Monty’s Journal

Discover some of Yorkshire’s top historic attractions and start planning your next great day out. Welcome to the picturesque county of Yorkshire, where history and culture are literally around every corner. From stately homes and historic houses to ruined castles and abbey’s, Yorkshire is somewhere I’ve spent many holidays exploring and there is a tremendous […]

This year, The UK’s most well-known conservation charity, The National Trust, is giving away free passes for visitors to a huge range of properties this autumn.  It’s that time of year when the schools have gone back, work seems to be piling up and the days are getting both shorter and wetter.   But September marks […]

Our list of the best Christmas markets across the UK that should be on your list of places to visit this Winter. It might only be September but already there are hints that Christmas is just around the corner.  And one thing for certain is that there will be traditional Christmas markets popping up in […]

Our round up of 20 fantastic distillery tours and experiences across the Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Scottish islands Scotland is renowned for producing some of the best (if not the best) whisky in the world and they don’t give up their secrets easily. However, for serious connoisseurs and curious minds alike, a visit to a […]

With its pioneering role in aeronautic achievements spanning centuries, the UK overflows with fascinating aviation museums and attractions to thrill airplane enthusiasts. Captivating exhibits transport visitors from the earliest daring experiments in flight right up to supersonic jets and beyond. Our guide shines a spotlight on some of the most impressive aviation, aircraft and helicopter […]

With towering fortresses perched atop volcanic crags, nestled within lush glens, and looming over cityscapes, Scotland is peppered with hundreds of magnificent castles that whisk visitors back centuries through legendary history and folklore. While it would take a lifetime to explore every Scottish castle, these iconic strongholds provide a captivating cross-section of the country’s most […]

Free days out in North Wales North Wales is a region rich in natural beauty, history and culture. While there are certainly many excellent paid attractions that are worth the price of admission, visitors on a budget need not despair. There are also numerous high-quality sights and activities that can be enjoyed in North Wales […]

Enter the captivating world of Westeros, a realm of epic battles, political intrigue, and fantastical creatures. Game of Thrones, the acclaimed HBO series adapted from George R.R. Martin’s bestselling novels, captured the imaginations of millions across the globe. From the icy lands beyond The Wall to the opulent halls of King’s Landing, the show transported […]

Step back in time to an era when locomotives blew thick clouds of steam and the rhythmic chug of iron wheels on tracks echoed through the countryside. Steam railways, the beloved icons of a bygone era, continue to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts and transport history buffs to a time of grandeur and adventure. Across […]

Steeped in history, the Cotswolds have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the whispers of ancient tales, and the footsteps of legendary figures. From its humble origins as a prosperous wool trade hub to its present-day status as a picturesque escape, every cobblestone street and honey-coloured cottage holds echoes of a bygone era. It’s […]

Wales is home to some of the most breath-taking castles in the world. These majestic stone-work structures are a real, and lasting, testament to the country’s rich history and should definitely be at the top of the ‘days out bucket list’ for anyone interested in medieval architecture and history. In this post, we’re going to […]

A Comprehensive review of English Heritage Membership If you’re reading this article, it’s possible that you’re already considering buying an English Heritage membership but maybe need to know that little bit more before purchasing. So, we’ve put together a full review of what to expect with an English Heritage membership and how much it’s going […]

Find tours leaving from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness Discover fantastic day trips exploring the best that Scotland has to offer. From snow-capped mountains and rolling fells, to calm lochs and regal castles, it is no wonder that day trips around Scotland are such a popular choice for those visiting the country. My first trip north […]

I must start by confessing that I’m not the world’s greatest horticultural expert.  In fact, I still struggle with the English names of some of our most common plants, let alone the original Latin equivalent, and I’d certainly defer to another well-known Monty if I wanted to choose what to plant in a slightly soggy […]

Beginning all the way back in 2013, I had the immense privilege of working for the National Trust at a wonderful property called Cotehele in South-East Cornwall, and I cannot help but write about some of the hugely significant places that the charity cares for across England, Wales and Northern Ireland (I should point out […]

We are thrilled to present to you our guide to the best historic & cultural visitor attractions in North Wales. Whether you’re a history buff, culture vulture, or simply looking for a scenic journey, North Wales has something for everyone. Conwy Castle Located in the walled town of Conwy, this impressive castle is a must-visit […]

Bristol, a city steeped in history, is a hub of cultural and artistic richness. The city is home to several world-class museums and galleries, showcasing an array of exhibitions and displays that tell the story of Bristol’s past and its place in the world. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best museums and galleries […]

Manchester, the birthplace of my father and an incredibly vibrant city in the north west of England which is close to my heart If you find yourself in the city and are looking for some great attractions to visit, you’ll be delighted to know that Manchester is home to a number of world-class museums and […]

The UK is a country with a rich history and culture, and there are many fascinating places to explore. One of the most interesting types of destinations are its mines and caverns, which offer a unique glimpse into the country’s mining heritage and provide exciting opportunities for adventure and exploration. Here are some of the […]

With such a rich and exciting history, it’s no wonder Wales has so many incredible museums open to visitors. But, with so many options it can be tricky to know which ones are the best to visit. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide for you. Read on to find out the best museums […]

Did you know that steam trains were invented in the UK? All of a sudden it makes so much more sense as to why there are so many incredible heritage railways here. If there’s one thing we do well in this country it’s preserving our fascinating history for all to see. And what a history […]

Are you someone who loves to mix history with fresh air, and maybe even a little hiking? You’ve come to the right place.  Some of the best heritage sites across the UK are outdoors. Ruins of culturally significant buildings of yesteryear, castles that housed the gentry of their time, or random rocks arranged mysteriously?  That’s […]

When it comes to English culture, there’s a pretty high chance that beer will come to mind first. And there’s a good reason why! In England we simply love the stuff. Lager or ale… we each have our own preferences and as long as it comes in pint form – preferably in a pub that […]

From the early days of humanity where people utilised animals to move about goods and passengers, to today where we are spoiled for choice, transport has always been an integral part of life. After all, without it, we’d never be able to leave the town in which we were born – imagine! Whether it be […]

10 Free Museums to check out in London What do you do when you want to enjoy a free day out in London but don’t have a lot of money to spend? Visit one of the city’s many museums and galleries, of course! Many are free or have an affordable entry at least once a […]

Did you know that there are over five hundred National Trust sites in the UK? With so many historic and beautiful places to choose from, many people consider investing in a National Trust membership. If you find yourself frequently visiting National Trust sites or have plans to tick multiple sites off your list in the […]

New museums and art galleries in Edinburgh are constantly opening. Whether you want contemporary art or history and culture, you’re certain to find it in Scotland’s capital. Top Museums and Art Galleries in Edinburgh Are you looking to explore the art and culture in Edinburgh? Well, Edinburgh has so many things to see and do […]

England is famous for its castles due to its rich, turbulent and often violent history, with many succumbing to the fate of brutal attack, rampant pillaging or long-term neglect. Fortunately for today’s visitor many are still standing and in superb condition many centuries after being built and you can transport yourself back to medieval times […]

The UK is a land of history. From Roman ruins to Gothic cathedrals, from ancient castles to modern museums, plenty of historical places in Britain are worth visiting. If you want to explore the past, there are many options available. Read on for our list of 10 top historical places that should definitely be on […]