Category: #50places2026

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Castle Drogo #50places2026

I had planned to visit Castle Drogo last week, but in the end decided not to, as I knew I was heading off to Oxford on Monday and needed time to do stuff at home. So, with the sun shining, I drove down the M5 to Castle Drogo.

Castle Drogo

Where dramatic architecture meets innovative family home. A 20th century castle overlooking the Teign Gorge.

Current saving £96.30
One adult £18.00
Parking £4.00
Total saving £22.00
Cumulative saving £214.30
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £118.30

This is for all intents and purposes a modern castle. Construction started in 1911 and though the family moved in, in 1926, it still wasn’t finished.

The castle was given to the National Trust in 1974, the first building constructed in the twentieth century that the Trust acquired.

It is one of those buildings that for me, is just doesn’t work. It feels like a fake castle, and that isn’t just because it is fake, but I think the way it was built using blocks of granite makes it look quite artificial. In some places it looks like concrete bunkers. I think the issue is that it is too neat and tidy, too new. Which isn’t surprising as it is less than a hundred years old. You can’t really compare this castle to, say Chirk Castle, which was built in 1295 and became a family home there hundred years later.

Inside the layout feels strange with varying staircases, rooms on different levels and feeling quite, I should say cosy, but actually what I want to say is claustrophobic.

Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed my visit to the castle, it was a great experience to explore the rooms, and it felt like most of the castle was open to visitors. I really enjoyed going through the kitchen and store rooms. I was equally impressed with the hydro electric that was installed, complete with batteries, a sustainable house well before its time.

The National Trust has many houses you can visit, this is one I did want to go and see, and all in all, it was an enjoyable trip.

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Brasenose College #50places2026

I have visited Oxford many times over the years. I also worked there for a couple of years (doing extreme commuting). Looking back, the last time I was in Oxford was in 2023. I had though in those visits never visited Brasenose College. It was founded in 1509. It is one of the many college that constitute the University of Oxford.

I was attending a conference there over two days and it certainly is a splendid building, and though I wasn’t able to explore I did enjoy walking around the various quads.

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Copenhagen #50places2026

Having enjoyed my (extreme) day trips to Venice and Madrid, it is probably no surprise that I booked anther one. This time I was off to Copenhagen.

I had first visited Denmark in the early 1970s, I remember visiting Legoland in Biilund, but don’t remember much else. Since then I went once more to Denmark, in July 2004, staying with family in the heart of Copenhagen for a few days.

The weather was fantastic, it was sun and blue skies, but was quite chilly.

I spent my time exploring the city. I enjoyed exploring the Kastellet as well as the royal palaces and gardens. There are lots of museums and palaces you could visit. Also Tivoli Gardens is also nice (well it was when I went there in 2004). 

There were lots of shops. Including at least three Lego stores including one at the airport. However more expensive than the UK. 

Lots of places for food and drink.  I had lunch in the huge department store which had great views from the 5th floor restaurant. I enjoyed my open sandwich and glass of wine. 

Fantastic day, lovely city. I certainly would go again.

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Science & Innovation Park #50places2026

When I heard about the Science & Innovation Park I knew that I wanted to visit. However, when I checked for tickets I saw that it was all sold out. So, I joined the mailing list to hear about when tickets would be released. In January I got the email, and even then the tickets looked like they were selling fast, so I booked myself in for a Friday early evening slot. They generally have two slots in the evening every weekday and four morning slots at weekends.

The Science & Innovation Park is part of the Science Museum group, which includes the famous Science Museum in Kensington in London, and the National Railway Museum in York.

The Science & Innovation Park is in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside on the former RAF base at Wroughton. There are numerous buildings on the site, I was going to visit the Hawking Building.

At the Hawking Building we care for hundreds of thousands of objects in the Science Museum Group Collection. In 2018, we embarked on an ambitious project to create this new purpose-built facility, transform how we care for museum objects and enable people to explore much more of the Collection than ever before. More than 300,000 historic objects have now been carefully moved to this sector-leading facility, bringing together these historic objects under one roof for the first time for conservation, study and public access.

I joined a group of fifteen for a guided tour of the collection. Obviously we weren’t going to see everything in the building, but we did see a lot.

Tickets were £25 which for a 90 minute tour seemed a little on the expensive side, however I do think it was worth it. So, much so, I would probably go again another time.

I was pleased to have reached my fifty places in 2025 for my #50places2025 series of blog posts. This year I am planning to do something similar with a new hashtag, #50places2026 and it will be the same rules. Each time I visit a place I will post a blog post and some photographs. I can’t repeat places, and in an extra twist I can’t use the fifty places I visited in 2025 in the list as well (though I anticipate visiting some of those places again).

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Palacio Real de Madrid #50places2026

I was spending the day in Madrid and I headed over to the Palacio Real de Madrid. I didn’t have a ticket, so wasn’t expecting to be able to visit the palace. Earlier in the week I had looked over the Palacio Real de Madrid website and it looked like they had sold out of tickets. 

When I was actually at the Palacio Real de Madrid they did have tickets available and there was no queue. It was late in the day, so I didn’t have a huge amount of time to explore the palace, but I was okay with that.

Walking into the palace I was impressed with the splendour of the place. The entrance hall was imposing and dramatic.

I really enjoyed walking through the state rooms. The ceiling paintings were incredible. It was a great place to see and visit.

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Madrid #50places2026

Having really enjoyed my (mad) day trip to Venice, it’s no surprise that I had another planned another (extreme) day trip. This time the destination was Madrid, the capital of Spain.

I have been to Spain a few times over the last ten years for holidays, but this was my first visit to the Madrid.

It’s a two hour flight from Bristol and I arrived at lunchtime. It took a while to get through the EES and passport control, and then there was a bit of a hike to get to the Metro station, but I got there in the end. It was very easy to get a tourist travel ticket for all day unlimited travel for just €10.30.

I caught the metro to the centre of Madrid, I chose a route which meant changing twice, but that was part of the fun.

I arrived at Puerta del Sol which has the infamous El Oso y el Madroño, a bronze sculpture featuring a bear & a strawberry tree. It represents the heraldic arms of the city.

I then started walking around and exploring the city. I came across the Teatro Real and impressive theatre that hosts opera.

I then headed down some side roads towards Mercado de San Miguel to grab some lunch, well wine and tapas.

Wine was amazing value at €4 for a delicious glass of white wine and served in a real glass as well.

There was so much choice in the tapas, I had a number of dishes before heading out again to explore more of the city.

I saw the impressive Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena and then headed into the Plaza de la Armería and took some photographs of the Royal Palace.

I was able to get a last minute ticket to the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace of Madrid) and headed in. An amazing place with so much to look at.

After visiting the palace, I headed off to get a coffee, I sat outside and watched the world go by.

Feeling peckish I headed back to Mercado de San Miguel for more tapas and another glass of wine.

Fearing a possible delay with security and passport control at Madrid Airport, I headed back to the airport.

Once there, after six minutes I was through security and passport control… who knew it could be so speedy.

I then had a bit of a wait for my plane, but it wasn’t long before I headed back to Bristol.

I was pleased to have reached my fifty places in 2025 for my #50places2025 series of blog posts.

This year I am planning to do something similar with a new hashtag, #50newplaces2026 and it will be the same rules. Each time I visit a place I will post a blog post and some photographs. I can’t repeat places, and in an extra twist I can’t use the fifty places I visited in 2025 in the list as well (though I anticipate visiting some of those places again). 

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Misty Corfe Castle #50places2026

After visiting Kingston Lacy, the weather was holding and I realised I had some time, so made the last minutes decision to head to Corfe Castle, which was just twenty miles away.

As I drove the weather did start to deteriorate and by the time I arrived at Corfe Castle there was mist and drizzle. So, much so, that as I arrived the castle almost appeared out of the of mist.

I parked in the National Trust car park, and was pleased to see they also had EV chargers. I didn’t put the car on charge, but with hindsight, it might have been a good idea. At the time I had given the car a 100% charge at Kingston Lacy and hadn’t used that much driving to Corfe Castle.

After sorting out a parking ticket, I headed to the castle. There is a nice scenic route around the castle mound, but it was looking like it might be quite muddy.

Having walked through the village I headed to the castle entrance.

Corfe Castle

Royal castle established by William the Conqueror and partially destroyed in the English Civil War. Now a majestic ruin.

Current saving £33.70
One adult £14.00
Parking £5.00
Total saving £19.00
Cumulative saving £148.70
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £52.70

I had been to the castle before in March 2018. I had also seen it from a steam train back in May 2004. The weather had been quite good in March, dry and clear and the views from the castle were incredible. This time, it was just misty.

This is an incredible ruined castle, you can see where parts of the gatehouse shifted down the hill caused by the work of sappers attempting to breach the fortifications.

The castle is undergoing a three-year, £2 million conservation project looking at the stonework and preservation of decorative and historic elements.

I really enjoyed walking up to the castle and exploring the ruins. I quite liked how you can just explore the ruins and, well apart from the areas undergoing conservation, you can pretty much go anywhere within the ruins.

I would guess the views are pretty impressive, however on this visit it was just mist and cloud. I might head back there in the summer.

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Kingston Lacy #50places2026

Having looked at various National Trust properties, many were still closed for the winter, one which was open and I had never visited before was Kingston Lacy down in Dorset. It was about two hours away so wasn’t going to be a quick visit.

The flooded Somerset levels were quite incredible, I was a little concerned that I might find myself on a flooded road, but I was lucky and there was no serious flooding.

Having arrived at Kingston Lacy, the entrance road was flooded. I headed to the EV charging and I put the Funky Cat on charge. I went to reception and got my membership card scanned and headed to the house. 

Kingston Lacy

A lavish family home, re-imagined as a Venetian Palace, in the Dorset countryside. Classic English garden with Fernery, herbaceous borders, formal Parterre and Kitchen Garden, surrounded by Japanese-inspired planting and colourful woodland.

Current saving £12.70
One adult £21.00
Parking Free
Total saving £21.00
Cumulative saving £129.70
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £33.70

This was an incredible house. Most of the ground floor was open. Sadly, the upper floors were closed, which was a pity. I may have to make a return visit.

Many of the rooms impressed me, though the huge windows by the stairs were amazing, inspired by the Great Exhibition in London, these had huge panes of glass made by Pilkington. Went around the house again.

I liked the library and the main salon with the piano. The grand hall was very grand The double height room was very impressive.

Did think about going for lunch, but the café was very busy and there was a long queue.

Went for a walk in the grounds instead. Walked through the woodland to the Kitchen Garden. Had a coffee from the coffee kiosk and it was warm enough to sit outside on the picnic tables.

Walked through the Japanese Garden and the Formal Gardens and then back to the house.

I then went back to the stables, but the café was still busy.

Went to the shop, was tempted to get another tea towel, but I have a number of National Trust tea towels, so left it.

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Greenway #50places2026

As with Coleton Fishacre, I had looked into visiting Greenway last year before my membership ran out, but I missed getting there before they closed for the winter. The property is only a few miles from Coleton Fishacre, so after enjoying a few hours at Coleton Fishacre I headed off to visit Greenway.

They reopened on the 14th February, I hadn’t planned to go on the day they reopened for the new season, but the weather forecast was saying it was going to be sunny and dry, and after weeks of rain, it was too much of an opportunity to miss.

You do need to book parking when visiting the property, so I planned my visit around the car parking booking. If you came by train, boat, or bicycle, then you can just turn up, otherwise you will need to book parking, and note that it does “sell” out quite quickly. 

Upon arrival my car park booking was checked and then I went to the car park. As a member I can park for free, once I got my parking ticket sorted and in the car I headed off to the house.

Greenway

Georgian house with 1950s interiors, holiday home to Agatha Christie and her family’s varied collections. Agatha Christie called Greenway ‘the loveliest place in the world’ and treasured it as a holiday home for her and her family. They filled it with items dear to them, brought to Greenway from Ashfield, Agatha’s childhood home, and from their travels and extensive collections. 

Current saving -£7.90
One adult £17.00
Parking £3.60
Total saving £20.60
Cumulative saving £108.70
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £12.70

This was quite a large house. Across the house are various collections that the family amassed over the years.

I liked the pocket watch collection. The house was very much dressed as a 1950s house. Within the house are lots of references to the novels that Agatha Christie wrote including some rare first editions.

As well as the house, I took a walk in the grounds. The boat house was closed, but I walked down to it anyhow.

I stopped for a coffee and a cheese scone, however they didn’t have any, so I had a toasted teacake instead.

This visit also means that I have already saved the cost of my National Trust membership for 2026 and I am only six weeks into the year. Last year I “broke even” in March. In 2023 though managed to cover my membership cost by the end of January.

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Coleton Fishacre #50places2026

Coleton Fishacre

I had looked into visiting Coleton Fishacre last year before my membership ran out, but I missed getting there before they closed for the winter.

They reopened on the 14th February, I hadn’t planned to go on the day they reopened for the new season, but the weather forecast was saying it was going to be sunny and dry, and after weeks of rain, it was too much of an opportunity to miss.

I left early and arrived just before the property opened. I walked to the house and waited a short while before the front door was unlocked and in I went.

Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre

1920s country retreat of the D’Oyly Carte family. Arts and Crafts exterior, Art Deco interiors, servants quarters, sea views.

Current saving -£28.50
One adult £17.00
Parking £3.60
Total saving £20.60
Cumulative saving £88.10
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving -£7.90

Virtually all the house is open to view which was nice. I explored the upper floor first and there were some amazing views of the grounds and the sea in the distance. Unfortunately most of the original furniture was sold or disposed of, however the house has been dressed to resemble how it looked when it was built in the 1920s. There was a Country Life magazine feature on the house, so they have some reference photographs they can use. The National Trust also had some replica furniture built to match the items in the photography.

After exploring the first floor, it was down to the ground floor with the main living spaces as well as the ancillary areas such as the kitchen and pantry.

living room

It was a beautiful house and I really appreciated been able to explore virtually all the rooms in the house.

I then stopped for a cold drink in the cafe before heading into the woods for a walk. There is a viewpoint overlooking the sea which was lovely.

view of the sea and cliffs

Overall a lovely visit to a lovely house.