TrailTale is an app for discovering new places and interesting points in Great Britain, tied especially to heritage cities, towns and villages.
TrailTale writes:
Thank you for choosing TrailTale as your app for discovering new places and interesting points in Great Britain. TrailTale is committed to support the heritage cities, towns and villages, which hold so many amazing sites. To date we have over 70 routes around Great Britain, covering Heritage Trails, City Walks, Town Walks and even nice village walks, which support 54 places, so here is a list of these places:
- London with 19 routes, from central government, to the City, and the beautiful villages: Hampstead, Chelsea and Greenwich.
- Edinburgh heritage trails, with 2 routes, but many more interesting points which will become routes soon.
- Oxford heritage trails, so many places to see and interesting points around every corner. So here too, two routes await you.
- Bristol heritage trail, lately a bit in the centre of a storm relating to the slave trade, but holds again fantastic places for your enjoyment – two routes await for you here as well. Check out many Almshouses, Market, Castle ruins, Times & Mirror and Needles, Christmas Steps, a Raja, two Towers and Plimsoll.
- Cambridge heritage trail, a very compact centre with amazing colleges and history. Check out the Castle, the River, a Round church and mathematical bridge.
- Winchester town trail – what a surprise. A rare site with two castles, crystal clear river, and obviously the famous cathedral.
- Gloucester town trail, with its fabulous cathedral which was used as film location for Harry Potter movies. Check out the docks, Inns, priories, manor houses, and so much more. And Don’t forget the Docks.
- Exeter the queen of Devon, with so many Roman remains. Check out also, the cathedral and the surrounding quarters, the quay, an iron bridge and underground passages.
- Canterbury Cathedral is only the start of your visit here. Try the most beautiful gates of St Augustine Abbey. But, check out the famous Babobab Plane trees, and don’t forget to visit the wonky house, and the birth place of Chitty Chitty Bang.
The rest of the routes in alphabetical order:
- Old Amersham, its centrepiece is the 13th century parish church of St. Mary’s but also several old pubs and coaching inns. Do not forget to visit one of the most elaborated workhouses in England.
- The blue plaques of Beeston, featuring places and people which impacted this place. Most famous is the actor Richard Beckinsale, with his daughter Kate, making even a greater name for herself.
- Berkeley is an ancient settlement, most famous for its Berkeley family heritage, but also for Edward Jenner, the famous Doctor who gave us vaccination was born and lived here. Check out the Pill River, once a major transportation route.
- Berkhamsted is known by its castle, but also try the School with its period houses, the pastel coloured 14th century houses on the High Street to the amazing Art-Deco Rex Cinema. Don’t forget to pay tribute to Graeme Green just off the High Street.
- Bibury, The most photographed village in the Cotswolds. See the famous Arlington Raw, a Court under wraps, a Mill, and a Dovecote.
- Bishop’s Stortford, the market town with the castle remains, many inns, a fine church and a prominent Corn Exchange. There are several old shops; one, which is probably the oldest in England, but certainly the oldest men’s clothing company in the world.
- Bourton-on-the-Water, the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ village, on the banks of the Windrush River. With small bridges, mills, two Manor houses, magical alleys and small streets to discover magnificent places behind every corner.
- Brighton is a famous tourist destination due to its Palace Pier and Royal Pavilion. But check out an old brewery, a martyr, The Grand, the first electric train, The Dome, and an old house wall covered with ivy.
- Burford, the small market town on the banks of the Windrush River, full of history and period houses. A town which it’s Alderman, Wysdon (Simon) left his mark in every corner, a Priory which is now a major Manor House and several beautiful period Inns.
- Chichester was built by the Romans and there is evidence for that everywhere. Along that, checkout the magnificent Cathedral, Canon’s district, Market Cross, Pallant House, Guildhall and a pile of earth.
- Chipping Campden, the most famous of Cotswolds’ towns. See the Campden House, its almshouses, the 14th century Grevel’s House, the famous Market Hall and a cart washing place.
- Coggeshall, a charming small town on the banks of the river Blackwater. Checkout an old abbey, a barn, one of the most beautiful medieval houses in England and a gang’s hideout.
- Colchester, a Capital city since Roman times. See the walls, the fantastic castle, an old priory, a Dutch quarter and one fabulous Jumbo Water Tower.
- Coleorton, A an extremely beautiful nature reserve that holds a secret. View the story of a deep mine colliery through the eyes of a person who worked there, with many period images and fine diagrams bringing this story alive.
- Corbridge unique Chronological Trail takes you from the Roman times to the present days. See Roman remains, Saxon and Norman remains, the famous Pele Tower, and the River Tyne.
- Dedham’s constable Country, one of the most delightful places in Essex. Visit the High street with its striking Sherman’s Hall, The Sun Inn, The Former Grammar School, Old Post Office, and a the most famous Southfields Flemish Cottages.
- Dyserth is a historic village, already recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as DISSAREN, and has a long mining heritage, as well as several waterfalls.
- Glastonbury is an interesting town, with rich history and marvellous places to visit. From the Abbey complex, once the richest Abbey in England after Westminster, to several other religious institutions, a holy well, a Tor and fantastic old buildings.
- Hertford, the town with two rivers. Its Christ’s Hospital is one of the most prominent schools, and there is a Greencoat School as well. It is the town of Samuel Stone, the founder of Hartford Connecticut, a fine brewery, a Massive Shire Hall, an orange coloured 15th century house and a great castle.
- Hitchin, a small town full of surprises. The original commuter place, full with Inns for all pockets. Check out The large church, the old Priory, the Biggin alsmhouses, a great herbal garden and an old School.
- Ledbury is one historic town that should not be missed. Its Market Hall is one of the most famous in England, but so not miss the Church Lane, the wall paintings in the town offices, the hospital and a massive clock tower.
- Margate, discovered by Turner, along with many sea bathers. Check out the Dreamland roller-coaster is the oldest in England, a lovely tidal pool, Winter Gardens and Eric Morecambe.
- Neston, a small Market town with many Grade listed buildings. You will see: A tower, a farm in the middle of town, a school path and James Bond.
- Alresford is a beautiful Georgian town, one of Hampshire’s finest. Famous for its watercress, specialist shops, old-fashioned inns, and the Watercress Line steam railway, Alresford is also renowned for its lush scenery and riverside walks.
- Northampton‘s history goes back beyond the Romans – certainly to the Iron Age and settlements of that time can be found in and around the town, particularly at Hunsbury Hill. Check out Old Hospitals, the Opera House, The Castle, and a famous well.
- Painswick, the Beauty on the hill. A town with houses from the 14th century, one of the most magnificent lych gates in England, a holly well, a fine collection of chest tombs in the Church yard, and set of stocks for the naughty ones.
- Rochester, has several layers of historic events. The Cathedral is only one string in its bow, the Castle, Charles Dickens strong links to it, and the River Medway, the High Street with many important buildings, the roman relics, and a surprise visit from the Soviet era.
- Ross-on-Wye is a fine town on top of the Wye Valley. Check out the Market Hall, Old Jail, fine Almshouses, and one fine Prospect.
- Saffron Walden, a market town, which has retained its rural appearance and host a magnificent collection of medieval timber framed houses. See castle ruins, old youth hostel, coloured period houses and a maze.
- Spalding is a market town famous for its old markets, flower parade and being the centre for tulip production area. The old Constitutional Club is one of the first such clubs in England.
- St Albans Cathedral is the centre point of the City. Check out also The Abbey Gate, The Clock Tower which is the oldest belfry in England, several old inns, St. Michael’s village and search the execution place of the martyr George Tankerfield.
- St Clears, a great Welsh small town with history and nature beauty to match. Check out the castle, the River Cynin, the old town Hall and a ship-building yard.
- Standon, the small village once a small market town on the banks of the Rib River. Great Mills and Knights Court, along with some special houses and great nature scenery.
- Stratford Upon Avon is where you’ll find Shakespeare popping in every corner. But, there are many other interesting places. Check out for old hotels, bridges, Mason’s Court, a Royal School and a Jester.
- Stroud, a nice Milling town which developed over many centuries, adding to its charm. It displays many artisan shops and is still a centre for artists and craft makers.
- Tewkesbury market town famed for its alleys. Lies on the banks for four rivers and has more period houses than any other town in the county. Check out the mills, an Olde Black Bear, Grudge House, Lilley’s Alley, A magnificent Church Row, and a great Abbey.
- Thame historic market town, is a great place to shop and eat. Check out the fantastic timber framed houses, a beautiful school, a Market House, and a post office.
- Thaxted has many interesting houses, being Holst and Dick Turpin’s inspiration place. See the fantastic Market Hall, beautiful Almshouses, a Wind Mill and a red door.
- Thirsk, a market town, which has roots for more than 2500 years. It played pivotal role in the 12th century English political power-struggle, which saw its Castle destroyed. See an old moat, old castle market, a scenic route and James Herriot.
- Totnes, a market town, once the second richest in Devon with many period houses. The Castle is one of the best-preserved in Devon, and many 15-16 century houses are well preserved as well. Enjoyable walking along many nice period shops.
- Warwick is a fascinating medieval town. Famous for its castle, but it has many other places with lots of history. Checkout The Athenaeum, two court houses and an old gaol, a boxer, a very old hospital, tow gates and a Tink-a-Tank.
- Whitchurch, an Ancient village with many fine timber framed houses. Watch out for the Old court House, Market Hill, an earthworks of the famous Bolebec Castle and the army lab.
- Windsor, the Castle with a town, has many other stories to tell. Check out the Almshouses, the magnificent park, a Royal theatre, a prince, a historic train station, a Royal free Hospital which is actually a school, and a bridge too far.
Few other places are also featured on TrailTale but not really having enough points for a route, still worth a visit, using our ‘Explore Near Me’ service:
- Bewdley, once a famous harbour town on the River Severn. Famous as the birthplace of Prime minister Stanley Baldwin, several nice almshouses, and a fine High Street that is not your shopping street.
- Cumnock, the Scottish town, through the eyes of old photos, with many stories of its historic sites and a close neat community.
- East Bergholt, home to the Churchill dynasty, and Turner country.
- Ditchling, famous for Dame Vera Lynn, but also some non-conformist worship places.
Coming up in the next few weeks are:
- Liverpool – the Mecca for the Liverpool Beat, with maritime history is popping from every corner.
- Norwich the fantastic city cathedral and castle.
- Southampton the walled city
- Dover with its military fortifications and sea front
- Tiverton in the heart of Devon
- Chalgrave a semi-rural path through three Bedfordshire villages
