The England Blog

Welcome to the Essentially England Blog where we'll keep you up to date with Essentially England site news and serve up tasty bits of England info along the way.

Here you can find out:

  • When new pages are added to the site
  • Any tasty recipes, interesting news or special offers that I come across
  • Unusual, funny or downright quirky bits of England news

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Brixworth – A Northamptonshire Village Home to an Anglo-Saxon Marvel

All Saints' Church in Brixworth

Known for pate, coaching inns, a heritage trail, and its stunning Anglo-Saxon church, Brixworth is well worth a visit.

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Netherton Tunnel Canal Walk

Netherton Tunnel Branch View

Our Netherton Tunnel canal walk was part adventure, part exploration, and lots of quirky, Victorian era history.

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Novelty Teapots: Fabulous Gifts for Tea and England Lovers

Sherlock Holmes Teapot

Quirky and whimsical, novelty teapots make wonderful gifts that are useful and enjoyable for tea and England lovers alike..

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Famous English Gardens: A Visit to The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Palm House at Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are a must-see for London-visiting garden lovers!

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Sissinghurst Gardens: A Timeless Gem in the Heart of Kent

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

A peaceful oasis filled with exquisite blooms. Sissinghurst Gardens is more than an enjoyable day out in Kent. It’s a delight!

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Braunston: The Heartbeat of England’s Canal Era

Braunston High Street

Located at the junction of two canals, Braunston was once a thriving transport and trade hub. And much of that history remains to this day.

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Deals and Offers for Gifts, Holidays and Days Out in England

Merlin Afternoon offers

Find deals and offers for holidays, days out and things to do in England, as well as gifts and treats for England lovers.

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Norfolk Coastal Walks - Morston to Cley-next-the-Sea

Sunset at Blakeney Harbour

The 6th section of our Norfolk coastal walks takes us from Morston Quay to Cley-next-the-Sea... our favourite stretch of North Norfolk coast.

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Quainton - A Very "Quaint" Village in Buckinghamshire

View over Quainton whilst Climbing Mill Hill

Neither railway works nor electrict fences could spoil our Quainton exploration! The village is lovely and well-worth a visit. Plus, there's a railway museum.

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Norfolk Coastal Walks - Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells-next-the-Sea

The River Burn in Burnham Overy Staithe

The next leg of our Norfolk coastal walks - from Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells-next-the-Sea - made for a fabulous afternoon of sun, sand, and solitude.

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Our Wonderful Buckinghamshire Windmill Tour

View over Fingest Village in the Chiltern Hills

Sometimes, our ideas for days out go a little off the rails. That's how a walk around one windmill turned into our Buckinghamshire Windmill Tour!

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Apple Dumplings

Recipe Page Banner - Apples

Apple Dumplings must have been the original surprise pudding. And they still delight everyone presented with them for the first time.

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Apple Crumble: Warming Fare in the Depths of Winter

Apple Crumble by viennetta Getty Images canva.com

Hot from the oven, the scent of cinnamon filling the house, a freshly made apple crumble makes a fine pudding.

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Apple Crumble Cake: a quick and easy apple cake for teatime

Apple Crumble Cake by Angelike Heine Getty Images canva.com

Apple Crumble Cake: A quick and easy apple cake that's delicious for tea time

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Stoke Park Pavilions - Italianate Splendour in Northamptonshire

Stoke Park Pavilions

Stoke Park Pavilions blend Italiante splendour and lovely views with peace and tranquility. A gorgeous place that's well worth seeking out!

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Ascott House and Gardens

Sea of Daffodils Ascott Garden

For a wonderful day out try Ascott House and Gardens on the Buckinghamshire Bedfordshire border

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Walk

Cobstone Windmill

Love to explore film and TV locations while roaming the Chiltern Hills? Our Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Walk is the day out for you!

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Stowe Parkland Walk - Monument Hunting in Stowe Parkland

Spring Fed Pond at Start of Stowe Parkland Walk

Stowe Parkland Walk - Join us as we go Monument Hunting in Stowe Parkland!

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Oxburgh Hall

Oxburgh Hall

Moated and crenellated, Oxburgh Hall is an impressive sight. Treat yourself to a fabulous day out in Norfolk and explore one family's past fortunes.

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Sycamore Gap Walk

View from Steel Rigg Carpark

We took this Sycamore Gap walk in October 2022. While we've lost the tree, the walk itself has lost none of its grandeur and spectacular views.

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Exploring the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

St Aidan Statue on Lindisfarne

Exploring the Holy Island of Lindisfarne makes for a wonderful day out. Especially if you spend the hours during high tide on the island.

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Somerset – A King’s Last Refuge

The Pier at Weston-super-Mare

Explore Somerset, the county in the West Country where a king found refuge (and burnt cakes)

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Things to do in Norfolk

Blakeney Harbour

Things to do in Norfolk: walking, cycling, playing on the beach... and that's only the start of it!

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Welland Valley Viaduct Walk

Harringworth Market Cross

Welland Valley Viaduct walk: a lovely walk between two pretty villages, with a fabulous bit of industrial heritage in between.

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Wayland's Smithy Walk

View from Uffington White Horse to Dragon Hill

Our Wayland's Smithy Walk takes the Ridgeway from Dragon Hill to the Uffington White Horse and Uffington Castle to Wayland's Smithy.

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