United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A Tapestry of History, Royalty, and Natural Wonders

Embark on a journey to the United Kingdom, an archipelago where history and modernity intertwine in a rich tapestry that spans thousands of years. Located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, the UK is composed of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each with its own unique heritage and allure. From the Neolithic Orkney to the Roman baths of Bath, the Norman conquest to the industrial revolution, the UK's legacy is as diverse as its landscapes.

Chronicles of the Isles: A Storied Past

The United Kingdom's narrative is marked by legendary monarchs, literary greats, and epoch-defining events. Its sovereignty has influenced global history, language, and culture, with a monarchy that continues to capture the world's imagination.

London: The Crown Jewel

In the heart of the UK, London stands as a global metropolis, boasting landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament, alongside the modernity of the Shard and the cultural haven of the West End.

Edinburgh: A Capital of Culture

Travel north to Scotland's Edinburgh, where the iconic Edinburgh Castle looms over a city renowned for its festivals, arts, and the historic Royal Mile.

The Lake District: Nature's Masterpiece

England's Lake District offers tranquil beauty, with its idyllic lakes, mountainous landscapes, and literary associations with Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

The Giant's Causeway: Geological Splendor

In Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway showcases an awe-inspiring coastal landscape of basalt columns, born from volcanic fury and Irish legend.

From the rugged coasts of Cornwall to the sweeping valleys of Wales, and the picturesque glens of the Scottish Highlands, the United Kingdom invites exploration of its castles, cathedrals, and quaint villages. As you traverse through travel.frogsfolly.com, let us guide you through the UK's living history, its vibrant cultures, and its awe-inspiring natural beauty. Join us to discover the United Kingdom—a land where every stone tells a story and every landscape inspires a dream.

United Kingdom
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			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/jhluxton/">www.jhluxton.com - John H. Luxton Photography</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jhluxton/55532578271/" title="L2026_6585 The Valiant Soldier - Buckfastleigh"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532578271_c74fa80862_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="L2026_6585 The Valiant Soldier - Buckfastleigh" /></a></p>

<p>The Valiant Soldier Public House and Buckfastleigh Museum is billed as the pub where time was never called.  It is well worth a visit. <br />
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For more photographs of Buckfastleigh and the Valiant Soldoer public house museum please click here: <a href="https://www.jhluxton.com/England/Devonshire/Dartmoor/Buckfastleigh" rel="noreferrer nofollow">www.jhluxton.com/England/Devonshire/Dartmoor/Buckfastleigh</a><br />
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The Valiant Soldier was a working pub in Buckfastleigh until it closed in 1965. Left exactly as it was, it is now a museum offering visitors a glimpse into the past.<br />
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The building that houses the Valiant Soldier dates from the 1700s, and the earliest record of it as a pub is from 1813.<br />
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After passing through several landlords during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the pub’s final landlord, Mark Roberts, became its tenant in 1939. When the brewery withdrew the licence in 1965, Mr and Mrs Roberts stopped work as the last customers departed, leaving everything in place. The doors remained closed even after the family bought the property from the brewery. Following Mr Roberts’s death, his wife, Alice, continued living upstairs until the mid-1990s.<br />
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When the family left the area, the pub remained untouched, complete with optics, glasses, furniture, brewery memorabilia and even change in the till.<br />
The many bills, invoices, letters and photographs left behind reveal how a small mid-20th-century town pub operated.<br />
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The Valiant Soldier was both a family home and a pub, and its scullery, kitchen, parlour, bedrooms and bathroom retain the character of the period. It now hosts special events throughout the year and occasionally opens the bar, while preserving the atmosphere of life in the early 1960s.<br />
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It is probably unique in Britain: a time capsule preserved in its original working state for more than 50 years. Most pubs of this age have been gutted and modernised or demolished to make way for new development.<br />
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The property was put up for sale in the mid-1990s. Recognising its significance, members of the local community worked with Teignbridge District Council to acquire it in 1997. They formed a trust to document and preserve its contents before opening the pub to the public. In 2025, the museum marked its 25th year.<br />
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The attic was an Aladdin’s cave of everyday objects and memorabilia. As the original attic is unsafe to enter, a room on the floor below has been recreated with all its original contents. Visitors can therefore see objects that may evoke fond memories for older generations and spark curiosity in younger ones.</p>
			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/jhluxton/">www.jhluxton.com - John H. Luxton Photography</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jhluxton/55532483276/" title="L2026_6547 Buckfast Abbey"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532483276_69cf1aea5a_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="L2026_6547 Buckfast Abbey" /></a></p>

<p>Buckfast Abbey forms part of an active Benedictine monastery at Buckfast.<br />
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Click here for more photographs of Buckfast Abbey: <a href="https://www.jhluxton.com/England/Devonshire/Dartmoor/Buckfast-Buckfastleigh" rel="noreferrer nofollow">www.jhluxton.com/England/Devonshire/Dartmoor/Buckfast-Buc...</a><br />
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Buckfast first became home to an abbey in 1018. The first Benedictine abbey was followed by a Savignac (later Cistercian) abbey constructed on the site of the current abbey in 1134. The monastery was surrendered for dissolution in 1539, with the monastic buildings stripped and left as ruins, before being finally demolished. The former abbey site was used as a quarry, and later became home to a Gothic mansion house.<br />
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In 1882 the site was purchased by a group of French Benedictine monks, who refounded a monastery on the site, dedicated to Saint Mary. New monastic buildings and a temporary church were constructed incorporating the existing Gothic house.<br />
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Buckfast was formally reinstated as an Abbey in 1902, and the first abbot of the new institution, Boniface Natter, was blessed in 1903. Work on a new abbey church, which was constructed mostly on the footprint of the former Cistercian abbey, started in 1907.<br />
The church was consecrated in 1932 and completed in 1938.<br />
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The abbey continues to operate as a Benedictine foundation today and is very popular with visitors.</p>
			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/number10gov/">UK Prime Minister</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/number10gov/55532640894/" title="Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets Mark Carney"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532640894_3f9c21e2d0_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets Mark Carney" /></a></p>

<p>16/09/2026. Liverpool, United Kingdom. Prime Minister Andy Burnham bilateral meeting with Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada at the Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of the Everton v Wolves football match. Picture by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street</p>
			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/adammalarkey/">NETransport</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalarkey/55532433926/" title="6387 MA75 CSX Go North East"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532433926_cf66ab6f0e_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="6387 MA75 CSX Go North East" /></a></p>

<p>Seen at Bents Park Road, South Shields operating Shuttle Bus Services for the 2026 Great North Run.</p>
			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/10189133@N06/">drs.sarajevo</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532390351/" title="DSCF2590"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532390351_d3ba9afb76_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2590" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532549669/" title="DSCF2564"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532549669_80374c329b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2564" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532545079/" title="DSCF2601"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532545079_004c6c2d16_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2601" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532787945/" title="DSCF2523"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532787945_31b9fe9985_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2523" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532513538/" title="DSCF2516"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532513538_7a324aff65_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2516" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55531385772/" title="DSCF2464"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55531385772_bda328d61a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2464" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532518118/" title="DSCF2466"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532518118_6b1d77ccd0_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2466" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532781015/" title="DSCF2582"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532781015_67d3dfd452_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2582" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532562299/" title="DSCF2438"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532562299_614597bef9_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2438" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p>London</p>
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<p>London</p>
			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/jhluxton/">www.jhluxton.com - John H. Luxton Photography</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jhluxton/55532496418/" title="L2026_6513-2 Holne - Church House Inn"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532496418_0bd7afdf81_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="L2026_6513-2 Holne - Church House Inn" /></a></p>

<p>he Church House Inn at Holne, Dartmoor, is a historic 14th-century building that began life as a stonemasons' shelter and is now a family-run freehouse.<br />
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Click here for more photographs of the Hexworthy, Holne, Dartmeet areas of Dartmoor: <a href="https://www.jhluxton.com/England/Devonshire/Dartmoor/Hexworthy-Holne-Dartmeet" rel="noreferrer nofollow">www.jhluxton.com/England/Devonshire/Dartmoor/Hexworthy-Ho...</a><br />
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Origins and Early History (1329–15th Century)<br />
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• Built in 1329: The core structure was originally constructed as a Devon longhouse.<br />
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• Stonemasons' Lodge: It was built to house and feed the stonemasons constructing the adjacent St Mary the Virgin Church.<br />
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• Monastic Retreat: By the 1400s, it served as a retreat and lodging house for clergy and monks from nearby Buckfast Abbey, prompting the addition of an upper floor for guest rooms.<br />
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• Legends and Later Centuries (17th–19th Century)<br />
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• Civil War Link: Local lore claims that Oliver Cromwell stayed at the inn during the English Civil War while stabling his horse in the village, with an escape-route door pointed out in the stable bar rafters.<br />
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• Spanish Armada Era: The main bar screen is reputed to date back to the time of the Spanish Armada in 1588.<br />
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• Name Change: The building officially took the name Church House Inn around 1800, evolving from a communal church house—where local trustees once used property income for parish purposes—into a public house.<br />
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• Victorian Popularity: During the 19th century, Holne gained fame as the birthplace of author Charles Kingsley (writer of The Water-Babies), and the inn became a popular stop for early Dartmoor tourists.</p>
			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/jhluxton/">www.jhluxton.com - John H. Luxton Photography</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jhluxton/55532397391/" title="L2026_6525 Holne - St Mary The Virgin"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532397391_2ae77e51fe_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="L2026_6525 Holne - St Mary The Virgin" /></a></p>

<p>St Mary the Virgin is a historic Grade I listed Grade I listed Anglican parish church in the heart of Holne village on Dartmoor, Devon.<br />
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Key History and Architecture:<br />
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• Origins: The core structure dates to around 1300 (with records of an incumbent priest by 1240), and it was expanded in the early 1500s.<br />
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• Granite Build: It is built from local Dartmoor granite rubble in a sparse, classic moorland style.<br />
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Interior:<br />
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• Features a richly carved and painted medieval rood screen and an unusual matching pulpit with vibrant restored colours.<br />
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• Displays rare painted images of saints (including St. Roche, St. Margaret, and St. Bavon) and a rare depiction of Mary being crowned the Queen of Heaven on the main doors.<br />
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• Includes stained glass by Victorian master Charles Kempe and a rare World War I battlefield cross.<br />
Churchyard and Surroundings<br />
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• Ancient Yew Tree: A hollow, venerable yew tree in the churchyard is estimated to date back to around 1300.<br />
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Notable Connections:<br />
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• The famous novelist and clergyman Charles Kingsley was born in the village vicarage while his father served as curate.<br />
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• The churchyard contains a prominent cross marking the grave of the Rev. John Gill, who served as Holne's vicar for nearly 60 years (1858–1917).</p>
			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/10189133@N06/">drs.sarajevo</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532533959/" title="DSCF2310"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532533959_88c1fde538_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2310" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55532759065/" title="DSCF2399"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55532759065_cc5d2985fa_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2399" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
			<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/10189133@N06/">drs.sarajevo</a> posted a photo:</p>
	
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10189133@N06/55531357037/" title="DSCF2338"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55531357037_eeace9a9bb_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="DSCF2338" /></a></p>

<p>London</p>
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