Latest news with #GothicRevival
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
I love Bournemouth beach but I always ditch it for a nearby spot in summer
If you edge closer to the Dorset-Hampshire border, there's a wealth of coastline waiting to be discovered. And it's perfect if you're craving a bit of peace and quiet by the sea Bournemouth beach is a hotspot in Dorset that draws in approximately 6.88 million visitors each year. With its sprawling seven-mile sandy shoreline and array of amenities — bars, cafes, restaurants, toilets, arcades, and a pier — it's no surprise that Bournemouth is one of the UK's favourite seaside destinations. However, after living in various parts of this bustling town for three years, I've discovered that the summer season can be less than enjoyable. Like many coastal treasures, the vast beach is packed with locals, day-trippers, and holidaymakers who contribute to the thriving tourism industry. While this has its advantages, dealing with steep roads crammed with parked cars and a beach teeming with people during the summer peak often led me to seek solace at a lesser-known gem along the coast: Highcliffe. This beach is the first to connect the Southeast to the Southwest. It consists of sand and shingle and is just a short drive from the New Forest. It's the perfect picnic spot, and you can relax on the shoreline while taking a dip in the chilly English Channel. There are plenty of coastal walks to do from Highcliffe, too. For those who fancy a leisurely walk, there's a 2.5-mile stroll along the beach leading to Mudeford Quay. From here, you can hop on a ferry to Mudeford Sandbank or continue your walk to Hengistbury Head, then along the promenade to Bournemouth Pier, reports the Express. Highcliffe Beach is a hit with swimmers, surfers, and bodyboarders, as well as those who simply want to relax and take in the scenery. The beach also boasts unique attractions that set it apart. According to Visit South East England, the official tourist website for the region, Dorset was one of the highest winners of the seaside awards in 2024, with Highcliffe among 14 of the beaches awarded in the area. Despite being a mere seven miles from Bournemouth, this serene beach feels like it's in a different world. Parking is plentiful, and the absence of crowds lends an air of tranquillity. Highcliffe is a Blue Flag-awarded beach, characterised by a series of breakwaters that form sheltered coves of sand and shingle. With grassy dunes, wooded cliffs, and lush shrubland as its backdrop, the beach exudes an intimate and shaded atmosphere, particularly delightful on warm sunny days. Perched above the beach is the historic Highcliffe Castle, a striking example of mid-19th-century Gothic Revival architecture. The grounds are open daily at no cost, but you should book admission tickets to visit the building. Meanwhile, the Castle Kitchen Tearoom serves homemade cakes and hot beverages, all with views of the lawns and the sea beyond. Getting to the beach is remarkably easy; a zig-zag ramp path and surfaced wheelchair routes gently slope down from the Highcliffe Castle car park. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there's a flight of 118 steps nearby offering a quicker route to the shore. While Highcliffe beach may not rival Bournemouth in terms of amenities, it offers a comfortable day at the seaside. Modern public facilities, such as accessible toilets and the Cliffhanger Cafe, cater to visitors at the top of the cliffs. On a clear day, you can look across to Barton-On-Sea and Milford-On-Sea in the New Forest. If you're lucky, you might even spot the Isle of Wight and Needles Rock formation in the distance. To the right, you have Hengistbury Head and beautiful Mudeford. Highcliffe, with its tranquility, spaciousness, and close connection to nature, offers a stark contrast to the bustling Bournemouth Beach, known for its golden sands, vibrant beach huts, and lively atmosphere. However, recent concerns over crime and overcrowding have somewhat tarnished Bournemouth's appeal to both locals and tourists. Nestled at the western end of Highcliffe is Steamer Point Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife where visitors can spot a variety of bird and plant species. The shoreline is often dotted with seabirds such as gulls, terns, and waders, while woodland birds like robins, woodpeckers, and warblers inhabit the nearby trees. The reserve also boasts some rare coastal plants, making it a favourite haunt for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Beyond the beach, the wider Christchurch area is teeming with potential. It's a charming town filled with quaint independent cafes, boutique shops, and historic allure - an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed stroll. The Christchurch Coastal Path stretches from Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve at Highcliffe cliff top, through Steamer Point Nature Reserve, all the way to Mudeford Quay. While Bournemouth Beach may be unbeatable for sunset views from the cliff tops or for those who don't want to travel far, there's something uniquely calming about the coastal gems that connect Dorset and Hampshire. They're definitely worth exploring before the summer season draws to a close.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Time Out
This New York landmark was voted one of the best places to watch the sunset
Golden hour just got a New York-sized endorsement. The Brooklyn Bridge—a true titan of Gotham's skyline—was recently named one of the top 50 places in the U.S. to watch the sunset, landing at #31 in a national ranking compiled by car rental site SIXT. The list, which analyzed more than 200 scenic spots across the country, weighed everything from TikTok searches and Instagram hashtags to Google trends and air quality metrics. While Wyoming's Calcite Springs Overlook snagged the top spot, New York's most iconic span made a strong showing—and frankly, no one does a sunset strut like New York City. Built in 1883 and long celebrated as a marvel of engineering and Gothic Revival design, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn via a pedestrian promenade with some of the best skyline views in town. And when golden hour hits, it's an amber-hued spectacle worthy of a Spike Lee dolly shot. According to SIXT's data, the Brooklyn Bridge garners more than 550,000 monthly Google searches and racks up over 441,000 TikTok searches. That's a lot of people chasing sunset clout—and they're not wrong. As the sun dips behind the Manhattan skyline, the bridge turns molten gold, casting reflections across the East River and lighting up Lady Liberty in the distance. Whether you're biking across its wooden planks, catching the glow from Brooklyn Bridge Park or snapping selfies mid-promenade, there's no bad angle. And science says it's good for you: Studies show that watching sunsets can reduce stress, improve mood and even boost feelings of gratitude. While New York City didn't crack the top 10 overall, the bridge held its own against national parks, remote lighthouses and Hawaiian volcanoes. That's no small feat for a city better known for smog than sunsets.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
6 hidden gems in London open to the public this September
The Open House Festival is an annual event that celebrates London's architecture, neighbourhoods, and the people who make them. The festival, organised by charity Open City, shares it was created to help "make the built environment more open, accessible, and equitable." This year, the Open House Festival will take place from September 13-21. A preview of what will be open to the public for the festival has been announced, and we've rounded up six unmissable locations. If you would like to step inside any of these buildings, you can book a slot when bookings open at midday on Wednesday, August 20. You can see the full preview for the 2025 Open House Festival here. 6 wonderful hidden gems open to the public this September Fitzrovia Chapel Location: Fitzrovia Chapel, Fitzroy Place, 2 Pearson Square, London W1T 3BF Find out more about Fitzrovia Chapel here. Fitzrovia Chapel is a Grade II listed building that was built as part of the Middlesex Hospital. The building from the outside is described as "unimposing", but the inside is a "riot of Gothic Revival design" with golden mosaic along all walls. Designed by Victorian architect, John Loughborough Pearson, the chapel is now a cultural space for "creative health and wellbeing". Fitzrovia Chapel will have drop-ins available on September 15, 16, 17 and 18 between 11am and 5pm. The Old Fire Station Location: 84 Mayton Street, N7 8HA You can find out more about The Old Fire Station here. The Old Fire Station is now a community centre run by the Holloway Neighbourhood Group that was saved by a group of locals in the 1970s. The locals squatted in the building to make sure they could secure it for community use, and 50 years later it's now a pillar of the community. The building still has many original features and has drop-in dates on September 20 and 21 from 1pm to 4pm. 81 Columbia Road Location: 81 Columbia Road, E2 7RG You can find ore more about 81 Columbia Road here. Overlooking London's famous flower market, 81 Columbia Road is described as offering a "historic charm". The Victorian terraced house is used as a space for local artists who have a passion for photographs of London architecture. The studio has drop-ins on September 14, 20 and 21 from 11am to 5pm. Croydon Town Hall Location: Katherine Street, Croydon, CR0 1NX You can find out more about Croydon Town Hall here. Croydon Town Hall is offering a limited number of guided tours, giving guests the chance to see the building's "unique Victorian-style". Designed by architect Charles Henman, the town hall opened in 1896 and includes former courtrooms, now the Lifetimes Museum exhibition galleries. Croydon Town Hall will have three guided tours on September 13 at 10am, 11am and 12pm. Hoxton Hall Location: 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH You can find out more about Hoxton Hall here. Built by architect James Mortimer in 1863, Hoxton Hall has a traditional music hall design, combining "instruction with amusement". The Grade II listed building has seen many changes through the years, but still continues to reflect "the diversity and voices of local people". Hoxton Hall will be open for guided tours on September 20 at 11am, 12pm and 2pm. Anderson WW2 Bomb Shelter Location: 68 Richborne Terrace, SW8 1AX You can find out more about Anderson's WW2 Bomb Shelter here. Recommended Reading This original Anderson Shelter is in the back garden of a four-storey 1850s terraced house and is set in a concreted area covered by earth. The shelter could accommodate four adults and two children and was built to be very strong to withstand the forces of nearby bombs. The WW2 Bomb Shelter will be open for two days on September 13 and 14 from 2pm to 5pm.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Five reasons why Scone Palace is a must-visit for history buffs of all ages
Scone Palace is a historic Scottish site, offering free kids' entry from 30 June to 15 August 2025 One of Scotland's most iconic and historic sites is inviting families to step into centuries of royal tradition and political intrigue with a special ' Kids Go Free' offer running throughout summer. Located near Perth, Scone Palace is steeped in Scottish history, known not only for its Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful gardens, but for its enduring role in the story of the nation. The ancestral home of the Earls of Mansfield, the palace remains a living monument to Scotland's royal past. And their Kids Go Free offer runs until August 15. At the heart of its legend is the Stone of Destiny. For centuries, this sacred coronation stone was housed at Scone, used in the crowning of Scottish monarchs. The site became a symbol of kingship, where rulers were not just enthroned but legitimised by the ancient traditions of the land. The hill upon which these coronations took place is Moot Hill, often referred to as the 'Hill of Belief'. It remains one of the most significant features of the estate. Visitors can stand atop the hill and pose with a replica of the Stone of Destiny, a rite of passage for future kings and queens in the making. Beyond its royal legacy, Scone also played a powerful political and religious role in medieval Scotland. In 1114, King Alexander I founded an Augustinian priory next to Moot Hill, which was elevated to abbey status in 1169. During this period, it became a centre of both pilgrimage and influence. Notably, in 1249, the young Alexander III was crowned at Scone, the first Scottish king to be anointed, not just enthroned. A papal bull in 1329 later granted David II the right to be anointed with sacred oil at his coronation, cementing the site's religious importance. In the turbulent years that followed, Scone remained central to Scottish power. James I, who became king while still a hostage in London, returned to Scotland in 1424 and held his first Act of Parliament at Scone, a decree banning football in favour of archery. His son, James II, later banned golf for the same reason, on pain of a four-pence fine. James IV, one of the last Scottish kings crowned at Scone, marked the shift of royal power to Edinburgh, with the construction of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Reformation brought destruction to Scone Abbey in 1559, when a mob from Dundee burned it down. Though John Knox intervened, the damage was done. The Ruthven family later rebuilt the abbey palace, but their ownership ended in 1600 following a controversial incident involving James VI. The estate was then granted to Sir David Murray of Gospetrie, whose descendants became the Earls of Mansfield. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The current palace was built by the 3rd Earl of Mansfield in 1803, transforming the medieval house into a striking Gothic Revival residence. Since then, Scone Palace has welcomed numerous royal guests, including Queen Victoria in 1842, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Emperor of Japan, showing that its legacy still lives on. Today, the Mansfield family still resides at Scone, preserving the estate and opening its doors to the public as a vital link to Scotland's past. As well as exploring its regal interiors and grand gardens, visitors walk the same paths once trodden by kings, queens, nobles and revolutionaries.
North Wales Live
20-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Gothic Revival style villa in seaside town being demolished for affordable flats
A Gothic Revival style villa in a seaside town is being demolished to make way for affordable flats. The 19th Century property is on Abergele Road that runs between Old Colwyn and Colwyn Bay. The development is being carried out for North Wales Housing by Beech Developments. They said the 15 apartment would be their first new housing scheme in the Conwy County since 2019. A spokesperson said: "Our last newbuild development here was at Nant Eirias in Colwyn Bay, completed in 2019, and we're proud to once again be contributing to the local housing landscape. The site at 228 Abergele Road previously housed a substantial late 19th-century villa in the Gothic Revival style, typical of its time and closely tied to the historic growth of Old Colwyn and the broader North Wales coast. "While the building had architectural interest, a full heritage impact assessment was undertaken. The property was not listed, was outside of a conservation area, and did not appear on Conwy Council's list of Buildings and Structures of Local Interest. "Demolition will begin this week to make way for much-needed social and affordable housing, supporting our ongoing mission to provide high-quality homes across North Wales in communities where people love to live." Local developers, Beech Developments (NW) Ltd will be constructing the new build using a modern method of construction called insulated concrete formwork (ICF). This method consists of blocks made from an insulating material, which combines with concrete resulting in an extra warm home built to the highest standards. Nichola Chegwin, NWH's Development Project Manager, said: 'This is an exciting week for North Wales Housing as we begin to see the start of our new build development in the prominent location of Old Colwyn, Conwy. The ICF construction method combined with new technologies will result in high quality homes for the local community.'
