This section of the website deals with other towns and cities around the UK. It has nothing to do with Birmingham or the West Midlands and essentially it is a log of places visited. There are many photographs in this section. They are all subject to copyright.
Exeter in Devon is a city that was established on the eastern bank of the River Exe. There has been a settlement here in Exeter since before Roman times.
Exeter Cathedral was built in the 12th century and is at the heart of the city surrounded by cobbled streets and cafes and restaurants. The city is regarded as one ofthe best places to live in the UK. With its history and fine architecture it is very much a student city boosted by tourism during the summer months.
Without doubt Exeter is a very pleasant city to walk around with its quality restaurants and variety of independent shops. The River Exe runs through the city and ExeterQuay is a popular destination by the river on hot and sunny days.
For more photographs of Exeter click here
The Cathedral City of Peterborough in Cambridgeshire is just 75 miles north of London. The River Nene flows through the city which is surrounded by Nene Park and some spectacular tree lined approach roads and parklands.
The lowlands and flat land fen areas in and around Peterborough have seen settlments that date back to the bronze age. Peterborough today is a mixture of modern and new. The city centre has seen some extensive renovation and regeneration.
In recent years the population of Peterborough has increased significantly, due in part to the immigration of people from the Eastern European countries.
For photos of Peterborough click here
Topsham is a beautiful village surburb of Exeter in Devon. It is a popular tourist destination in the summer months. With its small harbour and fishing and shipbuilding traditions it is noted for its Dutch style houses.
Once an important trading post for cotton, Dutch bricks were brought over from Holland as ballast and Dutch settlers provided the expertise and know how for the Dutch style houses with their Dutch gables and facades.
With its village feel and traditional restaurants, shops and cafes it is a very relaxing place to spend a few hours strolling around the narrow streets.
For more photos of Topsham click here
Haldon Belvedere or Lawrence Castle is a spectacular tower and landmark in Dunchideock in Devon. The tower dominates the skyline for miles around and dates back to the 1700's when it used to form part of the estate of Sir Robert Palk, a Governor and employee of the famous East India Company.
The estate once formed a grandoise manor house in an estate of 11,600 acres. The Best Western Lord Haldon House Hotel nearby is part of what was once the great house stable block and servants quarters. Sir Robert Palk was one of the richest men in England and no expense was spared in the construction of this significant estate which has seen its fair share of important visitors and royalty over the years.
Now a Grade II listed building, the traingular tower provides some magnificent views across the Devon countryside. The best and most panoramic views are of course from the platform at the top of the tower which is open for a small admission charge at various times during the year. The building was renovated in 1994 by the Devon Historic Buildings Trust and is a very popular and well known Civil Ceremonies Wedding venue.
For more photographs of Haldon Belvedere click here
Exmouth is a beautiful little port town and resort in East Devon. With its impressive architecture both modern and new, the town attracts a fairly wealthy clientele in terms of its tourism and holiday home ownership. Many houses in the town are second homes.
The small port has a history dating back hundreds of years. Sir Walter Raleigh would have sailed from Exmouth Harbour many times as he set off on his voyages. One of the oldest holiday resorts in Devon, Exmouth has seen high class tourism and mass tourism in later years.
The seafront is very traditional with ice cream vendors, some good restaurants and cafe tea rooms. The sandy beach is popular in the summer and the town with its pleasant centre square has a wealth of branded and independent shops.
For photos of Exmouth click here
Situated just 50 miles from London, Cambridge is a university city in East Anglia. Built on low lying fen lands the city has had to be drained over the years to cope with expansion. It is a beautiful and historic city and attracts a large number of national and international students as well as thousands of tourists.
There has been a settlement here since before Roman times. The River Cam would have played an important part in the cities growth over the centuries. Cambridge was once under Viking rule and it did not become a city until 1951. The world famous University of Cambridge has put Cambridge on the international map as well as provide a workforce where over 40% have a higher educational qualification. No surprise then that Cambridge is also known as the Silcon Valley of the Fens.
With its narrow streets and old buildings, bicycles outnumbering cars and plenty of quality restaurants, cafes and bars, Cambridge is definately worth a visit.
Further photos can be found here
