cremation couldn't be sexed, it's hoped that ancient DNA from the owner might survive on the comb, and analysis could reveal more about them.' National Trust archaeologist Angus Wainwright said that he was 'hopeful' future research will uncover new insight into 'this very special burial.' 'We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried,' Wainwright said. 'Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community.' Anglo-Saxon expert Helen Geake told the National Trust the puzzle of the Bromeswell bucket has 'finally' been solved. 'Now we know that it is the first of these rare objects ever to have been used in a cremation burial,' she said. 'It's a remarkable mixture – a vessel from the southern, classical world containing the remains of a very northern, very Germanic cremation.' She also said the find 'epitomizes the strangeness' of Sutton Hoo, which has captivated British history enthusiasts for decades. 'It has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials,' Geake observed. 'Who knows what else?'
Belfast Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
NI producer who worked on hit TV show Severance among Ulster University's honorary grads
The list of honourees includes director and producer of gripping AppleTV+ series Severance, Aoife McArdle, Netflix VFX Executive Laura Livingstone, Belfast-born kickboxing legend and businessman, Billy Murray, and director general of Europe's biggest conservation charity, The National Trust, Hilary McGrady.
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
National Trust reveals its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and ‘book jungles'
HALF term holidays are nearly here and before you know it, the summer holidays will have arrived. With this in mind, you might be looking for different things to do as a day out. Advertisement 5 Bodiam Castle boasts a moat Credit: Getty - Contributor Tom Freshwater, head of visitor programming at The National Trust has rounded up the top family-friendly attractions in the UK. Bodiam Castle, East Sussex Bodiam Castle is one of the most popular family attractions in 1066 Country in Hastings. Tom said: "The castle looks like a classic storybook castle complete with a moat, but through the massive door and beneath the imposing portcullis, and it's basically an empty ruin. "Meaning this is a place where you let your imagination run riot. Advertisement "Windows where arrows were once loosed, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights." Bodiam also hosts a range of events, so always check the website to see what's on. Upcoming activities include, medieval encampment, have-a-go archery, storytelling, crafts, living history performances, and a How to Train Your Dragon trail (perfectly timed for the film which comes out 9 June). It is also home to wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities by the car park, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive Sutton Hoo, Suffolk Sutton Hoo is England's Valley of the Kings and the Anglo-Saxon ship burial found in the King's Mound is the richest burial ever found in northern Europe. "Tales of kings, mysterious mounds and buried treasure make Sutton Hoo, Suffolk the site of one of Britain's most important archaeological discoveries, a must-visit for families," commented Tom. The pretty pink UK castle that is loved by Disney and Britney Spears Around 1,400 years ago, a king or great warrior of East Anglia was laid to rest in a 90ft ship, surrounded by his extraordinary treasures. "Its discovery revolutionised understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period and provided a lens through which to examine this fascinating era of history," explained Tom. Advertisement "There's a great mix of Visitors can walk around the atmospheric Royal Burial Ground and enjoy views from the 17-metre They can also discover the archaeological work that took place at the site in the 1930s in Tranmer House - the former home of Edith Pretty. At the High Hall there is also an Advertisement 5 Sutton Hoo is home to the richest burial ever found in northern Europe Credit: Getty Images - Getty 5 The destination also hosts 'quiet hours' Credit: Alamy Tom added: "Again, events bring Sutton Hoo to life – Anglo Saxon Storytellers, Costume Making, Sand Tray Archaeology and Gruesome Graves Tours to name a few. "And for older kids/parents and carers there's a chance to catch Time Team Live (19 May, finishing on 13 June) and The Dig: A Story Unearthed is a new temporary exhibition at Sutton Hoo and tells the untold stories of the real people featured in Netflix 's The Dig. Advertisement "It will feature some of the original costumes, jewellery and props used in the film." The site also has a quiet hour on the first Sunday of every month, where the sounds are turned down for those who enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit. There is a quiet play area available during school holidays and at weekends and is located in the Old Stables, where you can find soft play toys and books to read. The King's Mound treasure is now displayed in Room 41: Sutton Hoo and Europe, AD 300-1100 at The British Museum in London - the 27-metre Anglo-Saxon ship no longer exists. Advertisement The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire Staff and volunteers worked with 100 young ambassadors, aged up to 12 years, to devise and test ideas for The Children's Country House. 5 The Children's Country House has a 'book jungle' and an escape room Credit: Alamy "Step inside the "Practice your deportment and pose for your own portrait in the Long Gallery, partake in some dancing in the Saloon, and have a game or two in the Drawing Room." Advertisement There are different spaces in The Children's Country House Museum - which celebrate the escapades and challenges of childhood across the centuries. Visitors can take a lesson in a Victorian Classroom and learn about childhood through the ages, or head to The Book Jungle - a second-hand shop selling pre-loved items, such as books, toys and clothing. There is also the Mystery Rooms Experience, which is a child-led escape room based during World War Two. Read more on the Irish Sun The Sun also recently revealed Advertisement Plus, the 5 All the spots are great for families this half term Credit: Alamy
