Quirky Named Places and What to Do There, Episode 8

Travels around the United States and the Caribbean so far. The next destination is England. A land filled with myths, mysteries, and ancient history. An important influence on the Americas, the island nation at one time commanded the high seas. Outposts and colonies wrapped around the world, the saying, “the sun never sets on the English empire”, was factual. East Asia to New Zealand and Australia, to India, the Middle East and the West Indies, the proud nation has influenced many cultures and in turn those same cultures have influenced the homeland, Britain.

For the curious, Britain is an island. England is the largest territory. Wales and Scotland also are states on the isle as well. Ready your passport, it’s on to London, then greater England on this quirky tour.

Arriving in the U.K., most international travelers touch down in one of the metro London airports. Considering we’re already in London Town. A bit of exploring is in order. On the east end of the sprawling nation’s capital is Isle of Dogs. History has long ago forgotten the origin of the naturally marshy thumb jutting out, forming a long, deep bend in the River Thames. The famous river is a watery super-highway meandering through southern Britain. Many of the most famous sites in the city line the banks.

What to do in the now modern, skyscraper packed part of the city? Plenty. Mudchute Park and Farm is a green oasis in the bustling surroundings. A working and educational space for the whole family. Learn about ducks, sheep, pigs, donkeys, and a whole lot more. Island Gardens is the tip of the big river bend. Look out across the fast-flowing river to the south bank. If you’re drawn to crossing the river to explore the other bank, it is a less than 20-minute walk to the Prime Meridian. A crossroads of the world of sorts. Technically London is both in the eastern and western hemispheres, stand right on the line at this curious landmark. Just the same as the equator, north and south represent the middle of the planet, the prime meridian is the recognized, middle of the globe east and west.

Readymoney Cove, Cornwall UK

Cornwall is the most southwestern county in England. The Southern coastline is rugged. Hidden along the winding narrow coastal roads is the town of Fowey. Also, the name of the broad river that spills into the English Channel just south of town. The cove is not a casino, it’s a quaint sheltered beach south of the town. Yes, there are beaches in England. This local’s hideaway is gaining popularity in the warmer seasons. Up on the cliff above the beach, are the remnants of a 500-year-old castle, St. Catherine’s. A coastal cliff top trail to the southwest offers breathtaking vistas. An hour one-way hike, your crew can pause at the candy striped Gribbin head monument. An 80 plus foot tower marking the coastline for ships at sea. A panoramic view is a great place to relax, have a snack and hydrate. Another hour back to the cove. The town is home to several quaint hotels should your group choose to extend your visit.

Stank, Cumbria UK

A peculiar name place indeed. A rural area marked on maps as a pastoral dairy farm area. Although there is no big sign indicating you are in the middle of Stank, there is at least one street sign with the peculiar name, Stank Newton. Be civil when mugging in front of the sign. The neighbors will appreciate it. What to do nearby? The great outdoors surround. To the north a 30-minute drive to the picture postcard Lake District. A green rolling landscape dotted by blue lakes is well worth the trip to the far north of England. If sport is your game, there are two golf courses. Both courses are within 15 minutes of that humorously named crossroads. And, for the history buff, there are two castle ruins in proximity. After all that exploring, stop for a cool drink at the Milk Hut. This is dairy country after all.

Kegworth, Leicestershire, UK

Sounds like a party. The village is north of the county’s big city, Leicester, and south of Nottingham. On the west bank of the River Soar. What a cool name. Images of eagles on the wind conjure in the mind. Serious rock n roll fans may not know about the village unless they’ve been there. One of the most famous summer music festivals draws in music lovers from around the world. The Download Festival is held at the nearby Donington Park grounds. The popular festival had a name change. In years past the fest was dubbed the Donington Festival. Seeking a more subdued visit? To the west of town, beyond the rock n roll summer circus, is the peaceful Mercia Marina. A nature lover’s retreat. Shopping, dining, and canal cruises celebrate the slow life.

Sports fans, you’re not forgotten. In proximity to the village are three English football clubs, to the south in Leicester City, to the north Nottingham Forest, and to the west, Burton Albion in League One.

Potter’s Crouch, St. Alban’s, UK

A small village, with fewer than 40 homes. A short 10-minute drive from the main town, St. Alban’s. The peculiarly named place dates to the 13th century. The name is believed to mark an ancient crossroads where a potter dwelled in the area. Artifacts uncovered locally date as far back as the 1st century A.D., relics of Roman occupation. At the junction of Potterscrouch Lane and Ragged Hill Lane is a popular local pub, The Holly Bush Public House. Around the rural area are numerous Roman archival sites.

Named after the Roman era settlement is the Verulamium Museum. The collection focuses on Roman influence in Britain. The adjacent same named park are remnants of Roman architecture dotted around the countryside. Entertainment is a big draw locally. The Alban Arena hosts live music, comedy, theatre, and dance troupes year-round. There are numerous kid friendly performances as well. A visit to the countryside might include a fantastic getaway to Warner Bros. studios London. A must see for fans of the Harry Potter franchise. A fifteen-minute drive from the quirky named crossroad.

Seeking speed? Nearby to the west is a racing academy. Learn drifting, stunt driving or be a passenger in an F1 racer. If literal high speed isn’t the thrill you seek, an hour by car or hour and a half by train, London City. Straight to the heart of the greater London area and the historic centre of Britain. A wealth of sights in all directions in the cosmopolitan capital city awaits. More on the capital city in a future episode.

*****

Thank you for indulging my writings.

I write about three topics: music, tourism, and sustainability.

By profession, I am a: Travel Designer. My goal is creating for you: a vacation, holiday, road trip or travels as epic as possible.

Open to collaborate!

My personal website, find me @ https://uxfol.io/joshblackprofessional