Outer Hebrides
This new, thoroughly updated third edition of Bradt's Outer Hebrides is the only up-to-date guidebook to focus solely on Scotland's Western Isles: the islands of Lewis, Harris, St Kilda, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. Informed and intimate, this guidebook is ideal for people who travel with curious minds to discover places of great cultural, historical and wildlife interest. The Outer Hebrides is an archipelago of 15 inhabited islands and more than 50 others that are free of human footprint. Huge variations in landscape are found across the islands - from Lewisian gneiss, which dates back almost three billion years, to rugged Harris with its magnificent, almost unbroken sands running down its western flanks, and the undulating flatness and jagged sea lochs of the Uists. Here Gaelic is increasingly spoken (driven both by a strong sense of regional identity but also, unexpectedly, boosted by commitment from many incomers). Ancient monuments abound, from enigmatic 2,000-year-old brochs to Tobha Mor, the earliest Christian site on the Outer Hebrides. Here too are the Standing Stones of Callanish (where a vibrant new visitor centre opens in 2026) and the Uig peninsula (where the 'Lewis Chessmen' were uncovered nearly 200 years ago). Nature-lovers can watch stunning seabird colonies, birds of prey, seals and red deer - or become absorbed in the machair, grassy coastal zones that are transformed into glorious carpets of wildflowers in late spring and summer. Walkers have an impressive choice of routes, while cyclists can enjoy the new Hebridean Way cycle trail. People with family ties to the islands can even track their Hebridean heritage at the Hebridean People Visitor Centre in South Harris. Alongside providing key practical details for visitors, experienced journalist Mark Rowe contextualises your visit with detailed and enlightening background information - from geography and geology to art and architecture, via extensive coverage of wildlife. New elements of this third edition include advice on camping and campervanning, a round-up of deserted villages, and details of the island of Harris' first malt whisky. Whatever your interests, Bradt's Outer Hebrides is the perfect travel companion.
111 Places in Bournemouth That You Shouldn't Miss
Bournemouth isn't just the beach. It's also a town brimming with history, art, beauty, nature and fun. Oh, and afternoon tea on a bus. The number of ice creams bought along Bournemouth's seafront each year: 750,000. The number of deckchairs hired out on a busy weekend: 3,000. The number of trees standing proud in the town: 47,000. Having long since shrugged off its reputation as God's waiting room, Bournemouth and its surrounding areas have a boundless number of places to discover, explore and relish. Whether you're a curious local, a seasoned traveler or a one-time visitor, these 111 places will surprise, delight and astonish you. Amble over the bridge that won World War II, get whisked off on an Asian adventure, learn about Charlie Chaplin's connection to the town, visit Florence Nightingale's grave, order a Żubr籀wka, gaze into the real Alice in Wonderland's mirror, make friends with an Egyptian mummy, stand beneath the lamppost AFC Bournemouth was formed under, and walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four, as well as the woman who brought the British government to its knees. As you explore, take your time, take photos and take advantage of everything this extraordinary, astounding, fascinating area has to offer. The number of times you'll gasp as you discover something new: countless.
Secret Houses of the Cotswolds
A personal tour of twenty of the UK's most beguiling houses in this much loved area of western England. Author and architectural historian, Jeremy Musson, and Cotswolds-based photographer Hugo Rittson Thomas, offer privileged access to twenty houses, from castles and manor houses, as well as eighteenth- and nineteenth-century mansions, revealing their history, architecture and interiors, in the company of their devoted owners. In the footsteps of artists and designers including Humphry and George Repton, and Victorian visionary, William Morris, who inspired the arts and crafts movement, and others such as Detmar Blow, Norman Jewson, Clough Williams-Ellisand Oliver Hill, we find a series of fascinating country houses of different sizes and atmospheres, which have shaped the English identity. Each house has their own story, but their distinctive honey-coloured stone walls, set amongst rollinghills, in different ways express the ideals of English life. Most of the houses included here are privately owned and not usually open to the public. In this beautifully produced book, they can now be enjoyed through the eyes of their owners, as well as an experienced architectural historian, and an award-winning photographer.
111 Places in Cambridge That You Shouldn't Miss
- The ultimate insider's guide to Cambridge, fully illustrated with 200 color photographs- Features interesting and unusual places not found in traditional travel guides- Part of the international 111 Places series with over 650 titles and 3.8 million copies in print worldwide- Appeals to both the local market (124,000 people call Cambridge home) and the tourist market (over 5 million people visit Cambridge every year)- Fully revised and updated editionWhat do movable dolls' eyes have to do with a Catholic church? Where could you meet Plain Bob Maximus and Surprise Major? Why does just one person know where Oliver Cromwell's head is buried? And where is a dog a very large cat? The answers to all these questions lie in Cambridge, which combines the magnificence of a medieval university with the dynamism of a high-technology hub. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to Cambridge every year to see the colleges, go punting on the river, and shop. But there is much more to Cambridge than its university and Silicon Fen. Over the centuries, town and gown together have transformed this city, which was an inland port until the 17th century. Eccentricity is something of a Cambridge tradition, and the town seems to delight in taking its visitors by surprise, whether that's with a huge metal time-eating grasshopper, May Balls held in June, sculptures that dive into the ground feet first, or a museum that makes a feature of broken pottery. You will find these and many more curiosities in this book.
111 Places in Edinburgh That You Shouldn't Miss
Part of the international 111 Places series, this is the ultimate insider's guide to Edinburgh, featuring unusual places not found in traditional travel guides. Revised and updated. Edinburgh is rightly celebrated for its famous historical and cultural attractions. But for the discerning visitor it has much more to offer away from the well-worn tourist trail. This book takes you to hidden corners and secret sights in this city of contrasts, exploring fascinating locations unknown even to most residents, and revealing unexpected aspects of some familiar local landmarks. Marvel at a unique underground temple hewn out of the living rock; learn how a world-famous illusionist came to be buried here - with his dog; find out why the city council once commissioned an enormous electric blanket; look out for the ordinary Edinburgh post box with an explosive history. Discover the human stories behind a wide range of places, both exceptional and commonplace, bringing to life the greatly varied cityscape where people have been leaving their mark for at least 5,000 years.
Ponty Is It?
Let's face it, there is only one Ponty. Pontypridd: birthplace of Tom Jones and the Welsh National Anthem, and home to what was once the most famous bridge in the world. With their penchant for gossip and addition to frothy coffee and chips, Ponty people have acted, played, swum, worked, and written their way into the history books, and always with their unique brand of humour. In Ponty is it? Daryl Leeworthy journeys from the isolation of Llanwonno to the unmarked border between the true metropolis of Wales and that southern pretender, Cardiff, and on the way learns what brings him back to his hometown every time he tries to leave and what now really keeps him there. Whether perfecting the art of eating a custard slice, braving the bus up and down car infested valleys, or trying not to lose his shoe in hilltop mud, Leeworthy takes in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of this strangely compelling but universal place.
The Four Men
"It has been proved in the life of every man that though his loves are human, and therefore changeable, yet in proportion as he attaches them to things unchangeable, so they mature and broaden.""Purportedly set in 1902, this tale was begun in 1907 but not published until 1912. The pilgrims here are Belloc and three others who meet on October 29 in an inn called the George, just inside Sussex, and decide to walk from one end of the county to the other. The idea for this walk is hatched by Belloc himself who feels that yearning of Odysseus 'to see once more the smoke going up from his own land, and after that to die.' He is soon joined by the three who, rather than use their given names, are each called by a nom-de-promenade: the Sailor, the Poet, and Grizzlebeard.... The attentive reader of Belloc will sense that they are themselves aspects of Belloc, who goes by the name 'Myself' on this journey. Like The Path to Rome, this farrago includes all that one could want of poetic descriptions of the land and Belloc's own pencil sketches of it mingled with the jokes, songs, stories, and profundities for which Belloc is justly famous."-David Deavel, The Imaginative Conservative"Few writers have felt so intensely the sense of exile, and hence the love of home, to the degree to which it is invoked by Belloc.... It is in this soil-soul nexus that the nub of Belloc's profundity is to be discovered. It manifests itself in the tension between permanence and mutability and finds infectious expression in the perfect balance between wistfulness and whimsy. Although these qualities are to be found in all of Belloc's work, as expressions of the very spirit of the man himself, they are to be found to an exceptional degree in The Path to Rome and The Four Men.... The Four Men rivals it, and perhaps surpasses it, as a vehicle for Belloc's wit and wisdom, or as an outpouring of his irrepressible personality."-Joseph Pearce, Crisis Magazine"Humorous, thought-provoking, evoking friendship, tradition, good beer and song, and recovering, 'while they yet could be recovered, the principal joys of the soul, ' The Four Men is one of Belloc's most delightful literary works."-Sean P. Dailey
The Four Men
"It has been proved in the life of every man that though his loves are human, and therefore changeable, yet in proportion as he attaches them to things unchangeable, so they mature and broaden.""Purportedly set in 1902, this tale was begun in 1907 but not published until 1912. The pilgrims here are Belloc and three others who meet on October 29 in an inn called the George, just inside Sussex, and decide to walk from one end of the county to the other. The idea for this walk is hatched by Belloc himself who feels that yearning of Odysseus 'to see once more the smoke going up from his own land, and after that to die.' He is soon joined by the three who, rather than use their given names, are each called by a nom-de-promenade: the Sailor, the Poet, and Grizzlebeard.... The attentive reader of Belloc will sense that they are themselves aspects of Belloc, who goes by the name 'Myself' on this journey. Like The Path to Rome, this farrago includes all that one could want of poetic descriptions of the land and Belloc's own pencil sketches of it mingled with the jokes, songs, stories, and profundities for which Belloc is justly famous."-David Deavel, The Imaginative Conservative"Few writers have felt so intensely the sense of exile, and hence the love of home, to the degree to which it is invoked by Belloc.... It is in this soil-soul nexus that the nub of Belloc's profundity is to be discovered. It manifests itself in the tension between permanence and mutability and finds infectious expression in the perfect balance between wistfulness and whimsy. Although these qualities are to be found in all of Belloc's work, as expressions of the very spirit of the man himself, they are to be found to an exceptional degree in The Path to Rome and The Four Men.... The Four Men rivals it, and perhaps surpasses it, as a vehicle for Belloc's wit and wisdom, or as an outpouring of his irrepressible personality."-Joseph Pearce, Crisis Magazine"Humorous, thought-provoking, evoking friendship, tradition, good beer and song, and recovering, 'while they yet could be recovered, the principal joys of the soul, ' The Four Men is one of Belloc's most delightful literary works."-Sean P. Dailey
Skye and the Inner Hebrides
Bradt's Skye & the Inner Hebrides is the new, thoroughly updated, second edition of the most detailed standalone travel guidebook to this group of Scottish islands. Author Katie Featherstone, who loved the Inner Hebrides so much she moved there, features 24 islands from the Isle of Skye in the north to community-owned Gigha in the south, plus the gateway towns of Oban and Mallaig on the Scottish mainland. Ransacked by Vikings, caught between warring clan chiefs and exploited by mainland nobility, the ongoing survival of Inner Hebridean communities testifies to the strength of their character. Reclaiming an identity through their native Gaelic language, c癡ilidh dancing and traditional industries remains a struggle, but despite fewer than twenty thousand people living across the region, each inhabited island has a distinctive history, character and culture. With a bridge to the mainland and the most visitors, Skye is the busiest destination; it boasts the most varied landscape and most obvious attractions, including the Highland Games. Other, smaller islands remain relatively remote and less affected by the outside world. Pious Iona, Islay with its whisky, and Canna - where the village shop still runs via honesty box - all have their own individual charm.Beyond cultural intrigue, the Inner Hebrides are renowned for their wild places, striking a perfect balance between feeling remote and being accessible on any budget. Scotland's 'right to roam' provides infinite walking possibilities. Away from the villages, miles of intricate coastline, with sandy beaches and towering cliffs, enclose swathes of heathery moorland and hills. Hikers can enjoy Mull's dramatic rock formations or Jura's 'Paps' with only a herd of red deer or soaring eagle for company. On Skye, you can go beachcombing in the morning, then watch the Highland Games in the afternoon. Wildlife-watchers can snorkel with basking sharks off Coll, listen for corncrakes on Tiree, admire wintering geese on Islay or spot dolphins off Mull.With extensive listings of accommodation and eating options, detailed transport advice, walking routes and packing lists, plus insights into history, myths and lifestyle, Bradt's Skye & the Inner Hebrides is the ideal companion for an enjoyable visit.
111 Places in Dorset That You Shouldn't Miss
Whether you're a local, a seasoned traveller or first-time visitor, beautiful, quirky Dorset can't fail to surprise you. Discover 111 off-the-beaten track (and sometimes off-the-wall) places in this beguiling county. Dorset doesn't have any motorways. Or cities. Or major industries. We do have railways - but don't expect high speed intercity connections. But these are the reasons why the county is so appealing: The pace of life is slower, the people friendlier, the views more unspoiled. The county is a magnet for creative types: artisan food producers, eco-preneurs, artists and craftspeople who are quietly building businesses in small towns and villages, tucked away in back lanes and converted farm buildings. Whether you're a local, a seasoned traveler or first-time visitor, beautiful, quirky Dorset will surprise and delight you. This guide will introduce you to 111 off-the-beaten track (and sometimes off-the-wall) locations that make this slice of the West Country a wonderful place to live and a great place to visit. Pick flowers in the grounds of a ruined abbey. Watch the summer solstice at a mini Stonehenge. Spot badgers in fancy dress. Buy wobbly bread from a post office. Moon-bathe in a beach-side sauna. Or fill your boots at a dry dock.
DK England's South Coast
The most up-to-date advice on the best experiences and what hidden gems await you on England's South Coast! Whether you want to relax on the sandy beaches of Cornwall, wander around London's famous museums, or browse vintage shops in Brighton. Your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that the southern coast of England has to offer. Inside the pages of this travel guide to England's South Coast, you'll discover: - Our pick of Southern England must-sees, top experiences, and the best spots to eat, drink, shop, and stay - Detailed maps and walks make navigating the city easy - Easy-to-follow itineraries to help you plan your trip - Expert advice and travel tips to help you get ready, get around and stay safe - Color-coded chapters to every part of England's South Coast, from London to Kent, Dorset to Cornwall - Available in a handy format that is lightweight and portable Discover the best of Southern England Are you planning a trip to the iconic South Coast of the UK? This updated travel guide includes the best things to do, including experiences, restaurants, shops and different activities - there is something for everyone! Detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights and stunning photographs and hand-drawn illustrations will immerse you in this stunning corner of the world. England's South Coast is awash with natural beauty, from the purple moors of Exmoor to the white cliffs of Dover. Dotted around this picturesque landscape are a vibrant array of cities, too, including historic Canterbury, quirky Bristol, and the arty paradise of St Ives. DK Eyewitness England's South Coast has been updated regularly to make sure the information is as up-to-date as possible following the COVID-19 outbreak. Even more to Eye-witnessFor more than two decades, DK Eyewitness guides have helped travelers experience the world through the history, art, architecture, and culture of their destinations. Expert travel writers and researchers provide independent advice, recommendations, and reviews. Discover guidebooks to hundreds of places around the globe!
