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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Creake Abbey - A VERY Atmospheric Ruin

Creake Abbey Ruins

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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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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!

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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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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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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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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!

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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.

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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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Apple Dumplings

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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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.

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Apple and Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Chunks of Apple and Cinnamon Bread Pudding After Cooling

This apple and cinnamon bread pudding adds a spicy, fruity twist to an old favourite.

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Easy Peak District Walks: Ashford-in-the-Water to the Magpie Mine

Magpie Mine in Derbyshire

There are rafts of easy Peak District walks, and this one, from Ashford-in-the-Water to the Magpie Mine offers varied scenery, history, and a murder mystery!

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