overlooked

This medieval abbey boasts spectacular 13th-century stone carvings of knights and saints, but many tourists miss this national monument in favour of the Rock of Cashel

While the Rock of Cashel looms majestically over Tipperary, attracting history lovers from far and wide, few realise an equally captivating ruin awaits discovery in a neighbouring county.

Stretching back to the 12th century, this monastic ruin in Kilkenny is truly remarkable. A classic mediaeval Cistercian abbey in Ireland, Jerpoint Abbey deserves far more attention than it receives, offering a compelling glimpse into the nation’s heritage through its stunning sculptures.

Jerpoint’s reputation stems from its collection of stone carvings, scattered throughout the monastery grounds. These artistic treasures date back to the 13th century, depicting knights, mensa tombs, and various other memorials.

Today, the ruins hold official national monument status and have been under the stewardship of the Office of Public Works since 1880. Their efforts to preserve the structure and enable visitors to immerse themselves in this slice of Irish history are clearly appreciated by those who make the journey.

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One visitor recounted their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “Visited here today and was so impressed with the history of the Abbey. The staff were extremely helpful in explaining the carvings and building styles and helping us to visualise the time period of that time. Highly recommend.”

The Monastery

For architecture aficionados, Jerpoint Abbey is an essential destination, as it’s believed to showcase the evolution from Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles – incorporating elements of both.

While the tower and cloister originate from the 15th century, the church itself was constructed during the 12th century.

A standout feature of these stunning ruins is the 15th-century cloister arcade, which boasts numerous stone carvings. The stonework depicts saints, creatures and religious personalities, including one portrayal of St Anthony with a pig beneath him.

The remarkably preserved medieval artistry extends beyond this, however. The south wall contains a cupboard alongside a collection of traditional stone seating adorned with chevron patterns.

What previously served as administrative chambers on the east range now functions as an exhibition space displaying various stone sculptures.

Perhaps the most captivating feature on site, though, are the tombs located in the abbey’s northern section, crafted by the renowned O’Tunneys of Callan.

When exploring Jerpoint, numerous visitors choose the guided tour option, which they’ve praised for helping to “bring the Abbey to life”, with countless glowing five-star reviews for the experience. Many have characterised their tours as “brilliant”, whilst others describe them as “informative” and suggest taking one to fully appreciate the historical context and understand precisely what you’re observing.

Access

During winter months, Jerpoint Abbey closes its doors but is scheduled to welcome visitors again in March. Once reopened, there’s a modest admission charge.

At present, adults pay €5.00, youngsters €3.00, senior citizens €4.00, and a complete family ticket costs €13.00.

The site offers on-site parking, secure bicycle storage, and has been designed to be fully wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for pushchairs too.

At the adjacent visitor centre, youngsters can pick up a treasure hunt activity that enables them to investigate the ruins and uncover all the creatures and saints hidden within its ancient walls.

To locate this captivating destination, you’ll need to head 2.5km south west of Thomastown. It’s positioned just off the R448 and can be found by following signposts for Thomastown.

Nearby history

If that’s insufficient to satisfy your curiosity, there’s additional history to absorb in the vicinity, with Grennan Castle practically on the doorstep.

In Thomastown, Kilkenny, stands this 12th-century castle positioned along the River Nore’s banks, and whilst it doesn’t provide as much detailed information, it certainly makes for an intriguing additional site to explore.

One visitor commented: “Plenty of parking, hardly anyone visits, many picnic tables and an excellent view, as we cannot get enough of old stuff, especially castles. The attraction is not life-changing, however, it is worth a visit.”

A historic village in Yorkshire has been used to film Happy Valley and other BBC productions, and visitors say it’s like stepping back in time.

Perched atop a hill in the British countryside just beyond Hebden Bridge, with a population barely exceeding 1,500 souls, Heptonstall demonstrates that when it comes to allure, size is irrelevant. This “beautiful little village” ranks amongst Yorkshire’s most historic settlements, “beguiling the visitor with its quiet charm,” according to Visit Calderdale.

Those who’ve visited recently describe it as an enchanting spot, comparable to “stepping back in time”. They’ve also praised its cobblestone lanes, handful of pubs, a tea room, and a pair of churches – one featuring the remains of St Thomas à Becket.

Visit Calderdale stated: “Surrounded by breathtaking countryside, Hebden Bridge has been voted as the ‘fourth funkiest town in the world’, best small market town in the UK and ‘the greatest town in Europe’. Heptonstall is one of the most historic villages in Yorkshire, beguiling the visitor with its quiet charm.”

Heptonstall has built a following thanks to its appearances in the BAFTA-winning BBC thriller series Happy Valley, The Gallows Pole on the BBC, and Peterloo.

Key filming locations within the village featured The White Lion, Heptonstall Museum, the Church of St Thomas à Becket, and St Thomas the Apostle, reports the Express.

Heptonstall is also recognised as the final resting place of celebrated American poet Sylvia Plath. She lies buried in the newer St Thomas à Becket churchyard.

Famous for her novel The Bell Jar, Sylvia died on 11 February 1963, aged just 30. Visitors to Heptonstall have been left captivated by the charming village, insisting it’s a destination that won’t disappoint.

Howlo shared: “A truly quaint and beautiful village, it’s like going back in time, and I am told it’s used for many period television series. I can see why. I loved it and would certainly visit again.”

Ted S concurred: “Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall are both lovely places to visit. Heptonstall is like stepping back in time.”

Hazwel R said: “There are not enough stars to rate this place. It is so much more than excellent. The most beautiful, tranquil village. Amazing scenery, the locals are so friendly and welcoming, Heptonstall is truly an amazing place to visit. Come just for the views alone, you will never be disappointed.”

Julian140 commented: “Nice bracing walk up there whichever way you go [to the village]. Rewarded with a virtually unspoilt old-world village.”

Joetravels2014 noted: “A village that is often overlooked by tourists. It’s a place to see if you have time, lovely and charming.”

Lynne M added: “The historic village is like turning back time. It is situated high up on a hill overlooking the old industrial town of Hebden Bridge. We parked on the outskirts and wandered around the very quiet streets, marvelling at the historic buildings and the narrow cobbled streets. We came across historic church ruins and old graveyards with masses of stone headstones embedded in the ground. It was fascinating.”

Susan Olivia L penned: “This place is amazing! Feels like you’re on the set of a Harry Potter movie – spectacular old ruin, really worth the hike up the (very steep and long) hill!”

User Gypfin said: “The best village in Yorkshire due to the fact it’s still quiet and unspoilt. It’s a tranquil, hidden gem with two good pubs, fantastic views, architecture and people. I highly recommend you visit; there is always a warm welcome.”

A NEW Eden Project attraction is opening in a seaside town – although the latest plans show a much smaller one that previously announced.

Eden Project Morecambe in Lancaster is set to cost £100million and include two shell-shaped domes with gardens inspired by the coast.

In the most recent plans, the proposal for Eden Project Morecambe has been updated and submitted to Lancaster City Council.

The changes to the new attraction came after both residents and councilors raised concerns over the impact it would have on some of the nearby landmarks such as the Midland Hotel and Winter Gardens venue, as well as the rising costs.

Plans originally approved in 2022 included four domes, but now the plan includes only two domes which will be called Realm of the Sun and Realm of the Moon.

The Eden Project previously said that the Realm of the Sun will be “a bright, tropical landscape of the near future where humans have discovered how to heal and re-engage with the broken rhythms of the natural world around them”.

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The Realm of the Sun is planned to adapt to both the hot and cold seasons too.

Plans also revealed that in the Realm of the Sun, there will be vertical plants, hanging mini gardens, a multi-sensory area, a cascading waterfall, a 20-metre Elder Tree sculpture and a ‘Town Square’, but it is unclear how much of this will now go ahead.

As for the Realm of the Moon – it will be a darker space, with a “hyper-real rock pool” that has sped-up cycles of tides.

The two domes will then be connected by an area called Metronome, where visitors will be able to purchase tickets from.

Changes to the plans also mean there will be more outside areas with coastal plants and links to animals and human life.

According to the BBC, the report states: “The proposal continues to be a major new mixed-use attraction in Morecambe.

“It will combine a range of indoor and outdoor experiences, all based on connecting people with Morecambe Bay.

“The applicant has also engaged with other organisations particularly in relation to ecology, cultural heritage and transport.”

The first phase that will be built is a community space spanning 1.5 acres and called Bring Me Sunshine.

The space will be inspired by the landscape and seaside.

In addition, there will be a 750-capacity Tidal Theatre, 300-capacity restaurant and a shop.

To prevent flood damage, the revised plans include a new landscaped garden and sea defence area, that will wrap around the attraction by the beach and feature raised walkways.

The full attraction is expected to open to the public in 2028, after being pushed back from 2026.

Once the attraction does open, visitors will be able to interact with different exhibits including living structures, participate in storytelling sessions and try out workshops.

In total, eight concerts or events are planned for Eden Project Morecambe each summer, set to each attract 6,000 people.

The new attraction will be sat right by the beach on the former site of the Bubbles Leisure complex.

Original plans included three outdoor gardens, named All Seasons Garden, the Bring Me Sunshine Garden and the Rhythm Gardens.

And it isn’t the only new Eden Project site set to open in the UK – there are also plans to open an Eden Project in Dundee.

In the meantime, Morecambe itself is a pretty seaside town to explore and it is often overlooked.

It is known for having a five-mile bay with pretty sunsets over the Lakeland Fells.

If you visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, make sure to check out Festival Market – it features over 70 stalls selling local goods, food and gifts.

In other attraction news, inside the new UK Pixar experience that’s the world’s biggest – it felt like being a kid stepping into Toy Story & Monsters Inc.

Plus, there’s a new one-of-kind attraction at UK’s Warner Bros Studio, which is perfect for Harry Potter nerds.

DID you know the world’s ‘diamond capital’ is just a train ride away from the UK?

The unlikely city of Antwerp is becoming the new capital of cool and not just because of its gemstone claim to fame.

Often overlooked by its Belgium counterparts of Brussels and Bruge, Antwerp has more than 500 years for diamond trading history.

Currently handling around 80 per cent of the world’s rough diamonds, the diamond district itself has become a popular tourist spot with cafes and bars.

Yet the city is fast becoming the hot new weekend break destination.

Last year, Time Out named the neighbourhood of Borgerhout the second the coolest in the world.

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For attractions, there is Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), with live DJs and cocktail bars in summer, or the MoMu Fashion Museum.

Want to catch a show? The Quartier Latin is nicknamed the Theatre neighbourhood due to the sheer number of theatres and opera houses there are.

Make sure to get some famous frites as well as the famous Bolleke beer.

Or, go a bit higher class to one of the 16 Michelin-starred restaurants scattered throughout the city.

In the summer, head to Sint-Anneke beach on the river.

For one of the most unique stays, there is the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, in a former monastery and the city’s first five tar hotel.

Or there is August, just as beautiful and built in a former convent.

There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Antwerp – but instead can take the Eurostar via Brussels, taking just over three hours.

It’s worth the journey simply to go to Antwerp Centraal Station, which dates back to 1873.

The Sun’s Harry Corton recently visited the city.

He said: “Antwerp is a culture slap in the face with all the trappings of Amsterdam (yes, even a red light district!) but none of the tourist-trampled thoroughfares.

“A visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady, is essential. Take in the enormous marble turrets, ancient clock faces and magnificent stained-glass windows.

“Belgian beer culture is recognised by UNESCO as one of the great human wonders of the world and there are tons of places to sample the dizzying local delights.

“The best is Bier Central (De Keyserlei 25), where the 120-page ‘Beer Cyclodpedia’ offers over 100 different concoctions.”

Here are some of the cheapest places to fly to this year.

And here is how to spend the weekend in Europe’s cheapest city.

This charming village in the South Pennines near the Peak District is ideal for walkers and cyclists to explore stunning landscapes and historic tunnel

Nestled beside the River Colne in the South Pennines, right on the edge of the Peak District, sits this delightful town – an ideal getaway for ramblers and cycling enthusiasts.

Visitors heading to the Yorkshire Moors or Peak District frequently bypass the village of Marsden, yet it serves as an excellent base for exploration. Boasting scenic countryside walks and numerous spots to take a breather or enjoy a refreshing pint, it occupies a prime position, with fascinating landmarks practically on the doorstep.

Among the attractions drawing travellers is the stunning Marsden Moor, which stretches across more than 5,000 acres of National Trust-protected countryside. A local shared their thoughts about regular visits to the moor on TripAdvisor.

They said: “I’m lucky enough to live in Marsden, so I’m on the moors pretty much every week with the dogs or the local running club I run for.

“There are stunning walks, trails, waterfalls and plenty of reservoirs, and plenty of tracks to walk and run on. It’s never really busy, as it’s such a big area.”

Another walker shared: “Walk on the wild side. This is a beautiful and very lonely part of the countryside not far from our home. We regularly walk the dog and enjoy some quiet time up here.

“Winderness, well not quite, but you might not meet many people up here. Beautiful.”

Numerous walkers opt for the stunning Stanza Stones Trail, a 47-mile long-distance path connecting Marsden to Ilkley whilst weaving local landmarks throughout the journey.

The trek features six poems carved into stone, all penned by the locally acclaimed Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

Yet what truly remains a precious jewel of this village is the Standedge Tunnel, which dates from 1794.

It stands magnificently as Britain’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel – a remarkable example of Georgian engineering prowess. The complete construction of this exceptional structure required 17 years in total and reached completion in 1811.

Its importance also lies in the fact it was created entirely through hand-blasting methods, cutting through solid rock without any towpath. It sits 683 feet below ground level, positioned 196 metres above sea level, and continues to hold British records in 2026.

Following your stroll, you can return to the village heart, where numerous pubs await your arrival. TripAdvisor visitors have rated Riverhead Brewery Tap as the locality’s premier dining and drinking establishment, with one patron describing their experience as “simply superb”.

Another commented: “Outstanding pub the service and beer were exceptional. Anyone coming to Marsden needs to go to the Riverhead; their choice of beer is amazing, and it’s brewed on site as well.”

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