arundel Castle- west Sussex

Last weekend, my friends and I traveled to Arundel for my university graduation ceremony. We decided to make a memorable weekend out of it, and one of the highlights was spending an entire day at the magnificent Arundel Castle. Upon our arrival, we were immediately taken aback by the imposing structure, standing tall against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. The castle's architecture is a stunning blend of historical styles, showcasing centuries of renovations and adaptations that have preserved its character while enhancing its beauty.

As we entered the castle grounds, the lush gardens surrounding it welcomed us, bursting with vibrant flowers and neatly manicured hedges. We spent some time wandering through the gardens, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before diving into the main attraction. The castle interior was equally as impressive. We roamed through grand halls adorned with exquisite tapestries and antique furniture, each room telling a story of its own. The knowledgeable guides provided fascinating insights into the castle's history, recounting tales of the noble families who called it home and the events that unfolded within its walls.

One particularly interesting fact we learned was that Arundel Castle was originally built by Roger de Montgomery on Christmas Day in 1067. It was hard to imagine all the events that had transpired over nearly a millennium within the same walls. The sheer scale and history of the castle gave us a profound appreciation for its significance, not just as a tourist attraction, but as a vital part of England's heritage.

After exploring the interior, we made our way to the rooftop terrace, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the quaint town of Arundel below. It was the perfect spot to snap some photos to commemorate our weekend, and we couldn’t help but reflect on the magnitude of the moment—the celebration of my graduation combined with the exploration of such an iconic landmark.

Overall, our visit to Arundel was a perfect blend of celebration, exploration, and camaraderie, making it a weekend I will always cherish. The castle, with its storied past and stunning beauty, added a unique charm to an already special occasion.

Explosive factory - Cliffe - Medway

My friend and I were walking around the marsh area when I kept hearing about an old explosive factory nearby. Intrigued, I wanted to take a closer look since I had never seen it before. Unfortunately, I couldn't get too close, so I used a long lens on my camera to capture some photos. The factory, known as Cliffe Explosive Works, was established in the 1890s. Today, only a few buildings are still standing, while others have been buried over time. It was once a chemical explosive factory.

Decoy air-field - Cliffe

As I strolled through the marsh, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot and the chorus of chirping birds surrounded me. Suddenly, I spotted an intriguing small bunker partially concealed by thick vegetation. It was a structure I had never encountered before, . Eager to explore, I realized I had never ventured this far into the marsh 

Upon closer inspection, I discovered that the bunker was largely empty, its concrete walls weathered by time and nature. Despite its desolate appearance, there was something compelling about this hidden relic. I could almost hear the whispers of history echoing within its confines. 

Later, while chatting with a local resident, I learned that this bunker was part of an old decoy airfield, which is believed to date back to the years 1941-1942. It was fascinating to think about the role it might have played during the war and how it likely saw the hustle and bustle of military activity in its past. This newfound knowledge made my discovery feel even more significant, connecting me to a piece of history that had long been forgotten in this tranquil marshland.