Britain is rich in ghost stories, some of which go back centuries and relate to places and names that are no longer familiar. Other towns have remained close to their eerie pasts, and Discover Towns has made a selection of places that offer group-friendly ghost trails and walks. York In 2002, Ghost Research Foundation International […]
Britain has a rich variety of spa towns – which became popular from the 17th century as the health benefits of local mineral waters were realised. As drinking and bathing became fashionable, the towns developed additional facilities, and a tourism boom resulted. Discover Towns profiles a number of towns that could provide a focus for […]
Welshpool is the fourth largest town in Powys (a Welsh principality that emerged after Roman rule). Originally named ‘Pool’, it became ‘Welshpool’ in 1835, to distinguish it from the English town of Poole. A major attraction is Powys Castle, which was the ancestral home of the Earl of Powys, and it is known for holding […]
The Regency town of Cheltenham has rebranded as The Festival Town, building on its reputation for hosting some of the UK’s largest and best-known festivals and events. The new brand, which has been developed by the town’s Destination Marketing Organisation, Marketing Cheltenham, forms part of a major new investment in the marketing of the Regency […]
Thornhill was designed to be a staging post on the road between Dumfries and Glasgow – which was planned in 1714. As a result, several of the town’s 18th-century coaching inns are still active. Drumlanrig Castle was home to the Douglas Family, who have a dramatic history. James Douglas was one of the Lords responsible […]
South Norwood is located within the London Borough of Croydon. South Norwood Country Park is one of the most popular bird watching sites in south London. More open space comes in the form of South Norwood Lake and Grounds. The Lake was originally created as a reservoir for the Croydon canal – which ran between […]
Woolwich is perhaps best known for The Royal Arsenal, which has been at the centre of Woolwich life since 1696, when fireworks began to be manufactured there. The Napoleonic and Crimean Wars necessitated expansion, and production peak was reached during World War One, when it employed almost 80,000 people. Now, the historic buildings are being […]
Ilford in east London was historically a small rural settlement. It expanded significantly with the arrival of the railway in 1839 and became a municipal borough in 1926. Since 1965 it has been part of Greater London. In its centre is an impressive Victorian Town Hall. The main hall was originally the Council Chamber – […]
Twickenham sits in the borough of Richmond. It is, of course, famous for being home to the world’s largest rugby stadium. But it also has a rich history – for example, the historic riverside area is replete with 18th-century buildings and pleasure grounds. It is home to Strawberry Hill House, which was erected as a […]
Tooting developed during the late Victorian period. It remains a vibrant community, but with exciting things to do and see! Tooting Bec Lido is the largest pool in the UK by surface area. It sits on Tooting Bec Common, between Tooting and Streatham. At 91.5 metres, it is almost twice the length of an Olympic-size […]
