Private (HHA)
Mainly notable as the ancestral home of the Washingtons (=American president) in Britain, the manor was restored in the 1920’s as a symbol of British-American friendship. The original house was built by one Lawrence Washington in the 16th century. John Washington, Lawrence’s great-grandson, emigrated to the United States. By this time the manor had already passed into other hands. A descendant of John Washington became the first President of the United States.
Subsequent owners added on or demolished various parts, with the great Hall and the chamber above it being the oldest surviving parts. The wing completing the symmetry of the frontage is a 1920’s addition built to house caretakers of the restored house and gardens.
The house contains representative old furniture and artefacts. The grounds were laid out in the 1920’s when the house was restored. There is also a collection of George Washington memorabilia.
When visiting, if you drive through the village, look for the Sulgrave Manor entrance on your right, at the end of the village. Do NOT turn left into Manor Lane, as your satnav may indicate.
All photos 2024
Tate St Ives
Tate Gallery at St Ives is almost too well known to require a special write-up. Inside, there is a warren of galleries on several floors and it can take some time to find your way around. There’s a lot to see. If you are planning a special trip, note that the gallery is in the old town, the streets are narrow and the town is popular and crowded in summer. If you arrive by car, you are advised to park in a car park above the town and walk or take a bus to the old town. There are fine views from the rooftop cafe terrace. Outside the gallery, there are other private galleries you could visit, plus the beach, etc.
RAF Hendon, London.
A former airfield, now one of the two sites of the RAF Museum. It’s near the railway, and many years ago when passing by, one could see some large parked aircraft from the train. Nowadays the collections are housed indoors, including some purpose-built buildings. Admission is free, though I recollect that they expect visitors to “check in”. It’s accessible by public transport. Access by car is easy, but note that there is now a charge for car parking. This is a large and diverse museum – they say it is impossible to see everything in one day. For more information check the museum’s website. An essential visit for those interested in military aviation.
Telegraph Museum, Porthcurno, Cornwall.
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.