As Christmas Day draws near we have been out to see the lavish and imaginative decorations currently transforming the rooms of our nearest National Trust properties, Charlecote House and Baddesley Clinton Manor, Warwickshire. Of all National Trust houses Baddesley Clinton is my favourite: it’s the one I can imagine living in – or the placeContinue reading “Christmas 2025 – Festive Decorations at Our Local Warwickshire National Trust Properties”
Category Archives: places I love
Sea, Beach, and Sky on the North Cornish Coast
Today I return to the subject of the sea. I was there a few weeks ago, and how one can long for the sea, especially living in the middle of the UK as I now do! This area of Warwickshire has many joys – close to major historic sites such as Kenilworth Castle, and areasContinue reading “Sea, Beach, and Sky on the North Cornish Coast”
Remembering a Visit to Dennis Severs’ House, Spitalfields, London
New Book Out Soon! Paranormal Gloucestershire by SC Skillman
Today, I’m delighted to share news that my next nonfiction book will be released by Amberley on 15th September 2025. ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ explores a county rich in beauty, history, and a high level of spiritual, mysterious, and paranormal activity. With a profusion of haunted inns, castles, houses and landscape features, the presence of the pastContinue reading “New Book Out Soon! Paranormal Gloucestershire by SC Skillman”
Feast of Colour and Sensory Delight at Tulleys Tulip Garden
Here are a few photos from our visit to Tulleys Tulip Garden at Hatton Country World, Warwickshire, a few days ago. Complete with a Dutch windmill and delicious Dutch mini pancakes (poffertjes) we enjoyed our experience without travelling to Holland! I can also attest to the fact that the 10 tulip stems I bought from theContinue reading “Feast of Colour and Sensory Delight at Tulleys Tulip Garden”
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire: reblog
New book on the way: Paranormal Gloucestershire
I’m pleased to announce that I’ve just signed a contract to write a fourth book for Amberley which is Paranormal Gloucestershire. I’ve already begun visiting some of the fascinating locations in Gloucestershire which have a rich history and are surrounded by many curious tales. These include some of the locations shown above: Woodchester Mansion, TewkesburyContinue reading “New book on the way: Paranormal Gloucestershire”
Author Research – Gems in Paranormal Gloucestershire
Author research in Gloucestershire for me means a photography trip as well, in order to gather the best images to go with my stories. This is for my forthcoming nonfiction book ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire‘ which is to be published by Amberley and which I will deliver to the publishers before October 2024, for publication in 2025.Continue reading “Author Research – Gems in Paranormal Gloucestershire”
A Visit to the Newly-Reopened Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick December 2023
Lord Leycester Hospital is one of the town of Warwick‘s great medieval treasures, formerly a home for the Brethren (injured military heroes of Queen Elizabeth I‘s wars), and the pride and joy of Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of Leycester, from 1571, the time when he first took it over to please Elizabeth. It is nowContinue reading “A Visit to the Newly-Reopened Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick December 2023”
A Visit to Denis Severs’ House, Spitalfields, East London
We recently visited Dennis’ Severs’ House at 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields. This was a revelation to me, and I’ve discovered new things since my visit, about Dennis himself, his life, the creation of the interiors in the House, and the life of the Spitalfields community around him, which make the visit an even more poignantContinue reading “A Visit to Denis Severs’ House, Spitalfields, East London”
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