Wherever possible links and other reference material are now listed on the relevant pages.
General
Links and Books covering the whole country.
External Links and References
External Links
- The Folly Fellowship
In addition to a wealth of folly related information, this site also hosts a set of Google Earth Folly Maps charting over 500 follies. More than you can shake a stick at?
- Genmaps
Old and interesting Maps
- Ordnance Survey - getamap
No point in logging in unless you want the paid for extras. Just close the login dialog for guest access.
- Transport Direct
UK Government site aggregating car, train, bus and coach travel information
Recommended Books
- Eccentric Britain by Ben Le Vay
follies, bizarre buildings, peculiar pubs, curious ceremonies, etc [Currently out of print]
-
Good Pub Guide by Alisdair Aird and Fiona Stapley
Tendency to confuse a Good Pub with a Good Restaurant, but useful none the less
-
The Making of the English Landscape by W G Hoskins
Seminal work on the historical evolution of the English landscape
-
Lonely Planet Wales by Peter Dragicevich
Guide to Wales
-
Lonely Planet: Britain by David Else and others
Includes coverage of outdoor activities, British history, architecture and literature, plus Welsh and Gaelic language sections
-
Lonely Planet: England by David Else
Guide to England aimed at people on a variety of budgets
-
Good Beer Guide by Roger Protz
In general I find, pubs that look after the beer, look after the customers
Walking
Links and Books covering the countryside and open spaces.
External Links and References
External Links
- Countryside Access
Government site detailing 'open access' areas designated under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
- Natural England
Natural England is a government body that brings together what were English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service.
- Forestry Commission
Details of the forests and woodlands in the care of this government department
- National Trails
A guide to what used to be called 'Long Distance Footpaths' before they let the cyclists and horse riders in.
- The National Trust
Details of 248,000 hectares of countryside, almost 600 miles of coastline and more than 200 buildings
- National Trust - Activties - Walking
The National Trust walks database. Their Google Maps Pushpin clustering is a bit flaky but there are plenty of walks to choose from.
Places
Links and Books covering tourist attractions and other places of interest.
External Links and References
External Links
Recommended Books
- England's Thousand Best Churches by Simon Jenkins
A bit dull, or should I say worthy, but packed full of information. [Currently out of print]
Buildings
Links and Books covering building conservation, architecture, etc.
External Links and References
Industry
Links and Books covering heritage railways and other idustrial sites.
External Links and References
External Links
- Cotton Times
Comprehensive history of the development of the Cotton Industry in the 19th century
- UK Heritage Railways
Comprehensive listing of all preserved railways and rolling stock in the UK with links to the individual railway sites
- Railway Ramblers
The groups aims are:
* To discover, explore and document disused railway lines
* To encourage interest in the walking and conservation of disused railway lines
* To bring to the attention of the appropriate authorities those disused lines which we consider to be suitable for conversion into public footpaths or cycleways
* To promote signposting, clearing of undergrowth etc. on converted lines
* To create regional groups of the club throughout the United Kingdom, with Regional Secretaries to organise local activities
* To disseminate up to date information through reports and newsletters, etc.
* To respect private property and the Country Code at all time
- Smugglers' Britain
Whole load of info on smuggling - which I suppose was an industry of sorts
- waterscape.com
The Canal and River Trust's comprehensive guide to Britain's canals and navigable rivers.
Recommended Books
-
The Landscape Trilogy by L T C Rolt
Autobiography of one of the pioneers of industrial preservation, if not the pioneer. Proto-hippy born before his time.
-
Narrow Boat by L T C Rolt
The book that in many ways started the whole preservation movement. Tom Rolt's journeys on the canals of Britain between the wars when they were still a working network.
Photography
Other photography sites, some of which are useful, some of which are decorative, but all of which have links back to this site.
External Links and References
External Links
- World Photo Locations
This site aims to share information and images from the world's best photo locations to help in planning photographic trips and finding the best viewpoints.
Other Bits and Pieces
Anything that does not fit in anywhere else.
External Links and References
External Links
- Ariotek
My web site hosting service - excellent
- Strange Maps
Excellent blog covering all sorts of odd maps.
- W3 Schools
Excellent up-to-date reference source for all things webby. The tutorials are probably a bit thin to get you started, but once your up and running, everything is here.
- Zen Internet
My ISP
Recommended Books
