I’ve been coming to Dovestones for quite some time now, and as I mentioned in an earlier blog, each time I come I find something new, but the thing I always wanted to find that had escaped me was the trinaccle, and on the 27th of November 2022, I finally got to see it thanks to my sister.
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Now don’t get me wrong; it’s impressive, but I had imagined it to be a lot taller, so when my sister said this was it, it was unrecognisable at the time until I went to the other side of it and saw that it was indeed The Trinacle.
Don’t let the picture fool you; it doesn’t look like we are that high up, but we are extremely high; in fact, it’s an elevation of close to 300 metres, and on top of this, the Trinacle itself is around 10 metres high. Some people scramble up to the top of it; I think they’re mad considering how windy it is up here and how narrow the space is to get to it.
The journey to and from the Trinaccle was the best part
As much as I had enjoyed seeing the trinaccle, the best part had been the journey there and back. As we climbed the steep mountain, we chatted all the way and took a few stops to enjoy the views.
As we got to the top, we got a little lost before getting back on track. Once back on track, we followed the extremely muddy trail, trying to avoid the muddy swamps, but it was completely unavoidable and so funny when either one of us landed in a deep mud hole. The trail was on the edge of the 300-metre-high mountains, so this just added to all of the fun.
The scramble down the waterfall
On the way back, we scrambled down a waterfall river. At one point, I got stuck and had to be rescued by my sister. I am the younger sister, and I definitely acted like it in this moment. I can’t swim, so I was terrified of the water. It’s really funny how we were resuming our old roles of little sister and big sister on this day, as even as we scrambled down, my sister guided me all the way down even though she’d only done it once before herself. Not that I had expected her to do so, but she did, which was really sweet.
But what was really special about this day was that it reminded us both of our younger years, when we used to play outside and my sister would take me on adventures even though we weren’t allowed to leave our street. Of course, we were always in trouble when we got back, but it was always worth it.
I hope that everyone is off to a good start in the new year.
On the second day of the year, I spent a day in the Fletcher Moss botanical gardens to kick off my new year.
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In the botanical garden
Since it was a Sunday service on public transportation and there were more train strikes, I chose to go there because it seemed like a good choice that was not too far from home.
This prompts me to remark that, except for enjoying and living in the present, I haven’t set goals for this year. Aside from that, I want to start driving again this year because strikes and cancellations on public transportation have been making it difficult for me to get to some places. Do you have any new goals for this year?
Fletcher Moss Parsonage and Gardens
Fletcher Moss Parsonage and Gardens is located in Didsbury, Manchester, and is one of the city’s best-lived green spaces.
Fletcher Moss Park was named after Fletcher Moss, an alderman who gifted his house, known as the parsonage, along with its gardens to the city of Manchester Council but continued to live there until his death in 1919.
The Parsonage is the second-oldest building in Didsbury, dating from around 1650. The house was used by the city council for many years but has since become a community centre with the help of lottery funding.
What to see here
There are separate areas here to see that are all linked in with the same park, so as well as the parsonage and gardens, there is also the Fletcher Moss Park and botanical garden, the nature reserve of Stenner Woods, Millgate Fields, and the River Mersey.
The botanical garden
The botanical garden is a gorgeous, tranquil sanctuary that is changeable with the weather, but no matter what time of the year you visit, it is always beautiful with so many beautiful plants. rock features and mini waterfalls palm trees, and a floating pond.
I’ve been here twice now, once in the spring and once in the winter, and both times were equally beautiful.
Stenner Woods and nature reserve
The wooded area isn’t particularly large, but it is a perfect place to get lost in nature. There are wetlands here, but there is also a wooden boardwalk to avoid getting your feet wet. There are also fallen trees that have been left there deliberately by the wardens, which just add to the natural environment. I couldn’t help but think how adventurous this would be for children as I walked around. I also saw little love hearts with pictures on them; I think these had been part of the Christmas trail, which I really enjoyed spotting.
There are a variety of species of birds that flock here all through the year; these include wrens, robins, blackbirds, thrushes, treecreepers, Sand Martins, blackcaps, and many more.
Millgate fields and River Mersey
There are also the millgate fields and the River Mersey, which make for a nice scenic walk along with other areas such as Withington, Charlton, and Northernden.
So if your in Manchester and fancy getting any from the city for a little while, I’d say this would be a great choice, and what’s more is that this place is right next to Didsbury Village, which is lined with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, which is perfect for grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat after your visit to Fletcher Moss Park.
I can’t quite believe I’ve never visited Manchester Cathedral before, given the number of times I’ve walked past this building and never even given it a thought to even take a look inside. Isn’t it ironic how little attention we pay to things and places that have always existed in our own cities or towns?
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Manchester Cathedral is in the heart of the city and has been one of its main attractions for more than 600 years. There was a new calling for a new collegiate church to be built, so in 1421 it was Henry V who signed a royal charter for permission for the rebuild, and then in 1847 a new Manchester diocese was created and this church became a cathedral.
One day, as I went for a walk around the city, I decided to visit the inside of Manchester Cathedral.
I was surprised as I entered because I hadn’t quite imagined it would be as big as it was from the outside. It’s actually a really beautiful cathedral, and the interior is a great example of mediaeval carved woodwork in the North of England; the stained glass is more modern as the church suffered damage in World War II. It also had more renovations after it was damaged in the 1996 IRA bombing.
It’s a great place for anyone who enjoys architecture and would like to learn more history about our vibrant little city.
Unfortunately, I didn’t take many photos as my battery was running low. Maybe I’ll visit again and post a few more.
If your visiting Manchester City Centre, do take a look inside. You can find the cathedral at Victoria St., Manchester M3 1SX.
Thanks for stopping by to take a look at our cities’ little cathedral. Stay blessed 🙏🏾
My trip to Dunham Massey was my first national trust trip since becoming a member. I visited here at the beginning of autumn in October. If there was ever a perfect autumn day, this would have closely matched it for me.
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What is Dunham Massey and where is it?
Dunham Massey is a Georgian house, garden and an ancient deer park full of treasures and stories. It is situated in Altrincham, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and is regarded as one of the best attractions in this region for history and nature lovers.
A bit about the history
The house was home to two historic families, the Booth’s and the Grey’s, and holds over 400 years of history, wealth, and some rather scandalous stories.
The present house was built in 1616 by Sir George Booth but has since been altered and remodelled over the years 1732, 1740, 1905, and 1908.
The rising of the estate
The house really rose after George Booth, the 2nd Earl of Warrington, inherited the Dunham estate from his father, Henry Booth, the 1st Earl of Warrington, along with a debt of £50,000. As a way to clear the debt, he planted hundreds of trees as a source of timber. However, he finally manages to pay off that debt when he marries Mary Oldbury, who came with a huge dowry of £24,000, which is around £2.5 million today.
The house was inherited by their only child, Mary Booth, who married Harry Grey, the 4th Earl of Stamford, which meant the Durham Estate was brought into the Earldom of Stamford and into the Grey family.
The estate stays in the Grey family until 1976, when the last Earl, the 10th Earl of Stamford Roger Grey, who inherited the estate at just 13 years old dies, leaving the estate to the National Trust. It is the biggest gift left to the National Trust to date.
The house gardens
Fake memories, an eerie spooky walk, and reindeer spotting.
I was absolutely certain I’d been here once before, on a school trip at around the age of seven. I remember the trip clearly as a day, but strangely, upon arrival and all throughout the day, there was absolutely nothing recognisable. I am still unsure if I have been here before. Perhaps it could be another one of my fake childhood memories. Nonetheless, the first thing I planned to do was visit the medieval deer park, which was first mentioned in 1362.
The park is of scientific interest as it has hundreds of ancient trees and there have been roaming deer here for almost 1000 years.
Walking through the spooky deer park
The more I moved into the park, which appeared to be more like an extremely eerie forest, the spookier it became, especially when I arrived at a creepy looking small house. I’m glad I was unaware at the time because this house is reportedly haunted. Nonetheless, I still stopped for photos, as you can see.
The creepy house with a painted on top window
There wasn’t a single soul around. It gave me the impression that I was staring in a scary movie as the stupid one who goes walking alone.
Walking through the deer park
Although I actually wanted to turn around at this point, I was determined to see the deer, so I kept on going.
Male deer
Finally, I spotted a herd of deer in the distance. I wanted to take a closer look because, believe it or not, I’ve never actually seen a deer, at least not up close. But as I got closer, they seemed to have all vanished. Then, all of a sudden, I turned around, and there was this huge male Buck staring at me. Then I saw a huge herd of them, and from this point on, they all seemed to appear out of nowhere.
I was so delighted to see them, especially since I was told there was a possibility I wouldn’t due to the weather.
Female deer all sticking together during mating season
With c. 3000 acres of land here, there is plenty of ground to walk on and lots of outside buildings to discover.
Dunham Massey Watermill
The mill is a 17th-century corn mill that was later transformed into a saw mill in 1860. Sadly, after technology evolved and the mill became more expensive to run, it stopped working in the 1930s. It was later given to the National Trust in 1950.
There are tours available here to learn more about the mill and its history, but I didn’t attend these.
The historic stables
The stables at Dunham Massey were completed in the 18th century and have remained completely unchanged.
They were built to house around 25 animals, including race goats, ponies, cows, and carriages.
The stables clock tower The stables The stables restaurant
I had such a blissful time exploring the grounds that I hadn’t noticed that almost two and a half hours had passed by and I’d still not been to the main house.
I visited inside the house,but unfortunately unable to share photos
I eventually go inside the main house, but unfortunately, I cannot share any pictures because, although visitors are allowed to take photographs with no flash, they are not permitted to be shared inside some of the National Trust properties.
What it was like inside the house
I can tell you that this is a great house to visit. It takes you right back in time, and you can almost feel the atmosphere and the stories as you walk around.
I found it to be quite an eerie place, although that could have had something to do with my visiting on a quiet Tuesday morning and being in most of the rooms alone. Of course, there was staff on every floor, but obviously not in every room.
In some sections of the house, like the servants’ quarters, there are staff members dressed in traditional clothing like what the staff would have worn back in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. I particularly liked the butler; he was really funny and filled my head with imagination by telling me stories of how the house was run.
Overall, it was a really lovely experience, and every member of staff here is super friendly and helpful.
If you would like more information about Dunham Massey, visit here.
This year, Morecambe Bay has been my favourite beach and hangout spot.
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As you may know, I live in a busy city, so I often opt to find a new quiet spot every year, somewhere not too far away from home where I can make regular trips in addition to my other travel adventures. A place I can relax and take some time to replenish my thoughts while getting some fresh air. This year, Morecambe Bay has been that place for me.
Where is Morecambe Bay?
Morecambe Bay is located just to the south of the Lake District National Park in the Northwest of England.
A bit about the history
Morecambe Bay is a large estuary with the longest stretch of mudflats in the UK.
Morecambe was founded when the Little North Western railway line was forced from Leeds and Bradford to a new seashore. This new shore had formed around the village of Poulton-le-sands, which later became Morecambe Bay.
The railway brought in goods and passengers who were going further afield up north, but this new seashore soon started to attract passerbys, which then saw the growth of entertainment, accommodation and other businesses throughout the nineteenth century.
It has the most incredible sunsets and beautiful backdrop
It is an area of scientific interest because of its location, its natural beauty, and the fact that it is home to lots of wildlife.
It also has some of the most amazing sunsets because of its location. I can honestly say I have witnessed the most incredible sunset I have ever seen right here, and I have seen plenty of sunsets. It’s magical!
In addition, it also boasts the most stunning mountains in the Lake District as a backdrop, which is another reason I’ve loved going here and taking long walks down the lovely promenade.
What a nice surprise!
Normally, when I come here, I walk around the promenade and stop when I find a comfortable spot to sit, but the last time I came, I made the decision to do things a little differently.
I continued walking until I reached the end of the promenade, at which point I turned and climbed some stairs to a charming cafe that overlooked the beach. I then turned right and entered a lovely neighbourhood with a small church. Since then, I’ve learned that this region is known as Heysham.
St Peter’s Church
The little picturesque church is called St. Peters Church. It is a 14th century church with parts dating right back to 800AD and sits right at the top of the cliffside.
The views from the chapel were really breathtaking. As I took it all in, I recall thinking how lovely a surprise it all was.
There was also another little surprise too, Glebe Garden, which is right next to the church. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures of this, but it was a lovely, colourful garden with an oasis of peace and a calming atmosphere.
*Please note this is not an advertisement blog and I am not being paid to post this; I just think it’s something that could be of some value to some readers.*
Last month I decided to join the National Trust and I’m super excited about it!
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What is the National Trust?
I’m sure many of you already know, but for those that don’t, the National Trust is Europe’s biggest conservation charity, which looks after over 500 heritage sites across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as well as coastlines, the countryside, and green spaces so that people and nature can thrive and this is done mostly through the help of people’s donations through memberships.
What’s in it for the members?
As a member, I now have access to over 500 heritage sites where I will be able to present my card and get free admission as well as free parking to the sites. Of course, it’s not entirely free because you have to pay for the membership card to begin with, but it is a fantastic investment for plenty of fun and adventures for a fraction of the price I would pay as a non-member.
Overseas and non UK citizens
Not only this, my membership also gives me access to similar sites across the globe because The International National Trust and similar organisations are all in partnership.
The membership is also offered to people in the US, but otherwise non-UK citizens can purchase a touring pass ( prices below)
Membership prices
Memberships last for one year, and there are different types of memberships that can be paid for either as a one-time payment or monthly payments. Although it is worth paying for one all at once, you will receive a £15 National Trust gift voucher. Here are the prices:
Membership Prices
Individual – £76.80 a year/ £6.40 a month
Young person – (18 to 25) £38.40 a year
junior – (5 to 17) £10 a year
Joint – (2 adults) £127.20 a year/ £10.60 a month
Family – ( 2 adults and all children) £133.80 a year/ £11.15 a month
Family – ( 1 adult and all children) £83.40 a year/ £6.95 a month
Touring pass for non UK citizens
Individual ( £37 for a 7 day pass or £43 for a 14 day pass)
Two people (£65 for a 7 day pass or £77 for a 14 day pass)
Family pass ( £71 for a 7 day pass or £91 for a 14 day pass)
See here for more information on the touring pass.
Already seeing the benefits of this little membership card
I bought the individual one because I usually travel alone, and I’ve already realised how valuable it is to have a membership. I recently took my first day trip using my card and would have had to pay a £10 admission fee if it weren’t for having the membership. My next planned day trip would have cost me a £19 admission fee, so it’s definitely worth it for people who like to take day trips.
For more information about the National Trust and its sites visit here.
Hollingworth Lake is situated in Littleborough, Greater Manchester, England.
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A bit about the history of Hollingworth Lake
The lake was first constructed to serve as the primary water source for Rochdale Canal, but in the 1860s it turned into a well- liked tourist destination.
Early in the 20th century, it started to lose popularity as a tourist attraction and was used as a training camp for the second World War.
Following World War II, Rochdale Council acquired the reservoir and boating rights and designated the surrounding areas as a country park in 1974, giving rise to the name Hollingworth Lake and Country Park, which is now a popular tourist destination once again.
I can’t believe I didn’t visit this location until earlier this year. It is one of the most beautiful places to grab a moment’s peace and quiet and another great find on the outskirts of my city.
I’d say this is a great place for those living or staying in Manchester seeking tranquility, and it’s only a 40-minute drive away from the city centre
Additional information
There are plenty of facilities here, including its very own caravan park. Take a look here to find out more and make the most of your day trip here.
Portland Basin Museum is located in a nineteenth-century warehouse in Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester near a beautiful canal side.
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I visited here with my mum in 2020, just before the first COVID-19 national lockdown for England, hence us wearing our face masks in the photos.
Since I’m blogging more about locations in and around my city, I recently discovered the images on my old phone and decided that this museum deserved a worthy spot for Manchester my blog.
Stepping back into the 1920s
The museum has exhibitions where you can experience what life was like back in the 1920s in Tameside.
The 1920s street
The 1920s Street
We had a great time exploring the street of the 1920s.
My mum, who educated me with her own knowledge and recollections, made the trip much more informative and enjoyable.
My mum, who is in her sixties, was able to tell me about several things that were still in use in the 1950s and 1960s. I loved hearing about all her memories and stories as she recalled them from each of the items.
It was lovely to see how her expression changed when she came across items that brought back her memories. She was wearing a mask, so I couldn’t see her face, but I could see that her eyes were sparkling.
Exploring the industrial heritage and farm
We had the opportunity to learn about the region’s historical industrial heritage and what it was like to work in the mines by hearing personal accounts from those who had done so.
Life on the farm
There is also a part where you may read in detail about the early days of the local farming.
We thought this was very intriguing.
Additional information
There is much more to do and learn about here in addition to what has already been covered, but I want to make this post as brief as possible.
The portland basin Museum, in my opinion, is a great place for visitors of all ages and has a lot to offer.
Admission:
Admission is free and the museum it’s usual opening hours are 10am to 4pm accept on Monday when it is closed.
Click here to find out more information if you plan to visit.
Since I didn’t have many pictures to offer in the other blog, I thought I’d share more pictures on how breathtakingly gorgeous this place is now that I’ve been on numerous occasions.
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I’m constantly in awe of this place because there are so many various circular pathways, and every time I come here, I discover something new.
Greenfield Reservoir Greenfield Reservoir
One of the greatest attractions, the trinniacle (a stack of rock formations), has eluded me up until now; however, my sister and her husband recently found it, and my sister has promised to accompany me there, which I’m super excited about. Additionally, there are a few locations I have yet to visit that I have found on Instagram.
There are magical hidden waterfalls everywhere, and it’s like the gift that just keeps giving.
Also, I finally hiked right up to the top of Chew Valley. It was the first time on top, and I walked across the moorland there. The views of Dovestone Reservoir were stunning.
Chew Valley
If you want to learn more about the history of Dovestones, click here. Thinking about visiting? You can check out my last blog, where you can find details of how to get here.
Since I featured Dovestone, it is only right I give Saddleworth a worthy mention. Especially as part of Dovestones sits on Saddleworth Moors. Not only this, but I believe Saddleworth to be a great example of the English countryside, a place where many tourists visit each year and people like myself come to escape city life.
If your planning a trip to Dovestones, you may want to visit some of the pretty villages in Saddleworth.
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Location
Saddleworth is a civil parish in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England. It is made up of several villages, hamlets and consists of suburbs in parts of the Pennine Hills which are part of Oldham. I’ve only visited two of the villages up to now, Delph Village and Uppermill Village. I’m still yet to return to visit the others.
Delph Village
Delph is a beautiful village to visit, particularly because the centre of it has hardly changed since the 19th century. It mostly looks the same as it did when it was occupied with textile Mills offering employment to the local community.
It’s name came from an old English word Delf, which means quarry.
Delph is such a beautiful place to take a stroll and breathe in the English Countryside.
I particularly liked the canal trail and seeing all the cute houses.
Uppermill Village
Just a 6 minute drive away, a half an hour walk or an 10 minute bus journey away from Delph Village is Uppermill Village.
Uppermill is one of the most popular stops for visitors. It is one of the most picturesque locations on this side of the moorland, and has has several independent craft shops, restaurants and cafés.
Like Delph and many of these other villages/towns, it was once occupied by the Romans. The Industrial Revolution made the most impact on these villages and towns in this area, with the building of the textile mills. You can learn more about this at the local Saddleworth Museum here.
I visited around Christmas, the whole village was decorated so beautifully
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to photograph Uppermill much because the phone I was using dropped and broke, but if you are in the area do visit this beautiful village.
For more information on things to do and see in Uppermill visit here
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