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![Henry II', 1935. Henry II, King of England, circa 1860. Henry II (1133-89), the first Plantagenet king of England, ruled from 1154. From Kings & Queens of England - A Series of 50. [John Player & Sons, London, 1935] Artist Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uzWTXTSVJ7fZVeKtDmx8fk-230-80.jpg)
Dover Castle, Kent: England's strongest castleJack Watkins looks at the story and impact of The Great Tower at Dover Castle, the imposing creation of Henry II that still stands strong almost 900 years later.
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The extraordinary tale of Hadrian's Wall: 'Men have been deified for trifles compared with this admirable structure'What once kept out hordes of bloodthirsty warriors is, nearly 2,000 years later, barely proof against the most timid of sheep. But if Hadrian’s Wall is now low on stature, it remains high on atmosphere, says Harry Pearson.
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Colchester, Essex: The purpose-built capital city of Roman BritainClive Aslet considers the town that was one of Roman Britain's greatest cities — and even, for a while, its capital: Colchester.
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St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall: The monastery that became a castle that became a homeFew spots on the coast of Britain are as romantic and storied as St Michael's Mount in Cornwall.
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The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: Thomas Telford's 'ribbon of water in the sky'The magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the great testaments to Industrial Revolution ingenuity — and as beautiful as it is impressive. Jack Watkins takes a look.
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Maiden Castle, Dorset: An ancient hill fort the size of 50 football pitchesThe mysterious and ancient Maiden Castle occupies a vast site in Dorset. Clive Aslet takes a look.
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Stonehenge, Wilthsire: 'One of the wonders not only of this country, but of the world'Our Grand Tour of Britain alights at what is arguably the world's most famous prehistoric site: Stonehenge, in Wiltshire.
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The Uffington White Horse, OxfordshireThousands of years ago, ancient Britons created a vast and spectacular stylised portrayal of a horse in the hills of the North Wessex Downs. Surely they could scarcely have dreamed that The Uffington White Horse would still be intriguing visitors to this day.
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The Fortingall Yew, the Scottish tree which was already 3,000 years old when Christ was bornYews are well known for their longevity, but few — if any — can top the 5,000-year-old Fortingall Yew.
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The Giant's CausewayThe Giant's Causeway is a geological marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an unmissable stop for anyone heading to Northern Ireland.
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Country Life 4 January 2023Country Life 4 January 2023 looks at wonderful things to do for free around Britain.
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Thornbury Castle: A castle-turned-hotel where you can sleep in the room that Anne Boleyn shared with Henry VIIIA few miles from Bristol lies Thornbury Castle, a creation that's been a beautiful place to stay for half a millennium — though the guests today are tourists rather than the Tudor royal household.
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'This is how riding holidays should be': Across Dartmoor by horse, with Mary KingThose people who say 'never meet your heroes' have clearly never run into Mary King, says Octavia Pollock, as she heads off on a horseback trail with the equestrian and Olympian.
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Bovey Castle: A grand stately pile in Devon that's fit for the whole familyOn a trip to the south-west Heather Clark checks into one of Bovey Castle's self-catering lodges .
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The breathtaking Welsh quarries which are 'a treasure trove of mystery, human endeavour and struggle'Silenced Welsh quarries evoke a vanishing world for Fiona Reynolds, as she goes walking through Snowdonia.
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A walk from Glastonbury Tor to Wells CathedralGlastonbury Tor and Wells Cathedral have long gazed at each other across the historic Somerset Levels.
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Wild swimming in Scotland: Where to swim — and stay — in the CairngormsNautical nomad James Aiken rounds up his favourite swim spots in the Scottish Cairngorms and beyond and the best hotels to warm up in afterwards.
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Country Life 10 August 2022Country Life 10 August 2022 looks at weathervanes, Tutankhamun and the plight of local churches.
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How to get a touch of country life in London in the summer, from treehouse hotel to outdoor pools and al fresco diningFrom swim spots and pick-you-own sunflowers farms to hotels with unbeatable views, Rosie Paterson tells you how to make the most of London while the sun is still shining and where to stay
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Hillside Hangouts review: Finding a happy place in the CotswoldsIn the hills outside one of the most beautiful villages in the north Cotswolds lie the Hillside Hangouts on the Farncombe Estate in Worcestershire, an attempt to provide a self-catering break that is all things to all people. Toby Keel paid a visit to see if they've succeeded.
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Country Life 6 July 2022Country Life 6 July 2022 looks at the islands of Britain, kittiwakes, growing hazelnuts and the Cornish artisan who hand-crafts surfboards from wood.
![Henry II', 1935. Henry II, King of England, circa 1860. Henry II (1133-89), the first Plantagenet king of England, ruled from 1154. From Kings & Queens of England - A Series of 50. [John Player & Sons, London, 1935] Artist Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uzWTXTSVJ7fZVeKtDmx8fk-800-80.jpg.webp)
