Medieval

This village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the North East, drawing in visitors who flock to soak in its historic charm and stunning natural setting

Just an hour’s drive from Newcastle, you’ll find yourself in the enchanting village of Blanchland, built entirely from historic stone.

Nestled beneath a “woodland cloak in a fairytale setting,” as Visit Northumberland puts it, lies the idyllic village of Blanchland. Perched on the border of County Durham, in Northumberland, this area is hailed as one of the Northeast’s most stunning spots.

The village itself is constructed from the stones of the 1165 Blanchland Abbey, and its rich history resonates through the walls of its buildings. They line the cobbled streets, home to a variety of traditional cafes, bakeries and shops, with nary a sign of modernity in sight.

Blanchland is encircled by fells, offering awe-inspiring views due to its close proximity to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, what lures many visitors is its historic abbey, founded by Walter de Bolbec and once visited by the illustrious Edward III.

A TripAdvisor review reads: “It’s right in the centre of the medieval village of Blanchland; no entry costs, just go in and peruse at your leisure. It really is a lovely old abbey; nearby tea rooms and gift shops make it well worth a visit.”

Another visitor described the site as “simply lovely”, saying: “Whenever we are in the area, we love to drive to Blanchland to stroll in the attractive stone village and look at this lovely church. The church was once part of a much bigger abbey, and it is perhaps worth considering the general history.”

Despite having just 135 residents according to the 2011 census, the village attracts tourists from across the country, eager to soak up its picturesque atmosphere. Many head straight to the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel, one of Britain’s most historic inns, with roots stretching back to the 12th century.

The pub boasts traditional character throughout, featuring rustic wooden beams, stone walls and crackling open fires. One recent guest said: “After a few days touring round Northumberland we saved the best hotel till last, and it did not disappoint.”

Another raved: “We just loved everything about this hotel. The fabulous location, the glorious building, the gorgeous room, the lovely bar, the friendly and helpful staff – brilliant.”

Set amidst breathtaking countryside, Blanchland offers several popular walking trails perfect for discovering the landscape and taking in the sweeping moorland. For a gentler option, try the Blanchland and Shildon loop at roughly 5.6km, or tackle the 8km route from Blanchland to Edmundbyers, which features diverse terrain and spectacular North Pennines vistas.

There is a catalogue of Christmas markets dotted across Europe for a festive getaway, with one transforming the city into a magical winter wonderland just a few hours away.

With Christmas just a month away, many of us are turning our attention to celebrating the festivities, and what better way than a stroll around a European market with a warming cup of spiced mulled wine.

One particular Christmas market, set against a backdrop of fairytale charm and medieval architecture, is merely hours away from the UK.

Bruges Christmas market is one of the most notable in Belgium, if not Europe, as the city transforms into a spectacular scene with Christmas trees, colourful fairy lights and charming wooden chalets.

The celebrations, also known as the “Winter Glow”, also welcome its glittering ice skating rink and a mesmerising light experience trail through the city.

Nestled in the heart of the city centre, the Christmas market will span over two locations, each area offering its own festive ambience.

In Grote Markt, you’ll find traditional wooden chalets adorned with gift inspiration, from handcrafted ornaments to Belgian chocolates, as well as an ice rink for gliding among the enchanting backdrop.

Another part of the Christmas market, albeit a little smaller, is in Simon Stevinplein, with a focus on “short-chain and craft products”.

Nearby, you’ll find cobbled streets with cosy cafés, where you can experience the scent of local chocolatiers while taking in the Gothic architecture of this well-preserved city.

You certainly won’t go hungry at the Christmas market with Belgian treats like fresh waffles and cheeses on offer, or a spiced mulled wine or traditional beer at the “IJsgloed” Winter Bar that overlooks the ice skating rink.

The bar is adorned with lights, decorations, wooden barstools, and barrels, creating a snug haven to soak up the festive scenes.

During a trip, you can also wander along the 3.5km light trail through the historic city to admire 10 fascinating light installations set within unsuspecting venues.

While Bruges is small, the intimate atmosphere and magical setting of “Winter Glow” that envelops the city, from November 21 to January 4, make it one of the most charming in Europe.

Furthermore, you can climb the 366 steps of the iconic 83-meter-high Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge) and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

You can also take a brisk walk along its winding canals through the city, often dubbed the “Venice of the North”, or wander through Minnewaterpark with its tranquil lake and serene surroundings.

What’s more, you can catch the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi/Zuid in under two hours, before a quick hour train to Bruges, making it super easy for a winter getaway.

Or why not extend your trip and experience both Belgian cities for a festive trip like no other?

Ludlow is a beautiful market town in Shropshire, which has everything you could want, from regular food festivals to historic sites and stunning countryside walks

Those seeking a peaceful escape from Britain’s bustling cities should consider Ludlow, a picturesque market town in Shropshire that offers everything from regular food festivals to historic landmarks and breathtaking countryside walks. Whilst sometimes overshadowed by neighbouring Shrewsbury and Hereford, Ludlow remains an essential destination for anyone visiting the region.

From its medieval castle and museums to restaurants housed in ancient halls and pubs within 16th-century buildings, Ludlow’s rich heritage is proudly showcased throughout. The castle dates back to the Norman Conquest and ranks among the “finest medieval ruins” in Britain, according to the Ludlow Castle website.

Given its location near Wales, Ludlow Castle served a crucial function during the English-Welsh conflicts. In 1223, King Henry III and Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth held peace negotiations at the fortress.

Throughout history, Ludlow Castle has housed many prominent personalities, including Roger Mortimer, who joined forces with Queen Isabella to depose her husband, Edward II, in 1327.

During the 15th century, Edward IV frequently visited Ludlow and established a governing council there to oversee his Welsh territories.

Edward IV also dispatched his sons, the future King Edward V and his brother Prince Richard, to reside at the castle. The brothers would subsequently become infamous as the Princes in the Tower, after they vanished from the Tower of London in 1483, reports the Express.

Ludlow Castle also holds profound historical significance as the place where Prince Arthur died in 1502, a tragedy that ultimately paved the way for his younger brother to ascend the throne as King Henry VIII.

Since the Civil War, Ludlow Castle has gradually crumbled into ruins, though much of its impressive exterior remains intact, making it well worth exploring.

Another must-see attraction is St Laurence’s Church, which, like the castle, traces its origins back to the Norman invasion. As Shropshire’s largest parish church, St Laurence’s has earned the nickname “Cathedral of the Marches”.

Those seeking outdoor relaxation can visit Ludlow Millennium Green or enjoy a walk along the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance footpath stretching from Ludlow to Kington on the Herefordshire-Wales border.

No trip to Ludlow would be complete without stopping at the renowned Ludlow Farm Shop, which promises a “one-of-a-kind” shopping experience, according to the town’s official website.

The town regularly plays host to Antique, Local Produce and Craft Markets. It’s worth checking the Ludlow Market website before your visit if you fancy attending any of these events.

As the festive season approaches, families will be delighted to learn that Santa will be taking up residence at Ludlow Castle from 6 to 23 December, giving children the chance to enjoy a magical encounter with Father Christmas in the castle’s stunning grotto.

A worker who was trapped after part of a medieval tower collapsed in the heart of Rome, has died, according to hospital officials.

Octay Stroici was pulled free at 23:00 local time (22:00 GMT), nearly twelve hours after a section of the Torre dei Conti, on the edge of the famous Roman Forum and close to the Colosseum, gave way and trapped him beneath.

His heart stopped in the ambulance, and doctors at the hospital he was rushed to were unable to save him.

The Romanian foreign ministry said Stroici was a Romanian national, as was another worker among three others pulled from the rubble. One is said to be in a critical condition.

Stroici’s rescue was initially described as an exceptional feat by firefighters who had worked late into the night. Rescue teams used drones and rubble clearers to try to reach him, despite the risk that the fragile tower could collapse further.

He had been conscious and talking to the emergency workers throughout the rescue. His wife was also at the scene.

Stroici had been carrying out conservation work on the medieval tower which is part of the Roman Forum, one of this city’s busiest tourist sites. But this particular building had been empty and abandoned for many years.

The Rome Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident.

Efforts to rescue Stroici – reported to be in his 60s – were interrupted when a second section of the 29m (90ft) high tower began crumbling again, with bricks raining down, creating a huge cloud of dust.

Earlier, Rome prefect Lamberto Giannini had described it as a “very complex situation”. Giannini said that after the initial collapse firefighters had “put up some protection” around the trapped man, so when the second collapse happened, “they obviously shielded him”.

He added that the rescue was a long operation due to having to “mitigate…the enormous risks faced by the people trying to carry out the rescue”.

One firefighter was taken to hospital with an eye problem, according to local media, but the rest were unharmed, eventually resuming their search for the man.

A police chief said there was no imminent danger that the tower will disintegrate.

“My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the person currently fighting for his life beneath the rubble, and to his family, for whom I sincerely hope that this tragedy finds a positive outcome,” wrote Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on X before the rescue was complete.

Another worker, 67-year-old Ottaviano, who was inside at the time of the collapse but escaped from a balcony uninjured, told the AFP news agency: “It was not safe. I just want to go home.”

Rome’s mayor and Italy’s culture minister visited the scene.

The 13th Century tower is part of the Roman Forum, a major tourist attraction in the centre of Rome, but it is separated from the main visitors’ area by a road. The streets all around have been taped off by police as a precaution.

The medieval tower was built by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his brother.

Video shows part of Rome’s medieval Torre dei Conti collapse for a second time during a restoration near the Colosseum. One seriously injured worker remained trapped Monday evening with firefighters continuing a high-risk rescue as the tower’s stability is assessed.