Latest news with #TomFreshwater
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
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 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 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 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 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 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. 6
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
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
National Trust reveals its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and ‘book jungles'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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. "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. 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. "There's a great mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to enjoy. The courtyard, paths to Tranmer House and the route to the Royal Burial Ground are all pushchair and buggy-friendly." Visitors can walk around the atmospheric Royal Burial Ground and enjoy views from the 17-metre viewing tower to discover the history of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions. 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 exhibition to see replica and original objects. 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. "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. 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 historic country home of the Vernon family a place where grand architecture and history mix with interactive activities for the whole family to get involved in," said Tom. "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." 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. The Sun also recently revealed The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks. Plus, the top 25 activities for a perfect day out, according to kids – including going in a hot air balloon & 'riding to the Moon'.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- The 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. 5 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. "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. 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. "There's a great mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to enjoy. The courtyard, paths to Tranmer House and the route to the Royal Burial Ground are all pushchair and buggy-friendly." Visitors can walk around the atmospheric Royal Burial Ground and enjoy views from the 17-metre viewing tower to discover the history of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions. 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 exhibition to see replica and original objects. 5 5 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. "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. 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 "Step inside the historic country home of the Vernon family a place where grand architecture and history mix with interactive activities for the whole family to get involved in," said Tom. "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." 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. The Sun also recently revealed The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks. Plus, the top 25 activities for a perfect day out, according to kids – including going in a hot air balloon & 'riding to the Moon'. 5
The Sun
14-05-2025
- The Sun
The National Trust reveals their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to ‘city oasis' parks
AS the weather warms up and school holidays approach, The National Trust has revealed to The Sun it's top free things to do. The Trust owns almost 620,000 acres of land, 780 miles of coast and 500 historic houses, castles, archaeological and industrial monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves. 6 6 Whilst most of the properties have a charge to enter, all of the Trust's open spaces are free. Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester Tom Freshwater, head of visitor programming, at The National Trust, said: "In 2022 Manchester got its own answer to the New York City High Line when the Castlefield Viaduct opened – a lush sky garden built on a Victorian-era steel viaduct right through the city centre." The Grade II-listed viaduct stretches over 330-metres in the oldest part of the city of Manchester and is "surrounded by 2000 years of history". Built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude - the engineers who worked on the iconic Blackpool Tower - the viaduct was used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of Manchester Central Station and the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969. "Since then Castlefield Viaduct stood unused, though regularly maintained by National Highways," added Tom. "Now it's reclaimed its place in the heart of this vibrant city, celebrating its part in Manchester's past, present and future by transforming into a temporary 'garden in the sky'. "Thanks to support from private donations and players of People's Postcode Lottery, the viaduct has been brought back into use and transformed into a freely accessible green space for Castlefield's local community and the wider city for two years." Visitors can walk-up and visit Castlefield Viaduct from Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm and no booking required. Morden Hall Park, London A green oasis in the city, Morden Hall Park gives visitors a taste of a country estate with a glimpse of its agricultural and industrial history. Tom shared: "This tranquil former deer park is one of the few remaining estates that used to line the River Wandle during its industrial heyday. "The river meanders through the park creating a haven for wildlife. "The snuff mills, which generated the park's income in the past, survive to this day. "We've renovated the western mill, and it's now used as a Children and Young People hub (offering outdoor learning experiences for schools, youth groups and universities)." There is also the renovated Stable Yard in the heart of the park, with a second-hand bookshop, café and facilities, while surviving estate buildings are used as workshops by local artists. The park is also home of the National Trust's only garden centre. "When you step through the gates, you'd be forgiven for imagining yourself to be in the middle of the English countryside," Tom continued. 6 6 "Surrounded by meadows, an Edwardian rose garden, trees and the gentle sounds of birdsong and running water, the park offers a rare sense of discovery and a chance to get away from it all." There are also all-ability trails, such as the Wandle Trail which takes people along a well-maintained, flat path through a park, visiting meadow and wetlands. Entry to the park is free for all. Divis and the Black Mountain, near Belfast "Resting in the heart of the Belfast Hills, this mountain provides a beautiful backdrop to the city's skyline," said Tom. "Belfast and Strangford Lough lie at your feet, while the Sperrin Mountains, Lough Neagh, the Mourne Mountains, Donegal and the Scottish coast can all be seen in good weather." The landscape is home to a wealth of wildlife and walking trails venture through heath, on stone tracks, along boardwalks and road surfaces - offering a variety of routes for walker of different experience levels. 6 Aberdulais, Wales Situated on the edge of Waterfall Country in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, the waterfall at Aberdulais is the only accessible one in the area. "Flowing through a rocky gorge, the River Dulais is an awesome force when in full flow and a haven for wildlife and birds, with dippers and herons in regular sight," said Tom. Aberdulais with its waterfall and tinworks near Neath is free to visit and easy to travel to. The Sun also visited the country's number one hidden gem attraction. Plus, the National Trust's largest adventure playground that mums say is 'a day trip in itself' and is also a Hollywood film set. 6
