Discovering the Mysteries of England
One cannot but agree that England is one of those countries abundant on legends and mysterious stories, despite the buttoned up temper and constantly dull weather. Haunted castles, storybook thick woods, and, of course, twisted adventures. But what you can say about English countryside?
Adventure travel round England fascinates with a great number of picturesque places, magnificent views and, in addition, a gorgeous architecture, preserved since the early centuries. Most of tourists are aware of London sightseeing spots, Oxford and Cambridge old universities and, sure enough, sea resorts on the South. On the contrary, less people have already visited the most magnetic sites of suburban England.
Isle of Wight is the biggest island in England, which is a set of completely different travel attractions. First of all, it is a so-called island of poets. It has been a host of several prominent writers since its establishment as a resort in the Victorian Age. Among them one may find Lewis Carroll, Ivan Turgenev, Alfred Tennyson, David Vaughan Icke, etc. Secondly, it is number one place for yachting sport in England. There are many offers to enjoy sailing by oneself or watching professionals that challenge high blue waves around. Thirdly, Isle of Wight is famous for its unexplored wilderness, among which scientists still discover some dinosaurs’ fossils.
Puzzlewood is likely to be the most mysterious forest in Europe that is clearly read in its title. This woodland spot in Gloucestershire fascinates with its beauty and dreamlike landscape that was formed in the 19th century. However, this site initially was used as iron ore mine; at least, it was so in times of Romans. As time passed, upright forest trees changed into lying and hanging ones, fabulous by nature.
This natural wonder is largely used by film-makers, directing fantasy movies, and, as rumors state, it has inspired Joanne Rowling and John Ronald Tolkien to write their world-known masterpieces.
“Sandy Chameleon”, “The Great Ship Eater”, “The Biggest Ship Cemetery” – these titles are referred to Godwin Sands, enigmatic sand bank several miles away from Dover. Despite installing numerous lighthouses in the 19th century, dozens of ships disappeared every year. Hence, many legends arose about this specific spot in English Channel. One of them points out an existence of the Island of Lomea, once owned by Godwin, Earl of Wessex; because of constant disputes with English church the island and earl’s manor was washed away by Strait of Dover. There are also some claims that Godwin Sands is a place, where ancient Roman triremes rest since the conquest of England by Julius Caesar. Many writers and artists have devoted their works to Godwin Sands and its ill fame.
In Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire, one can find a Newton Apple Tree. Yes, it is an exact tree, where famous scientist has derived the law of universal gravitation. More than 30 thousand tourists come here to watch it annually; in May 2011 local authorities even had to fence the area about to obstruct compaction of soil around the tree. Most of visitors realize it is only a myth, but do all legends appear out of thin air?