Henry VIII

The pub in Bardsey village near Leeds is believed to be Britain’s oldest pub, with 1,000-year-old stones, reported ghost sightings, and a fascinating history dating back to 905 AD

Nestled on the outskirts of Leeds is a charming village that harbours a wealth of history, often overlooked by those who stop for a pint in what’s claimed to be Britain’s oldest pub.

Bardsey is home to the legendary The Bingley Arms, reputedly Britain’s most ancient inn and pub, with the building’s stone tracing back an impressive 1000 years. Boasting a history that supposedly began as early as 905 AD, the Church Lane pub has a rich and intriguing past, including a former name unfamiliar to its current patrons.

Originally known as The Priests Inn, it reportedly served as a sanctuary for Catholic priests, monks, and others threatened by Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. However, these claims have been met with scepticism by some historians who dispute the medieval origins and trace the history back to the 18th century instead.

Inside, the pub retains much of its historical charm, exuding an authentic pub atmosphere with original oak beams and stone. It also features an inglenook fireplace and a 17th-century Dutch oven in its original location. Today, the site provides ample parking for visitors and boasts a diverse menu offering classic English pub dishes with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients. Outside, a spacious beer garden beckons for leisurely summer drinks, and within it stands a yew tree, believed to be older than the pub itself.

Praising what they described as a “five-star welcome”, one diner said: “The atmosphere was delightful, the staff were very warm and welcoming. Also, very, very good food. 10/10 would highly recommend to anyone in the area or passing through. Absolutely bloody lovely.”

Another customer said it was “always worth the visit”, explaining: “We visit The Bingley Arms every couple of months and are never disappointed. From the moment we walk through the door, we’re always welcomed by the lovely Kath, and it truly makes such a difference. Being treated like a friend rather than just another customer is exactly why we keep returning here instead of going elsewhere.”

Contributing to the glowing testimonials, one reviewer wrote: “Oldest Inn in England? They’ve been around long enough to know exactly what they’re doing. Outstanding food and drink! ! !” They described it as their “favourite British pub”. The establishment is believed to have a reputation for paranormal activity and ghostly encounters, which attracts visitors hoping to experience something supernatural. One person: “Warm welcome. Gorgeous food and always so welcome!”.

“In addition, what an amazingly beautiful setting. Oldest pub in England. A couple of secret priest holes and allegedly a few ghosts!”. Those interested in experiencing the historic venue firsthand can make reservations through the pub’s website, where they can secure a table within its ancient thousand year old walls.

The village is a popular destination for those looking to explore the countryside, and it is rich in history and culture with a number of impressive landmarks to see

Nestled beside the River Calder lies a delightful village brimming with heritage and encircled by stunning countryside – offering an ideal retreat whatever the time of year.

Whalley boasts a fascinating past and continues to flourish with independent retailers, gardens and eateries for those wanting a weekend staycation in the tranquil rural landscape. Numerous historical landmarks dot the village and its surroundings, serving as reminders of the area’s rich legacy and attracting tourists eager to discover more about these remarkable treasures. Contributing to this historical tapestry is the striking viaduct which towers over the village and rises majestically amid the lush landscape. Originally finished in 1850 to carry railway tracks across the River Calder, it became an iconic feature for both the local rail network and the valley.

One tourist hailed it as a “wonderful feat of 19th-century engineering”. They posted on TripAdvisor: “Approximately 7 million red bricks were used in the construction of the 48 arches over the River Calder. It’s good to see the arches from close up, but a better view is found just a few hundred yards away looking back across the river.”

Alongside this, one of the village’s most popular and magnificent sights is the splendid Whalley Abbey, standing majestically as a former 14th-century Cistercian monastery. Throughout Henry VIII’s reign and the dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey was largely destroyed, with a country house subsequently erected on the site.

The ruins are a protected historical landmark and serve as a testament to the magnificent architecture that once dominated the village. It was formerly the wealthiest monastery in the area, and today the grounds are meticulously maintained with stunning garden displays surrounding the original remains. One delighted visitor described their experience, saying: “A beautiful location, and it’s so easy to see why it is used as a retreat. The grounds are calm, tranquil and relaxing but are easy to miss, particularly when travelling from Preston. Nevertheless, well worth a visit.”

Another added: “Steeped in history, these ruins are set within beautiful gardens. Signposts give away enough information about the lives of people who used the area many years ago. It’s the perfect spot to walk around and is very peaceful and ideal for those wanting a quiet walk/sit down.”

Beyond its fascinating history, Whalley offers a vibrant culture through its range of independent restaurants, cafes and boutiques. It’s an excellent destination for shopping, whether you’re after walking gear, boots, handcrafted footwear or unique pieces from local jewellers.

When it comes to dining, the village offers both classic and innovative cuisine, including the highest-rated restaurant on Trip Advisor, Eight At Gazegill. Featured in the Michelin Guide, the establishment has earned a strong reputation for its locally sourced produce, nestled within an organic farm setting.

One diner raved about their visit, saying: “This is an absolutely outstanding restaurant. Fabulous adventurous food. I had venison, and it was absolutely delicious. Great service and a sensible price. Wonderful.” Another customer added: “Cannot recommend this place highly enough, from first entering until leaving, we were dealt with by such warm and special staff. The food is beyond excellent, the tasting menu we had was just flavour overload, the dishes were minimal, but I always say, “Good food always fills you up, this is no exception. Every dish was absolutely stunning.”

The stunning cathedral has been at the heart of Christianity in the north of the country since the 7th century

From the towering Big Ben to Birmingham’s Mailbox, England boasts a wealth of iconic structures. However, new research from Angi has crowned York Minster as the most beautiful building in England.

York Minster has been a cornerstone of northern Christianity since the 7th century.

Its breathtaking stained glass windows and intricate architecture draw tourists from every corner of the globe.

The Minster’s Rose Window is renowned worldwide, crafted in 1515 by Master Glazier Robert Petty.

The panels showcase alternating Lancaster red roses and Tudor red and white roses, commemorating the union of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York, reports the Express.

One awestruck tourist penned on Tripadvisor: “Must see cathedral in York, not religious visitors but this building is simply outstanding.”

Another echoed: “Although we aren’t religious, this is a must visit. The splendour and grace cannot fail to be appreciated.

“The majesty of the building alone is worth the entrance fee but there is so much more than that.”

A visitor chimed in: “Spectacular! Truly stunning, never appreciated the history of York before, incredible place to visit!”

In 1984, the renowned Minster was hit by a bolt of lightning, leaving townsfolk stunned as they watched the roof become consumed by flames.

Bob Littlewood, superintendent of the Works, recalled: “We suddenly heard this roar as the roof started to come down and we just had to run as the whole thing collapsed like a pack of chairs.”

The fire caused the glass in the cathedral’s world-renowned Rose Window to crack, but miraculously, the window remained intact.

Following the blaze, children’s TV show Blue Peter organised a competition for youngsters to design new bosses for the cathedral roof.

The victorious designs depicted Neil Armstrong’s inaugural steps on the moon and the 1982 recovery of Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose.

Visitors who arrive before January 5 will have the chance to experience York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival, which features 40 trees displayed throughout the cathedral.

These magnificent trees are individually themed and adorned by local businesses, schools, and charities.

Youngsters can try their hand at the Christmas Tree Trail, hunting for several intriguing features around the Cathedral.

The study sought out the most beautiful buildings in each country worldwide. The world’s most stunning building was named as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Paris’s iconic Notre Dame secured second place, while Turkey’s Blue Mosque made it into the top 10.

India’s Taj Mahal, Austria’s Schonbrunn Palace, and the Hungarian Parliament Building were among the top 12 structures.

In the USA, the most stunning structure is Biltmore in Asheville, an 8,000-acre estate constructed by George Vanderbilt.

Most beautiful buildings in the world.

1. Sagrada Familia
2. Notre Dame
3. Biltmore
4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center
5. Grand Central Terminal

Lacock village in Wiltshire is steeped in history and has been used as a filming location for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Wolf Hall, making visitors feel like they’re living in a period drama

A key filming spot for the BBC’s 1995 Pride and Prejudice adaptation, Lacock’s charming cottages and stunning countryside make visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into a period drama.

Its Wiltshire timber-framed buildings and magnificent cloisters have drawn numerous productions beyond Austen’s tale to its grounds. Lacock’s famous medieval Cloister, dating back to around 1450, also houses a verdant Cloister Garth. This striking architectural feature appeared in countless Downton Abbey scenes, and doubled as sections of the castle in the original Harry Potter films. It also featured in the BBC’s Wolf Hall adaptation. One TripAdvisor reviewer awarded the destination five stars, saying: “An absolute must if you are in the area! A beautiful village, which you can visit by parking just across the road in the National Trust car park.

“The village is a pleasure to walk around, totally untouched throughout history and is quintessentially English! From the rows of tiny cottages, the church, the tiny bakery, the village pub and a hotel, it has everything and all these are open and running. We stayed for a couple of hours and then had a wander around the Abbey which is also impressive.”, reports Gloucestershire Live. Another reviewer described the village as “frozen in time”, with Explore the Cotswolds concurring that the location “looks a lot like it would have done 200 years ago.”

Lacock’s magnificent abbey began life as an Augustinian nunnery, shuttered during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. Subsequently, John Ivory Talbot constructed the mock-Gothic hall – both are now in the care of the National Trust and available for afternoon exploration. A stone’s throw away stands St Cyriac’s Church. Initially believed to be a Saxon worship site, it later became Norman-controlled. The Church was erected near the close of the 11th century by Edward of Salisbury and William of Eu. The dedication to St Cyriac honours a beloved Norman saint.

The church houses numerous later memorials to the Baynards, Bonhams, Crokes, Sharingtons, Talbots and Awdreys. Yet for Harry Potter enthusiasts, the cloisters steal the show. For one devotee, exploring the cloisters topped her agenda upon arriving in Britain. She wrote: “Harry Potter fans NEED to do this! We’re from Canada. As soon as we landed in London, this was the very first thing we did. We did the Harry Potter Tour of London for Private Groups by Black Taxi. “Our guide was Richard and we can’t say enough good things about him! He was absolutely incredible! Ask him how he knows so much about this…such an interesting person, so knowledgeable and passionate about it all.”