The Museum is housed in a large white building, and associated tunnels, which formerly housed the shore terminal for Britain’s trans-ocean telegraph cables. It now contains exhibits about marine cables, telegraph equipment, etc. If you are interested in electronics or the history of technology, you should find this a rewarding visit. Don’t underestimate the time required to look at everything inside – I allowed two hours and found that this wasn’t long enough. If you are parking in the car-park between the Museum and the beach, I recommend that you pay for 3 hours’ parking. Note that should you need to lose the rest of the family for two or three hours, a beach and coastal walks are nearby.
The Vyne, Hampshire
National Trust.
An impressive house, originally built as an Elizabethan “power house.” Notable are interesting contents, and the impressive Long Gallery. I remember that I much enjoyed visiting this house. There are also extensive grounds and a lake. Suggested visit time: half day.
Thurleigh Airfield, Beds
Home of the 306th Bombardment Group Museum. This small museum is worth a visit if you are a military aviation or history buff. My elderly mother enjoyed it. Suggested visit time: 1 hr.
The runways still exist, if the satellite view is any guide, but the former airfield is occupied partly by the Jonathan Palmer motor racing site, and an industrial park.
Trerice, Cornwall
National Trust.
Visited c. 2008
An Elizabethan house with gardens, not much altered. An attractive building with pleasant gardens. Worth visiting if you are in the area.
Twinwood Airfield and Museum, Beds.
This is the airfield from which Glenn Miller departed before his disappearance. Wartime buldings remain on the site, and house the Glenn Miller Museum and other small museums devoted to aviation, militaria, old vehicles and the Fire service. The wartime runways have reverted to agriculture. Enough to keep airplane and history buffs amused for half a day.
Upton House, Warwickshire
National Trust.
Visited c. 2005
While the house is old in origins, it has been updated a number of times and it’s the contents and gardens which are notable. It contains a major collection of paintings and porcelain, including Old Masters. To the rear are the magnificent gardens, which descend by terracing towards water. There is also a kitchen garden. Allow for a half-day visit.
West Wycombe Hellfire Caves
Below the hill are the Hellfire Caves (not NT), now refurbished as a tourist attraction. Possibly of ancient origin, they were extended by Sir Francis Dashwood to embellish his estate, and extend underground for about half a mile. If you like exploring holes in the ground you should enjoy them.
West Wycombe Park, Bucks
National Trust
Visited c.2005
Extensive and attractive grounds with large lake and follies. The house interior is interesting. Note that the opening dates and hours are rather restricted. Suggested visit time 3hrs.
Village, Hill, Church, Mausoleum, and Caves (not NT) are nearby if you have a whole day.
West Wycombe Village and Hill
National Trust. Visited. C.2005 The village main street is lined with old cottages and inns of architectural interest. On top of the hill are the Dashwood Mausoleum (not NT) and the church with the golden ball on top of it (not NT). Both are well worth a visit.
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