South West Independent Paradise Bucking the High Street Closure Trend Saturday, May 24, 2025 bridport independents highstreet market dorset community heritage retail smallbusiness ropemaking “If you can’t get it in Bridport, then you probably don’t need it,” says Ian Bark with a smile as he guides us through this beloved Dorset market town where he once served as mayor. While many UK high … Read More
Our Towns Are Being Overtaken by an Amorphous Blandness That Has Neither Character Nor Soul Friday, May 23, 2025 towns development heritage community housing market westcountry planning identity decline Nearly 25 years ago, I wrote about the bustling life of West Country market towns—places alive with farmers, artisans, and vibrant communities. I traveled through more than 40 towns in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall, … Read More
Somerset Heritage Venues Including Saxon Longhall Now Available for Unique Weddings Friday, May 23, 2025 somerset weddings heritage saxon longhall abbeybarn celebrant glastonbury medieval ceremony Couples seeking a unique wedding experience can now choose from stunning heritage venues in Somerset, including the remarkable Saxon Longhall. The South West Heritage Trust is offering celebrant-led weddings at Avalon … Read More
Historic Uphill Grange to be Transformed into Luxury Residences Wednesday, May 21, 2025 uphillgrange westonsupermare restoration heritage architecture development planning apartments conservation housing Uphill Grange, an elegant mansion perched on the edge of Weston-super-Mare, is on the verge of a stunning revival. Originally constructed in 1790 and formerly known as Macready House, the building has witnessed a rich … Read More
Haunting Images Reveal Former Orphanage's Transformation into Luxury Apartments Wednesday, May 21, 2025 orphanage restoration heritage apartments luxury gradeii architecture preservation transformation historic Once a place of refuge and care, the former orphanage—the Grade II listed building—had long fallen into disrepair, its walls echoing stories of the past. Now, haunting images capture its dramatic transformation as it is being … Read More
'Fastest' Steam Locomotive No. 60163 Tornado Returns to Somerset This Summer Tuesday, May 20, 2025 steam locomotive tornado somerset railway tourism heritage overhaul railtours brgreen This summer, steam enthusiasts and travelers across Somerset can look forward to the return of one of Britain’s most celebrated steam locomotives. No. 60163 Tornado, known as the fastest steam engine to run since the 1960s, … Read More