Secret Britain is an exploration of the fascinating and beautiful, yet more obscure and less-visited, corners of the country. Secret Britain is an alternative tour of the country. Hidden landscapes and heritage sites that receive little coverage in more conventional guides are revealed here in all their glory, and there is a diverse range of locations to suit every mood. Travel from the rugged beaches of Cornwall to the ancient burial sites of the Orkney islands, and in between encounter a colorful mix of museums, stately homes, pubs, abbeys, monuments, nature reserves, and the many other gems that add to the tapestry of this unique and exciting country. This is a guide to the quirky, hidden, eccentric, and downright bizarre heritage of Britain that has managed to maintain its position off the beaten track. Entries include the Red House Glass Cone in the West Midlands, the weird Dunmore Pineapple near Falkirk, Britain s oldest nature reserve: Wicken Fen, and dwellings that appear to be frozen in time such as Mr. Straw s House in Nottinghamshire. Tom Quinn brings the fascinating architecture, eccentricities of local culture, breathtaking landscapes and mystical heritage of Britain to life with his lively commentary. Each chapter is accompanied by suggestions of places to stay and eat to help you plan your trip, as well as Chris Coe s beautiful photography, which captures the unique character of each and every site.