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

To subscribe to the England Blog (no e-mail necessary), right-click on the orange RSS button and paste the URL into your RSS reader. Or click on the My Yahoo! / My MSN / Add To Google buttons if you keep a home page there.

Would You Like to Be Part of this Blog?

It's easy to become part of the Essentially England blog. Just get involved with our community of curious England lovers!

Here's what you can do:

Please join in... it's fun!




Snacks and Savouries: Angels and Devils on Horseback

Angels and Devils on Horseback by Monkey Business Images canva.com

Whether as a tasty appetiser or the perfect end to a perfect meal, Angels and Devils on Horseback top the list of England’s most beloved traditional snacks and savouries.

Continue reading "Snacks and Savouries: Angels and Devils on Horseback"

Earl Grey Tea Loaf

Sliced Earl Grey Tea Loaf by Barry Seward Getty Images canva.com

If you love afternoon tea, then this delightful Earl Grey Tea Loaf should be one of your go-to recipes.

Continue reading "Earl Grey Tea Loaf"

Thetford: Exploring this Ancient Norfolk Town

Abbey Meadows in Thetford

Settled since ancient times and once the fifth biggest town in England, Thetford makes a fabulous day out for history fans and TV buffs.

Continue reading "Thetford: Exploring this Ancient Norfolk Town"

The Best Quirky Stocking Stuffers for England Lovers

Christmas Gift by kieferpix Getty Images canva.com

A selection of intriguing and downright quirky stocking stuffers, Secret Santa presents, and other small gifts for the England lovers in your life.

Continue reading "The Best Quirky Stocking Stuffers for England Lovers"

Devilled Whitebait – The Star of Grand Victorian Nights Out

Devilled Whitebait by CBCK-Christine Getty Images canva.com

Devilled whitebait, beloved by the Victorians, is still a wonderful, tasty treat whether you enjoy it by the seaside or make it at home.

Continue reading "Devilled Whitebait – The Star of Grand Victorian Nights Out"

How to Make Coddled Eggs

Coddled Eggs at Breakfast by DebbieSmirnoff Getty Images canva.com

Here’s how to make coddled eggs, a favourite Victorian breakfast treat, beloved by Queen Victoria and praised by poets.

Continue reading "How to Make Coddled Eggs"

Christmas Stockings

Christmas Stockings by LOVE_LIFE Getty Images canva.com

Christmas stockings are a real English tradition. They come in all shapes, sizes and materials.

Continue reading "Christmas Stockings"

Shrewsbury - An exploration of Shropshire's county town

shrewsbury_map_cropped_640.jpg

The historic town of Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire, is home to over 600 listed buildings.

Continue reading "Shrewsbury - An exploration of Shropshire's county town"

Creake Abbey - A VERY Atmospheric Ruin

Creake Abbey Ruins

Creake Abbey is an atmospheric ruin - with a sad story - in peaceful rural north Norfolk.

Continue reading "Creake Abbey - A VERY Atmospheric Ruin"

Easy Leek Soup – a Quick, Tasty Treat

Easy Leek Soup

Whether you offer it as a quick lunchtime treat or a warming, soothing start to a main meal, this easy leek soup won’t disappoint.

Continue reading "Easy Leek Soup – a Quick, Tasty Treat"

Days Out In Cornwall

Footpath Besides Frenchman's Creek

For quintessential days out in Cornwall, you can’t do better than to explore the golden sands of Helford Passage and the pirate mysteries of Frenchman’s Creek.

Continue reading "Days Out In Cornwall"

Countdown to Christmas: Traditional Advent Calendars

Wooden Bus Advent Calendar by LittleEmpireHomeware from Etsy

Enjoy the countdown to Christmas with all the wonders of a traditional advent calendar.

Continue reading "Countdown to Christmas: Traditional Advent Calendars"

Corbridge Roman Town

Corbridge Roman Town High Street

Step back in time at Corbridge Roman Town. Explore ancient ruins, uncover history, and immerse yourself in the legacy of Roman civilisation.

Continue reading "Corbridge Roman Town"

Clun - A Shropshire Castle Town

clun_map_450.jpg

In the shadow of a ruined Norman fortress, tranquil Clun is a haven for hikers and a place for contemplation.

Continue reading "Clun - A Shropshire Castle Town"

Christmas in England: A Raft of Wonderful Traditions

Santa Letter by YuriArcurs People Images canva.com

Christmas in England wouldn't be the same without its wonderful traditions. Here are some of them...

Continue reading "Christmas in England: A Raft of Wonderful Traditions"

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!

Continue reading "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Walk"

Exploring Roman Britain: Chedworth Roman Villa

Valley View from the End of the North Range

Gently rolling hills, fertile soil, and the River Coln - Chedworth Roman Villa sits in the perfect spot for a day out exploring Roman Britain!

Continue reading "Exploring Roman Britain: Chedworth Roman Villa"

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!

Continue reading "Our Wonderful Buckinghamshire Windmill Tour"

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.

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

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.

Continue reading "Braunston: The Heartbeat of England’s Canal Era"

Bolingbroke Castle

Artistic Impression of Bolingbroke Castle in the 15th Century. (Photo taken from English Heritage information panel)

Bolingbroke Castle, birthplace of King Henry IV, was one of the first English castles to be constructed without a keep. And despite being ruined, it makes for a wonderful day out!

Continue reading "Bolingbroke Castle"

Bibury in the Cotswolds

Picturesque Bibury in the Cotswolds

William Morris called Bibury in the Cotswolds the most beautiful village in England. Follow our guide if your want to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading "Bibury in the Cotswolds"

Ascott House and Gardens

Sea of Daffodils Ascott Garden

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

Continue reading "Ascott House and Gardens"

Apple Dumplings

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

Continue reading "Apple Dumplings"

Aldeburgh

The Moot Hall in Aldeburgh

Today we’re exploring Aldeburgh, a quaint coastal town in Suffolk, where music, food, and tourism flourish despite a rapacious sea right on the town’s doorstep.

Continue reading "Aldeburgh"